Paradise News

Category: Sports

  • Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre secures big contract extension with Al-Ittihad

    Super Falcons and Al-Ittihad Ladies defender Ashleigh Plumptre has officially extended her stay in Saudi Arabia, signing a new two-year contract with the Jeddah-based club.

    The 26-year-old versatile defender made the move to Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 after her contract with Women’s Super League side Leicester City expired. Since then, she has become a key player for the team, earning a well-deserved contract extension.

    Plumptre played a crucial role for Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, featuring in all four of the Super Falcons’ matches before making her switch to the Middle East. Now, 16 months later, she has reaffirmed her commitment to Al-Ittihad with a fresh deal.

    READ MORE:Onigbinde warns Eric Chelle: Managing Nigeria’s Talent key to World Cup hopes

    The club made the announcement via their official social media accounts, confirming Plumptre’s extended stay.

    “Al-Ittihad Club announces the renewal of the contract of the first women’s team player, Nigerian international Ashley Plumptre, for two years.

    “The club’s CEO, Mr. Domingos Oliveira, confirmed that renewing the player’s contract aligns with the club’s strategy to retain outstanding talents who are eager to develop and contribute to the team’s success.

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    He wished Ashley Plumptre and her teammates success in making the fans proud with their achievements,” the club posted on their official X page.

    Plumptre is set to stay at Al-Ittihad until 2027

    Plumptre was instrumental in helping Nigeria secure a spot at the Olympics for the first time in 16 years. Unfortunately, she missed the tournament due to injury, which sidelined her from action.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Manchester United wonderkid pair called up for international squad


    Image Credits: Getty Images

    Manchester United have had two of their youngsters grab call-ups to their national team a further boost that the club are doing something right with the development of young talent.

    Recently it announced that Godwill Kukonki has been approached by DR Congo’s national team to represent them on the national stage.

    This opened the door for more opportunities for the defender, as despite being born in England and being eligible to play for The Three Lions, he could also play for Congo, especially with him having yet to receive a call up to the England nation team at youth level.

    Now, Academy Scoop has reported that Kukonki has made his decision, accepting who he’s represent by joining the England Under-17s squad as they face the Netherlands in Portugal.

    However, he’s not alone in travelling to Portugal, with fellow Manchester United defender Jayden Ngwashi also receiving a call-up.

    Ngwashi has already made two appearances for England’s Under-17s side back in November as they took on Belgium twice in three days with an aggregate score of 3-2 to Belgium.

    However, prior to his England Under-17s call-up, Ngwashi represented Italy’s Under-16s side in 3-1 loss to the Netherlands in October 2023.

    The games are set for 20th February 2025 and 23rd February 2025, with the pair heading off to the England camp next week.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Manchester United preparing bid for Barcelona star with Ruben Amorim keen


    Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES

    Manchester United fans endured quite a dry and uninspiring January transfer window under Ruben Amorim.

    Marcus Rashford and Antony departed the club, while not much was done to bring in attacking quality.

    The 3-4-3 system under Ruben Amorim requires attacking threat from wide positions.

    Alejandro Balde’s name is once again making waves in the transfer market.

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    After a slow start to the season, the left-back has since been thriving and enduring his best form under Hansi Flick.

    He is a stalwart figure as a key player for Barcelona, impressing with his speed, attacking intent, and defensive stability.

    His resurgence has not gone unnoticed in the Premier League.

    Manchester United and Ruben Amorim are ready to submit a €40 million offer to sign him this summer.

    That is according to Elnacional, who have reported of United’s serious interest.

    Amorim values dynamic, attack-minded full-backs and sees Balde as a major upgrade over current options.

    United only recently signed Patrick Dorgu for the left wing-back role, but Balde would be seen as the ‘ready-made’ option.

    This would ease the pressure on Dorgu, allowing him to develop without being thrown in at the deep end.

    Barcelona’s financial situation adds intrigue to the potential transfer.

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    Although Balde is a La Masia graduate and one of Europe’s most promising full-backs, United’s offer could be tough to reject.

    A €40 million injection would help Barca address other key areas in need of reinforcements.

    However, Flick is reluctant to lose a player of Balde’s profile.

    His ability to push forward, track back, and link up with Pedri, Gavi, and Fermin Lopez makes him vital to the team.

    For Balde, a move to the Premier League is an enticing prospect.

    The league’s intensity and global exposure appeal to many top players.

    That said, he has repeatedly expressed his desire to succeed at Barcelona.

    His future now depends on several factors: Barça’s sporting project and United’s financial proposal.

    Most importantly, the player’s own decision.

    One thing is certain – United are serious about signing Balde, and Barcelona have a big decision to make.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Rio Ferdinand responds to Jadon Sancho shock reply to Marcus Rashford


    Image Credits: Rio Presents / YouTube

    Rio Ferdinand believes several former Manchester United players are flourishing away from Old Trafford now that ‘the shackles are off’.

    The United legend pointed to Antony, Scott McTominay and Anthony Elanga.

    Even Jadon Sancho as examples of players rediscovering good form after moving on.

    Antony, who struggled to justify his £85 million price tag under Erik ten Hag, has hit the ground running on loan at Real Betis.

    The Brazilian has already registered a goal and two assists in his first two games in La Liga.

    McTominay has been equally impressive, playing a key role in Napoli’s Serie A title charge.

    Meanwhile, Elanga has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest, helping them mount an unexpected challenge for Champions League football.

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    Sancho, too, has started to get his career back on track at Chelsea following his public fallout with Ten Hag last season.

    Marcus Rashford will now hope for a similar resurgence at Aston Villa after being deemed surplus to requirements by Ruben Amorim.

    The England international made his debut as a second-half substitute in Villa’s FA Cup win over Tottenham, looking sharp and energized.

    Sancho appeared to acknowledge Rashford’s newfound freedom, commenting ‘freedom’ on his former teammate’s Instagram post.

    Ferdinand weighed in on the situation on his Rio Presents podcast.

    “You look at Antony, he’s got a man-of-the-match performance and a goal and assist in two games,” he said.

    “McTominay is playing like prime Jude Bellingham at the moment.

    “Elanga is flying.

    ‘You’re probably going to see the same from Rashford.

    “It’s about unlocking what has unlocked Old Trafford for these players to perform.

    “These players are leaving and looking like new, dynamic footballers because the shackles are off.”

    Rashford could be the next to thrive, as Villa boss Unai Emery praised his January signings.

    “With Marcus Rashford and Asensio, we watched their skill and how they helped us and will help us again in the next months,” said Emery.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Manchester United renews interest in top summer transfer target


    Image Credits: Getty Images

    Manchester United are facing a defensive crisis right now, with Lisandro Martinez ruled out for most of the upcoming year, and at very least, the rest of the season.

    The Argentine centre-back has been in great form throughout January, even grabbing two goals, with one against Liverpool and the other against Fulham.

    However, disaster stuck against Crystal Palace, as not only did United lose 2-0, however Martinez was stretched off the pitch in the 82th minute, seemingly injuring his knee.

    It’s since been confirmed that the defender has torn his ACL, hence the long stint he’s about to have in the treatment room.

    This poses a real issue for Ruben Amorim. United are already in 13th place, facing a tough fight up the table, currently five points off of 10th place Brighton.

    Martinez was a key member of Amorim’s back three including Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, with Noussair Mazraoui also featuring regularly.

    For the rest of the season, Amorim will need to rely on youngsters Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro to cover the role. However,

    United’s recruitment team are already planning for the summer transfer window, looking to one of their previous defensive targets.

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    Manchester United renew interest in Jean-Clear Todibo

    Jean-Clear Todibo West Ham
    Image Credits: Getty Images

    Over the summer, Manchester United were looking at OGC Nice’s Jean-Clear Todibo as a potential signing to reinforce the back line.

    Ultimately the club opted for Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt instead, however, the flame for the French defender has seemingly not gone out.

    Give Me Sport has reported that United are now once more looking to the 25-year-old who joined West Ham in the summer in a loan move with an obligation to buy for £34 million.

    Since joining The Hammers, Todibo has struggled to establish himself as a routine starting centre-back, making 15 appearances with a near equal split between starting and coming off the bench.

    The report now explains however, that despite the obligation to buy at the end of the season West Ham are open to offloading the defender as soon as the summer, opening the door for The Red Devils.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Manchester United looking to sign replacement for Kobbie Mainoo


    Image Credits: Getty Images

    Manchester United made a big push over the winter transfer window to strengthen their defence, making two new signings and securing a pre-contract agreement.

    Patrick Dorgu joined the squad from Lecce as the new left-wing-back, with Ayden Heaven moving from Arsenal, with Dorgu getting his debut in United’s 2-1 win over Leicester in the FA Cup.

    However, looking to the summer, United have secured the signing of Diego Leon from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno, with more targets emerging.

    Interestingly though, United are now looking to their midfield, looking to find a replacement for United academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo.

    The Red Devils are now looking for a new partner for summer signing Manuel Ugarte, allowing for Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo to play more attacking roles in Ruben Amorim’s system.

    Amorim has been vocal recently that he doesn’t feel Mainoo is best suited as a partner for Ugarte, playing him in much more advanced roles, even as a striker against Crystal Palace.

    Now, to fill Mainoo’s previous role in a more defensive position, United are looking to Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

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    Manchester United look to Adam Wharton as Kobbie Mainoo replacement

    Give Me Sport has reported the interest, with Wharton being at the top of United’s shortlist to accompany Ugarte in the middle of the pitch.

    Unfortunately, Wharton has been out of action since the start of November, having undergone surgery on his groin, only return for two minutes at the end of Palace’s 2-0 win over United at Old Trafford.

    Wharton arrived at Palace last February for £17.5 million after showing his potential at Blackburn Rovers, coming from the Rovers academy.

    In the second half of last season Wharton grabbed three assist in 16 games, adding another assist to his tally this season in his 11 games before going out injured.

    United are impressed by the potential he holds, looking to develop him further to work alongside Ugarte.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • “I have friends across Africa” – Pinnick confident in FIFA council Bid

    Amaju Pinnick, former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), remains optimistic about his chances despite growing competition from Andrew Kamanga, president of the Zambia Football Federation.

    The race for a seat on the FIFA Council has intensified following public endorsements for Kamanga from CECAFA and COSAFA over the weekend. However, Pinnick remains confident, citing his extensive support network across Africa.

    Acknowledging the endorsements, Pinnick remarked, “We’ve seen situations like this before, and it’s good that the unions have declared their support.

    But I know I have friends across Africa. This election is not just between Amaju and Andrew Kamanga—there are nine other candidates in the race.”

    Using a sports analogy, he compared the election to a race: “In athletics, the first five to cross the finish line win. This is not a rivalry between me and Kamanga—he is my friend. He has achieved great things for Zambian football. We have collaborated multiple times, and honestly, I’d be surprised if he didn’t vote for me.”

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    Pinnick highlighted the broad backing he has received from various African football bodies, including COSAFA, CECAFA, WAFU A, WAFU B, and North Africa.

    “All 10 candidates are highly qualified and deserve to run. That’s the essence of elections. We will present our case, but ultimately, power belongs to God. This is not a do-or-die affair,” he stated.

    READ MORE:Super Eagles forward Emmanuel Dennis names Nigerian Legend as his inspiration at Blackburn

    Emphasizing unity in African football, Pinnick added, “As long as our focus is on improving African football, I am content. It is disappointing when division is created unnecessarily.”

    He also rejected the notion that only federation presidents should be eligible for the FIFA Council, calling such claims divisive.

    “That matter will be addressed at the appropriate time. But I must highlight that all candidates possess exceptional qualifications.

    They have succeeded in their professional fields and have translated that success into football administration,” he noted. “Their influence and experience should not be overlooked.”

    With his broad network and experience, Pinnick remains determined to reclaim a seat on the FIFA Council.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Juventus look to Manchester United attacker in swap deal


    Image Credits: getty Images

    Juventus are now looking to reignite links with Manchester United as a potential swap deal sits on the table.

    United are in the middle of an overhaul of their squad, only made more complicated by limited funds due to their extensive financial pressures.

    As such The Red Devils are looking to find cheaper ways of signing new talent whilst also pushing to offload the deadwood at the club.

    Antony is currently on loan with Real Betis, off to an impressive start, with United hoping this loan can do much like Mason Greenwood’s did at Getafe, and stir up suitors for a summer sale.

    Marcus Rashford has a £40 million option to buy at the end of his loan spell with Aston Villa.

    Meanwhile, the idea of a swap deal could suit United very well, with both United and Juventus wanting one of the other’s castaways.

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    Juventus look to sign Joshua Zirkzee through a player swap

    For a long time now, Juventus have been linked with struggling United striker, Joshua Zirkzee.

    The Dutchman is proven in Serie A after an impressive run with Bologna, however, is struggling to find his feet in the Premier League.

    Now, Tuttosport has reported that Juventus are interested in an exchange including Zirkzee and their recent signing, Douglas Luiz.

    United submitted a bid for Luiz in the final stages of deadline day to bring him to Old Trafford on loan, however Juve rejected the lucrative offer.

    Now, Juve are looking to capitalise on United’s interest to land their own key attacking target.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Deborah Abiodun joins Dallas Trinity FC on loan from Washington Spirit

    Nigerian midfielder Deborah Abiodun is set to spend the remainder of the 2025 calendar year on loan at USL Super League side Dallas Trinity FC, following an agreement with Washington Spirit.

    The move was confirmed over the weekend by both American clubs, just weeks after Abiodun signed her first professional contract with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team.

    Abiodun, 21, joined Washington Spirit in January 2025 on a three-year deal. However, as part of the club’s development strategy, she will gain further experience with Dallas Trinity FC before returning to Washington ahead of the 2026 season. The loan deal also includes an undisclosed fee paid by the Texas-based club.

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    The talented midfielder will be joining her Washington Spirit teammate, Tamara Bolt, at Dallas Trinity FC for the season. Spirit President of Soccer Operations, Mark Krikorian, emphasized the importance of the loan move, stating,

    “Deborah and Tamara’s loans are part of our development plans as they embark on their U.S. professional careers. They will gain invaluable experience in Dallas this year, and we look forward to their return to the Spirit in the future.”

    Abiodun made a name for herself at the University of Pittsburgh, where she was a two-time All-ACC selection. She played a pivotal role in the university’s success, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists in 34 appearances.

    Super Falcons midfielder while playing in the USL last season

    READ MORE:Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle scouts NPFL talent ahead of must-win World Cup Qualifiers

    Her performances earned her recognition at the international level, representing Nigeria at major tournaments, including the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

    Before moving to the United States, Abiodun played for Rivers Angels in Nigeria, where she developed under the guidance of coaches like Randy Waldrum, who also coached Nigeria’s Super Falcons.

    The loan spell at Dallas Trinity FC is expected to provide Abiodun with regular playing time and help her adapt to the professional game in the U.S. before she returns to the NWSL next season.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Sir Jim Ratcliffe sued by team


    Image Credits: Getty Images

    Sir Jim Ratcliffe has hit an even lower point as 2025 looks to go from bad to worse for the INEOS owner.

    United started the year in their worst-ever position down in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

    Then, one of his other football clubs, OGC Nice, was knocked out of the Coupe de France by a non-Ligue 1 side for the second time since INEOS took over.

    Now, Ratcliffe finds himself being sued by the New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks.

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    New Zealand Rugby sue Sir Jim Ratcliffe

    The Telegraph has reported that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS, who signed a six-year partnership with the All Blacks is now being taken to court for not paying the first instalment of the sponsorship deal for 2025.

    INEOS were the performance partners for the New Zealand side, with the contract running until 2027, however now on the company’s website, the page linking to the partnership with New Zealand Rugby simply returns with the message “page not found”.

    The contract was understood to be worth £3.65 million per year, totalling at just under £22 million in total, with the company aiming to establish itself as “a unique sport performance group” across Formula One, cycling, sailing, football and rugby.

    It’s understood that New Zealand Rugby have already begun legal proceedings against INEOS, with a statement reading: “New Zealand Rugby is disappointed that Ineos has breached its sponsorship agreement. Most recently, it failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee, confirming its decision to exit our six-year agreement.

    “Having learned of Ineos’s decision to walk away three years early, we have moved to protect the interests of New Zealand Rugby and the wider game. We have been left with no option but to launch legal proceedings to protect our commercial position.

    “NZR is actively pursuing new commercial opportunities and global interest in the All Blacks and other Teams in Black remains high. We are committed to being world class on and off the field and deliver unique value to sponsors through our iconic brands.”

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    Source: Centred Devils