Paradise News

Category: Sports

  • Wilfred Ndidi: Super Eagles workhorse injury return sparks reactions – see his stunning stats

    Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi made a strong return from injury with a commanding display in Leicester City’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Manchester United, but his efforts weren’t enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat.

    After nearly two months on the side-lines, Ndidi wasted no time in asserting his presence at Old Trafford. Wearing the captain’s armband, the 28-year-old anchored Leicester’s midfield and played a key role in their opening goal.

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    His initial shot inside the box was blocked, but Bobby De Cordova-Reid reacted quickest, heading home to give the Foxes the lead.

    Ndidi,28, influence was evident in the first half as he controlled possession and provided defensive stability.

    He was substituted after 58 minutes for Harry Winks, a move that saw Leicester lose control of the game as Manchester United mounted a comeback.

    Ndidi match stats reflect his influence:

    • Touches: 52
    • Passes Completed: 35/43 (81% accuracy)
    • Key Passes: 1
    • Aerial Duels Won: 2
    • Shots on Target: 1
    • Defensive Contributions: 1 clearance, 1 block, 1 interception

    Despite Leicester’s strong start, Joshua Zirkzee and Harry Maguire struck for Manchester United, sealing the Foxes’ exit from the competition.

    READ MORE:i-never-wanted-to-leave-dessers-opens-up-on-rangers-future

    With their FA Cup journey over, Leicester must now turn their attention to the Premier League, where they currently sit in a dangerous 18th place.

    Their next challenge is a massive one—a clash with title contenders Arsenal at the King Power Stadium. Ndidi’s return is a boost for the Foxes, and he will be crucial in their battle to avoid relegation when Mikel Arteta’s men come to town.

    Having shown glimpses of his best against Manchester United, the Nigerian midfielder will be eager to lead Leicester to safety in the coming weeks.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • James Overy makes Manchester United debut

    Manchester United’s youth setup continues to be a vital part of the club’s long-term vision, with Ruben Amorim keen to integrate academy talent into his first-team plans.

    The club’s history is deeply rooted in developing young players, with great players like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Marcus Rashford all emerging from the academy.

    United’s youth teams have consistently competed at the highest level, producing players who have either made the step up to the senior squad or gone on to succeed elsewhere.

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    Under Amorim’s management, the club has placed a greater emphasis on maximizing the value of its academy—either by promoting standout talents or generating revenue through player sales.

    United’s U18s and U21s have been in strong form this season, with several exciting prospects catching the eye in domestic competitions and the UEFA Youth League.

    The club’s commitment to youth development was once again on display in their latest fixture, with fresh talent being given opportunities against Liverpool.

    A fiercely competitive match between the two youth sides saw United make key substitutions in the second half, introducing a mix of young talent eager to impress.

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    James Overy, Harry Plunkett, and Shea Lacey were brought on for Habeeb Ogunneye, Finley Munro, and Ethan Wheatley.

    For Overy, this marked a special moment, as the summer signing finally made his United debut after recovering from injury.

    Overy, a highly-rated summer youth signing, has been eager to make his mark at United after an injury delayed his debut.

    The versatile midfielder is known for his technical ability and composure on the ball, making him a promising addition to the club’s youth setup.

    Shea Lacey, another highly-rated prospect, also returned to action after his own injury struggles, providing a much-needed boost to the squad.

    With United’s academy continuing to thrive, both Overy and Lacey will look to push forward and stake their claims for greater opportunities in the future.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Benni McCarthy set to be named Harambee stars head coach

    South African football legend Benni McCarthy is set to take over as the new Harambee Stars head coach, with an official announcement expected soon.

    The position has remained vacant since Engin Firat resigned in December, citing unpaid wages, shortly after Hussein Mohamed was elected as the new Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President.

    Since then, FKF has been searching for a top-tier coach to guide the national team through upcoming competitions, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya will co-host.

    Negotiations with McCarthy Finalized

    Reports linking McCarthy to the job first emerged in December but had since gone quiet. However, fresh updates now indicate that negotiations have been successfully concluded, and FKF will make the appointment official soon.

    “FKF continued negotiations with Benni McCarthy over the vacant Harambee Stars head coach role last week. Both parties are satisfied, and the appointment should be announced soon,” stated Pepeta’s Zachary Oguda.

    Benni McCarthy’s Coaching Background

    A former South African international, McCarthy is widely respected for his achievements in football. He was most recently part of Manchester United’s coaching staff under Erik ten Hag, serving as a forwards coach.

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    If appointed, this will be his first national team coaching job, following successful stints with Cape Town City and AmaZulu FC in South Africa.

    McCarthy at Old Trafford.

    During his playing career, McCarthy won multiple honours, including the 2004 UEFA Champions League with FC Porto under José Mourinho.

    Tough Road Ahead in World Cup Qualifiers

    McCarthy’s first major challenge will be leading Harambee Stars in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers:

    • March 19 – Away vs. Gambia
    • March 22 – Home vs. Gabon

    Kenya is currently fourth in Group F with five points after four matches. Ivory Coast leads the group with 10 points, followed by Gabon (9 points) and Burundi (7 points). Gambia (3 points) and Seychelles (0 points) complete the standings.

    READ MORE:Super Eagles 2025 AFCON rivals appoint Indigenous coach Sami Trabelsi

    With McCarthy expected to be officially unveiled soon, Kenyan football fans will be eager to see if he can inspire Harambee Stars to historic World Cup qualification.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Details emerge on Marcus Rashford Unai Emery call that made transfer to Aston Villa happen

    Marcus Rashford’s move to Aston Villa has been one of the most talked-about transfers of the season, marking a fresh start for the Manchester United forward.

    After falling out of favor under Ruben Amorim at United, Rashford found himself in need of a new challenge, and Villa emerged as the perfect destination.

    With Unai Emery building a squad capable of pushing for Champions League qualification, Villa saw an opportunity to secure a player with proven Premier League pedigree.

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    Rashford’s struggles at United were well documented, with questions surrounding his form, commitment, and role under the new regime.

    Despite his past success, including a standout 30-goal campaign in 2022-23, Rashford’s impact at Old Trafford had diminished, prompting the club to sanction a loan move.

    Villa, eager to bolster their attack, structured a deal that would see them cover up to 90% of Rashford’s £315,000-a-week wages, easing United’s financial burden.

    Additionally, Villa negotiated a £40 million buy option, giving them the flexibility to make the move permanent if Rashford thrives in his new environment.

    Rashford wasted no time integrating into Villa’s setup, meeting with the club’s medical and fitness staff while engaging in extra training sessions to prove his commitment.

    His decision to take the No. 9 shirt, previously worn by Jhon Durán, signaled his intent to become a key figure in Villa’s attack for the remainder of the season.

    While Rashford’s transition to Villa seemed seamless, the turning point in his move came in the days leading up to the transfer deadline.

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    It was a phone call from Emery in late January that ultimately convinced Rashford to join Aston Villa, according to Daily Mail.

    During their discussion, Emery outlined his vision for Rashford, making it clear that he would not be given an easy ride but instead challenged to reach his full potential.

    Rashford’s response impressed Emery, as the forward expressed humility and a strong desire for a fresh start, emphasizing his commitment to proving himself.

    This conversation reassured Villa that Rashford had the hunger and ambition to succeed, ultimately sealing the deal.

    With the transfer now complete, Rashford has a golden opportunity to rediscover his best form under a manager who believes in his ability.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Van Nistelrooy hails Ndidi after impressive FA cup display against Manchester United

    Leicester City head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has showered praise on Wilfred Ndidi following his impressive display in their FA Cup clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

    After missing eight weeks with a hamstring injury, Ndidi made an instant impact, captaining Leicester and playing a crucial role in their opening goal. His initial effort in the box was blocked, leading to Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s headed finish.

    Despite the Foxes’ 2-1 defeat, with Joshua Zirkzee and Harry Maguire securing the win for Manchester United, Ndidi’s presence in midfield was a major highlight.

    READ MORE:Benni McCarthy set to be named Harambee stars head coach

    Speaking after the game, Van Nistelrooy was full of admiration for Ndidi’s leadership and control in midfield.

    “You saw the way he played, the way he lifted the team—on the ball, off the ball. His performance was excellent, but more than that, his leadership stood out,” Van Nistelrooy told Leicester Mercury.

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    “It wasn’t just about wearing the captain’s armband; he commanded the game, organized the team, and communicated brilliantly. He and Bouba [Soumare] had a fantastic partnership in midfield.”

    With their FA Cup run over, Leicester now shift focus to their next Premier League test against Arsenal.

    Mikel Arteta’s side, coming off a Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United, will be looking to bounce back, but with Ndidi back in action, Leicester will aim to make a strong statement at home.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Manchester United target two top strikers for the summer

    Manchester United’s attacking struggles this season have left Ruben Amorim searching for solutions as he looks to rebuild his squad for next season.

    The Red Devils have lacked firepower in the final third, with inconsistent performances from their forward line contributing to an underwhelming campaign.

    Rasmus Højlund has shown glimpses of brilliance, but the young striker has been burdened with leading the line on his own for much of the season.

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    Joshua Zirkzee arrived as an option to provide depth, yet United have still struggled to consistently find the back of the net in crucial moments.

    Despite Amorim’s tactical adjustments, the team has failed to register the kind of goal return expected from a club of United’s stature.

    United’s lack of clinical finishing has been a key factor in their difficulties in both the Premier League and European competitions this season.

    The club’s issues in front of goal have only been amplified by the departures of Marcus Rashford and Antony, both of whom left on loan during the January window.

    With attacking reinforcements now a top priority, Amorim is planning a major summer recruitment drive to address United’s biggest weakness.

    The Portuguese manager has made it clear that a more lethal strike force is required if United are to compete at the highest level next season.

    Recruitment staff and key decision-makers at Old Trafford are already drawing up plans for the summer, with the club identifying two marquee targets.

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    Amorim has pinpointed Sporting star Viktor Gyokeres and Galatasaray loanee Victor Osimhen as his primary attacking targets for the summer according to GIVEMESPORT sources.

    Both strikers have enjoyed prolific campaigns and are considered ideal additions to strengthen United’s attacking options next season.

    The Red Devils are aware that Gyokeres has a release clause in excess of £84 million, which could facilitate a reunion between Amorim and the Sporting forward.

    Meanwhile, Osimhen’s price tag is expected to be around £63 million when he returns to Napoli, making him another realistic target for the club.

    While United face financial hurdles in securing these deals, they remain determined to revamp their attack with proven goal scorers ahead of next season.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • Super Eagles get injury boost as Semi Ajayi returns to training ahead of World Cup qualifiers

    Nigeria’s national team head coach, Eric Chelle, has received a major boost ahead of the Super Eagles’ crucial World Cup qualifiers in March, as Semi Ajayi has returned to club training following a lengthy injury spell.

    The 30-year-old defender has been out since October 2023 with a hamstring injury but is now working his way back to full fitness at West Bromwich Albion.

    Photo by Getty Images

    West Brom head coach Tony Mowbray confirmed Ajayi’s return, revealing that the Nigerian centre-back has been featuring for the club’s U-21 team to build match sharpness.

    “I’ve had conversations with [director of medical] Tony Strudwick about Dike. You could say the same about Semi [Ajayi] and maybe Frabotta and Cole. When do they play? I’m asking,” Mowbray said, per Express and Star.

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    “I need to see all these players play. I’d like to see them in an under-21s game. You can only play three overage players, but I’ve had the conversation with Semi. ‘What about 45 minutes?’ I’m coming to watch.”

    Ajayi’s return to full fitness comes at a crucial time for both West Brom and Nigeria. Before his injury, he was a key figure for the Baggies, playing every minute in the EFL Championship.

    READ MORE:Van Nistelrooy hails Ndidi after impressive FA cup display against Manchester United

    Ajayi’s return is a welcome boost for Eric Chelle, whose first competitive matches as Super Eagles head coach will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    • March 19: Nigeria vs. Gambia (Away – Rwanda)
    • March 22: Nigeria vs. Gabon (Home)

    With about six weeks to regain full match fitness, Ajayi will be aiming to reclaim his spot in Nigeria’s squad as they continue their push for World Cup qualification.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Former Manchester United winger comments on Cristiano Ronaldo interview

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United ended in controversy, but his legacy at the club remains a topic of debate.

    The Portuguese superstar rejoined United in 2021, bringing a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to a team desperate for leadership.

    His return was initially met with excitement, but tensions quickly rose behind the scenes as the club struggled to match his ambitions.

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    Under Erik ten Hag, Ronaldo found himself sidelined, leading to increasing frustrations about his role and the direction of the team.

    The situation came to a head when Ronaldo sat down for a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, openly criticizing United’s management, facilities, and overall lack of progress.

    His comments sent shockwaves through the footballing world, dividing opinions among fans, pundits, and even those within the club.

    Ronaldo spoke candidly about his dissatisfaction with the team’s culture, claiming that standards had dropped significantly since his first spell at Old Trafford.

    He also took aim at Ten Hag, insisting that he had no respect for the Dutch manager due to the way he was treated during his final months at the club.

    Ultimately, the interview led to the termination of his contract, with Ronaldo moving on to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia while United tried to move forward under Ten Hag.

    Since then, United have struggled for consistency, enduring a chaotic season that has exposed many of the same issues Ronaldo highlighted in his interview.

    As debates over his remarks continue, one former United winger has now spoken out, sharing his thoughts on the Portuguese star’s controversial statements.

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    Jadon Sancho, now on loan at Chelsea, has revealed that he believes, “What he [Cristiano Ronaldo] talks about in his interviews is all true.”

    Speaking to Sky Sports, Sancho reflected on his time playing alongside Ronaldo, describing it as a “real honor” and an “inspiration.”

    “I’ve played with a lot of great players, but if I had to choose one, it was Cristiano Ronaldo,” Sancho said.

    He went on to praise Ronaldo’s mentality and professionalism, stating that his approach to training and games was unlike anything he had seen before.

    Sancho’s comments further validate Ronaldo’s claims, reigniting discussions about the state of United and the challenges still facing the club.

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    Source: Centred Devils

  • “Everything Is Possible” – Dessers confident Rangers can go far in Europa League

    Super Eagles and Rangers striker, Cyriel Dessers, believes his side has what it takes to make a deep run in the UEFA Europa League this season, despite the challenges ahead.

    The 30-year-old has been in fine form for the Gers, netting 18 goals across all competitions. His standout moment came at Old Trafford, where his stunning equalizer against Manchester United won Rangers’ Goal of the Month for January.

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    Dessers, who previously led Feyenoord to the UEFA Europa Conference League final in 2022, is optimistic about Rangers’ European campaign. While the team has struggled domestically, he insists they can make a mark on the continental stage.

    “We’re still competing in three competitions, and the confidence from our European games is huge,” Dessers told Rangers’ official website. “Reaching the top eight proves that something special is possible in the Europa League. We just need to keep going, take it one game at a time, and anything can happen.”

    The Nigerian international believes Rangers have already shown they can compete with Europe’s elite.

    “Against some very strong teams, we’ve proven we can hold our own. Sometimes, the style of football in the Europa League even suits us better. We saw that last season against teams like Benfica,” he added.

    Rangers secured their place in the Europa League Round of 16 after edging out Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt on goal difference. Dessers believes their difficult group-stage journey is proof of their strength.

    “If you look at the teams we faced, many of them also made it to the top eight. We had one of the toughest runs in the competition and still came through. That’s a massive achievement, and credit goes to the entire squad,” the former Cremonese striker stated.

    Looking ahead, Dessers is confident that Rangers can challenge for the title if they maintain their belief and focus.

    “The knockout phase has no easy games, but the deeper you go, the more every matchup becomes 50-50. Even against big clubs, anything is possible in a quarter-final or semi-final,” he concluded.

    READ MORE:Remo Stars extend lead, 3SC secure vital win over Bendel Insurance in NPFL match day 23

    Rangers, currently second in the Scottish Premiership and trailing Celtic by 13 points, will shift their focus to domestic silverware when they face Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup tomorrow.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Marcus Rashford Aston Villa debut game revealed

     

    Marcus Rashford’s move to Aston Villa has sparked significant interest as he looks to rebuild his career away from Manchester United.

    After years as a key figure at Old Trafford, Rashford’s situation deteriorated under Ruben Amorim, who made it clear that the forward was not in his plans.

    Amorim’s decision to leave Rashford out of the squad in recent months led to speculation about his future, with a mid-season transfer becoming increasingly likely.

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    Despite Rashford’s immense talent, United opted to loan him out, with Villa emerging as the ideal destination for the England international.

    Under Unai Emery, Villa has been one of the most exciting teams in the Premier League, competing for a Champions League spot and looking to add firepower to their attack.

    Rashford’s arrival at Villa Park was met with optimism, as many believe that Emery’s structured system could help him rediscover the form that once made him one of the league’s most feared attackers.

    Villa have a well-balanced squad, but with their involvement in both domestic and European competitions, adding a player of Rashford’s caliber was a necessary move.

    Emery has a strong track record of maximizing the potential of his forwards, having previously worked wonders with players like Ollie Watkins, Gerard Moreno, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

    The challenge for Rashford will be adapting to Villa’s tactical setup, as Emery demands high levels of intensity and discipline from his attacking players.

    With Villa pushing for a top-four finish, Rashford’s performances could be key in determining whether they secure Champions League football next season.

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    Rashford’s first test will come sooner than expected, as his Villa debut has now been confirmed.

    Watkins has been ruled out due to injury, leaving Rashford as the expected starter in the main striker role.

    Villa will face Tottenham tomorrow, giving Rashford the perfect opportunity to make an immediate impact in his new surroundings.

    Emery is expected to deploy Rashford as the focal point of Villa’s attack, testing his ability to lead the line in a crucial fixture.

    With all eyes on him, Rashford has the chance to prove himself and begin his Villa career with a strong performance against a top Premier League opponent.

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    Source: Centred Devils