Tag: General Sports

England’s provisional squad announcement for the upcoming European Championships has dealt a significant blow to Nigerian football, as Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze has been named in Gareth Southgate’s list.

The news comes as a disappointment for Coach Finidi George-led Super Eagles, who had hoped to convince Eze to switch his international allegiance from England to Nigeria. Eze’s inclusion in the England squad for Euro 2024 dashes those hopes, leaving Nigeria without a chance to secure his services.

Throughout the season, Eze proved to be a standout performer for Crystal Palace, contributing 11 goals and four assists, playing a crucial role in the team’s tenth-place finish in the league. His impressive form had raised expectations among Nigerian fans, but his call-up to the England squad has put an end to any possibility of him representing Nigeria in the near future.

The disappointment is further compounded by the omission of other Nigerian-eligible players, such as Karim Adeyemi by Germany, Michael Olise by France, and Joshua Zirkzee by the Netherlands, leaving fans of the Super Eagles hoping for Eze’s inclusion in the England squad.

Gareth Southgate’s provisional squad of 33 also sees the absence of some big names like Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson, Ben Chilwell, Reece James, and Raheem Sterling. Surprise inclusions include Liverpool’s teenager Quansah, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, and Burnley’s goalkeeper James Trafford, among others.

READ MORE: NPFL 2024: Rivers United seek redemption against tricky Niger Tornadoes

Full England List: 

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), James Trafford (Burnley).

Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).

Forwards: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), James Maddison (Tottenham), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).

While Southgate is expected to trim the squad to 26 before the commencement of the tournament on June 14, Eze’s inclusion has left Nigerian football fans disappointed, as they had hoped to see him don the green and white of the Super Eagles in the future.

Source

Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta have qualified for the 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League following a 2-0 win at Lecce in the penultimate round of Serie A on Saturday.

After a disappointing 1-0 loss to Juventus in the Italian Cup final last weekend, goals from star attackers Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca ensured Atalanta would finish at worst fifth in Serie A, guaranteeing them a spot in Europe’s top club competition.

Lookman has been superb for Atalanta since he joined from RB Leipzig in 2022 for €9.35 million. Last season, the 26-year-old Nigerian forward registered 15 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances across all competitions. But this season, Lookman has provided 11 goals and seven assists in 37 games for La Dea.

Lookman was on target for Atalanta in the Europa League semi-final as Atalanta claimed the biggest win in their history after sweeping aside Marseille 3-0 to put Atalanta through to their first-ever European final with a 4-1 aggregate win in front of delirious fans in Bergamo.

Lookman scored a goal and created assists to help Atalanta set up a Europa League Final against Bayer Leverkusen, who parade Super Eagles stars Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella.

Lookman and Victor Boniface will face each other for the first time when Atalanta and Bayern Leverkusen clash in the Europa League final later in May.

Bayer Leverkusen, on the other hand, again left it late to draw 2-2 with AS Roma at home to advance 4-2 on aggregate to the Europa League Final in Dublin on May 22.

Source

Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State will play host to the 2024 Africa Academy stars tournament  from the 31st of May to 2nd of June 2024.

According to information available to THE ATHLETICNG, the tournament will feature youngsters aged eight to eighteen in U-10, U-12, U-14 and U-16 categories for boys and U-13 girls.

The three day tournament will see high flying Lagos-based Island Stars Football Academy lock horns with top Academies in Akwa Ibom State.

With less than ten days to tournament kickoff, about eight Youth Academies in Akwa Ibom State have been registered to join Island Stars Football Academy for action in designated age-grade categories.

In the U-10 category, Island Stars will face Blessed Stars, Greater Tomorrow and Full Life Academy.

For the U-12, Pillars Sports, Island Stars, Blessed Stars and Greater Tomorrow Academy will do battle for glory.

The U-14 boys category features, Rockers Football Academy, Full Life Academy, Sparrow Football Academy and Pillars Sports Academy.

In the U-16 boys category, Island Stars Academy is joined by Blessed Stars Academy, Immortality FC, Greater Tomorrow Academy and Murphy Stars Academy.

As part of its vision to serve excitement and competitive games, the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo and Uyo Township Stadium will host all matches of the 2024 Africa Academy Stars tournament.

On the heels of the Africa Stars Academy tournament, the city of Uyo will also play host to the William Troost-Ekong Foundation launch Charity match on June 2, 2024. That match will be followed by the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on June 7, 2024.

Source

Stanley Nwabali has been the subject of transfer enquiries from clubs in Saudi Arabia, England and Belguim following his stellar outing at the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria.

The former Enyimba FC goalkeeper has continued his fine form at South African top-flight side, Chippa United FC.

As it stands, Stanley Nwabali is heavily tipped to leave the South African club in the upcoming summer transfer window.

According to latest reports, Saudi Arabian money-bags, El-Ettifaq have pulled out of transfer negotiations for Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali.

READ MORE: Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong clinches first club title with PAOK

Per SCORENigeria, El-Ettifaq pulled out of the deal after failing to reach an agreement with South African club, Chippa United for the sale of the Nigerian goalkeeper.

The Dammam-based outfit are currently sixth in the Saudi Arabian Pro league with two rounds of matches to the end of the 2023/2024 season.

El-Ettifaq are a stable club even though they are yet to win any major trophy in the oil-rich kingdom.

If the deal had happened, it would have been a bumper pay day for both Stanley Nwabali and South African club, Chippa United FC .

That notwithstanding, Stanley Nwabali is still expected to leave Chippa United this summer despite El-Ettifaq’s failure to strike a deal for the shot-stopper. Two other clubs remain interested in the 27-year-old.

The shot-stopper has been a wanted man since his five-star displays for the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire where he helped Nigeria finish as silver medalists.

At club level, Nwabali has kept 10 clean sheets in 25 league appearances this season after he only made six appearances last season.

Source

Newly appointed Nigeria Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George may have to get his reign underway without the services of one of the teams star players.

The AthelticNG reports that Brentford FC midfielder Frank Onyeka might miss out on a spot in Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa and Benin Republic due to injury.

Frank Onyeka was absent from Brentford’s last two games of the 2023/2024 Premier League season because of this setback.

Frank onyeka

As a result, it is very likely that the 26-year-old will not be included in Nigeria’s yet-to-be-announced squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in June 2024.

READ MORE: NFF President sheds light on the contract Finidi George signed to become Nigeria National team head coach

Unfortunately, the Super Eagles have several key players dealing with injuries ahead of the matches against South Africa and Benin Republic.

Per recent reports, Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze are uncertain for the games due to fitness issues. Additionally, Moses Simon, Zaidu Sanusi, and Tyrone Ebuehi have already been ruled out due to injuries.

In the upcoming FIFA International window, Nigeria’s first match will be against South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7.

The Super Eagles will then travel to Abidjan for a clash with Benin three days later.

Super Eagles star, Frank Onyeka was one of Nigeria’s best players at the last Africa Cup of Nations, his dogged midfield prowess a significant factor in the teams Silver medal finish in Ivoery Coast.

Source

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has secured his first major title at club level after his team, PAOK Salonica, clinched the Greek Super League championship on Sunday night.

PAOK secured a dramatic 2-1 victory away at Aris to claim the coveted trophy. Brandon Thomas opened the scoring for the visitors on the hour mark, but their lead was short-lived as Loren Moron equalized for Aris just two minutes later.

Undeterred, PAOK continued to press for the winner, and their persistence paid off when Taison found the back of the net two minutes after conceding, securing all three points and the championship title for the club.

While Troost-Ekong was not included in the matchday squad due to his recent return from injury, he undoubtedly played a vital role in PAOK’s title run. The 30-year-old center-back underwent surgery after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and only recently rejoined full training. Despite missing the final match, Troost-Ekong made 10 crucial league appearances for PAOK throughout the season.

This victory marks a historic moment for Troost-Ekong and PAOK as it is the first major championship win at club level for the Nigerian defender and the fourth Greek Super League title for PAOK Salonica.

Source

Pep Guardiola has confirmed his intention to remain as Manchester City’s manager following their latest triumph, securing a fourth consecutive Premier League title and their sixth in seven years.

This decision comes after City defeated West Ham 3-1, with Phil Foden scoring twice, to edge out Arsenal by two points, denying the Gunners their first league title in 20 years.

Guardiola’s Remarkable Record

Reflecting on his achievements, Guardiola expressed disbelief at the scale of success since his arrival in Manchester:

“When I moved here if someone had said I would win six leagues in seven seasons I would say you’re insane – no way,” Guardiola remarked. “All these players for Manchester United and Liverpool and Chelsea, all these teams. Now is our period. We are part of that.”

Guardiola’s tenure at City has been marked by an unprecedented level of dominance in English football. Under his leadership, City has not only accumulated league titles but also developed a brand of football that is admired worldwide.

Future Plans and Commitment

Despite his success, Guardiola acknowledged the natural progression of time in his role:

“The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying after eight years. We have talked with the club — my feeling is that I want to stay now. I will stay next season and during the season we will talk.”

Guardiola, 53, has a contract with Manchester City until 2025 and has committed to seeing out at least one more season. His intention to stay provides stability and continuity for the club as they look to build on their successes.

Achievements and Future Goals

Guardiola’s impact at City goes beyond just winning titles. He has revolutionized the team’s playing style and set new standards in English football. With 15 major trophies in eight seasons, Guardiola’s ambition remains high. He has the opportunity to add another trophy to his collection in the upcoming FA Cup final, further cementing his legacy.

Conclusion

Pep Guardiola’s decision to remain at Manchester City underscores his commitment to the club and his desire to continue building on an already illustrious tenure. His achievements have set a high bar for success, and his presence ensures that City will remain a formidable force in English and European football for the foreseeable future.

Source

Oleksandr Usyk is the Undisputed Boxing Heavyweight Champion – the first in 25-years.

In a thrilling bout that was attended by renowned sporting figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, Tyson Fury suffered a split-decision points defeat against Oleksandr Usyk, who made history by becoming boxing’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.

The highly anticipated bout, which took place on a grand stage, saw Fury start well but came up against significant challenges as the fight progressed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Fury, 35, initially performed well but experienced a turning point in the ninth round when he was given a standing 10 count and narrowly saved by the bell after a powerful onslaught from Usyk. The tension in the arena was palpable as the fight went to the judges’ scorecards.

In a dramatic wait for the decision, Fury appeared confident of victory. However, the final scorecards revealed a different outcome: two judges scored the fight in favor of Usyk, with scores of 115-112 and 114-113, while the third judge scored it 114-113 for Fury. This handed Fury his first professional defeat in a 16-year career.

READ MORE: Francis Ngannou buries 15-month old son

Usyk, 37, who remains unbeaten, was visibly emotional when announced as the winner, breaking down in tears. He took the WBC belt from Fury, adding it to his existing WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, thereby solidifying his place as the undisputed heavyweight champion for the first time in nearly 25 years.

Fury, defiant in defeat, expressed his belief that he had won the majority of the rounds, calling the decision “one of the daftest decisions in boxing.” He vowed to return stronger and mentioned the planned rematch for later this year as an immediate opportunity for redemption.

Usyk, gracious in victory, thanked his team and highlighted the significance of the win for himself, his family, and his country. He also confirmed his readiness for a rematch, setting the stage for another highly anticipated clash between the two heavyweights.

Source

Tyson Fury made a stunning allegation against the Judges after suffering a split-decision points defeat on a dramatic night in Saudi Arabia as Oleksandr Usyk became boxing’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.

In a tense wait for the scorecards to be read out, Fury appeared convinced of victory before a stony-faced Usyk broke down in tears when he was confirmed as the winner.

The scorecards read 115-112 and 114-113 for the Ukrainian, with a third judge scoring it 114-113 to Fury.

In his post-bout comments, Fury attributed the judges’ decision to the ongoing war in Ukraine, suggesting that sympathy for Usyk’s home country influenced the outcome.

READ MORE: Oleksandr Usyk becomes UNDISPUTED Boxing Heavyweight Champion

He stated, “I believe I won that fight, I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them. We both put on a good fight. His country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war.” Fury also expressed his intention to exercise the rematch clause, saying, “We run it back in October. Well done, Oleksandr.”

Usyk, on the other hand, expressed deep gratitude and emotion following his victory.

He dedicated his win to his supporters, his country, and the Ukrainian soldiers and families affected by the war. Reflecting on his long-term preparation for this moment, Usyk said, “Since 2008 I was planning for this. It’s not for my win, it’s for my God, my supporters, my country, the Ukrainian soldiers, Ukrainian mother and father, children. I want to go to my home, I want to rest, a break, I want to eat, sleep, kiss my wife.”

The rematch between Fury and Usyk is scheduled for October 12th/13th, promising another exciting chapter in their rivalry.

Source

Cote D’Ivoire revived their U17 AFCON qualification hopes with a narrow 1-0 victory over Benin Republic in the WAFU Zone B U17 Cup of Nations on Saturday, bouncing back from an embarrassing opening loss to Ghana.

The match-winning moment came from second-half substitute Adama Diabate, who scored late in the game to secure the win for the young Elephants. Diabate, representing ASFA, took advantage of a poor clearance from the Benin defense, skillfully maneuvering past his markers before delivering a brilliant finish.

Despite their dominance throughout both halves, Cote D’Ivoire missed several opportunities to score, prompting coach Bassikiri Diabate to make strategic changes in the second half. Early in the match, Ibrahim Dosso had a chance to break the deadlock but failed to convert, with Benin goalkeeper Mohamed Katchakolo making a crucial save on another attempt.

READ MORE: FIFA U17 World Cup: Golden Eaglets get qualification boost

Moussa Kone and Youbah Coulibaly also squandered key chances, and Benin’s Achirafou Sambam posed a threat just before halftime. After the break, Ivory Coast’s coach introduced Moise Dieudonne and Soulihou Bamba, who both came close to scoring.

However, it was Diabate, the late substitute, who ultimately secured the victory for the Ivorians with his decisive goal. With this win, Cote D’Ivoire keeps their hopes of qualifying for the AFCON alive.

The young Elephants now await the result of the match between Ghana and Benin on Tuesday to determine their semi-final fate.

Source