Tag: General Sports

Victor Osimhen scores for Napoli on his first game back from AFCON

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored for Napoli to help them claim a 1-1 draw against Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash.

The Super Eagles striker who was not in action for Napoli over the weekend was selected by the new coach to start against Barcelona last night. Playing his first game since his AFCON return, the CAF best player continued his goal-scoring form for Napoli by scoring an equalizer to salvage a point for Napoli in the game.

Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in the second half but Osimhen forced himself into the box to finish past Marc-Andre Stegen.

It was Napoli’s first game since they sacked head coach Walter Mazzarri after three months in charge and replaced him with Francesco Calzona, while Barca were playing their first Champions League knockout match for three years.

Barcelona was dominant against a Napoli side whose final-third efforts were often lacking in Francesco Calzona’s first game in charge.

The visitors had the brighter start with 16-year-old Lamine Yamal – who became the youngest player to feature in the Champions League knockout stage – making inroads on the right-hand side.

Xavi’s side pressed relentlessly in the final third, charging down Napoli’s attempts to build from the back and nullifying the hosts’ ability to threaten.

The Italian side has severely struggled in their Serie A title defense, languishing in ninth place and trailing leaders Juventus by 27 points, and replaced Walter Mazzarri with Calzona – who is also Slovakia manager – on Tuesday.

Osimhen tried to make runs behind the defense but was often left isolated as the hosts failed to muster moves in Barcelona’s half.

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Osimhen is touted as PSG’s favorite to replace the outgoing Kylian Mbappe, but the lifelong Chelsea fan has his sights set on a move to join the Blues according to multiple sources.

Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly preparing to make a significant move in the transfer market by approaching Napoli for the services of Victor Osimhen.

The 25-year old Nigerian international, has been identified as a key target for the French giants as they look to herald the dawn of the post-Kylian Mbappe era at the Parc des Princes.

Reports of the Osimhen pursuit comes amidst speculation surrounding Mbappe’s future, with the French superstar expected to depart for Real Madrid at the end of the current season.

Osimhen who has been on Chelsea’s radar for some time now, is said to have already made up his mind to join the Blues, according to reports from Sacha Tavolieri.

The forward’s allegiance to Chelsea, stemming from his childhood fandom of the club, presents a significant hurdle for PSG in their pursuit.

However, the Ligue 1 champions are hopeful that the allure of becoming the focal point of their attack in the aftermath of Mbappe’s exit will sway Osimhen’s decision in their favor.

With Kylian Mbappe’s departure looming, PSG is being forced to rethink its strategy moving forward.

Mbappe, the French captain, has been a central figure for PSG since his arrival from Monaco, and his expected exit has prompted the club to scout for replacements actively. Victor Osimhen has emerged as a prime candidate to fill the void left by Mbappe, with PSG viewing the Napoli striker as the ideal player to lead their line in the coming years.

The pursuit of Osimhen is just one part of PSG’s comprehensive strategy to overhaul their squad following Mbappe’s departure. Barcelona’s Gavi is another player on PSG’s radar, with the club aiming to strengthen their midfield options. The Athletic reports that alongside Osimhen and Gavi, PSG is targeting several other recruits to ensure the team remains competitive on all fronts in the post-Mbappe landscape.

READ MORE: 2023 FIFA Best Award: Mikel Obi defends Lionel Messi choice

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The 2023 Ikukuoma Mbaise U-20 football tournament progressed to the third knockout stage games on Sunday, February 18, 2024, showcasing thrilling encounters that decided the fate of competing teams.

Obizi Community Triumphs Over Ihitte Ward 2-0

Obizi Community (Ezinihitte) advanced further in the tournament with a convincing 2-0 victory against Ihitte Ward (Ezinihitte) in the first knockout stage fixture held at the Ezeagbogu Central School Field, Ezinihitte, Mbaise.

John Ernest stole the spotlight with a stellar performance, opening the scoring for Obizi Comm with a delightful volley within the first five minutes. Joseph Eberechi doubled the lead to 2-0 with a brilliant individual finish from outside the box in the 18th minute, securing a comfortable advantage going into halftime. Obizi Community maintained their dominance in the second half, restricting Ihitte Ward’s chances and securing a spot in the tournament’s last eight.

Umuoree Eziudo Overwhelms Emil (Owerri North) 3-1

In another Round 16 fixture, Umuoree Eziudo (Ezinihitte) demonstrated their prowess with a 3-1 victory over Emil (Owerri North). Okaehialam Chijioke stole the show, scoring a second-half brace. Benjamin Famous contributed to the scoreline with an unfortunate own goal in the 26th minute, but quickly redeemed himself with two remarkable individual goals in the 53rd and 57th minutes.

Lawrence Ifeanyi salvaged a consolation goal for Emil (Owerri North) in the 79th minute, but it wasn’t enough to alter the outcome. Umuoree Eziudo secured their spot in the Quarterfinals of the 2023 Ikukuoma Mbaise U-20 football tournament.

Umuoree Eziudo is now set to face Obizi Community (Ezinihitte) in what promises to be an exciting Quarterfinal clash later this week.

Upcoming Knockout Stage Fixtures

The excitement continues with today’s knockout stage fixtures:

• Lude (Ahiazu) vs Uvuru Community (Aboh Mbaise)
• Onicha Nwenkwo (Ezinihitte) vs Eziudo (Ezinihitte)

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For a second time this season, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen will welcome a new coach at the club. The Athletic.NG reports.

Napoli have made a managerial change, replacing the sacked Walter Mazzarri with Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona just ahead of their crucial Champions League clash against Barcelona.

Mazzarri, 62, was dismissed after Napoli’s dip in form, leaving them ninth in Serie A prior to their encounter with Barcelona at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis expressed gratitude to Mazzarri for his efforts during a challenging period, emphasizing the need to offer Napoli fans something exceptional.

Calzona, who previously served as an assistant under Maurizio Sarri and Luciano Spalletti at Napoli, returns to the club after guiding Slovakia to Euro 2024. He faces the daunting task of reviving Napoli’s fortunes while juggling his duties with the national team.

Despite Mazzarri’s previous success with Napoli, including winning the 2012 Italian Cup, his second stint was marred by poor results, leaving Napoli trailing behind in Serie A.

Since Spalletti’s departure, Napoli has struggled to maintain stability, evident in their significant points deficit behind league leaders Inter Milan.

The appointment of Calzona signifies a fresh start for Napoli as they seek to salvage their season and potentially secure a spot in next season’s Champions League.

Meanwhile, reigning CAF Men’s Player of the year, Victor Osimhen will be available for Calzona’s first game as Napoli coach.

Victor Osimhen watched Napoli’s last game from the stands.

The Nigerian forward recently returned from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament where he helped the Super eagles clinch second place in Cote d’Ivoire.

READ MORE: 2023 AFCON star Kenneth Omeruo helps Kasimpasa maintain unbeeaten

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Two Nigeria-eligble players who are making waves in the Premier League have indicated interest in representing the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Elijah Adebayo has been a standout performer for Luton Town in the English Premier League this season, netting nine goals, while Gabriel Osho has also made his mark with two goals from defense.

In exciting news for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, a recent update indicates that Luton Town’s duo, Elijah Adebayo and Gabriel Osho, are open to representing the Nigerian national team.

Gabriel Osho, aged 25, operates as a central defender or full-back for Luton. Though born in England, he has Nigerian heritage. Osho played a pivotal role in Luton’s promotion to the Premier League and has notched up five goals in seventy-seven appearances for the club.

Elijah Anuoluwapo Adebayo, aged 26, plays as a striker for Luton and has been prolific this season, scoring nine goals in the Premier League, including a memorable hat-trick against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Elijah Adebayo was nominated for the Premier League player of the month of January 2024.

According to a post by UK-based Nigerian football administrator David Doherty, both players have expressed their openness to donning the green and white colors of Nigeria. Neither Adebayo nor Osho has represented any country at any level, and the report highlights their admiration for Nigerian football since their early career days.

Adebayo personally expressed his desire to play for Nigeria: “I would like to play for Nigeria,” Elijah Adebayo told The Times.

“It would make my mum happy, make her proud. That’s something we’ve spoken about.

“Playing for England? It would be a case of whichever comes first. My mum would be proud if I played for Nigeria or England, but Nigeria especially.”

Currently, Luton Town occupies the 17th position in the English Premier League standings, hovering just above the relegation zone with Everton closely trailing behind under the management of Sean Dyche.

Next up for Luton Town is a challenging fixture against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday. Their previous encounter at Kenilworth Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw, with Luis Diaz’s late equalizer securing a point for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

READ MORE: From NPFL to AFCON finals: Stanley Nwabali’s journey

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Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi is set to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with reports from Portugal indicating that he will be out for around six months due to injury.

Sanusi suffered a ligament injury during FC Porto’s 2-0 victory over Estrella da Amadora on Saturday night, forcing him off the field in the 37th minute of the match.

According to a statement on the club’s official website, Sanusi has sustained a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and the external lateral ligament of his left knee.

This injury necessitates surgery, which the 27-year-old is expected to undergo in the coming days.

Zaidu Sanusi was in action for Nigeria at the 2023 AFCON final vs Cote d’Ivoire on February 11.

” The Nigerian international has a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and the external lateral ligament of his left knee,” reads a statement on the club’s official website.

This setback comes after Sanusi missed approximately three months of action earlier in the season due to injury.

Despite his recent fitness woes, he was a part of Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations held in Cote d’Ivoire.

Sanusi’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by both FC Porto and the Super Eagles, as they prosecute their respective upcoming engagements without the talented left-back.

READ MORE: One Nigerian striker makes Super Eagles Post-AFCON vow

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From goal drought in his first 14 Premier League games to 7 goals in 6 matches & breaking a record as well. 

Manchester United knew that they were buying into potential rather than proven quality when they signed Rasmus Hojlund last summer, but even so, they would have expected their £72-million ($90m) striker to have scored at least a few Premier League goals four months after his arrival.

Rasmus Hojlund was unable to replicate his brilliant Champions League form domestically, which was a huge concern for Erik ten Hag. – with his first five goals for United all coming in the Champions League.

It took until December 26 and a meeting with Aston Villa for Hojlund to open his Premier League account, but he has not stopped scoring since then. A flurry of efforts at the start of 2024 have seen Hojlund find the target against Tottenham, Wolves, West Ham and Aston Villa.

In scoring his first of the game at ‘The Kenny’, at 21 years and 14 days old, Hojlund became the youngest player to score in six consecutive league games since the Premier League began in 1992. He has now scored 7 goals in his last 6 games, which also includes 2 assists. He is a man in form for a team that has now won 5 games on the bounce in all competitions.

The Red Devils registered a fourth consecutive league win after beating the Hatters on the road. Hojlund made the difference, scoring two quick goals after just seven minutes.

The 21-year-old created a new Premier League record on Sunday evening. He became the youngest-ever player to score in six consecutive matches in the competition’s history.

Aside from his brace, Hojlund also won seven ground and aerial duels over 86 minutes. He was also brilliant with his long ball distribution and had a 100 per cent success rate (4/4).

Hojlund is definitely leaving up to his high potential after an indifferent start to his United career and the fans will be hoping that he can continue his rich vein of scoring form.

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Cyriel Dessers featured for Rangers as they cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over St. Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

With this win, Rangers now sit atop the league table with 64 points, surpassing their rivals Celtic who are on 62 points.

Dessers came off the bench to replace Portuguese player Fabio Silva in the 69th minute, marking his 23rd league appearance for the team. His Nigerian teammate Leon Balogun, who recently returned from injury, was named on the bench for the match.

Mohammed Diomande and James Tavernier were the goal-scorers for Rangers. Diomande broke the deadlock in the 37th minute, while Tavernier extended the lead to 2-0 from the penalty spot in the 79th minute.

Tavernier later converted another penalty in the 87th minute to seal the victory for Rangers with a commanding 3-0 scoreline.

READ MORE: Injured Zaidu Sanusi ruled out for six months

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Remo Stars have regained the top spot in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after holding Abia Warriors to a goalless draw in a matchday 20 fixture.

The Sky Blue Stars now lead the standings with 36 points.

Meanwhile, at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers United secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Doma United. Captain Nyima Nwagua was the hero for the home team, netting all three goals. Bidemi Owoku and Hilary Ekawu found the net for Doma United in a closely contested encounter.

In Enugu, Rangers clinched a 1-0 win against Akwa United, with Kazeem Ogunleye scoring the decisive goal early in the second half.

Plateau United emerged victorious in a high-scoring affair against Lobi Stars, securing a 2-1 win at the New Jos Stadium. Mohammed Umar and Albert Hilary were among the scorers for Plateau United, while Kumanga Suur pulled one back for the visitors.

Elsewhere, Sporting Lagos edged out Bendel Insurance 1-0, courtesy of Tochukwu Michael’s winning goal. Bayelsa United claimed a 2-0 victory over Gombe United, with Bashir Mansur’s own goal and Ifeanyi Assurance’s late strike sealing the win for the hosts.

In other results:

• Sunshine Stars drew 1-1 with Kwara United
• Katsina United defeated Tornadoes 1-0.
• Heartland FC were forced to a 1-1 draw by Kano Pillars on Saturday afternoon, while Enyimba FC shot down Shooting Stars 1-0 on the same day.

These results have significantly influenced the league standings, with Remo Stars leading the pack as the competition intensifies in the NPFL.

READ MORE: From Nigerian League to AFCON finals: Stanley Nwabali’s journey

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