Tag: General Sports

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The Estadio de Mestalla is set to witness an intense battle as Valencia and Barcelona face off in La Liga on December 16, 2023. Here is preview of the match.

Both teams are grappling with challenges, with Valencia winless in their last four league games and Barcelona enduring two consecutive defeats.

As it stands, Valencia holds the 11th position with 19 points from 16 matches, while defending champions Barcelona sit fourth with 34 points.

Team news indicates that Valencia will miss key players like Jose Gaya, Andre Almeida, Gabriel Paulista, and Javi Guerra due to injuries and suspensions. The team is expected to adopt a 4-4-2 formation, emphasizing a solid defense and utilizing width for attacking opportunities.

Barcelona, facing the absence of Gavi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Inigo Martinez, and Marcos Alonso, may witness the return of Frenkie de Jong.

Their likely 4-3-3 formation sees Inaki Pena in goal, supported by a defensive line featuring Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Joao Cancelo.

The midfield could include Pedri, de Jong, and Ilkay Gundogan, with an attacking trio of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Joao Felix.

In terms of recent form, Barcelona suffered a 3-2 defeat to Royal Antwerp in the Champions League and a 4-2 loss to Girona in La Liga.

Despite these setbacks, they secured the top spot in their Champions League group. Historically, Barcelona has dominated the head-to-head record, winning 31 out of 59 matches against Valencia.

Analysis suggests that Valencia may focus on a solid defense and effective counterattacks, while Barcelona is likely to control possession and capitalize on their attacking prowess.

Both teams exhibit vulnerabilities in defense, pointing to the potential for a high-scoring encounter. Predictions lean towards Barcelona, with expectations of a 2-1 victory.

Despite the closeness of the match, Barcelona’s superior quality may provide them with the advantage. Football enthusiasts are in for an exciting clash between these La Liga contenders.

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Nigerian striker Chuba Akpom has shared his mixed feelings about his performance for Ajax in their recent 3-1 victory over AEK Athens in the UEFA Europa League.

Despite scoring a crucial brace that contributed to the win, Akpom expressed disappointment in not capitalizing on additional goal-scoring opportunities.

In the match against AEK Athens, Akpom’s two goals played a pivotal role in securing the victory for Ajax. The result ensured that Ajax finished third in their group, securing a place in the Conference League despite being eliminated from the Europa League.

However, Akpom, who is keen on establishing himself as a regular starter at Ajax, wasn’t entirely satisfied with his performance.

The striker believes he could have converted more chances to score additional goals. Akpom had nine shots on goal and missed three significant opportunities during the game.

Expressing his frustration, Akpom emphasized the importance of taking advantage of goal-scoring opportunities, especially in his role as a striker.

Despite the disappointment, he acknowledged his commitment to improving and training diligently to enhance his goal-scoring instincts.

“This was a day when I could have come back with the ball [With a hattrick],” Akpom said, per nu.nl

“I’m happy that we won, but as a striker I’m angry about the last chances. I train on this every training session.

“Sometimes you can’t even sleep. I really enjoy scoring goals. I often act on instinct. But these times I had too much time to think.”

With competition for playing time at Ajax, Akpom recognizes the need to consistently perform at his best to earn a regular spot in the starting lineup.

Coach Van’t Schip has shown a preference for Steven Berghuis, and Akpom understands that delivering consistent and impactful performances is crucial to securing his place in the team.

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In a thrilling UEFA clash, Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers scored a spectacular solo goal that contributed to Rangers’ triumph over Real Betis. The victory secured Rangers’ qualification for the knockout stage.

The Nigerian forward, aged twenty-nine, played a crucial role in setting the tone for Rangers’ success. Ten minutes into the game, Dessers skillfully shielded Ross McCausland’s ball, creating an opportunity for Senegalese striker Abdallah Sima to open the scoring.

However, the lead was short-lived as Real Betis’ Juan Miranda responded with an equalizer, displaying adept coordination with teammate Borja Iglesias. The game intensified as Dessers answered back with a breathtaking solo goal six minutes later. A well-executed pass from Jose Cifuentes set Dessers in motion as he dribbled past two Betis midfielders before delivering a stylish finish.

Real Betis managed to draw level again before halftime, with former Real Madrid midfielder Isco Alarcon initiating a sequence that led to Ayoze Perez curling in a goal, bringing the score to 2-2.

With twelve minutes remaining, Kemar Roofe secured the victory for Rangers. Borna Barisic’s corner kick was deftly headed on and squared back in by Connor Goldson, and despite a scuffed attempt by Rabbi Matondo, Roofe seized the opportunity to net the decisive goal.

The win solidifies Rangers’ place in the knockout stage of the UEFA competition, while Real Betis, under the management of Manuel Pellegrini, will transition to the Europa Conference League in the next phase of European football.

This exciting match showcased the resilience and skill of Cyriel Dessers, whose contributions were pivotal to Rangers’ success on the European stage.

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FIFA, the global football governing body, has given its approval for 30 Nigerian referees to feature on international lists in the year 2024. The endorsed group comprises 11 referees, 11 assistant referees, four beach soccer referees, and four futsal referees.

In a communication conveyed to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), FIFA listed the following 11 referees approved for international duties from Nigeria in the upcoming year: Basheer Salisu, Ogabor Odey Joseph, Olufunmilayo Abigael Alaba, Nurudeen Abubakar, Abdulsalam Kasimu Abiola, Elaigwe Hannah Enekole, Akintoye Yemisi Eunice, Egba Patrick John, Madu Ndidi Patience, Mustapha Grema Mohammed, and Abdullahi Abubakar.

For assistant referees, the 11 approved individuals are: Pwadutakam Samuel, Igudia Efosa Celestine, Abibatu Iyadunni, Muhammad Yakubu, Mfon Friday Akpan, Digbori Tejiri, Usman Abdulmajeed Olaide, Igho Hope Ogenekewe, Terah Kabenda Beauty, Ahmad Mustapha Tijjani, and Agbons Faith.

Ukah Ndubuisi Odigomma, Musa Dung Davou, Umuago Paul Akpome, and Bello Zuru Alhassan were included in the futsal soccer list, while Ogunmuyiwa Jelili, Fawole Olawale Adeolu, Olajide Olayinka, and Rabiu Ahmad made the beach soccer list.

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Super Eagles Head Coach Jose Peseiro has unveiled a 33-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

The list includes new faces, such as Montpellier forward Jerome Akor and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Sources close to the team revealed that the provisional squad has been submitted to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with the expectation that it will be trimmed down to a maximum of 27 players before the tournament kicks off.

Among the new names making waves are Alhassan Yusuf, the midfielder from Antwerp, and Chuba Akpom, who represents Ajax. Another player, currently playing for a top Tunisian outfit, is also rumored to be part of the provisional squad.

Preparations for the AFCON are set to commence on January 2, 2024, with the team scheduled to camp in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Players are expected to start arriving at the camp on January 1. Jose Peseiro’s squad will participate in a three-nation tournament in the UAE, facing off against Democratic Republic of Congo and Burkina Faso as part of the build-up to the continental competition.

The Super Eagles are drawn into Group A alongside hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. Peseiro is expected to finalize his 55-man provisional squad for submission to CAF by January 7, 2024. The announcement of the provisional squad reflects the anticipation and excitement as Nigeria aims for success in the prestigious AFCON tournament.

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Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, is on the verge of signing a new contract with Napoli, extending his tenure until June 2026. THE ATHLETICNG.

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, reported that the agreement in principle has been reached, and the final deal will include a release clause, which is anticipated to be around €130 million.

Osimhen’s impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, with the Nigerian international finishing in eighth place in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings.

This week, he was further honored as he clinched the CAF Player of the Year award. The imminent contract renewal signifies Napoli’s commitment to retaining the prolific striker, who has proven to be a valuable asset for the Italian club.

The announcement of the official contract renewal is expected in the near future, reflecting Osimhen’s status as a key player for Napoli and his growing stature in international football.

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With just 30 days remaining until the kickoff of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, football enthusiasts can now secure their tickets as the Local Organising Committee (LOC), in collaboration with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has initiated ticket sales.

The prestigious biennial competition will see 24 nations, including Nigeria’s Super Eagles, vying for continental glory.

The official announcement of ticket sales was made by CAF on Wednesday morning, outlining nine designated venues across the host cities for fans to purchase their tickets.

The distribution points include Bouaké (3), Cocody (1), Korhogo (2), Port-Bouet (1), Marcory (1), San Pedro (2), Yamoussoukro (2), and Yopougon (1).

Football enthusiasts and supporters of participating teams are encouraged to secure their tickets promptly to ensure they witness the thrilling tournament action firsthand.

The AFCON matches are scheduled to take place in various cities across Ivory Coast, providing fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement and drama of top-tier African football.

The tournament is set to commence on January 13, 2024, and will culminate with the final on February 11, 2024.

As anticipation builds for the 33rd edition of AFCON, the host nation is gearing up to welcome teams and fans from across the continent for a celebration of football prowess and sportsmanship.

Football fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the commencement of AFCON 2023, where national teams will compete fiercely for the coveted title.

The sale of tickets marks a significant milestone in the lead-up to the tournament, heightening the anticipation and enthusiasm surrounding this premier African football event.

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Nigeria’s football icon, Mercy Akide, who made history by becoming the first woman to win the Africa Player of the Year award in 1999, has expressed her joy and blessings as the country’s national teams dominated the 2023 CAF Football Awards in Marrakech, Morocco.

Recalling her own achievement 24 years ago, Akide spoke about the significance of her win alongside Nwankwo Kanu, another football legend, and how it marked a crucial moment for women’s football recognition in Africa. The former striker for the Super Falcons expressed her optimism that the recent success at the CAF Awards would serve as motivation for the national teams.

Feeling blessed to have paved the way for women’s football, Akide acknowledged the importance of recognition for female athletes. The awards in 2023 saw Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala crowned as the Player of the Year (Men) and Player of the Year (Women), respectively.

Expressing her excitement, Akide noted that the long wait for another Nigerian male player to win the award added to the significance of the recent triumphs. She emphasized that football is unpredictable, and despite the gap, the recent success shows the resilience and talent within Nigerian football.

Looking forward, Akide expressed pride in all the winners and hoped that the 2023 CAF Awards would mark the beginning of more success for Nigerian football. She envisioned victories extending from the upcoming AFCON in January to further successes for the women’s team and even the FIFA World Cup.

As Nigeria celebrates the achievements at the 2023 CAF Awards, the optimism and hope expressed by Akide resonate across the football community, reflecting the continuous growth and recognition of the country’s footballing talent on the continent and beyond.

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Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen has hailed his former coach, Emmanuel Amunike after clinching the 2023 CAF Men’s Player of the year Award In Morocco on Monday, December 11, 2023.

Osimhen was given his first international opportunity by Coach Emmanuel Amunike during his time as Nigeria’s U-17 national team coach.

The Napoli forward flourished under Amunike’s tutelage, scoring ten goals as Nigeria romped to the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup title in Chile.

On the podium in Marrakech, Morocco to receive his Men’s player of the year award, Osimhen elected to shower Amunike who was in the venue for the event with praise.

“He [Amunike] believed in me right from the start and was at the heart of our 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup victory in Chile.

He gave me the opportunity to really showcase myself and when things were not going well with me, he was the brain behind the motivation and it is absolutely right for me to acknowledge him at the biggest stage because behind closed doors, he has helped me a lot.

” He is present here and here to witness what he has produced,” an emotional Osimhen told CAFOnline.

Osimhen also expressed how he felt over becoming the first Nigerian winner of the award since Kanu Nwankwo lamded the prize in 1999.

“This feels good. It has been 24 years since a Nigerian – Nwankwo Kanu won this award. It is a very good feeling to have put Nigeria back on the map. I appreciate God for this,” the 24-year old said.

Osimhen edged Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Liverpool superstar to the top-prize.

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