Paradise News

Tag: General Sports

  • Super Eagles: Eguavoen undergoes surgery in Belgium

    Super Eagles caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has successfully undergone a major surgery in Belgium, according to reports.

    The procedure, which had been delayed multiple times, was a significant medical intervention that Eguavoen had postponed in order to focus on leading the Super Eagles through their qualification campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    A source close to the coach confirmed that the surgery was a success and that Eguavoen will now proceed with the necessary follow-up care. “It was a successful surgery, and he will now do the usual follow-ups,” the source stated.

    In Eguavoen’s absence, Remo Stars head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, has taken temporary charge of the CHAN Eagles.

    READ MORE:Kelechi Iheanacho: 5 clubs target Sevilla striker

    Ogunmodede is leading the team for their crucial 2024 CHAN qualifiers against Ghana, as the Eagles aim to secure a spot in the upcoming tournament.

    Eguavoen, who is also the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), was handed the interim coaching role for the Super Eagles following the departure of former coach José Peseiro.

    Despite his medical situation, Eguavoen’s commitment to the national team remained unwavering, as he focused on steering the Super Eagles toward a successful AFCON qualification campaign.



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  • Taiwo Awoniyi’s Forest Struggles lead to market value drop

    Taiwo Awoniyi’s tenure at Nottingham Forest has taken a frustrating turn, with the Nigerian striker’s market value experiencing a sharp decline due to limited playing time under manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

    Awoniyi’s value has dropped from €30 million to €22 million, roughly equivalent to ₦13.6 billion, as reported by Transfermarkt.

    This significant dip in value reflects his diminished role in the squad, with his place in the starting lineup further threatened by the rise of Chris Wood, who has become Forest’s preferred striker.

    Injury Setbacks and Chris Wood’s Emergence

    Since joining Forest, Awoniyi has struggled with a series of injuries, which prompted the club to sign Chris Wood from Newcastle as a backup forward.

    However, Wood’s strong performances have catapulted him to the top of the striker pecking order. The New Zealand international has already netted 10 goals in the 2024-25 season, making him the club’s current top scorer.

    As a result, Awoniyi has found himself relegated to a more peripheral role. Espirito Santo has acknowledged that Awoniyi’s injury troubles and international commitments have contributed to his stagnation.

    “It’s his fitness, his confidence, and he is looking for his goal. Everything changes in the mindset of a striker when you score; suddenly everything clicks. We are waiting for this moment, and we trust him,” said Espirito Santo.

    READ NEWS:Super Eagles: Eguavoen undergoes surgery in Belgium

    The manager also pointed to the club’s efforts to increase Awoniyi’s game time but noted the challenges: “What we have been trying with Taiwo is to increase his game time.

    Unfortunately, if I look back, going into the previous (October) international break, he played and then immediately went with his national team and played five minutes. That was a step back.”

    Forest Open to Offers for Awoniyi

    With his role at Forest uncertain, reports indicate that the club is now open to listening to offers for Awoniyi.

    The striker, who has been frustrated with his lack of opportunities, may be considering a move away from the City Ground.



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  • Wright-Phillips: Chelsea should focus on defence, not Osimhen

    Former England international Shaun Wright-Phillips has weighed in on the growing speculation surrounding Chelsea’s potential pursuit of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.

    The Napoli forward, currently on a season-long loan at Turkish champions Galatasaray, has been linked with a move away from Naples, with Chelsea reportedly showing renewed interest in the Nigerian striker.

    However, Wright-Phillips, a former Queens Park Rangers winger, believes Chelsea’s focus should not be on bolstering their attack with a player like Osimhen. Instead, he argues that the Blues need to address their defensive shortcomings first and foremost.

    “Right now, Chelsea’s biggest problem is their defence,” Wright-Phillips told Sportscasting.com, as quoted by Metro. “They let Thiago Silva go, but didn’t replace him, and that’s left them vulnerable. They need more experience at the back, not another striker.”

    Wright-Phillips pointed out that Chelsea’s attack, led by Nicolas Jackson, has not been the issue, with the team showing an ability to score goals.

    “They’re not struggling to score goals—that’s not the problem,” he continued. “The real issue is conceding goals. If they can sort out those defensive mistakes, they’ll be a completely different team.”

    While Osimhen has been in excellent form for Galatasaray, Wright-Phillips is of the opinion that Chelsea should prioritize defensive reinforcements in the next few transfer windows.

    READ MORE:Super Eagles: Eguavoen undergoes surgery in Belgium

    This comes after a shaky start to the season for Chelsea, who have struggled with consistency at the back.

    Although Wright-Phillips acknowledges Osimhen’s ability to thrive in the Premier League, he remains unconvinced that Chelsea’s immediate focus should be on signing a new striker. Instead, he believes strengthening the defense is the more pressing need.



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  • Kelechi Iheanacho: 5 clubs target Sevilla striker

    Kelechi Iheanacho is reportedly heading for an exit from Sevilla FC in the upcoming January transfer window, as several European clubs express interest in signing the Nigerian striker.

    The 28-year-old forward, who joined the La Liga side on a free transfer from Leicester City in the summer, has struggled to make an impact in Spain, prompting Sevilla to consider parting ways with him in the new year.

    Sevilla’s Plans for Iheanacho’s Departure

    Despite arriving at Sevilla with high expectations, Iheanacho has failed to find his rhythm in La Liga. The Nigerian international has made just seven league appearances this season, failing to score a single goal.

    His lack of game time and struggles to impress head coach García Pimienta have led to speculation that the club may be looking to offload him in January to make room for new signings.

    Although Pimienta has publicly praised Iheanacho’s work ethic in training, he admitted that the striker has not received the minutes needed to develop consistency and improve his form.

    “Kelechi trains well, is well-liked by his teammates, and is respected. Unfortunately, he’s not getting the playing time that would allow him to reach his best,” Pimienta commented. “If an offer comes in and he decides to leave, I would be happy for him.”

    Interest from English Clubs

    West Ham United, currently in the Premier League, is said to be monitoring his situation closely, In the Championship, both West Bromwich Albion and Watford FC are said to be considering Iheanacho as a potential solution to their striking woes.

    Both clubs are in need of a proven goal scorer to help in their promotion pushes, and Iheanacho’s proven ability to score goals in England makes him a top target for these sides.

    La Liga Clubs Also Express Interest

    Closer to home, two La Liga sides—Getafe CF and Las Palmas—are also reportedly eyeing Iheanacho. Las Palmas, who have been enjoying a strong campaign in Spain’s top flight, are said to be preparing a loan offer for the striker, hoping to bolster their attack for the second half of the season. A loan deal could provide Iheanacho with the opportunity to gain more match minutes and re-establish his form in La Liga.

    READ MORE:Bruno Onyemaechi in high demand as Boavista sets ₦9.6 Billion price tag

    Meanwhile, Getafe is considering a more permanent deal for Iheanacho, viewing him as a potential key player who could add a new dimension to their attack.

    Iheanacho’s Next Move

    With his future uncertain at Sevilla, Kelechi Iheanacho is likely to be one of the most talked-about players in the January transfer window. Despite his struggles in Spain, the Nigerian forward remains a highly valued player, and his experience in both the Premier League and La Liga ensures that he will be in high demand.



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  • Future Eagles of Nigeria poised for U16 and U17 glory

    Future Eagles of Nigeria head coach Patrick Bassey has assured fans and stakeholders that the country’s U15 national team will not be dissolved.

    Instead, the players will progress into the U16 and U17 age groups as part of a carefully planned development strategy. This comes after the team’s first training tour in Morocco, where they faced the Moroccan U16 national team in two friendly matches.

    Mixed Results in Morocco, But Optimism Remains

    The Future Eagles began their tour with a 2-0 defeat to the Moroccan U16s, but they bounced back in the second leg.

    A dramatic 85th-minute penalty helped Nigeria secure a 1-1 draw, leaving Bassey optimistic about the players’ growth. “These boys gained valuable experience playing against a strong team like Morocco. Despite the results, they showed great potential,” Bassey said.

    Pathway to U16 and U17 National Teams

    Bassey emphasized that the U15 players, scouted from across Nigeria earlier this year, will transition to the U16 national team in 2025. “These boys will graduate from U15 to U16,” Bassey confirmed.

    He added that the U16 team will participate in the prestigious Japan Invitational Tournament, typically held in June or July. “If any other invitational tournaments come up, these boys will be considered as well,” he said.

    Preparation for Future Success at U17 Level

    Looking beyond the U16 stage, Bassey also revealed his expectations for the players’ future.

    He believes that most of the current U15 squad will eventually make the jump to the Nigeria U17 team. “We have already laid the foundation for the next U17 team,” Bassey explained. “These players will be ready to step up when the time comes.”

    Nigeria’s Youth Development Pipeline Continues to Strengthen

    Bassey’s comments highlight a commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring a smooth progression through Nigeria’s youth ranks.

    READ MORE:Lookman scores on return as Atalanta extend record streak

    As the team prepares for future international competitions, including the 2025 Japan Invitational, the Future Eagles will continue to focus on honing their skills and gaining valuable exposure on the global stage.



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  • Liverpool 6-3 thrashing of Tottenham: 11 remarkable stats

    Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table with a sensational 6-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the final league match before Christmas.

    Already guaranteed to spend Christmas Day at the summit following Chelsea’s draw at Everton, Arne Slot’s side put on a dazzling display of attacking football that left Spurs reeling.

    Luis Diaz was the star, scoring a brace, while Mohamed Salah added two goals and two assists. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister also got on the scoresheet in what was undoubtedly Liverpool’s best performance of the season.

    Despite being overrun, Tottenham fought back with goals from James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke, but they were no match for the Reds’ firepower.

    READS MORE: Dele-Bashiru faces racial abuse in Lecce

    As Liverpool’s title charge gathers momentum, here are 11 remarkable stats from the game that highlight just how dominant they were:

    1. Trent Alexander-Arnold Shines Against Big Six

    Trent Alexander-Arnold was instrumental in setting up Liverpool’s first goal with a beautiful pass. This contribution means that 27% of his Premier League goal involvements have come against ‘Big Six’ sides, showcasing his ability to deliver on the big stage.

    2. Alexander-Arnold’s Chance Creation Mastery

    The right-back created four chances against Tottenham, more than any other player on the pitch. All of them came from open play, with two being classified as “big chances.” His creativity continues to be a key asset for Liverpool.

    3. Spurs’ Familiar Defensive Woes

    By conceding the opening goal, Tottenham marked their 14th home match in 2024 in which they’ve allowed the first goal.

    This sets a new Premier League record for the most such occurrences by a team within a calendar year, tied with Crystal Palace in 2017 and Spurs themselves in 1994.

    4. Spurs’ Struggles in the Final 15 Minutes of the First Half

    Tottenham have now conceded 7 goals in the last 15 minutes of the first half, one of the worst records in the league this season. Only Ipswich and Southampton (both with 8) have conceded more in this period.

    5. Salah’s Historic Consistency

    Mohamed Salah has now become the first player in Premier League history to score 10+ goals and provide 10+ assists in four consecutive seasons. This incredible consistency underlines his importance to Liverpool’s attacking prowess.

    6. Salah Breaks Rooney’s Record

    With his latest goal and assist tally, Salah has reached double digits for both goals and assists in six different Premier League seasons. He has now surpassed Wayne Rooney’s record of five such seasons, further cementing his place in Premier League history.

    7. Salah’s Pre-Christmas Milestone

    Salah is also the first player to achieve double figures for both goals and assists before Christmas in a single Premier League season.

    With 32 goal contributions already, he is 10 ahead of his closest rival, Bukayo Saka.

    8. Liverpool’s Historic Away Victory

    Liverpool became just the second team in Premier League history to score six goals in an away match at Tottenham, joining Chelsea (6-1 winners in 1997). The Reds showed no mercy and underlined their superiority on the road.

    9. Liverpool Top the Table at Christmas

    This win means Liverpool will top the Premier League table on Christmas Day for the seventh time in history, having done so previously in 1996, 2008, 2013, 2018, 2019, and 2020. It’s clear they are on track for a serious title challenge.

    10. Tottenham’s Goal-Fest at Home

    Tottenham’s recent home matches have been goal-filled affairs. In their last three games across all competitions, 23 goals have been scored — with this 9-goal thriller against Liverpool following a six-goal contest against Chelsea and a seven-goal League Cup clash with Manchester United.

    11. Liverpool’s Statement Performance

    Finally, this game was a statement. Liverpool’s relentless attacking play and clinical finishing put Tottenham to the sword, with key players like Diaz, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold all making their mark. It’s hard to imagine any team being able to withstand Liverpool in this kind of form.



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  • Tinubu approves major upgrade for MKO Abiola Stadium

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the upgrade of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium and its 200-room hostel in Package B.

    Malam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), announced the decision during a courtesy visit by the FCT Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to his office in Abuja on Thursday.

    READ MORE:Dele-Bashiru faces racial abuse in Lecce

    Dikko explained that Tinubu’s sports development plans will soon come to life once the 2025 national budget is approved by the National Assembly. He noted that the upgrades are part of a broader initiative to revitalize Nigeria’s sports infrastructure.

    Stadium Overhaul and Athlete Accommodation

    The project will include a full renovation of the stadium’s pitch to ensure all national teams can return to Abuja for international fixtures. The 200-room hostel in Package B will also be upgraded to accommodate athletes during major events.

    Dikko emphasized that President Tinubu is committed to turning sports into a thriving business by investing in facilities and providing continuous funding for national sports federations.

    “This is just the start of President Tinubu’s commitment to improving Nigerian sports,” Dikko said. “The investment will also support grassroots initiatives and sports programs across the country.”

    Grassroots Development and Athlete Support

    The Tinubu administration plans to introduce Centers of Excellence at the local government level to foster grassroots sports development. Dikko explained that these centers will help identify and nurture young talent nationwide.

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    “The stadium and hostel upgrades are just one part of our broader plan to revitalize sports in Nigeria,” Dikko concluded. “These investments will improve facilities and create more opportunities for athletes across the country.”

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  • Akwa United snap slump with win over Heartland

    Akwa United earned a crucial 2-0 victory over Heartland FC in a dramatic NPFL clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

    Goals from Endurance Ebedebiri and Chijioke Alaekwe helped the Promise Keepers climb off the bottom of the league table and move up to 17th place with 19 points, while Heartland remained in 13th place with 21 points.

    In the 24th minute, Akwa’s David Phillip unleashed a powerful half-volley from outside the box, but Heartland goalkeeper Ebuka Nwokeocha was equal to the task, diving low to claim the shot comfortably.

    Just moments later, Akwa’s Apollos Friday found himself in a promising position inside the box, but Nwokeocha was again alert, blocking the striker’s attempt from just 10 yards.

    However, in the 32nd minute, Akwa United were awarded a penalty after a reckless challenge from Nwokeocha on Kabir Osoba, who was brought down inside the penalty area.

    The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and Endurance Ebedebiri stepped up to convert with cool precision, sending Nwokeocha the wrong way to give Akwa United a 1-0 lead.

    David Phillip delivered a pinpoint corner kick into the box, and Chijioke Alaekwe rose highest to head the ball home, doubling Akwa’s lead in the 68th minute.

    READ MORE:Akwa United set to re-appoint Kennedy Boboye as head coach

    Despite a late rally from Heartland, Akwa United were resolute and maintained their lead until the final whistle. The victory was a much-needed boost for the team, lifting them to 17th place and giving them hope of avoiding relegation in what has been a difficult season.

    The Naze Millionaires remain in 13th place, just six points ahead of Akwa United, and will need to improve if they are to move up the table in the second half of the season.



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  • Akwa United set to re-appoint Kennedy Boboye as head coach

    Akwa United are set to re-appoint Kennedy Boboye as the new head coach of the club, following the resignation of Mohammed Babaganaru earlier this month.

    The move comes as the club seeks to reinvigorate its fortunes after a disappointing spell under Babaganaru, who left the team after a series of underwhelming results in the 2024 season.

    Boboye, who led the Promise Keepers to their first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title in 2021, will be returning to Uyo for a second stint.

    However, his time at the club took a sharp turn the following season. Boboye was dismissed after just twelve matches in the 2022 campaign, a season that saw the team struggle under his management. With only four wins, five draws, and three losses, his tenure ended prematurely, despite the monumental achievement of the 2021 title.

    Since his departure from Akwa United, Boboye’s career has been a mixture of highs and lows. He briefly took over as head coach of Heartland FC, where he managed to secure three wins and one draw from seven matches.

    However, his time at Heartland ended abruptly when Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma intervened, calling for the reinstatement of the club’s former coach, Christian Obi.

    In February 2024, Boboye was appointed as the head coach of Sunshine Stars in Akure. His time with the club showed promise, but after nine months in charge, he left Sunshine Stars in November, citing personal reasons. Now, just weeks later, Boboye is set to return to Uyo, where he will be unveiled as Akwa United’s new head coach for the second time.

    READ MORE:Tinubu approves major upgrade for MKO Abiola Stadium

    The club’s management is hopeful that Boboye’s return will help rekindle the promise and ambition that saw them claim the NPFL title just three years ago. With his wealth of experience and prior success in Uyo, he will be tasked with steering the club back to its competitive best in the NPFL.



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  • Dele-Bashiru faces racial abuse in Lecce

    Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was the target of racial abuse during Lazio’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lecce in Serie A, despite not featuring in the match.

    The distressing incident occurred as Lazio players celebrated their win at the Stadio Via del Mare, with a section of Lecce supporters directing vile chants at Dele-Bashiru, who had joined his teammates on the pitch after the final whistle.

    The abuse included the use of the German word “Raus,” a term with deeply troubling historical associations. In response, Dele-Bashiru displayed extraordinary composure.

    Rather than reacting angrily to the taunts, the 23-year-old midfielder turned toward the offending section of the crowd, maintaining direct eye contact with the abusers. With remarkable restraint, he continued to celebrate, silently but powerfully sending a message of defiance and resilience in the face of the racial slurs.

    Footage of the incident quickly spread on social media, showing the deplorable behavior of the Lecce fans. The video also captured Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel stepping in to support Dele-Bashiru. Provedel escorted his teammate off the pitch as the abuse intensified, offering his protection in a show of solidarity.

    While the incident marred an otherwise positive evening for Lazio, Dele-Bashiru’s response reflected strength and maturity. Off the pitch, the Nigerian has been excelling since joining Lazio on loan from Turkish club Hatayspor in the summer.

    In Serie A, he scored his first goal for the club in November, coming off the bench to seal a 3-0 victory over Bologna. In the Europa League, Dele-Bashiru has continued to impress, with two goals and two assists in just four appearances.

    READ MORE:Victor Osimhen nets double in Galatasaray’s dominant win

    Despite the racial abuse he endured, Dele-Bashiru’s focus remains on his football, and his dignified response has drawn widespread praise.



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