Tag: General Sports

Nigeria’s top scorer in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) last season, Chijioke Mbaoma, has sealed a move to Libyan giants Al-Ittihad SC.

The 21-year-old prolific striker penned a two-year contract with the Tripoli-based club, following an outstanding season with Enyimba and a brief stint with Heartland FC.

Mbaoma’s impressive goal-scoring exploits earned him the NPFL Golden Boot and the prestigious Player of the Season award.

READ MORE: Why Daniel Igali will not contest again for NWF president next year

He scored 17 goals last term, catching the attention of Libyan and Tunisian clubs.

Last season’s NPFL top scorer Chijioke Mbaoma has made a move away from Nigeria.

Al-Ittihad SC, the most successful club in Libya with 19 league titles, praised Nigeria’s reputation for producing top strikers in a statement on their official Instagram account.

“Nigeria has always been known as a goldmine for strikers who have left an indelible mark on the world of football. From there, we brought in their league’s top scorer and best player as well — Chijioke Mbaoma has arrived in Tripoli.

Coach Osama Al-Hammadi’s side is gearing up for the 2024-25 season and sees Mbaoma as a crucial addition to their squad.

The club aims to retain domestic dominance and make an impact in continental competitions.

Mbaoma’s arrival in Tripoli was finalized earlier this week, and he will join his new teammates in Turkey for pre-season training.

Fans eagerly anticipate his goal-scoring feats in North Africa.

This move marks a significant step in Mbaoma’s career, as he looks to replicate his NPFL success in the Libyan Premier League.

Key Facts:

– Chijioke Mbaoma signs two-year deal with Al-Ittihad SC
– Mbaoma scored 17 goals in NPFL last season
– He won the NPFL Golden Boot and Player of the Season award
– Al-Ittihad SC has 19 league titles
– Mbaoma joins pre-season training in Turkey

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In front of a roaring crowd of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, Daniel Dubois delivered a career-defining performance by dismantling Anthony Joshua in five rounds, retaining his IBF heavyweight title and solidifying his place among the heavyweight elite.

Dubois, 27, dropped Joshua multiple times throughout the fight, with the final blow coming in the fifth round – a devastating counter right hook that sent Joshua to the canvas for the last time. The victory marked the biggest win of Dubois’ 24-fight career, catapulting him into global stardom.

“Are you not entertained?” Dubois roared to the packed stadium after his triumph. “I’m a gladiator. I am a warrior to the bitter end. I want to get to the top level of this sport and reach my potential.”

Joshua, 34, a two-time former unified heavyweight champion, entered the ring with hopes of reclaiming his place at the top of the division. However, his bid to become a three-time world champion ended in dramatic fashion, leaving his career hanging in the balance. This was Joshua’s fourth loss in 32 bouts.

READ MORE: Odegbami warns Ahmed Musa against risky NPFL return

Dubois set the tone early, landing a crushing overhand right in the closing seconds of the first round, dropping Joshua to the canvas. The underdog did not let up, controlling the fight with his powerful jab and relentless pressure.

The third round proved pivotal as Dubois floored Joshua twice more, with one of the knockdowns ruled a slip. The chants of “AJ, AJ” from the crowd grew fainter as it became clear that Dubois had the upper hand. Even ringside spectators Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk—two of the heavyweight division’s top names—watched on in disbelief.

In the fifth round, Joshua showed signs of life, landing a clean punch that briefly halted Dubois’ momentum. But the reprieve was short-lived. Dubois responded with a lightning-fast counter right hand that sent Joshua crashing to the floor once more. This time, Joshua couldn’t beat the count, and the bout was over.

While Joshua hinted at a possible continuation of his career, mentioning a rematch clause, his future in the sport is uncertain. “Before I came here, I always say to myself I’m a fighter for life. You keep rolling the dice,” Joshua said after the fight.

For Dubois, this victory represents a redemption story after past setbacks, including his loss to Joe Joyce in 2020, where he suffered a fractured eye socket. “This is my time, this is my redemption story,” Dubois declared.

As Dubois’ stock rises, his path toward heavyweight greatness is clearer than ever, with his sights set on unifying the division and facing the sport’s top contenders.

Joshua, meanwhile, will have to assess his next steps, as this loss casts a shadow over potential superfights with Fury or Usyk.

The night undoubtedly marked a new dawn for heavyweight boxing, with Dubois’ name now firmly etched in the conversation of future greats.

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in a pivotal 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match on Friday, October 11, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

This matchday three encounter will be vital for both teams as they vie for a spot in the tournament proper, set to take place in Morocco in December 2025.

Nigeria currently sits atop Group D with four points from two matches. The Super Eagles began their campaign with an emphatic 3-0 home win over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, followed by a goalless draw against the Amavubi of Rwanda in Kigali. Libya, on the other hand, is at the bottom of the group, having secured just one point from a possible six.

READ MORE: CAFCC: Enyimba hold Etoile Filante to a stalemate on away soil

The upcoming fixture in Uyo presents a key opportunity for the Super Eagles to strengthen their grip on the group, as only the top teams in each group will advance to the AFCON tournament in Morocco. The reverse fixture between Nigeria and Libya will take place just four days later at the Tripoli International Stadium.

Coach Austin Eguavoen is expected to lead the Super Eagles once again, following his role in the team’s impressive performances against Benin Republic and Rwanda. The three-time African champions will be looking to maintain their top spot in the group and secure qualification as early as possible.

In the latest FIFA rankings, Nigeria remains in 39th place globally, ahead of African rivals such as Ghana, South Africa, Cameroon, and Algeria. The Super Eagles will hope to showcase their strength on the field and continue their journey to AFCON 2025 with a win in Uyo.

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Nigeria’s football legend, Segun Odegbami, has cautioned Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa against taking unnecessary risks in his quest to return to the national team ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Musa, who has not been called up to the Super Eagles for a considerable time, last featured in the squad during the 2023 AFCON tournament. Despite being the team’s captain, the 31-year-old forward was not involved in Nigeria’s recent AFCON campaign in Côte d’Ivoire. His national team status has been on the decline, even though he holds the record as Nigeria’s most-capped player and top scorer in World Cup history.

Odegbami, a former Super Eagles star and Nigerian football icon, expressed his concerns in a recent interview. “I also wore the number 7 jersey and share some traits with Ahmed Musa,” he remarked, according to Complete Sports. “Like me, he scored many goals from the wings, including four during two World Cups—the highest by a Nigerian in World Cup history.”

Odegbami acknowledged Musa’s decorated career, noting his accomplishments, including two national honours (MON and OON), and his professional stints in Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. However, he advised against Musa’s recent decision to rejoin Kano Pillars in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as a strategy to secure a return to the Super Eagles squad.

READ MORE: Rangers International woo Super Eagles captain after NPFL hint

Musa briefly rejoined Kano Pillars in 2021 before moving to Turkey, and now, the former Super Eagles captain has made a bold decision to return to the NPFL in hopes of maintaining his fitness and form. Odegbami, however, remains skeptical about the move.

“It is in the news now that, six months after departing the national team and not securing a contract abroad, Musa will be rejoining his former team, Kano Pillars FC, this season,” Odegbami explained. “He intends to leverage on that ‘project’ to play his way back into the Super Eagles for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.”

Odegbami warned that Musa is taking a significant gamble. “Most before him did not take that path,” he noted. “Few players in Nigeria’s football history have returned to the NPFL to end their careers, and probably none succeeded in leaving a mark. This is also wishing him the very best of luck in this ambitious new adventure.”

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Olympique Marseille of France latest signing, Adrien Rabiot, has revealed the key figures that sparked his passion for the club and ultimately influenced his decision to join – this includes a veteran Nigerian player.

The French midfielder, who recently signed with Olympique Marseille under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, has opened up about his admiration for Super Eagles legend Taye Taiwo.

Rabiot, who had been without a club since leaving Juventus in July, was a hot target for several clubs during the summer transfer window, including Manchester United and Galatasaray. However, it was his childhood connection to Olympique Marseille that led him back to Ligue 1, where he hopes to revive his career after parting ways with Juve.

READ MORE: Super Eagles maintain position in latest FIFA rankings

In a recent interview after his unveiling, Rabiot explained how watching players like Taye Taiwo and Mamadou Niang at Marseille left a lasting impact on him. “When I was younger, I loved watching Marseille,” Rabiot said. “It was around the time when players like Taye Taiwo and Niang were there. Taiwo, especially, was a powerful presence at left-back, and his performances really made me fall in love with the club.”

Rabiot’s admiration for Taiwo goes beyond just his playing style. The Nigerian defender, known for his long-range shots and solid defensive displays, was part of the Marseille team that won the Ligue 1 title in 2010. Rabiot now hopes to emulate Taiwo’s success and bring more silverware to the club under De Zerbi’s management.

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Ghanaian football legend Michael Essien has come to the defense of Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson, following a heated exchange between Jackson and former Chelsea teammate John Obi Mikel.

The conflict arose after Mikel criticized Jackson’s performance at Chelsea, prompting a fiery response from the 22-year-old.

Jackson, who joined Chelsea from Villarreal in the summer of 2023, struggled with consistency during his first season.

While he scored 14 goals in the league, he missed 24 big chances and underperformed in terms of his expected goals (xG), leading to widespread criticism, including remarks from Mikel. The Nigerian football icon, who was part of Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League-winning team, urged Jackson to improve if he wanted to succeed at Stamford Bridge.

In response, Jackson took to Instagram and posted a blunt message aimed at Mikel, saying, “Shut your mouth, don’t talk sh*t; we are killing ourselves for Africa.” The comment quickly divided fans, with some condemning Jackson’s tone, while others sympathized with his frustration.

READ MORE: Super Eagles maintain position in latest FIFA rankings

Michael Essien, a former Chelsea star and Mikel’s long-time teammate, weighed in on the controversy, offering a measured defense of Jackson.

Speaking to Joy Sports, Essien explained that criticism, especially from former players, can hit hard and provoke strong reactions from current athletes.

“We all have our personalities. Some will say it, but for me, I would just ignore it,” Essien said. “Everyone has an opinion, but I think it’s not personal. However, when the criticism comes from ex-players, it hurts the players even more, and then they react.”

Essien admitted that he would have handled the situation differently but acknowledged that the outburst by Jackson was likely fueled by the emotional impact of hearing such criticism from someone like Mikel Obi, who has significant standing in Chelsea’s history.

Meanwhile, Mikel responded to Jackson’s remarks diplomatically, standing by his earlier statements that the young striker needs to improve. He advised Jackson to prove his worth on the pitch by scoring consistently, saying, “He should shut me up by scoring every week.”

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Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo has heaped praise on Ademola Lookman, expressing confidence that the forward is in the running to win the CAF Player of the Year Award. Yobo’s comments come after Lookman’s stellar performances for both club and country.

Lookman was instrumental in helping the Super Eagles reach the final of the AFCON 2023, and his impact at club level has been just as remarkable. He played a key role in Atalanta’s historic first European title, notably scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The Nigerian has also continued his fine form into the new season, recently scoring the winning goal for Atalanta in a clash against Fiorentina.

Yobo, reflecting on Lookman’s development, said in an interview with Brilla FM, “Lookman is a threat. He has so much talent. I’ve known this for five years, but now, he’s much more mature. He was unlucky not to win the AFCON. In the final, he wasn’t at his best, and Nigeria struggled. That shows how important he is to the team.”

Yobo emphasized that Lookman’s maturity, versatility, and work rate have made him a complete player. “On his best day, he’ll win matches for you. If he doesn’t score, he will assist. He tracks back, helps defensively, and understands his responsibilities. What he’s achieved so far puts him in pole position for the African Player of the Year.”

Lookman also delivered a strong performance in Atalanta’s recent UEFA Champions League match against Arsenal, showing his tactical intelligence, despite the goalless draw.

With his current form and growing influence, Lookman is certainly a contender for one of Africa’s top football honours.

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Nigeria and Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman shared his thoughts after Atalanta BC’s goalless draw with Arsenal in their UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage match.

Despite Atalanta’s dominant performance, the Italian side failed to break down Arsenal’s well-organised defence at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Thursday night.

Lookman, who had been in fine form after a standout performance in Atalanta’s 3-2 win over Fiorentina, found himself heavily contained by the Gunners’ defence.

The Super Eagles star was unable to register a single shot on goal during the 89 minutes he was on the field. While he showcased his technical ability with the most dribbles and tackles in the match, Arsenal’s disciplined backline limited his attacking opportunities.

In a post-match interview with UEFA, Lookman praised Arsenal’s performance, acknowledging the difficulty of breaking through their defence. “It’s hard against a team like Arsenal to find space; they are a top team,” Lookman said. “The atmosphere was great, and so was our performance.”

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Despite his offensive struggles, Lookman’s all-round play was notable. He completed 96% of his passes, created two chances, made two key passes, and contributed to Atalanta’s efforts with ball recoveries and accurate crosses. However, a crucial missed penalty by teammate Mateo Retegui in the 51st minute added to Atalanta’s frustration as they missed a golden opportunity to secure all three points.

Fans reacted to the penalty miss, with some suggesting that Lookman, given his form and confidence, should have taken the spot-kick. Nevertheless, the result leaves both teams with a point each as they look ahead to the next matches in the group stage.

Lookman and Atalanta will now shift their focus back to Serie A, where they will face newly promoted Como at the Gewiss Stadium. As the season progresses, Ademola Lookman will aim to build on his promising performances and help Atalanta convert their dominance into crucial victories in both domestic and European competitions.

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Arsenal began their UEFA Champions League journey with a 0-0 draw against Atalanta, where Nigerian star Ademola Lookman played a pivotal role for the Italian side. Lookman, making his second start of the season for Atalanta after missing the opening three games, put in a solid performance in this highly anticipated match.

The game, which saw Arsenal dominate possession early on, failed to produce any goals despite both teams creating chances. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made two changes from the side that defeated Tottenham Hotspur in their previous match, with Gabriel Jesus and Declan Rice replacing Jorginho and Leandro Trossard in the starting lineup.

Lookman, fresh from a standout performance in Atalanta’s 3-2 victory over Fiorentina, started in attack for the Serie A outfit. Despite Atalanta’s push in the second half, the Nigerian winger could not find the back of the net as both teams struggled to break the deadlock.

The most notable moment came when Atalanta were awarded a penalty after Thomas Partey fouled Ederson in the box. However, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was the hero, saving Mateo Retegui’s penalty and the follow-up shot, keeping the game scoreless.

Though the match ended without a winner, Lookman impressed with his energy and determination, further cementing his growing reputation. Super Eagles legend Mikel Obi also praised Lookman, recently nominated for the Ballon d’Or, for his contribution to Nigerian football, acknowledging the winger’s best years in international competition.

With both teams sharing points, Arsenal and Atalanta will look to build momentum in their upcoming Champions League fixtures as they aim to progress from the group stage.

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The African Football League (AFL) will not take place in 2024, Confirming that Nigerian clubs like Enyimba and other top Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) teams will miss out on the competition’s $1 million prize this year.

CAF Competitions Officer, Samson Adamu, revealed that the AFL will return in 2025 with an expanded format featuring 24 teams, a significant increase from the eight teams that competed in the inaugural 2023 edition.

“The plans are fully in place for the AFL, but it is highly unlikely this year,” Adamu told SABC. “The plans will be revealed for next year, as to when it is going to happen and what are the plans for it.”

READ MORE: Plateau United coach sets sights on continental ticket

Adamu emphasized that preparations are underway to make the next edition of the AFL bigger and better.

Coach Yemi Olanrewaju of Enyimba. Enyimba will have to wait until 2025 for the AFL

Initially announced in 2022 as the Africa Super League, the competition was designed to feature 24 teams divided into three regional groups with a promotion and relegation system.

However, the inaugural season was delayed to October 2023 and reduced to an eight-team knockout format.

The full version of the tournament is now expected to launch in the 2024-25 season.

Enyimba, Nigeria’s representative in the 2023 edition, was knocked out in the quarterfinals after a 4-0 aggregate defeat to Wydad AC.

The cancellation of the 2024 edition means Enyimba and other NPFL clubs will miss out on valuable competition experience and the lucrative prize money.

Mamelodi Sundowns, the current holders of the AFL title, will retain their championship status until the competition resumes in 2025.

The AFL’s expanded format promises to bring more excitement and competition to African club football. Nigerian clubs will have to wait until 2025 to compete for the coveted title and $1 million prize.

Stay updated on African football news and developments.

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