Tag: General Sports

Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup has sparked intense debate about the CAF Player of the Year (POTY) award.

Ademola Lookman, a top contender, had a decent game but couldn’t make a difference against a star-studded Madrid side. Meanwhile, Brahim Diaz, who switched allegiance to Morocco last season, is also in the mix after an impressive campaign with Real Madrid.

Diaz’s switch proved to be a game-changer, as he contributed to Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga titles with 12 goals and nine assists in 44 appearances.

However, unlike Lookman, Diaz wasn’t a constant fixture in Madrid’s lineup, starting only 18 La Liga games. Lookman, on the other hand, had 22 starts and 17 goals with ten assists last season, making a significant impact on Atalanta’s success.

READ MORE: Xabi Alonso happy with Victor Boniface fitness transformation

Despite Diaz’s titles, Lookman’s impact on Atalanta’s Europa League win and his hat-trick in the final make a strong case for him. In the Super Cup, Lookman played the entire game, while Diaz got just seven minutes. As it stands, Lookman remains the favorite for the POTY award, unless something monumental happens.

The CAF POTY award is highly competitive, with other contenders like Mohammed Salah, Serhou Guirassy, Achraf Hakimi, and Victor Boniface. However, Lookman’s consistency and impact on Atalanta’s success give him an edge. Diaz’s titles and contributions to Madrid’s success are notable, but Lookman’s influence on Atalanta’s achievements can’t be ignored.

Ademola Lookman(left) Real Madrid’s Diaz who recently switched allegiance to Morrocco. Photo Credit: Getty Images

The CAF POTY race heats up and Lookman’s performances will be crucial in securing the award. His dedication and hard work have made him a top contender, and he will be eager to maintain his status as the favorite.

The competition is fierce, but Lookman’s achievements make a strong case for him to win the coveted award.

Diaz’s titles and contributions are impressive but Ademola Lookman’s impact and consistency make him the favorite for the CAF POTY award. However, the race is far from over, and other contenders will be eager to make their mark.

The upcoming season will be crucial in determining the winner, and fans can expect an intense battle for the top prize in African football.

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Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has expressed his excitement over Victor Boniface’s improved fitness as the club wraps up its preseason training ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Boniface, who played a crucial role in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title win last season, has regained his sharpness after an injury-marred campaign.

The Super Eagles striker’s season was cut short due to an injury that sidelined him during Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in January and February.

Although he returned before the season’s conclusion, Boniface struggled to recapture his electrifying form that made him one of the standout players in the Bundesliga.

READ MORE: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru inherits Lazio’s iconic No. 7 jersey from Felipe Anderson

However, this preseason has seen Boniface work diligently to return to his best. The 23-year-old forward has shown signs of his former self, with Alonso praising his improved fitness. “I am pleased that he has used the time. After the injury, we did not have enough time for him to train. We needed him for the games. Now we see a Boni who is lighter and more athletic in the box,” Alonso said.

Victor Boniface taking instructions from gaffer Xabi Alonso during Bayer Leverkusen’s Monday training. Photo Credit: Getty Images 

Boniface’s transformation is a significant boost to Leverkusen as they prepare to defend their title. The club will kick off their season with a Super Cup clash against Stuttgart on August 17, followed by the start of their title defense against Borussia Mönchengladbach on August 23.

Alonso’s praise for Boniface’s may reflect the striker’s hard work and dedication. With his improved athleticism, Boniface is poised to regain his status as one of the top players in the Bundesliga. Leverkusen fans will be eager to see their star striker in action, and his performances will be crucial in the club’s quest for another successful season.

Boniface’s journey back to full fitness is an inspiring story of perseverance and determination. From struggling to find his form after injury to regaining his sharpness through hard work and dedication, Boniface’s transformation is a testament to his character and commitment to excellence.

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Former Nigerian football star Samson Siasia is poised for a significant return to the sport following the end of his five-year ban imposed by FIFA.

Known for his successful coaching career with Nigeria’s national teams, Siasia’s journey took a dramatic turn in 2019 when he was handed a lifetime ban over match-fixing allegations.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) recently reduced his ban, allowing the former Super Eagles coach to re-enter the football scene starting August 16, 2024, just two days after his 57th birthday.

Background of the Ban

Siasia’s issues with FIFA began in 2010 when he was approached by convicted match-fixer Wilson Perumal regarding a coaching job in Australia. Perumal’s proposal, which involved manipulating aspects of the team’s operations, raised concerns. Although Siasia’s responses indicated caution and a desire to understand the job’s terms, FIFA found sufficient evidence to impose the lifetime ban.

READ MORE: Super Eagles duo back Nigeria to qualify for 2026 world cup

Throughout the ordeal, Siasia has maintained his innocence, asserting there was no concrete evidence linking him to match-fixing. He expressed his frustration, saying, “There’s no proof to that. When you talk about corruption, is it not when money exchanges hands and all that? There was nothing.”

Impact and Future Plans

The ban had a profound impact on Siasia’s career and life, but he remained determined to clear his name. The CAS reduction of the ban to five years, along with the cancellation of a 50,000 Swiss franc fine after a successful appeal, has paved the way for his return.

As he prepares to re-enter football, speculation is rife about his next steps. The national team coaching position is currently vacant following Finidi George’s resignation, and Siasia could be a potential candidate. Additionally, clubs in Nigeria’s domestic leagues, including former NPFL champions Mighty Jets, are reportedly interested in his services.

Siasia’s impressive coaching credentials include guiding Nigeria’s U-23 team to silver and bronze medals at the 2008 and 2016 Olympic Games, respectively, and achieving significant success at various levels. His return to football is highly anticipated, and he remains a respected figure in the sport.

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Nigeria’s Sports Minister, John Enoh, has sparked excitement among football fans by hinting at an imminent announcement regarding the Super Eagles’ new head coach.

With less than 30 days until the team’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification tie against Benin, Enoh’s revelation brings hope that a new coach will soon take the helm.

The Super Eagles coaching position has been vacant since Finidi George’s resignation, leaving the team without a head coach ahead of crucial qualification games. Enoh acknowledged the urgency of the situation, stating, “The appointment will be sooner rather than later.”

READ MORE: Official: Super Falcons Onyinyechi Zogg joins Perth Glory in Australia.

Several high-profile coaches have been linked to the Super Eagles job, including Herve Renard, Eric Chelle, Samson Siasia, and Salisu Yusuf. However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to reveal its final choice.

Enoh’s assurance raises expectations that a coach will be in place before the next crucial match. The Super Eagles require a strong leader to guide them to victory in the AFCON qualifiers and beyond.

The wait for the new coach continues and Nigerian football fans remain anxious for a resolution. The team’s success hinges on the appointment of a capable coach who can harness the talents of the players and lead them to victory.

With Enoh’s hint at an imminent announcement, fans can expect a swift resolution to the coaching saga. The Super Eagles’ future depends on it, and the right appointment will be crucial in determining the team’s success in the AFCON qualifiers and beyond.

With the AFCON qualifiers looming, the team requires a strong leader to guide them to victory. The NFF must act swiftly to appoint a capable coach who can lead the Super Eagles to success.

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reportedly settled for former defender as interim Super Eagles Coach, with the official announcement to be done in a couple of days.

Augustine Eguavoen is reportedly set to return as the coach of the Super Eagles for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. This development comes as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) continues its search for a permanent coach.

Eguavoen, who has had several stints as coach of the Super Eagles, is expected to lead the team on an interim basis. His appointment is seen as a stopgap measure until the NFF can find a suitable foreign coach.

The 58-year-old coach has a wealth of experience, having led Nigeria to a bronze medal at the 2006 AFCON and a second-round elimination at the 2021 edition. He also served as interim coach during the qualification campaign for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

READ MORE: Nigerian winger Babatunde Akinsola signs 3-year deal with AVS in Portugal

Eguavoen’s return has generated mixed reactions from fans and pundits, with some questioning his ability to lead the team to success. However, his familiarity with the team’s setup and his experience in high-pressure situations make him a safe choice for the NFF.

Former Super Eagles coach Finidi George

The Super Eagles face the Republic of Benin and Rwanda in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers, and Eguavoen’s task will be to ensure the team secures maximum points from these matches. With the team’s future hanging in the balance, Eguavoen’s return may be the stability the team needs to navigate this challenging period.

The Super Eagles prepare for the AFCON qualifiers and the team’s fans will be hoping for a positive outcome. With Eguavoen at the helm, the team may have a chance to redeem itself after a disappointing World Cup qualification campaign.

Only time will tell if Eguavoen’s return will be a success or a temporary solution to a deeper problem. One thing is certain, however – the Super Eagles need a coach who can lead them to victory, and Eguavoen will be under pressure to deliver.

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Nigerian winger Babatunde Akinsola has officially signed a three-year contract with Liga Portugal side AVS Futebol SAD. The former Golden Eaglets star has secured a new chapter in his career, leaving Spain for Portugal.

Akinsola’s transfer is a quality proof of  his talent and potential, which has caught the attention of European clubs. The 3-year deal signifies AVS’s confidence in the young Nigerian player, who is expected to make an impact in the Liga Portugal.

This move marks a new beginning for Akinsola, who will be eager to prove himself in a new league and country. His experience in Spain will undoubtedly benefit him as he adapts to the Portuguese football scene.

READ MORE: Super Eagles Coach announcement to be made soon – sports Minister

Akinsola begins his new journey with AVS and Nigerian football fans will be watching with interest, eager to see him succeed and make a name for himself in Europe. His transfer is a positive development for Nigerian football, showcasing the country’s talent and potential on the global stage.

In other news, Sports Minister John Enoh has hinted at an imminent announcement regarding the Super Eagles’ new head coach. With the team’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification tie against Benin approaching, the appointment of a new coach is crucial.

Several high-profile coaches have been linked to the Super Eagles job, including Herve Renard, Eric Chelle, Samson Siasia, and Salisu Yusuf. However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to reveal its final choice.

Enoh’s assurance raises expectations that a coach will be in place before the next crucial match. The Super Eagles require a strong leader to guide them to victory in the AFCON qualifiers and beyond.

The wait for the new coach continues, Nigerian football fans remain anxious for a resolution. The team’s success hinges on the appointment of a capable coach who can harness the talents of the players and lead them to victory.

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Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho might miss Sevilla’s La Liga opener against Las Palmas on Friday due to registration complications.

Iheanacho, who joined Sevilla this summer after a seven-year stint with Leicester City, is yet to be officially registered by the club. The striker, who joined Sevilla on a free transfer, is expected to make a significant impact given his experience with Manchester City and Leicester City.

During his unofficial debut last weekend, Iheanacho showcased some promising moments in Sevilla’s 4-1 loss to Liverpool. However, he may have to wait longer for his first competitive appearance for the club.

READ MORE: Chioma Ajunwa highlights Issues in Nigeria’s sporting system, calls for better support

Registration Dilemma

Reports from Elgoldigital indicate that Sevilla has yet to complete Iheanacho’s registration for the upcoming La Liga season. The delay is due to the club’s failure to meet La Liga’s financial requirements for player registrations.

Sevilla currently has space to register only one of their two unregistered players, Iheanacho or midfielder Lucien Agoume. With the team already short in the midfield, Agoume is likely to be prioritized for registration.

To accommodate both players, Sevilla would need to sell a player to meet La Liga’s financial regulations. However, with only two days left before their season opener, this might not be feasible.

Despite the challenges, Sevilla is expected to resolve the issue and register all their players before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

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Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics has sparked a heated debate, with athletes and officials trading blame for the country’s failure to win a single medal.

“I’m disappointed, but not surprised,” said Chioma Ajunwa, Atlanta Olympics gold medal winner. “Our sports administrators are clueless. They don’t know what they’re doing. They’re more interested in enriching themselves than in developing sports.”

Favour Ofili, who competed in the 200m final, accused officials of sabotaging her chances in the 100m race. “I qualified for the 100m, but they didn’t enter me. It’s not the first time they’ve done this. It’s frustrating. I’ve worked hard for four years, and they just throw away my opportunity like that.”

READ MORE: Nigeria’s Olympic performance falls short of my expectations- sports Minister

Sports Minister John Owan Enoh apologized for the “disastrous outcome” and acknowledged that preparations for the Games had been inadequate. “We deserve better. We’ll turn this failure into a positive for Nigerian sports. We’ll review what went wrong and make changes to ensure we do better next time.”

Sports Minister Senator John-Owan-Enoh apologised to Nigerians for Olympic failure

Hameed Adio, a former 100m sprinter and Olympic team captain, called for a radical overhaul of the sports administration. “We need people who know what they’re doing. We can’t keep recycling the same old administrators who don’t deliver. We need fresh blood, people who are passionate about sports and know how to develop talent.”

Rena Wakama, coach of the women’s basketball team, which reached the quarterfinals, offered a different perspective. “We did our best with the resources we had. We need more investment in sports infrastructure and training. We can’t compete with countries that have better facilities and more experienced coaches.”

Nigeria reflects on its Olympic failure and one thing is clear: change is needed to ensure success in future international competitions. The country’s sports administration needs a radical overhaul, with a focus on developing talent, investing in infrastructure, and putting experienced and passionate people in charge.

Rena Wakama, D’Tigress head coach was awarded basketball best coach of the Olympics

“We can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting different results,” said Ajunwa. “We need a new approach, a new mindset. We need to take sports seriously and invest in it.”

Ofili added, “We’re not asking for much. We just want a fair chance to compete. We want officials who will support us, not hinder us.”

Enoh promised that changes would be made. “We’ll learn from this experience and come back stronger. We’ll make sure our athletes have the support they need to succeed.”

Only time will tell if Nigeria’s sports administration will heed the calls for change and take the necessary steps to ensure success in future Olympics.

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Nigeria international Onyinyechi Zogg has signed a one-year deal with Australian club Perth Glory, bolstering their defense for the upcoming 2024-25 Liberty A-League season. This transfer marks a new chapter in Zogg’s career, as she seeks to make an impact in the Australian league.

Zogg, 27, brings a wealth of experience from European football, having played for top clubs like Young Boys, FC Zürich, and Servette FC in Switzerland, as well as ASJ Soyaux in France, Turbine Potsdam in Germany, and FC Bethlehem in Israel. Her impressive resume and international experience make her a valuable addition to Perth Glory’s squad.

The defender expressed her excitement about joining the A-League, stating, “I jumped at the opportunity to play for Perth Glory. I’ve heard great things about the league and wanted to experience it. I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates and coach and contributing to the club’s success.”

READ MORE: Athletes and officials point accusing fingers after Nigeria’s Paris Olympic failure

Perth Glory head coach Stephen Peters praised Zogg as a “technical and athletic defender,” and her signing is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the squad. Zogg is the seventh new player to join Glory this season, and her addition is expected to bring experience and stability to the backline.

The Super Falcons star has made four appearances in the UEFA Women’s Champions League with FC Zürich and debuted for Nigeria’s national team in 2021. Her move to Perth Glory marks a new chapter in her career, and she is eager to make an impact in the Liberty A-League.

With Zogg’s signing, Perth Glory aims to build a strong squad for the upcoming season. The club has retained key players like Jessika Cowart, Susan Phonsongkham, and Izzy Foletta, and Zogg’s experience will be invaluable in their quest for success.

The Liberty A-League season approaches and fans can expect an exciting campaign from Perth Glory, with Zogg’s addition strengthening their defense and boosting their chances of a successful season. Zogg’s move to Australia is a testament to her ambition and desire to grow as a player, and she is sure to make a lasting impact in the Liberty A-League.

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Nigerian forward Paul Onuachu’s transfer to Trabzonspor is back on track after the Turkish club offered a player-plus-cash deal to Southampton. The 29-year-old striker has been linked to Trabzonspor for weeks, but the deal stalled due to disagreements over the transfer fee.

According to reports, Trabzonspor has offered a player-plus-cash deal worth €10 million, which includes the transfer of Turkish midfielder, Abdulkadir Parmak, to Southampton. The deal is believed to be acceptable to Southampton, and Onuachu is expected to undergo a medical in Turkey soon.

Onuachu’s transfer to Trabzonspor will be a significant boost to the Turkish club’s attacking options. The Nigerian striker has been in impressive form for Southampton, scoring 14 goals in 33 appearances last season.

Trabzonspor’s offer of a player-plus-cash deal is seen as a clever move by the Turkish club, as it allows them to stay within their budget while still securing the services of a top-class striker like Onuachu.

READ MORE: La Liga registration issues may delay Iheanacho official Sevilla debut

The transfer is expected to be completed soon, with Onuachu set to join Trabzonspor on a three-year deal. The Nigerian striker will be hoping to make an immediate impact at his new club and help Trabzonspor challenge for domestic and European honors.

Super Eagles star Paul Onuachu celebrates after scoring for Trabzonspor last season.

In other transfer news, Kelechi Iheanacho’s debut for Sevilla FC may be delayed due to registration issues. The Nigerian striker joined Sevilla on a free transfer from Leicester City this summer, but the club’s failure to meet La Liga’s financial requirements for player registration has put his participation in doubt.

Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta side lost 2-0 to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup final, with Kylian Mbappe scoring the second goal. Lookman played a lively game, but his efforts were not enough to secure a win for Atalanta.

In other news, William Troost-Ekong and Moss have completed their move to Saudi Arabian side, Al-Khalood. The Nigerian defender joined Al-Khalood on a two-year deal and will be hoping to make an impact in the Saudi Pro League.

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