Tag: General Sports

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong was on target for Al-Kholood, but his side fell short in a dramatic 4-3 thriller against Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday.

The Nigerian defender gave his team the perfect start, heading in a corner kick in the 15th minute for his second goal of the season.

Myziane Maolida doubled Al-Kholood’s lead in the 23rd minute, putting them in control.

@WTroostEkong #RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/aLwEdCB0o9

— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) February 1, 2025

However, Al-Ittihad came roaring back. Abdulrahman Al-Oboud pulled one back in the 35th minute, and Dutch star Steven Bergwijn leveled from the penalty spot just before halftime.

The second half belonged to the home side as Mohammed Kadesh put Al-Ittihad ahead before Bergwijn struck again to make it 4-2. Maolida’s late goal gave Al-Kholood hope, but they couldn’t find the equalizer.

New signing Ambrose Ochigbo made his debut for Al-Kholood, coming off the bench in the second half.

Despite the loss, Troost-Ekong delivered a rock-solid performance. He played all 90 minutes, completed 20 of 24 passes, and recorded 10 clearances—the highest in the match.

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The Nigerian also registered 42 touches, blocked one shot, won one aerial duel, and attempted two shots—one on target.

A goal and a dominant display, but no points for Al-Kholood.

Ekong, now has 2 goals in 18 appearances for Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Kholood are fighting to stay up in the Roshn Saudi League after match day 18, sitting 12 with 19 points while Al-Ittihad that has Benzema and Kante are pushing for the title stay 2nd with 46 points.

Source: The Athletic NG

Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo has advised Nigeria to approach their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group-stage matches with caution, following the draw which placed Nigeria in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.

As three-time AFCON champions and runners-up in the last tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria are considered strong contenders for the title in Morocco.

However, Yobo, who led the Super Eagles to their last AFCON triumph in 2013, cautioned that the group stage will be a key test for the team.

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Nigeria will begin their campaign against Tanzania on December 23, followed by a crucial match against Tunisia on December 27, and will conclude the group stage against Uganda on December 30 at Fez Stadium, where all their group games will take place.

Yobo, a former defender for Marseille and Everton, emphasized the importance of a strong start to avoid unnecessary pressure later in the tournament.

“A good start is very important. The first two games are very important. It is very, very crucial,” Yobo told ESPN.

While he views Tunisia as Nigeria’s toughest opponent in the group, Yobo stressed that both Uganda and Tanzania should not be underestimated.

“The Tunisia game could be the one that decides the group winners, so if we can take six points from the other two, we don’t want to chase Tunisia,” he explained.

Yobo highlighted Tunisia’s experience and history at AFCON, noting that the match would be a major clash for both sides.

“They are an experienced side, always frequent at the AFCON. We are used to them, we’ve played them many times, even during my own time, and they are used to us as well. So it’s going to be a big clash. It’s the biggest game in our group.”

He also reminded fans that surprises can happen, citing the last AFCON, where underdog teams pulled off unexpected results.

“On paper, Uganda and Tanzania might be the underdogs, but we saw at the last AFCON—underdogs were pulling surprises.”

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Nigeria has only failed to progress past the AFCON group stages twice: on their debut in 1963 and as defending champions in Libya in 1982.

Source: The Athletic NG

Celtic are on the verge of pulling off a major transfer move by securing Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho from Sevilla, despite fierce competition from French club Marseille.

The 28-year-old forward, who previously worked under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City, has struggled to make an impact in Spain, registering just 11 appearances this season without finding the net since his move last summer.

Sevilla is reportedly open to letting the striker leave before the winter transfer window closes.

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Sevilla President Víctor Orta confirmed that the club is working to resolve Iheanacho’s future, with three offers reportedly on the table.

“There is one week left, and I think there are three offers. It’s a matter of the player choosing his best option for the next six months,” said Orta.

“We all expected a higher performance from him. That has nothing to do with his quality, and there is interest from other teams. I believe he wants to play more, and we’ll see what happens until Monday.”

Iheanacho is desperate to leave in search of more regular playing time, according to news outlet Celts are here, they are seizing the opportunity to strengthen their attack after Kyogo Furuhashi’s January exit to Rennes.

Adams Idah currently leading the line, Rodgers is looking to add more firepower and depth to his squad.

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Iheanacho’s time at Leicester was highly productive, with 61 goals and 34 assists in 232 appearances, but his spell in La Liga has been underwhelming.

A return to Rodgers’ side could offer the Nigerian striker a much-needed fresh start.

While Marseille had previously shown interest, Celtic appear to be leading the charge for Iheanacho’s signature, with Sevilla eager to resolve his future before the January transfer window closes.

The Scottish champions are pushing for a domestic treble and a massive Champions League knockout tie against Bayern Munich on the horizon.

Source: The Athletic NG

Israel Adesanya poor run of former continued on Saturday night as he suffered his third consecutive loss, this time at the hands of Nassourdine Imavov in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The former middleweight champion was knocked down by a powerful right hand and finished with a barrage of strikes on the ground, forcing the referee to stop the fight in the second round.

Adesanya’s career hit a high point in April 2023 when he knocked out Alex Pereira to regain the UFC middleweight title.

However, after back-to-back losses to Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis, Adesanya came into this fight needing a victory to remain relevant in the title picture.

Unfortunately for the Nigerian-born New Zealander, Imavov’s brutal display ended those hopes.

The first round saw Adesanya showing some promise with effective leg kicks and his trademark footwork.

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He was able to move in and out of range, avoiding Imavov’s power shots for the most part. But towards the end of the opening round, Imavov landed a clean right hand that rocked Adesanya and set the stage for the second.

In the second round, Imavov connected with that same right hand again, this time sending Adesanya crashing to the canvas.

As Adesanya fell, Imavov followed up with a devastating left uppercut, then unloaded a series of strikes on his grounded opponent.

The referee stepped in, halting the action as Adesanya appeared unable to defend himself.

While Adesanya protested the stoppage, it was clear that the outcome was inevitable, with his condition worsening under Imavov’s assault.

NASSOURDINE IMAVOV KNOCKS OUT ISRAEL ADESANYA IN THE SECOND ROUND!!! WOW #UFCSaudiArabiapic.twitter.com/gr08h2RgaI

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 1, 2025

The crowd in the AnB arena was left in stunned silence, and Adesanya, visibly frustrated, slammed the canvas before leaving the Octagon without speaking to the media.

At 35, Adesanya is now facing difficult questions about his future. He has enjoyed a legendary career with five consecutive middleweight title defenses—the second most in UFC history—and victories over some of the sport’s biggest names, including Robert Whittaker, Yoel Romero, and Alex Pereira.

However, with three losses in a row, the road back to a title shot seems daunting.

MMA fans are now left wondering what comes next for the former champion. If he decides to retire, Adesanya’s remarkable legacy would surely earn him a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame.

Source: The Athletic NG

Remo Stars continued their impressive form in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sunshine Stars in the match day 22 southwest derby played at Remo stars stadium Ikenne.

The victory for the sky blue boys made it 7 matches unbeaten, spiced with 5 games winning streak.

This was Remo stars fourth away win of the season albeit on their turf and the most for any club this season

Sunshine stars earlier in the season adopted Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, as their temporary home.

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Owena Whales chose Ijebu-Ode due to ongoing renovation and upgrading of Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.

However the reverted to playing their home games in Ikenne as the second stanza of the League kicked off.

The result strengthens Coach Daniel Ogunmodede Remo Stars position at the top of the league standings with 45 points from 22 matches.

The match kicked off with high intensity, and it was the visitors who struck first. In the 9th minute, Alex Oyowah scored a stunning diving header from a pinpoint cross by Sikiru Alimi.

The early goal set the tone, but Remo Stars responded swiftly.In the 28th minute, Ibrahim Abubakar doubled the lead, finishing confidently after receiving a well-timed pass from Nduka Junior.

Abubakar made a clever run, lifting the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper Ishola to make it 2-0.

Sunshine Stars fought back in the 67th minute, pulling a goal back to spark hopes of a comeback.

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However, despite a late push from the visitors, including four minutes of added time, Remo Stars’ defense stood strong, with substitutes Ibe Abdulrazaq playing a crucial role in maintaining their advantage.

Remo Stars remain firmly at the top with 45 points, while Shooting Stars, with 36 points and two games in hand, continue to provide strong competition in the title race.

Source: The Athletic NG

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu and midfielder Joe Aribo were the key figures in Southampton’s 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

Aribo, 28, opened the scoring for Southampton in the 21st minute, capitalizing on a deflected cross that fell into his path, giving the visitors the lead.

Despite Ipswich’s dominance in the first half, the Blues quickly responded with Liam Delap’s equalizer in the 31st minute.

Delap fired past Southampton keeper Aaron Ramsdale after a clever through ball from Nathan Broadhead, making it 1-1.

However, it was Onuachu who sealed the win for Southampton.

In the 87th minute, the lanky Nigerian striker pounced on a rebound following a save from Ipswich goalkeeper Muric, tapping in the winning goal to give Southampton a crucial 2-1 lead.

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Onuachu now has 2 goals in 14 Premier League appearances and looks to be regaining his best form under Croatian manager Ivan Juric.

Aribo, the often-overlooked Nigerian international, is also finding his rhythm, with 23 appearances and 3 goals this season.

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Onuachu and Aribo contributions in this game were vital as Southampton grabbed a rare win in a relegation six-pointer.

Despite their second win of the season Southampton remain 20th with 9 points.

Ipswich, despite a strong performance, stay in 19th with 16 points after 24 matches, continuing their fight for survival at the bottom of the table.

Source: The Athletic NG

Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi is set to make his long-awaited return to action in March after being sidelined for the past seven months with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Moffi has been out of action since July 2024, when he suffered the ACL injury during Nice’s pre-season preparations.

The injury has kept him from playing in Les Aiglons’ last 29 games across all competitions and also ruled him out of Nigeria’s last six matches, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nigeria’s next fixtures in March against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Super Eagles are in a tough spot, sitting fourth in Group C with just three points from four matches.

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Newly appointed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will hope to rely on Moffi’s return to strengthen the team’s forward line and aid in their World Cup qualification push.

Reports from Nice supporters page Axel indicate that Moffi is expected to return to full training this month and could be fit in time for the upcoming qualifiers.

Terem Moffi pourrait reprendre l’entraînement collectif avec le groupe #OGCNice dès la mi-février et faire son retour en compétition officielle avant la trêve internationale du 17 mars prochain !

(#GymTonic – @Nice_Matin) pic.twitter.com/XU6lPd0Hiw

— Axel (@SolamenNissa) February 1, 2025

His return would be a significant boost for both the Super Eagles and Nice, as Moffi’s international experience and proven ability as a reliable deputy to Victor Osimhen make him an invaluable asset.

The striker’s recovery also comes at a crucial time for Nice, who are hoping to secure a European spot in Ligue 1 by the end of the season.

Source: The Athletic NG

Victor Osimhen, Nigeria international and Galatasaray striker, will miss the club’s first playoff match in the UEFA Europa League after picking up his third yellow card in the competition during Thursday’s 2-1 defeat to Ajax in Amsterdam.

Osimhen was cautioned in the 38th minute following a collision with Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer during a corner kick.

Earlier yellow cards were earned in games against Dinamo Kyiv and AZ Alkmaar.

The UEFA Europa League playoff draw scheduled for Friday, Galatasaray could face Midtjylland or AZ Alkmaar in the next round.

Osimhen’s Missed Chances Haunt Galatasaray

While Osimhen added a stoppage-time goal, his night was frustrating in front of goal. Despite his late strike, the Super Eagles forward missed several clear opportunities earlier in the game.

In the 18th minute, Osimhen narrowly missed the target with a header from a cross, and just before halftime, he again failed to convert, sending his header wide.

A third chance came in the 57th minute, but Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer saved his effort.

Osimhen finally found the net in the dying moments, but it was too late to alter the result.

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The defeat meant Galatasaray missed out on an automatic spot in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals, leaving manager Okan Buruk visibly frustrated after the match.

Buruk: “We Missed Clear Chances

In a post-match interview with Galatasaray.org, Buruk expressed frustration with his team’s missed chances and their habit of conceding preventable goals.

“We missed a number of clear chances and could’ve won this match easily,” he said. “There was even a chance to make it 2-2 in a minute. Both Batshuayi and Osimhen had their opportunities.”

“When you miss so many chances and also concede soft goals, you’re bound to lose,” he continued. “We had our shortcomings, but my players gave their best. We’ve created the most chances in the Europa League and scored plenty of goals, but we’ve also conceded too many.” 

“The reason we didn’t advance to the top eight is the simple goals we conceded,” Buruk explained. “We didn’t allow many chances, but the goals we let in were avoidable. That’s the story of today’s game.”

“This was our first loss, and of course, it hurts,” Buruk added.

Osimhen’s Scoring Streak Continues

Despite the defeat, Osimhen’s goal in the final moments of the game extended his impressive UEFA Europa League form to four consecutive matches.

The Napoli loanee has now scored 17 goals across all competitions this season, including five in just six UEFA Europa League appearances.

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His absence for Galatasaray’s first playoff match will be a significant setback for the team, who will now face a challenging fixture without their top scorer.

Source: The Athletic NG

Leicester City are on the verge of securing Super Eagles-eligible striker Chuba Akpom from Ajax as the January transfer deadline looms

As reported by Caughtoffside, the Foxes are finalizing the paperwork to bring the 29-year-old forward, who has committed to Nigeria internationally, to the King Power Stadium.

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But Leicester face stiff competition for Akpom, with French side LOSC Lille, Sunderland, and two other clubs also eyeing the talented striker.

However, if Leicester can wrap up the deal quickly, Akpom could be in line to make an immediate impact, potentially featuring in Leicester’s upcoming clash against Everton.

Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is under intense pressure after a disappointing run of results, with Leicester securing just two wins, one draw, and suffering seven losses in their last 10 games.

Akpom, who has scored 137 goals and provided 33 assists in 434 career appearances, could be the perfect player to reignite Leicester’s attack and relieve the pressure on Van Nistelrooy.

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Having struggled for consistent playing time at Ajax, Akpom has still netted eight goals this season and could find a fresh start in the Premier League.

But with Leicester’s veteran striker Jamie Vardy still in the mix, Akpom will have to fight for his place in the starting lineup.

Source: The Athletic NG

The UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off draw has set up some thrilling encounters, with Manchester City going head-to-head with defending champions Real Madrid.

Only one of these two recent winners will make it to the last 16, making the match a must-watch.

Scottish champions Celtic have also been handed a tough test, facing Bayern Munich, while Paris Saint-Germain will take on Brest in an all-French affair.

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City narrowly secured their place in the top 24 with a 3-1 win over Club Brugge, setting up a high-stakes clash with Carlo Ancelotti’s European giants.

Celtic, just under two weeks away from their showdown, will need to devise a strategy to contain Bayern’s potent attack, especially after conceding seven goals to Borussia Dortmund in October.

In other matchups, Juventus face PSV Eindhoven, and Feyenoord will battle AC Milan. PSG’s clash with Brest is one to watch, while Monaco will take on Benfica.

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Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa have already secured their spots in the last 16, thanks to finishing in the top eight during the league phase.

These teams will learn their opponents in the next draw on February 21.

The first legs will take place on February 11 and 12, with return fixtures scheduled for February 18 and 19.

Full UEFA Champions League Knockout Phase Playoff Draw:

Club Brugge vs Atalanta

Sporting CP vs Borussia Dortmund

Manchester City vs Real Madrid

Celtic vs Bayern Munich

Juventus vs PSV Eindhoven

Feyenoord vs AC Milan

Brest vs Paris Saint-Germain

Monaco vs Benfica

Source: The Athletic NG