Author: Oladimeji Adeoye

Nigeria’s assistant captain, Troost Ekong, has been nominated for the MVP player of the tournament following his outstanding performance at the just-concluded Africa Nations Cup in Côte d’Ivoire. The Super Eagles had a tremendous run, remaining unbeaten from the group stage to reach the finals. However, they were denied the trophy for the fourth time after suffering a 2-1 defeat against the host team. Troost scored Nigeria’s only goal in the first half with a brilliant header, but unfortunately, his effort was neutralized by Frankie Kessie, and Sebastien Haller’s superb touch in the second half ended Nigeria’s dream. Ekong, who…

Arsenal convincingly defeated West Ham in the London Derby at the London Stadium with a resounding 6-0 victory, marking Arsenal’s fourth consecutive win in the Premier League.  Bukayo Saka scored twice, once in each half, while Saliba, Gabriel, Trossard, and Rice also contributed goals for the Gunners. This match was significant for Bukayo Saka, who now has 51 goals and has been involved in 100 goals while wearing the Arsenal jersey. Arsenal is currently tied on 52 points with Manchester City, trailing league leaders Liverpool by just 2 points with a game in hand.

Former AS Roma head José Mourinho has stated his views on how resplendent the VAR has been used in the African Cup of Nations since it kicked off.  Mourinho asserted that the AFCON uses the VAR better than the originators, indicating that CAF referees have shown honesty in their usage of the VAR. “I have watched AFCON more than European football. They are simply teaching us, to be honest. In AFCON VAR is used exactly the way it should be used. The Portuguese highlighted that the African referees don’t comprise in their course of discharging their duties using the VAR.…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria mourned the tragic loss of fans who passed away during their semi-final match against South Africa on Wednesday. Reports indicate that at least five fans died while watching the game, which ended in a 1-1 draw and was decided by a penalty shootout. The fans reportedly collapsed and died after a controversial decision by the referee to cancel Nigeria’s second goal, scored by Victor Osimhen. The Super Eagles expressed their condolences and grief through an official statement, acknowledging the fans’ passion for the game that unknowingly led to their final moments. “In a cruel twist…

Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcântara season may have come to an end after the club’s first team manager confirmed that the Spaniard has suffered another injury spell. Thiago has been absent for the entire of Liverpool’s campaign this season, having only played 5 minutes against Arsenal in the Premier League, where Liverpool were beaten 3-1 last Sunday at the Emirates Stadium. “Thiago, obviously, is not cool. Everything looked absolutely fantastic in training. We showed quite a lot of things, I think, on LFCTV so you can see the training moments, and it looks outstanding so you think, ‘Come on, take him,…

The Football Governing is set to introduce the use of blue cards during professional games.  A player who commits cynical fouls or shows dissent will be shown the card and would be out of play (in the sin-bin) for 10 minutes. MSport on their Facebook page, said this about the development: “A blue card is to be introduced in professional football as part of sin-bin trials, According to reports, the card will see players removed from the field for 10 minutes if they commit a cynical foul or show dissent.” ESPN also asserted this on their Facebook page: “Players who…

The Premier League has revealed nominees for January awards, which includes six Premier League players and four Coaches.  The six players shortlisted for the January 2024 EA SPORTS Player of the Month award include: two players from Liverpool, Diogo Jota and youngster Conor Bradley, Gabriel Magallanes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur’s Richarlison, Elijah Adebayo of Luton Town and Manchester City midfielder Kevin Debruyne. In the coach category, The nominees for January 2024’s Barclays Manager of the Month award have been revealed, and you can help to decide the winner. The fans’ votes will be combined with those of a panel of…

Nigerians went on social media to criticize Italian football team Napoli for celebrating Nigerian player Victor Osimhen only after he helped Nigeria qualify for the 2023 African Cup of Nations final.  Napoli had not acknowledged Osimhen’s performance earlier in the tournament, which upset many Nigerians. One person, Onyeani, expressed disappointment in Napoli’s delayed recognition, using a mix of Pidgin and English to convey their frustration. They compared Napoli’s actions to cooking jollof rice with specific ingredients and questioned why the club hadn’t supported Osimhen from the start. Dr. Stan criticized Napoli for not valuing Osimhen, suggesting he should consider moving…

Super Eagle’s journey to their fourth title has one more mountain to conquer, which is the host nation. Ivory Coast reached the final of the tournament following their 1-0 full-time victory over Dr. Congo last night in the Semi final and will face the Eagles yet again but in the final this time. Nigeria edged Ivory Coast in the second game of group A through Troost Ekong 55th spot kick. Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria scale through to the round of 16 in group A, while Ivory Coast made it as one of the best third places. It’s Super Eagle’s first…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria reached the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 11 years after a terrific performance against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.  The game which extended to extra time was finally decided by penalty shoot out. Nigeria beat South Africa to reach the final. First half: The game kicked off with both sides looking disciplined and avoiding noticeable errors. In the 15th minute, South Africa had a better of the ball possession, utilizing the vulnerability of Nigeria in the midfield. The first half ended on a barren draw as…

Chippa United Chairman Siviwe Chippa Mpengesi has revealed that he and the Club will be supporting Stanley Nwabali tonight against Bafana Bafana of South Africa when both nations battle each other for the AFCON final.  Nigeria shot stopper Stanley Nwabali has been with the South African outfit, Chippa United, since 2022 where he was spotted by the Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro. Stanley Nwabali was first capped during preparatory friendlies before the commencement of the 2023 AFCON. His confidence and reliability has now earned him the number 1 spot in the Eagles team. In his 5 games so far…

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has made an honest assertion in regards to coaching Chelsea Football Club. The Argentine disclosed that having Chelsea job as the head coach is one of the toughest.  Having made his stints In England with Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, Pochettino returned to the Premier League, signing a two-year contract with Chelsea Football Club. “It’s a tough job. It’s a difficult job here at Chelsea. But at the same time, it’s an exciting project”. “Knowing it’s difficult, in this type of moment we are living in a situation that is not nice, we can learn. It’s a…

Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen has been declared not fit to travel with the team to Boukare due to abdominal discomfort the Napoli striker is experiencing.  “Members of the team traveled from Abidjan to Bouaké today via a 10pm Air Côte d’Ivoire flight. Osimhen did not, however, make the trip as a result of abdominal discomfort.” According to the Super Eagles, one of the team’s medical Doctors has been asked to stay with the player while his progress is monitored. He will join the team when he’s declared fit. “Team medics confirmed that he has been placed under close watch,…

Manchester United has announced that Lisandro Martínez has sustained an injury on his knee which will keep him out of action for 8 weeks. “Lisandro Martinez has sustained an injury to the medial collateral ligament in his knee and is expected to be out of action for at least eight weeks.” According to the club, Martinez was subbed off in the 71st minute during their Premier League clash against the Hammers yesterday. “The Argentine defender left the field in the 71st minute of our 3-0 win over West Ham United at Old Trafford on Sunday.” The club also wished him…

The Egypt Football Association today announced the sack of national team head coach Rui Vitoria following their horrendous exit from the ongoing 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.  In a released statement, the Egypt FA Directors appreciated the Portuguese and his members of staff. Furthermore, the EFA added that the national team will be spearheaded by former Al Ahly coach Mohamed Youseff. Egypt lost Mohamed Salah after their second game of the group stage and were knocked out by Dr. Congo during the round of 16 via a penalty shootout. Egypt’s journey to their dream 8th ended with their inability to…

Arsenal defeated Liverpool to rebuild their title hopes at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s boys resilience earned them a 3-1 emphatic victory over their tormentor Liverpool. First half: Arsenal took the lead in the 13th minute, all thanks to Bukayo Saka who converted a rebounce from Allison Becker. Gabriel’s own goal returned Liverpool to the game, leveling up 1-1 at half-time. Second Half: The second half started with high spirits from both teams. Gabriel Martineli took advantage of Virgil Van Dijks and Allison Becker’s lack of communication to set Arsenal ahead in the 66th minute. Liverpool’s chances to get a…

Wolves beat Chelsea this afternoon following a 2-4 scoreline after full-time at Stamford Bridge. Matheus Cunha’s hat trick was enough for the visitors, who smiled home with the deserving three points. Despite Chelsea grabbing an early lead via Cole Palmer’s 19th-minute goal, Chelsea lost the first half through Matheus Cunha’s equalizer and Disasi’s horrendous own goal. However, Chelsea had better control of the first half with 63% ball possession against their visitors who managed 37%. Wolves continued their goal prowess in the second half, adding up to their lead through another brilliant strike from Matheus Cunha in the 63rd minute.…

All 24 participating Nations have been trimmed to 4 following four rounds of Group stages, Round of 16, Quarter finals and now the Semi finals. Four countries booked their qualifications, beginning with the Super Eagles who edged the Stable Antelopes of Angola in a vigorous and slim victory of 1-0. The Super Eagles of Nigeria will lock horns against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, who made their way to the last four after beating Cape Verde on a penalty shoot out. Regardless of the two red cards host Nation Côte d’Ivoire had in the first and second halves against…

The 20 year old Northern Ireland right back has been consoled by the club via their website: “Liverpool youngster Conor Bradley lost his Dad to death today. “Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the death of Conor Bradley’s father, Joe, today. The thoughts of everybody at the club are with Conor and all the Bradley family at this very difficult and sad time. On behalf of Conor, LFC strongly urges that the family’s privacy is fully respected at this time.” Conor was called up into the senior team following Trent Alexander Arnold injury, his brilliance in games he has featured…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria last night reached a milestone for the most appearances in the African Cup of Nations since its inception in 1957. History was made following Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over the Stable Antelopes of Angola in the quarter-finals round of the tournament in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Many football enthusiasts had lessened their hope for Nigeria after their stringent encounter against the Equatorial Guinea where they were held to a 1-1 in the second game of group A. They have now risen with a shock performance defiling every odds to reach the last four in the 2023 edition.…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria triumphed over the Stable Antelopes of Angola to reach the final four following a 1-0 victory at full-time.  Ademola Lookman rescued Nigeria again, scoring the lone goal that separated both sides after a stringent 90 minutes of play. First Half: The first half was intense, with both sides looking dangerous and promising. Of course, Nigeria took the lead in the late minutes of the first half. It was an excellent drive from Simon Moses who provided the assist to Ademola Lookman – he placed the goal beyond the reach of the Angola goalkeeper, giving Nigeria…

Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala has reached an agreement to join United States outfit Bay Area FC on loan until the end of the season. According to Barcelona, the six times Africa Best player (female) contract is due to end at the end of the season; she will join the American club immediately with no option to return to Barcelona. “An agreement has been reached between FC Barcelona and Bay FC from the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States of America for the transfer of Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala, whose contract was set to end on 30 June 2024.…

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has showered encomium on Carlos Ancelloti for his new role and scoring prowess since joining the club during the summer.  During an exclusive interview with Real Madrid TV, the English midfielder explained how his playing a different role has helped step up his game. Jude said while at Dortmund he played deep, but he has been given the freedom to move upfront and everywhere on the pitch. “My role has changed since I came to this club. At Dortmund, I scored quite a few goals, but I played further back. It was more difficult to…

The Nigeria Premier Football League has announced a new date for the second round of the 2023-24 season. The return leg, which was originally scheduled to begin February 3, 2024, has been extended to February 14, 2024. In the document sent to clubs by the Chief Operating Officer of the league organizer endorsed by Prince Davidson Owumi, it was stated that the decision was agreed so as to capture the complete attention of players, fans, and all other stakeholders at this time of the prime African football tournament. The statement sincerely regrets any disruption this new arrangement would cause the…

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp reached 200 Premier League wins last night when his side leveled Chelsea in a 5 goals thriller match at Anfield.  The 56 year old has overseen 318 Premier League games for Liverpool – in those games he has won 200, drew 74 and lost 44. Liverpool extended their lead on the Premier League log by five points ahead of arch rival Manchester City, who has a game at hand. The first half ended with a 2-0 lead from Liverpool, Diogo Jota and youngster Conor Bradley who has been pivotal since the absence of vice Captain Trent…

Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has revealed that there’s no possibility that Friday’s tie against Angola will end in a stalemate. The Kasimpasa defender believes a win will separate both sides. “We have absolutely no need to go into back-and-forth chatter with any team. The Super Eagles are in Cote d’Ivoire for serious business. We have not played Angola for a long time, but I remember we played them in 2012 in a friendly, and it ended in a draw. I have also read of how previous encounters between the two countries have been quite close. “There is no possibility…

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has been an unexpected kind of tournament, as football enthusiasts are currently witnessing massive surprises in every round.   The tie between the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and the Atlas Lions of Morocco, in which the Moroccans were beaten, means none of the top 5 ranked African Nations made it beyond the round of 16 – a testament depicting the unpredictable nature of AFCON. Morocco, who ranks 13th in the World and first in Africa following their transcendent performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup as the first African nations to ever reach the…

Manchester United’s first team coach Erik ten Hag has confirmed the return of Cameroon shot stopper Andre Onana following Cameroon’s exit at the ongoing AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. Onana was in the goal post in Red Devils’ last Premier League game against Tottenham—a feat that made him miss Cameroon’s first AFCON game against Guinea. Realizing how rigorous their second group game could be, Rigobert Song called up experienced Onana into the first team against Senegal where he conceded 3 goals which was Cameroon most defeat suffered before being eliminated by Nigeria in the round of 16. According to multiple reports,…

The host nation of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire has defied every (odds) to reach the quarter-finals round after defeating the defending Champions Senegal in an explosive encounter last night. Senegal, who won the 2021 edition of the AFCON title, lost on penalties following a 1-1 full time score line in Charles Konan Banny Stadium (Yamoussoukro). Senegal got an early lead in the 4th minute through Al Shabab forward Habib Daillo strike. Côte d’Ivoire responded in the 86th minute via Frankie Kessie’s spot kick to level on the score line of 1-1—extending the game to an extra…

The Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, on his Social Media page praised the resilience put in by his boys after they defeated the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon last night during the round of 16 2023 AFCON. Nigeria triumphed over Cameroon (all thanks to Ademola Lookman’s brace) to book their spot in the last eight and will battle Angola on Friday in an expected mouth-watering encounter. “Yesterday against Cameroon we got an excellent win, in yet another game without conceding a goal and where our boys were huge.” Peseiro said the victory and performance has done Nigerians proud , that…