Sport

19Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

India’s legendary athlete Milkha Singh dies of Covid-19 complications aged 91, days after his wife

Legendary Indian athlete, Milkha Singh has died at the age of 91 after a month-long battle with Covid-19, just days after his wife died. Singh contracted Covid-19 last month and was being treated at a hospital in India's northern city of Chandigarh. He died late Friday June  18, after developing complications including fever and dropping oxygen saturation levels, according to News 18. "He fought hard but God has his ways and it was perhaps true love and companionship that both our mother Nirmal ji and now Dad have passed away in a matter of 5 days," the family statement said. Singh's wife, Nirmal Kaur, a former national volleyball captain, also died of the virus last Sunday. Known as the "Flying Sikh," Singh was one of India's most successful track and field athletes. ...

Read More

19Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Intense Scotland Battle to Draw with Sluggish England

A fired-up Scotland side battled to a deserved 0-0 draw in an edgy, intriguing and thrilling renewal of their rivalry with England at a rain-soaked Wembley at Euro 2020 on Friday night. After losing to Czech Republic in their opener, Steve Clarke's side could not afford another slip-up and stormed into their second tournament meeting with England, rattling the confidence Gareth Southgate's team had built from their win over Croatia. It could have been even better for the visitors had Che Adams not passed up three good chances, Jordan Pickford brilliantly saved Stephen O'Donnell's volley, or Reece James not crucially headed away a Lyndon Dykes shot off the line. England hit the post in the first half, when John Stones should have done better with a header from a corner, but wer...

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Chelsea continue Hakimi hunt by offering Alonso and Zappacosta in attempt to reduce Inter asking price

The Blues have a lot of players they can offer to Simone Inzaghi's side, who are open to selling one star this summer to ease their financial worries Chelsea are still in talks with Inter over signing Achraf Hakimi during the summer window, and are offering to swap players to reduce the price. It is understood that Blues full backs Marcos Alonso and Davide Zappacosta are among the players being offered as make-weights. Alonso has been a long-term target for the Serie A giants, while Zappacosta has put himself in the shop window after a successful loan spell at Genoa. The swap is designed to encourage Inter to drop their £68.8m (€80m/$96m) asking price for the 22-year-old, and offload some unwanted players at the same time.

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Tierney close to new five-year Arsenal deal

The 24-year-old, currently on Euro 2020 duty, is set to extend his stay in north London for the next half-decade Kieran Tierney is close to signing a new five-year contract with Arsenal, one that would tie up the Scotland international's future at the Emirates Stadium until 2026, Goal can confirm. The Isle of Man-born left-back has been a key figure for the Gunners since his arrival in 2019, impressing across successive campaigns for Mikel Arteta's side. Now, the 24-year-old - who is currently on Euro 2020 duty with his country - looks set to be rewarded with a bumper long-term deal, and hopes it will be finalised in the coming days.  

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

AC Milan’s Kessie would be good signing for Liverpool Seth Willis

The Ivory Coast midfielder has been linked with a move to the Reds this summer, and lots of Goal readers think this would be an astute move AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie would be a good signing for Premier League side Liverpool, according to the majority of Goal readers. The Ivorian has been doing well for the Serie A heavyweights and has been linked with a move to Anfield, to fill the void left by Georginio Wijnaldum. A big percentage of the readers, 55.1%, believe the 24-year-old would be a good signing for the immediate former English champions, while 44.9% think otherwise.

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

FG Gives Mikel Obi new Appointment

  The federal government has appointed former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, as Youth Ambassador. This was confirmed on Friday, at an event held at the National Stadium, Lagos, which was attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare. According to the Special Adviser to Dare on Media, John Joshua-Akanji, Mikel Obi was described by the Minister as a “role model whose lasting legacies in football development has continued to have a positive impact on youths in the country.” Mikel Obi was assured of Federal Government support whenever he chooses to invest in the country. “Time will not permit me to say much about Mikel’s success as a footballer. He is our legend and a role model who has continued to impact the lives of youth positively. ...

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Euro 2020: Eriksen discharged from hospital

  Denmark midfielder, Christian Eriksen, has been discharged from hospital on Friday. This follows a successful procedure on his heart, less than one week after he suffered a cardiac arrest during their Euro 2020 opening fixture against Finland. Eriksen collapsed on the pitch and was rushed to the nearby Rigshospitalet, where he was fitted with an ICD heart-starting device earlier this week. Having visited his team-mates, he will now return home with his family as he continues to recover. “The operation went well, and I am doing well under the circumstances. It was really great to see the guys again after the fantastic game they played last night. No need to say, that I will be cheering on them on Monday against Russia,” Eriksen was quoted by the Danish Football Uni...

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

It’s Timo Time! Werner can put Chelsea struggles behind him to become Germany’s Euro 2020 saviour

The forward scored just six Premier League goals this season but he should be recalled for his nation's must-win meeting with Portugal on Saturday Timo Werner's greatest Chelsea moment so far did not even involve him touching the ball. The Germany forward was hailed for his decoy run in the Champions League final, allowing Kai Havertz the space to score the only goal against Manchester City and bring the trophy back to London. Fans and Frank Lampard had believed that Werner would become their new star striker, but the 25-year-old finished the season with just six Premier League goals and a total of 12 across all competitions.

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Caf Champions League: 5,000 fans allowed to attend semi-final showdowns

The host teams approached the continent's football authority with the request for fans attendance which has been accepted for Saturday's matches Caf has permitted 5,000 fans to attend the two Caf Champions League semi-final first-leg games on Saturday. Esperance welcome defending champions Al Ahly to the Stade Olympique de Rades while Wydad Casablanca host Kaizer Chiefs at the Mohammed V Stadium in another intriguing fixture. Caf disclosed on Friday that the host teams - Esperance and Wydad - requested fans' presence in their stadiums for the first-leg clashes, and it was accepted after consultations with government and health authorities in Tunisia and Morocco.

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Lille left-back Reinildo survives attempted carjacking in Mozambique

The 27-year-old was a victim of a violent incident while on holiday in his home country after winning the French top-flight crown Lille defender Reinildo Mandava survived an attempted carjacking in Mozambique when he was going to a friend's wedding in the province of Zambezia. The 27-year-old recently returned to the Southeastern African country for his vacation after helping Lille win the 2020-21 Ligue 1 title. However, his offseason turned into a nightmare on Thursday when armed men shot at his car several times in an attempt to steal it.

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Joseph Okumu: Harambee Stars defender closes in on KAA Gent move

The former Free State Stars player is in Belgium to negotiate with the club on a possible move in the summer Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu is closing in on a move to Belgium's top side KAA Gent, Goal can reveal. Okumu has been allowed by his Swedish club, IF Elfsborg, to travel to Ghent and complete talks with the Belgian side. The former Chemelil Sugar centre-back has had an impressive season with Elfsborg and attracted reported interest, mainly from Lorient and Reims of France and from Rangers FC and Celtic of Scotland. "He is in Ghent for formal talks with the club. Negotiations have been ongoing and if everything is agreed on, he will become Gent's new player soon," a source close to Okumu told Goal. Crouch, as the former Real Monarchs star is known, joined the Swedish...

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Ghana captain Ayew sends emotional goodbye message to Swansea City

The 31-year-old was released by the Championship club after the expiry of his contract at the end of the 2020-21 campaign Ghana star Andre Ayew has sent an emotional message to Swansea City's players, coaches and fans following his departure from the club. Earlier this month, the Swans announced Ayew's exit as a free agent after the club’s unsuccessful bid to return to the Premier League. The Black Stars captain was an outstanding figure in Steve Cooper's squad, having finished the last two seasons as the club's top scorer, with 33 goals in 92 Championship appearances in total.

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

‘What Spain have given me is nothing to do with France’ – Laporte explains decision to swap international allegiance

The Manchester City centre-back is in the Spanish squad for Euro 2020, having previously represented Les Bleus at youth level Aymeric Laporte says switching international allegiance from France to Spain was not meant as a swipe at Les Bleus or their coach Didier Deschamps, but was simply the best move for his career and his golden chance to play at a major tournament. The Manchester City central defender was born in France and played for them through the youth levels, including making 19 appearances for their Under-21s. However, Laporte was never handed a senior cap by the world champions and has instead chosen to represent Spain, being eligible through his Basque heritage.

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Benjamin Sesko: Salzburg wonderkid already being dubbed ‘Mini-Haaland’

The 18-year-old, who was previously courted by Man City & Bayern Munich, has already been clocked as having a top speed comparable to Kylian Mbappe Though Red Bull Salzburg was not the club which first developed Erling Haaland, for many fans, they will always be the team with whom they associate the striker's first steps towards superstardom. It was with Salzburg that Haaland first emerged into the consciousness of the wider footballing family, with his run of 28 goals in 22 games at the start of the 2019-20 campaign catapulting him to global fame. Haaland, of course, has gone on to achieve bigger and better things at Borussia Dortmund, and it will not be long before he makes another move to one of the game's true superpowers.

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Garcia responds to Laporte transfer talk after leaving Manchester City for Barcelona

The 20-year-old defender is currently with a familiar face in Spain's Euro 2020 squad and could be reunited with him at club level next season Eric Garcia claims to have had no talks with Aymeric Laporte regarding his future, but considers his Spain team-mate to be a "great player" and would have no complaints if he followed from Manchester City to Barcelona. The 20-year-old defender has made his own switch from Etihad Stadium to Camp Nou this summer, with the Catalan returning to his roots after four years in England. Sergio Aguero has also traded City for the Blaugrana, and Laporte could complete a hat-trick of deals as he is heavily linked with a move away from Manchester.

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

You can’t tell me I can’t beat Mike Tyson’: Logan Paul brags after surviving eight-round exhibition with Floyd Mayweather

Logan Paul has hinted he could go all the way to face Mike Tyson after surviving eight rounds with Floyd Mayweather earlier this month. The YouTuber, who recently faced Mayweather on June 6 escaped being knockout by the American boxing icon. Paul, 26, is now likely to continue his boxing career and claims age would be on his side if he took on Iron Mike, who turns 55 at the end of this month. The YouTuber told his Impaulsive podcast: 'Someone mentioned Mike Tyson. My lawyer mentioned it and he's like, "Nah, Tyson will rip your head off, you don't stand a chance." I'm like, "I just went through all this." You can't tell me I can't beat Mike Tyson. He's old, old.' Tyson recently returned to the ring for a post-retirement exhibition fight with Roy Jones Jr, with the Novembe...

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Biola Okoya Visits her son’s graveyard to mark his 1st Death Anniversary

Biola Okoya, daughter of billionaire businessman, Rasaq Okoya, on Thursday, June 17, paid a visit to the graveside of her son, Ayodeji Akinwande Modupe-Johnson, to mark his first death anniversary. Ayodeji died on Friday, June 12, 2020, after a brief illness. He was 24 years old. The distraught mum recounted how he was always praying to God to make everyone wake up alive the next day, She prayed for his soul to continue to rest in peace. She also launched a foundation in his honor, Akinwande Sickle Cell Foundation, that will help to cater for sickle cell patients. Watch the video below

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Manchester City captain, Fernandinho agrees on new one-year deal with Brazilian midfielder set for his 10th season with the club

Manchester City captain, Fernandinho has agreed on a new one-year contract with the Premier League champions. The Brazilian international, 36, whose leadership played a pivotal role in reigniting City's season will now spend his 10th season with the club According to Jack Gaughan of the Mail, Fernandinho and Manchester City have reached an agreement over a one-year contract extension for the Brazilian midfielder. Gaughan states that Fernandinho is viewed as an 'invaluable member' of Pep Guardiola's first-team squad at Manchester City - which emphasises the club's insistence on retaining his services beyond the summer. The official confirmation of the contract extension will arrive before Manchester City begin their pre-season training ahead of the new campaign, with Guardio...

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Euro 2020: Eriksen’s WhatsApp text to Denmark teammates after Belgium defeat revealed

Denmark playmaker, Christian Erisen, sent a WhatsApp message to his teammates, telling them they had put on a “fantastic” display despite their 2-1 defeat to Belgium at Euro 2020. Four days after Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest against Finland, the Danes returned to action in Group B on Thursday. Kasper Hjulmand’s men got off to a dream start, as Yussuf Poulsen struck in the second minute. However, Roberto Martinez introduced Kevin De Bruyne at the break and the Manchester City midfielder inspired his side to victory. De Bruyne laid on Thorgan Hazard’s equaliser, before netting the decisive goal with 20 minutes remaining. It means the Danes are still without a single point ahead of their final group game against Russia next Monday. “Eriksen wrote in the WhatsApp gro...

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

England vs Scotland: Southgate to make two Changes for Euro 2020 Clash

  England manager, Gareth Southgate, will make two changes to the team to face Scotland in a much anticipated Euro 2020 against Scotland on Friday. Daily Mail reports that Southgate is seriously considering rotating his full backs for the game at Wembley. Reece James is ready to replace Kyle Walker at right back and Luke Shaw is set to pip Ben Chilwell in the race to replace Kieran Trippier on the opposite flank. Southgate will keep faith with Tyrone Mings in central defence despite first-choice centre back, Harry Maguire declaring himself fit following an ankle ligament injury that has kept him out for six weeks. A win against the Scots will see England qualify for the knockout stages. Southgate has admitted that winning the country’s first trophy in 55 years wo...

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Naomi Osaka Pulls Out of Wimbledon but Plans to Return for Tokyo Olympics

Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from this month's Wimbledon championships for personal reasons but plans to be back for the Tokyo Olympics. "Naomi won’t be playing Wimbledon this year," the statement read. "She is taking some personal time with friends and family. She will be ready for the Olympics and is excited to play in front of her home fans." The summer Olympics begin on July 23. This is the third tournament the women's No. 2 ranked tennis player will miss after withdrawing from the French Open and opting out of a Wimbledon warmup tournament in Berlin. In May, Osaka withdrew from the French Open after being fined $15,000 for refusing to speak to the media at Roland Garros. The four-time Grand Slam champion posted a statement on Twitter saying she was pulling out so that ...

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first person in the world to reach 300 Million followers on Instagram

Cristiano Ronaldo has continued to shatter records on and off the field. This time, the Portuguese and Juventus striker has become the first person in the world to reach 300 million followers on the social media platform, Instagram. Notably, he was also the first person to breach the 200 million mark on Instagram. This comes days after he became the all-time EURO scorer after scoring his tenth and 11th finals goals, to go clear of Michel Platini. The 36-year-old is now just three goals away from matching Iranian Ali Daei’s all-time international scoring record of 109

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Euro 2020: Mourinho predicts outcome of England vs Scotland clash

Roma manager, Jose Mourinho, has said England will defeat Scotland in their Euro 2020 group game on Friday. According to the former Chelsea and Manchester United boss, it would take a “miracle” for Steve Clarke’s team to win. The two rivals clash in a Group D match and if the Three Lions are victorious, they will qualify for the last 16 with a game to spare, following their 1-0 victory over Croatia in the group opener. Scotland, meanwhile, are desperate for maximum points after losing 2-0 to the Czech Republic on Monday. Mourinho wrote for The Sun: “They [Scotland] are super-motivated and they have that Braveheart spirit but in football it’s very, very rare that miracles happen. “When I say miracles, I mean a team overcoming a huge difference in quality. “Can Scotland...

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Sergio Ramos’s next Possible club Revealed

  Former Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos, is set to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). According to bookmakers Betfair, PSG have now become the favourites to sign Ramos this summer. The French Ligue 1 giants are ahead of Manchester United, Manchester City, Sevilla and Juventus to sign the veteran Spanish defender. Ramos officially left Real Madrid on Thursday after spending 16 years at the club. The 35-year-old won 22 trophies during his time at Real Madrid. The centre-back joined Los Blancos in 2005 in a €27 million move from Sevilla. Meanwhile, In January this year, Ramos told Real Madrid that PSG are keen to create a super-team by signing him and Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi. He said, “Someone from PSG has told me that they are going to create a great ...

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Tottenham take Final Decision on appointing Gattuso to Replace Mourinho

  English Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur, have finally ruled out any possibility of appointing Gennaro Gattuso to replace Jose Mourinho as the club’s new manager. Gattuso had emerged as the leading candidate to replace Mourinho as manager after talks with Paulo Fonseca broke down. Tottenham had verbally agreed on terms with Fonseca over a two-year deal, but negotiations between the two parties broke down on Thursday. Spurs had also tried to appoint former Inter Milan manager, Antonio Conte, to replace Mourinho, who was sacked in April, but talks broke down earlier in June. According to The Athletic, Tottenham have now decided against appointing Gattuso as their new manager after the former Napoli coach suffered a furious backlash from Spurs’ fans on Twitter....

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

‘Messi has to finish his career at Barcelona’ – Koeman confident new contract will be announced ‘soon’

The Blaugrana boss believes fresh terms will be agreed with a talismanic figure at Camp Nou, preventing him from hitting free agency Ronald Koeman says Lionel Messi "has to finish his career at Barcelona", with the Blaugrana boss expecting a contract extension for the mercurial Argentine to be announced "soon". The six-time Ballon d'Or winner is yet to make an official decision on his future, with the 33-year-old still seeing his current deal run down towards free agency. The expectation is, however, that he will extend a career-long association with the Liga heavyweights, with fresh terms on the table and ready to be signed.

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Argentina’s new No.1 Martinez set for Copa America showdown against Suarez and Cavani

The new Albiceleste No.1 faces his biggest challenge yet in international colours in the shape of the lethal Uruguay duo at the Copa America It took barely a week for Emiliano Martinez to receive his formal introduction to the rough-and-tumble world of South American football. Prior to his Argentina debut against Chile on June 3, the Aston Villa goalkeeper had held the curious distinction of never having played a competitive professional game in his home nation. He was just 18 when he left boyhood club Independiente for Arsenal, meaning that clash in Santiago del Estero was his first taste of action in Argentina. And in the second World Cup qualifier, Colombia defender Yerry Mina made sure that he left his mark on the shot-stopper.

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Daredevil Alex Harvill, 28, dies while practicing for a world record motorcycle jump

Daredevil Alex Harvill died on Thursday, June 17 while practicing for a world record motorcycle ramp jump, officials in Washington state have said. He was just 28 years old.     Harvill, who lived in Washington, was hoping to break the record of a 351-foot jump, according to the Moses Lake Airshow, where his attempt was scheduled to occur on Thursday. Before he died he posted a video on his Instagram page showing fans the challenge he was about to undertake. The video of the practice jump at the Grant County International Airport posted to social media showed Harvill's motorcycle running directly into the top edge of the large dirt berm being used as his landing ramp, resulting in Harvill been thrown from the bike. He was trying to break the record set by Au...

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Cosafa Cup Draw: Malawi not afraid to face neighbours Zambia – Fazili

The assistant tactician states their readiness to face any team in the tournament after the draw was done on Thursday Malawi assistant coach Lovemore Fazili has confidently stated they are not afraid to come up against neighbours Zambia in the group stage of the 2021 Cosafa Cup. The Flames were drawn in Group C of the competition that will be staged in Port Elizabeth, South Africa from July 7-18, alongside the Chipolopolo, Comoros, and Madagascar. Six-time winners Zimbabwe are in Group D alongside guests Senegal, Mozambique, and Namibia while hosts South Africa headline Group A that also includes Lesotho, Botswana, and Eswatini.

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Euro 2020: All countries that have qualified for knockout stage so far

  A total of three countries have qualified for the knockout stage of the ongoing Euro 2020. The countries are Italy, Belgium and Netherlands. Italy became the first country to book their place in the Round of 16 following their 3-0 win over Switzerland on Wednesday night. Roberto Mancini’s side came into the game top of Group A, after they beat Turkey 3-0 in their first game. Belgium defeated Denmark 2-1 on Thursday to top Group B, thanks to goals from Thorgan Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne. Netherlands won 2-0 against Austria on Thursday night to top Group C with six points. Memphis Depay and Denzel Dumfries scored the goals for Netherlands. Meanwhile, England will tackle Scotland on Friday night, while Croatia will face Czech Republic in the other Group D fi...

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Euro 2020: England Coach, Southgate defends Coca-Cola after Cristiano Ronaldo’s gesture

  England coach, Gareth Southgate has defended Coca-Cola after Cristiano Ronaldo’s gesture against the Euro 2020 sponsor. Southgate answered questions alongside England captain, Harry Kane, ahead of Friday’s clash with Scotland. Ronaldo had caused a stir earlier this week when he moved two Coke bottles out of view, insisting he prefers “Agua” (water). Italy midfielder, Manuel Locatelli, also opted to get rid of the Coke bottles. Coca Cola is one of the main sponsors of Euro 2020 and has paid to display its products at press conferences involving star players. When asked on Thursday about having the bottles in front of them [Southgate and Kane], the Three Lions boss told reporters during his pre-match press conference that sponsors help sports to function, particu...

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Franck Kessie: Should Liverpool be considering AC Milan talisman?

Could the Rossoneri's star man prove to be a valuable addition to the Reds' patchy midfield? It was perhaps fitting that Franck Kessie got the goals that secured AC Milan’s place in next season’s Champions League. The Ivory Coast midfielder netted twice from the spot in the 2-0 victory over Atalanta on the final day to see the Rossoneri return to Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since 2013/14. Having looked to be in the title race at the turn of the year, Stefano Pioli’s troops had to battle through an extended decline in the New Year to end in the top four. Their arduous journey had to have thrown doubt into the minds of the club’s supporters who feared the team was set for an eighth season without CL football.

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Why Memphis Depay Failed at Man United – Rio Ferdinand

  Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand, has said that Netherlands forward, Memphis Depay, failed to make an impact during his time at the Red Devils because of ‘numerous’ factors, including ‘timing’ and a lack of maturity. Depay arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2015 on the back of a sensational season with PSV and hopes were high of him to restore pride to a stagnant Man United side. But the 27-year-old, who cost Man United £25 million, struggled for consistency under Louis van Gaal. Also, Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Man United failed to make a difference for Depay’s career at the club and in January 2017, the player was sold to Lyon. Depay, who scored a goal for Netherlands in their 2-0 win over Austria at the Euro 2020 on Thursday, has shown significant ...

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

‘It’s impossible not to smile back’ – Pele ‘rooting’ for emotional Neymar to break his Brazilian goal record

The PSG forward is now just nine behind the Selecao's all-time top scorer after netting against Peru on Thursday in the Copa America Pele says that he is rooting for the "always smiling" Neymar to break his all-time Brazilian goal record of 77 after the Paris Saint-Germain forward took his tally to 68 by scoring against Peru. Neymar was in tears after scoring for the Selecao in a 4-0 win over Peru in the Copa America, explaining how it had been a difficult few years for his nation and that he just wants to make his people proud. And Pele, widely considered one of the greatest players ever, commented that it was "impossible not to smile back" when watching Neymar express himself on a football pitch.

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

‘Depay is a maverick, he went to Man Utd too young’ – Ferdinand

The Red Devils legend thinks the Lyon forward's move to Manchester came too early and that he wasn't mature enough to make the grade Rio Ferdinand has offered an explanation as to why Memphis Depay failed at Manchester United while describing the Netherlands star as a "maverick". Depay is currently starring at the European Championships with his country, having earned a place in Frank de Boer's squad after another stellar individual campaign at Lyon. The 27-year-old is now regarded among the top forwards on the continent, and is reportedly on the verge of joining Spanish giants Barcelona, but his ill-fated stint at Old Trafford between 2015 and 2017 remains a black mark on his overall career record.

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Euro 2020: Ronaldo not the most valuable player in Portugal team – Bruno Fernandes

  Portugal playmaker, Bruno Fernandes, has said captain of the team, Cristiano Ronaldo, is not the most valuable player. Ronaldo netted a brace, as the defending champions beat Hungary 3-0 in their first Euro 2020 game on Tuesday. Yet while he may be nearing the all-time record goalscoring tally at international level, Fernandes feels his contribution to the group as a whole is what takes precedence. Discussing his captain, Fernandes told reporters: “Ronaldo is influential, as always. He is another one who wants to do his best and is making a difference.” Before adding: “The most valuable player in the national team is the ‘we’. The ‘we’ is the most important, there are many Is, but the ‘us’ is what counts.”

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Chelsea Confirm deal for 23-year-old star

Chelsea have confirmed that 23-year-old defender, Fikayo Tomori, has joined AC Milan on a permanent deal. The UEFA Champions League winner made this known in a statement on the club’s official website on Thursday. The statement read in part, “Fikayo Tomori will complete a permanent transfer from Chelsea to AC Milan on 1 July. “The defender spent the second half of last season on loan with Milan, but will make that move permanent next month after a deal was agreed between the two clubs.” Tomori played 22 games for AC Milan last season after his January loan move, helping them to secure Champions League qualification with a third-place finish in Serie A. His only goal came in a crucial 3-0 league win over Juventus in May, 2021. After finalising his move to AC Milan, Tom...

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Euro 2020: Harry Kane explains why he didn’t remove Coca Cola bottles like Ronaldo

  England captain, Harry Kane, has said sponsors are entitled to do what they want, after choosing not to follow Cristiano Ronaldo in removing Coca Cola bottles at a pre-match press conference on Thursday. Kane answered questions alongside manager Gareth Southgate ahead of Friday’s clash with Scotland. The striker decided not to move the bottles kept in front of him, unlike some of his fellow superstars at Euro 2020. Portugal captain, Ronaldo caused a stir earlier this week when he moved two Coke bottles out of view, insisting he prefers “Agua” (water). Coca Cola is one of the main sponsors of Euro 2020 and has paid to display its products at press conferences involving star names. Italy midfielder, Manuel Locatelli also opted to get rid of the Coke bottles. But ...

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Zidane reacts as Sergio Ramos officially leaves Real Madrid

  Former Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, has reacted to the departure of captain Sergio Ramos from Los Blancos. Ramos, 35, officially leaves Real Madrid on Thursday after spending 16 years at Santiago Bernabeu. The veteran Spanish centre-back won 22 trophies during his time at Real Madrid. Reacting, Zidane thanked Ramos for the time they spent together at Real Madrid, describing him as a great captain in the club’s history. In a post via his Instagram account, Zidane said, “It was a great pleasure and honour to have you as a teammate and a player. A great captain in our history. Thanks so much for everything.” Ramos featured 671 times for Real Madrid and scored 101 goals.

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

2023: Kelechi Iheanacho visits Gov Yahaya Bello [Photos]

  Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho has visited Governor Yahaya Bello. The Governor is seeking support from sportsmen, women and popular figures as he shows interest to run in the 2023 presidential election. The Leicester City striker’s visit came just a few days after former Chelsea star, John Mikel Obi visited the Governor. In a post on the Governor’s official Facebook page, Bello said: “Finally, Senior Man Kells Kelechi Iheanacho don cut soap for me! “It is always a pleasure to meet a teaming, Patriotic, Vibrant #nigerian #Youth. Congratulations once again on your #facup win.” Although the reason for Iheanacho’s visit is not yet known, it might have to do with Bello’s ambition to contest for Nigeria’s presidency in 2023. Bello had on more than one occ...

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Euro 2020: UEFA States position on Ronaldo, Pogba, others removing Coca-Cola, Heineken bottles

  UEFA has asked players in the ongoing European championships to stop moving strategically placed sponsor drinks from news conference platforms. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal was the first to start the trend when he pushed aside two Coca-Cola bottles from his vicinity, replacing them with a water bottle. Italy’s Manuel Locatelli joined the Portugal star by also removing Coca-Cola bottles during a press conference. Paul Pogba, a Muslim, who does not drink alcohol, also copied Ronaldo by removing a distinctive green bottle of official Euro 2020 beer sponsor Heineken, even though the product is marketed as 0.0% alcohol. Martin Kallen, Euro 2020 tournament director said UEFA has “communicated with the teams regarding this matter”, Sky Sports reports. “It is importan...

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Netherlands Cruise Past Austria and into Last 16

Goals in each half from Memphis Depay and Denzel Dumfries saw Netherlands cruise past Austria 2-0 in Amsterdam to book their place in the last 16 of Euro 2020 as Group C winners. The hosts took an early lead from a penalty, given after the intervention of the Video Assistant Referee who spotted that Austria captain David Alaba had caught Dumfries in the box, with Depay converting from the spot. And it was Dumfries who doubled the Dutch lead midway through the second half with a simple close-range finish after the visitors' offside trap malfunctioned badly, the PSV Eindhoven right-back's second goal of the tournament. As a result, Frank de Boer's side have joined both Italy and Belgium in the knockout phase having won Group C with a match to spare, while Austria c...

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Gattuso in talks to Replace Mourinho at Tottenham

  Gennaro Gattuso has emerged the leading candidate to replace Jose Mourinho as Tottenham Hotspur manager after talks with Paulo Fonseca broke down. Spurs had verbally agreed on terms with Fonseca over a two-year deal, but negotiations between the two parties broke down on Thursday. Sky in Italy claims the deal was scuppered by financial reasons. Spurs’ new managing director of football, Fabio Paratici, is a huge fan of Gattuso and considers him a more appealing appointment. Gattuso left Fiorentina today, 23 days after having joined as manager. This follows a dispute with the Serie A club over which players to sign this summer. Paratici had tried to appoint former Inter Milan head coach Antonio Conte but talks broke down earlier in June.

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Real Madrid Contract Offer to me Expired – Sergio Ramos

  Sergio Ramos has revealed he “never wanted to leave Real Madrid” and claims he was ready to accept the club’s offer of a one-year contract extension but was told it had expired. Madrid announced on Wednesday that the 35-year-old will leave when his deal runs out at the end of June. Ramos became emotional during a farewell ceremony on Thursday, which was attended by club president Florentino Perez, board members, club staff and Ramos’ family. “In the last few months, the club made me an offer of one year, with a pay cut. Real Madrid confirm Sergio Ramos’ exit “It wasn’t a financial problem. They offered me one year, I wanted two. I wanted calm and continuity for my family. “In the latest conversations, I accepted the offer with a pay cut, and I was told there w...

Read More

18Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Sergio Ramos Reveals club he will never join after Leaving Real Madrid

Sergio Ramos has vowed never to join Barcelona after leaving Real Madrid yesterday. The Spanish defender is now a free agent after 16 years with Los Blancos. At an emotional farewell ceremony on Thursday, talk inevitably turned towards his future. Ramos has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. Although the 35-year-old refused to confirm his next destination, he emphatically ruled out the notion of him ever playing for Real’s great rivals Barcelona. “Since January I’ve been on the market, so there have been some calls, interested clubs. “But we never had in mind leaving Real Madrid. From now, we will look for a good option “Sevilla is the other club of my heart, had a marvellous time there. But today I am not thinking about that option....

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

FCAAN is achieving its objectives for football coaches – Henry Abiodun

The veteran tactician discloses that the body will not relent in its efforts to make sure African coaches are better quipped for modern-day coaching Football Coaches Association of African Nations director of coaching education, Henry Abiodun states that the body is achieving its set goals and objectives. With the ambition of taking coaching education to an enviable height, the body continues to train coaches across Africa. FCAAN’s latest drive was a seven-day ‘C’ course programme held in Akure in May where over 100 Nigerian coaches were in attendance.

Read More

17Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Maguire will be involved in England’s Euro 2020 showdown against Scotland, confirms Southgate

The Three Lions boss has confirmed that the Manchester United defender is ready to return to action in the Group D clash at Wembley Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Harry Maguire will be involved in England's Euro 2020 showdown against Scotland. Maguire was named in Southgate's final 26-man squad for the tournament despite having been out of action since limping out of Manchester United's Premier League clash with Aston Villa on May 9. The 28-year-old played no part in England's warm-up games against Austria and Romania or their Group D opener against Croatia on Sunday, but he could now be set to make his long-awaited return from his ankle injury against Scotland at Wembley.

Read More

17Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Waldrum ‘proud’ of Super Falcons despite defeat to USA

The reigning African champions bowed to the Stars and Stripes, but the American tactician praised his side for their doggedness Randy Waldrum has expressed his appreciation with Nigeria’s performance against the United States of America, despite losing 2-0. Lifted by their 3-3 draw with Portugal the last time out, the African side came into the encounter with the ambition of achieving another positive result. However, they bowed to the four-time Women’s World Cup winners with goals from Christen Press and Lynn Williams settling the encounter at the Q2 Stadium, Austin, Texas.

Read More

17Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

What Real Madrid must look for in Ramos replacement – Yobo

The former Everton star has advised the La Liga giants on what they should watch out for while thinking of replacing the Los Blancos legend Nigerian football great Joseph Yobo has advised Real Madrid to target a centre-back with a ‘strong character’ and ‘strong personality’ as a replacement for Sergio Ramos. Ramos joined Los Blancos from Sevilla in 2005 and went ahead to play over 670 games for the Santiago Bernabeu giants. As the 2021-22 season draws closer, the 34-time La Liga kings are expected to bolster their backline with another world-class centre-back.  

Read More

17Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Coca-Cola market value drops by $4b after Cristiano Ronaldo snubbed the drink for water during press conference

Soft drink corporation, Coca Cola are feeling the effect of star power after it's market value dropped by as much as $4 billion following a memorable moment this week in which soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo held up a bottle of water instead of Coca-Cola.   At a press conference on Monday this week, Ronaldo moved two bottles of Coca-Cola, one of the official sponsors of the event, and then picked up a bottle of water. "Água!" he exclaimed in Portuguese, setting the bottle down in the center of his desk, suggesting people should take water instead.   By the end of the press conference for the European Championship, Coca-Cola's shares had dropped 1.6%, to $55.22 from $56.17. That lopped $4 billion off the beverage behemoth's market value, with the shares sinking a...

Read More