Tag: competition

15Jan By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Afcon 2021: Nigeria desire to dominate as favourites

Having thrived as slight underdogs against Egypt, the Super Eagles’ approach against Sudan will interest fans and neutrals alike   Has the excitement from Tuesday lessened yet? Nigeria went into their opening Africa Cup of Nations clash with Egypt with supporters unsure of what to expect. Despite the gap in quality not being particularly wide, the Super Eagles’ thorny preparation meant a side that were unbeaten in 16 successive games in the competition’s group phase were backed to win, or at least not lose. Augustine Eguavoen had only taken over the team in December, a month to the finals, after the jettisoning of Gernot Rohr at the backend of 2021.

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15Jan By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Nigeria vs Sudan: Alex Iwobi talks tough, issues warning to Super Eagles

Super Eagles star, Alex Iwobi has said that Nigeria will give the same desire they showed in their game against Egypt when they face Sudan at the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, tie on Saturday evening. Iwobi also warned Augustine Eguavoen’s men not to be complacent when they clash with Sudan today. Nigeria head to the game after beating Egypt 1-0, while Sudan drew with Guinea-Bissau. Speaking to NFF TV, the Everton star said: “Personally, I am always ready no matter what game it is. Obviously, it is a big competition and we have already made our mark in the first game, but we can’t be complacent. “We are going to give the same desire that we showed in the first game and hopefully get the result we need. “The team is really psyched up, especially after that firs...

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14Jan By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Raheem Sterling wins Premier League Player of the Month for December

Manchester City striker, Raheem Sterling, has been voted the Premier League Player of the Month for December. The England international had scored five goals and provided one assist  last month, where City won all seven Premier League games. I t's the first time in three years Sterling will be winning the EPL player of the month award. He won the award ahead of team-mate Joao Cancelo, who was also nominated. He’s the first City player to win the award this season. “I am delighted to win this award again – but December was an amazing month for the whole team,” he was quoted by City’s website. “The Premier League is the most challenging competition in the world, so to win all seven of our league games throughout the month of December is incredible. “Contributing to...

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12Jan By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Chelsea Ease Past Spurs into Carabao Cup final

Chelsea booked their spot in the Carabao Cup final as they eased past Tottenham 3-0 on aggregate. Leading 2-0 from the first leg of their semi-final, Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger headed the only goal of the game early in the first half at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to seal their passage to Wembley. They will face Arsenal or Liverpool in the final, with their delayed second leg getting under way on Thursday night, live on Sky Sports Football. For Tottenham, it is one more opportunity gone this season to end their 14-year trophy drought since they won this competition in 2008. They are likely now left with just the FA Cup.

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11Jan By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

British No.1,Emma Raducanu is thrashed in just 55 minutes in her first match of 2022

Emma Raducanu has suffered her first loss of 2022 to Elena Rybakina in the Sydney Classic less than a week before the start of the Australian Open. Raducanu's defeat came in the opening round of the Sydney International. She was originally meant to face Iga Swiatek, world No 9 and 2020 French Open champion. But Swaitek  withdrew from the competition with a rib injury and was replaced in her seeded position by world No 13 Rybakina Rybakina, who is currently ranked 13th in the world, five places higher than Raducanu - beat the GB star 6-0, 6-1 in just 55 minutes of action. Raducanu, 19, who is set to take part in her first Grand Slam since her historic US Open win, was over-powered by her opponent. She won just 50 percent of her first serves and 13 percent of her second during...

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9Jan By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Afcon 2021: Cameroon are a good team and will give everything to win the title – Onana

The 25-year-old custodian says the Indomitable Lions have a good squad capable of winning their sixth continental title   Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana has revealed they have a good squad that will give everything to win the Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil. The 33rd edition of the African competition will kick off on Sunday with the Indomitable Lions opening the stage with a Group A fixture against Burkina Faso at Stade Omnisport Paul Biya in Yaounde.

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9Jan By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

AFCON 2021: Ex-Chelsea star names 7 players to watch out for during tournament

Former Chelsea star, Geremi Njitap has named the seven football players to watch out for at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Cameroon. The 2021 AFCON will begin today (Sunday) with host nation Cameroon, taking on Burkina Faso. Speaking to Metro UK on behalf of Genting Casino, Geremi has named the players he expects to do well during the competition. He said, “From the Ivory Coast, Sebastian Haller is one to watch. “He’s scoring a lot of goals for Ajax this season and for me, has a very good chance to win the Golden Boot at AFCON if he continues with his current form. “In the Senegal national team, you have to look at Ismaila Sarr, he is going to do a lot of good things. “He has been very good for Watford in the past few years and he is an exciting young talent....

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9Jan By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

FA Cup: Three EPL clubs eliminated

At least four Premier League clubs have been eliminated from this year’s FA Cup. This follows a number of shock results in the third round ties played on Saturday. Newcastle United suffered an embarrassing 1-0 home defeat by third-tier Cambridge United. Joe Ironside netted a second-half goal and goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov made a series of superb saves to seal a famous victory at St James’ Park. Burnley were another Premier League casualty, as they lost 2-1 to Huddersfield Town. The visitors came from a goal down to win late on through Matty Pearson’s 87th-minute header from a corner. Jay Rodriguez’s header had given Sean Dyche’s men the lead, but Josh Koroma equalized in the 74th minute. Leicester, who are the current holders of the cup, saw off Watford 4-1, with goals by...

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7Jan By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Afcon 2021: Al Shabab put blame on Nigeria federation after Ighalo misses tournament

The Saudi club now blames the NFF for sending the release letter for the 32-year-old striker late Al Shabab have blamed Nigeria Football Federation for the standoff that led to striker Odion Ighalo missing the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. The 32-year-old was officially ruled out of the 33rd edition of the African competition on Thursday after it emerged his Saudi Arabia club had refused to release him owing to contractual reasons.  

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7Jan By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Afcon 2021: ‘Each time, there is a surprise team – this time it is The Gambia’ – Colley

The 29-year-old believes the Scorpions have what it takes to surprise teams when the continental competition kicks off in Cameroon on Sunday   The Gambia captain Omar Colley believes they will be the surprise package at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. The Scorpions will be taking part in the African competition for the first time in history and they have been drawn in Group F alongside Mali, Mauritania, and Tunisia.

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6Jan By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Afcon 2021: Egypt’s Salah has quality and I have mine – Guinea-Bissau’s Mendy

The 27-year-old maintains he has his own skills capable of containing the marauding Liverpool forward at the continental competition Guinea-Bissau defender Fernandy Mendy believes they have a team capable of stopping Egypt forward Mohamed Salah when they face off in the Africa Cup of Nations. The Djurtus have been drawn in Group D of the 33rd edition of the African competition alongside Egypt, Nigeria, and Sudan. Despite opening their campaign with a game against the Falcons of Jediane on January 11 at Roumde Adjia Stadium, their game against the Pharaohs is already taking centre stage with the Liverpool forward dominating the headlines. Guinea-Bissau will face Egypt in their second group match on January 15 and according to Mendy, who turns out for Alloa Athletic in Scotland, ...

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3Jan By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Afcon-bound Cornet matches Aubameyang’s Premier League mark

The Ivorian star managed a feat first achieved by the Gabon international with his strike against the Whites Super-sub Maxwel Cornet equalled Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang’s Premier League goal scoring feat having found the net in Burnley’s 3-1 defeat to Leeds United on Sunday. The Cote d’Ivoire international’s second-half strike ensured that the Clarets restored parity against the Peacocks, nonetheless, they crumbled at Elland Road. Cornet now boasts of six English top-flight goals in his 10th appearance in the competition - the most by an African player in their first 10 games – since Aubameyang in April 2018 (also six).  

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25Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

AFCON equals any European Championship, I’ll never stop African players – Patrick Vieira

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has said he will never stop his players from representing their countries in the forthcoming African Cup of Nations. The Frenchman noted that the competition is as important as the European Championship. Some managers of top European clubs with African players have criticised the timing of AFCON and with the fourth wave of COVID-19 creating more fears. Vieira will see three of his Palace top stars, Wilfried Zaha, Cheikhou Kouyate and Jordan Ayew leave for the competition as they join Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Ghana respectively. Despite their plans to go home, the former Arsenal skipper, who is a Senegalese-born, said he will never prevent the players from travelling to Cameroon. “I respect and I understand the passion and importance ...

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24Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

No coach can stop me from playing AFCON – Emmanuel Adebayor

Emmanuel Adebayor has slammed European coaches for battling to stop their African stars from playing in the Africa Cup of Nations next month. Following the resurfacing of COVID-19, a number of European clubs are attempting to block their African players from playing friendlies and 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and even the AFCON especially those in the “red list” zones. AFCON will be played from January to February and the European Club Association, having the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain among its 234 members, wrote to FIFA expressing concerns about AFCON and threatening not to release players for the showpiece. And Adebayor, who played for several European clubs during his playing days is not happy with these clubs for their ...

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24Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Juventus Lost their DNA because of Ronaldo – Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon has claimed Juventus lost its ‘DNA’ after Cristiano Ronaldo joined the club. Ronaldo signed for the Serie A giants from Real Madrid in 2018. Juve signed the 36-year-old hoping to land the Champions League trophy again having missed out in the 2017 final. However, while Ronaldo won Serie A two times with Juve, the Turin club drifted further from challenging for Europe’s top prize and finished fourth in the league last season before the Portugal captain left for Manchester United. Buffon was not in the Juventus dressing room during Ronaldo’s first season, but returned from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019. “Juventus had the chance to win the Champions League the first year he (Ronaldo) arrived, which was the year I was at PSG, and I couldn’t figure out what happe...

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23Dec By BobbyNo Comments

News

Army GOC commends Gov. Ugwuanyi for cordial relationship between Enugu govt, military

The General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, Major General T. A. Lagbaja, on Thursday, said that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State’s commitment to the affairs of the Division is “a manifestation of the cordial relationship existing between the state government and the military”. Maj. Gen. Lagbaja, who made the remark during the finales of the inaugural GOC and Chairperson of Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) 82 Division football competitions for male and female football teams held at the Abakpa Cantonment football pitch, Enugu, appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for attending the sporting event. The male final match between Dragons Football Club (FC), 82 Division and Noble Great Achievers FC (Host Community) was kicked off by Gov. Ugwuanyi after other offici...

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23Dec By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Chelsea get Ziyech boost as winger is left out of Morocco squad for AFCON

The Blues will not be losing the forward to international competition in January following a falling out with the manager Chelsea will not lose Hakim Ziyech to the Africa Cup of Nations in early 2022 as an ongoing feud between player and international coach has led to the winger being left out of Morocco’s squad. The Blues have found themselves short on numbers at times during recent Covid-19 outbreaks and faced being left further shorthanded next month. Thomas Tuchel’s side are chasing down honours on multiple fronts, and have been boosted by the news Ziyech will be available.  

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23Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Carabao Cup semi-final: Antonio Conte reacts as Tottenham draws Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspur manager, Antonio Conte, has said that it will be ‘nice’ for his team to play against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final. Conte said this while reacting to his side’s Carabao Cup semi-final draws against Chelsea. The Italian believes that the Carabao Cup semi-final draw against the Blues proves that it is ‘very, very difficult’ to win a trophy in England. Conte’s side booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night after beating West Ham 2-1. Meanwhile, Arsenal will play Liverpool in the other semi-final fixture. “I think it is good for Tottenham to reach the semi-final of this competition,’ Conte said at his post-match press conference after the match. “You can see the names of the teams who have reached the semi-final – Liverpoo...

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23Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Carabao Cup semi-final draw confirmed [Full fixtures

The draw for the Carabao Cup semi-final was conducted on Wednesday night. It took place after Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool all joined Arsenal in the final four of the competition. The Blues won 2-0 at Brentford, Spurs defeated West Ham 2-1 and the Reds won 4-3 on penalties against Leicester City, after fighting back to draw 3-3. Chelsea will now take on Tottenham in the semi-final, while Arsenal face Liverpool. The first legs will be played week of January 3, while the second legs will be played week of January 10. Manchester City are the current holders of the cup, but were eliminated by West Ham in the previous round.

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22Dec By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

​Liverpool considered ‘serious contenders’ for Borussia Dortmund frontman Haaland

Liverpool are emerging as a serious option for Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.   The attacker is likely to leave the German club in the summer, as he will have an active release clause in his contract. The 21-year-old is wanted by the top clubs around Europe, with all the big English sides monitoring his situation. A report from Sky Germany suggests Liverpool are considered 'serious contenders' to sign Haaland. Jurgen Klopp may see him as the ideal player to refresh their frontline and eventually take away the scoring burden from the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. The Reds will face stiff competition to secure Haaland's signature. Manchester United, Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus have all been linked with the 21-year-old. ...

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22Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Carabao Cup: Paul Merson names one Arsenal star who never disappoints

Arsenal legend, Merson has singled out Eddie Nketiah, saying that the youngster never ‘let you down’. Merson urged the player to go ahead and sign a new deal with the club after he helped the Gunners into the semi-finals of the EFL Cup on Tuesday. Nketiah scored a hat-trick to help Mikel Arteta’s Gunners gun down Sunderland 5-1 to book their spot in the next round of the competition. The other scorers in the game were Nicolas Pepe and debutant Charlie Patino, with former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang still exiled from the squad for a ‘disciplinary breach.’ It was Nketiah’s only sixth appearance of the season but he now boasts of five goals in three matches in the EFL Cup. His current contract runs out at the end of the season but looks likely to be on the move in eithe...

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20Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu ruled out of AFCON 2021

Super Eagles of Nigeria and Genk of Belgium striker, Paul Onuachu has been ruled out of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Onuachu picked up a hamstring injury in Genk’s 1-1 home draw against Royal Antwerp on Sunday. The former FC Midtylland star had opened scoring for Genk in the first half before the injury. The 27-year-old was replaced by Ike Ugbo 20 minutes from time after picking up the injury. Onuachu's injury is another major blow to Nigeria’s chances of making a huge impact at the competition after Victor Osimhen was ruled out of the competition last month. Onuachu is now expected to spend around a month on the sidelines as he recuperates.

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18Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

How my football career ended after winning Ballon d’Or – Michael Owen

Former England striker, Michael Owen, has narrated how his football career ended after he won the Ballon d’Or at the age of 21. Twenty years ago, Owen, then 21, won the most prestigious individual award beating off competition from Raul Gonzalez and Oliver Kahn in the voting. He won the award after helping Liverpool to a UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup treble. Owen, who is the last Englishman to have won the Ballon d’Or, spoke to Daily Mail on the 20th anniversary of him winning the award. The former England international said he was unaware of the injury issues that lay ahead and did not think it would be the only time he would win the Ballon d’Or. “At 21? Oh, I definitely thought I could win another Ballon d’Or,” Owen told the Daily Mail. “I still didn’t know injuries...

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18Dec By BobbyNo Comments

News

UEFA vice-president confirms South American teams set to join Nations League

The newly expanded competition is set to begin in 2024 The likes of Brazil and Argentina are set to compete in the UEFA Nations League after UEFA vice-president Zbigniew Boniek confirmed South America's governing body CONMEBOL has reached an agreement with its European counterpart over joining the biennial competition. The Nations League, which began in 2018, is currently contested by UEFA’s 55 member nations. However, the 10 members of CONMEBOL are set to form part of a newly expanded competition from 2024.  

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17Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Champions League: Why draw was repeated – Iker Casillas

Former Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper, Iker Casillas has provided the reason the Champions League draw was repeated. The former goalkeeper said the draw was repeated because “something did not go well”. He believes European football’s governing body eventually made the right decision to repeat the procedure after an error was spotted the first time. “[The draw] was repeated because something did not go well. In the interests of the club, the first ball is not the next. “It is clear that they repeat it, because it was the most normal thing to do,” he said at the LaLiga TwentyNine event. Casillas’ former club, Real Madrid, will face Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 of the competition in February.

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16Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

AFCON officials state that Africa Cup of Nations will go ahead despite COVID-19 concerns

The organizers of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have made it clear that the competition is still going ahead, despite COVID-19 cases rising globally. Due to be held in Cameroon from January 9 to February 6, the AFCON will see Africa's best national teams going toe-to-toe for continent glory, but there are conflicting reports about whether it will be called off. RMC Sport in France believe that the Central African Federation could be forced to postpone the tournament, while La Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy claim that there is no risk of this happening. The organisers however have remained adamant that the festival of football will still happen, even with some clubs hoping for a cancellation so that their star players remain at the club for that period. A month away from ...

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16Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

AFCON: Over 38 African top stars that’ll leave their Premier League clubs for one month [Full list]

No fewer than 38 footballers will leave their various club sides in the English Premier League for the African Cup of Nations in January, 2022. The competition is scheduled to hold in Cameroon from January 9 to February 9, 2022. However, most of these clubs are agitated because the players will not be available during the busiest period of the season. A club, such as Liverpool will have to deal with absence of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who are seemingly their most important players. Here is a list of each Premier League club and the players that are set to leave for AFCON in January: Arsenal: Thomas Partey (Ghana), Mohamed Elneny (Egypt), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon), Nicolas Pepe (Ivory Coast) Aston Villa: Trezeguet (Egypt), Bertrand Traore (Burk...

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16Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

COVID-19: AFCON organisers take decision on tournament in Cameroon over fresh wave

Tournament organisers for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have insisted that the competition will go on despite the outbreak of COVID-19, according to Marca. The tournament is billed to hold in Cameroon as from January 9 to February 6, but there are conflicting reports about whether it will be called off. Earlier report by French outlet, RMC Sport had claimed that the Central African Federation could be forced to postpone the tournament. Italian top site, La Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy, on its own claim that there is no risk of calling off the competition. However, Marca is reporting that the organisers have remained adamant that the binary football event will still happen.

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15Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

African Football Chiefs hold talks over Cancellation of 2022 Africa Cup of Nations due to Omicron Covid-19 variant’

The Confederation of African Football [CAF]  are reportedly holding talks over cancelling the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] tournament in Cameroon next month. The Cameroon tournament is due to start on January 9 and run until February 6, with several Premier League players - including Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane set to leave their clubs mid-season to take part in the competition. According to French news outlet RMC Sport, the Central African Federation (CAF) could announce a cancellation as the Omicron variant continues to ravage the continent. The tournament's organizing committee met with the CAF at the end of October to unveil their findings in a preparation report for the tournament. The committee announced that 'urgent attention' was needed for the...

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14Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Champions League: Supercomputer names club to win trophy after last 16 draw

A supercomputer has predicted that this season’s Champions League trophy would be won by Manchester City after the last-16 draw was confirmed on Monday. Manchester City were pitted against Sporting Lisbon in what seems like a favourable draw in the last-16 and are being tipped to go all the way in the competition to land a long-awaited first Champions League title. The betting expert supercomputer also sees all Premier League teams, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United beating their last 16 opponents, Inter Milan Lille and Atletico Madrid, respectively. Also tipped to go through to the next stage are Bayern Munich and Ajax who are faced with RB Salzburg and Benfica respectively. The computer believes Real Madrid would be dumped out of the competition by Paris Saint Germai...

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14Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

I’m not mad but Man Utd could win Champions League – Paul Ince

Former Manchester United star, Paul Ince, has made a rather shocking prediction that the club could win the Champions League this season. Ralf Rangnick’s men have booked a date with Atletico Madrid in the round of 16 of the competition. United had played a LaLiga outfit, Villarreal in the group stages, beating Diego Simeone’s men home and away and topping the group after losing their first game. And Ince, a two-time Premier League title holder, reckons that the Red Devils could go all the way due to the nature of knockout football. “They can win the Champions League, people will think I’m mad, but they can,” Ince told The Mirror. “United can beat anybody on their day. Anybody, no matter who they are. “In knockout football, if you are on your game and on form and with th...

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13Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Entertainment

Nigeria’s representative, Maristella Okpala, wins best National Costume at Miss Universe 2021

Miss Universe Nigeria, Maristella Okpala, won the Best in National Costume award at the just concluded Miss Universe 2021 pageant. The 2021 Miss Universe grand finale took place in Eilat, Israel, on Sunday, December 12. For the National Costume segment of the competition, Maristella Okpala wore an outfit inspired by the 'Mmanwa' masquerade from Southeastern Nigeria. The costume was designed by Filipino fashion student Kenny Gasper. The costume featured a beaded headpiece, an ornate tribal mask, and an ancient back cape. Designer Gasper took to Facebook to celebrate after his design worn by Maristella, which won Best in National Costume. He wrote: "Thank you Lord. I still can’t believe it. I cried while hugging my mom.. thank you to all who greeted!"

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10Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Champions League: Real Madrid vs Chelsea ‘most likely’ Round of 16 tie

Chelsea have almost a one in three probability of drawing Real Madrid, when the draw for the Champions League Round of 16 is conducted on Monday, according to MisterChip. The Blues, who are the current holders of the trophy, could only finish second in their group, following a disappointing 3-3 draw at Zenit. Thomas Tuchel’s men will now be paired against top European opponents in the next round. Liverpool, on the other hand, have a marginally higher chance of being paired against Villarreal or Inter Milan. Manchester United and Manchester City, who finished top of their groups, have a slightly higher chance of playing Atletico Madrid or Inter Milan next. The eight group winners – Ajax, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Liverpool, Lille, Manchester City, Manchester United and Real ...

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10Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Chelsea don’t have what it takes – Hamann names club to win Premier League title

Former Liverpool star, Dietmar Hamann, has said that Chelsea will fall behind Liverpool and Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title this season. Chelsea were sitting at the top of the Premier League table before their clash against West Ham last Saturday, having only lost one of their opening 14 top flight matches and conceding a league-best of six goals. The 3-2 defeat to West Ham saw them drop to third, two points behind City in first and one behind Liverpool. But the Blues have been hit by major injuries with regular players such as Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, N’Golo Kante and Jorginho all sidelined. And Hamann believes Thomas Tuchel’s Blues will finish some way behind Liverpool and City. “It’s still a three-horse race right now, but I don’t think Ch...

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9Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Champions League round of 16: Timo Werner Calls for Chelsea to Play Bayern Munich

Chelsea striker, Timo Werner has said he would like the team to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League round of 16. The Blues have finished runners-up in Group H following their 3-3 draw at Zenit on Wednesday. Werner scored twice, as the current holders lost their top spot to Juventus in the final round of games. After the game, Werner was not afraid to pick the next club he wants Chelsea to face in the competition. “Who do I want to play next? Why not go back to Germany [to play Bayern] and show how good we are,” he said. Chelsea will not be paired against Juve, but they can face non-English clubs who topped their groups. That includes Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Ajax.

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8Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Champions League: Mbappe breaks Messi’s record as PSG hammer Club Brugge

Paris Saint-Germain forward, Kylian Mbappe, achieved another milestone on Tuesday, as he became the youngest player to score 30 times in the Champions League. In doing so, the 22-year-old broke the previous record held by current team-mate, Lionel Messi. Mbappe opened the scoring against Club Brugge within 70 seconds at Parc des Princes. The goal means the France international hit Champions League 30 goals at the age of 22 years and 352 days. Messi was 23 years, 131 days old when he reached that milestone in 2010. Mbappe’s opener was also PSG’s quickest goal in the competition since September 2016, when Edinson Cavani took just 42 seconds to score against Arsenal. He went on to score one more, before Messi’s brace saw the Ligue 1 side win 4-1. Mbappe now has 11 goals an...

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5Dec By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Gor Mahia 1-1 AS Otoho d’Oyo (1-2 agg.): End of the road for K’Ogalo in Caf Confederation Cup

The former Kenyan champions bade farewell to the African competition after failing to win at home against the Congolese outfit Kenya’s Gor Mahia failed to reach the group stage of the Caf Confederation Cup after a 1-1 draw against AS Otoho d’Oyo of Congo in the return leg play-off fixture at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday. Striker Roland Okouri put the visiting side ahead in the 10th minute and despite Gor Mahia pulling a goal back in the 12th minute courtesy of John Macharia, it was not enough as the Congolese outfit advanced on a 2-1 aggregate scoreline  

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3Dec By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Edouard Mendy reveals N’Golo Kante’s Champions League prediction

Chelsea goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy has revealed that N’Golo Kante actually predicted the outcome of last season’s Champions League. Mendy said that the French midfielder told some of his Chelsea teammates that the Blues would win the Champions League even before the competition began. Chelsea did not lose a single game throughout the group stages of the tournament. And in the knockout stages, they beat Atletico Madrid, Porto and Real Madrid to reach the final, where they defeated Manchester City to claim the title. Mendy said that Kante had predicted that Thomas Tuchel’s Blues would win the tournament before their opening group stage clash with Sevilla. “I have the best anecdote of the season. We were travelling with N’Golo, Kurt [Zouma] and Olivier [Giroud],” Mendy told Be...

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1Dec By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

England fire 20 past Latvia in record-breaking rout as White makes history

The Lionesses crushed their opponents on Tuesday, making a bit of history in their lopsided win England fired 20 goals past Latvia in a historic World Cup qualifying win on Tuesday as they set a new record for the biggest win in a European competition. The Lionesses won 20-0 at Keepmoat Stadium on Tuesday, making it five wins from as many games to start their qualifying campaign. It was the manner in which they did it on Tuesday that was stunning as they scored a record-breaking amount of goals against a clearly overwhelmed Latvia.  

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28Nov By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Michael Carrick includes Forgotten Man United star in squad against Chelsea [Full list]

Manchester United Caretaker boss, Michael Carrick has recalled defender, Phil Jones into the squad for their Premier League game against Chelsea. Carrick added the 29-year-old in the matchday squad for Sunday’s Premier League clash with high-flying Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea. Jones has not made an appearance for the Red Devils this season after a long time on the side line due to injury and has only been named as a substitute in the defeat to West Ham in the Carabao Cup in December. The England international has been working to recover fully and find his way back to the team by playing for United’s Under-23s. He could make his first senior Premier League appearance for the first time in 22 months. The England star was also the traveling team for their Champions ...

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27Nov By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Chelsea vs Man United: I’m happy we can play without Lukaku – Thomas Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel has said that he is happy that his Chelsea team can survive without their top striker, Romelu Lukaku and other top stars who are injured at the moment. The German also lambasted some people who are claiming that the team is better without Lukaku, who has been injured for weeks now. Lukaku has missed The Blues last seven matches due to an ankle injury but is now on the verge of returning. Chelsea have been unbeaten in Lukaku’s absence and their latest display was a 4-0 thrashing of Juventus in the Champions League this week. And this has led to claims that the west London side are more of a threat without their £97.5 million striker. “I understand why people say this as people always look for easy solutions,” Tuchel said at his press conference on Friday. “...

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27Nov By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Crystal Palace boss Vieira demands consistency from Zaha but Ayew needs goals

The French tactician is expecting his forwards to rise to the occasion when they host Steven Gerrard's team team at Selhurst Park Ghana striker Jordan Ayew needs goals to gain confidence, according to Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira, who has also urged Wilfried Zaha to find a greater measure of consistency. Ayew is yet to score a goal for the Eagles this season, having played in 12 matches in all competitions which include 11 Premier League appearances. He has only provided an assist so far, but Vieira believes that goals would make the former Marseille star regain his form.  

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26Nov By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Should Klopp apologize after controversial ‘little’ Afcon statement?

The German coach has been at the centre of a storm regarding some apparently misconstrued comments   Jurgen Klopp has faced stick this week after his comments on the Africa Cup of Nations caused much controversy on social media. The Liverpool manager claimed to have meant no harm when he described the continental competition as a ‘little tournament’. So far, fans have been divided in their verdict (link to the fan piece), with some considering the comments to be offensive and others accepting the German coach’s explanation that it was an attempt at irony.

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26Nov By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Caf president Motsepe endorses ‘exciting and beneficial’ Super League

The Cairo-based football governing body is, however, yet to give a clear roadmap on how the controversial competition will run   Confederation of African Football president Dr Patrice Motsepe has supported the formation of the elite Pan-African Super League stating it will benefit and improve African football. Motsepe promised that an announcement about the controversial competition - which is expected to feature 20 top clubs in Africa - will be made once Caf's executive committee fully deliberates on it. "If you see what the resolution says, in terms of the inter-club competitions, this matter is still with the executive committee," Motsepe told reporters after Friday's Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo.

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25Nov By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

You’ll never win Champions League with Messi, he’s a passenger – Carragher warns PSG

Jamie Carragher has sounded it clear that the presence of Lionel Messi in the Paris Saint-Germain team would cost them the Champions League. According to the former Liverpool star, PSG won’t win the competition as they are ‘carrying three passengers’ in Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. The French side only finished aa runners-up in Group A after suffering a 2-1 defeat in the hands of Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening. Mbappe gave the visitors the lead but City fired back through Raheem Sterling before Gabriel Jesus scored the winner with 14 minutes remaining. City delivered a dominant display against the French side with Messi and Neymar both struggling to make much of an impact. And the Liverpool legend believes the Ligue1 giants’ fo...

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24Nov By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Chelsea caused us so many problems – Bonucci says after Juve’s 4-0 defeat

Veteran Juventus defender, Leonardo Bonucci has admitted that Chelsea caused them ‘so many problems’ in their 4-0 defeat in the Champions League on Tuesday. Chelsea delivered a command performance with Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Timo Werner scoring for the home side at Stamford Bridge. Thomas Tuchel’s side have now secured their place in the knockout stage of the competition and are on course to finish top of Group H ahead of Juve. And Bonucci wants his teammates to ‘learn lessons’ from their humbling against the Blues. “It’s a heavy defeat, certainly, we have to take the lesson that against these teams you must always go at 1,000km/h, because the moment you slow it down, they punish you,” Bonucci told Sky Sport Italia. “We tried in the second hal...

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23Nov By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Lionel Messi speaks on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Performance at Man United

Paris Saint-Germain forward, Lionel Messi has said that his rival, Cristiano Ronaldo has ‘adapted’ admirably since moving to Manchester United from Juventus. The Argentine also believes his rivalry with the Portuguese will go down as a ‘beautiful memory’ in football history. Ronaldo has scored nine goals for United this season having completed a move back to Old Trafford on deadline day. And Messi has been impressed by the immediate impact the Portugal captain has made this term, while he, Messi, has scored only his first league goal on Saturday by comparison Messi, asked what he thinks about Ronaldo’s start, told Marca: “United is a very strong team with great players. Cristiano already knew the club, but it’s in another stage and now he has adapted in an...

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22Nov By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Messi, Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo shortlisted for Best FIFA Men’s Player as Premier League leads 11-man list with five entries

Mohamed Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin de Bruyne are among the 11 players that have been shortlisted for the Best FIFA Men’s Player of the year award. Also Chelsea duo Jorginho and N'Golo Kante complete the Premier League contingent on the list for the accolade, which will be awarded on January 17 next year. Salah has been in superb form for Liverpool this season, scoring 16 goals in 16 appearances in all competitions. He has set a new club record by scoring in nine consecutive games and was hailed as the best player in the world by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp last month. Ronaldo meanwhile has almost single-handedly kept Manchester United in the Champions League with a string of late goals. The Portuguese also became the most prolific goalscorer of all time in inter...

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20Nov By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Bayern Munich chief Salihamidzic admits ‘talks not easy’ with Newcastle target Sule

Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is excited to be joining Watford. The Nigeria international will move formally to Watford at the end of the season, with the deal settled last week being a record for Sparta. Watford could yet be relegated by the time Okoye joins up, but he says: "I'm not afraid of that. This team has a lot of quality. But of course it is the Premier League, the best competition in the world. I am now a big Watford supporter and hope they stay in the Premier League." Before Okoye moves to London, he wants to end the season at Sparta Rotterdam as well as possible. He hopes to keep them in the Eredivisie. "I want to end it nicely here and I am sure that we will remain in the Eredivisie," he added.  

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17Nov By BobbyNo Comments

Lifestyle

First ever Miss Nigeria, Grace Atinuke Oyelude, turns 90

Grace Atinuke Oyelude, the first-ever Miss Nigeria, turned 90 today.   Oyelude was crowned Miss Nigeria in 1957 after beating over 200 Nigerian girls in the pageant.   Oyelude revealed in the past that she became Miss Nigeria by accident.   Her brother who was a broadcaster saw the advertisements for the pageant in the papers and entered her for the competition without her knowledge in Lagos even though she was still residing in Kano.   After she won the pageant, which came with 200 Pounds prize money and a return ticket to London for two weeks, she gained admission into the school of nursing, Ashford Kent, England, and became a state registered nurse in 1961.   She enrolled at the school of midwifery, St. Thomas Hospital, London, wher...

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