Sport Archives - Page 12 of 15

Kyle Walker Joins AC Milan

January 25, 2025 by admin

Kyle Walker has left Manchester City and joined AC Milan on an initial six-month loan, with the Serie A club having an option to buy him permanently this summer. The 34-year-old asked to leave City earlier in January with his last appearance for the club coming in the 4-1 home win over West Ham at the start of the month. City accepted Milan’s formal loan offer on Thursday. The option to buy in the summer is worth around £4.2m (€5m). Walker has helped City win 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League, since joining the club in a £50m deal from Tottenham in 2017. He was close to joining Bayern Munich after City’s treble win in 2023 but signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2026. Walker departs City having made 319 appearances for the club across seven-and-half-seasons at the Etihad Stadium, while he captained the side for last season’s historic fourth consecutive Premier League title. The England international will wear the number 32 shirt at AC Milan, who sit eighth in Serie A and are on course to finish in the top eight of the Champions League table with Sergio Conceicao’s occupying the sixth spot

FA Cup: Arsenal Host Man United As Spurs Face Tamworth

January 12, 2025 by admin

The FA Cup continues this Sunday with an exciting lineup of fixtures across England. The action begins at 13:00, with Hull City hosting Doncaster Rovers at the MKM Stadium. At 13:30, Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur travels to The Lamb Ground to face Tamworth. Later, a highly anticipated clash sees Arsenal take on Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London, kicking off at 16:00. At the same time, Crystal Palace will host Stockport County at Selhurst Park, Ipswich Town faces Bristol Rovers at Portman Road, and Newcastle United battles Bromley at St. James’ Park. The day wraps up with a 17:30 kickoff as Southampton hosts Swansea City at St. Mary’s Stadium. Looking ahead to Monday, Millwall will face Dagenham & Redbridge at The Den in London, with the match scheduled for 20:30. The FA Cup drama continues on Tuesday with three matches kicking off at 20:45. Leyton Orient hosts Derby County at the Gaughan Group Stadium, Mansfield Town faces Wigan Athletic at One Call Stadium, and Preston North End plays Charlton Athletic at Deepdale. Punch

Everton Sack Head Coach, Sean Dyche

January 10, 2025 by admin

Everton has sacked manager Sean Dyche, just hours before their FA Cup third-round tie against Peterborough. Everton said in a statement Dyche had been “relieved of his duties as senior men’s first-team manager with immediate effect” after two years in charge, with the process to appoint a new boss underway. The Toffees are once again battling to avoid relegation from the Premier League after winning just one of their past 11 games, with that sole success coming against fellow drop candidates Wolves in December. Everton Under-18s head coach Leighton Baines and club captain Seamus Coleman will take charge against third-tier Peterborough on an interim basis. At the same time, the Liverpool side seek a permanent replacement for Dyche. Former Manchester United and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, currently in charge of Turkish club Fenerbahce, has recently been linked with Everton. Mourinho has experience working with the Friedkin Group at Roma, although the Italian club sacked him just under a year ago. David Moyes, who managed Everton between 2002 and 2013, ex-England coach Gareth Southgate, Brentford boss Thomas Frank, and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola are also among the reported contenders to succeed Dyche. Everton have won only three times in 19 league matches this season and are languishing in 16th place, with only one point separating them from the relegation zone. Asked earlier this week if the club considered his position, Dyche’s answer suggested he knew the sack could be looming. “To be clear, it should be,” the former Burnley boss said. “At the end of the day, if you’re a business of this size, succession planning should surely be part of their diligence. I’ve got no problem with that at all. “I think the noise has grown very powerful here. It does. But we’ve had it before. “The players haven’t lacked effort but it’s affecting them because you can see it in their performances.” Recall that Dyche took charge at Everton in January 2023 and kept them in the top flight despite numerous issues, including last season’s points deduction for breaching Premier League rules on profit and sustainability. They finished 17th in Dyche’s first season, avoiding the drop with a victory against Bournemouth on the last day, and came 15th last term, extending their streak of being ever-present in English football’s top-flight since 1954. But chief among Everton’s problems under the 53-year-old Englishman were a lack of entertainment and a paucity of goals. Everton’s tally of just 15 this season is the second worst in the Premier League, behind only bottom-of-the-table Southampton’s 12. Dyche’s reliance on aggressive long-ball tactics had worked well on a limited budget at Burnley, who defied the odds to stay in the Premier League for much of his 10-year spell as manager. But Everton fans demand more entertaining fare from their team, making it especially painful when they failed to muster a single shot on target in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth and managed only two in their 2-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in the previous game. That proved the final straw for the Friedkin Group and Everton will now begin the search for their fifth permanent manager in the past four years. Everton’s new owners will be mindful that the club are playing their final season at Goodison Park before moving to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next term. Goodison has been Everton’s home for 132 years and the Friedkin Group would surely like an eye-catching appointment to lead them into the new era. Dyche, who was in the last year of his Everton contract, is the sixth manager in the 20-team Premier League to lose his job this season.

Enyimba FC Unveil Brown Ideye

December 30, 2024 by admin

Enyimba FC has officially unveiled former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye, solidifying his addition to the squad weeks after completing the signing. The club had announced signing the 36-year-old striker on December 10, PUNCH Online had reported. The Aba-based club on Monday held a ceremony to introduce Ideye to fans and media, emphasising the importance of his experience as they gear up for the critical final stretch of the season. “We are delighted to officially announce the addition of former Super Eagles striker, Brown Ideye, to our fold,” the club’s statement read. “We are expectant of the experience and professionalism he will add to our game and our quest in the remaining games this season, especially under the new gaffer.” This was also contained in a post on the club’s X account. Although Ideye’s signing was completed weeks ago, the club opted to unveil him now as part of their strategic mid-season push. Ideye, who has been without a club since leaving Kuwait’s Al Yarmouk in 2022, will wear the number 34 jersey at Enyimba. The prolific forward, known for his time in top leagues across Europe and Asia, is expected to bolster Enyimba’s attack as they chase silverware. Speaking at the unveiling, Ideye shared his excitement about joining the People’s Elephant. “I’m proud to be part of this great club. Enyimba’s history speaks for itself, and I’m ready to give my best to help the team achieve its goals,” Ideye said. The signing, most fans reacting to the unveiling post, stated that Ideye’s addition marks a significant statement of intent from Enyimba, as the club looks to reclaim dominance in Nigerian and continental football. Enyimba FC boasts two Super Eagles stars in Rabiu Ibrahim and Ahmed Musa. The club recently parted ways with head coach Yemi Olanrewaju following a nine-game winless streak. Stanley Eguma was swiftly appointed to take charge of the People’s Elephant, replacing the 32-year-old. Ideye returns to the Nigeria Professional Football League after 17 years, having last played for Ocean Boys in 2006 before embarking on his European journey. The striker played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s triumphant 2013 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, cementing his legacy as part of the victorious Super Eagles squad.

“If Cristiano Calls Me The Best, Then I am” – Vinicius Jr.

December 27, 2024 by admin

Vinicius Jr., on Friday, responded to Cristiano Ronaldo’s endorsement of him as the rightful Ballon d’Or winner, expressing gratitude for the praise. “Cristiano Ronaldo’s words about the Ballon d’Or? If Cristiano said I’m the best, then I am,” the Real Madrid forward said during an interview while receiving his award at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards. Ronaldo had previously criticised the decision to award the Ballon d’Or to Manchester City midfielder Rodri, stating, “Vinicius Jr should have won the Ballon d’Or, in my opinion it was clear. It was unfair.” Ronaldo’s remarks came at the Globe Soccer Awards, where Vinicius was recognised as the Best Men’s Player and Best Forward, cementing his standing as one of football’s top talents. The Ballon d’Or outcome, which saw Rodri claim the prestigious honour for his contributions to City’s Premier League triumph and Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, sparked controversy. Real Madrid boycotted the Paris ceremony, citing what they perceived as disrespect toward Vinicius, widely regarded as the pre-ceremony favourite due to his role in Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League successes. At the Globe Soccer Awards, Vinicius shone brightly alongside other notable winners, including Jude Bellingham, who secured the Best Midfielder and Maradona Award, and Neymar Jr., honoured with the Player Career Award. Ronaldo himself was celebrated as the Top Goalscorer of All Time.

EPL: Chelsea Rule Out January Move For Osimhen – Report

December 27, 2024 by admin

On Thursday , Chelsea is reportedly not planning another move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in the upcoming January transfer window, despite previous interest in the Nigerian international. The 25-year-old, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has been in sensational form, scoring 12 goals in 15 appearances across all competitions, including two in last month’s Europa League victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Osimhen’s loan move from Napoli followed a breakdown in his relationship with the Serie A club. According to The Athletic, Chelsea, who are currently second in the Premier League table, will not pursue Osimhen in January, instead prioritising a long-term strategy to strengthen their attacking options. The London club had previously made a last-minute attempt to sign the prolific striker on a season-long loan last summer, even proposing an obligation to buy. However, the move failed to materialise, and Osimhen ended up in Turkey with Galatasaray. As reported by football.london in September, Chelsea’s initial interest demonstrated their desire to secure a reliable goalscorer. However, with a well-stocked attack including Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, and Christopher Nkunku, the Blues are believed to be holding off on bolstering their frontline in the short term. Instead, Chelsea has identified Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap as a potential future signing, with the club scouting him alongside other striker options. It is suggested that any additions in the attacking department will be revisited next summer. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Chelsea could see player exits in January to make room in their squad. Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are rumoured to be among those who could leave, having struggled for regular game time under manager Enzo Maresca. Chelsea suffered a 2-1 loss to Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day. They are set to conclude their 2024 schedule with a match against Ipswich Town on December 30.

Lookman Wins CAF Player Of The Year Award

December 17, 2024 by admin

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman was crowned African Player of The Year, while the Super Falcons retained their Women’s National Team of The Year award, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie successfully defended her Goalkeeper of The Year title at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday. Lookman’s triumph made him the seventh Nigerian to win the prestigious award and maintained Nigeria’s impressive record in the category following Victor Osimhen’s victory last year. The Atalanta striker’s remarkable year included three goals and two assists as Nigeria reached their eighth Africa Cup of Nations final in February, while his hat-trick secured the UEFA Europa Cup for Atalanta against Bayer Leverkusen in May. The 26-year-old has continued his fine form this season, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 18 appearances across all competitions, including a notable strike against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. His closest challengers included Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, whose second-half performance helped the Elephants overcome Nigeria in the AFCON final, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi. The victory sees Nigeria move clear of Ivory Coast with seven Player of The Year awards, with previous winners being Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amuneke (1994), Nwankwo Kanu (1996 and 1999), Victor Ikpeba (1997) and Osimhen (2023). Only Cameroon, with 11 titles, have more. Meanwhile, Nnadozie’s exceptional year was rewarded with a second consecutive Goalkeeper of The Year award, though she missed out on the Women’s Player of The Year prize to Zambian captain Barbara Banda, who ended Asisat Oshoala’s reign after the Nigerian won a record sixth title last year. The Paris FC goalkeeper, who helped Nigeria qualify for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after a 16-year absence, beat South Africa’s Andile Dlamini and Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi to retain her crown. The Super Falcons’ recognition as Africa’s best women’s team capped a successful year that saw them maintain their position as the continent’s top-ranked side on FIFA’s rankings. Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau, who received the award, dedicated it to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. However, the Super Eagles missed out on the Men’s Team of The Year award to AFCON champions Ivory Coast, with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana also nominated. In other categories, Egypt’s Al Ahly were named Men’s Club of The Year, while TP Mazembe of DR Congo claimed the women’s crown ahead of Nigeria’s Edo Queens. Senegal’s Lamine Camara retained the Men’s Young Player of The Year award, with Egypt’s Doha El Madani winning the women’s category despite competition from Nigeria’s Chiamaka Okwuchukwu. South Africa’s Ronwen Williams completed a double by adding the Men’s Goalkeeper of The Year to his Interclub Player of The Year award, while Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy won the women’s interclub honour.

EPL: Jota Rescues Liverpool In Fulham Draw, Everton Frustrate Arsenal

December 14, 2024 by admin

Diogo Jota rescued Liverpool as the Premier League leaders recovered from Andy Robertson’s early red card to snatch a 2-2 draw with Fulham, while Arsenal’s title challenge was dented by a goalless stalemate against Everton on Saturday. With just four minutes left at Anfield, Arne Slot’s side were in danger of losing for just the second time in 15 top-flight games this season. But Jota grabbed a valuable equaliser as Liverpool extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 19 matches since a loss to Nottingham Forest in September. With last weekend’s Merseyside derby at Everton postponed by severe weather, Liverpool have now gone two league games without a win following their 3-3 draw at Newcastle. The Reds sit five points clear of second-placed Chelsea, who can close the gap with a win against Brentford at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Liverpool were rocked in the 11th minute as Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira met Antonee Robinson’s cross with an agile volley that deflected in off Robertson. The Reds suffered another blow when Scotland left-back Robertson was sent off in the 17th minute for a professional foul on Harry Wilson. But Slot’s men have made a habit of coming from behind this season, and Cody Gakpo equalised in the 47th minute with a stooping header from Mohamed Salah’s cross. The Dutch forward’s ninth goal in all competitions this season was the prelude to a period of sustained Liverpool pressure. But Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz delivered a sucker punch as he bundled over the line from Robinson’s cross in the 76th minute. That set the stage for a dramatic finale as Jota levelled in the 86th minute with a cool finish past Bernd Leno from the edge of the area. Arsenal failed to take advantage of Liverpool’s rare stumble as the Gunners were kept at bay on a frustrating afternoon at the Emirates Stadium. – Lack of firepower – The north Londoners have become a force from set-pieces, scoring 23 goals from corners since the start of last season. But their lack of firepower outside of that route has been questioned this season, and once again, they were hampered by a failure to turn pressure and possession into goals. After a second successive league draw, third-placed Arsenal remain six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand on last season’s runners-up. Newcastle handed Ruud van Nistelrooy his first defeat as Leicester boss with a 4-0 rout at St James’ Park. Former Manchester United striker Nistelrooy had taken four points from his first two games since replacing the sacked Steve Cooper. But Newcastle ended that encouraging start as Jacob Murphy drilled a clinical finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the area in the 30th minute. Bruno Guimaraes nodded in Newcastle’s second goal in the 47th minute after Lewis Hall headed Anthony Gordon’s free-kick toward the Brazilian. Alexander Isak bagged the Magpies’ third two minutes later with a close-range finish, and Murphy struck again on the hour to leave Leicester two points above the relegation zone. Jack Taylor’s stoppage-time goal gave Ipswich a priceless 2-1 win over relegation rivals Wolves at Molineux. Kieran McKenna’s team went ahead through Matt Doherty’s 15th-minute own goal after Wolves made a hash of clearing Liam Delap’s cross. Just as Wolves fans were calling for chairman Jeff Shi and owners Fosun to sell the club, Matheus Cunha grabbed a 72nd-minute equaliser as his shot beat Arijanet Muric’s weak attempted save. But Taylor headed home from a 94th-minute corner to seal Ipswich’s second league win since their promotion to the top tier. Third-bottom Ipswich are just one point adrift of safety, while second-bottom Wolves are three points behind them after an 11th loss in 16 league games piled further pressure on boss Gary O’Neil. Nottingham Forest host Aston Villa in a battle of top-four contenders in Saturday’s late game. AFP

La Liga: Mbappé To Miss Rayo Clash, Camavinga Fit, Says Ancelotti

December 13, 2024 by admin

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Kylian Mbappé will not feature in the team’s upcoming match but will travel with the squad to Doha for the Intercontinental Cup. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Ancelotti stated, “Kylian Mbappé will NOT play tomorrow… but he will travel for the Intercontinental Cup in Doha. We will see if he plays. We will see.” In more positive news for Los Blancos, midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has returned to full fitness and is ready to make his comeback. Ancelotti assured fans, “Eduardo Camavinga is back. He’s fit and ready to play tomorrow.” Ancelotti also took a moment to heap praise on Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr, lauding his skill and attitude. “For us, Vinicius Jr. continues to be the best in the world,” the Italian coach remarked. “He’s always there with enormous humility, which is not usual for a player of his level. But the level he is at does not surprise us,” he added. Real Madrid fans will be eager to see how the squad performs as they gear up for their next challenges against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday 9pm (Nigerian time), with key players returning and high praise for their star talent.

Saudi Arabia To Host 2034 FIFA World Cup

December 12, 2024 by admin

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has officially announced that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, a decision that has sparked diverse reactions worldwide. While some critics argue that the move is an effort to “sportswash” the country’s controversial human rights record and authoritarian regime, others believe it is a well-deserved opportunity for the oil-rich kingdom to showcase its capabilities on the global stage. Saudi Arabia’s bid comes on the heels of Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup, a tournament that was initially met with skepticism but ultimately proved to be a successful and memorable event. However, Nigeria’s Super Eagles were notably absent from the tournament, a disappointment for fans back home. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has long faced criticism for its human rights issues, including restrictions on free speech and limited rights for women. Despite these challenges, the nation has been making significant strides in sports, hosting high-profile international events such as Formula 1 races, boxing matches, and tournaments in golf and tennis. The 2034 World Cup will also be historic as the first time the expanded 48-team tournament will be held in a single country. Saudi Arabia emerged as the only bidder for the 2034 tournament after FIFA decided to combine the bidding process for both the 2030 and 2034 World Cups into one vote. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), a key player in Saudi Arabia’s increasing presence in global sports, has been instrumental in this shift. The PIF has established LIV Golf and acquired the English Premier League club, Newcastle United, further cementing the country’s growing sports influence. In a related development, FIFA also revealed that the 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, marking a unique format where the tournament will span three continents. The opening matches will be held in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, celebrating the tournament’s rich history and global reach.