Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has disclosed that the huge spending from Saudi Arabia may end the English Premier League’s dominance.

The EPL has witnessed a massive exodus from the league to Saudi clubs. Players such as N’golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firminho, and others left this summer.

According to The Athletic, the 52-year-old now believes the Saudi League has the financial strength to compete, and that could hurt the dominance of the EPL.

“It is not about the threat; it is a reality. They want to create a strong league, and so far, they are the league who can do it.

“The Premier League spent more than the other [leagues] because the organisation of the Premier League is better and the broadcasts and the sponsors are higher than the other leagues, so the clubs can spend what they have.

“Right now, the Saudi League—I don’t know how long they will sustain that but the feeling is that they will stay. I would say the players want to take this experience to play in that league and they are able to do it.”

He also agrees with Cristiano Ronaldo, who said a few weeks ago that he ‘opened the door’ to players signing for Saudi clubs.

“A few months ago when Cristiano (Ronaldo) was the only one to go, no one thought this many top, top extraordinary players would go to play in the Saudi league. I think in the close future it is going to happen more and more.”

Nigerian-born British heavyweight boxer, Anthony Joshua is convinced he will win his rematch with Dillian Whyte on August 12.

When questioned about their previous fight in 2015, which Joshua won by seventh-round knockout, the two-time world heavyweight champion recalled Whyte’s strong left hook.

AJ admitted that he missed the hook because he was too concentrated on assaulting Whyte to notice the counter. The thundering left hook stunned him to his core, leaving him with a memory that continues to motivate him to this day.

At the same time, Joshua understands the significance of the upcoming bout for his career, having lost two straight fights against Oleksandr Usyk before returning with a win over Jermaine Franklin in April.

Joshua’s supporters are anticipating this vital fight with bated breath, hoping that a winning performance will rekindle his old tenacity. Also, there is a strong notion that Joshua’s victory may pave the way for a blockbuster clash with Deontay Wilder.

The boxing world is anticipating Joshua and Whyte’s epic rematch, aptly billed ‘History of Violence,’ as two titans collide once more at the O2 Arena in what promises to be a thrilling clash.

Ahead of the clash, Anthony Joshua told DAZN that victory is certain for him. “It’s a huge night for my career. I’m gonna be victorious, 100 percent. That’s my goal, that’s my plan. And yeah, that’s my motivation. So yeah, I’m looking forward to it. Respect to the team. May the best man win,” Joshua said.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has approved the appointment of former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi as his Honorary Adviser on Sports.

Mikel’s appointment was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere.

The 36-year-old was born in Jos, the capital of Plateau State.

The former Chelsea star started his career at local club, Plateau United, before moving to Norwegian outfit, Lyn Oslo at the age of 17 in 2004.

Mikel had an illustrious career winning multiple titles with Chelsea, including the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.

The former midfielder represented Nigeria for 14 years, winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Mikel represented Nigeria 91 times and scored six goals.

He quit the round leather game in 2022.

Following Super Falcons’ remarkable 3-2 win against Australia at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Thursday, here is highlights key talking from the game.

Randy Waldrum displayed his ruthlessness again.

The American showed bravery in his starting line-up by naming captain Onome Ebi on the bench in Super Falcons’ opener against Canada. Instead, he paired young defender, Oluwatosin Demehin with Osinachi Ohale in central defence.

The 66-year-old also started a green horn, Deborah Abiodun in defensive midfield against the Olympic champions.

Against Australia on Thursday, Waldrum was also brave enough to name experienced winger, Francisca Ordega who under-performed against the Canadians among the substitutes. He also stuck with Demehin in central defence.

Toni Payne is ‘madam’ versatile

The Sevilla of Spain star is no doubt a blessing to the team due to her versatility. Payne was deployed at right-back at the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Against Canada last week Friday, head coach, Randy Waldrum pushed her to the right-wing and she was excellent all through the game.

She put up a sublime display in central midfield against Australia at the Lang Park, Brisbane on Thursday afternoon.

Chiamaka Nnadozie proves her class again

The talented goalkeeper kept the Super Falcons in the mix with a number of vital saves early in the game. She was unlucky not to keep out Emily van Egmond’s opener for Australia late in the first half.

The Paris FC goalie has been an ever reliable star for the Super Falcons.

Osinachi Ohale catches the eye

The 31-year-old won the Player of the Match award. The experienced centre-back like in the previous game organised the defence with dexterity.

She made two tackles, four clearances and scored once.

Ifeoma Onumonu struggles again

The Gotham FC forward once again failed to impress in the green and white colour of Nigeria. Onumonu got the nod to lead the Super Falcons attack in place of Asisat Oshoala but was anonymous in the 63 minutes she spent on the pitch.

Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala said on Thursday that the team still has a lot to offer in Women’s football after their superb performance against co-host Australia at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Super Falcons came from behind to beat Australia 3-2 at Brisbane Stadium.

Oshoala came in as a substitute, and her presence unsettled Australia in the 72nd minute as she scored Nigeria’s third and decisive goal from a tight angle.

Her goal came after Uchenna Kanu had levelled scores for Nigeria late in the first half, while Osinachi Ohale headed in Nigeria’s second goal in the 63rd minute.

Oshoala told newsmen after the match that the victory for the Super Falcons, who are currently ranked 40th in the world, against 10th-ranked Australia was a result of hard work and team spirit.

“I give kudos to my teammates. Everyone was out there to play their hearts out.

“Indeed, no one knows what this team is made of. We only have to come to the field and show ourselves and show the kind of heart we have.

“Like I said earlier, this team has a lot to offer and everyone and the world has seen that today,” she said.

Oshoala, in spite of having to start from the bench as a substitute, said it was all about the coach’s decision, adding that it was for the overall good of the team.

“Sometimes the coach makes important team decisions and to be honest with you, I wasn’t feeling too well.

“But I am not a selfish person and this is why we have 23 players in the squad for the World Cup.

“If someone is not 100 percent fit to play, then others can step up. As you can see, they all stepped up on the pitch today.

“So, it doesn’t matter for me where I am starting from; the most important thing is the team’s result,” she said.

NAN reports that Oshoala became the first Nigerian and African player to score in three Women’s World Cups.

On her latest feat, the FC Barcelona striker said she was not too concerned about her achievements, but was rather interested in the team’s success.

“Like I have always said, each tournament I go to, I always want to make sure I give everything for my teammates and fight for this badge.

“Nigeria is the best country in the world. Naija for life! Let’s go!” she said.

NAN also reports that table-toppers Nigeria are now on four points having played a goalless draw in their first game against Canada and a 3-2 win against Australia in their second group game.

They are closely followed by the current Olympic champions, Canada, who are also on four points, having also drawn one and won one game against the Republic of Ireland (2-1).

Australia are third on the table with three points, having won their first game 1-0 against the Republic of Ireland and suffered a 2-3 loss in their second game against Nigeria.

The Republic of Ireland currently occupy the bottom of the table with no points after losing two matches against Australia and Canada, respectively.

The Super Falcons will play their final group match against the Republic of Ireland on Monday and will need at least a draw to go through to the next round.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, kicked off on July 20 and is expected to end on August 20.

(NAN)

Emily van Egmond sent the home fans into delirium just before the interval, tapping home a sweeping move to give Australia the lead.

With the stadium bouncing as the Australia fans celebrated, Uchenna Kanu delivered the first sucker punch to dampen the mood at the Brisbane Stadium, somehow managing to scramble home a scuffed cross.

In the second half, a close-range header from Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala’s finish from a tight angle extended Nigeria’s lead.

And although Alanna Kennedy did score in the 10th minute of added time to give Australia late hope, Nigeria held on for a memorable victory to send the Super Falcons top of Group B.

The result means Nigeria has a one point lead going into its final group game against already eliminated Ireland, while Australia face a must-win game against Canada, sitting a point behind the Olympic champion.

Upsetting the hosts

A World Cup host playing in front of its own fans is always a spectacle.

An energetic crowd, full of energy and song, cheering on their favorite players decked out in their home kit; and at the Brisbane Stadium, it was no different.

The bouncing fans, in their gold and green kits, serenaded the Matildas in their game against Nigeria – both teams’ second match of the Women’s World Cup.

As Australia came forward in waves of attacks, cheers peaked then fell each time the Matildas got the ball, sliding into a communal sigh when the chance to score slipped away.

A drum beat marked time in the background as Australian fans spontaneously broke into a synchronized clap, willing their team to the other end of the pitch.

Those fans’ passion and commitment was eventually rewarded, Van Egmond steering a well-directed cross into the bottom corner and ran to celebrate with the rest of her teammates and coaching staff.

The goal was met with thunderous, almost deafening applause and it looked like Australia, who had beaten Ireland in its opening group game, was well on its way to booking its spot in the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup.

[CNN]

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has opened up on his bust-up with Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez during both teams’ pre-season friendly tie.

Bellingham was involved in a heated confrontation with Martinez during the encounter.

The friendly match was played at the NRG Stadium in Texas in the early hours of Thursday (Nigerian time).

“The little tiff with [Lisandro] Martinez is one of those things,” said Bellingham during his post-match interview. “He is a brilliant player.

“I came in at half-time and I was f’ing this and f’ing that. But when he came over to wish me all the best when he came off, I really respected it. I know what goes on the pitch stays on the pitch.”

He added, “He is a great competitor and a great player. Just like me, he wants to win. Sometimes it spills over. That is part of the game. I am really respectful.”

Bellingham recently joined Madrid from Dortmund this summer.

The England international is expected to play a key role in Carlo Ancelotti’s side next season.

[DailyPost]

Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze will wear number 21 at his new club, AC Milan, DAILY POST reports.

The Nigeria international arrived Milan on Wednesday and underwent his medicals with the seven-time European champions at the La Madonnina Clinic.

The electric winger revealed his squad number for next season by writing the number 21 on a shoe he was handed for his signature by a Milan fan.

The shirt was last worn by former AC Milan and Italy midfielder, Andrea Pirlo.

Chukwueze is expected to be unveiled on Thursday (today) by the Rooseneri.

The 24-year-old arrived at AC Milan from LaLiga side Villarreal.

Chukwueze will sign a five-year contract, while Villarreal will receive €28m, including add-ons for the player.

[DailyPost]