SPORTS
On the occasion of his 60th posthumous birthday, former Super Eagles forward Rashidi Yekini has been honored by Google.
Google paid tribute to the late legendary striker with a special doodle.
Yekini passed away in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on May 4, 2012, at the young age of 48.
The doodle started with a biographical snippet about the iconic striker: “Today’s Doodle celebrates iconic Nigerian footballer Rashidi Yekini, an accomplished forward known as the ‘Goalsfather’ for his ability to sneak shots past the keeper. On this day in 1963, he was born in Kaduna, Nigeria.
“Yekini faced difficulties at the beginning of his life, including homelessness and poverty. He worked as a welder and mechanic to earn money, but his true aspiration was to pursue football. Soon, he started playing in front of scouts, and in 1981, he joined his first football club, UNTL FC, in Kaduna.
“The talented striker subsequently played for the Shooting Stars, scoring an impressive 45 goals in 53 games. His remarkable scoring abilities earned him the title of African Footballer of the Year in 1983, making him the first Nigerian player to receive this prestigious honor. The following year, he helped lead the Shooting Stars to the finals of the African Champions Cup.
“In addition to Nigeria, he also played for football clubs in Spain, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Tunisia, Switzerland, and Greece. While playing for a Portuguese team called Vitória Setúbal, he won the Bola de Prata (Silver Ball) as the league’s top-scoring player in the 1993-94 season.
“Happy birthday, Rashidi Yekini!”
Yekini is considered one of Nigeria’s finest strikers.
The former player of Vitoria Setubal in Portugal played a crucial role in Nigeria’s qualification for their first World Cup in 1994.
He was the top scorer at the Senegal 1992 and Tunisia 1994 nations cups.
Yekini was also the first Nigerian to score a goal at the World Cup.
Napoli Sporting Director, Mauro Meluso has revealed the club will hold new contract talks with Victor Osimhen in the next few weeks.
Osimhen looks a long way off agreeing a new contract with the Serie A champions after he was furious at the TikTok videos posted by the club.
Napoli were also unhappy after the Nigerian returned from international duty with an injury last week.
Meluso, however, stated that the Partenopei are planning a new round of talks with the 24-year-old’s representatives in the next couple of weeks.
“There will be a meeting between the President and Osimhen’s entourage over the next few weeks. It is part of the game and a little time is needed to think about it,” Meluso was quoted by Calciomercato.com.
The Nigeria international has less than two years on his contract with Napoli.
[nigerianeye]
Lionel Messi played the entire game on artificial turf in Inter Miami’s season finale early Sunday morning as Charlotte FC qualified for the MLS playoff with a 1-0 victory.
Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, was the clear drawing card, and thousands in attendance were adorned in “Messi 10” jerseys.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner as the world’s top player went the distance in the meaningless game for Miami, which had already been eliminated from playoff contention. He finished with three shots and had two scoring chances. Messi’s apparent goal in the 49th minute was negated by an offside call, and his shot in the 62nd minute bounded off the crossbar.
[Leadership]
Before now, Nigeria was a country noted for having some of the best goalkeepers in Africa. It is a long history that is littered with some of the biggest names in the game. Sam Henshaw Ibiam, popularly known as The Black Magnet during his active days, was Nigeria’s pioneer goalkeeper.
He kept for the national football team who were known as the “1949 UK Tourists”. He was followed by the likes of Inua Lawal Rigogo, The Cat, Peter Fregene, Joe Erico, Emmanuel Okala, Best Ogedegbe, Peter Rufai, Wilfred Agbonavbare, Ike Shorunmu, Alloy Agu and Vincent Enyeama. These goalkeepers occupy special places in Nigerian football folklore.
Writing on the extraordinary performances of Rigogo, a blogger, FantaXtik SMM submitted: “It was actually the former President of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkurumah, that named Rigogo “The Flying Cat.” After he watched Rigogo display some incredible somersaults, flying from pole to pole to the extent that the Ghanaian national team couldn’t even score him a single goal in 1964… in his spellbound amazement, Nkurumah named Rigogo, The Flying Cat. That was in the 60s and early 70s.
After the exploits of Rigogo, Fregene and Erico, the 80s ushered in a fresh breath when Emmanuel Okala and Best Ogedegbe mounted the saddle. Okala was of Enugu Rangers, while Ogedegbe was of IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan. The rivalry between the two was akin to that between the two clubs they belonged to. While Okala reigned supreme for club and country in the late seventies, especially during the 1978 World Cup and the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Ogedegbe was prominent during the AFCON tournament proper, which Nigeria won eventually, for the first time in history.
Peter Rufai, regarded as one of the finest, crowned his sterling career with the 1994 AFCON trophy and two World Cup appearances with his country. Same goes for Vincent Enyeama, who remains as the last Nigerian goalkeeper whose presence between the sticks exuded stability and confidence in the defence line. The legendary Super Eagles stopper amassed 101 appearances for Nigeria between 2002 and 2015, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013. Since his departure in 2015, Nigeria’s goalkeeping department has been inconsistent and fits and starts.
There were flashes of hope during the brief period of Carl Ikeme, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper whose promising career was cut short after he was diagnosed with life-threatening Leukemia in 2017. The disease denied him a place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Since Ikeme left, the situation with the goalkeeping department of the Super Eagles has remained coaches’ nightmare and a horrifying journey through the unknown for Nigerian football fans.
Former coach of the national team, Gernot Rohr, with all his assistants could not fix the problem before he left. Rohr stuck with Francis Uzoho who, from nowhere became Nigeria’s number one ahead of Maduka Okoye and Daniel Akpeyi.
What goalkeeping errors have cost Nigeria since 2019:
Most Nigerians still blame the Super Eagles failure in the 2019 AFCON on goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi. Rhiyad Marhez ‘free kick that earned Algeria a 2-1 win over Nigeria in the semi-final could not have beaten Enyeama, some Nigerians argued. Akpeyi’s positioning behind the wall he arranged made it easy for the clever Algerian star to poke in the decider without a sweat.
Nigeria’s defeat to Tunisia in the 2022 AFCON in Cameroon was blamed on Maduka Okoye’s loss of concentration. He was found wanting when it mattered most. And so, the Super Eagles that were declared the best team of the group stages and clear favourites to win the tournament got knocked out in the Round of 16, by a Covid19-ravaged Tunisia team that were second best in their group. But the goalkeeping error may not be over stretched going by the tactical blunders of the bench.
Again, on March 29, 2022, under a hot afternoon sun in Abuja, another goalkeeping error, this time, by Francis Uzoho cost Nigeria the ticket to Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. With the Super Eagles needing a win, of the slimmest margins to qualify for the World Cup, Thomas Partey’s early goal was conceded by a goalkeeper who was perhaps overwhelmed by the situation.
The Arsenal midfielder received a pass from the left side and from outside the 18 yard box, he unleashed a right-footed effort which Uzoho failed to stop, as it sneaked through his legs for the vital away goal. Despite the spirited efforts of his team mates, the Ghanaians who had a clear match plan, worked hard to earn a 1-1 draw to deny the Super Eagles the glamour and glitz of FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup. Again, the blunders of the Austin Eguavoen led bench were huge.
In the recent international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique, Uzoho’s howlers gave Saudi Arabia the opening goal. Their equalizer in the last minute of added time was also stoppable, although the blame on this cannot be entirely his as he deserved a better coverage from his defenders. He was still flatfooted against Mozambique when they scored the opener.
Goalkeeping errors in the national team have become one too many and a major source of worry to many football fans and stakeholders. With the 2023 AFCON coming up in January in Ivory Coast, Nigerians remain worried over the prospects of taking Uzoho to the AFCON as Nigeria’s number one.
Peseiro in defence of Uzoho, Okoye
Surprisingly, coach Jose Peseiro has put up a very strong defence of his goalkeeper after his howlers in the friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.
Coach Jose Peseiro attributed the poor performances of Super Eagles goalkeepers to the barrage of attacks from Nigerians each time they kept for the team.
He said the keepers were suffering from what he termed a crisis of confidence.
I like our players when they make mistakes, it is my responsibility. The goalkeeper is never free or calm because of the people. I don’t know why they attack the goalkeepers every time.
“Why don’t they attack the strikers when they lose the ball or miss to score when they get the chance to?”
“When I arrived here, I remember I was told to change the goalkeeper. I spoke with all of them, no one felt comfortable because everybody attacked them. They could make mistakes, it is my responsibility. Next time, I need to train him better.”
But former Nigeria youth international and Olympic gold medallist Dosu Joseph has blasted Peseiro. He expressed shock when he read the comments of Jose Peseiro, which suggested that there was no problem.
Dosu said Peseiro’s statement that strikers miss goals, and are not criticised, meant he did not want his goalkeepers to be called out even when they make mistakes.
“I am surprised that he is comfortable with what is happening, and his employers are not saying anything. Well, if NFF are comfortable with it, that’s fine,” Dosu remarked.
“I also read that Uzoho himself said those Nigerians who are criticising him should come for trials in Europe and show how good they are. Maybe he is not happy with those who want him to be a better goalkeeper.
“It is surprising how these present players respond to those who criticise them. If even former internationals are not qualified to correct them, then it is better to keep quiet.”
Former Flying Eagles goalkeeper of the Saudi ’89 Dammam Miracle fame, Emeka Amadi is sympathetic with the Super Eagles goalkeepers. He said the barrage of attacks on Uzoho was not helpful at all.
“It does not mean that if the goalkeeper makes a mistake we should crucify him. He will learn from his mistakes. He needs encouragement because he will be a better goalkeeper. He has all the traits of a good goalkeeper. Even De Gea, Manuel Neuer or Onana, they all make mistakes. We should not crucify what we have. No Matter how you look at it, even the person you want to put there cannot be above mistakes. If you emphasise too much on our goalkeepers mistakes, no matter who you bring, even if he is experienced and confident he will be afraid not to make mistakes and that is the worst thing to happen to a goalkeeper,” Amadi told Sports Vanguard.
Former Green Eagles goalkeeper Emmanuel Okala has attributed the recent fumbles of the Super Eagles’ goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, to the negligence of the team’s goalkeeper trainers. “As a goalkeeper trainer, you have a responsibility to train your keepers how to deal with set pieces, including free kicks. How to position themselves and arrange their defence line.”
Ike Shorunmu, a former Nigeria great and former Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer would not want to comment on the issue when we called. However, in a chat with journalists in Uyo early this year, he called on goalkeepers in the domestic league to believe in themselves. Shorunmu said that the effects of an improved league would rub off on all departments of the national team, including goalkeeping.
“The thing is, we cannot perform any magic at the moment. That is why we come down to the league to work more with the goalkeepers. We can have better goalkeepers in the national team.”
He admitted that the worry being expressed by Nigerians was genuine. “For sure we need to improve our league and we need to believe in ourselves and our players. Life changes, and I don’t want to compare this time with our own time. We need to work with what we have now and do better with it.
“I just want the home players to believe in themselves. We as coaches will do our part, but then the rest depends on the players. On the pitch, they are to deliver what they have been taught.”
Options
Tired after a 10-year wait to see the Super Eagles lift the AFCON title again, Nigerians want to see the technical crew perform their role of finding perfect hands to man the posts for the Super Eagles at the AFCON in January. Soccernet’s Ayomide Oguntimehin captured the mood, “pressure is starting to mount up for the head coach of the Super Eagles, as well as fears among the Nigerian football faithful on not losing their AFCON glory over the lapses that can be solved beforehand”.
The writer went on to explore possible options. Oma Akatugba, a Europe-based Nigerian journalist told Oguntimehin that he had identified one Noah Atobulu and discussed with the Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro about the young goalkeeper. He wrote, “After the Mozambique game, Akatugba suggested a possible solution to the goalkeeping conundrum.” But who is Noah Atobulu?
Noah Atobulu is a goalkeeper with Nigerian heritage. He has previously represented Germany at the youth level. Atobulu is a regular for Bundesliga side Freiburg. “He could provide competition for the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping role, especially when facing strong opponents like the Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau in the upcoming AFCON tournament.
“They believe it could be challenging to convince him to switch to Nigeria due to his talent and prospects with the German national team,” Akatugna said, adding, “I promised to work on convincing him to change his nationality.”
Another name that has come for mention is Arthur Okonkwo, an academy graduate of the famed Hale End of Arsenal. He is currently with EFL League Two club Wrexham. Okonkwo is on season-long loan from the Gunners to Wrexham, after Ben Foster announced his retirement from the game. The 21-year-old has been loaned out more than once, playing for both Sturm Graz in Austria and Crewe Alexandra in recent seasons.
Instead of chasing goalkeepers of Nigerian descent in the diaspora, some Nigerians have suggested Israel based Adebayo Adeleye, a home-bred who moved to Israeli Premier League club Hapoel Jerusalem recently.
Former U-20 goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye is Nigeria’s best shot stopper in Europe so far this season, according to statistics website Tranfermarkt. Adeleye marked his first cap for the Eagles in their 3-2 win against the Leone Stars which sealed qualification to next year’s AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.
Although he has been invited severally to the national team camp, Francis Uzoho has been preferred by the selectors.
While there is no doubt that he has been good in the colours of Hapoel Jerusalem, he has to replicate the same with the Super Eagles.
In Super Eagles camp are other goalkeepers like Maduka Okoye and Ojo Olorunleke of Enyimba International of Aba. Emmanuel Daniel, once expected to succeed Vincent Enyeama, and Chijioke Aniagboso, who has shown promise but is yet to make his Super Eagles debut, are among the potential alternatives.
Peseiro’s dilemma
Peseiro’s dilemma is the time factor. Analysts are of the view that the coach would stick with his goalkeepers who have been with the team since 2020 as it could be counterproductive should a new goalkeeper be invited to the team. A goalkeeper’s role is beyond one’s ability to keep clean sheets. The role demands a huge responsibility and requires special skills; some natural while some acquired through training.
One who has been with the team, integrated into the team and imbued the team’s chemistry and familiarise with his defence line is the one the coach would choose ahead of a new product who may find it tough to get used to the rest of the squad within one or two months.
[OpinionNigeria]
Sir Bobby Charlton, the Manchester United legend who was a key figure in England’s 1966 World Cup victory, has died at the age of 86.
Charlton won 106 caps for England and scored 49 international goals – records for his country at the time.
During a 17-year first-team career with United he won three league titles, a European Cup and an FA Cup.
Charlton’s family said he “passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning”.
In November 2020, it was announced Charlton had been diagnosed with dementia.
He died surrounded by his family, who said in a statement they wished to “pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him”.
“We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time,” their statement added.
United paid a fond tribute to Charlton, describing him as “one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club”.
“Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world,” the club said.
“He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game.
“His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever etched in the history of Manchester United and English football and his legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation.
“The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him.”
His death leaves Sir Geoff Hurst – the striker who scored a hat-trick in England’s 4-2 win over West Germany in the 1966 final – as the sole surviving member of the triumphant team.
Hurst posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Very sad news today. One of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him and nor will all of football. A great colleague and friend, he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone. Condolences to his family and friends.”
Charlton’s older brother Jack, who died in July 2020, and their fellow World Cup winner Nobby Stiles, who passed away in October 2020, had also both been diagnosed with dementia.
BBC
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been ranked the most valuable squad in Africa.
This was disclosed in an infographic shared on the team’s official X page on Saturday.
The Eagles are also ranked 10th most valuable squad in the world.
The countries ahead of the Eagles are England, France, Portugal, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, and Netherlands.
The three-time African champions are valued at €451.60 million.
Jose Peseiro’s men dropped one place in the September monthly FIFA rankings but retained their sixth spot on the continent.
[NewsEye]
Mohamed Salah was the Merseyside derby match-winner with a second-half double as Liverpool edged past 10-man Everton in the Premier League.
Salah’s confident penalty in front of the Kop End following Michael Keane’s handball ended a frustrating 75 minutes for the home side and he added a late second as the Reds went top of the table on Saturday lunchtime.
It took the Egypt international’s tally to 201 career league goals and victory maintained Liverpool’s recent dominance over their neighbours in this fixture.
Jurgen Klopp’s side searched for a way to break the deadlock in the second period after Ashley Young was sent off for two bookable offences, with both fouls coming on Luis Diaz.
The hosts had been finding it difficult to make in-roads despite having a man advantage, with many of their efforts from long range comfortable for Jordan Pickford to deal with.
The England international smothered Alexis Mac Allister’s rasping effort and Darwin Nunez’s strike, while dipping drives from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai both dropped narrowly over.
Everton maybe should have gone ahead in the opening couple of minutes but Dominic Calvert-Lewin could only divert his header straight at Alisson.
Dwight McNeil’s curling effort was also deflected over the crossbar, but they were finally breached with 15 minutes to go and again in injury time, leaving Sean Dyche’s side with only two wins in nine league games this season.
[Nation]
The Nigerian Premier Football League, NPFL, match between Lobi Stars and Abia Warriors slated to hold today, Saturday 21st October 2023, at the Lafia township stadium has been postponed.
The postponement of the match which was slated to kick off at 4pm in Lafia town is said to be in honour those who lost their lives in Otukpo, Benue State during the deadly attacks on four banks yesterday afternoon by armed robbers in the area.
DAILY POST reports that armed robbers invaded several banks in Otukpo at about 3 pm on Friday, shooting sporadically.
Dominic Iorfa, Vice Chairman and CEO of Lobi Stars FC, announced the postponement on Saturday.
Iorfa, in a statement made available to DAILY POST said the postponement is to sympathize with the immediate families of those who were killed in the deadly attack.
The statement read: “We regret to inform you that, Lobi Stars NPFL matchday 4 tie against Abia Warriors has been postponed.
“The reason for the postponement is to sympathize with the immediate families who lost their loved ones in a deadly robbery attack on four banks in Otukpo, Benue State, yesterday.
“Otukpo, venue of the deadly incident is the Local Government of the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Sam Ode, who is also the Chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club.
“Following this ugly incident, the Management of Lobi Stars approached the league authorities and requested for a shift in date so as to mourn with the bereaved.
“Consequently, the league authorities have approved their request and shifted Lobi Stars’ encounter against visiting Abia Warriors to Sunday, 22nd October 2023 at the same venue in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Time remains 4pm.
“May God grant those who lost their lives during the incident eternal rest and console their families.”
[DailyPost]
- Competition: Premier League
- Date: 21.10.2023
- Kickoff: 17:30 UK / 18:30 CEST
- Venue: Stamford Bridge (London)
Chelsea vs Arsenal: ARSENAL TO WIN WITH AH 0
Chelsea seem to be finally starting to find their footing in the last couple of weeks, during one of their worst starts to a season in 20+ years. After a long time, Chelsea scored 4 goals against any opponent, like in the previous visit to Burnley. Wins against Fulham and Brighton and the EFL Cup could herald better days ahead. Poketino is a little calmer now, but the placement for the club from West London is still very bad, because the 11th position in the Premier League is a real debacle for a club like this.
Arsenal has been playing consistently well since the beginning of the season in the Premier League, and in some rounds they copied very good performances from the previous season. In doing so, they silenced many analysts who predicted that they would not be able to be in the race for the title this season alongside the superior Manchester City. If Arsenal wins this match, it is very likely that they will remain in 1st place together with city rival Tottenham. This is an opportunity to write history as well because this match is an opportunity for the 4th consecutive clean sheet on the road and the "Gunners" have never opened the season in this way.
This is a huge London derby that almost always brought matches full of intensity and energy. Chelsea will especially need that fighting spirit and team chemistry to get a positive result. This is an expensive team that still doesn't seem as homogeneous as Arsenal. Arteta has gradually brought this team up the ladder and now it is definitely a finished product. This could be the season that launches this squad very high.
The just mentioned excellent defensive record of Arsenal can decide in this match. Chelsea has problems gaining possession of the ball against superior teams, and it will be especially difficult against this rival against whom they have lost in the last 3 matches at Stamford Bridge. In our opinion, Arsenal to win with AH 0 seems like a smart option. In case of a draw, we get the stake back.
Chelsea vs Arsenal Head to Head (H2H) stats
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Arsenal 3 : 1 Chelsea
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Chelsea 0 : 1 Arsenal
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Arsenal 4 : 0 Chelsea
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Chelsea 2 : 4 Arsenal
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Arsenal 0 : 2 Chelsea
- Competition: Spain - LaLiga
- Date: Saturday, 21st, October 2023
- Kickoff: 17:30 UTC +1 / 18.30 CEST
- Venue: Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan (Sevilla)
Betting Tips: Real Madrid to Win | OVER 2.5 | DC X2 | FT 2
Sevilla is gearing up to kick off a new chapter under the leadership of their new head coach, Diego Alonso, and what better way to do it than against the current La Liga leader, Real Madrid, at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in Matchday 10 of La Liga.
Just three and a half months after leading Sevilla to their record seventh title in UEFA's second-tier competition, the UEFA Europa League, defeating Roma in the final in Budapest on penalties with a score of 4-1, and also saving them from relegation from La Liga, Jose Luis Mendilibar has been relieved of his duties as the head coach. The decision was made due to the fact that the Andalusians had little reason to celebrate in the current top flight season. With just two victorious outings and a meager eight points from as many rounds, Los Nervionenses find themselves a mere two points above the red zone.
This weekend, Andalusia will play host to one of the top contenders for the LaLiga title at the end of the season, the Real Madrid squad. So far, Carlo Ancelotti's chosen ones have shown the most among the teams in the Spanish top-tier, rightfully perched atop the table with 24 accumulated points, two ahead of LaLiga sensation Girona and three more than their fierce rivals, Barcelona, who currently stand third. Motivated by their exceptional recent results, Jude Bellingham and his campanions are resolute in their determination to secure the maximum from their visit this Saturday, ensuring they enter the next weekend's El Clasico from a leading position.
Sevilla's newly appointed coach, Diego Alonso, who is taking on his first European managerial role after previous stints with clubs like Penarol, Pachuca, Monterrey, and Inter Miami, among others, is in for a baptism of fire this Saturday, as his debut match will be none other than against Real Madrid. The unveiling of the Uruguayan coach has arrived at a particularly difficult moment, as his team finds itself in the midst of a significant downturn, having won only one of their previous six matches across various competitions. Another cause for concern is the defense, which was once the "trademark" of the Andalusian outfit but now appears porous, as evidenced by just two clean sheets from the beginning of the season.
In contrast, Los Blancos are entering Matchday 10 of LaLiga in superb form because, with the exception of the 1-3 loss to Atletico, they have solved all their fixtures in the current season in their favor. Moreover, Carlo Ancelotti's squad has displayed an exceptional reaction after the defeat in the Madrid derby, clinching four consecutive wins and scoring a remarkable 12 goals during this run - an average of exactly three per match. Real Madrid, with a steadfast goal of heading into El Clasico as the league leaders, will strive to claim all three points this weekend, which shouldn't pose much of a problem given their recent dominance over Sevilla - securing eight triumphs from the previous nine top-flight encounters. Weighing up all these elements, in addition to Diego Alonso's lack of experience in European club management, we foresee Real Madrid, with superstar Belingem leading the charge, to capture their fifth consecutive triumph.
Sevilla vs Real Madrid Head to Head (H2H) stats
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Sevilla 1 : 2 Real Madrid
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Real Madrid 3 : 1 Sevilla
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Sevilla 2 : 3 Real Madrid
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Real Madrid 2 : 1 Sevilla
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Real Madrid 2 : 2 Sevilla
More...
A YOUTH football coach from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jonathan Bukabakwa, has been handed a lengthy ban for sexually abusing a minor, FIFA announced today.
“The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has banned Mr Jonathan Bukabakwa, former youth coach at clubs of the Urban Football Agreement of the regions of Lipopo and Malebo in Congo DR, from all football-related activities for 20 years, after having found him guilty of sexually abusing a minor football player,” FIFA stated today.
“In addition, the adjudicatory chamber imposed a fine amounting to 100,000 Swiss francs on Mr Bukabakwa.
“This case arose following serious allegations related to the sexual abuse of minors in the Congo DR Football Association (FECOFA) that were made on several media platforms.
“In particular, various football coaches of different regions and leagues in Congo DR were accused of having abused minor players, leading to Mr Bukabakwa being provisionally suspended for a period of five months earlier this year.”
The world football governing body explained that in deciding the case, the adjudicatory chamber took into account the evidence collected during the investigations and was comfortably satisfied that Bukabakwa had breached article 24 (Protection of physical and mental integrity) of the Code of Ethics.
The terms of the decision were notified to Bukabakwa today, the date on which the ban comes into force, and will be followed by the notification of the grounds within the next 60 days in accordance with the FIFA Code of Ethics, the body explained further.
“The decision taken by the adjudicatory chamber is in line with FIFA’s zero tolerance approach to all forms of abuse in football. World football’s governing body has regularly updated its regulatory framework in recent years to provide greater protection to victims of discrimination and sexual abuse or harassment,” FIFA noted.
“FIFA also provides a confidential, dedicated, highly secure and web-based whistleblowing system so that individuals can report any safeguarding concerns.”
[NaijaTimes]
Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles head coach, has revealed that his players pushed him to accept a pay cut from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The Portuguese agreed a reduction to his salary this summer so that he could remain in charge of the Super Eagles.
The 63-year-old will lead the West Africans to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire in January.
The former Saudi Arabia and Venezuela gaffer claimed his players begged him to stay so they can win the tournament.
“The players pushed me to stay because they believe we can win (the AFCON),” he told Sky Sports.
“We can win it. The players know it. They come with the same energy, the same belief, to fight for the Super Eagles.”
The Super Eagles are drawn in Group A with hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.
Lionel Messi has rubbished reports claiming he will leave Inter Miami on loan to play for another club once the MLS season ends.
Inter Miami failed to qualify for the MLS playoffs and will take on Charlotte FC in their last game on Saturday.
There have been speculations that Messi could return to Europe on loan during the MLS post-season break to keep up his match fitness.
However, when asked whether he was considering playing for another club in December, Messi said: “No.
“It’s a shame [we didn’t qualify]. We came very close. I missed the last few games, we had several injuries. The month of July was very hard for us, we played every three days, we travelled. But we won a tournament which is important for the club and for what is coming next year.
“I will train, I will play our upcoming match [against Charlotte FC] and I will try to get here [to the national team] in the best possible way for November. After that, I will enjoy the holidays in Argentina. It’s the first time that I am going to have more days off in December, with the holidays, with peace of mind, with my people. In January, I will return again to do preseason. Start from scratch and prepare as best as possible as always.”
[DailyPost]
Inter Milan are eyeing a possible free transfer move for Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho next summer, according to reports in Italy.
The Nigerian striker is one of the players who is due to be out of contract with the club at the end of the season, meaning that he will be available on a free transfer should he not sign a new deal with the club. That is said to have alerted Inter to his availability.
According to FC Inter News, the Italian side have “registered” their interest in the striker, but are still not fully sure if they will make a move. It is said that the club are looking to make “various assessments” on the player before making a firm decision as they plan early for which free agents to move for in just under a year.
It’s not the first time that Inter have been linked with an interest in Iheanacho. The 27-year-old was said to have been identified as a possible option for the Serie A club before the start of the summer transfer window, although no move ever materialised.
Iheanacho remained at City beyond the summer, despite his contract situation. He has shared the lone striker role with Jamie Vardy this season, with Iheanacho scoring four times in the Championship, with three of those goals coming in his last three games.
The striker has been with City since joining from Manchester City in the summer of 2017. He opened up about links away from the City in the summer last month.
[Nation]