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West Ham United have announced Graham Potter as their new manager following the departure of Julen Lopetegui earlier this week.
The 49-year-old former Brighton and Chelsea boss has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club. Potter takes charge with the Hammers sitting 14th in the Premier League, seven points clear of the relegation zone, after securing just six league wins this season.
“I am delighted to be here. It was important to me that I waited until a job came along that I felt was right for me, and equally that I was the right fit for the club I am joining,” Potter told the club’s website.
“That is the feeling I have with West Ham United. My conversations with the chairman and the board have been very positive and constructive.
“We share the same values of hard work and high energy to create the solid foundations that can produce success.”
Potter also emphasised his alignment with the club’s short-term needs and long-term vision, stating, “We are on the same wavelength in terms of what is needed in the short term and then how we want to move the club forward in the medium to long term.”
This marks Potter’s return to management after his dismissal from Chelsea in April 2023. Despite an underwhelming tenure at Stamford Bridge, where he oversaw a record £323 million transfer outlay, Potter previously impressed during his three-year spell at Brighton, guiding the Seagulls to a ninth-place Premier League finish in 2022.
Potter’s managerial career has also included stints at Ostersunds FK and Swansea City. He was briefly linked to the England national team role before Chelsea hired him as Thomas Tuchel’s successor.
Potter’s first challenge as West Ham manager will be their FA Cup third-round match against Aston Villa on Friday, followed by a Premier League clash at home against Fulham on Tuesday.
Neymar said that the 2026 World Cup will be his last adding he was confident that Brazil would qualify for the finals in North America.
“I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance and I will do everything I can to play in it,” the 32-year-old attacker, who has not played for Brazil in more than a year, told CNN.
He also told the American news network in the interview published on Tuesday that he would not rule out reuniting with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at U.S. club Inter Miami.
“Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible,” Neymar said at an award ceremony in Dubai.
Brazil have struggled in South American World Cup qualifying.
After 12 of the 18 rounds, they are fifth in the 10-nation group. But the top six are guaranteed places in the World Cup and Brazil are five points ahead of Bolivia in seventh.
“I have a lot of faith in the team, in the players who are emerging, who are young,” he said. “We’re not in a position where we would like to be.”
“I think together we can achieve something very big. We have a year, a year-and-a-half to work, to do the right things to reach the World Cup,” Neymar said.
Neymar started Brazil’s first four qualifying games but went off injured at half time as they lost to Uruguay in October 2023. After knee surgery he was out for a year.
He returned for his Saudi club Al Hilal with two brief appearances in October and November but injured a hamstring and has not played since. He said he is targeting the World Cup.
“I want to be there, I’m going to try to do my best, to work very hard so that I can be with the Brazilian team.”
He will be 34 by the time the competition in the USA, Canada and Mexico, kicks off.
He could play in the United States before then. Al Hilal will appear in the expanded Club World Cup in the United States in June where Miami, with Messi and Suarez, will also be competing.
“They are my friends.” said Neymar, who also played with Messi at Paris Saint-Germain. “We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio.”
“I’m happy in Saudi Arabia, but who knows? Football is full of surprises.
“When the news came out that I was leaving Paris Saint-Germain, the transfer window was closed in the United States, so I didn’t have this option.”
Newly-appointed Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle will earn a monthly stipend of $50,000, it has been revealed.
According to OwngoalNigeria, his assistants will get $5,000 each as their salary.
Chelle will arrive Abuja this weekend to finalise the details of his contract.
The 47-year-old is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
Local coaches, Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu are expected to be part of the new technical crew.
Chelle’s first assignment will be the 2024 African Nations Championship which will kick-off early next month.
Errol, father of Elon Musk, has revealed that the billionaire entrepreneur has expressed an interest in purchasing Premier League team Liverpool.
Musk, whose net worth is estimated at $418 billion, has recently emerged as a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Reports suggest that Musk donated approximately $270 million to the Republican Party before their election victory, aiding Trump’s return to the White House.
Since Trump’s November win, Musk and Trump have been seen together at various events, including celebrations at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, UFC fights, and college football games.
Now, it appears Musk’s attention may be turning toward English football.
Known as the visionary behind Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), the 53-year-old billionaire seems poised to expand his business empire further by acquiring one of the world’s most iconic football clubs.
When asked about Musk’s interest in Liverpool during an interview with Times Radio in London, his father, Errol Musk, was cautious.
“Has he expressed a desire to buy Liverpool Football Club?” a reporter asked.
“I can’t comment on that. They’ll raise the price,” Errol Musk replied with a laugh.
Pressed further, he admitted that his son has shown interest but refrained from confirming any formal negotiations.
“Oh, yes. But that doesn’t mean he’s buying it,” Errol added. “He would like to, yes, obviously. Anybody would want to—so would I!”
Family Ties to Liverpool
When questioned about Musk’s specific interest in Liverpool FC, Errol Musk pointed to the family’s generational ties to the Merseyside city.
“His grandmother was born in Liverpool, and we had relatives in Liverpool. We were fortunate to know quite a lot of the Beatles because they grew up with some of my family. So, we are attached to Liverpool, you know,” Errol revealed.
Musk has previously spoken fondly of his grandmother, Cora Amelia Robinson, who was born in Mossley Hill, Liverpool, in 1923.
She grew up in pre-war poverty, working hard to support her family before emigrating to South Africa in 1944.
Musk once described her as “an important part” of his childhood and credited her with instilling strong values.
“My Nana was one of the poor working-class girls with no one to protect her who might have been abducted in present-day Britain,” Musk shared on X.
“She was very strict, but also kind, and I could always count on her. She grew up very poor in England during the Great Depression only to be bombed in WW2. To earn money for food, she cleaned houses, leaving me with a lasting respect for those who do so.”
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
As the team looks to turn its fortunes around, here are seven key things you should know about the man tasked with steering Nigeria’s football giants back to glory.
What to know about Eric Chelle, new Super Eagles coach
1. Eric Chelle led Mali to quarter-final finish at AFCON 2023
Eric Chelle was Mali’s head coach during the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. Under his guidance, Mali advanced to the quarter-finals, marking a great milestone for the team.
However, their campaign ended in heartbreak when they were defeated by the host nation in extra time.
2. A memorable reaction to defeat
Chelle’s emotional response to Mali’s quarter-final loss was one of the most striking moments of the tournament.
After the match, he was seen squatting on the sideline, hyperventilating. His assistants rushed to revive him with bottles of water, underscoring his deep passion and commitment to the team.
3. Experience in French football’s lower leagues
Before taking the reins of Mali’s national team in 2022, Chelle managed several clubs in the lower tiers of French football.
His coaching stints included GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne, where he honed his skills despite limited resources and visibility.
4. A modest playing career
As a player, Chelle represented Mali’s senior national team five times. His club career saw him feature for French sides such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.
While not a household name during his playing days, his experience across these clubs provided a solid foundation for his coaching journey.
5. Immediate responsibility for World Cup qualification
Chelle’s appointment comes with high stakes. He is charged with leading the Super Eagles to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
Nigeria is currently in a precarious position, sitting fifth in Group C of the qualifiers, winless after four games.
6. A challenging first assignment
Chelle’s debut as Nigeria’s head coach will come in March when the Super Eagles face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the next round of qualifiers.
These matches are crucial for reviving Nigeria’s chances of making it to the World Cup.
7. An opportunity to revive the Super Eagles
Chelle’s appointment signals a fresh start for the Super Eagles. Fans hope his international experience with Mali and his ability to work under pressure will translate into success for Nigeria.
With a passionate fan base and talented players, Chelle has the tools to make a huge impact if he can bring the team together.
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has confirmed Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the national team.
The appointment followed the recommendation of the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee during its meeting on January 2, 2025, in Abuja.
The recommendation was approved by the NFF Executive Committee on January 7, 2025.
The 47-year-old has previously worked as the head coach of Mali’s senior national team.
He has also managed teams like GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.
During his playing career, he represented Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.
Chelle led Mali to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Côte d’Ivoire. They came very close to qualifying for the semi-finals, losing 2-1 to the eventual champions after extra time.
Austine Eguavoen was put in charge of the Super Eagles after Finidi George resigned from the role, following a series of disappointing results in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, including a draw against South Africa and a loss to Benin Republic.
Chelle’s appointment takes effect effective immediately and he will be tasked with qualifying Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
[DailyPost]
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has taken luxury travel to the next level, upgrading his private jet to the Gulfstream G650, valued at an eye-popping $75 million.
This move, reported by Daily Sabah, marks a significant step up from his previous Gulfstream G200, which the star reportedly sold for $24 million before acquiring the state-of-the-art aircraft.
The Gulfstream G650, often referred to as the “flagship of private aviation,” is renowned for its advanced technology, elegant design, and unrivaled speed, boasting a top velocity of 610 mph.
It stands as a symbol of excellence in the skies, perfectly aligning with Ronaldo’s penchant for the finest in life.
The interior of Ronaldo’s new jet reflects opulence and practicality. Designed to accommodate up to 19 passengers, the aircraft features three distinct areas for relaxation, work, and dining.
Its lavish amenities include Wi-Fi connectivity, a multimedia system, a telephone, and a fully equipped kitchen with an electric oven, microwave, and refrigerator.
According to the report, the jet also offers ample storage space for Ronaldo’s clothes and accessories, ensuring the football icon can travel in comfort and style.
From the exterior, the Gulfstream G650 is just as striking. The sleek black metal body is adorned with Ronaldo’s initials, “CR,” alongside the silhouette of his signature “Siu” celebration pose—a fitting tribute to one of football’s most recognizable figures.
Taiwo Awoniyi scores the third and final goal in Nottingham Forest’s 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderer in their English Premier League (EPL) clash.
The Super Eagles striker’s stoppage time goal wrapped up an emphatic victory for surprise package Forest, who demolished Wolves at the Molineux on Monday.
Awoniyi scored deep into added time after James Ward-Prowse cut a pass over to him with the goal-gaping, and the striker rolled the ball into the net.
The strike was the 27-year-old first goal since February 2024.
It was an emotional scene for Awoniyi, who dropped to his knees in celebration and relief.
Persistent injury concerns have hampered the striker’s playing time and form since he scored in a 2-0 win over West Ham United almost a year ago.
Before Awoniyi’s goal, Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood had emphasised the dominance of Forest with their goals.
The victory is Forest’s 12th of the season, which takes the team to an improbable third position on the table.
They are level on points, with Arsenal in second place and four points ahead of Chelsea in fourth.
[TheCable]
Anthony Joshua, a former world boxing champion, shared a picture of himself enjoying his vacation in Nigeria with members of his extended family.
In a post on his X handle on Sunday, The 35-year-old boxer posted a photo which included him alongside six other people.
“My uncle, brother, and cousins,” the caption read.
All the individuals in the photo are shirtless with big biceps and puffy chests except for the uncle, who wears a black caftan and a Kangol cap of the same colour.
Joshua, born in the UK to parents who hailed from Sagamu in Ogun, arrived in Nigeria last December. He has been spotted enjoying his vacation at various spots across the country.
On January 1, he was hosted by President Bola Tinubu in Lagos. Joshua presented Tinubu with an autographed boxing glove during the visit.
A few days before that, the boxer also visited Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, at the government house in Abeokuta. The governor honoured him with the state’s “sports ambassador” role and urged him to continue making Ogun proud.
Photo of Anthony Joshua with his cousins and uncle:
Former England striker, Gary Linekar has lauded Alex Iwobi for his impressive displays for Fulham this season.
Iwobi has played in different positions for the Whites in the 2024/25 campaign.
The Nigeria international has also had his best-ever goal contributions in the Premier League this term.
The versatile midfielder has racked up five goals and three assists in 19 league appearances for Marco Silva’s men.
Linekar claimed the 28-year-old has had a terrific campaign for the Whites
“Iwobi has had a terrific season. He’s been around the Premier League for a while,” Linekar said on his podcast The Rest is Football.
[DailyPost]
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Naomi Osaka withdrew from the final of the Auckland Classic with an abdominal injury Sunday, a blow to the Japanese star just a week before the start of the Australian Open.
Playing in her first WTA final for three years, against Denmark’s Clara Tauson, the four-time Grand Slam champion called for the physio after taking the opening set 6-4 and pulled out shortly afterwards.
Osaka’s sudden withdrawal came as a shock after playing with no apparent problem in the 35-minute opening set, unleashing some powerful groundstrokes to break her opponent in the third and fifth games.
At the changeover, the 27-year-old stood and performed a series of stretches during a medical timeout.
After consulting with the trainer she shook the hand of Tauson, who picked up a third career title and her first since 2021.
Osaka didn’t divulge details of what forced her withdrawal in a short courtside interview.
However, in a statement, the WTA said she retired “due to an abdominal injury”.
“I just want to thank everyone for welcoming me to such a beautiful city. I had a lot of fun playing here and I’m sorry about how it ended.
“I hope you did enjoy the tennis that we did play and I’m just really grateful to be here,” Osaka said.
It was an anti-climactic finish to the week for Osaka, who was chasing her first title since winning the 2021 Australian Open.
Her most recent final appearance was at the Miami Open the following year, before taking a 15-month break and giving birth to her first child midway through 2023.
She returned to tennis 12 months ago and has climbed to 57th in the world rankings.
AFP
Victor Osimhen displayed a jersey with birthday messages for the twin sons of Tony Elumelu, the Nigerian business tycoon.
Osimhen scored the game’s first goal in Galatasaray’s 2-1 win over Goztepe at RAMS Park on Saturday.
The goal came in the tenth minute as the 26-year-old began the year with a clinically executed penalty that sent Mateusz Lis, Goztepe’s goalkeeper, the wrong way.
The strike was Osimhen’s 10th league goal for Galatasaray since joining the Turkish team in mid-2024.
While celebrating the goal, the striker called for a customised Galatarasay jersey from the bench. He then posed in front of cameras with the jersey displaying a “Happy birthday, Tony and Toby”.
Reacting to the gesture in a tweet on X, Galatasaray joined in the celebration of the boys adding the club is “not sure who they are”.
However, Elumelu revealed the message was directed to his twin sons.
In a tweet on X, Elumelu added that Osimhen had, a week before, promised to celebrate the twins’ 10th birthday when he scores.
“Throwback to last week when Victor Osimhen promised the T-Men to dedicate his next goal as their 10th birthday gift—and, as always, he delivered in style,” the tweet reads.
Galatasaray are top of the Turkish league with 11 points ahead of Fenerbache in second.
Former world number one Naomi Osaka reached her first final since 2022 on Saturday as she swept aside unseeded American Alycia Parks at the Auckland Classic.
The four-time Grand Slam champion from Japan won 6-4, 6-2 in another confidence boost ahead of the Australian Open starting on January 12 in Melbourne.
Osaka was contesting her first semi-final since 2022, having taken a break from tennis and becoming a mother in 2023. She returned to the sport a year ago.
The 27-year-old showed no sign of the nerves that had marked her first three wins in Auckland, producing a clinical performance to set up a final on Sunday against Clara Tauson of Denmark.
“Of course I’m really happy to get to the final here, I’ve actually never got to a final a week before Melbourne so this is like a career first for me,” said Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion now ranked 57th.
“In my head I’m really happy. But there’s always constantly things to improve to get better, no matter how old you are.”
Osaka’s power and precision proved too much for the 78th-ranked Parks.
The American faded in what was her second match of the day, having had her quarter-final pushed back by rain on Friday.
Osaka’s four wins this week have come against opponents ranked below her at a tournament lacking a strong field.
That will change in the final against 50th-ranked Tauson, who beat unseeded American Robin Montgomery 6-4, 6-3 in the other semi-final.
Earlier in the day, Tauson toppled American top seed Madison Keys 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) in a quarter-final that was interrupted by rain on Friday night.
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Arne Slot says crisis-hit Manchester United are “much, much better” than their shocking position in the Premier League suggests as he prepares his Liverpool team for a clash against their fierce rivals on Sunday.
Liverpool are six points clear at the top of the Premier League table — and are hot favourites to land a 20th English top-flight crown, which would pull them level with record-holders United.
United, by contrast, are 14th in the table after five defeats in their past six league games under new manager Ruben Amorim.
But Slot, also in his first campaign in England, is adamant he will not take his opponents lightly at Anfield, when asked if he might rest players at Friday’s pre-match press conference.
“No, of course I’m not going to plan to rest any player because it’s a big game and I think it’s for me I said it before the first fixture (a 3-0 win at Old Trafford) and I can say it one more time, that they have much better players in my opinion than maybe the league table shows at the moment.
“I think it’s going to take a while maybe for Ruben Amorim to bring this out of the players… but they will definitely go up and they are much, much, much better than the league table shows at the moment.”
The Dutchman said he had sympathy with his rival in the Old Trafford hot seat, who joined United from Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon in November.
“I think every manager sympathises with every other manager, because we all know how much pressure this job brings,” said Slot.
“That’s not different for him than for me, or for any other manager that works in the Premier League, or somewhere else around the world.”
Slot was asked whether he could categorically state that Liverpool would not let Trent Alexander-Arnold leave in the January transfer window, with the defender heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk are all out of contract at the end of the season and can now talk to foreign clubs.
Slot said Alexander-Arnold was “fully committed” to Liverpool and would be playing on Sunday.
“Hopefully he brings the same performances as he brought in for the last half-year, because I think everybody saw how great a first half of the season he had, how much he is here, how much he wants to win here,” said Slot.
AFP