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Everton may still be interested in Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho this summer as Sean Dyche explores what attacking options are available to him.
The 26-year-old Nigerian international striker scored eight goals for the Foxes in all competitions last season.
And while Everton have a “mild interest” for the Nigeria international, “no approach has yet been made”.
That is according to BBC Sport, who report that Everton boss Sean Dyche has confirmed that the Toffees have missed out on some key targets this summer.
Dyche said: “It’s a tough market.
“There is only so much that we can do, so we are working very hard – I can assure everyone of that – to construct deals that can work.
“There is no exact moment until it’s over the line.
“There have been situations where we have been into where we thought we were going to get it over the line and we don’t – that’s the way it goes.
“A lack of goals is always a concern because you need to score to win games.”
[EagleOnline]
Holders the United States survived a huge scare to reach the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup on Tuesday after a 0-0 draw against Portugal, who were unlucky not to claim a sensational win at Eden Park that would have taken them through instead.
The USA struggled to impose themselves against opponents ranked 21st in the world and appearing at their first World Cup, and Portugal almost won the game in injury time when substitute Ana Capeta hit the post.
Holding on for the draw means Vlatko Andonovski’s side finish in second place in Group E.
The Netherlands go through as group winners after a 7-0 demolition of a Vietnam side who were beaten just 3-0 by the Americans in their first match at the tournament.
That means pre-tournament favourites the USA will move to Australia to play a last-16 tie on Sunday against the winners of Group G, in all likelihood Olympic silver medallists Sweden.
Nothing about their performance here in front of almost 41,000 in Auckland, or in their two previous matches at the tournament, suggests the United States will find it easy going against a side who finished third at the last World Cup.
It is just the second time in Women’s World Cup history that the USA have failed to top their group, although on the last occasion, in 2011, they reached the final before losing on penalties to Japan.
They had never before won just one group game, and the regression from four years ago in France is striking.
That time they won all three matches in the first phase, rattling in 18 goals without reply.
Andonovski has insisted a youthful new team will need time to find its feet, but an urgent step-up will be required if they are not to be eliminated early in the knockout phase.
The US have never before failed to reach the semi-finals in the eight prior editions of the World Cup.
– Lavelle handed start –
Andonovski made two changes from the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, with Rose Lavelle rewarded for her game-changing role off the bench in that game with a first start at the tournament.
Savannah DeMelo made way for her, while Lynn Williams was brought in on the right wing as Trinity Rodman dropped out.
Portugal had to win to go through but played as if there was no pressure on them at all, with Andreia Norton shooting over early on and the lively Jessica Silva dragging a shot wide from a good position soon after.
They had more of the possession, and the much-fancied Americans struggled to match the intensity or aggression of a Portugal team who had beaten Vietnam 2-0 in their last match.
Starting a World Cup match for the first time, Williams found the going tough but did have her team’s best chances in the opening half, including a snap-shot in stoppage time that was saved by goalkeeper Ines Pereira.
The US started better in the second half but Andonovski was alarmed enough to call for Megan Rapinoe, the veteran replacing Sophia Smith just after the hour mark.
Yet clear chances remained at a minimum and there were some nervy moments at the other end, like when Naomi Girma was booked for a panicked pull on Silva late on.
There was more panic in the US defence in the first minute of injury time when Capeta, who had just come on, smashed a shot off the upright as the holders grimly held on.
Atalanta striker, Rasmus Hojlund is set to undergo a medical with Manchester United on Tuesday ahead of a proposed move, according to The Athletic.
Both clubs have agreed a deal worth €75m (£64m) plus £10m (£8m) in add-ons for the 20-year-old.
Hojlund is poised to become Erik ten Hag’s third signing of the summer after Mason Mount and Andre Onana.
He has already agreed terms on a five-year deal with the option of a further year at Old Trafford.
Hojlund is now scheduled to fly into the UK for his medical tests.
Atalanta were in pre-season action on Saturday against Bournemouth with Hojlund not featuring ahead of his summer switch.
Hojlund is thought to have said his goodbyes to his team-mates ahead of the move.
Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen will become the highest-paid African footballer if he joins Al Hilal this summer.
The Saudi Arabian club have launched a stunning £120.3million bid to land Osimhen, according to Sky Sports.
There has been an influx of top players to the Middle East this off-season, where there are astonishing contracts on offer.
African players have not been left out, with names like Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane and Eduoard Mendy leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia.
Mahrez will reportedly earn £750,000-per-week on his three-year contract at Al Ahli, while Mane will pocket around £650,000-per-week at Al Nassr.
However, the £1million-per-week wage Al Hilal are offering Osimhen, will make him the best paid footballer from the continent.
The 24-year-old has held talks over extending his deal at Napoli, but there has been no agreement yet, with the existing deal set to expire in 2025.
Paris Saint-Germain manager, Luis Enrique is already eyeing a move for Barcelona midfielder, Gavi after completing the transfer for winger Ousmane Dembele this summer.
PSG are reportedly close to landing Dembele who currently has a €50million release clause in his contract.
Dembele himself has already said yes to a move to PSG and has agreed to a five-year deal.
The 26-year-old is currently seen as a cheaper replacement for PSG forward Kylian Mbappe, whose future is already up in the air and could be leaving the Parisians this summer.
Dembele could also join a list of Barcelona players who have signed for PSG in recent seasons. Notably, Neymar, Dani Alves and Lionel Messi.
According to El Nacional, PSG are believed to still be keen on knocking on Barcelona’s door, but this time next summer, as Enrique has identified Gavi as a transfer target.
The French Ligue 1 champions would love to jump at the opportunity to add Gavi to their ranks in 2024 and would be willing to tempt Barcelona with an offer.
Uncertainty have surrounded the hosting of the Nigeria National League relegation playoffs in Kano.
The coalition of the eight clubs taking place in the tournament complained about the outbreak of Diphtheria in that part of the State.
The clubs also hinted at the economic hardship in the country which is likely to affect some teams’ participation in the relegation playoffs.
They however urged the NNL to cancel the playoff arrangement as the plan is outside the football calendar.
ABS, Sokoto United, Ikorodu City, Edel FC, FWC Champion FC, Smart City FC, Henserd FC and Adamawa United are the teams expected to take part in the playoffs.
In June, about 439 of suspected cases came from Kano, of which 160 were later confirmed.
In July, 130 additional cases were confirmed before the month ended.
Ashleigh Plumptre, born on 8 May 1998 in Leicester, is a professional footballer who currently represents the Nigeria national team, the Super Falcons which today play ousted Ireland in the last group game of the ongoing FIFA Women World Cup.
The Super Falcons defender recently decided to part ways with English Super League side Leicester City. The departure of Plumptre was officially announced by the Foxes in a statement confirming that the talented defender left the club after her contract expired at the King Power Stadium.
With a diverse background and a passion for the sport, Plumptre has made a name for herself in the footballing world.
Recognising her talent and dedication, she joined the Leicester City Centre of Excellence at the age of eight and spent seven years with the club, progressing from under-10 to under-15 level.
In 2013, she made a move to Birmingham City’s under-17 team, where she had the opportunity to train with the senior WSL 1 team. During that time, she briefly joined Derby County’s Centre of Excellence, a third-tier FA Women’s Premier League side.
Growing up in Melton Mowbray, a short 30-minute drive from the city, Plumptre’s affinity for football led her to join Leicester City’s centre of excellence at a young age.
From the age of eight to 14, she honed her skills within the club’s youth system, having already started playing for a local girls’ team a few years prior.
Reflecting on her childhood, Plumptre describes herself as a child who always craved physical activity.
After returning home from school, she would promptly drop off her bags and head outside to play football until her mother called her in for dinner.
This unwavering dedication to the sport was a testament to her passion and drive, even at a young age.
“I was one of those kids that just always wanted to be active,” Plumptre said.
Although she temporarily left Leicester City during her teenage years, fate would bring her back to the club where she would eventually sign her first professional contract.
“[It] meant a lot to me to sign for Leicester because it was the club I’ve always supported and I grew up here,” she divulged.
Education
In pursuit of her dreams, Plumptre moved to the United States in 2016 to pursue a scholarship at the University of Southern California.
There, she majored in human biology and also played for the university’s football team. In her first year, the team won the National Championship and were even invited to the White House to celebrate their achievement.
“It influenced so many things in my life, and not just football, I found out more about myself, what I’m passionate about,” she reflected.
Family
Ashleigh Plumptre comes from a mixed heritage. Her father is of Nigerian descent, specifically from Lagos State, and belongs to the Yoruba tribe. Her mother is English.
‘’My grandfather from dad’s side is a Nigerian from Lagos state. He is of Yoruba descent. My younger sister Bayleigh, is called by Yoruba name, Bisi. She is a drummer.
International Career
Plumptre’s connection to her Nigerian roots played a significant role in her decision to represent the Nigeria national team.
She spoke about her purpose and how it has evolved over time, emphasising her desire to delve into her heritage and represent the people she is familiar with.
Plumptre values the impact she can have as both a player and an individual, bringing her jovial and free-spirited personality to the game while also embracing her physical side, which she refers to as her “Nigerian side.”
“As much as I love playing football, I like to play for a purpose and a reason. I know the impact I can have by delving into my heritage more and representing the people I am always familiar with”.
Plumptre began exploring her Nigerian heritage during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Discussing her background with her sister, who identifies as black while Plumptre identifies as mixed heritage, she felt compelled to connect with her roots.
“Even though we have the same dad, we both have a Nigerian dad and a white mum, she looks a little different to me and has experienced things in school that I never had,” she says. “Most people just assume that I’m white. I identify as being mixed heritage. But my sister … she identifies as being black.”
As a result, Plumptre switched her international allegiance from England to Nigeria, aiming to experience the culture and educate her sister about their heritage.
She says: “That’s where I’m like: ‘OK, Nigeria would be good for me to do because then I can experience the culture more, I can come back and teach her about our heritage. That was the trigger for me.”
“I love the culture, I honestly love everything about being in Nigeria,” she says. She has also “realised how lucky I’ve been to just have been born in this country, the opportunities that I’ve been blessed with”. She adds: “My Nigerian teammates, for example, they’ve worked so hard but sometimes they don’t get the same opportunities based upon the teams that they’re playing in, the lack of exposure that they have. It’s a privilege to play with them.”
Career honours
Throughout her career, Plumptre has achieved several notable honours. While playing for Notts County, she was a Women’s FA Cup runner-up in 2015 and a FA Women’s League Cup runner-up in the same year.
During her time at the University of Southern California, she won the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship in 2016.
In 2019, with LA Galaxy OC, Plumptre claimed the UWS Championship. More recently, she contributed to Leicester City’s success, helping them win the FA Women’s Championship in the 2020-21 season.
Net worth
With her impressive performances on the field and her dedication to making a difference both as a player and as an individual, Ashleigh Megan Plumptre has become a highly respected figure in the world of women’s football.
Her net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million, primarily derived from her appearances as a professional footballer.
As she continues to make strides in her career, Plumptre’s impact both on and off the field .is sure to leave a lasting legacy.
Source: goalballlive.com
Nigeria will play in the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The Super Falcons played out a 0-0 draw with the Republic of Ireland on Monday to confirm their place.
The closest Randy Waldrum’s ladies came to grabbing a goal was when Uchenna Kanu’s header was pushed onto the bar by Irish goalkeeper, Courtney Brosnan.
Nigeria finishes runners-up in Group with five points, after winning one game and drawing two.
Australia claimed the top spot thanks to their 4-0 thrashing of Canada.
A lucrative €130m bid from Al-Hilal for Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen has been reject.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has turned down the offer after the Saudi side approached Napoli with the substantial sum.
This move comes after their initial interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe was met with a cold response, leading them to explore other options.
Osimhen, who played a crucial role in Napoli’s triumphant Scudetto-winning campaign last season, has garnered significant interest from various quarters. The Italian club clinched the Serie A title for the first time in over three decades, with Osimhen’s stellar performances in the forefront.
As per reports from Il Mattino via TMW, Al-Hilal presented their bid to De Laurentiis, putting forth the sum of €130m for the Nigerian international. However, Napoli swiftly declined the proposal, indicating their unwillingness to part ways with the talented striker during this summer transfer window. Instead, Napoli is focusing on securing Osimhen’s future at the club by negotiating a new long-term contract. They value the player at approximately €200m.
The 26-year-old forward made his mark in the Serie A last season, finishing as the league’s top scorer with an impressive 26 goals in just 32 appearances. His remarkable achievement earned him the prestigious Golden Boot award, making him the first African player to claim this accolade in the league’s history.
The Saudi Pro League has seen a significant influx of players from Europe this summer all following in the path set by Cristiano Ronaldo who made his move in December of 2022
Welcome to our live coverage of the highly anticipated clash between Nigeria and the Republic of Ireland at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Nigerian national women’s football team, the Super Falcons, are riding a wave of confidence as they seek to extend their impressive six-match unbeaten streak.
Since the 1-0 victory over Costa Rica in the Revelation Cup five months ago, the Super Falcons are yet to taste defeat in any match afterwards.
Now, Coach Randy Waldrum’s squad faces off against Ireland in their final group game in what promises to be an enthralling encounter.
Against all odds, the nine-time African champions have defied expectations in Group B, emerging as the leaders heading into this crucial match.
After securing a well-deserved draw against Canada and delivering a thrilling victory over co-hosts Australia, the Super Falcons find themselves on the brink of qualification for the Round of 16.
While Nigeria boasts an illustrious history as one of only seven countries to have participated in every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since its inception in 1991, this tournament marks Ireland’s maiden appearance on the global stage.
Despite facing elimination after consecutive losses to Canada and Australia, the Green and Whites will undoubtedly be eager to salvage some pride as they face the formidable Nigerian side.
The Super Falcons know their fate lies in their own hands, and they will be keen to build on their impressive performances.
Coach Randy Waldrum’s charges are expected to unleash their attacking prowess and play with utmost determination to secure a convincing victory and qualify for the Round of 16 in style.
Stay with PREMIUM TIMES for live updates as we bring you minute-by-minute coverage of what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Kickoff is set for 11:00 a.m. Stay tuned for all the action!
Oshoala is back to lead the Super Falcons’ attack after coming from the bench in the game against Australia
Nigeria Starting XI
Nigeria: Chiamaka Nnadozie (GK), Ashleigh Plumptre, Osinachi Ohale, Toni Payne, Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe, Uchenna Kanu, Blessing Demehin, Rasheedat Ajibade, Halimatu Ayinde, Michelle Alozie.
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Saudi Arabia Professional League club Al Hilal have reportedly submitted an offer for Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen.
The Blue Waves recently showed interest in Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe but the Frenchman is not keen on the move.
Al Hilal have now been forced to switch targets after Mbappe refused to open talks.
Recent rumours suggested that Al-Hilal have switched focus to Osimhen, who was the star of Napoli’s Scudetto winning campaign last season, netting 26 goals in 32 league games.
According to TMW, have submitted a bid around €130m for Osimhen, an offer that was swiftly rejected by Napoli.
The Partenopei do not want to sell the Nigerian striker this summer and are currently working on tying him down to a new long-term contract. He is valued at around €200m.
[Leadership]
Morocco won a Women’s World Cup match for the first time after Ibtissam Jraidi struck early to give them a stunning 1-0 victory over South Korea on Sunday.
Having been thrashed 6-0 by Germany on their World Cup debut, this hard-earned win kept alive Morocco’s unlikely chances of reaching the last 16 in Australia and New Zealand.
As well as a first Morocco victory ever at the tournament, there was another piece of history when defender Nouhaila Benzina became the first player to wear a hijab at the Women’s World Cup.
“We are just so glad that our efforts paid off,” said the goal-scorer Jraidi.
“I would like to dedicate this victory to Morocco and all the Arab nations at large. It was the fruit of our hard work.”
French coach Reynald Pedros saw his Morocco team take the lead after only six minutes in front of just over 13,000 fans in Adelaide.
Hanane Ait El Haj crossed and forward Jraidi nipped in ahead of her marker to expertly glance her header into the far corner.
Morocco, one of the lowest-ranked teams at the tournament at 72 in the world, were supposed underdogs against the 17th-ranked Koreans.
But they made by far the better start against shell-shocked opponents.
Colin Bell’s Korean side belatedly grew into the game towards the end of the first half, but like in their 2-0 opening defeat to Colombia, they lacked punch up front.
Many of the crowd were shouting for the Koreans and their team piled on the pressure in the second half as they attempted to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Morocco were grimly hanging on.
The Koreans had three players on two as they raced towards Morocco’s goal, only for Benzina to cynically clip an advancing Korean attacker and earn a yellow card.
Bell threw on attacker Casey Phair, the United States-born 16-year-old who is the youngest player ever to feature at a Women’s World Cup.
But Morocco held on for a gritty win that left South Korea facing an early exit from Group H, having failed to get even one shot on target despite all their possession.
“First of all, congratulations to Morocco on the win, the first in their World Cup history,” the Englishman Bell said.
“I’m not going to say it was deserved. They got off to a good start and that affected us in the first half.
“Second half we had almost all of the play, but the chances that we did create, we rushed them, we didn’t take them.
“I’ve experienced many ups and downs in football, and this is definitely one of the worst moments.”
[OpinionNigeria]
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand has continued to witness momentous moments that will be etched in history.
One such moment is the Super Falcons 3-2 win against co-hosts Australia on Thursday at the Brisbane Stadium.
The prowess of Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale (Player of the Match), Rasheedat Ajibade, and Toni Payne birthed the now notable moment of Oshoala taking off her jersey to celebrate netting the third goal that brought Nigeria victory in the match.
But Oshoala is not the first female footballer in world football to take off her jersey to celebrate a goal. Here are Five Female Footballers Who Removed Their Jerseys To Celebrate A Goal.
Brandi Chastain
Now retired American football player and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, Chastain became a hot topic in 1999 following how she chose to celebrate netting the winning penalty in the final of the Women’s World Cup.
Chastain, who had months before missed a penalty kick in a game against China, clinched the World Cup title for the US in a penalty shootout against China, in the finals.
The game which took place at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, saw Chastain remove her shirt to celebrate the win, a move that earned her praises and criticisms alike and is today considered worldwide a vital symbol of women’s athletics.
Valentina Giacinti
Giacinti, in a game against Inter Millan in 2021, netted four goals and celebrated by removing her shirt which took many aback. She however later addressed her fans stating that her reaction to the win was not planned.
Sam Kerr
Reminiscent of Brandi Chastain’s iconic goal celebration at the 1999 Women’s World Cup, Chelsea star Kerr, ripped off her jersey to celebrate netting an injury-time goal against Aston Villa in the 2022 Women’s Super League.
Chloe Kelly
Although met with a yellow card for removing her shirt to celebrate a winning goal at the 2022 Euro Championship Finals against Germany, Kelly made it to the list of women who have celebrated wins in this iconic way.
Asisat Oshoala
Sparking a massive social media conversation, Oshoala had many talking when she removed her shirt to celebrate the winning goal against Australia at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup Competition.
Oshoala, a Muslim, who came in as a substitute in the 63rd minute of the game, netted the team’s third goal in the 72nd minute of the game played at the Brisbane Stadium. She celebrated by ripping off her jersey, also showing her sports bra in the process, a move that has since been etched in the hearts of many.
American rapper Jay-Z is reportedly plotting a bid to take over Tottenham Hotspur after owner J oe Lewis was accused of insider trading.
Spurs owner Lewis has been charged with conducting an insider trading scheme by prosecutors in America, and if found guilty would be forced to give up his ownership of the club per Premier League rules.
On the backdrop of this, The Mirror reports that Jay-Z is waiting in the wings to come in.
The American rapper has previously opened up on his interest to invest in a Premier League club.
Speaking back in 2010, he said: “I don’t know a lot about the business of soccer, but in the future if the right opportunity presented itself, then who knows?
This interest was, however, reported at the time to be in Spurs’ great rivals Arsenal, having previously revealed his allegiances lie with the Gunners when it comes to football.