SPORTS
Former Nigeria captain, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha has given his opinion in the debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time, GOAT, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi and Ronaldo’s rivalry has dominated football conversations for almost two decades.
The two players have shared 13 Ballon d’Or awards between them, with Messi taking home eight of that number.
In a recent interview with Pulse Fun Facts, Okocha picked the Argentina captain over Ronaldo.
Okocha said, “They are both GOATs but my personal GOAT is Messi because he looks more natural to me.”
Both Messi and Ronaldo have been left out of this year’s nominations for the Ballon d’Or, in what could spell the end of an era.
Super Falcons of Nigeria midfielder, Ngozi Okobi, announced the arrival of her first child earlier today, September 17.
Ngozi Okobi took to her Instagram page to announce the arrival of her baby, expressing her gratitude to God and embracing her new role as a mother with the hashtags #godbepraised #iamamother #newmom.
The 30-year-old footballer accompanied her heartfelt message with endearing photos of her baby bump, capturing the precious moments of her pregnancy journey.
Before her announcement, Ngozi had chosen to keep her pregnancy journey private, only occasionally sharing glimpses of her fitness routines and casual moments on social media.
Her husband, Ahmed Okeoghene, whom she married on December 9, 2017, in Delta State, stood by her as she continued to pursue her football career as a midfielder for almost seven years before the arrival of their bundle of joy.
Ngozi Okobi’s remarkable career includes representing Nigeria in several international tournaments.
She showcased her talent in the 2010 Under-17 Women’s World Cup, the 2010 WAFCON, the 2012 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, as well as the 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2022 WAFCON tournaments. Additionally, she made appearances in the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Despite her impressive track record, Ngozi was notably excluded from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad by former coach Randy Waldrum. Since then, she has not made a return to the national team.
Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has hinted on a possible return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Musa urged his supporters to decide on his next club among the 20 teams in the NPFL.
The former NPFL hotshot made the announcement on the social media.
“Let’s go again, which of this team’s do you wish for me to sign,” Musa wrote on X with the logos of the 20 NPFL clubs..
Musa previously had two stints with Kano Pillars in the NPFL.
The 31-year-old has been without a club since leaving Turkish Super Lig club, Sivasspor.
[DailyPost]
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League (UCL) season begins with 36 teams in a new-look single-table group stage.
In recent years, every edition of the UCL has featured Nigerian footballers. Prominent stars like Finidi George, Kanu Nwankwo, and John Obi Mikel have won the competition, and a host of others have made some mark on Europe’s biggest stage.
Regardless of its twisted format, when the new UCL season kicks off on Tuesday, more Nigerians will be representing their various club across Europe.
TheCable presents all the Nigerian stars set to carry on the torch and possibly set records this season.
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN (ATALANTA)
Lookman has been a key figure for Atalanta, and his hattrick won the Europa League final for the Bergamo side’s first-ever European title. Lookman has continued from where he left off last season and would be needed to maintain top form if Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will shock the elites.
VICTOR BONIFACE (BAYER LEVERKUSEN)
Like Lookman, Boniface was integral to Leverkusen’s unbeaten domestic run last season and has already scored thrice this term. The 23-year-old, who won the 2023/24 Bundesliga Rookie of the Season winner, would look to make big statements this season at UCL.
NATHAN TELLA (BAYER LEVERKUSEN)
Tella, a former Arsenal academy player, continues to claim his place in the Leverkusen team despite fierce competition, and the England-born winger’s versatility continues to be his greatest asset. He has featured in all four of Leverkusen’s five matches this season and will be expected to feature heavily on their UCL sojourn.
RAPHAEL ONYEDIKA (CLUB BRUGGE)
The 23-year-old FC Ebedei product won the Belgian Super League with Brugge last season and is still regarded as an important player for the Bruges-based club despite unsuccessfully pushing for a transfer to Galatasaray. It will be interesting to watch if Onyedika can get his head back in the team and turn the club’s European fortunes around.
PETER OLAYINKA (RED STAR BELGRADE)
The 28-year-old, who was born in Ibadan, is a veteran of the Europa League but stepped up to UCL with Red Star last season. He was sparingly used as the Serbian champions finished bottom of Group G and would look to feature more prominently this term.
VICTOR ELETU (AC MILAN)
The 19-year-old has been with AC Milan since 2018 and plays for its youth team in the third-tier Italian football. The midfielder is one to look out for in the future, and his inclusion in the club’s UCL squad is an indication of potential.
SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE (AC MILAN)
Big things are expected of the dribbling maestro, who mostly flatters to deceive. The 25-year-old, however, has European pedigree as a Europa League winner with Villarreal, and it is hoped he can make an impact this season.
GEORGE ILENIKHENA (AS MONACO)
Wonderkid and beast are two superlatives used to describe the 18-year-old forward who idolizes Cristiano Ronaldo. He recently joined from Antwerp, where he earned a maiden UCL appearance and delivered a historic feat for the Belgian club. Ilenikhena’s late goal sealed a 3-2 win over Barcelona for the club’s first-ever UCL win, and he could do more this season.
ELVIS ISAAC (SLOVAN BRATISLAVA)
The 22-year-old winger plays mostly for the club’s Team B in the second division, where he has three goals in four matches. He was on the bench in all eight of Slovan’s UCL qualifying round games and could be an impact player.
VICTOR OLATUNJI (SPARTA PRAGUE)
The Sokoto-born striker has been an important player for the Czech club since joining last year. In his first season, he won the League and Cup double. He was also integral to his club qualifying for the UCL group stage for the first time in 19 years.
[TheCable]
Chelsea are reportedly considering a move to sign Victor Osimhen before the January transfer window, with the English Premier League club keen to secure the services of the Nigeria striker, The PUNCH reports.
The Stamford Bridge giants, who missed out on the Nigeria striker during the summer transfer window, are said to be closely monitoring his situation at Galatasaray, where he is currently playing on loan from Napoli.
A source close to Football Insider revealed that Chelsea are eyeing a potential deal, thanks to a break clause in Osimhen’s loan agreement with the Turkish giants.
Their interest in the player has been reignited following his impressive debut for Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig. The former Lille striker made an immediate impact, providing an assist in a 5-0 thrashing of Rizespor and setting a new league record with seven shots on goal in a single match this season.
Osimhen’s performance showcased his versatility and threat in attack. He completed eight of nine attempted passes, won six out of eight duels, and successfully executed all his dribbling attempts. This display has not gone unnoticed by Chelsea, who are still in the market for a prolific striker.
The London club’s pursuit of Osimhen dates back to the summer, when negotiations collapsed in the final hours of the transfer window despite representatives flying to Naples.
Al Ahli also saw a mega-money offer rejected by the player at the time.
Osimhen’s current contract with Napoli, extended in December 2023, includes a release clause between €120m and €130m. However, with just 18 months remaining on his deal come January, Napoli may be forced to consider offers below this valuation to avoid losing him on a free transfer.
Chelsea’s renewed interest comes at a time when Osimhen’s price tag is expected to drop. The club are reportedly eager to steal a march on other potential suitors by making an approach before the January window.
However, they are likely to face stiff competition from several elite clubs across Europe and the Middle East.
As the reigning CAF Player of the Year continues to impress in Turkey, Chelsea’s management will be weighing their options carefully. With Osimhen’s loan at Galatasaray set to run until the end of the season, any potential move would require careful negotiation with all parties involved.
For now, Osimhen remains focused on his performances for Galatasaray, where he aims to help the club defend their Super Lig title.
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior on Monday received his award as the Best Player for the 2023/24 Champions League.
Vinicius was decisive as the LaLiga champions won the title.
The Brazilian winger scored six goals and laid on five assists in the competition last season.
His ability to step up in crucial matches was instrumental in ultimately securing the trophy.
Meanwhile, Mbappe was also awarded as the top scorer of the Champions League, netting eight goals throughout the tournament.
Both players will be hoping to form a lethal duo that will dismantle opposing defences this campaign.
Real Madrid teenager Endrick has announced that he is newly married to his girlfriend and model Gabriely Mirandy.
Both took to their Instagram pages to share pictures and announced the milestone.
They wrote on their shared post quoting the bible verse, ‘Matthew 19:6: So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has put together no one can separate. At last we are married’.
Endrick only turned 18 some months ago.
They are reported to be together not close to a year and their relationship is to be under a contract as Endrick previously revealed.
The contract is said to have certain bans and the need to say “I love you” when it is needed.
The Brazilian prospect recently joined from Palmieras in the summer, appearing in only four games that aren’t up to 15 minutes altogether.
Endrick will now shift his focus to making his Champions League debut on the opening matchday as Real Madrid face Stuttgart.
The eighth African Nations Championships will be held from February 1 to 28 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe said Monday.
The biennial African Nations Championships (CHAN) is restricted to locally-based players, ruling out big name footballers who move to Europe.
It will be the first time East Africa hosts a continental football competition for national teams, and will serve as a precursor to the three nations hosting the 2027 African Cup of Nations.
Motsepe toured three Kenyan national stadiums which are earmarked to host the event, with two currently under renovation.
“I’m impressed with the commitment shown by the three countries which gives each of them the opportunity to enhance their football infrastructure and attract thousands of visitors and boost their tourism,” said Motsepe after chairing a CAF Executive committee meeting.
Qualifying matches for the 19-team tournament will start on October 25 and end in December.
Senegal won the last edition of the tournament in 2023 beating hosts Algeria 5-4 on penalties in the final.
Morocco and DR Congo have each won the CHAN title twice since its inception in 2009.
Al Nassr struggled in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence on Monday, when the Saudi club kicked off the revamped Asian Champions League with a 1-1 draw against Al Shorta in Iraq.
Al Nassr captain Ronaldo did not travel with the squad for the match in Baghdad, with the club issuing a statement a day before stating that the Portuguese superstar had been diagnosed with a viral infection.
The statement read: “Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t feeling well today and was diagnosed with a viral infection.
“The team’s doctor confirmed he needs to rest and stay at his place.
“As a result, he will not be travelling with the team to Iraq today. We wish a speedy recovery to our captain.”
Al Nassr, who were knocked out of last season’s Asian Champions League in the quarter-finals by eventual champions Al Ain, were given a dream start in the Iraqi capital, when full-back Sultan Al Ghannam met Otavio’s astute, first-time pass on 14 minutes to finish low past Al Shorta goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.
Ronaldo is yet to win a major trophy with Al-Nassr since joining the Saudi club.
Jose Peseiro, the former Super Eagles head coach, has disclosed d the reason he decided not to continue with the job.
The Portuguese was in charge of the three-time African champions for 22 months and guided the Super Eagles to second position at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire
The 64-year-old left the post after his contract expired in February.
Peseiro said he left the post because of the pressure and stress that comes with it.
”I decided that when I finish the AFCON, I will leave. I had put too much effort in my job, it was too much stress. Everyone supported me – my family and the players but I grew fatigue, I thought it was enough for me, even if I had won the AFCON,” Peseiro told SABC Sport.
Despite the challenges he encountered while managing the Super Eagles, Peseiro said the “job was special”.
”Nigeria was an amazing job, with good players. We played very well in the AFCON. I think our team was the best until we lost to Cote d’Ivoire in the tournament,” added vastly travelled coach.
Peseiro is still without a job since leaving Nigeria. The former Venezuela coach said he is waiting for the right project.
”I am waiting for a good job, for a good step. It is true there were offers from South Africa, Europe and in Brazil as well, but I didn’t take any and feel good for those jobs. Someone called to tell me about the Sundowns job and about other things but until now, nothing special,” he remarked.
More...
The Nigeria Football Federation is on the verge of naming German coach Winfried Schafer as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.
This decision comes after weeks of negotiations, with Schafer expected to succeed Augustine Eguavoen, who has served in an interim capacity since late August.
According to the Guardian, NFF has reached an agreement with Schafer, who has previously managed Cameroon, Thailand, and Jamaica, to take charge of Nigeria’s senior national team.
Schafer’s experience, which includes winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon in 2002 and leading Jamaica to the Caribbean Cup title in 2014, made him a top candidate.
The NFF had initially set its sights on Bruno Labbadia, but the deal fell through due to unresolved tax issues. The federation also explored the possibility of appointing Sweden’s former coach Janne Anderson and AFCON-winning tactician Hervé Renard before settling on Schafer.
Schafer’s official unveiling is expected soon, with reports suggesting he will bring his own backroom staff. However, discussions about local assistants are ongoing.
Interim coach Eguavoen will return to his role as NFF Technical Director following Schafer’s appointment.
Fondly known as “Winnie,” Schafer’s last managerial position was with Al-Khor in Qatar in 2021. His playing career saw him feature in 403 Bundesliga matches, scoring 46 goals.
Schafer’s coaching résumé is impressive, boasting titles across various leagues, including the Bundesliga, UAE Football League, and the Caribbean Cup.
Schafer will be tasked with leading Nigeria through their crucial 2025 AFCON qualifiers and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Rivers United clinched their first victory of the season with an impressive 3-1 win over Heartland at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt earlier today, September 14.
This victory leaves coach Finidi George‘s team unbeaten in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Recall that they recorded a 0-0 draw in their league opener against Bendel Insurance on September 8.
On the other hand, Heartland, managed by former Super Eagles winger Emmanuel Amuneke, have faced a tough start to the season, suffering defeats in their first two matches. Recall that they recorded a 1-3 defeat at the hands of Enyimba in their league opener on September 8.
Unfortunately for Amuneke, who was contending for the Super Eagles of Nigeria coaching job, his club recorded the exact scoreline against Rivers United, who are managed by Finidi, a former coach of the national team.
Rivers United’s new signing, Taofeek Otaniyi, made an immediate impact, opening the scoring with a goal from Aniekeme Okon’s assist just three minutes into the game.
Despite this setback, Heartland fought back and managed to equalize just before halftime through Christian Molokwu.
However, the second half belonged to the hosts as Kabir Abdullahi scored twice to secure the victory for Rivers United.
The team’s performance demonstrated their attacking prowess and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, ultimately securing them a well-deserved 3-1 win over the newly registered NPFL side.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen registered as assist on his debut for Galatasaray in their 5-0 thrashing of Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen was thrown right into the fire upon his arrival at Galatasaray as he was named in the starting eleven for their Super Lig game against Rizespor at Rams Park.
The stadium was packed to the brim as Galatasaray fans turned up in numbers to see their latest star acquisition.
Galatasaray were the overwhelming favourites to win the fixture, and they got into the business of the day quickly, as Davinson Sanchez gave them the lead just three minutes in.
Even after scoring, the Super Lig champions kept on piling the pressure. And in the 15th minute, they almost got their second. Osimhen showcased his prowess in the air, latching onto a cross from the wing and planting a header amid pressure from Rizespor defenders. Unfortunately for him, his effort just dragged wide.
After their constant pressing, Galatasaray got their second goal of the game. A cross was swung in from a set piece, and Osimhen met the ball with a fine header. The ball looked like it was destined for the net, but a Galatasaray player Abdulkerim Bardakci got his foot to it just before it entered the net. As such, Osimhen was credited with the assist, while Bardakci was credited with the goal.
Nonetheless, all the Galatasaray players celebrated with Osimhen after the goal.
The home side continued dominate play after their second goal. Osimhen got another chance to score just before halftime, but it was clear that the Rizespor players were keen on keeping him out as they threw themselves at his strike from inside the box.
In the second half, Galatasaray did not stop pushing for goals, and they got their third just three minutes in, courtesy of Gabriel Sara. Then in the 61st minute, Dries Mertens added one more to make it 4-0 for the Super Lig champions.
Osimhen got another good opportunity in the 78th minute as he struck a ball at goal from inside the box. But Ivo Grbic made a great save to deny him. Nonetheless, Galatasaray wrapped up the scoring with a goal from Kaan Ayhan in the 80th minute. It eventually ended 5-0 in Galatasaray’s favour.
Osimhen had seven attempts on goal goal, but he failed to convert any of them. Despite the disappointment, he will be looking to get his first goal in their next game against Gaziantep.
Media
Erling Haaland’s double sent Manchester City three points clear at the top of the Premier League in a 2-1 win over Brentford.
City took full advantage of Liverpool’s defeat to move clear at the top by stretching their 100 per cent record to four games despite a disastrous start.
However, Haaland’s form at the start of the season remains unstoppable, even if the Norwegian just missed out on a record third consecutive hat-trick in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old’s powerful deflected effort brought City level before he showed a combination of strength and skill to shrug off Ethan Pinnock and dink the ball over the onrushing Mark Flekken.
Only the post denied Haaland another hat-trick after half-time but he now has a Premier League record nine goals in the first four games of the season.
“He’s just an absolute machine in front of goal and I can’t speak highly enough of him,” said City’s Jack Grealish of Haaland, who had been doubtful due to the death this week of a close family friend.
“It does speak volumes about him as a person and his mental strength.”
[DailyTrust]