SPORTS
Christopher Nkunku was the matchwinner for Chelsea in their 1-0 victory against Bournemouth in the English Premier League (EPL).
A few minutes after coming on as a substitute, Nkunku ensured Chelsea left Bournemouth with all points in consecutive matches at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
The last match of the day was an entertaining encounter bereft of goals until Nkunku’s strike four minutes to the end of the pulsating game.
Bournemouth dominated early on but failed to take their chances. Marcus Tavernier hit the woodwork 22 yards out, Evanilson went close from a header, and Chelsea goalkeeper Roberto Sanchez denied Justin Kluivert.
The goalkeeper would switch between hero and villain in minutes, first conceding a penalty when he brought down Evanilson before brilliantly saving the attacker’s spot-kick to keep the scores level at the break.
The Cherries continued to dominate the chances in the second period, and Sanchez had to tip Ryan Christie’s effort onto the bar before Nkunku won it for Enzo Maresca’s side late in the encounter.
The injury-ravaged French forward created space after collecting Jadon Sancho’s pass and prodded home a neat finish to snatch all three points for the Blues.
With seven points after four matches, Chelsea are in seventh place, while Bournemouth stay 11th with five points.
In earlier matches, Manchester United won 3-0 at Southampton, with Andre Onana saving a penalty kick before goals by Matias de Ligt, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho won the Red Devils their second game of the season.
Manchester City maintained their 100% record thanks to Erling Haaland’s brace in a 2-1 win over Brentford. Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the season with a 1-0 loss at Anfield to Nottingham Forest.
Everton surrendered a two-goal lead for the second successive match, losing 3-2 at Aston Villa.
RESULTS
Southampton 0-3 Manchester United
Liverpool 0-1 Nottingham Forest
Crystal Palace 2-2 Leicester City
Fulham 1-1 West Ham United
Brighton 0-0 Ipswich Town
Aston Villa 3-2 Everton
Manchester City 2-1 Brentford
Bournemouth 0-1 Chelsea
[TheCable]
Media
La Liga giants Villarreal have added a new defensive asset to their squad after confirming the signing of 21-year-old Nigerian centre-back Ekerette Udom for their reserve team.
The young defender, known for his towering height and strength in aerial duels, arrives from Rivers United, a club in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Villarreal made the announcement on their official website, stating:
“Villarreal CF have reached an agreement with Rivers United for the transfer of young defender Ekerette Udom, who joins Villarreal B’s ranks.”
Standing at 1.98 metres tall, Udom brings both physicality and versatility to Villarreal B, as he is capable of playing as a centre-back and a holding midfielder.
His solid performances in the NPFL, particularly for Rivers United, have caught the attention of European scouts, leading to this exciting move to Spain.
Udom will initially join Villarreal’s B team, which competes in the Primera Federación – Group 2.
The platform will allow him to hone his skills while aiming for promotion to the senior squad. Villarreal B, founded in 1999, plays its home matches at the Estadio de la Cerámica, a 23,008-seat stadium in Valencia.
This transfer marks a significant milestone in Udom’s career, as he embarks on his European journey with a three-year contract.
His experience in the CAF Confederation Cup, as well as stints with various Nigerian clubs like Nasarawa United and Sunshine Stars, have prepared him for this next chapter.
Now with the opportunity to develop further in one of Europe’s top football environments, Udom will be eager to make an impact at Villarreal B and work his way into the first team.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese footballer, is celebrating 1 billion followers across all his social media platforms.
In an Instagram post on Thursday, the 39-year-old Al-Nassr forward thanked his supporters for believing in him through “all the highs and the lows”.
Ronaldo also reflected on his journey from a young boy in Madeira to becoming “one of the greatest players of all time”.
“We have made history — 1 BILLION followers! This is more than just a number,” he wrote.
“From the streets of Madeira to the biggest stages in the world, I’ve always played for my family and for you, and now 1 billion of us stand together.
“You’ve been with me every step of the way. This journey is our journey, and together, we’ve shown that there are no limits to what we can achieve.
“Thank you for believing in me, for your support, and for being part of my life. The best is yet to come, and we’ll keep pushing, winning, and making history together.”
With this new feat, Ronaldo is the most-followed person on social media — including Instagram (638 million), X (113 million), Facebook (170+ million), and YouTube (60+ million).
On August 21, Ronaldo launched his YouTube channel. The footballer also set a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the most YouTube subscribers gained in 24 hours.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player has won five Ballon d’Or awards, three UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Awards, and four European Golden Shoes, the most by any European player.
The Portuguese international has also scored 895 senior career goals and is the leading all-time goal-scorer in the world.
According to the latest issue of Forbes, Ronaldo is also the highest-paid athlete in the world in 2024 with an estimated total earnings of $260 million.
[TheCable]
In a heartfelt gesture, the Veteran Ex-Enugu Rangers International Footballers of the post Nigeria civil war era of 1970-1975 honoured Chief Ben Etiaba during a grand dinner held in Enugu. The event was in celebration of the Chief Medical Director of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Prof. Joseph Ugboaja, OON. The dinner, chaired by Prof. Chinedu Nebo, CON, also had Enugu Rangers International Football Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Amobi Ezeaku, Esq., as the Special Guest of Honour.
Chief Ben Etiaba was presented with a plaque signed by legendary footballers Christian Chukwu MFR, Emmanuel Okala MON, Dr. Johny Egbuonu, Dominic Nwobodo, Patrick Iluno, and Francis Nwosu. The presentation was made in appreciation of his benevolence, mentorship, brotherliness, and compassion toward the Veteran Ex-Rangers group.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this plaque from these football icons who have given so much to our people,” Etiaba said while acknowledging the award. “Their contribution to rebuilding the spirit of the Igbo nation after the civil war cannot be overstated.”
Christian Chukwu, representing the Veterans, expressed their gratitude for Etiaba’s constant support, noting that he has been a beacon of hope and strength for the group. “Chief Etiaba has shown us that he truly values our legacy and the sacrifices we made,” Chukwu said. “This plaque is a symbol of our deep appreciation for his unwavering commitment.”
In his response, Chief Etiaba reflected on the impact the Ex-Rangers team had on the Igbo community after the civil war. “Every war signifies the failure of conflict resolution mechanisms, but what comes afterward is equally important—rebuilding confidence in the people,” he stated. “These men brought joy and hope back to a people deeply wounded by war.”
Emmanuel Okala added his voice to the recognition, praising Etiaba’s dedication to the cause. “He is a rare gem who has continued to stand by us and uplift our spirits in difficult times. His compassion is second to none,” Okala remarked.
Dr. Johny Egbuonu, also signing the plaque, emphasized the unity between sports and nation-building. “Rangers were not just a football team; they represented the hope of an entire people. Chief Etiaba understands this and has supported us in keeping this legacy alive.”
The dinner in honour of Prof. Ugboaja provided a fitting backdrop for such a tribute, with Prof. Chinedu Nebo commending both the Ex-Rangers and Chief Etiaba for their contributions to the Igbo cause. “What we see here is a beautiful fusion of health, sports, and leadership, and it is truly inspiring,” Nebo said.
R-L: Enugu Rangers Int’l FC CEO Amobi Ezeaku Esq, Ben Etiaba, Dr. Johny Egbuonu, Dominic Nwobodo, Patrick Iluno
Dominic Nwobodo, another Veteran who signed the plaque, described Chief Etiaba as a symbol of resilience. “In times when others may have forgotten us, Chief Etiaba has remained steadfast. His generosity and kindness know no bounds,” Nwobodo affirmed.
As the night drew to a close, Amobi Ezeaku, Special Guest of Honour, noted the significance of the recognition. “Chief Etiaba’s consistent support for the Veterans is a testament to his leadership and character. He is a true supporter of the Rangers’ spirit,” Ezeaku said.
Chief Etiaba closed his remarks by once again thanking the Ex-Rangers and reaffirming his commitment to their cause. “I will always stand by you, just as you stood by our people in those dark times. Your legacy will forever be remembered,” he concluded.
The dinner not only honoured Prof. Ugboaja but also served as a celebration of history, unity, and the power of sport in healing a wounded people.
Samson Siasia, a former Super Eagles head coach, says he believes the team is currently lacking a creative midfielder.
Siasia said the Super Eagles need a playmaker in the mould of former captain of the side, Austine Jay Jay Okocha to be a world-beater.
Nigeria is yet to find a suitable replacement for Okocha since the former Bolton Wanderers star quit international football in 2006.
Former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi was expected to take up the role but failed to live up to expectations.
Fulham star, Alex Iwobi has been used in the number 10 role in recent years but Siasia claimed he is not good enough to play the position.
“We don’t have an offensive midfield player that can give the last pass to the strikers. We have great strikers, but we need someone that is missing,” Siasia told Lagos Talks.
“Iwobi can not play that position. He’s a good player, but he’s not doing as much as he’s supposed to as an offensive player. We have to look for that person in the centre of the field, who can give the last passes and score goals.
“In the defence and other parts, right and left midfield, we are good. We need someone like Jay-Jay Okocha, but it has to be somebody that can score more than him.”
Jose Mourinho, the Fenerbahce manager, has claimed that Victor Osimhen “dives too much”.
Osimhen has joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan deal from Napoli.
This means the striker and his new teammates will fight directly with Fenerbahce for the Turkish League title.
Mourinho joined Fenerbahce in June, months after he was sacked at AS Roma, where he came up against Napoli a few times.
“The last time we played against him during Roma vs Napoli, I had this conversation with him, ” Mourinho told HT Spor.
“I told Osimhen, ‘you are one of the best players in Africa along with Salah. Before there were Drogba, Eto’o and Weah. You can’t be diving.’
“He dives too much, and that’s my problem with him, but after 10 minutes, we are fine.”
Augustine Eguavoen, the interim Super Eagles coach, has opened up on why he substituted Samuel Chukwueze during the second half of Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifying match against Rwanda on Tuesday.
Chukwueze was brought off at halftime, with Moses Simon taking his place.
Speaking at his post-match interview, Eguavoen said the AC Milan winger had to be replaced because he had a yellow card and was tormenting the hosts.
“He [Chukwueze] is very good, he’s one of our good players. Today, we came up with a strategy, he got a yellow card and he was tormenting you [Rwanda] guys,” Eguavoen told reporters.
“We had three players on yellow cards so it’s kind of a risk also. We have to make some substitutions and we have players who can go forward also.
“We thought Chukwueze should rest not because he’s not playing well but because of the risk of getting a second yellow card.”
Super Eagles interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen says he is still in in charge of the three-time African champions.
According to OwnGoalNigeria, a sports website, Eguavoen said his assignment was limited to two matches.
The Nigerian tactician was quoted to have said he was given a mandate to oversee the Eagles’ matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda in the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
“I have been given a mandate to handle two games. I will want to say I am very pleased with the boys and again, thanks to the NFF leadership and all the boys who supported me in terms of discipline and working hard.”
“It ends today, which is the two games mandate. I can’t talk about Libya, because I haven’t been told but I can talk about it a little bit in case we have another coach, we can talk about it.” he reportedly said.
But speaking on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja in the early hours Wednesday, Cerezo as he is fondly called, denied quitting his role.
According to him, he only said he was going to discuss with the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation )NFF) on how to prosecute the remaining qualifying series.
“It’s quite unfortunate that people trigger something that is not correct and the situation we are in now, we don’t need negative stories.
“I only talked about how I will sit down with the hierarchy of the Federation after these two games and see how we will prosecute the next games. When I saw the story, I was kind of worried and concerned. Whatever people are reading out there is not correct. I’m still very much in charge as the technical director of the federation and saddled with the responsibility of taking charge of the Super Eagles at this moment,” he clarified
Recall that Eguavoen was named the interim coach after German coach, Bruno Labbadia declined the role after being unable to reach an agreement on tax payment.
Eguavoen led the team to 3-0 win over Cheetahs of Benin before being held to a 0-0 draw by Wasps of Rwanda in the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.
[DailyTrust]
Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Austin Eguavoen, has denied stepping down as the interim coach of the Super Eagles after the two 2025 AFCON qualifiers against the Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Eguavoen was appointed by the NFF to take charge of the two games following the inability of the federation to secure the services of German coach, Bruno Labbadia, over what they call stringent German tax laws.
“In the event, Technical Director of Nigeria Football Federation, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, will now take charge of the Super Eagles for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic (Uyo, September 7) and Rwanda (Kigali, September 10),” the statement announcing his appointment had partly read.
The 59-year-old led Nigeria to a convincing 3-0 win over the Benin Republic in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, last Saturday before being held to a goaless draw in the second game of the series by Rwanda on Tuesday.
After Tuesday’s goaless draw in Kigali, Eguavoen was said to have stepped down as interim coach but the gaffer has denied the reports ahead of next month’s AFCON qualifiers double header against Libya.
“It’s quite unfortunate that people just trigger something that is not correct. And the situation we are in now, we don’t need negative stories,” Eguavoen said on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja in a media chat.
“I only talked about sitting down with the hierarchy of the federation after these two games and we will see how to go about prosecuting the next games.
“But when I saw that story I was worried. Whatever people are reading out there aren’t correct. I’m still very much in charge. I’m the Technical Director of the NFF, saddled with the responsibility of taking the Super Eagles at this moment,” he said.
Luton Town have announced the signing of ex-Super Eagles Star, Victor Moses on a free transfer.
The 33-year-old was a Premier League title winner with Chelsea in the 2016/17 season.
The former Nigeria international has most recently been playing his football in Russia with Spartak Moscow, who he joined in 2021.
“Victor Moses has signed in as new Luton player on free transfer, deal sealed,” Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano wrote on his X handle.
Club’s Manager Rob Edwards said, “Victor is one we’ve been talking to for quite a while. He trained with us last week and played 60 minutes in a behind closed doors game, and we made a decision because we think he’s able to come in and help us.
“He gives us more strength in depth and versatility, because he’s someone who can play both sides or as a number ten.
“He’s played for so many different clubs in different ways and shapes, and under different managers, so he’s tactically aware. We think he’s someone who can provide some really good competition for us.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him and expect too much too soon. He’s not going to come in and start the games straight away.
“He’s got to get used to what we do and how we play, but he’s fit, he’s able to come in and affect it now, and he definitely makes the squad stronger.”
For his part while speaking to the club, Moses added, “I’m looking forward to it. I had a few offers from Europe, but I said to my agent that I set my mind on staying over here, and here we are. I’m very pleased and honoured to be at this club and I just can’t wait to get going.
“I spoke to Rob before I came, I spoke to the directors and they told me the plan and the history of the club, and I just want to be part of the success.
“I want to come here and enjoy my football, work hard for the club and for the team, and get back to where we belong in the Premier League.”
He left Selhurst Park in 2010 to join then-Premier League Wigan, where he spent the next three seasons.
Chelsea came calling and ended up playing 128 times for the club winning the Premier League, FA Cup and two Europa Leagues.
Moses has also won the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 2013.
[Leadership]
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Nigeria failed to defeat Rwanda in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played in Kigali on Tuesday.
The match ended goalless between both countries.
However, the Super Eagles will feel aggrieved as they had what looked like a legitimate goal ruled out in the first half.
Victor Boniface’s header from a throw-in fell to Ademola Lookman who put the ball the net.
But the referee ruled it out.
Both sides saw their goalkeepers make fine saves to maintain the stalemate.
Nigeria lead Group D with four points, while Rwanda are in second spot with two points.
[DailyPost]
Nigeria failed to defeat Rwanda in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played in Kigali on Tuesday.
The match ended goalless between both countries.
However, the Super Eagles will feel aggrieved as they had what looked like a legitimate goal ruled out in the first half.
Victor Boniface’s header from a throw-in fell to Ademola Lookman who put the ball the net.
But the referee ruled it out.
Both sides saw their goalkeepers make fine saves to maintain the stalemate.
Nigeria lead Group D with four points, while Rwanda are in second spot with two points.
Former Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George says Victor Osimhen has yet to apologise for the viral social media tirade that disrespected him.
Finidi, who is now in charge of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Rivers United, revealed he reached out to the forward to resolve the issue.
“I sent him a message that it was not the best way, just someone telling you that coach said that and you’re talking about me like I said it in an interview,” Finidi told Nigeria Info FM.
“From that point I didn’t hear from him, I moved on and I wish everybody well, only God will judge”. Finidi also refused to comment on suggestions Osimhen should have been sanctioned with a ban from the Super Eagles.
“I don’t know, he is there already, let him be,” he added.
“We cannot crucify him, he has made a mistake, we have moved on and life goes on.”
Former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has dismissed reports that Victor Osimhen’s wage demand was the reason the deal with the English side fell through.
Chelsea made a last-minute effort to sign the Super Eagles forward during the final hours of the summer transfer window, but the Premier League side could not finalise the deal.
According to reports, Napoli had accepted an €80 million ($88.5 million) offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli on deadline day, but Osimhen expressed doubts about leaving European football.
Mikel, who was involved in the deal with Osimhen, has revealed that the transfer was just ‘hours away’ from being finalized and noted that the forward was ‘disappointed’ when the move fell through.
“I know what Victor wanted, I know what the club offered him, I know where we got to; we finally got to a compromise; both sides had to compromise, I was just some little things here and there, paperwork, medical, and a few issues we just couldn’t get over the line, and we didn’t have much time,” Mikel revealed on The Obi One Podcast.
“Both sides really played their part in terms of getting the deal done, and I commend Chelsea for that because I can see their ambition of where they want to take this club now and also on Victor’s side, how much he really wanted to come to the club.
“He was disappointed it didn’t happen. I spoke to him when the transfer window shut. I gave him a call. We spent 20 minutes talking, I said, ‘Listen, I’m always here for you. You need to keep your head down. You need to keep working hard. Keep training. I know it’s not the best situation right now, but I know you’re strong.’
“You know, Victor’s a strong character; he’s a bit like Didier Drogba and Diego Costa, and that’s something we’re missing at the club—strikers who have that edge, who have that bite who can intimidate defenders, and Victor definitely has that.”
Speaking further, Mikel dismissed reports of issues between Osimhen and Chelsea over the failed transfer.
“Definitely, there are no issues. I think if we have to pick this back up again like I said, whenever it is, January or next summer, we know where we are, we know where we’ve stopped, and it’s just little details that need to be finalised and the deal will be done.
“So for me, the club is in a very happy place with Victor, and Victor is in a very happy place with the club.
“I want to make sure; I’m not going to rest; I want to make sure I get him to the club because I know, not because he’s my friend, or he’s like my younger brother, or he’s Nigerian; no, he is one of the best strikers in the world right now; he’s Africa’s best player; I know what he can bring to the club, and I’m sure a lot of Chelsea fans know what Victor can bring to the club.”
The reigning African Footballer of the Year has since sealed a season-long loan deal to Galatasaray.