SPORTS

SPORTS

Erling Haaland scored one and assisted another as Manchester City came from a goal down to defeat Chelsea 3-1 in their English Premier League (EPL) encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The fixture delivered excitement on a day Chelsea handed Trevoh Chalobah a starting place on his return from loan, and Pep Guardiola started defender Abdukodir Khusanov and striker Omar Marmoush, his latest mega-signings.

It was however Haaland who won the game for the hosts with a well taken strike after Noni Madueke and Josko Gvardiol had exchanged goals in the first half.

 

Defending has become a nightmare for Man City this season and the visitors took full advantage to take the lead on three minutes, following new boy Khusanov’s defensive mistake.

 

The 20-year-old nodded the ball straight to Nicholas Jackson who squared for Madueke to slot into the net, handing Chelsea a 1-0 lead.

The EPL champions recovered from the early setback to dominate the game. Marmoush had the ball in the net from a rebound but it was ruled out for offside.

City eventually got their reward three minutes before the interval through Gvardiol who slotted into an empty net on the rebound after Roberto Sanchez saved Matheus Nunes’ shot and both sides went into the break level at 1-1.

 

City continued to push for the winner and it came on 68 minutes from a long ball towards Haaland, as the big Norwegian striker shook off Chalobah before executing an excellent lob over the onrushing Sanchez from 18 yards for 2-1.

Foden scored the third goal, clinching a well-deserved victory for Man City on 87 minutes.

Victory sends Man City into fourth position with 41 points from 23 matches, six points behind second-placed Arsenal who won 1-0 at Wolverhampton Wanderers in a match both sides finished with ten men.

Liverpool, runaway league leaders, strolled over Ipswich 4-1, with Cody Gakpo scoring a brace.

 

Nottingham Forest were pummeled 5-0 by an in-form Bournemouth side, while Everton eased their relegation troubles with a 1-0 win at Brighton.

Southampton, on the other hand, remain deeply rooted to the bottom after surrendering a one-goal lead to lose 3-1 to Newcastle United.

RESULTS

  • Manchester City 3-1 Chelsea
  • Bournemouth 5-0
  • Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-1 Arsenal
  • Liverpool 4-1 Ipswich Town
  • Southampton 1-3 Newcastle United
  • Brighton 0-1 Everton

[TheCable]

Emmanuel Adebayor, a former Togo striker, has spoken up about his departure from Arsenal.

Adebayor, speaking with Optus Sport, claimed the then-manager Arsene Wenger banished him from the training ground.

Wenger signed the striker from Monaco and he finished the 2007/08 season with 30 goals in all competitions.

However, the next summer, a bitter contract wrangle led to several top European clubs courting Adebayor.

And although he eventually put pen to paper on a new deal, his relationship with Wenger had been broken.

And the Frenchman asked Adebayor to leave, with Manchester City landing him from their Premier League rivals.

“I had a great season in 2008, I had everyone calling me,” Adebayor said.

“Milan, when Milan was great with Kaka, Gattuso, Maldini and Shevchenko, but I said I wasn’t going, I’m staying with Arsenal.

“I went on holiday but when I came back to the club I had a meeting with the boss, and he said ‘I don’t need you any more.’ And I was like ‘wow’, what am I going to do?

“I wanted a chance to fight for my place and he said no. He said if I stayed I’d not be in the squad for the league, not in the squad for the Champions League or the cup. I thought, ‘ok, this is harsh’.

“I decided to try and give it a chance to force my way back in, but I came back the next day to the training ground and they blocked the gate.

“I wasn’t allowed to enter the Arsenal training ground facility and that’s when I realised it was over.”

A heartwarming moment has captured the internet’s attention, as a video of Cameroonian football legend and President of the Cameroonian Football Federation, Samuel Eto’o, recognising a former teammate working as a security guard goes viral.

The encounter reportedly took place after an Ecobank Group seminar in Douala, Cameroon, according to a report shared on X by a news platform, ED HUB.

In the video, Eto’o, surrounded by fans and attendees, was leaving the venue when someone offscreen called out his name.

At first, he glanced back briefly before walking on, but then he stopped, turned again, and realised it was an old friend.

 

The man, dressed in a security uniform, walked into the frame, and Eto’o’s face lit up in recognition.

The former Barcelona star warmly shook hands with his old teammate, embraced him briefly, and exchanged pleasantries in Bassa’a, a Cameroonian dialect.

Eto’o was visibly moved, repeatedly patting his friend’s arm as they reminisced.

 

Turning to the crowd gathered around them, Eto’o introduced the man, saying, “He was my colleague. I played with him.”

The touching moment has drawn widespread admiration on social media, with many users praising Eto’o for his humility.

This heartfelt moment has however earned him praise among netizens.

Hendrïxx, tweeting as @Mr_humble87, wrote, “When life favors you, don’t ever think others are lazy. Bravo to Eto’o on acknowledging his old teammate.”

Another user,  @MrsLucyEssel, wrote, “Much respect to Etoo. Even if he doesn’t meet him again this man would forever remember this day.”

Dark Cookies, tweeting as @ayo30bg, speculated on how Eto’o recognised him, saying, “I think he called him a name his old friends or close family calls him and caught his attention very fast.”

Some users even translated parts of their conversation spoken in Bassa’a.

Keke, tweeting as @corenti67008438, explained, “He Said: we need to meetup, we can’t speak right now because I have meetings in 10 minutes but tell Christian (assistant of Eto’o and friends of both) to do everything we meetup we gonna speak my friend. I’m happy to see you.”

Many netizens reflected on the unexpected twists and turns of life.

Twiddle™, tweeting as @Boison__, wrote, “Life be someway o. May all the boys we roll with succeed and may we all meet at the top!”

Another user, @Phemmydeji, added, “Life is deep. Sometimes you really can’t understand the mystery.”

Media

Last modified on Friday, 24 January 2025 11:09

Spanish La Liga side Sevilla have signed in Nigerian striker Akor Adams from French Lique Club, Montpellier HSC.

The Nigerian has scored three goals and registered three assists for La Paillade this season with the club currently rock bottom of Ligue 1.

 

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who revealed earlier on his X handle that talks were at the advanced stage for the player to join Sevilla before the closure of the January transfer window on Friday, January 31, 2025 midnight, has later revealed that the deal has been sealed for €5.5m transfer fee.

 

Adams has been Montpellier’s go-to Number 9 since joining the club in the summer of 2023. Since arriving from Norway, he has scored 13 goals in 49 games. However, Sevilla have now acquired his services.

 

In financial difficulty and facing relegation to Ligue 2, Montpellier had been looking to raise funds this month. Adams represented one of La Paillade’s more bankable assets.

Last modified on Friday, 24 January 2025 06:19

Italian Serie A side Udinese have removed Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from their registered players list amid an ongoing investigation into alleged betting irregularities.

The 25-year-old, who is being investigated over suspicious betting patterns surrounding a yellow card he received during Udinese’s 2-1 win against Lazio on March 11, 2024, faces a potential five-year ban if found guilty.

Investigators raided Okoye’s house following a complaint by betting agency Sisal, whose algorithm detected unusual gambling activities linked to the goalkeeper’s yellow card for time-wasting in the 90th minute.

The Prosecutor’s Office in Udine also searched the premises of Diego Giordano, a pizzeria owner whose restaurant is frequented by Juventus footballers, as part of the investigation.

 

Udinese have replaced Okoye with newly-signed goalkeeper Egil Selvik in their 25-man squad, though it remains unclear if the decision was due to the allegations or the Nigerian’s season-ending wrist injury.

The club’s coach, Kosta Runjaic, had earlier maintained that the team’s atmosphere remained positive despite the controversy.

“We haven’t talked about it; we’re focused on Como. The atmosphere is still very good; the team spirit is there, and we’re working diligently,” Runjaic said.

Okoye, who joined Udinese in 2023 from Watford, has made 37 appearances for the Italian club. His legal representatives have dismissed the betting allegations as baseless.

Last modified on Wednesday, 22 January 2025 07:58
Nigerian football legend Austine ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha has expressed his enthusiasm regarding Alex Iwobi’s impressive performance at Fulham FC this current season.

The 28-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the standout players for Fulham in the highly competitive Premier League, contributing significantly to the team’s efforts on the pitch.

 

Iwobi has been in exceptional form this season, netting seven goals and providing three assists for Marco Silva’s side. This marks Iwobi’s most prolific campaign in the English top flight since he began his professional journey with Arsenal a decade ago, highlighting his development and growth as a player.

 

In a recent interview with Lagos Talks FM, Okocha shared his pride in Iwobi’s achievements, affectionately referring to him as his nephew. He remarked, “I am very happy with him (Iwobi) and his progress.”

Notably, Iwobi has been a consistent presence in the Fulham squad, featuring in all 22 of their Premier League matches this season, demonstrating both his fitness and reliability.

Meanwhile, Washington Egor has been appointed as the new head coach of Ikorodu City Academy. The announcement of Egor’s appointment was made official by the club on Tuesday, signalling a new chapter for the academy.

Egor, a rising coach in the football scene, will be supported by Emmanuel Otupe as his assistant.

In his first statements as head coach, Egor expressed his eagerness to make a meaningful impact at the Lagos-based club. “I’m delighted to work with the Oga Boys,” Egor stated in an interview with Ikorodu City Academy media. He also mentioned that he has been closely following the development and progression of the team, indicating his familiarity with the club’s dynamics.

Egor emphasized his commitment to the team’s success, saying, “I’m dedicated and ready to continue the good work with the help of the Almighty God and the support of the Management.”

Under his leadership, Ikorodu City Academy will compete in the Nationwide League One, where Egor aims to foster talent and drive the team towards achieving greater heights.

[NaijaNews]

Last modified on Tuesday, 21 January 2025 15:52

Arsenal is expected to pay Napoli €90 million, based on the release clause included in Victor Osimhen’s loan agreement to Galatasaray.

Osimhen joined the Turkish club on loan from Napoli in September 2024, after negotiations with Al-Ahli, PSG, and Chelsea did not materialize.

Since Galatasaray does not have an option to buy the player, Osimhen is expected to return to Stadio Maradona in the summer. However, it is unlikely that he will remain there long-term.

Osimhen’s contract with Napoli is set to expire in June 2026, but the club has agreed to extend it until 2027 before loaning the striker to Galatasaray last year.

Next summer, Osimhen will have a €75 million release clause to leave Napoli permanently. Nevertheless, according to RAI Sport, the fee to sign him permanently this month is currently set at €90 million, as Galatasaray would receive a portion of the fee if Osimhen departs in January.

This scenario seems unlikely, however, as Galatasaray’s coach and directors have confirmed that the Nigerian striker will remain with the club until the end of the season.

Earlier this month, La Repubblica reported that Osimhen rejected an opportunity to join Manchester United during the winter transfer window.

Transfer expert Pete O’Rourke has noted that Arsenal is “exploring a move” for the Nigerian international “as they look to bolster their attacking options” before the transfer window closes.

Osimhen currently earns €10 million at Napoli, but Galatasaray is paying him only €6 million in wages for this season. The 26-year-old striker has been impressive, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists in 18 appearances across all competitions for Galatasaray.

Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic emphasizes that the club maintains a positive atmosphere as they gear up for their upcoming match against Como at Sinigaglia, despite the ongoing investigation involving Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye related to betting irregularities.

Maduka Okoye, 25, is currently under investigation by the Udine Public Prosecutor’s Office following unusual betting patterns associated with a yellow card he received during a Serie A match against Lazio in March 2024.

 

Runjaic stated, “Our primary focus is on the upcoming game against Como. While I’m not aware of specific conversations among the players, I remain engaged in discussions about our formations and tactics. The atmosphere in the locker room is very good, and the team spirit is strong as we continue to work diligently and with intensity.”

 

Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport indicate that betting agency Sisal detected unusual betting activities, particularly concerning wagers placed on Okoye receiving a booking during the match. He was cautioned for time-wasting in the 64th minute of Udinese’s 2-1 victory.

The investigation has also brought another individual into the spotlight, Diego Giordano, a 40-year-old pizza restaurant owner in Udine. Allegations suggest that a verbal agreement regarding the betting related to Okoye was made at Giordano’s Biffi pizzeria before being finalized at a Sisal betting outlet shortly before the match.

Should Okoye be found guilty under Article 24 of the Italian Code of Sports Justice, which bars professional athletes from gambling on events organized by FIGC, UEFA, and FIFA, he could face a suspension ranging from seven months to four years. However, Okoye’s legal team has firmly rejected the allegations, asserting that there is insufficient evidence to substantiate the claims.

This situation arises as Okoye is recovering from wrist surgery, which has sidelined him from play. To ensure adequate coverage in the goalkeeping position, Udinese has signed Norwegian goalkeeper Egil Selvik.

Since joining the club in 2023 after a stint at Watford, Maduka Okoye has made 37 appearances across all competitions and has established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper at Udinese before his injury.

Last modified on Monday, 20 January 2025 11:36

Egyptian club, Zamalek ended Enyimba’s CAF Confederation Cup journey with a 3-1 win in their final Group A match at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday.

Having already secured the top position with 11 points, the Egyptian side demonstrated their strength against Enyimba, who were aiming for a victory to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.

Mostafa Shalaby opened the scoring for Zamalek with a well-placed header in the 29th minute, followed by Seifeddine Jaziri doubling the lead shortly after halftime.

 

Enyimba responded in the 57th minute when Ifeanyi Ihemekwele scored, bringing a flicker of hope for a comeback. However, Jaziri’s second goal just three minutes from full time sealed the match for Zamalek.

In the other match in the group, Al Masry advanced with a solid 3-1 win over Black Bulls Maputo, highlighted by Fakhreddine Benblewssef’s impressive first-half hat-trick.

This result meant Enyimba finished outside the qualification spots, ending their ambitions of expanding their impressive collection of continental titles, which includes two CAF Champions League trophies.

As the eight-time Nigerian champions shift their focus to the Nigeria Premier Football League, which resumes on January 23 with a critical match against former champions Kano Pillars, there is an opportunity to channel their experiences from this competition into their domestic performance.

Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, participated in the 2025 edition of the Houston half-marathon in the US. 

In a post on X account on Sunday, the governor announced that he completed the 21-kilometre race “in 2 hours 53 minutes”.

Makinde added that the finish was faster than his achievement at the 2022 Berkeley half-marathon in San Francisco, California.

He said he achieved the time despite the “freezing temperatures at 1 degree Celsius” throughout the Houston half-marathon race.

 

“I also took part in a 5k fun run yesterday, which I completed in 38 minutes,” the post reads.

The Houston half-marathon has gained popularity since its debut in 2002. It is part of the three-race annual sporting event in Houston, alongside the marathon and 5km race.

Addisu Gobena of Ethiopia won this year’s men’s half marathon, clocking 59 minutes and 17 seconds.

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Makinde is, however, not the first Nigerian governor to participate in a marathon event. Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu, participated in the 21.79km Coal City half marathon in 2024. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos, finished the 10km Access Bank Lagos City marathon in 2022.

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