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Super Eagles to give minister victory

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Super Eagles to give minister victory

Nigeria men’s senior national team vows to thrash Sao Tome again for new sports minister 

 

Super Eagles promise handsome win over Sao Tome for Sports Minister Enoh - KICK442 Sport News

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

Captain William Ekong said on Thursday that the Super Eagles will go all out for a handsome victory over visiting Falcons and True Parrots of Sao Tome and Principe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Sunday as a welcome gift for Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh.

 

The new Gamemaster-General of the Federation assumed office a couple of weeks ago, and has already been involved in matters of the three-time African champions, as he superintended a meeting with NFF bigwigs which agreed to an extension of the contract of Head Coach Jose Santos Santos.

 

“Yes, we have already qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, but we want to win this match for a number of reasons. We have a new Minister of Sports Development who has hit the ground running. It is good to welcome him with a great win.

 

“We also need to sustain a winning mentality ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers starting in November. So, we are not going to be taking this game as a dead-rubber or whatever people choose to call it. It is another important match as far as we’re concerned.”

 

Nigeria, on 12 points and two ahead of second-placed Guinea Bissau, have already qualified for the finals, with only the group leadership to sort out after this weekend’s final-day games. Guinea Bissau’s Djurtus host third-placed and already-eliminated Sierra Leone in Bissau, and a win will take them to 13 points.

 

Victory for the Super Eagles in Uyo will take them to 15 points and top of the table no matter what happens in Bissau.

 

In their last outing at the Nest of Champions, the Super Eagles edged Benin Republic 2-1 in a 2021 AFCON qualifier on 13th November 2019. The Cheetahs scored first before Victor Osimhen and Samuel Kalu gave Nigeria victory.

 

Osimhen, who lead the AFCON 2023 qualifying campaign scorers’ sheet with seven goals, is among 23 players already sweating it out in the Akwa Ibom State capital for Sunday’s encounter, and will relish the opportunity to put daylight between him and other contenders for the campaign’s Goal King crown.

 

The Super Eagles played all their home matches in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification series and the 2019 AFCON qualification series in Uyo, and were successful in both campaigns.

 

Sao Tome and Principe’s delegation of players and officials arrived in Uyo on Thursday. The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Côte d’Ivoire from January 13 through February 11, 2024.

 

Nigeria qualified for the championship with a game still to be played. Nigeria last won the championship at the 2013 version of the vent hosted by South Africa.

NFF tasks match commissioners to improve

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NFF tasks match commissioners to improve

Get tech-savvy, vibrant, agile, or get deleted–NFF boss warns Nigeria football match supreme authorities

NFF President Gusau (second from right), Alhaji Kalli (right), Alhaji Inuwa (second from left) and Alhaji Idris Musa (left)

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has told Nigeria’s football match commissioners to be ready to enhance their capacity, become tech-savvy, vibrant and agile on the job or see their names deleted without any ceremony.

 

Speaking at this year’s NFF Match Commissioners’ seminar, at the Sandralia Hotel, Abuja on Wednesday, Gusau harped on the imperative of fostering global best practice in the realm of match commissioning in Nigeria, and declared that the NFF will no longer tolerate indolence, incompetence as reflected in poor report presentation and lack of elegance and integrity on the part of any match commissioner while on duty.

 

“I have continued to harp on the need for an improved welfare package for you, and you all know that to whom much is given, much is expected. I am sad to report that during a recent assessment of match commissioners, there was a high percentage of failure. We cannot continue to tolerate poor performance. We are working to scale down the number of match commissioners and we will do that through evaluation of your reports.

 

“A good number of match commissioners do their work diligently and with integrity, and make us proud. Those are the ones that will remain. We want our football to be up there among the best universally and the work of a match commissioner is of utmost importance to how a football match turns out.”

 

Earlier, Chairman of the NFF Match Commissioners’ Appointment Committee, Alhaji Babagana Kalli assured the gathering that only the very best will continue their service to Nigeria Football as the NFF is taking proactive steps to change the narrative about match commissioners.

 

“There is no doubting the fact that the world of match commissioning has tremendously transformed and we must gear up in our task assignments in order to ensure the leagues, and indeed Nigeria Football, prosper. It is the cumulative contributions of each one of us that periodically build the process and system of administration in Nigeria.

 

“The NFF and therefore, this committee will not tolerate any act that has the potential to bring the game into disrepute. We must be conscious that the process of reducing the population of match commissioners in Nigeria is still ongoing and thus, our match commissioners must rise up to the occasion and be equal to the task in every aspect of your duties, obligations and responsibilities.”  

 

Also present at the occasion were NFF Executive Committee members Sharif Rabiu Inuwa and Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Match Commissioners Appointment Committee members Sabo Abdullahi Dutse, Kenneth Nwaomucha, Aminu Maimaga, Yakubu Sarma and Usman Maulud, and former Nigeria captain and Chairman of Enyimba FC, Nwankwo Kanu.  

 

NFF agrees on Peseiro contract extension

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NFF agrees on Peseiro contract extension

Portuguese Super Eagles manager calls up Gift Orban and 21 others for Sao Tome and Principe

 

Potential Harry Kane replacement at Tottenham, Gift Orban, scores hat-trick and has made UEFA history | talkSPORTGift Orban handed his first invitation to Super Eagles camp

 

Rasheed Adewuyi

 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Mr. José Peseiro have reached an agreement for the Portuguese to continue in his role as Head Coach of the Senior Men National Team of Nigeria, Super Eagles.

 

As stipulated in the original contract drawn in May 2022, the Portuguese has been handed the mandate to lead the Super Eagles to, in the minimum, the semi finals of the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals taking place in Cote d’Ivoire in a few months.

 

Peseiro has steered the Super Eagles through the qualifiers and to a ticket with a match to spare, including a 10-0 record international win against Sao Tome and Principe in Agadir, Morocco in June 2022.

 

He has now agreed to continue in the role after accepting a pay cut on his earlier terms, with the new agreement also putting him in charge of the Super Eagles B-the home based professionals-who contest the biennial African Nations Championship.

 

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles’ supremo has invited on-field captain William Ekong, defenders Tyronne Ebuehi and Semi Ajayi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi, among others, to next weekend’s qualification series final-day encounter against Sao Tome and Principe in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

 

Peseiro called up three goalkeepers (including home-based Olorunleke Ojo), eight defenders, four midfielders, and eight forwards, for the game slated for the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Sunday, 10 September.

 

Nigeria, on 12 points from their previous five matches, are already guaranteed a place in the finals, but must earn at least a point to be sure of topping the group ahead of second-placed Guinea Bissau, who are on 10 points and play at home to Sierra Leone in Bissau.

 

Peseiro has called for the first time, Belgium-based centre-back Jordan Torunarigha, forwards Victor Boniface and Gift Orban, and there are recalls for Portugal-based left back Bruno Onyemaechi and defensive midfielder Raphael Onyedika.

 

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

 

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel)

 

Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Tyronne Ebuehi (Empoli FC, Italy); Jordan Torunarigha (KAA Gent, Belgium); William Ekong (PAOK FC, Greece); Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)

 

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)

 

Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Gift Orban (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Boniface (Bayern Leverkusen, Germany).

 

NFF vows to assist Technical Committee

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NFF vows to assist Technical Committee

NFF boss urges body to be prepared for the grueling tasks ahead

 

ibrahim-musa-gusau News — Latest On Ibrahim Musa Gusau — — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Tuesday inaugurated the recently-constituted NFF Technical Committee, while charging them to be ready to accomplish the herculean tasks of constituting fresh technical crews for most of the National Teams, and providing direction for the teams.

 

“Let me assure you that you have been carefully selected based on your individual track record and what we know you can contribute to this assignment,” he said.

 

“It will not be an easy assignment, as most of the National Teams have concluded one competition or the other, and are now preparing for fresh tasks.

 

“That raises the need to compose new technical crews and provide guidance and vision to the crews. The Super Falcons are back from the FIFA World Cup with aplomb, but we must remember that they have 2024 Olympics and 2024 Women AFCON qualifying matches shortly, and start to prepare for those games.

 

‘The home-based professionals have qualifiers for the CHAN and the male and female U17 and U20 teams have qualification matches of high importance in a few months to come.”

 

Gusau promised that the NFF will support the committee to accomplish its assignment, while emphasizing that meetings can be either physical or by video conference.

 

Responding, Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa stated that the committee will discharge its duties with every sense of responsibility and be guided by the vision of the Gusau-led administration to work proactively and energetically to ensure the real growth of the game of football in Nigeria in all its aspects and ramifications.

 

The committee has as Vice Chairman the NFF 1st Vice President, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, while Dr. Felix Owolabi Akinloye, Hon. Aminu Balele Kurfi, Mallam Zanna Mohammed Mala, Mr. Victor Ikpeba, and Mr. Olayinka Olagbemiro are members. NFF’s Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen is the secretary of the body.

 

Also at the occasion were Hon. Silas Agara (Chairman of the Nigeria Nation-Wide League One); NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; immediate past NFF General Secretary, Barr. Musa Amadu; NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; CEO of the Nigeria National League, Mr. Emmanuel Attah; Assistant Directors Abdulrafiu Yusuf and Faith Ben-Anuge; Member of NFF Marketing Committee, Ibrahim Danbatta and; special assistant to NFF President, Abubakar Barde.

 

Day three in the Premier League

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Day three in the Premier League

Chelsea nicks first win of the season as Manchester United comeback from 2-0 down to beat Forest

 

 

By Ed Emeanua

Results

 

Friday, August 25, 2023

Chelsea (Sterling 17, 68, Jackson 75,) 3-0 Luton

 

Saturday, August 26, 2023

Bournemouth 0-2 Tottenham (Maddison 17, Kulusevski 63)

Arsenal (Saka 70-pen, Nketiah 72) 2-2  Fulham (Pereira 1, Palhinha 87)

Brentford (Schade 18) 1-1  Crystal Palace (Andersen 76)

Manchester United (Eriksen 17, Casemiro 52, Fernandes 76-pen) 3-2 Nottingham Forest (Awoniyi 2, Boly 4)

Everton 0-1 Wolves (Kalajdzic 87)

Brighton 1-3 (Gross 81) West Ham (Ward-Prowse 19, Bowen 58, Antonio 63)

 

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Burnley 1-2 Aston Villa

Sheffield United 0-0 Manchester City

Newcastle 0-0 Liverpool

 

 

The highpoint of day 3 in the 2023-2024 Premier League season belongs to the “Old Establishments-Chelsea and Manchester United-who both seem to be making amends of their lackadaisical run so far this season.

 

The uproar at Stamford Bridge that greeted ‘The Blues’ poor start to the season took a leap of joy as Chelsea rolled in their first maximum points of the season from all games so far.

 

It was Chelsea 3-0 Luton as the newly promoted Hatters bit off quite a chunk of dust on thier first visit to Stamford Bridge on Friday since their status upgrade to a Premiership side. The scorers for the home side were Raheem Sterling 17, 68, and Senegalese international forward Nicolas Jackson 75.

 

Bruno Fernandes was at the completion end from the penalty spot in a remarkable 3-2 comeback win for the ancient Trojan Horse  after the hosts, Manchester United had fallen behind twice inside the opening five minutes against Nottingham Forest in a full of energy and vigor Premier League explosion at Old Trafford on Saturday.

 

The home crowd were silenced just two minutes in when Nigeria forward Taiwo Awoniyi waltzed through the home side’s defense to put Forest ahead and left stupefied two minutes later when unmarked Ivory Coast defender Willy Boly headed in a second.

 

English Premier League Standings

Pos. P W D L GD PTS
1
Man City
 Man City 3 3 0 0 5 9
2
West Ham
 West Ham 3 2 1 0 4 7
3
Tottenham
 Tottenham 3 2 1 0 4 7
4
Liverpool
 Liverpool 3 2 1 0 3 7
5
Arsenal
 Arsenal 3 2 1 0 2 7
6
Brighton
 Brighton 3 2 0 1 4 6
7
Aston Villa
 Aston Villa 3 2 0 1 2 6
8
Man Utd
 Man Utd 3 2 0 1 0 6
9
Brentford
 Brentford 3 1 2 0 3 5
10
Chelsea
 Chelsea 3 1 1 1 1 4
11
Crystal Palace
 Crystal Palace 3 1 1 1 0 4
12
Fulham
 Fulham 3 1 1 1 -2 4
13
Newcastle
 Newcastle 3 1 0 2 2 3
14
Nottm Forest
 Nottm Forest 3 1 0 2 -1 3
15
Wolves
 Wolves 3 1 0 2 -3 3
16
Bournemouth
 Bournemouth 3 0 1 2 -4 1
17
Sheff Utd
 Sheff Utd 3 0 0 3 -3 0
18
Burnley
 Burnley 2 0 0 2 -5 0
19
Luton
 Luton 2 0 0 2 -6 0
20
Everton
 Everton 3 0 0 3 -6 0

 

https://youtu.be/lFHvY3PuaVc

 

Danish forward Christian Eriksen then started the comeback after 17 minutes when he scored from Marcus Rashford’s cross but despite United’s pressure, Forest still posed a formidable threat.

 

Brazil’s Casemiro drew the home team level from close range in the 52′ before Forest were cut down to 10 men with Joe Worrall red-carded for wrestling Fernandes to the turf outside the area.

 

Ten minutes down the road Rashford fell down in the area off a minimal brush from Forest’s Brazilian midfielder Danilo dos Santos de Oliveira, leaving Fernandes to step up to beat American goalkeeper Matt Turner from the penalty spot and seal United’s second win of the season.

 

Arsenal were held to 2-2 draw as 10-man Fulham grabbed a late equalizer at the Emirates Stadium, London, Britain on Saturday. The result leaves the Gunners on second place on the table with seven points, behind their north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference.

 

Andreas Pereira had shot Fulham into the lead in the first minute the game but Arsenal finally restored parity before going ahead with two goals in two frenetic second-half minutes blitz from Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah goals.

 

Fulham had Calvin Bassey sent off for a second yellow card offence on 83′ but 10 men Fulham rescued a point all the same with Joao Palhinha slotting home on 87′ from a corner kick.

 

Joao Palhinha

Joao Palhinha celebrates his late leveller for Fulham in a thrilling encounter at Arsenal

 

Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Fulham at Emirates stadium in London, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Mikel Arteta’s side missed the chance to go top of the Premier League

 

 

West Ham swept briefly to the top of the Premier League rostrum under a shrewdly planned 3-1 win over Brighton, whose victorious song in the beginning of the season was choked up.

 

Fresh from a 3-1 waylay of Chelsea, the Hammers adopted a flawless mesh of defensive steadfastness and attacking deviousness to produce a south coast upset. James Ward-Prowse shot West Ham ahead following an error from Aaron Webster and Jarrod Bowen scored the second from a well orchestrated counter-attacking goal.

 

Jamaica international Michail Antonio then bulldozed his way to scoring a third for the Hammers before Pascal Gross gave Roberto De Zerbi’s previously unbeaten Seagulls a hope of a comeback but David Moyes’ men stood repelled their pressure with Alphonse Areola making a total of nine saves in all.

 

The win temporarily shot the Hammers atop the Premier League for only the eighth day in their history. Their lead at the top lasted just until Champions Manchester City completed their week 3 fixture on Sunday.

 

Michail Antonio celebrates with team-mates Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta after scoring West Ham's third

Michail Antonio celebrates with team-mates Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta after scoring West Ham’s third

 

At Turf Moor on Sunday, Matty Cash’s first goal for Aston Villa goals in more than a year buoyed Unai Emery’s side to a 3-1 defeat of Burnley. Cash scored twice in the opening 20 minutes of the encounter.

 

Lyle Foster gave Burnley some hope with his powerful strike two minutes into the second half, but Moussa Diaby again shot the visitors into a two-goal lead just after the hour as Villa ended a five-match losing league streak on the road.

 

The win takes Villa to seventh on the table only behind Brighton with both teams level on 6 points and Seagulls ahead on goals difference.

 

Manchester City romped to the top of the Premier League with a deserved 2-1 victory over a determined Sheffield United thanks to a Rodri’s pile-driver late in the joust.

 

Jayden Bogle’s goal had looked certain to hand the Blades their first point of the season in the Elite Class of English League Football with his masterclass 85th minute finish but Rodri’s left-footed rocket nicked an 89th minute victory for the defending champions in a remarkable battle at Bramall Lane in which Norway forward Erling Haaland was main attraction.

 

Haaland had hit the post from his spot kick in the first half, one of three big chances missed by the big Man City man before finally connecting with Jack Grealish’s cross from the left-wing midway through the second half to give City the lead.

 

City appeared to have lost the plot with Bogle’s 85′ equalizer which could have easily been a just reward for the fortitude of Paul Heckingbottom’s Blades who endured a torrid pressure throughout without possessing much of the ball.

 

But it was just not meant to be as City swiftly went up the opposing end of the field to win it.

 

 

 

Chelsea suffers £40m Lukaku transfer blow

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Chelsea suffers £40m Lukaku transfer blow

Transfer ‘confirmed’, Mourinho hint, Roma talks

 

Chelsea transfer news: The latest on Romelu Lukaku’s exit from Stamford Bridge after Inter make the first move for a permanent move and Juventus queue up with Al-Hilal.

 

 

Romelu Lukaku during a Belgium game

Romelu Lukaku transfer latest as Chelsea striker confirms exit amid £40m blow (Image: Toms Kalnins/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

 

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is finally set to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window. The Blues have reluctantly accepted they will have to loan Lukaku out for the 2023/24 campaign after failing to agree a permanent transfer for the Belgium international, Sam Hill and Luke Thrower reports for Football London.

.

 

Roma boss Jose Mourinho has offered his old club a lifeline and wants to sign a new striker before deadline day – with Lukaku set to sign for the Italian outfit. Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that the situation with the Belgium international has not changed since he arrived at the club – with Lukaku keen on leaving the club.

Here, football.london has the latest on his exit.

 

£40m blow

 

Chelsea F.C. - Wikipedia

 

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is set to cost owner Todd Boehly £40million after telling Jose Mourinho he wants to reunite with him at AS Roma this summer. Roma are only willing to sanction a loan deal, which could impact Todd Boehly’s plans to bring in a sizeable fee.

 

The American billionaire has already raked in £230m in player sales as well as removing a huge chunk from the wage budget. Lukaku’s £325,000-a-week wages would go some way to bringing it down even more, with Roma willing to cover the entirety of his wages.

 

Saudi Pro League clubs are interested in offering the Belgium international an eye-watering contract as well as paying the £40million fee, but Lukaku is not keen on a move.

Al-Hilal submitted a £40million bid for his services but the Belgium international has his sights set on returning to Italy. Boehly is hoping to include an obligation-to-buy clause in the deal during his negotiations, with Lukaku still having three years left on his contract, according to The Express.

 

Silence broken

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku appears to have confirmed his loan move to AS Roma by breaking his silence over his future in an interview with Belgian media. Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws on his son’s match in a youth tournament, he said: “I’m nervous [about his son’s debut], I’m going to Rome tomorrow to sign.”

 

Mourinho hint

 

Man United News: 'I was insulted for 90 minutes' - Jose Mourinho justifies Juventus gesture after thrilling comeback | Goal.com US

Jose Mourinho

 

Mourinho brushed over the discussion on the striker when asked about transfers in his pre-match press conference on Friday. When asked about deals ahead, the Roma head coach said: “Not even [Sadar] Azmoun is one of our players yet, I also find it hard to talk about him. He is in Rome, I don’t know if he has finished his visits or if he has signed.

 

“I don’t see him as a Roma player, let alone [Romelu] Lukaku, who is a Chelsea player. In order not to get away from the question, I can say that there are clubs where players are chosen and those who arrive are first choices. Even in Italy, but above all in England, where you are free to define the player profile you want.

 

“We are in a different situation and what was proposed to me by the manager was Azmoun. He not as my striker, but as one of my strikers. If his condition is good he can help us. When the manager proposed to me he told me that another one will come and so he makes me happy. If this other is a quality striker we will have good options in attack. I’m calm and I’m waiting.”

 

Roma talks

 

70+ A.S. Roma HD Wallpapers and Backgrounds

 

The Telegraph reports that Roma are in talks with Chelsea over signing Lukaku on loan. The Belgian striker could reunite with Mourinho, the manager who signed him for Manchester United several years ago.

 

Roma chiefs have travelled to London to hold talks directly with Todd Boehly and Co.

 

Transfer decision

Chelsea have decided they are open to letting Romelu Lukaku leave on loan in the final days of the transfer window, reports the Athletic. The Blues have been trying hard to broker a permanent exit for the Belgian international, but that is proving tough, with a temporary exit sanctioned with a meaningful fee.

 

Pochettino claim

Ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Luton Town in the Premier League, Mauricio Pochettino was quizzed over the situation involving Lukaku this summer. He responded: “No [conversation], the situation did not change. We will see what happens in the future but at the moment the situation did not change….I’ll explain again, if the player and clubs wish is to find a solution, it’s not me, it’s them.

 

“In that case, the player and the club will meet and inform to me that things changed. I’m not going to move until the club or the player want to talk with me. I am here, I accept the situation that was here when I arrived.

 

“Club and the player, both try to find a solution. The future can change things. Life can change. I saw Klopp say I’m not going to be in this business when we should pay £100million, and then they offered £100million and he said ‘Oh, I made a mistake’. That is the same situation. In football, the dynamic is fast and changes and we need to move on. Today, nothing has changed. If something changes we will adapt to the situation?”

 

Possible U-turn

According to a report from Di Marzio, Mauricio Pochettino is claimed to be open to speak with Romelu Lukaku this summer about a possible return to the first-team. It would be a huge switch from the stance where there has been no discussions over a stay as well as training sessions with the youth setup.

 

Drastic measures

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is taking drastic measures to ensure that Romelu Lukaku will leave the club in the coming days of the summer transfer window. According to a report from the Telegraph, Lukaku has been sent to train with the under-21s squad over the first-team, while a move is being discussed.

 

Pochettino is believed to have not spoken with the striker at all since he made it clear that he desires to leave the club in the summer transfer window.

 

Juventus bid

 

Juventus F.C. - Biography - IMDb

 

According to Football Italia, Inter have ended negotiations with Chelsea after Lukaku and his lawyer Sebastien Ledure failed to answer calls from directors. Inter were prepared to offer £30million plus add-ons, after Juventus offered £32million plus £2million earlier in the week.

 

Lukaku agent claim

 

'It was like a warzone!' Romelu Lukaku remembers first meeting with Chelsea legend | Football | Metro News

 

Roc Nation president Michael Yormark has dismissed suggestions that the agency are set to drop Romelu Lukaku.

 

Reports in Italy had suggested that Roc Nation were angry that Chelsea striker Lukaku turned down a permanent move to Inter Milan – where he was on loan last season – as he would prefer to join Juventus. However, Yormark posted an Instagram story which read: ‘Fake news and irresponsible reporting must stop. Focus on facts and the truth.’

 

Al-Hilal outbid Juventus for Lukaku

 

Al Hilal FC, , Saudi Football Club, Logo, Emblem, Saudi Professional League, Football, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Silk Texture For With Resolution . High Quality HD wallpaper | Pxfuel

 

Al-Hilal have reportedly outbid Juventus for Romelu Lukaku despite the Chelsea forward wanting to remain in Europe. As per Gazzetta, Al-Hilal’s bid is worth more than €50million (£43m), but Lukaku doesn’t want to join them.

 

The Bianconeri are ready to offer €40million (£34m) for the 30-year-old, but they must sell Dusan Vlahovic before making a formal bid for the Blues. Vlahovic has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as Pochettino looks to sign a new striker ahead of next season – but his wage demands could prove to be a key problem.

 

Sky Sports claim Chelsea have one more ‘serious’ offer for Lukaku, coming from Saudi club Al-Hilal. However, the Belgium international is unwilling to leave Europe, so he’s not expected to accept their offer.

 

Inter end interest

The Nerazzurri saw two bids rejected for the striker and have since been claimed to be out of the race due to reports claiming Lukaku opened up the possibility of a switch to rivals Juventus – who could sell Chelsea target Dusan Vlahovic this summer.

 

Romelu Lukaku passes medical, set for Chelsea move from Inter Milan - reports - Eurosport

 

The Telegraph also claim that the striker was unhappy with not starting the Champions League final against Manchester City, which may play a part in his decision to look elsewhere.

 

Inter boss delivers Lukaku verdict

Chelsea are hoping to sell Romelu Lukaku in the summer transfer window with the Belgian striker pushing to return to Inter Milan. The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Inter and helped them reach the UEFA Champions League final.

 

“Lukaku is Chelsea player now,” Inzaghi said. “We all know how crucial he has been for us.

 

“I did my best to bring him back last summer. We’d like to re-sign Romelu also this summer and we’ll do our best to make it happen.”

 

Andre Onana impact

Chelsea losing out on Andre Onana to Manchester United could actually prove to be a huge transfer boost for Mauricio Pochettino.

 

According to The Times, Inter will step up their pursuit of Romelu Lukaku once Andre Onana’s transfer to Man United has been finalized, with Chelsea holding out for £40million.

 

Training decision

Romelu Lukaku had decided that he will not report for pre-season training at Cobham on Wednesday, according to The Telegraph.

 

With knowledge of his decision, Chelsea have now moved his return date to Monday, July 17 in the hope the transfer saga involving Inter will have been resolved.

 

Inter second bid

 

Inter Milan - IMDb

 

The Telegraph write that, contrary to reports in Italy, Lukaku is instead ensuring a move to Inter is possible and will accept a pay cut of as much as £1million-a-year in order to secure a transfer.

 

It is also said that a new bid from the Nerazzurri is imminent following their low-ball offer of around £26million made first up. They had attempted to create a bidding war between Inter, Al-Hilal and Juventus but the player has no interest in joining the latter and isn’t yet ready to accept an offer from Saudi Arabia.

 

Juventus ‘agreed’

Reports in Italy suggest that Lukaku has already agreed to join Juventus this summer and is open to a move to the Old Lady after it was revealed that talks are ongoing.

 

Chelsea are also said to be interested in Dusan Vlahovic and the prospect of a swap deal has been raised with both sides looking to reduce any potential price being paid as they seek to secure a positive deal.

 

Inter bid rejected

Chelsea have rejected an offer from Inter of around £25.6million, according to the Athletic. With no loan deal being discussed, it was sent back out of hand with no consideration for offers of under £38million.

 

It had been thought that Inter would take Lukaku back on a second season loan for around £8million following his deal last summer but fitness and financial issues have put an end to that.

 

Juventus talks

Juventus are one of the sides still interested in signing Lukaku this summer with Chelsea demanding £40million for the player, according to the Guardian.

 

The Blues have no wish to let him leave on loan again following their deal with Inter last term and Lukaku himself is set on a return to San Siro.

 

Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are also in the mix with offers from the Middle East thought to have initially been rejected by Lukaku but he has since opened up to the idea.

 

Usyk recovers to Knockout Dubois

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Usyk recovers to Knockout Dubois

 Hunts for unified heavyweight title, ‘Tyson Fury next!’

 

Oleksandr Usyk retains his titles by knocking out Daniel Dubois in nine rounds | DAZN News GB

Oleksandr Usyk retains his titles by knocking out Daniel Dubois in nine rounds | DAZN News GB

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

Oleksandr Usyk overcame massive opposition from Britain’s Daniel Dubois to keep the WBA, WBO, and IBF heavyweight belts at a capacity filled Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw, Poland, on Saturday.

 

The Ukrainian champion stopped the challenger in round nine, but not after picking himself up from the floor following a punch the referee ruled an illegal blow early on.

 

The titles were the same belts won by Usyk from, and then defended against, former undisputed heavyweight champion of the World Anthony Joshua.

 

However, Usyk had to first bring under control the huge affront of the opponent to win, including having to rise up from the deck from a punch the referee adjudged a low blow.

 

The champion dominated the going in the early exchanges having taken complete control over the opposition and by mixing up his intermittent use of bursts of southpaw jabs interlaced with good variations to outscore against Dubois and take the opening rounds.

 

https://youtu.be/FjXsbnEJ6Dk

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois – Full Fight Highlights

 

Nonetheless, the bout exploded in the fifth round when Dubois hewed a right into Usyk’s beltline. Usyk toppled to the deck from a blow the referee discounted a chance low blow.

 

The champion was allowed the full five minutes to recover, although he later emerged from it after the rest period in clear pain. Though rightly denied a knockdown, Dubois returned on resumption of the match with a continued onslaught, by savagely assaulting the champion’s body with a barrage of punches.

 

The staying power of the champion was seriously questioned while Dubois’ relentless hostility lasted as the Briton continued to unpack massive punches.

 

https://youtu.be/KObdZ8UUCM8

 

It was apparent that Usyk was impaired. Though, in the end he convalesced and hurt Dubois with a broad left hook. Then, towards the very end of the eighth round, succession of high speed punches landed on the top of the challenger’s head, flooring him.

 

In the next round, Usyk launched a leading right over the top which forced the opponent to take a knee where remained as the referee counted him out.

 

Usyk took advantage of being the major favorite against Dubois, but his win was not without polemic. The Ukrainian’s grand defense of his WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles via a ninth-round knockout of the challenger will always be dwarfed by the referee’s ruling with respect to a likely punch below the belt line.

 

Dubois’ sent Usyk crashing down to the floor in Round 5 with a punch the referee adjudged to be illegal. Usyk needed the entirety of the five minutes allocated to him to recover. A replay of the incident confirmed a vicious Dubois punch had landed right on the the champion’s belt line.

 

Debates promptly ensued among both fans and commentators whether Usyk was felled or punched legally. Dubois’ camp was incensed by the referee’s decision, vowing to appeal it, and also wanted to know why a point was not subtracted from their fighter’s total if the blow was indeed a foul.

 

 

“I didn’t think that was a low blow and I’ve been cheated out of victory tonight,” Dubois said after the fight.

 

“That was a win tonight. But I’ll come again.”

 

Frank Warren and Don Charles, Dubois’ promoter, and trainer were both in agreement.

 

“It hit on the waistband. That was not a low blow. How long did he get to recover? A couple of minutes? The governing body will have to look at that and order a rematch. Justice has to be done,” Warren fumed.

 

Charles wondered aloud: “How is that low?”

 

 

Though the British fighter lost the fight, his status was greatly fortified by his performance. Dubois entered the bout as the mandatory challenger for the WBA title, though his punch power was never in question, the challenger had failed in his quest to record even a win against any opponent in the elite class of boxing, having previously been defeated by Joe Joyce when his lanky London rival halted his challenge in their 2020 clash.

 

On the other hand, Usyk remains one of the most commanding fighters of any weight class. Olympic gold medalist in 2012, the Ukrainian soon emerged an undisputed champion at cruiserweight by winning the World Boxing Super Series, defeating Mairis Briedis and Murat Gassiev to unify all four of the major titles of the weight class.

 

He moved up to the heavyweight division and has continued on the unbeaten lane enroute to ousting Anthony Joshua and clearly outpointing him again last year in Saudi Arabia. The champion is an iconic figure in his homeland. Usyk versus Joshua 2 was put back so he could return to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

 

His title defense took place in Poland because of the proximity to Ukraine considering the contemporaneous events. Usyk, ever an advocate for his country, fights to represent his people and craved ecstatic backing from them in the stadium.

 

He depended on that push from them when Dubois, out of the blues, had him under turbulent waters.

 

Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois LIVE: Results tonight after controversial low blow and knockout | The Independent

Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois LIVE: Results tonight after controversial low blow and knockout | The Independent

 

Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois LIVE RESULT: Latest fight updates as Usyk WINS epic title fight after controversial shot | The Sun

Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois LIVE RESULT: Latest fight updates as Usyk WINS epic title fight after controversial shot | The Sun

 

“I feel good. I’m grateful for my team, my family, my children. I love you. I’m grateful for my country and the Ukrainian army. Thank you so much,” Usyk said afterwards.

 

“Boxing is a tough sport, but I am great. It’s boxing. I love boxing. I respect my opponent, but its boxing, not ballet. It’s a king’s sport.”

 

Usyk holds three out of the four major heavyweight belts on offer in world heavyweight boxing today. He wants to covet the fourth title. To do that, he wants to clash with the holder of the WBC belt-Tyson Fury-now.

 

“I’m ready,” he said. “Next fight, I’m ready to fight Tyson Fury.

 

“I can’t wait to see my children, I can’t wait to get home. I miss my family. I’ve been in training for ages, I am little bit tired,” he added.

 

“Now, I’ll go rest, sleep and eat. Drink sparkling water.”

 

FIFA suspends Spanish football boss

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FIFA suspends Spanish football boss

Luis Rubiales sidelined for kissing Jennifer Hermoso in World Cup final

 

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) boss Luis Rubiales has been suspended by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) for kissing Spain centre-forward Jennifer Hermoso on the lips at the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament.

 

The Spanish football chief’s action which took place during the presentation ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 defeat of England in the final in Sydney, sparked worldwide condemnation, with no fewer than 80 players threatening strike action and international football duty boycott against Spain should Rubiales fail to step down.

 

According to The Guardian, an official statement from FIFA read: “The chairman of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio (Colombia), in use of the powers granted by article 51 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code (FDC), has decided today to provisionally suspend Mr. Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level.

 

“This suspension, which will be effective as of today, is for an initial period of 90 days, pending the disciplinary proceedings opened against Mr. Luis Rubiales on Thursday, August 24,”

 

However, Rubiales has since absolved himself of any wrong doing over the incidence, with the Spanish Federation also accusing the Spain striker of lying as well as threatening legal cause against her after Hermoso said Rubiales kissed her against her wish during the presentation ceremony at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.

 

Rubiales, a former Levante defender, has equally adamantly refused to abdicate his position as Spanish football chief.

 

The decision to axe the RFEF boss by FIFA comes six days following Rubiales was fingered for having shamed Spain under World glare at the final in Sydney, Australia, thereby obscuring the huge achievement of La Roja’s first World Cup victory.

 

Aside kissing Spain star forward Jenni Hermoso against her consent, the Spain Football Federation chief also clutched his groin in a indecent triumphant sign with Spain’s Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter Sofia in the vicinity.

Nigeria’s Athletes promised grand reception

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Nigeria’s Athletes promised grand reception

Win or lose, Nigeria’s Athletes to Budapest to be feted on their return by new sports minister next week in Abuja

 

FCT FA Congratulates New Sports Minister John Enoh - Prompt News

FCT FA Congratulates New Sports Minister John Enoh – Prompt News

          By Rasheed Adewuyi 

Newly sworn in Sports Minister Hon. John Enoh has assured Athletes and officials at the World Athletics Championship in Budapest of a grand reception when they arrive Nigeria next week.
In an interview monitored on TVC sports programme in Lagos on Wednesday, Enoh charged the Athletes to do their best as he promised to encourage them to win more laurels.
“The country is with them in Budapest, win medals or not,  Sports ministry would host a reception for them. They should do their best and come home for a reception.” he said.
The Minister who would be in Lagos shortly to inspect Sports Facilities, having toured the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, insisted that maintenance of Sports infrastructure is key to sports development.
He said there’s a clear mandate on what to do in the sports sector especially in the area of fund appropriation for maintenance and building critical sports infrastructure.
“Maintaining sports infrastructure remains a challenge,” he said.
“I toured the Abuja stadium and observed that maintenance of some facilities should be hurried up to avoid further decay.”
Honorable Enoh however applauded the  former sports minister Sunday Dare for the Adopt a talent initiative and bringing the private sector to do business in Sports.
“Sports business are initiatives we would pursue.  We have to pursue a number of initiatives in  Grassroots Sports, National youth Games, we would sustain sports at the grassroots level,” he insisted.
“Our school children must be encouraged to do sports. We have to sustain current initiatives already made in elite sports.
“The president is going to provide funds for sports development in this country, though, government won’t do it alone. We are going to come up with initiatives that would encourage the private sector to come into sports development.
“Passion, leadership and transparency are key to sports development.  If I’m transparent and straight forward, and I’m not involved in any corrupt practices, there would be more development, and I think others will trust me and follow.

Omenihu’s plea deal buys Nigerians reprieve

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Omenihu’s plea deal buys Nigerians reprieve

NFL Star escapes two misdemeanor counts of domestic battery after accepting to plead no contest to a lesser charge

 

 

By Ed Emeanua with reports from various sources

 

Nigerian communities across the nation must have felt a sense of reprieve after Charles Omenihu’s plea deal led prosecutors to dismiss two misdemeanor counts of domestic battery against the very troubled Nigerian-born Kansas City defensive end.

 

Nigerians in USA have been under trepidation of likely blowback to their community over the player’s alleged appalling conducts  that led to his arrest by the San Jose Police. The Chief’s DE is the son of Sunday and Regina Omenihu who are Nigerian natives.

 

According to Jerry McDonald of the San Jose Mercury News, the Kansas City defensive end Omenihu received a six-game suspension three weeks ago, under the NFL’s personal conduct policy for a domestic violence arrest in San Jose early this year while still playing for the 49ers.

Name Charles Omenihu
Real Name Unknown
Date of Birth August 20, 1997
Age 26 -years -old
Birthplace Houston, Texas, United States
Height 6 feet 5 inches
Weight 127 kg

 

 

 

Omenihu, 25, was arrested by San Jose police in January and charged with two misdemeanor counts of domestic battery and a misdemeanor count of illegally destroying, removing or obstructing the use of a wireless communication device.

 

The criminal case was resolved when Omenihu reached an agreement with prosecutors in which the battery counts were dismissed after he pleaded no contest to the third charge, completed community service, and underwent 32 hours of counseling, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.

 

After his arrest, a San Jose police investigation determined that Omenihu’s girlfriend called 911 from his Santana Row apartment to report that he was trying to “beat her.” About 30 minutes before that call, police said Omenihu got angry at his girlfriend after searching her phone and finding “a message that upset him on the victim’s Instagram account,” followed by him repeatedly yelling at her and spitting in her face.

 

 

Police wrote in an investigative summary submitted to prosecutors that Omenihu told the woman to leave his home, and at one point tried to remove a shirt she was wearing that he claimed belonged to him, and then grabbed her arm and swung her into a wall.

 

Omenihu reportedly grabbed the woman’s phone as she was making the 911 call and disconnected the call, and as the woman left the apartment, police say Omenihu pushed her into a wall and caused her to fall.

When talking to responding police officers, the woman told them that weeks earlier, she and Omenihu were arguing when he pushed her into a wall, causing injuries to her lower body.

 

Omenihu can practice with the Chiefs and play in exhibition games but is suspended without pay for the first six weeks and return in Week 7.

 

According to BroBible, local police were dispatched to Omenihu’s residence at 4:39 p.m. after a woman at the scene who identified herself as Omenihu’s girlfriend, had alleged that during an argument, he had pushed her to the ground.

 

 

The Arrowhead Pride reported reported that Omenihu was arrested and later released after posting bail. The 49ers said at the time that they felt “very good about the legal process” taking care of itself, and they allowed Omenihu to continue to play.

 

NBC Sports said that Omenihu also faced a misdemeanor domestic violence charge from a previous incident, also in January, as well as a misdemeanor for allegedly obstructing the use of a cell phone to prevent the alleged victim from notifying law enforcement.

 

Court records indicated that the 25-year-old was booked into the Santa Clara County jail on Jan. 23 on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence and later released after posting bail.

 

Police responded that day to a 911 call in which a woman described a man trying to “beat her,” according to San Jose Detective Erin Allen, who investigated the case. A male voice could be heard in the background saying, “I wasn’t trying to …” before the call disconnected, according to the statement of facts that Allen submitted, the report further claimed.

 

The woman told police she had been dating Omenihu for eight months and was visiting him from out of town. According to the report, Omenihu searched her phone and found a message on the woman’s Instagram account that upset him. He demanded that she leave his apartment and used disparaging language toward her.

 

The woman began to pack, the report reads, and Omenihu followed her and tried to take off the shirt she was wearing because it belonged to him. She removed the shirt and changed into a hooded sweatshirt.

 

Charles Omenihu Girlfriend

 

Omenihu allegedly grabbed the woman’s left arm and “swung her body into the wall two times.” The woman told police that her face and the front of her body hit the wall.

 

The woman called 911, and Omenihu took the phone from her and disconnected the call, according to the report. He said he would ruin her life if she spoke to the police.

 

Omenihu then threw the woman’s suitcase outside the apartment, and she followed him into the hallway. At that point, according to the detective, Omenihu pushed the woman by putting two hands on the front of her body. The victim hit the wall with her left shoulder and side. She fell on the ground.

 

According to Allen’s report, small bruises formed on the victim’s left arm were consistent with the woman’s description of where and how Omenihu grabbed her.

 

The woman disclosed details of a prior incident involving the two individuals, which she said occurred on Jan. 3.

 

Chiefs Defense

 

In the report, she said Omenihu grabbed her during the previous incident and pushed her against a wall, where her elbow hit the windowsill and her buttocks hit the lever that opens the window. She took photos of her bruising from that incident and provided them to the San Jose Police Department, according to the report. Omenihu also made threats against the woman and her father, per the report, NBC Sports further claimed.

 

Following the alleged Jan. 3 incident, the woman sent a text message to Omenihu, saying her whole backside hurt, and “you pushed me hard asf,” according to Allen’s report. It goes on to read that a copy of the text messages were provided to the San Jose Police Department, with Omenihu responding, “I know I’m sorry babe it won’t ever happen again.”

 

The BroBible claimed that these allegations formed the basis of the domestic violence case that eventually led to Omenihu’s suspension by the Football League. The Chiefs signed Omenihu to a two-year contract in March, prior to learning the length of his suspension.

 

According to the Mercury News, acquired by San Francisco from the Houston Texans in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick at the 2021 trade deadline, Omenihu finished the season with the 49ers and played in all 17 regular season games last season. He started three times and finished with 4 1/2 sacks and three tackles for losses. Omenihu was second on the 49ers with 16 quarterback hits.

 

At the time of the arrest, the 49ers said they were aware of the arrest and were in the process of gathering information. Omenihu had no comment and played in the NFC Championship Game in Philadelphia that week.

 

A free agent following the season, Omenihu signed a two-year contract worth a maximum of $16 million which guaranteed him $8.6 million at signing. The suspension will cost Omenihu six game checks at approximately $60,000 each — the prorated amount of his $1,080,000 salary.

 

While the Chiefs moved quickly to sign Omenihu in free agency, the 49ers instead signed former Raiders end and first-round draft pick Clelin Ferrell to a one-year contract and also signed Austin Bryant of the Detroit Lions.

 

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