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Mercedes Moné Loses IWGP Women’s Title

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Mercedes Moné Loses IWGP Women’s Title

‘Sasha Banks’ Loses her IWGP Women’s Title in only her second defense

 

Mercedes Mone
Mercedes Mone Mayu Iwatani STARDOM All-Star Grand Queendom
Mercedes Mone has suffered her first defeat since leaving WWE

The IWGP Women’s Championship reign of Mercedes Moné has come to an end,  John Canton writes for TJR Wrestling.

 

At the NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 event in January, former WWE superstar Sasha Banks made her NJPW debut using the name Mercedes Moné. In her first NJPW match at Battle in the Valley, Mercedes beat KAIRI to become the new IWGP Women’s Champion.

 

From there, Mercedes Moné would go on to retain her title at NJPW Sakura Genesis on April 8th in a triple threat match against AZM and Hazuki that was fast-paced and full of exciting moments. After that title defense, Mercedes Moné was challenged to a match by Mayu Iwatani.

 

In just her second title defense, Mercedes Moné has lost the IWGP Women’s Championship to Mayu Iwatani at today’s STARDOM All Star Grand Queendom event in Tokyo, Japan.

 

It was a competitive match between Mercedes and Mayu with Mercedes nearly getting the win with the Mone Maker, but Mayu was able to get to the ropes. Shortly after that, Mayu hit a Tombstone Piledriver and a two-step Dragon Suplex for the pinfall win. That meant that Mone’s IWGP Women’s Title reign ended after 64 days.

 

https://twitter.com/i/status/1650085209746882560

After the match, Mercedes Mone did a promo saying she loved being the CEO of STARDOM. Mercedes said that Mayu showed Mercedes that she is the true icon of STARDOM pro wrestling. Mercedes told Mayu to take care of that championship. They also bowed and hugged after the match.

 

As for what’s next for Mercedes Mone, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported that Mercedes and Bushiroad have agreed to an extension on her current NJPW/STARDOM contract. Meanwhile, it is believed that Mone’s next match will be at an event in the US, but no date has been announced yet. There’s no word on the length of the extension of Mone’s new deal with NJPW/STARDOM.

 

https://twitter.com/i/status/1650087224464097282

 

On Twitter, Mercedes Mone also commented on how Eddie Guerrero will always keep inspiring her by wearing some Black Tiger-like inspired gear during her entrance.

 

 

In an update on the NJPW/Stardom future of Mercedes Mone, the company tweeted that she will be appearing at the May 21st event in Long Beach, California.

 

 

 

Davis tanks out Garcia via TKO

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Davis tanks out Garcia via TKO

Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan: Vicious body shot ends the fight of the century in round 7

 

Gervonta Davis knocks down Ryan Garcia during a lightweight boxing bout Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)Gervonta Davis knocks down Ryan Garcia during a lightweight boxing bout Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

Gervonta Davis maintained his unbeaten record Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas by flooring Ryan Garcia in the second before blowing him out in round 7 off a vicious punch to the body to score a telling one-punch stoppage before a sold-out audience.

 

Garcia failed to beat the count after taking a Davis’ surprise left hook to the body in the seventh round, forcing the 24-year-old down on one knee after a dally as blood poured out of his nose, and failing to recompose as central referee Thomas Taylor counted him out as he eventually lumbered onto his feet at exactly 1:44 of Round 7.

 

 

When the story of the Davis versus Garcia fisticuff is ever being told, it would be incomplete without the mention of its uniquely crowning highlights-the incidence of the vicious left hook to the midriff-that ultimately made all the difference.

 

Gervonta Davis (left) reacts after defeating Ryan Garcia by knockout in the seventh round during their highly anticipated fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on April 22, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)Gervonta Davis (left) reacts after defeating Ryan Garcia by knockout in the seventh round during their highly anticipated fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on April 22, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

 

Again, if at all there is anything in boxing like a ‘beautiful’ left hand shot to the body that could compel a tested fighter like Garcia (23-1, 19 KOs), to take a knee, whereby, he was forced to retire from the fight; don’t tell anyone in their right mind about that. All that was evident in this fight is that the body punch that ended the fight was vicious through and through, and would have taken out any fighter at this level.

 

Yet, even before the first bell of the fight, the general agreement was that the Tank’s power would be the difference, though Garcia too is a heavy puncher in his own right. But no one thought the punch that would eventually end the discussion between two of boxing’s tantalizing prospects would be a body punch, vicious or not.

 

The foreboding of the end of the fight was telegraphed as early as the second round when Davis (29-0, 27 KOs), viciously connected his now legendary left hook to Garcia’s face forcing KingRy to temporarily take a knee. On this instance, Garcia was able to find the wherewithal to get up and battle on.

 

Despite the solitary dent to Garcia’s once-upon-a-time unblemished record, nothing should be taken from him as he was up for the challenge all night long, giving as much as he took, even landing several single power punches that forced Davis into taking notice. However, it wasn’t so much as power that gave Davis his win, but his boxing talent, his ring smartness and foresight to seize the initiative whenever Garcia made a mistake-that cumulatively earned him the victory in the 136 pound weight challenge.

 

Garcia did too much in the second round, attempting a right at Davis, at a moment when the fight appeared to be falling into place for him. Davis expertly sneaked in a punch and connected with a flawlessly executed reply left hook that slammed into the middle of Garcia’s face and floored him.

 

Image

 

Davis, 28, who spent the majority of the promotion of the fight convincing the media that he is the new face of the sport, has now made it hard to be disputed over that claim after this showing.

 

“I’m definitely the face of boxing, everybody already knew that. Everything was exciting, I was excited being apart of this event.” Davis said.

 

“I remember coming up during Floyd [Mayweather] fights at the MGM [Grand Garden Arena] and I knew it would be me one day. I’m going to keep my head down, stay humble and continue to get to work.”

 

Even by ShoStats compute, though Garcia was able to land more punches in the bout by an edge of 39 to 35 in this substantially nervous session with modest works, Davis somehow managed to deliver an exciting forty-eight percent of his ferocious punches altogether.

 

Garcia easily took the first as Davis merely scouted him out. Subsequently, Davis took complete control, masterfully cutting off the ring before Garcia and limiting his opponent’s vaunted punching abilities with his left hook and mobility inside the ring.

 

“It was me just trying to get into his head, you know,” Davis said. “I really don’t know. But once I got in there with him, I felt skill-wise, it would be all me.

 

“It was just him not knowing his placement and I knew that I was the smarter guy. Coach [Calvin Ford] always keeps telling me in camp that he is going to come up with his head up so just shoot it over the top.”

 

Davis who was ahead on all three Judge’s scorecards at the time of the TKO (58-56, 59-56 and 59-55), ended the catchweight fray with a shot that many did not see coming.

 

“He caught me with a good shot,” Garcia said. “[I will make] no excuses in here. I just couldn’t recover. That’s it. That’s all I have to say. He caught me with a good body shot. I’m not saying nothing but yeah, I couldn’t breathe. I was going to get back up but yeah, I couldn’t get back up. Tank is a great fighter and I take my hat off to him.

 

 

“We talked a lot of shit but he knows it’s all love at the end of the day and I take my hat off to him. He was the better man. He just caught me with a good shot.”

 

The end of the Davis versus Garcia fight opens up another new chapter of interesting note for the boxing sport. It launches a new face for the game in Davis and reloads for a future persona but a very formidable foe in Garcia. That, there might be a Davis versus Garcia 2 cannot be discounted.

 

The only obstacle for that to happen is for Garcia to take stock of the loss, retool, and then ask for his deserved rematch. That it would happen cannot be debated. Many are already salivating over the possibility. Time will tell.

 

Fight card, results

  • Gervonta “Tank” Davis def. Ryan Garcia via seventh-round knockout
  • David Morrell (c) def. Yamaguchi Falcao via first-round knockout*
  • Bektemir Melikuziev def. Gabriel Rosado via unanimous decision (99-91, 99-91, 99-91)
  • Elija Garcia def. Kevin Zambrano via unanimous decision (95-94, 97-92, 97-92)

 

 

 

PSG prepares €150m Osimhen transfer bid

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PSG prepares €150m Osimhen transfer bid

Napoli is now Resigned to losing Nigeria’s prolific striker to the ‘highest bidder’

 

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

Football Insider states PSG is ready to outmatch any interest from their English rivals. The report says that the Ligue 1 giants are prepared to propose a whopping €150m (£132.48m) for Osimhen during the next transfer window.

 

Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal with Kylian Mbappe and Sergio Ramos on March 4, 2023

Osimhen to become Mbappe and Mesi’s teammates © Reuters

 

This negates past reports that PSG will be focused on fulfilling FFP criteria before 2023-24. PSG also doubts the lengthy futures of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who have been associated with past requests to leave Parc des Princes.

 

The pair have accounted for 35 of PSG’s 73 goals in France’s top flight this season, and PSG is said to be interested in cashing in on Cameroon-born Hugo Ekitike once a permanent deal is pushed through later this year. Bayern Munich is equally said to be closely watching developments concerning Osimhen’s future as they plan to sign a new center forward.

 

Napoli has turned to Roma’s Tammy Abraham as a replacement for their want-away Nigeria prolific striker, who is also wanted on the paybooks of a slew of Europe’s top club-sides for next season’s football.

 

Il Corriere dello Sport reports that Manchester United and Bayern Munich are now the front teams in the race for the ex-Wolfsburg forward, but Napoli will not let go of their prized asset for less than £150m, the UK Mail Online claims.

 

 

It is also reported that Roma striker Abraham is a consideration for replacing the Nigeria striker, who Napoli is now resigned to losing to either Manchester United or Bayern Munich. Osimhen is Serie A top scorer and one of the most in-demand strikers in Europe. He has scored 26 times in 31 appearances for Napoli in all competitions this season and is one of world football’s most highly sought-after strikers.

 

The Serie A table-topers have closely watched Roma forward Abraham, Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund, and Osimhen’s compatriot, Victor Okoh Boniface, currently owned by Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise.

 

Napoli is anticipating losing Osimhen in the summer transfer window, forcing Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli to compile a list of likely replacements. According to the report, Abraham tops the list to replace Osimhen if the 23-year-old leaves the Stadio Maradona in the summer.

 

Meanwhile, SportsMole reports that Paris Saint-Germain is ready to overbid Chelsea’s offer for the Napoli forward. Since coming to Naples in 2020, Osimhen has become a top attacker in European football, scoring 54 times from 93 matches in all competitions. While Napoli was knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage in midweek, the team enjoys a 14-point lead at the summit of the Serie A standing.

 

President Aurelio De Laurentiis has often maintained his club’s lack of interest in selling Osimhen during the summer transfer window. However, with just over two years left on the forward’s deal, Napoli could likely sell the player and reinvest the proceeds in their squad.

 

Napoli's Victor Osimhen celebrates scoring their first goal on February 21, 2023

Osimhen’s value continues to rise © Reuters

 

The Nigeria international has often admitted his desire to play in the Premier League, and many clubs have expressed interest in the forward in the past. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea have all been cited as possible points for future landings for the 24-year-old, who has been tipped to cost over £150m.

 

Meanwhile, Manchester United continues the search for a permanent replacement for Portugal international forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who parted with the club in November. This season, United has registered 46 goals in the Premier League, a far cry from Arsenal’s massive 77 hits into the net and Manchester City’s 78 strikes into the goalposts of their opposition.

 

The £150 million valued Osimhen is reportedly sought-after by Spain’s giants Real Madrid. Chelsea has also been cited for their interest in the striker, with Chelsea great Didier Drogba advising against a move to Paris Saint-Germain as it would not benefit the forward.

WWW.SUPEREAGLESRELEGATION.COM: Updates

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WWW.SUPEREAGLESRELEGATION.COM: Updates

Premier League Saturday Bash: Super Eagles losing relegation fight

 

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

Alex Iwobi headlines Nigeria’s English Premier League (EPL); Super Eagles stars spangled-relegation-fight banner featuring at least seven internationals of the West Africans facing demotion fate to Championship football next season.

 

Including Iwobi, Leicester City pair-Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, Taiwo Awoniyi and Emmanuel Dennis (Nottingham Forest), with Southampton’s Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo are in the nail-biting struggle to avoid relegation at the end of the season.

 

Leicester City came from a goal down to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 at the King Power Stadium.  Matheus Cunha silenced the home side by scoring for the Wolves in the 13th minute, but Iheanacho restored the parity from the spot on 37′ after Jamie Vardy had been felled inside the box by a Wolves defender.

 

Timothy Castagne scored Leicester’s winner on the 75′, gifting the winners to move up to the 17th spot on the league table. Awoniyi and Dennis were involved in the 3-2 thriller at Anfield, which ended with Nottingham Forest on the losing end but not without a fight.

 

Thus, Leicester swaps place with Iwobi’s Everton, who dropped into the relegation zone to 18th position following their scoreless tie at Selhurst Park with 12th-placed Crystal Palace.

 

Diego Jota’s brace (47′, 55′) and Mohammed Salah (75′) scored for Liverpool, while Neco Williams (71′) and Morgan Gibbs-White found the net for Forest. The loss confined Forest to the 19th spot on the table with Southampton, which played out a 3-3 draw with leaders Arsenal on Friday, remaining the lowest-ranked side on 20 points.

 

Though, what cannot be discounted is that the relegation dogfight is undoubtedly on. But what is disheartening is that the resolve and determination of the Nigerians to escape the drop with their club sides is off, if not woeful.

 

With the prospect of as many as seven Nigeria internationals relegated to the lower level of Championship football at the end of the season becoming a reality, Nigeria’s international football quality would indeed nose dive. Also, Nigeria’s Super Eagles won’t be as feared and respected as they formerly were.

 

The realization that minnows like Guinea Bissau and Central African Republics have beaten the once dreaded Super Eagles in international championships at the nation’s capital of Abuja in recent years would further embolden others to see the Super Eagles as very beatable.

 

Also, with a Super Eagles team featuring at least seven English Championship players, future opponents must now fancy their chances against a highly suspect Nigeria senior national team.

2022/2023 Season

All tables

 

Premier League 2022/23
# Team Pl W D L F A GD Pts Last 6
1 Arsenal 32 23 6 3 77 34 43 75
2 Manchester City 30 22 4 4 78 28 50 70
3 Manchester United 30 18 5 7 46 37 9 59
4 Newcastle United 30 15 11 4 48 24 24 56
5 Tottenham Hotspur 31 16 5 10 57 45 12 53
6 Aston Villa 32 15 6 11 45 41 4 51
7 Liverpool 31 14 8 9 59 38 21 50
8 Brighton and Hove Albion 29 14 7 8 54 37 17 49
9 Fulham 31 13 6 12 44 42 2 45
10 Brentford 32 10 14 8 48 43 5 44
11 Chelsea 31 10 9 12 30 33 -3 39
12 Crystal Palace 32 9 10 13 31 40 -9 37
13 Wolverhampton Wanderers 32 9 7 16 27 44 -17 34
14 Bournemouth 31 9 6 16 31 59 -28 33
15 West Ham United 30 8 7 15 29 41 -12 31
16 Leeds United 32 7 8 17 41 62 -21 29
17 Leicester City 32 8 4 20 43 56 -13 28
18 Everton 32 6 10 16 24 46 -22 28
19 Nottingham Forest 32 6 9 17 26 59 -33 27
20 Southampton 32 6 6 20 27 56 -29 24
Key

Uefa Champions League: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Europa League: 5th
Relegation: 18th, 19th, 20th

Uyo Stadium hosts Rivers United vs Enyimba

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Uyo Stadium hosts Rivers United vs Enyimba

Federation Cup star match  to hold inside the Godswill Akpabio Stadium 

 

Godswill Akpabio Int'l Stadium, Uyo | Home of Super Eagles - YouTubeGodswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium, Uyo

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

The Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo will host the potentially-explosive Federation Cup Round of 64 battle between CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finalists Rivers United and two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC on Wednesday, 26 April.

The game comes up on the eve of the ‘Pride of Rivers’ departure to Dar es Salaam for the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final fixture, which first leg holds at the same Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Sunday.

ALL THE ROUND OF 64 FIXTURES (MEN)

Heartland FC (Imo) vs Jedo FC (Sokoto) – Area 3 Abuja – 26/04/23 – 12pm   

Bayelsa United (Bayelsa) Vs Essien Ayi FC (Cross River) – Aba – 26/04/23 – 2pm

Ahudiya FC (Abia) Vs Jigawa Golden Stars (Jigawa) – Jos – 26/04/23 – 2pm

ABS FC (Kwara) Vs Bendel Insurance FC (Edo) – Lagos – 26/04/23 – 2pm

Standard FC (Kaduna) Vs Ekiti United (Ekiti) – Lokoja – 26/04/23 – 12pm

FC Basira (Nasarawa) Vs Sunshine Stars (Ondo) – Lokoja – 26/04/23 – 2pm

EFCC FC (FCT) Vs Katukan Tsafe FC (Zamfara) – Kano – 26/04/23 – 2pm

Wikki Tourists (Bauchi) Vs Akwa United FC (Akwa Ibom) – UNEC Enugu – 27/04/23 – 4pm

Warri Wolves (Delta) Vs Beyond Limit FC (Ogun) – Awka – 26/04/23 – 4pm

3SC (Oyo) Vs Adamimogo FC (Ondo) – Lagos – 26/04/23 – 2pm

Mighty Jets (Plateau) Vs Niger Tornadoes Feeders (Niger) – Kaduna – 26/04/23 – 4pm

Malumfashi FC (Katsina) Vs Gombe United (Gombe) – Jos – 26/04/23 – 4pm

Osun United (Osun) Vs Katsina United (Katsina) – Area 3 Abuja – 26/04/23 – 2pm

Bendel Insurance Feeders (Edo) Vs Maikunkele FC (Niger) – Lokoja – 26/04/23 – 4pm

Cynosure FC (Ebonyi) Vs Kano Pillars Jnr (Kano) – Lokoja – 27/04/23 – 4pm

Lobi Stars (Benue) Vs FC One Rocket (Akwa Ibom) – Awka – 26/04/23 – 12pm

Jama United (Zamfara) Vs Plateau United (Plateau) – Kano – 26/04/23 – 4pm

Rivers United (Rivers) Vs Enyimba FC (Abia) – Uyo – 26/04/23 – 4pm

Ingas FC (Enugu) Vs Novia FC (Adamawa) – Kaduna – 26/04/23 – 2pm

El-Kanemi Warriors (Borno) Vs De Cardinal FC (Rivers) – Area 3 Abuja – 26/04/23 – 4pm

Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) Vs Kebbi United (Kebbi) – Minna – 26/04/23 – 4pm

DMD FC (Borno) Vs ABJ FC (Bauchi) – Gombe – 26/04/23 – 4pm

Ikorodu City (Lagos) Vs Crusader FC (Bayelsa) – Owerri – 26/04/23 – 2pm

Gateway United (Ogun) Vs Kwara United (Kwara)- Ibadan – 27/04/23 – 2pm

FC Ebedei (Ekiti) Vs Hope of Glory FC (Cross River) – Awka – 26/04/23 – 2pm

Yobe Desert Stars (Yobe) Vs Igbajo FC (Osun) – Goal Project Abuja – 26/04/23 – 12pm

Adamawa United (Adamawa) Vs Rangers Int’l (Enugu) – Goal Project Abuja – 27/04/23 – 4pm

Ilaji FC (Oyo) Vs Kano Pillars (Kano) – Minna – 26/04/23 – 2pm

Green Berets FC (Kaduna) Vs FR Ebunuja (Imo) – Lokoja – 27/04/23 – 2pm

Ozalla FC (Anambra) Vs Doma United (Gombe) – Goal Project Abuja – 26/04/23 – 2pm

Kogi United Feeders (Kogi) Vs Edel FC (Anambra) – Akure – 26/04/23 – 4pm

Mailantarki FC (FCT) Vs kogi United (Kogi) – Jos – 26/04/23 – 12pm

ALL THE ROUND OF 32 FIXTURES (WOMEN)

Bayelsa Queens (Bayelsa) – Bye

Akwa Angels (Akwa Ibom) Vs Dannaz Ladies (Lagos) – Asaba – 27/04/23 – 4pm

Owo Itan FC (Akwa Ibom) Vs Fortress FC (Edo) – Aba – 28/04/23 – 4pm

Honey Badgers (Benue) Vs Kada FC (Kaduna) – Minna – 28/04/23 – 4pm

Heartland Queens (Imo) Vs Confluence Queens (Kogi) – Asaba – 28/04/23 – 4pm

Lakeside FC (Ogun) Vs Kwara Ladies (Kwara) – Ibadan – 28/04/23 – 4pm

Sunshine Queens (Ondo) Vs Edo Queens (Edo) – Awka – 28/04/23 – 4pm

Maureen Mmadu KFC (Abia) Vs Green Foot (Enugu) – Owerri – 28/04/23 – 4pm

FC Robo (Lagos) Vs Immaculate Queens (Enugu) – Warri – 28/04/23 – 4pm

First Mah FC (Imo) Vs Royal Queens (Delta) – Ekiti – 28/04/23 – 4pm

Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa) Vs Gallant FC (Kaduna) – Jos – 28/04/23 – 4pm

Naija Ratels (FCT) Vs Adamawa Queens (Adamawa) – Bauchi – 28/04/23 – 4pm

Rivers Angels (Rivers) Vs Golden Sun FC (Bayelsa) – Uyo – 28/04/23 – 4pm

Osun Babes (Osun) Vs Awka Angels (Anambra) – Abuja – 28/04/23 – 4pm

Ekiti Queens (Ekiti) Vs Moje Queens (Kwara) – Lagos – 28/04/23 – 4pm

Paul E. FC (FCT) Vs Delta Queens (Delta) – Enugu – 28/04/23 – 4pm     

 

Luis Enrique for Tottenham Manager’s job

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Luis Enrique for Tottenham Manager’s job

As Chelsea shift their focus back to Julian Nagelsmann

 

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

Tottenham Hotspur are about to commence talks with former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique on accepting the job at the North London club according to talkSPORT.

 

This is after Chelsea FC downgraded their consideration for Enrique and Ruben Amorim to remote outsiders for the managerial position at Stamford Bridge.

 

The Blues are said to have narrowed their search to just two leading contenders in former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino and Julian Nagelsmann.

 

According to the London Telegraph, the West London side plans to hold advanced discussions with the former Bayern Munich boss Nagelsmann shortly.

 

The same tabloid also reported that Chelsea has likely made some form of contact with former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino.

 

However, Just as the revolving door at West London appears to be closing on Enrique, this has allowed Tottenham to make a move for the former Barcelona manager.

 

The 52-year-old football strategist is well beloved by most Spurs supporters who would fancy his coming through their door since the former Spain manager not only plays very attacking football but is exceptional at building a team.

 

Spurs are also reported to be eyeing Burnley manager Vincent Company who is also on their shortlist of managerial options. Still, it is highly inconceivable that the former Manchester City star would surrender his role after leading the Clarets back to the Premier League.

 

Spurs and Chelsea are now starting to set targets for bringingn in their next manager before the summer transfer window opens if they were to make the kind of impact the management envisaged next season.

 

Enrique, in his Managerial stint in Barcelona, won the treble in season 2014/15, but it appears as if the enormous responsibility of remolding that Chelsea is looking for would be too arduous.

 

On the other hand, managers like Pochettino or Nagelsmann might be better conditioned for the extensive remodeling needed at Stamford Bridge, just as Enrique could easily be well suited to the present dispensation at Tottenham.

 

Tottenham’s decent team didn’t look very comfortable under Antonio Conte but could bloom under a more attack-focused strategist like Enrique.

 

 

 

 

Davis’ power clashes with Garcia’s craftiness

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Davis’ power clashes with Garcia’s craftiness

The fight for the new face of boxing

 

This is how Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia compare ahead of this fight

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

Show headliners Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia have bragged and trash talked, now the pugilists must deliver as promised as they finally meet inside the ring on Saturday. Pundits feel that the Showtime PPV event which begins 8 p.m. (ET) would ultimately unveil the next face of boxing .

 

It is undisputable that the pair are among the array of rising stars of the sport and are expected to be accompanied to the contest by their massive followership, further giving credence to the massiveness nature of their encounter.

 

Expect sparks to blaze into a massive Nevada inferno in this Pay-Per-View event of April 22 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The two men would not just fight for pride, but must also stake their impressive unbeaten ring records in each of the 12 rounds of catchweight bust-up this weekend.

 

‘The Tank’ stakes his 28-0, (26 KOs) record against ‘The Flash’ (23-0, (19 KOs), in a square off in which only a resulting tie could continue their legacy of equality and a loss would ultimately separate the shaft from the grain. Such is the high stake-the opportunity of a world title shot-that the mere contemplation of this bout has fueled so much bad blood, hate and threats of violence between the fighters.

 

The possibilities in this matchup are endless as it contains several caveats and a lot of side kicks. Fight fans and boxing analyst who have often pondered about how Garcia’s chin would holdout when a Davis’ powerful fist collides with it, now have the rare chance to find that out.

 

Equally, those of us who salivate over the consideration of Davis’ wherewithal to be able to contend with the frustration that Garcia’s almost five-inch height and reach advantage could pose in thier clash, should drool no more. In all fairness, past fights involving the pair may have actually pitted them against victims who were never at par with their individual levels.

 

However, Saturday’s clash that now pits them against each other, presents a new level of opposition with dangerous capabilities and formidability to each fighter. Though they are billed to face each other, in reality, each fighter are only going up against an opposition that is at level that either are yet to face before now. Against each other, it is certain that each would push the other to breaking point.

 

Gervonta Davis vs. Hector Luis Garcia results: 'Tank' wins via TKO, prepares for potential Ryan Garcia fight | Sporting NewsGervonta Davis vs. Hector Luis Garcia results: ‘Tank’ wins via TKO and meets Ryan Garcia next

 

What would have to give when The Tank’s power and experience collide with Garcia’s size and speed advantage? We know so much about Garcia’s out-of-this-world talent, how much do we know about his tenacity, durability and stellar qualities against a more determined and ferocious puncher? Is his talent enough to withstand Davis’ experience and awesome punching power at this level?

 

How does Davis’ (5 ft. 5+1⁄2 in (166 cm)) experience sizeup to the level of massive danger that Garcia’s (5 ft. 10 in (177.8 cm)) remarkable ring craft poses to his blooming career? Will Davis’ awesome punching power be just enough to extinguish the speed and size of the Garcia in this lightweight contest?

 

Though listed as a professional boxing catchweight contest, the higher notion is that in truth, this fight involves the current WBA lightweight champion in Davis and former WBC interim lightweight champion in Ryan Garcia, which actually makes the stakes more enormous.

 

While it is notable that ‘King Ry’ Garcia last fought in the summer of last year when he dusted Javier Fortuna, Davis is returning after his TKO victory against Hector Garcia this January. Does the almost six months stay on the fighters’ layaway that exist between them corelate to some type of advantage to either of the fighters?

 

The level of importance of this bout is so significant to prize-fighting that it notably took PBC and Golden Boy Promotions to combine to stage the it, and TV network Showtime and streaming app DAZN to conjoin to be able to broadcast it.

 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 16: Ryan Garcia (R) fights Javier Fortuna during their Super Light weight 12 rounds fight at Crypto.com Arena on July 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sye Williams/Getty Images)

 

Moreso, when fate and man-made calculus have amalgamated to ensure that the fight must also take place in the world’s fight capital-Las Vegas-speaks volume about the historic connotation in the showdown. Davis vs Garcia will go live on both Showtime PPV and DAZN PPV in the US. The card’s ring-walks for the main event is anticipated to commence 11.30pm ET/8.30pm PST. The television segment of the promotion expected to begin from 8pm ET/5pm PST.

 

The Cards

 

  • Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia, 12 rounds, 136-pound catchweight
  • Title fight: David Morrell vs. Yamaguchi Falcao, 12 rounds, for Morrell’s WBA “regular” super middleweight title
  • Bektemir Melikuziev vs. Gabriel Rosado, 10 rounds, super middleweights
  • Elijah Garcia vs. Kevin Salgado Zambrano, 10 rounds, middleweights
  • Fiodor Czerkaszyn vs. Elias Espadas, 10 rounds, middleweights
  • Vito Mielnicki Jr. vs. Jose Sanchez Charles, 10 rounds, junior middleweights
  • Floyd Schofield vs. Jesus Valentin Leon, 10 rounds, lightweights
  • Lorenzo Simpson vs. Pachino Hill, 6 rounds, middleweights
  • Tristan Kalkreuth vs. Jaime Solorio, 4 rounds, light heavyweights
  • Jalil Major Hackett vs. Jason Phillips, 4 rounds, junior middleweights

Rivers United clash with Enyimba

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Rivers United clash with Enyimba

Arch rivals battle for pride in the star match of Federation Cup Round of 64

 

NFF GS, Dr. Sanusi (right) picks the first drawn team from the pot on Wednesday

 

 Rasheed Adewuyi

 

Nigeria’s only remaining flag-bearers in African club competitions this year, Rivers United FC will be up against two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC of Aba in what is indisputably the star match of Round of 64 of this year’s Federation Cup competition.

 

The ‘Pride of Rivers’ host Tanzania’s Young Africans in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup fixture in Uyo on Sunday, and will then have the clash with Enyimba FC as vintage preparatory match for the return leg in Dar es Salaam.

 

At the draw held inside the NFF Secretariat on Wednesday, Akwa United FC were drawn to play Wikki Tourists of Bauchi in another big game, just as multi-title winners Rangers International of Enugu will take on Adamawa United FC.

 

Heartland FC of Owerri have been drawn to play Jedo FC of Sokoto while Kogi United square up to Mailantarki FC of FCT.

 

The women’s Round of 32 fixtures were also drawn on Wednesday, with Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt to square up against Golden Sun of Bayelsa State and Naija Ratels of FCT to play Adamawa Queens

 

All Round of 64 matches in the men’s competition and Round of 32 matches in the women’s competition will hold on Wednesday, 26 April. The Round of 32 matches in the men’s competition have been scheduled for Wednesday, 3 May, with the Round of 16 on Wednesday, 10 May. Quarter final matches are to take place on Wednesday, 17 May.

 

The semi-finals of both competitions will come up on Wednesday, 24 May with the men’s and women’s grand finale on Saturday, 27 May.

 

ALL THE ROUND OF 64 FIXTURES (MEN)

 

Heartland FC (Imo) vs Jedo FC (Sokoto)

Bayelsa United (Bayelsa) Vs Essien Ayi FC (Cross River)

Ahudiya FC (Abia) Vs Jigawa Golden Stars (Jigawa)

ABS FC (Kwara) Vs Bendel Insurance FC (Edo)

Standard FC (Kaduna) Vs Ekiti United (Ekiti)

FC Basira (Nasarawa) Vs Sunshine Stars (Ondo)

EFCC FC (FCT) Vs Katukan Tsafe FC (Zamfara)

Wikki Tourists (Bauchi) Vs Akwa United FC (Akwa Ibom)

Warri Wolves (Delta) Vs Beyond Limit FC (Ogun)

3SC (Oyo) Vs Adamimogo FC (Ondo)

Mighty Jets (Plateau) Vs Niger Tornadoes Feeders (Niger)

Malumfashi FC (Katsina) Vs Gombe United (Gombe)

Osun United (Osun) Vs Katsina United (Katsina)

Bendel Insurance Feeders (Edo) Vs Maikunkele FC (Niger)

Cynosure FC (Ebonyi) Vs Kano Pillars Jnr (Kano)

Lobi Stars (Benue) Vs FC One Rocket (Akwa Ibom)

Jama United (Zamfara) Vs Plateau United (Plateau)

Rivers United (Rivers) Vs Enyimba FC (Abia)

Ingas FC (Enugu) Vs Novia FC (Adamawa)

El-Kanemi Warriors (Borno) Vs De Cardinal FC (Rivers)

Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) Vs Kebbi United (Kebbi)

DMD FC (Borno) Vs ABJ FC (Bauchi)

Ikorodu City (Lagos) Vs Crusader FC (Bayelsa)

Gateway United (Ogun) Vs Kwara United (Kwara)

FC Ebedei (Ekiti) Vs Hope of Glory FC (Cross River)

Yobe Desert Stars (Yobe) Vs Igbajo FC (Osun)

Adamawa United (Adamawa) Vs Rangers Int’l (Enugu)

Ilaji FC (Oyo) Vs Kano Pillars (Kano)

Green Berets FC (Kaduna) Vs FR Ebunuja (Imo)

Ozalla FC (Anambra) Vs Doma United (Gombe)

Kogi United Feeders (Kogi) Vs Edel FC (Anambra)

Mailantarki FC (FCT) Vs kogi United (Kogi)

 

ALL THE ROUND OF 32 FIXTURES (WOMEN)

Bayelsa Queens (Bayelsa) Vs Maureen Mmadu KFC (Anambra)

Akwa Angels (Akwa Ibom) Vs Dannaz Ladies (Lagos)

Owo Itan FC (Akwa Ibom) Vs Fortress FC (Edo)

Honey Badgers (Benue) Vs Kada FC (Kaduna)

Heartland Queens (Imo) Vs Confluence Queens (Kogi)

Lakeside FC (Ogun) Vs Kwara Ladies (Kwara)

Sunshine Queens (Ondo) Vs Edo Queens (Edo)

Maureen Mmadu KFC (Abia) Vs Green Foot (Enugu)

FC Robo (Lagos) Vs Immaculate Queens (Enugu)

First Mah FC (Imo) Vs Royal Queens (Delta)

Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa) Vs Gallant FC (Kaduna)

Naija Ratels (FCT) Vs Adamawa Queens (Adamawa)

Rivers Angels (Rivers) Vs Golden Sun FC (Bayelsa)

Osun Babes (Osun) Vs Awka Angels (Anambra)

Ekiti Queens (Ekiti) Vs Moje Queens (Kwara)

Paul E. FC (FCT) Vs Delta Queens (Delta)     

 

IMC to remain in office to complete mandate

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IMC to remain in office to complete mandate

NFF to constitute NNL, NWFL, NLO boards 

 

We Want To Put Our League Back On Television... Elegbeleye - Exclusive News

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

The Nigeria Football Federation has reiterated that the Interim Management Committee of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) headed by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye will be allowed to remain in office and conclude its mandate before any decision can be taken on a board for the NPFL.

 

“Let me once more commend the IMC for the great job it is doing to reposition the elite division of our domestic League. We are enamored by the way and manner the Board has gone about its mandate and everyone can see the transparency, probity and seriousness the members have attached to their tasks,” President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau said on Wednesday.

 

“The IMC will remain in office to complete their tenure as extended by the NFF a couple of months ago. Afterwards, the NFF Executive Committee will meet to decide on the best way forward. However, new Boards of the Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Football League and the Nigeria Nationwide League One will be constituted within the next one month.” 

 

It can be recalled that on 21st October 2022, the IMC was inaugurated by the NFF President, with an initial mandate of three months, with a number of terms of reference aimed at engendering a new life generally for Nigeria’s elite division.

 

In January this year, the mandate was extended till the end of the current NPFL Season, which is 31st May 2023.     

Spalletti threatens walkout on Napoli

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Spalletti threatens walkout on Napoli

Vows to abandon Napoli’s UCL bench against Milan if fans again show no for his team

 

Football news - Luciano Spalletti named Napoli coach as Gennaro Gattuso's successor - EurosportLuciano Spalletti plans to walkout if Napoli fans again turned their back on his team

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

Napoli Coach Luciano Spalletti threatens to leave the bench and go home if fans fail to back his team in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League second-leg quarter-final match against AC Milan in Naples.

 

AC Milan won the first leg 1-0 through Ismael Bennacer’s Goal in the 40th minute. Spalletti told Goal.com that he wanted Napoli’s fans to put aside their grievances with the club and create a big match atmosphere during Tuesday’s second-leg match against AC Milan.

 

“I’m not sure what atmosphere to expect on Tuesday. I was sorry to see our stadium quiet against Milan in a 4-0 loss on April 2. We are winning the championship after 33 years; we were playing an important match, and to see everyone against everyone is something I’ll never understand. Spalletti told Goal. Com.

 

He added, ” If the same happens in the return match, I’ll leave the bench and go home because it’s inexplicable. The boys are sensitive to what happens around them, and we played in an absurd atmosphere against AC Milan at the Maradona stadium. We were taken, hostage.

 

Sports Joust reliably gathered that a section of Napoli fans are angry with the club’s president Aurelius De Laurentis for increasing the prices of match tickets recently and have vowed to continue to protest until their voices are heard.

 

Spalletti assured that Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen is available to face Milan on Tuesday.” Victor Osimhen will be 100 percent available for the return leg,” he said.

 

Osimhen was injured when Nigeria played against Guinea Bissau in last month’s African Cup of Nations qualifier doubleheader.

 

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