Gerard Pique Tipped Arteta to succeed Xavi at Barcelona
Barcelona legend, Gerard Pique has suggested that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a leading contender to replace Xavi as the next head coach of the Spanish La Liga champions. Xavi recently announced his intention to step down from the role at the end of the current season, leaving Barcelona in search of a new coach. Pique, who played with Xavi at Barca for seven seasons, believes that Xavi may still change his mind about leaving the club. However, if he doesn’t, Pique believes Arteta and Pep Guardiola are the top candidates to take over the position. According to Pique, a
Injury: Nwabali doubtful for Super Eagles friendlies
Stanley Nwabali, the goalkeeper for Chippa United, may be sidelined for Nigeria's upcoming friendly matches against Ghana and Mali due to an injury. During Chippa United's 2-0 defeat against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, Nwabali was substituted in the 73rd minute with a suspected knee injury. The severity of the injury will be evaluated in the coming days. Despite being initially included in the Super Eagles' 26-man squad for the friendlies, Nwabali's availability for the matches remains uncertain. The 27-year-old established himself as Super Eagles first choice after an impressive performance at the
Don’t Leave Boxing, Anthony Joshua Advises Ngannou After A Devastating Knockout
Heavyweight Champion, Anthony Joshua has destroyed his Cameroonian opponent, Francis Ngannou to victory in a heavyweight bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Joshua knocked out Francis Ngannou with a devastating second-round finish to shatter any prospect of a sensational upset and continue his march towards becoming a three-time world champion on Friday. After the fight, a video of Joshua telling Ngannou that he is an inspiration, and advising him not to leave boxing was shared on X (Formerly Twitter). Joshua said, "You are an inspiration, Don't leave boxing again." Ngannou replied, "No I will not." Joshua
NFF Announces Vacancies for Super Eagles, Golden Eaglets Coaching Positions’
NFF Announces Vacancies for Super Eagles, Golden Eaglets Positions' By Miracle Ogunde Following the resignation of the former Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, last month, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has declared the Super Eagles head coach position vacant. The NFF also declared the position of the U-17 coach vacant. There were speculations that the NFF was still negotiating with Peseiro but the latest decision by the soccer house suggests otherwise. Interested coaches, both expatriates and locals are now expected to submit their application to the NFF. Peseiro guided the Super Eagles to second
2023 African Games: Flying Eagles Coach Unveils 20-man Squad
By Miracle Ogunde Ahead of the 13th All African Games taking place in Accra, Ghana, Flying Eagles head coach, Ladan Bosso, has unveiled a 20-man Squad list for the tournament. Some of the notable players in the squad are: Captain Daniel Bameyi, midfielder Daniel Daga and goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu. The Flying Eagles will face Uganda, South Sudan, Senegal and Tunisia in Group B of men’s football event. Matches in the group will take place at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Legon. The players and their officials will depart Abuja for Accra on
UEFA Announces New Champions League format
The Union of European Footballing Associations (UEFA), have announced the new format for the Champions League, which will be implemented from the 2024-2025 season and onwards. The announcement video from UEFA (via Fabrizio Romano) details the changes that they will be implementing in the competition format. The current 32-team group stage will be replaced by a singular 36-team league phase in the Champions League and also the Europa and Europa Conference League. Each team will be drawn against eight different opponents, two from each of the four seeding pots, playing four games at home and
Alex Iwobi returns to social media after AFCON drama
By Our Correspondent After the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire, Nigerian footballer Alex Iwobi has resumed his presence on social media, particularly Instagram. The Fulham star had deleted all his Instagram posts in response to criticism he faced over his performance during the AFCON final, where Nigeria lost 2-1 to Cote d’Ivoire. Iwobi became a target of cyberbullying from some Nigerian fans, prompting him to remove all content from his Instagram account. However, he received support from teammates, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the Sports Ministry.
Super Falcons loses Former Goalkeeper
By Yetunde Ogunmola Former goalkeeper of the Super Falcons, Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni, has died after close to eight years’ battle with cancer. The Nigerian Football Federation announced her death in a post via its X account, @thenff late Saturday night. “We are sad to hear of the passing of former @NGSuper_Falcons goalkeeper, Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni after an eight-year battle with cancer. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. “May her gentle soul rest in peace,” the statement read. Aluko-Olaseni distinguished herself as a skilful goalkeeper during her days with the Super Falcons. She reportedly developed cancer in 2017 while playing
FIFA Debunks Introduction of Blue Card
By Miracle Ogunde After reports emerged last week that the International Football Association Board had signed off on the trials of introducing blue card to football, FIFA president, Gianni Infantino has rejected the proposed plan. It would have been the first time since the introduction of the classic yellow and red cards at the 1970 World Cup that a new card would be used in football. However, following an immediate backlash to the plans, Infantino has now told Sky UK such card does not exist. “Blue cards? This is a topic that is non
Osimhen wants to join Chelsea – Obi Mikel
Former Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, has suggested that Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, is keen on joining Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window. Mikel, who previously played for Chelsea as a midfielder, made this statement while speaking at the Web Summit Qatar via Calciomercato.com. Osimhen is expected to depart Napoli at the end of the season, having recently indicated that he has already made a decision regarding his next move. The 25-year-old forward renewed his contract with Napoli in December, which reportedly includes a release clause ranging from €120-130m. Osimhen has