'I won't resign'- Zinedine Zidane insists after Shakhtar Donetsk complete shock 2-0 win over Real Madrid

Wednesday, December 02, 2020 SPORT 1 Comment

 

Real Madrid head coach, Zinedine Zidane, has insisted that he will not resign, despite another poor performance from his side in a 2-0 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night, December 1, 2020.

 

Real Madrid's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League last 16 are now in doubt after the match completed a shocking win for the Ukranians over Madrid, weeks after losing 3-2 at home to Shakhtar.

Zidane could be asked by the Madrid hierarchy if results don't improve with Madrid now having lost three of their last five matches. 

 

But he has bullishly said he will not be stepping down.

 

“I am not going to resign – not at all," he said following Tuesday's defeat.“We have always had delicate moments. It is true that it is a bad streak in terms of results, but we must continue. Today was a final, we prepared very well, but we know there is a game to go and we have to win and that's it."

 

“I believe in the players and of course I have strength. The other day against Alaves we did not deserve to win but today we did. There is no choice but to work and continue so that the good results return."

 

After their defeat to Shakhtar, Madrid have conceded nine goals in five Champions League group-stage games, their worst defensive record at this stage in the competition’s history.

 

But Zidane is optimistic.

 

“It is a difficult moment but I am convinced that we are going to bring out our character because we have to win the next game,"

"I am convinced that we can do it." he said

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Update: Football legend, Diego Maradona fell and hit his head before he died and was then left alone ‘without help’ for 3 days, his nurse claims

Tuesday, December 01, 2020 NEWS, SPORT No Comments

 

Football legend, Diego Maradona reportedly suffered a head injury after a fall at his home a week before he died from a heart attack but was never taken to the hospital.

 

Italian newspaper La Repubblica claim that the Argentine icon who had only recently had surgery on his brain to remove a blood clot, was not taken for a scan after falling and hitting his head at home. 

 

A lawyer representing a nurse who worked for Maradona is reported to have said: 'Maradona fell to the ground seven days before his death. He fell and hit his head but they didn't take him to the hospital for an MRI or a CT scan.'

 

The shocking revelation comes as Maradona's personal doctor Leopoldo Luque is being probed over medical negligence as police launch an investigation into his death. 

 

The report also confirmed speculation that Maradona was alone in his house in Buenos Aires when he died from a heart attack aged 60.

 

An autopsy report said he died in his sleep after suffering heart failure. Medics also detected dilated cardiomyopathy, a medical condition in which the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged and cannot pump enough blood to the rest of the body.

The same nurse's lawyer also said that she had spoken with Maradona on the Friday before his death but was fired on Saturday.

According to her lawyer, she remained at the request of Maradona's entourage to administer his medication but was no longer taking his blood pressure or controlling him.

On Sunday, police raided the home of Maradona's physician Luque and investigators are looking into all the medical staff involved with his care after his daughters Dalma and Giannina gave statements questioning whether the medication their father was receiving was appropriate.

 

Repubblica are also reporting that documents have emerged showing that Dr. Cosachov had requested 24-hour specialist and nursing assistance for the former Argentina star before his death but Luque didn't not arranged for that to happen. 

 

On Monday Luque addressed these claims and told reporters that Maradona was 'unmanageable' and should have been sent to rehab.

 

He said: 'I was shocked when police turned up at my door. I'm going to co-operate fully.

'I know what I did and what I did was for Diego's benefit until the last moment. I did the best I could.

'I feel terrible because a friend died. I don't blame myself for anything. It's very unfair what's happening.

'I didn't see Diego's daughters a lot but the rest of his family, his siblings and his nephews adore me.

'Someone is trying to find a scapegoat here when I don't see one anywhere.

'We all did the best we could with Diego.' 

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Three suspects arrested during robbery operation in Ogun state

Monday, November 16, 2020 NEWS, SPORT No Comments

 

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested three members of robbery gang who have been terrorising Iju Ota and its environ.

 

The suspects, identified as Bamidele Oluwashina, 31; Adebowale Kehinde, 32; and Oluwasegun Abayomi, were arrested following a distress call received by the police at Onipanu Divisional Headquarters at about 9:30pm on November 12, 2020 that robbers had invaded Iju Love Bus Stop and tipper garage, wielding dangerous weapons and dispossessing people of their valuables.

 

Upon the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer of Onipanu Division, Chief Superintendent of Police Bamidele Ishola Job, was said to have mobilized his patrol team to the scene and engaged the robbers in a gun duel.

 

Having realised the superior fire power of the police, the hoodlums took to their heels, but one of them was arrested at the scene, a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the Ogun State Police Command, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said.

 

The entire area was cordoned off, while police intensified searched for other members of the gang.

 

Oyeyemi said with the help of members of the community, two other members of the gang were sighted trying to escape in a tricycle and they were promptly arrested.

 

One Tosin Ajayi, who was macheted on the head by the robbers, was taken to the hospital by the police for medical treatment.

 

One cut to size locally made pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from them.

 

The Command’s Commissioner, Edward Awolowo Ajogun, has ordered the transfer of the suspects to State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for discreet investigation.

 

Ajogun also appealed to the general public not to allow cultism to fester in their area as cultists were associated with all forms of violent crime.

 

He also assured the people of the state that the Command’s Violent Crime Intervention Squad was battle ready to combat any violent crime across the state.

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Nigerians react after Super Eagles threw away four-goal lead to draw 4-4 with Sierra Leone in AFCON qualifying match

Saturday, November 14, 2020 NEWS, SPORT No Comments

 

Nigerians are reacting in anger on social media after the Super Eagles threw away a 4-0 lead to draw 4 - 4 in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on Friday November 13.

 

The match went down at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State.

 

Two goals from Alex Iwobi and one each from Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen gave Nigeria a 4-0 lead in the first half before Sierra Leone's Kwame Quee scored one just before the break

 

Heading back into the second half, the Super Eagles threw away the lead as Sierra Leone pulled a shocking comeback to draw the match 4 - 4. 

 

Goals from Al-Hadji Kamara and Mustapha Bundu completed the comeback for John Keister's side. 

 

Nigerians on Twitter have now taken to social media to express their frustration over the outcome of the match. 

 

See some reactions below. 

 

 

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Andy Robertson will captain Scotland vs England as players celebrate Euro 2020 qualification, Ryan Christie cries tears of joy and even Steve Clarke can’t hide emotions

Friday, November 13, 2020 SPORT No Comments

 Ryan Christie couldn’t control the tears, Andy Robertson fought them off and even Steve Clarke admitted he’d have a cry.

Scotland reached a major tournament for the first time since 1998 and the players enjoyed every moment of it in Belgrade.

Scotland made everyone watching back home proud and Andy Robertson hoped fans were able to party

Clarke’s side beat Serbia on penalties to reach Euro 2020 and will join England in Group D at next summer’s European Championship, which was confirmed when David Marshall saved Aleksandar Mitrovic’s decisive spot-kick.

Scotland had dominated the majority of the 90 minutes and led through Christie before Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic headed in a last-minute equaliser.

“It’s just an amazing night. From the start, we believed,” Christie told Sky Sports, welling up with tears from the start.

“Even the way the game went tonight, conceding that late equaliser, we dug in.

Christie was overwhelmed by the victory

“Penalties away from home and big Marsh comes up! Amazing, unbelievable.”

The 35-year-old Marshall has been through the heartache and is one of the members of Clarke’s squad who remembers watching Scotland on the big stage, with France ’98 being the last time they graced the international scene.

“Obviously I am a certain age now that I can remember old tournaments. It’s been so long and it’s just massively emotional.

“I am just delighted to be there. It has probably not sunk in. You probably saw Ryan Christie was in tears and it just shows how much it means to the lads to get there.

AFP or licensors

David Marshall was Scotland’s hero in the penalty shootout 

Obviously families are willing us on, fans who can’t be here. Hopefully by next summer everybody can get the chance to go.”

Marshall did not immediately enjoy his penalty stop as he was wary of celebrating too soon in case he was penalised for encroaching.

“Immediately after it was a delay because the ref had said don’t celebrate if you save because there’s a VAR check,” he said. “I got the decision before the lads jumped on me thankfully.

“I just hoped and prayed that he wouldn’t order a retake because the lads were on their way They didn’t know it was being checked.

Scott McTominay was one of the successful penalty takers

Scotland’s players enjoyed the moment as they secured a place at Euro 2020

“But I did feel it was good. I had a tiny bit of doubt but the referee let us know pretty quickly.

“But when you have waited 22 years, what’s another four or five seconds?”

Robertson said he hopes fans partied at home.

“What a night, so hard to explain, tears everywhere and these lads deserved it. I’m just a boy who gets to walk out in front of them. We’ll look forward to the summer now.”

The Liverpool defender hopes fans will be in attendance at next year’s rescheduled tournament.

“I’ll say every sort of prayer I have to have a full Hampden.

“We’ve done it,” the captain added. “Twenty three years… I don’t even want to think about it because I’ll probably cry, but we’re looking forward to the summer now and everything builds up to that.”

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Greg Clarke: England Football Association chairman quits over 'outdated' reference to black players

Friday, November 13, 2020 SPORT No Comments

 

In this file photo dated Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, England's FA Chairman Greg Clarke poses for photographers as he arrives on the occasion of the 43rd UEFA congress in Rome.   -   Copyright  AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, FILE

The chairman of the Football Association in England has resigned over "unacceptable words" he used to refer to black players before a parliamentary committee.

Greg Clarke, also a vice president of FIFA, had apologised immediately for using the phrase "coloured footballers" while discussing racist abuse experienced by players.

But his remark prompted an outcry.

"My unacceptable words in front of Parliament were a disservice to our game and to those who watch, play, referee and administer it. This has crystallised my resolve to move on," Clarke said in a statement.

"I am deeply saddened that I have offended those diverse communities in football that I and others worked so hard to include."

The 63-year-old, who had been in the post since 2016, was put on the spot during the House of Commons select committee hearing by Labour MP Kevin Brennan, who asked him to retract the comment.

"If I said it I deeply apologise for it,” Clarke said. “I am a product of having worked overseas. I worked in the USA for many years where I was required to use the term, ‘people of colour,’ and ... sometimes I trip over my words."

Clarke also came under fire for other comments he made before the committee.

The ex-chairman claimed that South Asian people have “different career interests” than playing the game, and described sexuality as a “life choice” while talking about the lack of openly gay male footballers in England.

"His use of outdated language to describe Black and Asian people as 'coloured' is from decades ago and should remain consigned to the dustbin of history," said Sanjay Bhandari, executive chair of anti-discrimination group Kick It Out. "Being gay is not a 'life choice' as he claimed," Bhandari added.

Former England player John Barnes deplored the fact that the controversy overshadowed the issues of funding for clubs and diversity in football that the committee was discussing. The ex-Liverpool star, who is black, suggested that more tolerance should be shown given that terminology deemed to be acceptable has evolved over the years.

"When I first came to England, I was told that you can't call people 'black', you have to call them 'coloured', so if you're in your sixties that's what you've been used to saying," he told BBC radio.

"If you're a particular age, every now and again you may have a slip of the tongue, but the intention is the most important thing," he went on. "Greg Clarke, he apologised straightaway... so I haven't got an issue with it."

But others said Clarke's comments undermined the FA's position over issues such as racism, representation and diversity.

Former England player Darren Bent, who is also black, tweeted: "Slip of the tongue was it, awful just awful."

The FA said in a statement that Peter McCormick would step into the role as interim FA Chairman until a successor to Clarke was chosen.

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Premier League footballer arrested on suspicion of rape and false imprisonment at his home

Friday, November 13, 2020 SPORT No Comments

 

A Premier League footballer has been arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment and rape.

 

Police said the alleged incident occurred at his home last month. 

 

Authorities confirmed that officers had executed a warrant at an address and arrested a man on suspicion of rape and false imprisonment on Wednesday, November 11th. 

 

The man has not yet been named for legal reasons but police are still investigating the case. 

 

In the statement to MailOnline, detectives said the man is no longer in their custody but an investigation is still ongoing. 

 

They said: "He has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries."

 

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"Arsenal rejecting me made me doubt i would make it in football" - Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze

Thursday, November 12, 2020 SPORT No Comments

 

Crystal Palace's £17 million ($22m) summer signing, Eberechi Eze, has revealed how his rejection by Arsenal and Fulham at a young age helped propel him to stardom.

Eze, whose mum and dad are Nigerians, has played for England Under-21s' but before he found success he was released by Arsenal aged 13 and tried his luck at a series of other clubs like Fulham, Reading and Millwall, who all declined his services.

Eze worked part-time in a UK shop chain while studying in college, before he was signed by Queen's Park Rangers in 2016.
Fast forward to 2020 and he is now a premier league star.

 Eze has now admitted that he was concerned that his dream might never have come to pass.

"Of course, you have doubts," Eze said at England's training centre at St. George's Park on Wednesday.
"You have doubts in your thinking of whether you're going to get your professional contract, whether you're going to be what you hoped you'd be.

"It has built huge resilience in me; I think being released, I'm sure loads of players will tell you this, being released is not the best feeling and you're not in the best space mentally. But of course, as a footballer, not just a footballer, but anyone, you have to be strong, you have to be courageous.

"You have to get back up again, not allow your setbacks to determine where you end up in life. You have to keep moving forward. For me, I feel that's something that was put into me, was forced into me after being released - I had to get up and be strong.

"But for me, it was more the support my family and people around me that continue to instil, that faith in me - and being religious as well.

"Having faith was huge for me, I would always believe that I would get to where I hope to get to and thankfully, and thanks to God, it has worked out."

Eze grew up in Greenwich, London and said he and his family suffered financial troubles before he started making money.
.

"I didn't come from a rich family or anything like that, my parents did what they could and try their best to help me and my brothers and my sister to get through life. I know the struggle that they've been through, it wasn't easy for them even to gather money for us to look after us," he added.

"But that's why it was more of a relief because I can take some pressure off them and help them a bit and it's not so much of a hand-to-mouth sort of situation.

"I finally got the pro contract that I was praying for, endlessly. And for my family, knowing that I'm now in a position where I can grow and progress along if I work hard, I can grow and be able to help them out of whatever situation that we were in back then.

"That's why it was more of a relief because we had been in a situation without a club for a while and was still working hard still doing what we can but the fact that it came eventually and came quite late, it was honestly a grateful moment.

"I can't relax because you're still working hard but a bit of pressure is off now."

 Eze, is now as a key player for Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace side but says game hasn't affected his mentality.

"You know how I feel about myself? I feel the same as how I felt when I was at QPR," he continued. "So it's not much of a difference for me. I know other people may look at me differently,  but for me, the way that me and my family have been and how they've helped me and supported me, I can't look at it any differently."

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Lionel Messi's father reacts to reports linking him to PSG transfer

Thursday, November 12, 2020 SPORT No Comments

 

Lionel Messi's father and agent, Jorge Messi has reacted to reports that the Barcelona star is considering a move to Paris Saint-Germain next summer. 

 

Messi's future has been a constant debate ever since he expressed his desire to leave Barca.

 

He ended up not leaving after he was told  that for him to leave in the summer of 2020, his team would have to pay a €700 million release clause. 

 

ESPN published a report this week saying that contact had already been made between the French champions and Messi Sr. in order to broker a deal, with negotiations possible as early as January. 

 

 

But the agent has now dismissed the story as fake news.

"Stop inventing! Fake news," Jorge fired on Instagram, posting his message over a screenshot of the offending transfer rumour. 

Messi is currently in his native Argentina preparing for Thursday's CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier at home to Paraguay.

Messi was left out of the starting line-up by coach Ronald Koeman last weekend although he came on at half-time to contribute two goals and an assist to his side's 5-2 defeat of Betis. 

"Messi has shown me to be a person who wants to win things and continue to be the best, even though he has had his problems with the club," Koeman told Sport of his star.

"Barcelona have been, are and will be a better team with Messi than without. When I arrived, they told me that Messi was unhappy.

"We spoke at his house and he explained his reasons to me. I was honest. I told him that the only thing is the system, his position on the field, his importance in the team.

"But the problems that he had had with the club I couldn't change. From the first day I have said the same thing. He is the best and is committed to the club.

"He has had his issues, his problems this summer, but since he returned to training he has been very good.

"He has had bad luck in some games and he has not been able to offer the usual performance, but I am sure that at the end of the season he will have scored the usual goals."

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Manchester United left-back Alex Telles tests positive for coronavirus

Thursday, October 29, 2020 SPORT No Comments

 

Manchester United left-back Alex Telles has tested positive for coronavirus, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed.

 

Telles, who recently signed from Portuguese club Porto for £15.4m, was not involved in Wednesday's 5-0 Champions League win against German side RB Leipzig at Old Trafford. The 27-year-old was also missing in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League.

 

Solskjaer confirmed the Brazil international returned a positive test.

 

"Telles has tested positive for coronavirus so he's been out for a few days," Solskjaer said. "No symptoms though, so he'll be fine. Back soon."

 

The defender becomes the second player to have tested positive after Paul Pogba contracted the virus in September 

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Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and his entire board of directors resign

Wednesday, October 28, 2020 SPORT No Comments

Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu and his entire board of directors have resigned following increasing pressure from fans and his public fall-out with the club's striker, Lionel Messi.

 

Bartomeu, who became president in 2014, was set to receive a vote of no confidence as fans tried to push for his removal.

 

At a press conference on Tuesday evening, October 27, in Nou Camp, he announced the decision to walk away following a board meeting on Monday in Catalonia after the 3-1 El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid.

 

President Josep Maria Bartomeu announces the resignation of the FC Barcelona Board of Directors. pic.twitter.com/Xr9pBoUzHM

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 27, 2020

 

After the Monday meeting, Bartomeu had insisted that he would not step down, despite an impending vote of no confidence. 

 

He said: 'There is no reason for me to resign. 'It's not an appropriate time to hand in my resignation. No one will be able to make the decisions if I decide to resign.

 

'The idea of stepping down has never crossed my mind. Never.'  

 

An interim board will now take over and prepare for presidential elections. 

 

Bartomeu was the centre of Lionel Messi's criticisms when he announced his shock transfer request to Barcelona earlier this summer.

 

The Barcelona captain accused the president of not keeping his words, saying: 'I told the president and, well, the president always said that at the end of the season I could decide if I wanted to go or if I wanted to stay and in the end he did not keep his word.'

 

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo tests positive for COVID-19 for the third time, ruling him out of Champions League clash with rival Lionel Messi

Wednesday, October 28, 2020 SPORT No Comments

Juventus striker, Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of Wednesday's Champions League match against Barcelona after testing positive for coronavirus for the third time. 

 

The Portuguese international, 35, has been self-isolating since he tested positive while on international duty with Portugal on October 13. He returned another positive result last week, and was made to take another test ahead of Juventus' clash against Barcelona on Wednesday

 

According to Sky Italy, Ronaldo failed to test negative 24 hours ahead of kick-off, as required by UEFA in order to play, meaning his potential reunion with Lionel Messi will not happen tomorrow. 

 

The arch-rivals, who both have 11 Ballon D'or titles between them (Ronaldo, 5, Messi, 6), have not faced each other in the Champions League since the semi-final between Real Madrid and Barcelona in the 2011-12 season.

 

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Former footballer, Ronaldinho tests positive for Coronavirus

Monday, October 26, 2020 NEWS, SPORT No Comments

 

Brazil and Barcelona legend, Ronaldinho, 40, has tested positive for coronavirus.  

 

The World Cup and Ballon d'Or winner shared a video to his Instagram story revealing his diagnosis. 

 

Ronaldinho was set to attend an event at Belo Horizonte's famed Minerao stadium, but told his followers that he is asymptomatic and is now self-isolating in a hotel in Belo Horizonte. 

 

"I have been in [Belo Horizonte] since [Saturday], I came to participate in the event ... I tested positive for COVID.

 

 I am well, asymptomatic, but I will not attend. We will be together soon, big hug," Ronaldinho said.

 

Earlier this year, Ronaldinho and his brother and manager, Roberto Assis, were jailed in Paraguay in March after entering the country with fake passports. 

 

The two brothers were moved to house arrest in a Paraguayan hotel in April after serving 32 days in prison and released in late August after reaching a plea deal that included fines of $90,000 and $110,000, respectively. 

 

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Former NFL player, Dana Stubblefield sentenced to 15 years to life for raping a disabled woman

Saturday, October 24, 2020 SPORT No Comments

 

Former San Francisco 49ers player, Dana Stubblefield has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the 2015 rape of a developmentally disabled woman. 

 

The Santa Clara District Attorney's Office said in a statement the 49-year-old was sentenced on Thursday, October 22, by a judge in San Jose after denying a defense motion for a new trial.

 

He was convicted in July following a nine-month trial after a jury found him guilty of rape by force, oral copulation by force, and false imprisonment after having lured the woman to his home with the promise of babysitting work. The jury also found that he used a gun in the assault.

 

 A day before the April 2015 assault, Stubblefield contacted the then 31-year-old woman on a baby-sitting website and arranged an interview, prosecutors said.

 

The Morgan Hill Police Department said the woman's interview lasted about 20 minutes. She later received a text from Stubblefield saying he wanted to pay her for her time that day, and she went back to the house.

 

After raping her, Stubblefield gave her $80 and let her go. But on her way home, the woman immediately went to the police and reported the rape, the report said.

 

"'No' meant nothing to this defendant," said Deputy District Attorney Tim McInerny. "Based on his status, I think he was never held accountable for prior criminal behavior. Today, he was properly held accountable."

 

Stubblefield's attorney, Allen Sawyer disagreed with the jury's finding, saying: "We are as adamant as ever that Mr. Stubblefield is innocent," he told CNN.

 

He believes the victim is not intellectually disabled and says the evidence to prove it was excluded from the trial. 

 

Sawyer also disclosed he will file an appeal with the hope of 'reintroducing excluded evidence, arguing additionally that holding a trial during a pandemic created an atmosphere that unduly impacted the jurors' decision.

 

Stubblefield played in the NFL as a defensive tackle starting in 1993, when he won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year with the 49ers. He also played for Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders but retired due to an injury shortly after being signed by the New England Patriots in 2004.

 

He won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 1997, made three All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams, and he won a Super Bowl ring with the 49ers in Super Bowl XXIX.

 

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Victor Osimhen makes his European football debut for Napoli

Friday, October 23, 2020 SPORT No Comments

Nigeria international striker, Victor Osimhen has made his European football debut for new club Napoli as he was handed a starting role by the Italian club in Thursday night's clash against AZ Alkmaar.

 

 

Osimhen scored 18 goals in 38 appearances for Lille in the 2019-20 season, before moving to Napoli in a deal reported to be worth €50 million (£45m/$59m), making him Nigeria's most expensive player in history.

 

In the game on October 22, Osimhen played as the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation but Napoli lost the game 0-1.

 

The team coached by Gennaro Gattuso's are in Group F alongside Rijeka, and La Liga giants Real Sociedad.

 

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'Nigerian Government is a shame to the world for deploying soldiers to kill unarmed citizens protesting for their rights' - Manchester United striker, Odion Ighalo

Wednesday, October 21, 2020 SPORT No Comments

Manchester United striker, Odion Ighalo has condemned the Nigerian government following the killings of unarmed protesters at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos.

 

Recall some #EndSARS protesters were allegedly killed at the tollgate on Tuesday night, October 20. 

 

Reacting to the shooting in a video shared via his Twitter page, a visibly angry Ighalo described the Nigerian government as a 'shame to the world' over the killing of unarmed protesters at the Lekki toll gate.

 

He went on vent his anger, saying: "Sending the military to the streets to kill unharmful protesters because they are protesting for their right is uncalled for."

 

"Today, 20th of October 2020, you will be remembered in history as the first government that sent the military to kill its citizens."

 

"I'm ashamed of you guys, we tired of you guys and can't take this anymore, he said.

 

The former Super Eagles captain also called on world leaders to come to the aid of Nigerian citizens.

 

 

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Austin Eguavoen to be appointed manager of top African club Malien de Bamako

Tuesday, October 20, 2020 NEWS, SPORT No Comments

Former Super Eagles coach, Austin Eguavoen is set to be named the head coach of top African football club, Malien de Bamako of Mali.

 

The former Nigeria international defender is expected to arrive in Bamako, Mali today Tuesday, October 20, to formally take charge of Malien de Bamako, which entered prominence after winning the 2009 CAF Confederation Cup.

‘Former Nigeria coach, Augustine Eguavoen (55) is expected to arrive in Mali on Tuesday to take over the head coach role of the giants Stade Malien de Bamako,’ African Sports journalist based in Kumasi, Ghana Nuhu Adams revealed on Monday, October 19.

 

Eguavoen led the Super Eagles to a bronze medal at the 2006 African Cup of Nations in Egypt and has also coached Bendel Insurance, Sharks FC, Nigeria U17 and U23.

 

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Footballer Jordan Ayew tests positive for coronavirus

Monday, October 19, 2020 SPORT No Comments

Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew has tested positive for coronavirus.

 

The Ghana international revealed his health status on Sunday evening, October 18, after missing Crystal Palace's 1-1 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion at Selhurst Park and says he has gone into self-isolation to treat himself.
 

Ayew recently returned to the club after going on international duty with Ghana in Turkey where he played in their international friendly fixtures against Qatar and Mali after making four appearances in the Premier League for his club this season.

 

 

The 29-year-old striker has disclosed he is asymptomatic to Covid-19 but he has commenced the self-isolation at home.

“Sadly, I have tested positive for Covid-19 and have begun my quarantine in line with the health guidance,” Ayew tweeted.

“Thankfully, I am feeling fine and I do not have any symptoms. I will be cheering the boys on from home and look forward to being back on the pitch soon.”

 

 

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Los Angeles Lakers beat Miami Heat to win the 2020 NBA championship

Monday, October 12, 2020 SPORT No Comments

The Los Angeles Lakers have been crowned the 2020 NBA champions after defeating the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the Finals on Sunday night to claim their 17th NBA championship. 

 

It's the 17th title for the franchise, tying the Lakers with the Boston Celtics for the most all-time in NBA history.

 

Outstanding performances from LeBron James and Anthony Davis helped the Lakers secure a 106-93 victory over the Miami Heat at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. 

The victory comes nearly nine months after Lakers legend Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash that killed eight others, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.

 

It's the fourth championship win for LeBron James who previously won two titles with the Heat (2012 and 2013) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (2016).

After the game, he became the NBA's all-time leader in playoff games played at 260. He finished the night with a triple-double: 28 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists and was named NBA Finals MVP for the fourth time.

 

James is now the first player in NBA history to earn NBA Finals MVP with three different teams. Only Michael Jordan has more NBA Finals MVP awards, with six."For me to be a part of such a historical franchise is an unbelievable feeling, not only for myself but for my teammates, for the organization, for the coaches, for the trainers, everybody that's here," James said on the court. 

 

"We just want our respect. (Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager) Rob (Pelinka) wants his respect. (Lakers head) coach (Frank) Vogel wants his respect. Our organization wants their respect. Laker nation wants their respect. And I want my damn respect, too."

 

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Lionel Messi lends his luxury £12m private jet to Argentina team-mates as they travel for international duty

Wednesday, October 07, 2020 SPORT No Comments

 Lionel Messi has extended his generous side to his Argentina team-mates by offering them his £12million private jet for the international break.

Argentina will take on Bolivia and Ecuador in their first two 2022 World Cup qualifying matches on October 8 and October 13.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Messi has offered up his plane to Argentine stars currently playing in Europe to help them return safely to their country.

 

 

According to reports,  Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, Marcos Acuna, Lucas Ocampos, and Nicolas Otamendi joined Messi on his 16 seaters £12m Gulfstream V jet to Argentina. 

 

The stars will then join the Barcelona superstar on the return trip back to Spain in a bid to limit interaction at public airports before traveling to their respective destinations. 

 

 

The Barcelona star, 33, first started using the £12m Gulfstream V jet in 2018 and it boasts a number of incredible features, including a kitchen, two bathrooms, and enough seats for 16 people.

The luxury chairs in the jet can even be folded up and turned into eight beds to give the players much-needed rest on the long flight to South America. The jet also boasts Messi's iconic No10 on the tail and names of his wife Antonella and children Thiago, Ciro and Mateo adorned on the steps.

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