TodayPrice

Author: Val Kosi

  • Thomas Tuchel Appointed as Head Coach of England Men’s National Football Team

    Thomas Tuchel Appointed as Head Coach of England Men’s National Football Team

    Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as the new head coach of the England men’s national football team, the English Football Association (FA) announced on Wednesday.

    The 51-year-old German has signed an 18-month contract and will begin his role on January 1, 2025.

    Tuchel, who previously managed Chelsea and Bayern Munich, will be assisted by Anthony Barry, a coach who worked with him at both clubs.

    He takes over from Gareth Southgate, who stepped down after leading the team through the Euro 2024.

    “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team,” Tuchel said in his first statement after the appointment. “I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already. To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.”

    Tuchel expressed his excitement about the new challenge and his commitment to making England successful, thanking the FA for their trust.

    He also acknowledged his assistant, Barry, and the FA officials who facilitated his appointment.

    Until Tuchel assumes his duties, interim coach Lee Carsley will continue to lead the team for England’s November Nations League fixtures.

    Tuchel becomes the third foreign manager to lead the England national team, following in the footsteps of Fabio Capello and Sven-Goran Eriksson.

    His previous coaching career includes leading Chelsea to a Champions League victory in 2021, as well as winning two French league titles with Paris Saint-Germain. He was last in charge at Bayern Munich, but parted ways with the club after a trophyless season.

  • Victor Boniface Survives Horrific Car Accident with Minor Injuries

    Victor Boniface Survives Horrific Car Accident with Minor Injuries

    Nigerian footballer Victor Boniface has narrowly escaped a serious car accident with only minor injuries, sharing the harrowing news on the microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

    In a series of posts that included videos and photos of the wrecked vehicle, Boniface revealed that the accident had occurred earlier that morning.

    The images showed the car severely damaged, with the rear tyres suspended in the air, the bonnet split in half, and the windshield shattered by the impact.

    Despite the significant damage to the vehicle, Boniface assured his followers that he emerged from the accident unscathed. In his post, he expressed gratitude for his survival, writing: “God say my time never reach yet,” acknowledging that his escape was nothing short of miraculous.

    The striker, clearly thankful for a second chance at life, added: “God is greatest.”

    Fans and well-wishers have since flooded the footballer’s timeline with messages of relief and gratitude for his safety.

  • Don Jazzy Launches Supremos Football Club, Joins Lagos Liga

    Don Jazzy Launches Supremos Football Club, Joins Lagos Liga

    Renowned music mogul Don Jazzy is expanding his empire into the world of football with the launch of Supremos Football Club, which will compete in Lagos Liga, one of Africa’s premier private football leagues.

    The venture marks a new chapter for the Mavin Records CEO, known for his success in shaping Nigeria’s music scene.

    In a statement announcing the launch, Don Jazzy expressed his excitement about merging his passion for football with his talent development expertise.

    “Lagos Liga is the perfect opportunity for me to merge my passion for football with my commitment to developing talent,” Don Jazzy said. “I’m excited to bring my expertise in building successful teams to the beautiful game.”

    The Lagos Liga features 7-a-side football matches, with teams competing for a massive N50 million prize, the largest per-game prize money in Nigerian football.

    Fans attending the matches in Lagos will also enjoy side attractions such as the Fans Challenge and Skills Challenge, with opportunities to win exciting prizes.

    Don Jazzy has built a legacy in the music industry, co-founding Mo’ Hits Records and leading Mavin Records, where he has nurtured global stars like Rema and Ayra Starr.

    Now, with Supremos FC, Don Jazzy aims to offer a platform for non-professional and former professional players to showcase their talents on the football pitch.

    Supremos FC joins a star-studded roster of clubs already registered for Lagos Liga’s inaugural season.

    The lineup includes Mavbrooks SC, founded by entrepreneur Ayodeji E. Olowe; Applebee FC, created by Travelbeta co-founder Nnazilim Egbuonu; and Firecrackers FC, led by tech entrepreneur Stephanie Etiaka. Other notable teams include Jarus FC, founded by Jarus Homes CEO Suraj Oyewale, aka Sir Jarus, and Superstar FC, established by tech entrepreneur Seye Bandele.

    There are also reports that another Afrobeats legend is in the process of registering a club.

    The competition, set to attract football scouts and fans from across the globe, aims to showcase African talent on an international stage.

  • Transfer: Manchester City Considers Gyokeres as Haaland Replacement

    Transfer: Manchester City Considers Gyokeres as Haaland Replacement

    Manchester City is considering Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres as a potential replacement for Erling Haaland, who may join Real Madrid in 2026.

    Haaland’s contract has a €150 million (£125 million) release clause, and talks for an extension have stalled.

    Gyokeres, 26, has impressed with 55 goals in 62 games since joining Sporting from Coventry City.

    Manchester City has contacted his representatives, and Sporting’s director of football, Hugo Viana, will join Manchester City, succeeding Txiki Begiristain, at the end of the season.

    This development threatens Arsenal’s transfer plans for Gyokeres, who was linked to the Emirates. Other Premier League clubs, like Liverpool, are also monitoring transfers, with interest in Real Madrid forward Rodrygo and Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza.

  • CAF Announces 2024 Awards Ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco

    CAF Announces 2024 Awards Ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced that the 2024 CAF Awards will take place in the city of Marrakech, Morocco, on December 16, 2024. This marks the third consecutive year that Morocco will host the prestigious event, following last year’s highly successful ceremony.

    Marrakech, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and bustling tourism, will once again serve as the focal point for celebrating Africa’s footballing achievements. The CAF Awards honor outstanding performances in both club and national football competitions, with the most anticipated titles being the CAF African Player of the Year in both the men’s and women’s categories.

    While the final list of contenders for the coveted African Player of the Year awards is yet to be revealed, several standout names are expected to be in the running. Among the potential nominees are Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and Morocco’s Brahim Díaz, all of whom have delivered remarkable performances in their respective leagues and competitions throughout the year.

    Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year in the men’s category, is expected to be a strong contender once again following his continued dominance on both the club and international stages. In the women’s category, Asisat Oshoala, another Nigerian football star, holds the current title after a stellar year on the pitch.

    CAF is yet to confirm the official start time for the 2024 ceremony, with further details expected in the coming weeks.

  • Super Eagles Coach Augustine Eguavoen Calls Up 35 Players for 2025 CHAN Qualifiers Against Ghana

    Super Eagles Coach Augustine Eguavoen Calls Up 35 Players for 2025 CHAN Qualifiers Against Ghana

    Augustine Eguavoen, head coach of the Super Eagles B team, has called up a squad of 35 players in preparation for the upcoming 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying fixtures against Ghana.

    Notable inclusions in the squad are Ismail Sadiq, the talented wing-back from Remo Stars, dynamic forward Zikifilu Rabiu from Kano Pillars, and creative attacking midfielder Kazeem Ogunleye from Enugu Rangers.

    These players have earned recognition for their exceptional performances in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), positioning them as key assets for the national team.

    The highly anticipated first leg of the clash will take place between December 20th and 22nd, with the return leg set for the following week.

    This two-legged tie will determine which team qualifies for the 2025 Africa Nations Championship, scheduled to be co-hosted by Kenya, Moore, and Tanzania from February 1st to 28th, 2025.

    Below is the full list of players invited by coach Augustine Eguavoen:

    Goalkeepers:

    • Ohisodumeya Osagie (Rivers United)
    • Henry Ozomena (Enyimba FC)
    • Mohammed Galadima (Nasarawa United)

    Defenders:

    • Wisdom Ndom (Akwa United)
    • Stephen Mayo (Rivers United)
    • Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers)
    • Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars)
    • Yusuf Isa (Bayelsa United)
    • Abba Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors)
    • Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United)
    • Kabiru Mohammed (Kwara United)
    • Junior Nduka (Remo Stars)
    • Victor Collins (Nasarawa United)
    • Abbas Usman (El-Kanemi Warriors)

    Midfielders:

    • Innocent Godwin (Abia Warriors)
    • Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars)
    • Musa Zayad (El-Kanemi Warriors)
    • Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers)
    • Eze Ekwutoziam (Enyimba FC)
    • Aimufua Aisosa (Kwara United)
    • Tochukwu Michael (Remo Stars)
    • Ifeanyi Assurance (Lobi Stars)
    • Kazeem Ogunleye (Enugu Rangers)
    • Seth Mayi (Sunshine Stars)
    • Stanley Oganbor (Lobi Stars)
    • Meyiwa Oritseweyimi (Bendel Insurance)
    • Toyeeb Gidado (Ikorodu City)

    Forwards:

    • Samuel Ayorinde (Shooting Stars)
    • Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United)
    • Abdul Sanusi (El-Kanemi Warriors)
    • Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars)
    • Abubakar Adamu (Plateau United)
    • Rabiu Zikifilu (Kano Pillars)
    • Temitope Vincent (Plateau United)
    • Michael Enaruma (Bendel Insurance)

    The squad is expected to enter camp soon to prepare for the critical qualifier, as Nigeria seeks to secure a spot in the prestigious CHAN tournament.

  • Flying Eagles Qualify for 2025 U-20 AFCON After Thrilling Victory Over Niger Republic

    Flying Eagles Qualify for 2025 U-20 AFCON After Thrilling Victory Over Niger Republic

    The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have secured their spot in the 2025 U-20 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a dramatic 3-1 victory over Niger Republic in the semi-final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship on Sunday night at the Stade Kegue in Lome, Togo.

    Despite going a goal down early in the match, the Flying Eagles displayed resilience and turned the tide in their favor, coming from behind to earn the crucial win. Niger Republic stunned Nigeria with an early goal within the opening 10 minutes, but the Eagles kept their composure and gradually took control of the game.

    In the 35th minute, Nigeria’s Clinton Jephta equalized with a powerful shot from outside the box, sending the team into halftime with momentum. Jephta then doubled his tally immediately after the second half began, putting Nigeria ahead.

    Olalekan Alonge further cemented Nigeria’s lead with a well-taken goal later in the game, securing the 3-1 victory and a spot in the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship.

    The Flying Eagles will now face Ghana in the final on Wednesday, where both teams have already qualified for the 2025 U-20 AFCON, as the tournament serves as the qualifying event. Only the finalists from the WAFU B championship earn tickets to the U-20 AFCON.

    The 2025 U-20 AFCON will also act as the African qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, with the top four teams automatically earning their place in the global competition.

  • Manchester United Sack Manager Erik ten Hag, Appoint Ruud van Nistelrooy as Interim Coach

    Manchester United Sack Manager Erik ten Hag, Appoint Ruud van Nistelrooy as Interim Coach

    Manchester United has announced the sacking of Erik ten Hag as the club’s first-team manager, effective immediately.

    The decision was confirmed in a statement released by the Premier League club on Monday.

    The statement expressed gratitude to Ten Hag, appointed in April 2022 and led the team to notable success, including winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

    “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future,” the statement read.

    In a swift move, the club announced that former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will take over as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching staff, while the club searches for a permanent replacement.

    “Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited,” the statement concluded.

  • Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman Ranked 14th in 2024 Ballon d’Or

    Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman Ranked 14th in 2024 Ballon d’Or

    Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles winger, has etched his name in history as the third Nigerian to break into the prestigious Ballon d’Or top 15 rankings, following in the footsteps of Kanu Nwankwo in 1996 and Victor Osimhen in 2023.

    The 27-year-old was ranked as the 14th best male footballer in the world during the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony held on Monday at the Théâtre du Chatelet in Paris. Lookman was the sole African player to make the 30-player shortlist for the 2024 award, and he joins a growing list of Nigerian footballers who have been recognised on the global stage.

    In 2023, Victor Osimhen became the first Nigerian in history to break into the Ballon d’Or top 10, finishing eighth overall. Prior to Osimhen, Kanu Nwankwo was the last Super Eagles player to achieve a top 15 ranking, finishing 11th in 1996.

    Lookman’s stellar performances in the 2023/24 season for Italian club Atalanta earned him this prestigious recognition. The winger contributed 17 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, playing a crucial role in Atalanta’s strong Serie A campaign. Additionally, he netted a hattrick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, securing Atalanta’s first-ever European title.

    At the international level, Lookman was one of Nigeria’s standout players at the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. He scored three goals and helped the Super Eagles to a silver medal, earning a spot in the tournament’s Best XI alongside team captain William Troost-Ekong.

    Lookman placed ahead of notable players such as Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba on the 2024 Ballon d’Or ranking, further cementing his position among the world’s elite footballers.

  • Manchester City’s Rodri Wins 2024 Ballon d’Or

    Manchester City’s Rodri Wins 2024 Ballon d’Or

    Rodri, the talented Manchester City midfielder, has been crowned the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, beating out competition from Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal.

    Rodri’s victory comes on the back of an incredible season in which he won the Premier League with Manchester City and helped Spain clinch the UEFA Euros.

    Despite these accomplishments, the announcement left many fans stunned, as Vinicius Junior was widely tipped to take home the coveted prize.

    In a dramatic turn of events, Vinicius was reportedly informed shortly before the ceremony that he would not be the winner, leading to Real Madrid boycotting the event.

    This decision came despite the club being named Club of the Year and Carlo Ancelotti being awarded Coach of the Year.