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Category: Sports

  • U-20 AFCON: F’Eagles to resume camping March 10

    U-20 AFCON: F’Eagles to resume camping March 10

    The Flying Eagles will resume camping in Abuja on Monday, March 10, ahead of their preparations for the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, TodayPrice Sports reports.

    The seven-time African champions are currently on a short break following their two-match tour of Ivory Coast last week. Players and officials were given nine days off after arriving from Abidjan on Saturday evening.

    Aliyu Zubairu’s charges recorded mixed results during their friendly matches against the Young Elephants, winning one and losing one.

    Captain Daniel Bameyi scored from the penalty spot in the first encounter, with forward Divine Oliseh adding a second goal to secure a 2-0 victory on Wednesday. However, the hosts turned the tables in the second match on Friday, claiming a 2-0 win at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny.

    The Flying Eagles team administrator traveled to Abidjan on Monday for the friendlies after the cancellation of planned games against Egypt.

    The matches against Egypt were called off after both teams were drawn in Group B of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations alongside Morocco and South Africa.

    Nigeria will contend with these three nations in what promises to be a challenging group at this year’s tournament, scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast from April 26 to May 18. The two top-placed teams in the pool are guaranteed spots in the quarter-finals.

    With a 13-team final tournament comprising three pools and a five-team Group A, the two top-placed teams from the other groups will also qualify for the last eight, alongside the best two third-placed finishers across all three groups.

    The Flying Eagles went into the friendlies with positive memories against the Young Elephants, having defeated them 2-1 in a group stage encounter at the WAFU B U-20 Championship in Togo last October – a result that propelled the Cup holders to the semi-finals of the competition, which they eventually won.

    All four semi-finalists at the upcoming U-20 AFCON will fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup finals scheduled for Chile from September 27 to October 19.

  • Monday wins Liga F POTM award

    Monday wins Liga F POTM award

    Super Falcons striker Gift Monday has been awarded the Player of The Month for February in the Spanish women’s topflight, following her exploits at Tenerife recently, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

    Monday, who has been in incredible form for her club, beat off competitions from Real Madrid’s Alba Redondo, Barcelona’s Caroline Hansen, Ainhoa Marin (Deportivo), Ane Azkona (Bilbao), Ari Mingueza (Granada) and Elba Verges (Eibar).

    The 23-year-old also became the first Nigerian to win the award after Rasheedat Ajibade, who won the maiden edition of the award last September.

    She was presented with the award during her club’s training session on Monday amid cheers from her teammates.

    “This is how Gift Monday received the trophy for the best player of February. In recognition of her incredible performance, she becomes the PLAYER OF THE MONTH for EA Sports FC,” Liga F posted via X on Monday.

    Monday has been in fine form for Tenerife, powering them to sixth in the table with 10 goals in 18 matches.

    The 23-year-old’s form also sees her sit third in the league’s scoring chart, five goals behind Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor and also two goals behind the second-place Edna Imade.

  • Theatre Dreams: Nigerian players who starred at Old Trafford

    Theatre Dreams: Nigerian players who starred at Old Trafford

    Following Calvin Bassey’s heroics against Manchester United in the FA CUP on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra’s ABIODUN ADEWALE takes a look at some Nigerian players who have turned up in style at Old Trafford

     Calvin Bassey

    Not once, but twice, Bassey has turned up the heat against Manchester United at Old Trafford, with the latest being his goal-scoring feat in Fulham’s FA Cup triumph over the Red Devils on Sunday.

    In his fifth appearance against the Red Devils, the Nigerian headed the Cottagers in front on the stroke of halftime before his goal was canceled out in the second half by Bruno Fernandes, with the game staying level at 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes and extra time. Fulham won 4-3 on penalties and progressed into the quarter-finals.

    The 25-year-old who suffered online abuse in the wake of the game will still cherish his run at Old Trafford, having scored twice against United at the Theatre of Dreams – his highest tally against any team since turning professional.

    He had scored his first goal against the Red Devils during Fulham’s 2-1 win at Old Trafford last season.

    Cyriel Dessers

    In what could be termed as a game of stunners, Rangers forward, Dessers didn’t fail to show up as he scored one of his best goals this season during Rangers’ Europa League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

    Dessers was introduced as a second-half substitute in the game, and he netted Rangers’ equalizer before Bruno Fernandes stole it for United with another late stunner.

    The Nigerian sneaked behind two Manchester United defenders, controlled a long pass with his right foot as he turned, and lashed a low driver into the far corner of the post.

    Coincidentally, it was the striker’s 150th club career goal, and it was voted Rangers’ Goal of The Month for January.

    Francis Uzoho

    Before Uzoho went under the radar as Nigeria’s top-choice goalkeeper, he delivered an unforgettable display of goalkeeping at Old Trafford in October 2022, when United hosted Omonia Nicosia in the group stage of the Europa League.

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    Uzoho made 12 eye-popping saves against his ‘boyhood club’ before being beaten in stoppage time by substitute Scott McTominay’s winner to send Old Trafford into rapturous celebrations. The hosts had dominated for most of the half but failed to find a way past Uzoho, who was playing in just his third club game of the season as of then.

    The Nigerian also denied Cristiano Ronaldo from scoring – in the process accruing an impressive 12 saves – with nine of them coming from inside the box.

    “I am not disappointed with the result because we had a great game, but we would have preferred to get at least a point,” Uzoho stated, as per BT Sports, two years after the game.

    “But I’m happy; it’s not an easy stadium to play in with these big players.”

    Odion Ighalo

    The only Nigerian player to have played for Manchester United – at least until Chido Obi-Martin switches his allegiance to the Super Eagles – Ighalo indeed fulfilled a lifetime dream during his six-month loan spell at Manchester United.

    After spending three years at Watford, where he scored 34 goals in 82 appearances, Ighalo left the English Premier League for China but made a sensational return when the Red Devils were in dire need of a point man during the 2020 January transfer window.

    His presence within the first team was initially blocked as a precautionary measure due to fears over the COVID-19 outbreak in China, before he made his debut as a stoppage-time substitute against Chelsea in February 2020. He went on to make 23 appearances for the club, scoring five goals.

    After the move was confirmed, Ighalo revealed that he had taken a pay cut to make the move happen, calling it a “dream” to join the club he has long supported.

    “So, I thank God I played for the biggest club in the world, it’s an achievement for me and when you say, “what I should do better?”. I think I did everything I should do. I worked hard, I scored a few goals, and I’m happy. “I don’t have one regret; I have zero regrets for my time at Manchester United,” he said.

    Honourable mentions

    Alex Iwobi also has one goal at Old Trafford, having scored twice in 19 appearances against United.

    Former Super Eagles skipper Nwankwo Kanu has three goals against United, with one of them – during their FA Cup fourth-round clash in 2007 – coming at Old Trafford.

  • Barcelona thrash 10-man Real Sociedad to reclaim La Liga top spot

    Barcelona thrash 10-man Real Sociedad to reclaim La Liga top spot

    Barcelona secured a comfortable 4-0 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday to move back top of La Liga.

    Aritz Elustondo’s early red card gave Hansi Flick’s side a comfortable afternoon with Gerard Martin, Marc Casado, Ronald Araujo and Robert Lewandowski on the scoresheet.

    Atletico Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao on Saturday to temporarily knock the Catalans from their perch, while Real Madrid, third, lost at Real Betis.

    Flick was able to rotate his side a little ahead of the Champions League last 16 visit to face Benfica on Wednesday.

    Real Sociedad, ninth, threatened in the opening stages but fell foul of Barcelona’s offside trap, with Sergio Gomez’s strike ruled out.

    At the other end Barcelona playmaker Pedri Gonzalez came close when he pressed La Real goalkeeper Alex Remiro and deflected his attempted clearance just over and onto the roof of the net.

    The game swung Barcelona’s way when Elustondo was sent off in the 17th minute for pulling down Dani Olmo as he ran in behind him through on goal.

    The hosts took the lead after 25 minutes when Olmo chipped the ball across for Martin to fire home the first goal of his career.

    Four minutes later Barca had their second, with Olmo involved again, this time his wayward shot deflected home by team-mate Casado.

    The enterprising Lamine Yamal teed up Pedri but Remiro saved his shot from the edge of the box as Barca dominated.

    Pedri came close again after the break with an effort from range which bounced back off the crossbar, shortly before Araujo nabbed the third.

    Remiro pushed out Lewandowski’s header from corner but Araujo was on hand to nod home the rebound.

    Lewandowski cleverly converted Barcelona’s fourth when Araujo’s low drive from distance prodded home by the veteran Polish forward.

    The 36-year-old leads the league with 21 goals in 25 appearances.

    Barcelona played out the final half hour without incident, occasionally threatening, with substitute Ferran Torres twice coming close to a fifth.

  • John Cena returns to WrestleMania, set for title showdown against Cody Rhodes

    John Cena returns to WrestleMania, set for title showdown against Cody Rhodes

    John Cena is set to headline his final WrestleMania in a WWE Undisputed Championship match against Cody Rhodes after a dramatic victory in the men’s Elimination Chamber match.

    The 16-time world champion clinched his spot at the grandest stage of them all by forcing longtime rival CM Punk to pass out in his signature STF submission hold.

    With his ticket to WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas confirmed, John Cena stood face-to-face with Rhodes in a show of sportsmanship.

    The two shook hands, but the moment of mutual respect was short-lived as the unmistakable music of The Rock echoed through the arena.

    Accompanied by rapper Travis Scott, The Rock made his way to the ring, appearing to offer his backing to Rhodes.

    However, in a stunning turn of events, Rhodes defiantly rejected the Hollywood megastar, delivering an expletive-laden dismissal that sent shockwaves through the crowd.

    Just when it seemed tensions had peaked, John Cena made an unexpected move that turned the night on its head. Aligning himself with The Rock’s agenda, Cena blindsided Rhodes with a ruthless low blow. What followed was a brutal assault—Cena first striking Rhodes with a watch before smashing him with the Undisputed Championship belt. As the crowd erupted in disbelief, Cena used Rhodes’ tie to choke him out, sealing the betrayal.

    The onslaught didn’t end there. With Cena and Scott restraining Rhodes, The Rock unleashed vicious strikes with his signature weightlifting belt, leaving the champion bloodied and battered

    As the dust settled, the final image of the Elimination Chamber 2025 event was one for the ages— John Cena and The Rock standing tall, looking back at a fallen Rhodes.

    John Cena’s shocking betrayal has left the WWE Universe reeling, setting the stage for an explosive WrestleMania showdown.

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  • UEFA fines Real Madrid for ‘discriminatory behaviour’ in Champions League

    UEFA fines Real Madrid for ‘discriminatory behaviour’ in Champions League

    Real Madrid were on Friday punished for the behaviour of their fans during the second leg of the Champions League play-off against Manchester City.

    In the decision, UEFA, the governing body of European football, found Real’s fans guilty of “discriminatory behaviour”.

    Neither the television footage nor journalists present reported any incidents during Madrid’s 3-1 home victory on February 19 over Manchester City that sent the reigning champions through to the last 16.

    The statement said the fans had violated Article 14 of UEFA’s disciplinary regulations, which punishes “racism, other discriminatory behavior, and propaganda”.

    UEFA fined Real 30,000 euros (31,000 dollars) and also threatened the club with a partial closure of “at least 500 adjacent seats” at the 78,297-capacity Santiago Bernabeu stadium if there are further incidents in the next two years.

    Several dozen national teams and clubs are currently subject to the same suspended sanction, including Real’s two main rivals in Spain, Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid, for similar offenses.

  • EPL: Guardiola dismisses claims of major Man City squad overhaul

    EPL: Guardiola dismisses claims of major Man City squad overhaul

    Pep Guardiola says his veteran Manchester City stars still have a key role to play in the club’s rebuild as he seeks to reclaim past glories after a difficult season.

    City have only the FA Cup left to compete for in terms of silverware, following the collapse of their Premier League title defense and their Champions League defeat by Real Madrid.

    Guardiola’s team will host second-tier Plymouth in the fifth round on Saturday.

    The club has been criticised for not renewing an aging squad more quickly, despite winning six of the past seven Premier League titles.
    City made four signings in the January transfer window — Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico Gonzalez, and Vitor Reis — highlighting the scale of the rebuild required following injuries and a dip in form for key players.

    However, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Guardiola insisted that his experienced players would still play an important role next season.

    “There are players here who are over 30, and they will be part of the future of this club,” he said.

    “Except for Kevin — Kevin and the club will decide in the future — the others have contracts, and I expect them to be here next season. They are going to help us.”

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    He added: “We cannot do it just with the new ones or just with the old ones. We have to be all together… It is important for the end of this season and the next.”

    “I count on Gundo (Gündoğan, 34), I count on Berni (Bernardo Silva, 30), I count on all the players who have contracts. They are here. I do not doubt that.”

    Guardiola, whose team is aiming to reach the FA Cup final for a third consecutive season, is refusing to take Plymouth lightly.

    The south-coast side, currently in the Championship relegation zone, stunned runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool in the fourth round.

    “We have played many times in the Carabao (League) Cup and the FA Cup against lower-league teams, and they are always tricky,” he said.

    “What these teams do, they do really well. And if you are not ready, you are in trouble. We have a chance to reach the last eight of the FA Cup again, and we want to do it.”

  • UEFA bans referee, David Coote, filmed criticising Liverpool

    UEFA bans referee, David Coote, filmed criticising Liverpool

    European football’s governing body UEFA has banned disgraced ex-Premier League referee David Coote from any officiating activity until June 2026.

    Coote, 42, was sacked by Premier League Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) in December after a video emerged showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and the club’s former manager Jurgen Klopp.

    A separate video subsequently showed Coote snorting white powder, reportedly during Euro 2024, and PGMOL said the official was in serious breach of his employment contract and his actions made his position “untenable”.

    UEFA’s control, ethics, and disciplinary body met last week and ruled Coote had violated the basic rules of decent conduct and brought football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute.

    In a January interview, Coote came out as gay and said his struggle to hide his sexuality had contributed to bad choices, such as the video about Liverpool and his use of drugs.

    He said he was “truly sorry for any offense caused by my actions”.

  • Mbappe back to face Real Betis, says Ancelotti

    Mbappe back to face Real Betis, says Ancelotti

    Kylian Mbappe is fit to start at Real Betis this weekend after missing Real Madrid’s midweek Copa del Rey game after dental surgery, coach Carlo Ancelotti said Friday.

    The France forward was rested for Wednesday’s 1-0 win at Real Sociedad in the Cup semi-final first leg after having a wisdom tooth removed.

    “Mbappe’s tooth? Well I think it’s gone, and he’s not going to get it back,” Ancelotti told reporters.

    “But apart from that he’s doing very well, he’s ready to play, with a lot of desire.”

    Reigning La Liga champions Madrid trail leaders Barcelona on goal difference in a tight title race, with Atletico Madrid just one point behind in third place.

    They face a tricky trip to seventh-placed Betis on Saturday, before hosting Atletico in their Champions League last-16 first leg next Tuesday.

    Mbappe has been in fine form in recent months, with 14 goals in his last 12 matches in all competitions.

    Madrid will be without the suspended Jude Bellingham but Ancelotti played down fitness concerns over midfielder Fede Valverde.

  • Liverpool announce £57m loss for 2023/24 season

    Liverpool announce £57m loss for 2023/24 season

    Liverpool on Friday posted a loss before tax of £57 million ($72 million) for the 2023/24 season as their Champions League absence and soaring administrative costs took a toll.

    But the Premier League club’s overall revenue rose by £20 million to £614 million, with commercial revenue climbing by £36 million to £308 million.

    After a loss of £9 million in the previous season, a £38 million drop in media revenue for 2023/24 contributed to a second-straight campaign in the red.

    It was the first season since 2016/17 in which the club did not play in the Champions League, Europe’s top club competition.

    Matchday income rose by £22 million thanks to the opening of the new Anfield Road stand but staff costs — primarily wages and associated bonuses — increased by £13 million to £386 million.

    That was partly due to bonuses for Champions League qualification and a League Cup win during Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Anfield.

    Pay-offs to cover the time remaining on the contracts of Klopp and his backroom staff when they left amounted to £9.6 million.

    Liverpool finished third in the Premier League and reached the quarterfinals of the FA Cup and Europa League in 2023/24.

    The wage bill was eased by the departure of a number of higher earners including Roberto Firmino, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.

    The club added Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch to their senior men’s squad for a combined figure of around £150 million.

    “Operating a financially sustainable club continues to be our priority and with the continued increase in costs, it’s essential to grow income streams year on year to maintain financial stability,” said finance officer Jenny Beacham.

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    “The success of our commercial operations, together with the opening of the new Anfield Road Stand, has increased our revenues during this reporting period, which demonstrates our desire to continue to compete at the highest levels of football in the men’s and women’s games.”

    Liverpool, in their first season under Arne Slot, are closing in on a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title, 13 points clear of second-placed Arsenal in the Premier League with just 10 games remaining.

    They face Newcastle in the League Cup final at Wembley on March 16 and are through to the last 16 of the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain.