October 2024 | Page 4 of 23

Man United sacks manager Erik ten Hag

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Manchester United have sacked Erik ten Hag after a dismal start to the season. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new football structure kept Ten Hag in charge after winning the FA Cup but have parted ways with the manager just five months after that success at Wembley. United lost 2-1 against West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday, which represented their fourth loss in nine league games, and Ten Hag was relieved of his duties on Monday. Ten Hag was heavily backed in the summer transfer window and signed Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte but results have been poor. The Dutchman’s spending in time charge of United surpassed £600million and he failed to build on an excellent first season, which saw United finish third and win the Carabao Cup. United contacted other managers in the build-up to the FA Cup final last season. Ten Hag oversaw a stunning victory against Manchester City at Wembley and Ineos decided to extend his contract, despite compelling evidence suggesting he should have been relieved of his duties. The statement confirming Ten Hag had been sacked read: “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. 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.” Ratcliffe made radical changes after acquiring a minority stake in United and there was mixed reaction to keeping Ten Hag after he oversaw the most defeats in all competitions since 1977/78. Although United won the FA Cup last term, they finished eighth in the Premier League, which was their lowest-ever finish in the top-flight, and recorded a minus goal difference.

Nigeria thump Niger Republic, qualify for 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Cup holders Nigeria reached the final of the 2024 WAFU B U20 Championship in style on Sunday, after a come-from-behind 3-1 thumping of Niger Republic’s Junior Mena in Lome, in the process earning a ticket to next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations. The neighbours to the north went in front after only nine minutes of the second semi-final at the Stade Kegue, but just as they did against Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday, the seven-time African champions were unruffled. Instead, they found a better shape and dominated afterwards, scoring three marvelous goals that took them to the Final, where they clash with West African arch rivals Ghana, who had earlier seen off Cote d’Ivoire 2-1. Against the run of play, the Junior Mena came close to doubling their advantage in the 33rdminute, but Nigeria survived and shortly after, found the equalizer that their endeavour merited. Clinton Jephta finished with aplomb from outside the box to put Flying Eagles on level terms in the 35th minute, after an eye-catching interchange of passes among Kparobo Arierhi, Abba Maigari and Nasiru Salihu. Jephta was on song again 13 minutes after the restart, putting Nigeria ahead for the first time in the match, and goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt deserves praise for his excellent saves that maintained Nigeria’s advantage. The Flying Eagles netted the third in added time, through Olalekan Alonge. President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said: “I commend the fighting spirit of the Flying Eagles in reaching the final of the WAFU B U20 Championship and in the process, winning a slot at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations. I watched their first match against Burkina Faso (which they lost 0-1) but the team has continued to improve with every match since then. “The NFF is delighted with their performance. We believe they have what it takes to go all the way and successfully defend their title against the Ghanaians in Wednesday’s Final.”

Saka: Arsenal should have won it

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Bukayo Saka couldn’t hide his disappointment after we were twice pegged back to draw at home to Liverpool on Sunday. After missing our last two games with a hamstring injury, our No. 7 was back with a bang, smashing home at the near post to put us ahead. But despite Mikel Merino also finding the net in the first half, we could only take a point against high-flying Liverpool. After the game Saka said: “We’re disappointed. I feel like we didn’t show our best selves for 90 minutes and it cost us in the end. We believe we should have won it. “For sure, there’s definitely some positives – Liverpool are a top team, credit to them. But the overall feeling is that we didn’t show our best selves for the whole game, especially more in the second half, and it cost us in the end.” Saka’s goal was his 50th Premier League goal for the club, becoming the youngest player in our history to reach a half century. Another milestone for our 23 year old academy product. “Hopefully that can push us to some silverware as well,” he added. “I hate to miss games, so I was buzzing to be back. I had this game in mind to come back for and I was feeling good out there, and I was happy to get an early goal.”

Sports

West Ham weigh up move for Ademola Lookman

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

West Ham are in the market for attacking reinforcements in 2025 and one of three names on their shortlist is Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, according to reports. The former Everton forward helped Atalanta win the Europa League last season and has continued his good form into the new campaign, which has put him back on the radar of some Premier League clubs. West Ham want to improve their attacking options further following the arrivals of players like Niclas Fullkrug and Crysencio Summerville over the summer, and it seems Lookman is under consideration at the London Stadium. According to Give Me Sport, West Ham are holding talks internally about the idea of making a move for Lookman in the future. As things stand, he is probably the outside candidate on their shortlist, which also includes centre-forwards Jhon Duran (Aston Villa) and Jonathan David (Lille). Duran remains a dream target after summer links, while David could be available on a free transfer in 2025. However, West Ham are deemed to be likely bidders for Lookman, in comparison to some of the other clubs he has been linked with. Lookman was recognised for his resurgent form by being nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, although he is unlikely to make even the top 10 in the voting. Lookman has played for Atalanta since 2022, when they bought him from RB Leipzig. However, he hadn’t actually played for the German side since 2020, subsequently having loan spells in the Premier League with Fulham and Leicester City. Having hit double figures of goals in both of his full seasons with Atalanta so far, it’s fair to say Lookman has transformed into a key player for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side. Atalanta reportedly resisted attempts by other clubs to prise him away in the summer and they retain him under contract until 2026, with the option of an extra year. Having recently turned 27, Lookman is now enjoying the prime of his career, so it would be interesting to see if he would be up for spending it back in the Premier League. It could be argued that he is best off staying where he is flourishing, but only time will tell what the future holds for the Nigeria international. The centre-forward position has been an area of concern for West Ham for a number of years. This summer, they tried to solve it by bringing in the experience of Fullkrug, but the German hasn’t hit the ground running. There have been whispers of a premature exit in January for Fullkrug, who has been tipped to head back to the Bundesliga, which has led to a top German reporter revealing what the chances are. In other West Ham news, a Club Brugge winger is supposedly being monitored by the Hammers and some of their Premier League rivals, while they are also in the queue watching a centre-back who could become the first player from his country to arrive in the Premier League.

NASU, SSANU begin indefinite strike on Monday

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, have directed its members to proceed on a nationwide indefinite strike from Monday over the non payment of the four months withheld salaries. The strike according to the leaders of the two unions would commence on Sunday night of October 27, 2024. The bodies in a circular to all branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU in the universities and inter-university centres, with the title: “Latest development in respect of the withheld four (4) months salaries,” explained that the strike initially billed for 23rd October, was rescheduled because of the Trade Group Council meeting of NASU branches on the said date. The circular which was signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU President, explained that the strategic change in timing was for effective co-ordination and for both Unions to be on same page. The bodies regretted that despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the 50 percent of the four months withheld salaries to be paid, the alleged inaction of the Minister of Finance raised question about the government’s commitment to resolving the issue. According to the circular, “It is on record that JAC of NASU and SSANU has issued multiple notices to the government to redress this ugly situation. However, the sincerity of government to our cause is in doubt. “However, the Trade Group Council Meeting of NASU branches in the Universities and Inter- University Centres has been scheduled to hold on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October 2024 at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and the arrangements for the meeting already concluded. “In view of this, the leadership of JAC has decided that the effective date for the strike be moved to mid-night of Sunday, 27th October 2024, to allow the Branch Officers of NASU to be on ground before commencing the strike. “We have to do this strategic change in timing for effective co-ordination and for both Unions to be on same page. “We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership and we affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured.”

Intl. Friendly: Falcons, Green Ladies’ clash in Lagos on Tuesday

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Tuesday’s international friendly between the Super Falcons and Algeria’s Green Ladies at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos will now commence at 2pm, as against the earlier-advertised 4pm. The Nigeria Football Federation explained on Sunday that the Algerian delegation has opted to commence their return journey on Tuesday night. “This has necessitated us moving the match forward in order to finish the encounter early for them to prepare for their movement to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos for their return trip aboard Qatar Airways,” NFF’s Head of International Competitions, Dayo Enebi Achor, said. The two international friendlies were put together by the Nigeria Football Federation to help the rebuilding process of the Super Falcons, following a below-par performance at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France this summer, and the departure of American gaffer Randy Waldrum. Two magnificent goals by Captain Rasheedat Ajibade earned the Falcons a 2-0 win over the Algerians on Saturday. A good number of home-based professionals, including former U17 stars Miracle Usani, Chioma Olise and Goodness Osigwe showed great promise in an entertaining encounter at the Remo Stars Training Complex in Ikenne-Remo. Farid Benstiti, Coach of the Green Ladies, told thenff.com that his youthful team will prove a handful for the Falcons on Tuesday, having learnt a couple of things during the game in Ikenne-Remo. “We will be much better on Tuesday. My girls have seen and learnt a few lessons today. We will take those lessons on board and dig our feet into the ground against the Falcons on Tuesday.”

Amaju to star as guest lecturer in University of Ibadan on Tuesday

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

The immediate-past President of Nigeria Football Federation and Nigeria’s FIFA Council Member, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, OFR will add another feather to his cap when he delivers this year’s Personality Guest Lecture of the Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan on Tuesday, 29th October 2024. Pinnick, who is also a member of the Executive Committee of Confederation of African Football, will address the very germane topic of sport infrastructure, as he speaks on The Challenges of Sports Infrastructure And Maintenance In Nigeria: Prospect for Podium Performance. The Dean of the Faculty, Professor Olufemi Adegbesan, said Pinnick, who is also a holder of the traditional honour of Royal Order of Iwere (ROI) was chosen for the honour based on his vast experience in sports administration and management, his broad worldview of the problems of sport infrastructure and maintenance, and his passion for youth empowerment through well-maintained infrastructure to discover and nurture budding talents. “The Personality Guest Lecture is a part of the town-gown synergy of the University of Ibadan, the premier university. The Faculty of Education is desirous of contributing its quota to the development of Nigerian society through organizing personality lectures to discuss issues affecting the Nigerian economy. “Our guest lecturer, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, has the resume to present the lecture having been at the top in sports management and administration nationally and internationally. The personality lecture offers a forum where individuals with proven track records of hard work, service to humanity and excellence in their chosen careers interface with a large audience comprising the youth, members of the academic community, stakeholders in the public and private sectors, and the general public.” Tuesday’s lecture will hold at the Trenchard Hall of Nigeria’s first university and will commence at 11am. The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Kayode Adebowale will lead the top echelon of the foremost citadel of learning to the event, with the sports community also well-represented. Newly-appointed Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko will lead the crew that will include President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi and NFF Director of Media and Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire. Pinnick’s business associates and jet-set friends will also be there in numbers.

CHAN 2025: Eguavoen invites Sadiq, Rabiu, Ogunleye, 32 others for Ghana

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has called to camp Remo Stars’ wing-back Ismail Sadiq, Kano Pillars’ forward Zikifilu Rabiu and Enugu Rangers’ attacking midfielder Kazeem Ogunleye among a list of 35 players of Super Eagles B for the 2025 African Nations Championship qualifying fixture against Ghana. The first leg of the fixture, which is a reminder of the qualification series for the last edition of the competition, which Ghana edged on penalty shootout, is billed for the weekend of 20th – 22nd December, with the return leg a week later. The winner over two legs will earn a slot at the 8th edition of the competition exclusively reserved for footballers plying their trade in their country’s domestic League. The finals will take place across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, 1st – 28th February 2025. Akwa United’s Wisdom Ndom, Enugu Rangers’ Saviour Isaac, Anas Yusuf of Nasarawa United and El-Kanemi Warriors’ Abba Maigari are also invited to the camp that will open in Abuja on Tuesday, 29th October. ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS: 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)