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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.

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)

AFCONQ: CAF sanctions, fines Libya

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sanctioned Libya for denying the Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles access into the country for the return leg of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. In a statement at the weekend, the CAF Disciplinary Board found the Libya Football Federation to have breached Article 31 of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. “The match No.87 Libya v. Nigeria of the CAF African Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October 2024 in Benghazi) is declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0). “The Libya Football Federation is ordered to pay a fine of USD 50,000. The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the present decision. “All other and further motions or prayers for relief are dismissed,” CAF stated.

Sports

Deputy Senate President, Ndidi, others motivate Flying Eagles big for AFCON ticket

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

As part of efforts to spur the U20 Boys National Team, Flying Eagles, to book an AFCON 2025ticket at the expense of Niger Republic on Saturday, well-meaning Nigerians from all walks of life have donated cash towards motivating the squad to victory. Deputy Senate President, Distinguished SenatorBarau Jibrin has rewarded the team’s effort so farwith the sum of N2 million. Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, who graduated through the Flying Eagles’ rank, came up big and showered his blessings on the team with the sum of N5 million. Chairman of Crystal Sapphire Ltd, Frank Peters doled out the sum of N1.5 million with a pledge of another huge sum if the team defeats their Nigerien counterparts in Saturday’s semi-final.Also, a member of the football family, Mr. Victor Apugo has gifted the team N1 million with a promise to add another N2 million if the Flying Eagles fly past Niger Republic in the semi-final tie. Meanwhile, Switzerland-based Nigerian coach, Adedeji Adeyemi Anthony has redeemed his pledge of N1 million to the team for the victory over the Young Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire.Mavlon FC Chairman, Barrister Kenneth Agadugba has deposited the sum of N2 millionwith a pledge to make it N12 million if the team soars high to the grand finale of the tournament. Earlier on Thursday, a senior member of Staff of the Nigeria Football Federation dished out the sum of N1 million, while another member of the football fraternity who does not want his name in print has given the seven-time African championsthe sum of N1.5 million. The Flying Eagles are billed to take on Niger Republic in the semi-final on Saturday at 2pm Nigeria time. Victory will earn them a place in the final, as well as a ticket to next year’s AFCON U20 finals.

Special Eagles honour NFF President, Gusau

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON, has received a prestigious award from the Special Eagles, Nigeria’s esteemed amputee football team. This honour was bestowed upon him at the NFF Headquarters in Abuja on Friday during a courtesy visit led by the Special Eagles’ President, Mr. Paul Maduakor. The Special Eagles team, comprising remarkable amputee footballers who have triumphed over physical limitations, have over the yearsdemonstrated exceptional resilience and determination. Their achievements serve as a testament to the transformative power of sports. Gusau expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Maduakor and his team, emphasizing the vital importance of encouragement and support for individuals with disabilities. The NFF President reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to supporting the Special Eagles, acknowledging their inspirational role in promoting football among persons with disabilities. “We will explore avenues to provide support and foster collaboration between the NFF and the Special Eagles,” he added. Key officials present included the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi MON; Special Eagles Technical Director, Victor Onyeakachukwu Nwenwe; two Special Eagles players; and Special Eagles Secretary-General, Madam Nonye Nwose. This visit marked a significant step towards strengthening ties between the NFF and the Special Eagles, paving the way for mutual growth and development. The partnership aims to promote football development and empowerment programs for persons with disabilities.

WAFU B U20: Flying Eagles soar over Elephants into semi-finals

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Nigeria came from behind to edge a flaming battle with Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 in Lome on Thursday to reach the semi-finals of this year’s WAFU B U20 Championship. In the event, Burkina Faso’s Young Etalons were eliminated on inferior goal-count against those of the Flying Eagles and the Young Elephants. Nigeria scored two goals and conceded two, same for the Ivorians, with all three teams in group B finishing with three points each. The Burkinabes scored one and conceded one, in beating Nigeria and losing to the Ivorians, by the odd goal each way. Victory handed Aliyu Zubair’s side the opportunity to continue chasing the defence of their title, won in Niamey two years ago. A feisty first half at the Municipal Stadium ended scoreless. Bidemi Amole’s hopeful shot from distance sailed wide, while striker Kparobo’s powerful shot was pushed out for a corner by the Ivorian goalkeeper. In the 39th minute, Nigeria’s appeal for a penaltywas rejected by the referee. As the first half drew to a close, the Flying Eagles continued to press, with Amole’s effort crashing against the crossbar. The second half witnessed increased urgency from the Flying Eagles. Côte d’Ivoire’s effort was chalked off in the 48th minute, and Nigeria’s striker Kparobo was denied by the goalkeeper in the 53rd minute. Amole, again, came close soon after. The Ivorians finally broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, but Clinton Jephta equalized for Nigeria shortly after. Kparobo Arierhi scored the winning goal, securing a 2-1 win for the Flying Eagles. “We showed resilience and determination,” said Coach Aliyu Zubairu, “We’re delighted with the victory and look forward to the semi-finals.” Nigeria will take on Niger Republic in Saturday’s semi-finals.