Sports Archives | Page 20 of 111

Arsenal Signs Brentford midfielder Norgaard

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

Arsenal has signed Denmark midfielder Christian Norgaard from Brentford in a £15m deal. The 31-year-old has joined for an initial £10m – with a possible £5m in performance-related add-ons – on a two-year contract with the option of a third year. Norgaard joined Brentford from Fiorentina in 2019 and became a key player, captaining his side and making 196 appearances. He is Arsenal’s third signing of the summer after deals for Spaniards Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga. Norgaard said he got “almost emotional” because signing for Arsenal means he will live his “dream” of playing Champions League football. “I’ve just turned 31 and had signed a new deal with Brentford,” he said. “There’s always a little chance that a miracle could happen with Brentford, but it was probably unrealistic to play Champions League with them. “Now I get to hear the anthem and be a part of a Champions League campaign. It’s a childhood dream and something I didn’t think would be possible. So it’s something I’m really, really happy about.” Norgaard helped Brentford win promotion from the Championship in 2021, before making 122 Premier League appearances. Midfielder Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad last week in a deal worth almost £60m, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga moved from Chelsea for £5m. Arsenal are also in talks to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres for £70m and have made a formal approach for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke. Norgaard was linked with a reunion with former manager Thomas Frank at Tottenham this summer and his record shows why he is highly regarded by the top teams. He has just completed his sixth successive season at Brentford, including all four of their Premier League campaigns. Since his top-flight debut in 2021, Norgaard has made 201 interceptions – the most of any Premier League player during this period – and he ranks second for recoveries (844) and third for tackles won (189). He is not renowned for goalscoring, but six goals in all competitions in 2024-25 was the best return of his career. Norgaard is a traditional number six who screened for danger in front of Brentford’s defence, breaking up opposition attacks. Norgaard is a modern defensive-anchor player. He can break up play, intercept, tackle, block and win aerial duels. He can let Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice do their thing while he protects their backs. He can also recycle the ball and play forwards effectively. In a league where there are so many transitions, a player who senses danger and has a great ability to regain the ball can be a must-have in your team. His physicality, and the fact it has been tested in the Premier League, also makes him a very sensible signing. He can be a great addition to Arsenal. Norgaard will fit perfectly with Zubimendi. They can even play together if Arteta opts for two holding players and one 10, instead of one anchor and two number eights. Zubimendi is more of a passer and creator. Norgaard is more a break-up-play midfielder who can regain possession, secure possession and stop the opposition from easily breaking into the final third. Arteta is making sure he will have enough strength in the midfield area to compete in all four competitions.

Breaking: Super Eagles Slip on FIFA Ranking

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

Former African Champions, Nigeria’s Super Eagles has slipped one spot to the 44th position in this month’s Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) ranking. The Nigerian side lost her grip on the 43rd spot despite retaining the Unity Cup title in London, United Kingdom few month ago. The Eric Chelle lads, however, held on firmly to the fifth best ranked country in Africa, they currently trail Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Algeria. Nigeria will attempt to improve her placement on the World ranking when they host the Amavubis of Rwanda and also travel to face off with Bayana Bayana of South Africa in the next round of matches of the World Cup qualifiers in September. They are currently fourth on the log behind South Africa, Rwanda and Benin. The next edition of the FIFA Men’s World Ranking will be published on 18 September.

Olympique Lyon Saved from Relegation

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Olympique Lyonnais have pulled off the great escape, with French football’s financial watchdogs at the DNCG reversing their previous decision to relegate the historic Ligue 1 club. After months of bureaucratic posturing over debts running into the hundreds of millions, the Commission of Appeal has ultimately decided the seven-time champions can stay in the top-flight of French football. “Olympique Lyonnais (OL) are pleased with today’s decision by the DNCG to allow the club to remain in Ligue 1,” came the official word from the Groupama Stadium. “The Commission of Appeal has acknowledged the ambition of the new leadership, committed to ensuring a serious and responsible financial management moving forward.” The latest chapter in the ongoing saga of OL began in late June when the DNCG made good on an initial threat of administrative relegation made last November. The fiasco led to the departure of John Textor as club president, with Michelle Kang stepping in. Kang – an investor in OL owners Eagle Football Holdings and outright owner of several women’s teams including OL Lyonnes – helped go about with the financial restructuring of the club. Even PSG played their part, fast-tracking a €45 million payment for Bradley Barcola to inject much-needed liquidity. “The new management, supported by the commitment and dedication of our shareholders and lenders, is extremely grateful for all the support received both within and outside the club,” OL added. “Today’s decision is the first step in restoring confidence in Olympique Lyonnais. We can now focus our attention on our sporting objectives, fully preparing for next season.” The ruling is a vote of confidence in OL’s revised financial roadmap, albeit with payroll restrictions imposed by the DNCG, with the broad support from players, staff, and local authorities clearly resonating with decision-makers. Now the real work begins. OL can finally turn their attention back to what matters most – football. The 2025/26 season will be the ultimate test of whether this new regime can rebuild the credibility the club needs to reclaim its place among French football’s elite.

Arsenal Submits £50M Bid for Madueke

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago11 mins

Arsenal has submitted an initial bid for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke said to be around £50M. The England international has been a target for the North London side for the past week and now manager Mikel Arteta, alongside sporting director Andre Berta have made an official bid for the 23-year-old as reported by Fabrizio Romano. “Arsenal have submitted initial bid for Noni Madueke around £50m package, add-ons included. “Chelsea want more than £50m fixed as Elanga similar deals remain their reference. “Good relationship between clubs as talks continue, Madueke agreed terms with Arsenal.” Madueke featured in 32 of Chelsea’s 38 Premier League games and started in 27 of them, provided seven goals and three assists. Arsenal have been linked with Real Madrid winger Rodrygo and Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze but it looks like they have found their new winger in Madueke who has reportedly agreed to join the side.

Alcaraz, Djokovic, Sabalenka, Swiatek Battle For Wimbledon Glory This Weekend

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago13 mins

The Wimbledon semifinals and finals this weekend promise high drama as tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Swiatek continue their impressive runs at the All England Club, with Nigerian fans invited to catch every moment live on DStv. Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion and world No. 2, is aiming for his third consecutive title after a hard-fought four-set victory over Andrey Rublev in the 4th round. Alcaraz, who boasts a remarkable 91.7% grass-court win rate, the highest in the Open era, has shown his trademark resilience and mental strength throughout the tournament, extending his winning streak at Wimbledon and reinforcing his status as the man to beat. He knocked out opponent, Cam Norrie, the last Briton standing in the singles draw, when they met in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, continues her dominant form, having advanced to the quarterfinals with a series of commanding wins. Sabalenka’s powerful baseline game and relentless aggression have made her a favorite for the title, and she faces tough competition as she eyes her first Wimbledon crown. With such high-caliber talent vying for glory, this year’s Wimbledon finals are set to be unforgettable. Nigerian tennis fans can catch all the action live on DStv’s SuperSport Tennis channel (214), which offers comprehensive coverage of the semifinals and finals, including expert analysis, full match replays, and exclusive behind-the-scenes features. Whether watching live or catching up on highlights via the DStv Stream app, viewers can immerse themselves in every serve, rally, and dramatic moment as the biggest names in tennis battle for tennis’s most prestigious prize. The action kicks off with the Ladies’ Singles semifinals on Thursday, July 10, followed by the Gentlemen’s Singles semifinals on Friday, July 11. The excitement continues through the weekend, culminating in the Ladies’ Singles final on Saturday, July 12, and the Gentlemen’s Singles final on Sunday, July 13.

Mission X: Super Falcons Target Repeat Performance of 2022 Against Botswana

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago14 mins

Group leaders Nigeria will fancy their chances of scooping the three points when they take on Botswana in Casablanca on Thursday, in their second match of the determined campaign to win a 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations title. The Super Falcons wasted little sweat in dispatching Tunisia’s senior girls 3-0 in their first match of the campaign, and will book an early slot in the quarter finals if they collect another three points against the Southern Africans at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, at a game starting by 8pm. Three years ago, in the 12th edition of the competition hosted by the same country, the Falcons scored a goal in each half (courtesy Ifeoma Onumonu and Christy Ucheibe) to to turn the hopes of the Botswanans to ashes at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan. The opposition will have a number of new birds to contend with on Thursday, with the likes of Esther Okoronkwo (Woman of the Match against Tunisia), Jennifer Echegini, Rinsola Babajide and Chinwendu Ihezuo likely to present a number of problems at the fore, alongside the well-known faces of Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne. Head Coach Justine Madugu may take the option of starting with Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde and Jennifer Echegini in the midfield, to provide ample ammunition for Ajibade, Payne and either of Oshoala and Ihezuo to do the damage. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie remains the rock between the posts, with Osinachi Ohale to provide guidance and wisdom for Tosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie and Ashley Plumptre at the rear. Botswana comes into the game still nursing their one-goal defeat to Algeria in the first round of matches – the same day the Falcons hit the Tunisians for three, with Asisat Oshoala, debutant Rinsola Babajide and Chinwendu Ihezuo the scorers. Oshoala’s early goal presaged a comfortable evening for the nine-time champions, and had they taken most of the chances they created, the North Africans would have returned to the dressing room with a basketful of goals. “As I said before the commencement of the tournament, we remain focused on our Mission X and we believe that victory over Botswana is a huge possibility. We are taking it one match at a time without taking any team for granted,” Madugu told thenff.com.

Ancelotti: My Real Madrid Future Could End Tomorrow

Tax Fraud: Ancelotti Handed One Year Prison Sentence

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has been sentenced to one year in prison for tax fraud. The 66-year-old was accused of failing to pay tax on his image rights revenues and was found guilty of tax fraud dating back to 2014, when he was in charge of Los Blancos. Ancelotti was also accused of misleading the Spanish tax office to avoid paying over £833,000 in income tax. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager vehemently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he had not broken the law due to not spending the 183 days in Spain that demands tax. He has admitted he did not pay enough tax in 2014 and blamed doing so on errors from his accountants. Despite his sentence, Ancelotti could avoid spending any time behind bars as under Spanish laws, any sentence under two years for a non-violent crime rarely requires the defendant without previous convictions to serve jail time. Ancelotti spent three years in his first spell as Madrid boss before leaving in 2016 to take charge of Bayern Munich for a season. Following spells with Napoli, and a shock return to the Premier League with Everton, he returned to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2021. He is now the manager of Brazil after taking over this year and looks set to lead them into the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil Coach Carlo Ancelotti Gets One-Year Suspended Sentence in Spanish Tax Case

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago11 mins

A Spanish court has sentenced Brazil national team coach and former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti to a one-year prison term for tax fraud relating to his image rights earnings in 2014. The ruling, handed down on Wednesday by a court in Madrid, found the Italian coach guilty of failing to declare revenues from his image rights while managing Real Madrid during his first spell at the club. However, under Spanish law, first-time non-violent offenders receiving sentences under two years are rarely required to serve jail time. This means Ancelotti is unlikely to spend any time in prison. The court also acquitted Ancelotti of a second alleged tax offense from 2015, ruling there was insufficient evidence to prove wrongdoing during that year. Ancelotti, who is set to take charge of Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has not yet publicly commented on the verdict.