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Egypt 2025: Flying Eagles Go for Three Points Against Junior Carthage Eagles

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago18 mins

Nigeria will on Thursday launch their campaign for an eighth Africa U20 title when the Flying Eagles file out against the Junior Carthage Eagles of Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, in the opening match of Group B. Forty years ago, the boys from Carthage were the victims as the Flying Eagles won the second of their seven African titles, in the era when the winner was decided over two legs. With both teams already qualified for the FIFA World Youth Championship (now FIFA U20 World Cup) finals in then USSR, Nigeria forced a 1-1 draw with their hosts in Tunis, and then won a close-fought return leg 2-1 at the National Stadium, Surulere. Two years ago, the Carthage Eagles again bowed to the Eagles from West Africa in the third-place match of the U20 AFCON, also hosted by Egypt. It ended 4-0 against the North Africans. Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu and his charges understand that they must take it one match at a time as they aspire for glory, with Cup holders Senegal (who head Group C), hosts Egypt (who head Group A) and four-time winners Ghana (in Group C) also in the hunt for honours. Four-time champions Egypt (winners in 1981, 1991, 2003 and 2013) already pocketed three points from their opening match against South Africa on Sunday, while Zambia and Sierra Leone fought themselves to a scoreless draw. Ghana have their work cut out in Group C, where they must negotiate survival with title-holders Senegal, a Central African Republic side that eliminated Cameroon, and the nifty Democratic Republic of Congo. Nigeria must beware of the host nation, even though the Flying Eagles pipped the Egyptians 1-0 in a group phase match in Cairo two years ago. The only Final matches Nigeria have lost since the competition transformed from home-and-away format to a tournament were against host nations – against Ghana in Accra in 1999 and against Congo in Brazzaville eight years later. On the reverse, Nigeria defeated hosts Senegal in the Final in 2015. Ghana were champions in 1993, 1999 (as hosts), 2009 (when they won in Rwanda) and 2021. Cameroon, who are not in Egypt, won their only title when Nigeria hosted the competition in 1995. After Thursday’s shootout with the Junior Carthage Eagles, the seven-time champions will be up against 1997 hosts and winners Morocco, also at the 30 June Stadium. Zubairu is excited that his boys are riding on immense psychological wavelengths after a 2-1 defeat of host nation Egypt in a friendly match at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday – barely 48 hours after the delegation landed in Cairo. “That result has provided a good impetus for us as we prepare to face the Tunisians – another North African opposition. You need a result like that when you’re preparing for a competition like this. It does not mean that we will rest on our oars; it only serves to give us much-needed confidence and ginger us to face our challenges better. “We will go for the maximum points against the Tunisians and then take it one step at a time as we forge ahead.” Kparobo Arierhi, who scored three goals at the WAFU B U20 Championship and netted the first goal against Egypt on Tuesday, Germany-based Precious Benjamin and home-boys Clinton Jephta and Divine Oliseh are the key foremen that Zubairu will be hoping to deliver against each and every opposition. Tunisia did not originally qualify for these finals, but sneaked through after original hosts Cote d’Ivoire pulled the rug on the Confederation of African Football with only weeks to the opening match. All four semi-finalists at the tournament will qualify to fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, 27th September – 19th October. 24 FLYING EAGLES AT EGYPT 2025: Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC); Soliu Ajia Yakub (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia) Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United) Midfielders: Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Uljanik Pula, Croatia); Israel Isaac Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia); Simon Cletus (Mavlon FC); Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors); Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists) Forwards: Precious Benjamin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Ezekiel Anthony Kpangu (Inspire FC); Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy); Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC); Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Theophilus Mendos Rickson (Niger Tornadoes); Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway); Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC); Yushau Armiyau (Katsina United) GROUP A: Egypt, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Tanzania GROUP B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya GROUP C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana

NNL Throws Out 1472 FC from The League

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago01 mins

The Nigeria National League has expelled Lagos-based 1472 FC from further participation in the 2024/2025 Season, following the team’s failure to honour three matches in the ongoing season. The matches were against Abia Comets (Match 9), Dakkada FC (Match 53) and Ijele FC (Match 74). The NNL relied on the league’s article 14.11 to expel the club. In the letter signed by the NNL’s Chief Operating Officer, Danlami Alanana, 1472 FC are also fined the sum of N5 million, with the consequence that results of all their played matches have been nullified, and unplayed matches cancelled.

UEFA Semi-Finals Week on GOtv: Arsenal, Man United, and Chelsea Target Finals

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago24 mins

The business end of European football begins this week as the first legs of the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League semi-finals take centre stage. With five English clubs still in the mix, GOtv viewers are in for a thrilling run of high-stakes football action across three nights. Champions League: Arsenal Face PSG Test, Barcelona Eye Treble Arsenal will return to Champions League action on Tuesday, with a blockbuster clash against Ligue 1 champions PSG at the Emirates. Kick-off is at 8:00 PM on GOtv Channel 66 (SS Action). The Gunners earned their spot after a dominant 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid, but face a PSG side that’s already eliminated Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockout stages. Arsenal will be hoping to avoid becoming the third English casualty on the Parisians’ path to the final. On Wednesday, Barcelona host Inter Milan in another heavyweight Champions League tie. Kick-off is at 8:00 PM on GOtv Channel 66 (SS Action). Fresh from winning the Copa del Rey over the weekend and sitting top of La Liga, Flick’s men are chasing a historic treble. However, Inter, who knocked out Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, will be no pushovers. Europa League: United and Spurs Out to Salvage Seasons The Europa League semi-finals kick off on Thursday, with both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur needing strong results to rescue otherwise disappointing domestic campaigns. United will be away to Spanish outfit Athletic Club, with kick-off at 8:00 PM on GOtv Channel 66 (SS Action). Erik ten Hag’s side have struggled in the Premier League and are currently in 14th place, but edged past Lyon in a 13-goal thriller (7-6 on aggregate) to stay alive in Europe. Tottenham, meanwhile, face Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt at home. Kick-off is also at 8:00 PM on GOtv Channel 65 (SS EPL). Spurs, sitting 16th in the league, have endured a torrid campaign but narrowly beat Frankfurt 2-1 over two legs to reach this stage. A path to the final, and potentially Champions League football next season, remains on the line for both clubs. If both English sides can navigate their semi-finals, a blockbuster all-English final could be on the cards. Conference League: Chelsea Look to Keep Perfect Run Alive Chelsea have been the standout team in the UEFA Conference League this season, winning 11 of their 12 matches. They’ll look to extend that dominance when they take on Djurgårdens IF at Stamford Bridge on Thursday. Kick-off is at 8:00 PM on GOtv Channel 61 (SS Football). With their domestic top-four hopes fading, this competition presents a golden opportunity for silverware and continental pride.

Will Arsenal Break Their European Curse?

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago06 mins

In the 1980s, Liverpool’s dominant team had a motto they often repeated after lifting a trophy—and occasionally when they didn’t: “First is first, and second is nowhere.” Mikel Arteta might do well to hang those words in the Arsenal dressing room as a reminder that football doesn’t remember the “nearly men.” As Arsenal prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in Tuesday’s Champions League semifinal first leg at the Emirates, the stakes couldn’t be clearer. On one side lies the potential for European glory; on the other, the risk of reinforcing the narrative that Arteta’s side falters when it matters most. Will Arsenal finally cross the finish line first, or once again fall short? Liverpool earned the right to adopt that mantra. During the ’80s, they claimed seven league titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups, and a European Cup. With that kind of dominance, they could afford to dismiss second place. But even the great teams stumble before they soar—something Liverpool experienced again during Jürgen Klopp’s early years. They finished as runners-up in four competitions before finally winning the Champions League in 2019, which opened the floodgates to further success, including a long-awaited Premier League title. For Arsenal under Arteta, the wait for a defining triumph continues. The 2019–20 FA Cup win over Chelsea was a bright moment, but only Kieran Tierney remains from that starting lineup—and he is set to leave the club after falling out of favour. Bukayo Saka, then just 18 and an unused substitute in that final, is now one of the team’s leaders. Yet for most of this squad, the taste of silverware remains elusive. No one can deny the transformation Arteta has overseen. Arsenal have gone from also-rans to genuine contenders in all competitions. But unless that progress culminates in tangible success, questions will persist. A third straight season finishing second in the Premier League—now a distinct possibility—would be another step forward on paper, but also another missed opportunity. Notably, Arsenal have drawn seven league games in 2025—equal to Liverpool’s total. The emphatic 5–1 aggregate win over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals was a statement, but it must be followed by more than just plaudits. As Arteta recently told AS, “The dream is to win… We’ve made so many steps. It’s time to win. In the end, judgment is normal. This is Arsenal. People expect us to deliver.” Since the legendary “Invincibles” season of 2003–04, Arsenal have won just four trophies—all FA Cups—while their rivals have surged ahead. Manchester City (19), Chelsea (18), Manchester United (15), and Liverpool (10) have far outpaced them. Arsenal’s near misses since Arteta’s arrival—semifinal defeats in the Europa League and League Cup, and back-to-back collapses in Premier League title races—highlight that winning isn’t just about quality on the pitch. It’s also about mentality. Teams like Klopp’s Liverpool and Ferguson’s Manchester United had to overcome failure before establishing themselves as serial winners. But others never made that leap. Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs, for instance, dazzled with talent but ultimately delivered nothing. Arsenal now face the same fork in the road. With talents like Saka, Declan Rice, William Saliba, and Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal should win something soon. But until they do, that old Liverpool saying will remain painfully relevant: First is first. Second is nowhere.

NFF Celebrates Football Investor and Philanthropist Kunle Soname on 59th Birthday

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has warmly felicitated with notable football investor and proprietor of a number of football clubs in the country, Hon. Kunle Soname, as the billionaire business mogul celebrated his 59th birthday anniversary on Sunday. Soname, a former Chairman of a local government in Lagos State, has gradually but steadily built a charming profile as one of the biggest investors in the beautiful game on the African continent, and indeed the universe, with a portfolio that includes proprietorship of elite League club Remo Stars (poised to win this year’s title in Nigeria), second-tier side Beyond Limits and a women’s team, Remo Stars Ladies. He also owns a Portuguese LigaPro side, Clube Desportivo Feirense. All his teams have remained very competitive in their different cadres and jurisdictions. “As a Football Federation, we are enamoured by the worthwhile investments that Hon. Kunle Soname is making in the game of football in Nigeria, Africa and the world. To be proprietor of four different clubs across continents and gender is no mean fit. We celebrate his love for the game and wish him a very happy birthday and many happy returns. “Apart from the clubs, what he has on ground at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo marks him out as a serious and committed investor. A number of our National Teams continue to benefit from the facilities and equipment therein, and the project is still ongoing. We pray that God will grant him good health and long life to fulfil his dreams,” Gusau said. Nigeria’s age-grade National Teams, including the U20 boys (Flying Eagles) and girls (Falconets) and the U17 boys (Golden Eaglets) and girls (Flamingos), as well as the senior women team (Super Falcons) have camped and played matches at the magnificent family in the serene town in Ogun State. Only last week, Soname gifted the Flamingos the sum of four million naira after their 4-0 defeat of Algeria’s U17 girls in a FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying match at the Remo Stars Stadium, at the sum of one million for each goal.

Liverpool Clinch Premier League Equal Manchester United’s Record with 20 Titles

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

Liverpool have been crowned Premier League champions following a dominant 5-1 victory over Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday. Arne Slot’s side needed just a point to secure the title and equal Manchester United’s record of 20 top-flight crowns. Goals from Luis Díaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, and Mohamed Salah, along with a Destiny Udogie own goal, sealed the emphatic win. “This is the most beautiful club in the world. We deserve this,” captain Virgil van Dijk told Sky Sports after the match. “We are going to enjoy the next couple of weeks and take it all in. I was desperate to win it for the fans, for the supporters around the world, and for ourselves.” Salah’s strike marked his 185th Premier League goal, making him the highest-scoring foreign player in the league’s history. With Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, the Gunners can no longer mathematically catch Liverpool, even with four games remaining. Liverpool now hold a 15-point advantage, having lost just twice in 34 matches this season. It caps a spectacular debut campaign for Arne Slot, who arrived from Feyenoord last summer to succeed Jürgen Klopp. Slot reflected on the team’s resilience and determination:“It was clear we couldn’t lose this game. Everyone on the bus said, ‘There’s no way we’re losing.’ They always find a way to win. I’m incredibly proud — not just of the players, but the entire staff and management. They deserve a big round of applause.” Slot also emphasized the scale of the achievement:“Let’s forget it’s only the second title in 35 years — it’s two titles in five years.” Liverpool’s triumph adds another glorious chapter to the club’s storied history, reaffirming their place among English football’s elite.

Back in a 1999 column, my former boss Bill Simmons introduced the "Ewing Theory." It came from a friend of his who believed that Patrick Ewing’s teams — at both Georgetown and with the New York Knicks — strangely played better whenever Ewing was injured or stuck on the bench with foul trouble, as Simmons later explained in an ESPN piece. Ewing, a star center drafted No. 1 overall by the Knicks in 1985, had a long, impressive career. Unfortunately, it unfolded alongside the dominance of Michael Jordan, meaning Ewing's Knicks won plenty of games but never captured an NBA title. In 1999, during the Eastern Conference finals, Ewing tore his Achilles. The eighth-seeded Knicks were tied 1-1 with the second-seeded Indiana Pacers, and most expected the Pacers to cruise to the NBA Finals. Instead, Simmons published his column introducing the Ewing Theory — and right on cue, the Knicks won three straight to clinch the series. Over the past 25 years, the Ewing Theory has been mocked and misunderstood. Critics quip: Oh, so it’s better not to have great players? They point out that the Knicks haven’t been back to the Eastern Conference finals since Ewing left. And they question why Simmons chose Ewing in the first place. But the name wasn’t really the point. As Simmons explained in a 2013 update, the Ewing Theory isn’t about tearing down a player — it’s about what happens when a team recalibrates after losing a star. Sometimes a player is overrated. Sometimes his absence gives other players a chance to thrive in a better-fitting system. And sometimes, losing a centerpiece forces everyone to step up, rediscover urgency, and rebuild momentum — transforming the team in the process. Sound familiar? Imagine if the world’s supposed best soccer player changed clubs over the summer, only for his new team to get worse while his old team thrived without him. Well, that’s exactly what's happened with Kylian Mbappé after his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid. So, ahead of the upcoming El Clásico — the Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona (streaming live on ESPN+) — let’s dive into how Mbappé’s departure hurt Madrid, why PSG improved without him, and what it all might say about Mbappé as a player.

How Kylian Mbappé made Real Madrid worse

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago24 mins

Back in a 1999 column, my former boss Bill Simmons introduced the “Ewing Theory.” It came from a friend of his who believed that Patrick Ewing’s teams — at both Georgetown and with the New York Knicks — strangely played better whenever Ewing was injured or stuck on the bench with foul trouble, as Simmons later explained in an ESPN piece. Ewing, a star center drafted No. 1 overall by the Knicks in 1985, had a long, impressive career. Unfortunately, it unfolded alongside the dominance of Michael Jordan, meaning Ewing’s Knicks won plenty of games but never captured an NBA title. In 1999, during the Eastern Conference finals, Ewing tore his Achilles. The eighth-seeded Knicks were tied 1-1 with the second-seeded Indiana Pacers, and most expected the Pacers to cruise to the NBA Finals. Instead, Simmons published his column introducing the Ewing Theory — and right on cue, the Knicks won three straight to clinch the series. Over the past 25 years, the Ewing Theory has been mocked and misunderstood. Critics quip: Oh, so it’s better not to have great players? They point out that the Knicks haven’t been back to the Eastern Conference finals since Ewing left. And they question why Simmons chose Ewing in the first place. But the name wasn’t really the point. As Simmons explained in a 2013 update, the Ewing Theory isn’t about tearing down a player — it’s about what happens when a team recalibrates after losing a star. Sometimes a player is overrated. Sometimes his absence gives other players a chance to thrive in a better-fitting system. And sometimes, losing a centerpiece forces everyone to step up, rediscover urgency, and rebuild momentum — transforming the team in the process. Sound familiar? Imagine if the world’s supposed best soccer player changed clubs over the summer, only for his new team to get worse while his old team thrived without him. Well, that’s exactly what’s happened with Kylian Mbappé after his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid. So, ahead of the upcoming El Clásico — the Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona (streaming live on ESPN+) — let’s dive into how Mbappé’s departure hurt Madrid, why PSG improved without him, and what it all might say about Mbappé as a player.

European Dreams, FA Cup Glory: All to Play for This Weekend on GOtv

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago13 mins

The Premier League resumes this weekend with Chelsea hosting Everton in Saturday’s early kick-off at 12:30 PM. The game, which will be broadcast live on GOtv, will see Chelsea attempt to revive their ambition of a top-five finish and a possible Champions League spot. The Blues could climb the table if they win and other results go their way. Newcastle United, who dropped points in last weekend’s clash with Aston Villa, host bottom-placed Ipswich Town at 3:00 PM. Newcastle remain fifth and will be looking to return to form, while Ipswich will be relegated if they lose. Manchester United, without a win in four league games, visit Bournemouth on Sunday at 2:00 PM. The Red Devils, now 14th, have struggled for consistency and face a Bournemouth side pushing for a top-half finish. Sunday’s headline fixture sees Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield at 4:30 PM. Liverpool are just one point away from the title after Arsenal dropped points in the 2–2 draw against Crystal Palace on Wednesday. Spurs, currently 16th, have had a disappointing campaign and go into the match on the back of a 1–2 loss to Nottingham Forest. Elsewhere, Brighton host West Ham, Southampton face Fulham, and Wolves meet Leicester City in the Saturday 3:00 PM kick-offs. This weekend also features the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Crystal Palace take on Aston Villa on Saturday at 5:15 PM, while Manchester City face Nottingham Forest on Sunday at 4:30 PM. City’s only remaining shot at silverware this season comes in the FA Cup, following years of dominance across multiple competitions. All the matches will be broadcast live on GOtv channels 65 and 66.