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NFF unveils Super Eagles new head coach

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago05 mins

Super Eagles’ head coach, Eric Sekou Chelle has categorically stated that football is solely played for goals scoring. Chelle pointed this out at his unveiling ceremony at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Stadium, Abuja on Monday. “I want to thank my agent, the NFF, the NSC and indeed all Nigerians for this big opportunity. Coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria is an amazing job; I do not take this appointment for granted. I am elated and will do my utmost best. “Football is about scoring goals, so I favour an attacking style. I know the expectations of Nigerians and I will settle down and work diligently with assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.” The President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau reiterating his call for Nigerians to come together and support the gaffer, while promising that the football-ruling body will give Chelle all the support to succeed in his assignment. Gusau said he is enamoured by the confidence and surefootedness that Chelle has shown in their interactions over the past few days, and is banking on him imbibing the Super Eagles with the same go-go attitude to turn around their fortunes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series. “I see in the new Head Coach the right spirit and the right attitude, and I have faith that he will take the Super Eagles to the next level. He sees the job of leading the Super Eagles as his dream job, and that is a huge motivation in itself. “Coach Chelle recognizes and appreciates what is ahead of him, and he says he loves the challenge. We will be there giving him the necessary support all the way.” Gusau disclosed that the tactician has signed a two-year contract, with the option of another year, if he qualifies the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. Chelle has also come into the job with three assistants, and will work with the crew on ground to enhance the Super Eagles’ brand. He will be with the Super Eagles B – which is preparing for the upcoming 8th African Nations Championship – only in a supervisory role. Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko affirmed the NSC’s support for the Franco-Malian, stating that he was satisfied with the process that led to his recruitment by the NFF. “Football is that one factor that unites all Nigerians and gives them tremendous joy. On our part, we are satisfied with the process leading to Mr. Chelle’s appointment and will support the NFF to ensure he has the most conducive atmosphere to do his job. “The task of earning the World Cup ticket is for everyone, as the Government is fully ready to provide support, not in the form of any individual or group taking over the job of the NFF. The NFF is saddled with that responsibility; the Government will only support it with resources. I wish Coach Chelle the very best in the job.” Chelle, who won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali in a playing career that also saw him playing for FC Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais, said he is excited to land the job of coaching one of Africa’s biggest football names.

NFF to unveil Éric Chelle as Super Eagles’ Head Coach on Monday

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago03 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation will on Monday in the Federal Capital, Abuja present to the public the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle. The event has been scheduled for the Media Conference Room of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, by 11am. Chelle’s appointment was confirmed on Tuesday by the NFF Executive Committee, following a recommendation by the football ruling body’s Technical and Development Committee. The 47-year-old will mount one of the hottest seats in world football, but President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said on Sunday that the Franco-Malian embodies the fresh energy, new thinking and positive attitude with which the Federation desire the Super Eagles to confront their remaining six matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. “We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about the game of football, and that is the reason for the different tones of reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle. However, the NFF hereby appeals to Nigerians to come together and support him, as we believe he has the qualities to achieve success with the Super Eagles. “The NFF will give him all the support that he needs to succeed in the job.” At Monday’s unveiling, the NFF will also disclose the names of Coach Chelle’s assistants, with the crew to shepherd the Super Eagles B at next month’s African Nations Championship in East Africa, before focusing squarely on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, beginning with the matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March. Chelle, who took Mali’s Aiglons within breathing distance of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, left his job at top Algerian side MC Oran – 1989 African Champions’ Cup finalists – to team up with the Super Eagles.

David Moyes returns to Everton

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago05 mins

Everton have confirmed the return of David Moyes as head coach, with the Scot becoming Sean Dyche’s replacement at Goodison Park. Dyche was sacked by the Toffees just hours before the team’s FA Cup third-round contest against Peterborough United on Thursday night, but the team managed to record a 2-0 victory in order to progress to the next stage. There has been widespread speculation surrounding a possible return for Moyes in recent days, and the Scot’s switch back to the Merseyside giants has now been confirmed ahead of Everton’s next Premier League match against Aston Villa on January 15. Moyes was previously in charge of Everton between March 2002 and June 2013, and he has since managed Manchester United, Real Sociedad, Sunderland and West Ham United. The 61-year-old’s second spell at West Ham came to an end in May, but he is now back in the Premier League and will be aiming to guide Everton away from the Premier League relegation zone in the coming weeks. Moyes told Everton’s official website: “It’s great to be back! I enjoyed 11 wonderful and successful years at Everton and didn’t hesitate when I was offered the opportunity to rejoin this great club. “I’m excited to be working with The Friedkin Group and I am looking forward to helping them rebuild the club. “Now we need Goodison and all Evertonians to play their part in getting behind the players in this important season so we can move into our fabulous new stadium as a Premier League team.” Meanwhile, Everton’s executive chairman Marc Watts said: “We are pleased that David is joining us at this pivotal time in Everton’s history. With over a decade of experience at the club, he is the right leader to propel us through our final season at Goodison Park and into our new stadium. We look forward to working with David to build the foundation of a new era for Everton.” Moyes was previously Everton manager between March 2002 and June 2013, taking charge of 518 matches, boasting a record of 218 wins, 139 draws and 161 defeats, giving him a win percentage of 42.08. The Toffees made the 2009 FA Cup final under Moyes, while they also enjoyed four European campaigns, with their best Premier League season coming in 2004-05, when they finished fourth. Everton finished 11th in 2005-06, but they then claimed sixth, fifth, fifth, eighth, seventh, seventh and sixth during an impressive period; it has been a struggle for the Merseyside club in recent seasons, though, finishing 16th, 17th and 15th in their last three campaigns. Moyes is taking charge of a Toffees outfit that are currently 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone, having picked up only 17 points from their opening 19 matches of the campaign. The Toffees are without a victory in the Premier League since December 4, while they have only won one of their last 11 fixtures in the top flight of English football. Moyes’ first match in his second spell at the helm will come at home to Aston Villa on January 15, before welcoming Tottenham Hotspur to Goodison Park on January 19.

Liverpool joins race for Osimhen

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago02 mins

Premier League league leaders Liverpool are reportedly the latest club linked with a move for Victor Osimhen. Prior to his move to Galatasaray on loan last summer, a number of clubs including Chelsea tried to complete a swoop but ultimately fell short. Before he joined the Super Lig side, Napoli had reduced his release clause to approximately £63million and a rare break clause had been created. From the Premier League clubs, it is likely Arsenal and Chelsea will have been included considering their positions in the top flight and the Blues’ previous interest. With the Reds still asessing their striker options, they could be guaranteed too. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also possibilities along with Manchester City. However, Pep Guardiola’s side already have Erling Haaland and Osimhen would only be keen to join a club where he would be the main man. Outside of England, La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are almost certain to be included in the list. Paris Saint-Germain could also be there considering they would be able to afford Osimhen’s wages following Kylian Mbappe’s summer exit.

Everton sacks manager Sean Dyche

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago04 mins

Premier League strugglers Everton sacked manager Sean Dyche on Thursday, just hours before their FA Cup third-round tie against Peterborough. Speculation about Dyche’s future had intensified with reports suggesting Everton’s new owners, the US-based Friedkin Group, were talking to potential successors since completing a £400 million ($492 million) takeover last month. Everton said in a statement Dyche had been “relieved of his duties as senior men’s first-team manager with immediate effect” after two years in charge, with the process to appoint a new boss under way. The Toffees are once again battling to avoid relegation from the Premier League after winning just one of their past 11 games, with that sole success coming against fellow drop candidates Wolves in December. Everton Under-18s head coach Leighton Baines and club captain Seamus Coleman will take charge against third-tier Peterborough on an interim basis while the Liverpool side seek a permanent replacement for Dyche. Former Manchester United and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, currently in charge of Turkish club Fenerbahce, has recently been linked with Everton. Mourinho has experience of working with the Friedkin Group at Roma, although the Italian club sacked him just under a year ago. David Moyes, who managed Everton between 2002 and 2013, ex-England coach Gareth Southgate, Brentford boss Thomas Frank and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola are also among the reported contenders to succeed Dyche. Everton have won only three times in 19 league matches this season and are languishing in 16th place, with only one point separating them from the relegation zone. Asked earlier this week if the club were considering his position, Dyche’s answer suggested he knew the sack could be looming. “To be clear, it should be,” the former Burnley boss said. “At the end of the day, if you’re a business of this size, succession planning should surely be part of their diligence. I’ve got no problem with that at all. “I think the noise has grown very powerful here. It does. But we’ve had it before. “The players haven’t lacked effort but it’s obviously affecting them because you can see it in their performances.” Dyche took charge at Everton in January 2023 and kept them in the top-flight despite numerous issues, including last season’s points deduction for breaching Premier League rules on profit and sustainability. They finished 17th in Dyche’s first season, avoiding the drop with a victory against Bournemouth on the last day, and came 15th last term, extending their streak of being ever-present in English football’s top-flight since 1954. But chief among Everton’s problems under the 53-year-old Englishman were a lack of entertainment and a paucity of goals. Everton’s tally of just 15 this season is the second worst in the Premier League, behind only bottom of the table Southampton’s 12.

5-time Olympian Bose Kaffo drives talents hunt in Lagos

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago05 mins

With music flowing out of the big speakers mounted at strategic corners on the dusty Irede street in Okerube-Abaranje around Ikotun in downtown Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, participants who were thrilled at the maiden Sports Fiesta organised by Bose Kaffo Innovations have appealed for more in the New Year. Children, right from age eight moved joyfully to the rhythm as they engaged one another in table tennis, basketball and snooker despite the heat from searing sun. Participants from the street and it’s adjoining areas as well as passerbys jumped on the opportunity at participating in different sports at no fee. While some adults including women tried to roll back the years with some nostalgic strokes on the boards, the children found their levels on the mini-table tennis setups provided by the High Performance expert. Wheelchair basketballers aslo got on the act with a demonstration game. It was the first of experience for many who were awed by the presence of the 5-time Olympics legend who brought sports with entertainment right to their doorsteps. Sports Fiesta appeared to have hit the soft spot of an area where constant hustling on the streets and the rat-race for daily needs have deprived the residents of the awareness about their innate talents. Birthing a sports fiesta in this locality known for other different activities was according to some observers was like making an oasis in the desert. For Bose Kaffo who became the first woman on the continent to participate in five Olympics, watching the raw joy and excitement on their faces described the atmosphere as soul-satisfying. On the sideline, adults were given medical support by Zeniva Pharmacy who checked their sugar level and also provided antimalarial drugs. As time winds down and the volunteers signalled for all activities to end, most of the participants wore long faces as they stopped reluctantly while appealling for more. The hunger has been ignited as it was indeed an eye-opening event. “I enjoyed the Sports Festival and it was very amazing!” Said Farouk a teenager. “I have not seen something like this before.This is my first time of seeing something like this right on our street. I’m very happy and excited. This is going to help me to be a sportsman and I thank the sponsor of Sports Fiesta.” The Amazon has been so resolute with her mission at sparking a change of awareness right at the lowest rung of the country’s pool of talents. According to the Sports Ethics and Integrity expert, her plan, barring any financial limitations is to expand the impactful outdoor programme to different areas of the state where it’s teeming young and restless populace in the suburbs yearn for sporting platforms to display their hidden talents. “This is fulfilling! Can you see how excited they are? This my dream has been in the works for some years now and I’m glad that it’s eliciting this reaction from them. They’ve played table tennis, basketball and snooker. You know, this is how you activate interest among the young ones who could be superstars in the nearest future. With more support we hope to do more,” she stated.

Cricket W/Cup: Nigeria set for India training tour

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago03 mins

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has approved training tour of India for the Nigeria U19 Women’s Cricket Team in preparation for their debut appearance at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup slated to take place in Malaysia from January 18, 2025. NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, made the announcement during a briefing highlighting the Commission’s commitment to supporting the team. Discussions during the meeting centered on the logistics, technical, and financial assistance being provided by the NSC in collaboration with the Nigeria Cricket Federation. Hon. Olopade emphasized the importance of this historic participation, praising the federation’s leadership under Uyi Akpata for their efforts in promoting cricket in Nigeria. He further expressed the alignment of this initiative with the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which aims to empower youth, particularly young girls, through sports. This milestone signified the growth of cricket in Nigeria and underscores the nation’s readiness to compete on a global stage. Hon. Olopade stressed the need for both media and public support to inspire the team as they represent the country. The training tour in India, followed by the World Cup in Malaysia, will provide the young athletes with exposure and experience crucial to their development. The NSC’s approval of the tour not only reflects the Commission’s dedication to sports development but also serves as a reminder of the unifying power of sports. As one of four debutant nations, alongside Samoa, Nepal, and host Malaysia, Nigeria’s participation marks a new chapter in the country’s cricket journey.

West Ham sack Lopetegui, five staff members

Fola Badmus9 months ago9 months ago02 mins

West Ham United have sacked head coach Julen Lopetegui after seven months in charge, with former Chelsea boss Graham Potter listed as the leading candidate to take over. The Spaniard had been preparing for the team for their FA Cup third-round tie against Aston Villa on January 10. But the board have decided to act, bringing an end to the 58-year-old’s tenure. Lopetegui was relieved of his duties by David Sullivan after holding crunch talks with the West Ham owner in a meeting on Monday. It comes after the Hammers were left languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table following their 4-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City. A club statement reads: “West Ham United can confirm that head coach Julen Lopetegui has today left the club. “The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the club’s ambitions and the club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives. “The club can confirm that assistant head coach Pablo Sanz, head of performance Oscar Caro, head analyst Juan Vicente Peinado, fitness coach Borja De Alba and technical coach Edu Rubio have also left with immediate effect. “The board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future. “The process of appointing a replacement is underway. The club will be making no further comment at this time.”