Soccer Archives | Page 13 of 14

Egypt 2025: Nigeria to Go Hard on Morocco For Early Ticket into Quarter Finals

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Another North African delicacy is served to the Flying Eagles as they confront Morocco in Group B’s top-of-the-table clash at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo on Sunday evening. Auwal Ibrahim’s 37th minute strike snatched the maximum points against the Tunisians on Thursday, but Morocco then upstaged a very good Kenyan side 3-2 in the day’s second match to crawl to the top of the table on goals’ difference. For the second time in consecutive games, the Lion Cubs also face the daunting challenge of a sub-Saharan squad weaned on power, pace and clinical delivery, and the night encounter in downtown Cairo promises fireworks and cutting-edge entertainment. Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, who plays his club football for exciting Lagos ensemble, Sporting Lagos, came up with a big save three minutes to the end against Tunisia, and will surely be called on for more interventions against the Lion Cubs who are not shy to shoot from any distance. Captain Daniel Bameyi, Adamu Maigari, Caleb Ochedikwu and Odinaka Okoro built a tight rearguard on Thursday, and must be even more alert on Sunday to protect Harcourt, and also feed midfielders Divine Oliseh and Clinton Jephta as the Flying Eagles push forward. CAF’s brandishing of forward Kparobo Arierhi (who scored three goals at the WAFU B U20 Championship and netted one of the goals in the 2-1 defeat of hosts Egypt in a friendly last week) as one of the players to watch out for in Egypt, has cast the Norway-based as a goldfish, and the tight marking by Tunisian defenders was surely as a result of the searchlight. Nonetheless, Arierhi must endeavour to prove himself going forward, and Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s desire for an early ticket to the quarter finals means the forward must diligently seek to extricate himself from any contrived mesh. Auwal Ibrahim, hero against Tunisia, showed he is capable of a quick-slip-and-delivery, and will also be relied on to carve the Moroccan defence open and hurt them on the break. Victory will take the Flying Eagles to the top of the pool, and a confirmed spot in the quarter finals, ahead of their last group phase feud with Kenya on Wednesday.

Bruno Fernandes Leads Manchester United to Commanding Europa League Victory

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Manchester United secured a dominant 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final, with captain Bruno Fernandes delivering a standout performance. Fernandes opened the scoring with a composed penalty in the 37th minute and added a second goal just before halftime, giving United a comfortable lead heading into the break. The match saw Athletic Bilbao reduced to ten men, which Manchester United capitalized on to assert their dominance. Fernandes’ leadership and clinical finishing were pivotal in exploiting the numerical advantage and setting the tone for the match. This victory places Manchester United in a strong position ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford. The team’s performance, highlighted by Fernandes’ brace, showcases their determination to progress to the Europa League final. Fernandes’ contributions in this match underscore his importance to the team and his ability to perform in crucial moments. His brace not only secured the win but also boosted the team’s morale as they aim for European glory. The second leg promises to be an exciting encounter, with Manchester United looking to maintain their advantage and secure a spot in the final. Fans will be eager to see if Fernandes can continue his impressive form and lead the team to success. As the Europa League progresses, Manchester United’s performance in this match serves as a statement of intent. With Fernandes at the helm, the team appears poised to make a deep run in the competition. The upcoming fixtures will test the team’s resilience and consistency, but with leaders like Fernandes, Manchester United fans have reason to be optimistic about their European campaign.

Egypt 2025: Flying Eagles Pick Three Points Off Carthage Eagles, Set for Atlas Lions

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

A first-half strike by Auwal Ibrahim off an inch-perfect pass from Odinaka Okoro was the difference as Nigeria maintained their dominance over Tunisia in youth football at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Thursday. The Flying Eagles played with confidence against the aggressive North Africans, and Ibrahim’s goal was well-deserved after Nigeria dominated in the first period. The seven-time champions thought they had secured a penalty kick in the 72nd minute to increase their lead, after Mendos Richson was shoved to the floor, but the Video Assistant Referee ruled otherwise. Goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt came up with a big save three minutes to the end, denying Tunisian forward Ben Ali from close range, and the game ended with the Nigerians on the high and looking forward to their clash with Morocco’s Lion Cubs at the same venue on Sunday evening. Victory meant a fourth victory for Nigeria in six clashes with the Tunisians at U20 level, going back to 1981 when the Flying Eagles defeated their visitors 4-0 in a qualifying fixture for the FIFA World Youth Championship in Australia. They lost the return leg 1-4 in Tunis but qualified for the final round. In 1985, both teams played a 1-1 draw in Tunis in the title fixture of the African U20 competition, but the Flying Eagles won the return 2-1 in Lagos to collect their second continental title. Two years ago, in the third-place match of the Africa U20 Cup of Nations also held in Egypt, Nigeria mauled Tunisia 4-0 to pick up the bronze medals.

Liverpool Transfer Window Targets – Summer 2025

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

As Liverpool prepares for the Arne Slot era, the club is actively exploring reinforcements across key areas of the squad. Here’s a breakdown of their current targets: Strikers Liverpool are monitoring several high-profile and emergingforwards: Alexander Isak (Newcastle)A long-term target seen as the perfect fit. The club explored a move last summer but were limited by Newcastle’s PSR concerns. This summer, Newcastle are under no such pressure and value him at well over £100 million. Victor Osimhen (Napoli)Returning from a loan spell at Galatasaray, Osimhen is back on the market with one year left on his contract. Though older than Isak (26), his price is expected to be more accessible this time around. Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig)A highly rated 21-year-old Slovenian striker expected to move this summer. Liverpool and Arsenal have been monitoring him closely. Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt)Enjoying a resurgence in Germany, Ekitike has re-entered the radar of top European clubs, including Liverpool. Wingers Liverpool are seeking versatile wide forwards, especially those effective on both flanks: Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)Both 25, both capable on either wing and centrally, and both with a solid Premier League goal return. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)Has impressed this season, but a move could be difficult—especially if Villa qualify for the Champions League. Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)Linked last summer during Newcastle’s PSR crunch, but a move now seems unlikely. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)A past target who ended up at PSG in January. A move back to the Premier League now seems remote. Left-Backs Liverpool want a long-term successor to Andy Robertson: Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth)The standout left-back in the Premier League this season. Formerly signed by Richard Hughes, now faces competition from Real Madrid and Manchester City. Antonee Robinson (Fulham)Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves)Both have had impressive seasons and fit Liverpool’s attacking full-back profile. Other Positions Centre-BackWith questions around Gomez and Quansah, and a left-footed centre-back needed, Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth) is a key target. He’s two-footed, but Liverpool face competition from Real Madrid, Arsenal, Spurs, and others. Right-BackArne Slot admires his former player Lutsharel Geertruida, while Jeremie Frimpong (Leverkusen) has been linked. Liverpool may opt to back Conor Bradley, with Gomez or Quansah providing cover. Central MidfieldStill an open question. Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) was a major target last summer but is now Arsenal-bound. Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) is a newer name linked as a possible fit.

Ex-West Ham boss Lopetegui Named Qatar Manager

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Julen Lopetegui has been appointed head coach of the Qatar national team, almost four months after being sacked by West Ham. The 58-year-old Spaniard’s deal runs until 2027 and takes in the ongoing qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Qatar, who participated at the last World Cup as hosts, failed to secure a spot for next year’s finals in the initial qualification stage but can still progress with further rounds being played. Lopetegui has previously worked in international football as Spain manager. He took over in 2016 but was sacked two days before the 2018 World Cup after being appointed Real Madrid manager. His tenure in Madrid ended after four and a half months, after which he took charge of Sevilla and won the Europa League. He moved to Wolves in November 2022 but left the following summer. He was named West Ham manager at the start of the current season but was sacked and replaced by Graham Potter after six months, having recorded only six league wins.

Leicester City Wants £9Million For Wilfred Ndidi

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago73 mins

Leicester City could reportedly be set to see Wilfred Ndidi leave the club for just £9m this summer. The 28-year-old joined the Foxes in January 2017 from Genk in Belgium for £17m, soon establishing himself as a key player in the East Midlands. Ndidi has been a preferred option at the base of midfield this term, playing 25 matches for Leicester in the Premier League, providing four assists. Despite the Nigerian’s best efforts, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s troops have endured a woeful season, with relegation back to the Championship confirmed earlier this month. Leicester are currently occupying 19th position in the Premier League standings, a mammoth 18 points behind West Ham United in the safety of 17th. According BBC Sport, a key part of Ndidi’s transfer availability has been revealed following confirmation of Leicester finishing in the bottom three. The report claimed that the 28-year-old’s contract contains a release clause which has now activated after the Foxes’ relegation was sealed last week. As a result, Ndidi is now supposedly available for a fee of £9m during the summer trading point, with the midfielder potentially departing the King Power Stadium. It remains to be seen whether the 52-time international wishes to remain at Filbert Way and help the club regain its top-flight status next term. Premier League stalwarts Everton and French giants Marseille were known to be keen on securing the services of Ndidi before the start of the current season. Despite a sobering relegation, there are reasons for Leicester fans to be optimistic about an immediate promotion from the Championship next term. Only Daniel Iversen, Danny Ward and club legend Jamie Vardy are out of contract this summer, meaning that the Foxes could retain the core of their squad. Keeping as many Premier League players at the King Power as possible should give Leicester a healthy advantage over their second-tier rivals.

Chelsea to Debut New Shirt Against Djurgarden

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago22 mins

Chelsea have announced a new front-of-shirt sponsorship deal. The Blues have played without a shirt sponsor this season but Dubai-based property development company DAMAC Properties will be on their shirts for the rest of the campaign, starting with Thursday’s Conference League semi-final first leg against Djurgarden in Sweden. But the deal only covers Chelsea’s final four Premier League games, their two legs with Djurgarden and potentially the Conference League final if they get there. The deal does not cover the Club World Cup this summer. Chelsea remain in talks with other companies over shirt sponsorship for the Club World Cup and beyond. The 2024-25 campaign is the second consecutive year that Chelsea have not had a front-of-shirt sponsor for the full season. As part of the new deal, DAMAC will oversee the development Chelsea-branded residences in Dubai. Chelsea COO Jason Gannon said: “DAMAC are world renowned in building luxury properties, and we are thrilled to be working with the industry leader to bring to market a first-of-its-kind branded Chelsea FC residence in Dubai. “With the club located in the heart of London, the collaboration will bring Chelsea to life in Dubai, support our continued growth on the global stage. We can’t wait to see Chelsea Residences take its place in the Dubai skyline.”

Osimhen Gifts Remo Stars N10m After Historic NPFL Title Win

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has celebrated Remo Stars’ historic League title triumph by gifting the team N10 million. The Galatasaray forward praised the club’s determination and resilience, describing their achievement as inspiring. Osimhen’s gesture highlights his strong connection to Nigerian football and his admiration for one of the country’s rising football institutions. Remo Stars etched their name in history on Sunday after sealing their first-ever premier division title with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Niger Tornadoes. In doing so, they became the first club from southwestern Nigeria to win the league in 25 years the last being Julius Berger in 2000. Osimhen, who has a personal relationship with Remo Stars head coach Daniel Ogunmodede currently part of the Super Eagles’ technical setup personally called the team on Tuesday to congratulate them. He also announced a N10 million gift, split evenly between the players (N5 million) and the coaching staff (N5 million).