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Unity Cup: Super Eagles Legends Commend Chelle’s Balanced Squad for Showdown in London

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago07 mins

As Nigeria prepares for the highly anticipated Unity Cup Tournament in London, two Super Eagles greats—Garba Lawal and Mutiu Adepoju—have thrown their weight behind current head coach Eric Chelle for his commendable decision to blend homegrown talents from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with established foreign professionals. Their endorsement comes as Chelle names a 25-man squad set to face off against Ghana in the semi-finals of the Unity Cup on May 28, with the tournament finale billed for May 31 at the Gtech Community Stadium in West London. Chelle’s approach evokes memories of legendary Nigerian coaches such as Clemens Westerhof, Stephen Keshi, and Bonfrere Jo, all of whom famously integrated domestic league players into the national team fabric. That tradition, which played a crucial role in Nigeria’s golden football era of the 1990s, appears to be receiving a modern-day revival. In an interview with reporters, Mutiu Adepoju—fondly remembered as “The Headmaster” for his aerial prowess—noted that Chelle’s inclusion of nine-ten NPFL players is not only strategic but inspirational for local talents. “Yes, I think it’s a good one, a good development,” Adepoju said. “Counting the number of home-based players, I could see nine—this is great for the NPFL. It’s a way of encouraging our domestic league and showing belief in the talent available at home.” When asked whether Chelle is intentionally following in the footsteps of former coaches like Westerhof and Keshi, Adepoju affirmed: “Yes, I think it’s always good. Chelle did something similar while he was coaching in Mali. It’s best to ensure the local league is encouraged—it’s very important. Adepoju also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances at the tournament: “Why not? They are going there to compete. If they put everything they have into it, I believe they can win.” Similarly, Garba Lawal—a versatile midfielder from Nigeria’s golden generation—hailed the squad list as a refreshing nod to player development. “It’s a good one. I believe Chelle wants to give some other people a chance to play, which is good,” said Lawal. “It’s a mix of foreign and home-based players. I hope the home-based will take advantage of this opportunity.” Lawal emphasised the significance of performance for local players in such international settings: “There aren’t too many professionals in there, so the home-based players need to showcase their talents. As a player, this is the kind of opportunity you’re looking for. When you’re called upon, you have to give your best because the coach has already done his part.” He also echoed sentiments on the historical context, saying: “People like Westerhof, Keshi, Bonfrere Jo—they all did similar things. It’s not new. This is a traditional way of bringing in the local players.” Strategic squad selection The Unity Cup is more than just another friendly tournament—it carries historical significance for Nigeria. The Super Eagles won the last two editions of the competition in 2002 and 2004. Notably, the 2004 edition saw the international debut of Obafemi Martins in a clash against Ireland. Martins would go on to become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated strikers, a testament to how impactful opportunities like the Unity Cup can be for emerging talents. Chelle seems keen to continue that legacy. His selection includes marquee foreign-based names like Moses Simon (FC Nantes), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), and Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla), balanced with standout NPFL performers such as Remo Stars’ captain Junior Harrison Nduka and Sikiru Alimi. In goal, Stanley Nwabali returns alongside Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie. The 2025 Unity Cup, featuring Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago, will serve as a platform for Chelle to assess squad depth ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers in September and October. The Franco-Malian himself acknowledged this in a recent statement: “We’re looking forward to taking part in the Unity Cup as it will give us the chance to try out a few new players in different roles, helping us to strengthen our squad.” This blend of youth and experience, domestic and diaspora, signals a strategic evolution under Chelle’s stewardship. Beyond just winning the Unity Cup, the bigger victory may lie in building a more inclusive and competitive Super Eagles squad.

Real Madrid Beat Premier League Rivals to £50m Signing of Bournemouth Star Dean Huijsen

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago04 mins

Real Madrid have pulled off a major transfer coup by securing the signing of AFC Bournemouth’s breakout star Dean Huijsen, beating strong interest from Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Newcastle United. The 20-year-old defender, who joined Bournemouth from Juventus for £12 million just last summer, has signed a five-year contract with the Spanish giants. The deal, reportedly worth £50 million, will see Huijsen join Los Blancos following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. Sky Sports confirmed on Saturday morning that the contract was formally signed overnight, with Huijsen set to be available for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Bournemouth later confirmed the news, revealing that Real Madrid activated the centre-back’s release clause. “AFC Bournemouth can confirm that defender Dean Huijsen will join Real Madrid following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season,” a club statement read. “The Spanish side have activated a £50 million release clause.” Huijsen has been instrumental in Bournemouth’s record-breaking Premier League campaign under manager Andoni Iraola, making 30 top-flight appearances and scoring crucial goals against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Arsenal. His standout performances also earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team in March. The highly rated youngster’s calm and composed style has drawn praise from pundits and former players alike. Speaking after Bournemouth’s victory at Arsenal—where Huijsen scored and was named Player of the Match—Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp said:“Everybody looks up to this young man. He’s so cool, so composed. For a 20-year-old to be playing at this level and doing what he is— that’s why he’s coveted by pretty much everybody in Europe.” Despite heavy interest from Arsenal, whose technical director Andrea Berta has been active in the market pursuing midfield targets like Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyökeres, the Gunners have lost out to Real Madrid in the race for Huijsen. The defender, speaking to Sky Sports amid the speculation, kept a level head:“I think I’m pretty relaxed. I’m just a chill guy. I don’t really think about it too much. I enjoy my football and enjoy myself. At the moment I’m just having fun playing football and it’s going well, so I’m really happy.” Huijsen will complete the final two games of the season with Bournemouth before making his high-profile switch to the Santiago Bernabéu, marking a remarkable rise for the young Spaniard and a major windfall for the Cherries.

Champion League War As Manchester United Face Tottenham in Europa Final

Our Reporters4 weeks ago1 month ago02 mins

May 20 , 2025 – Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will meet in an all-English UEFA Europa League final on May 21, after both clubs sealed commanding semifinal victories on Thursday night. United overturned an early deficit to defeat Athletic Club 4-1 at Old Trafford, securing a 7-2 aggregate triumph. Meanwhile, Spurs delivered a professional 2-0 win away to Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt, finishing 5-1 over two legs. The results set up the third all-English final in Europa League and UEFA Cup history. Tottenham previously featured in the inaugural UEFA Cup final in 1972, beating Wolves across two legs. In 2019, Chelsea defeated Arsenal in an all-Premier League showdown in Baku. The 2025 final will be played at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao — the home ground of Athletic Club, adding a dramatic twist for United, who just eliminated the Basque side in the semifinals. This showdown promises a gripping conclusion to the European campaign, with both clubs eyeing continental silverware and a guaranteed spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Which Premier League teams will qualify for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League?

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago01 mins

How the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League qualifying spots will be decided this season, including what Crystal Palace’s FA Cup win means for the Eagles and other Premier League sides… How eighth can still qualify for Europe and it hinges on Chelsea and Newcastle If Chelsea win the Conference League and then finish seventh and Newcastle finish inside the top six – or Chelsea finish sixth and Newcastle seventh – eighth place in the Premier League will qualify for Europe. Chelsea would enter the Europa League as Conference League winners and Newcastle’s Conference League spot for winning the Carabao Cup would be passed on, with the Magpies going into the Europa League through league position. This would mean the Premier League has 10 teams in Europe. So who could finish eighth?

Marc Guehi Rushed to Hospital after Palace FA Cup Win

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi and team-mate Adam Wharton were unable to join their club’s FA Cup victory celebrations after both were rushed to hospital from Wembley Stadium. Both Guehi and Wharton featured in the starting line-up for the prestigious match at the national stadium. The Eagles clinched their first-ever major honour by triumphing over favourites Manchester City. The solitary goal of the match was netted by Eberechi Eze, 16 minutes into the game, following a brilliant counter-attack from Palace. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson made a crucial penalty save towards the end of the first half, diving low to his right to deflect Omar Marmoush’s spot-kick. There was controversy earlier in the half when Henderson could arguably have been shown a red card for handball. Captain Guehi had to be substituted 57 minutes into the game after sustaining an injury to his eye, while Wharton was taken off towards the end after blocking a Kevin De Bruyne shot with his head. Despite his injury, Guehi managed to lead his team up the iconic Wembley steps to hoist the FA Cup trophy aloft after the final whistle and celebrate on the pitch with his team-mates. However, the 24 year old was subsequently rushed to hospital in an ambulance due to fears he had fractured his eye socket, with the defender also reporting slight loss of vision. Thankfully, tests have indicated that he has not suffered a fractured eye socket, reports the Mirror. It remains uncertain whether he will be fit to participate in Palace’s final two Premier League matches of the season. Newcastle United have tracked Guehi for some time, with several transfer bids turned down last summer. The Magpies are thought to be keen to revisit a deal this year, with the defender’s contract due to expire in 12 months.

CAF, European Union Conclude Historic Partnership

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago01 mins

CAF and the European Union today concluded a historic partnership agreement that will see EU to sponsor the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 and 2027, the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2024 and the CAF African Schools Football Championship. The agreement was signed today by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Mr Jozef Síkela in Cairo, Egypt. Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “Our Partnership reflects the mutual commitment of CAF and the European Union to the development and growth of African Football, schools and Youth Football and the expansion of the cultural, trade and investment relationships between our two continents. “I would like to express my gratitude to the President of the European Union Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Jozef Síkela and the EU for this exciting Partnership.”

Taiwo Awoniyi Shares Health Updates

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

Nigerian international Taiwo Awoniyi has issued a statement on social media after waking up from an induced coma. The Nottingham Forest striker suffered a serious abdominal injury after colliding with a post late in Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City at the City Ground last weekend. He received treatment before returning to the pitch for the final minutes of the match. Awoniyi later underwent surgery and was placed into an induced coma before undergoing another operation on Wednesday. On Sunday, Awoniyi release a statement on Instagram. It read: “This season has been one of the most difficult of my career but through it all, I have felt the love. “With the grace of God, I am grateful to still be here, to still be fighting, to still be smiling, and to be in good spirits. “To my teammates, coaches, staff and the entire Forest family, thank you for your well wishes, seeing you all on your visit to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say. “Wishing the boys the very best in these last two games, keep believing and keep pushing. I’m with you all the way and I can’t wait to be back out there with the boys doing what I love. “To my family, friends and football fans, thank you for the support, and to everyone back home in Nigeria who has checked in on me, prayed for me and left kind words, thank you. “I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover.”

Lamine Yamal Agrees New Barcelona Contract

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago05 mins

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that Lamine Yamal has agreed a contract extension with La Blaugrana, while Frenkie de Jong is also in talks over a renewal. Hansi Flick’s men are currently in party mode after securing the La Liga title, triumphing 2-0 over Espanyol on Friday to officially eliminate Real Madrid from first-placed contention. La Blaugrana are now simply completing the formalities of their top-flight campaign, as they host Villarreal on Sunday before travelling to Athletic Bilbao next weekend in the final gameweek of the campaign. With the crown already wrapped up, attentions are turning to a busy summer of spending, selling and signing, and the powers-that-be at Camp Nou are working to tie down their prized assets to new contracts. Ballon d’Or contender Yamal has been one of the first in line for new terms, having enjoyed another extraordinary campaign with 42 direct goal involvements in 53 matches, 17 of his own and 25 assists. Two years on from making his Barcelona debut under Xavi at the age of 15, the still-teenage Yamal is already considered one of the best players of the world, even at his tender age. As things stand, however, the Euro 2024 winner could become a free agent at the end of next season, and there were rumours of Paris Saint-Germain submitting a sensational nine-figure bid for his services last year. Manchester City and Liverpool are also said to have been casting a watchful eye over Yamal’s situation, waiting to see whether the 2007-born talent could become available due to Barcelona’s delicate financial situation. However, Barca president Laporta has now confirmed that Yamal has put pen to paper on a new deal, and all that is left is the announcement, telling reporters: “Lamine Yamal’s contract renewal has already been agreed upon. Now all that remains is the official signing.” As well as tying down Yamal for another few years, Barcelona are doing their utmost to extend the terms of De Jong, whose long-term future has been the subject of intense speculation for a couple of years now. Then-Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag relentlessly pursued his former Ajax protege in the summer of 2022, and Barcelona even accepted an offer from the Red Devils, but De Jong refused to leave. De Jong initially struggled for starts under Flick, but he made the first XI for all of Barca’s games in the Champions League knockout rounds, and Laporta has confirmed that talks are ongoing to prolong his deal beyond 2026. “We’re working on renewing Frenkie de Jong’s contract. For sure he’s very excited to stay and we’re absolutely determined to do whatever it takes to ensure he stays,” the 62-year-old added. While Barcelona are working to keep De Jong in Catalonia, La Blaugrana are supposedly prepared to listen to offers for as many as eight players in the summer transfer window.