Author: Oladimeji Adeoye

Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has revealed that there’s no possibility that Friday’s tie against Angola will end in a stalemate. The Kasimpasa defender believes a win will separate both sides. “We have absolutely no need to go into back-and-forth chatter with any team. The Super Eagles are in Cote d’Ivoire for serious business. We have not played Angola for a long time, but I remember we played them in 2012 in a friendly, and it ended in a draw. I have also read of how previous encounters between the two countries have been quite close. “There is no possibility…

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has been an unexpected kind of tournament, as football enthusiasts are currently witnessing massive surprises in every round.   The tie between the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and the Atlas Lions of Morocco, in which the Moroccans were beaten, means none of the top 5 ranked African Nations made it beyond the round of 16 – a testament depicting the unpredictable nature of AFCON. Morocco, who ranks 13th in the World and first in Africa following their transcendent performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup as the first African nations to ever reach the…

Manchester United’s first team coach Erik ten Hag has confirmed the return of Cameroon shot stopper Andre Onana following Cameroon’s exit at the ongoing AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. Onana was in the goal post in Red Devils’ last Premier League game against Tottenham—a feat that made him miss Cameroon’s first AFCON game against Guinea. Realizing how rigorous their second group game could be, Rigobert Song called up experienced Onana into the first team against Senegal where he conceded 3 goals which was Cameroon most defeat suffered before being eliminated by Nigeria in the round of 16. According to multiple reports,…

The host nation of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire has defied every (odds) to reach the quarter-finals round after defeating the defending Champions Senegal in an explosive encounter last night. Senegal, who won the 2021 edition of the AFCON title, lost on penalties following a 1-1 full time score line in Charles Konan Banny Stadium (Yamoussoukro). Senegal got an early lead in the 4th minute through Al Shabab forward Habib Daillo strike. Côte d’Ivoire responded in the 86th minute via Frankie Kessie’s spot kick to level on the score line of 1-1—extending the game to an extra…

The Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, on his Social Media page praised the resilience put in by his boys after they defeated the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon last night during the round of 16 2023 AFCON. Nigeria triumphed over Cameroon (all thanks to Ademola Lookman’s brace) to book their spot in the last eight and will battle Angola on Friday in an expected mouth-watering encounter. “Yesterday against Cameroon we got an excellent win, in yet another game without conceding a goal and where our boys were huge.” Peseiro said the victory and performance has done Nigerians proud , that…

Barcelona head coach, Xavi Hernandez, has made a massive decision to step down as Barcelona head coach at the end of the current season.  During his post match interviews in which they were humbled by Villarreal, Xavi said his family has suffered due to his absence, and it’s time he returns to his role as a father and also be readily available for them. Furthermore, the Barcelona legend made emphasis on how everyone of Barcelona coaches gets criticized, which recently has affected their well-being. “I would like to announce that I will NOT continue as the Barça coach after June.”…

Jürgen Klopp has announced his decision to quit the club as Liverpool manager at the end of the current season. The German in his interview with Liverpool broke the unexpected information to the Liverpool owners. Klopp will guide the team all through the current season before bringing the curtain down on a glorious eight-and-a-half-year managerial reign at Anfield, in which the club won six major trophies under his guidance. Klopp joined Liverpool on October 8, 2015, and left a glorious footprint of lifting the Club’s first Premier League title after 30 years, he aided the team to their first UEFA…

Manchester United has provided an update on Anthony Martial following a successful surgery the French forward underwent.   The Red Devils asserted that his surgery has been successful and he would spend 10 weeks out through his recovery process. “Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has completed successful surgery to address a groin complaint and will be out of action for about 10 weeks as he rehabilitates. We wish Anthony a speedy recovery and look forward to his return.” The 28-year-old has made 13 appearances in the Premier League, 4 caps in the UEFA Champions League and has been featured 2 times…

Liverpool manager during one of his interviews with the club provided the recent update on injured Mohamed Salah. Jürgen Klopp said Liverpool and Egypt are keen on his return: “I don’t want to be part of this story. Liverpool and also Egypt both want Mo Salah to be fit as soon as possible”. Jürgen Klopp worries about keeping Salah in Africa where proper treatment is not guaranteed to delay his recovery process: “If Salah stays in Africa, and they can’t do the proper treatment, it will delay everything, and it’s an issue”. “We bring Mo here not to take him…

The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Disciplinary Committee has imposed sanctions on Morocco Football Federation, Morocco national team head coach Walid Regragui and Dr. Congo following the post-match incident during the AFCON fixture between Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday 21 January 2024. The CAF Disciplinary Board has released the verdict on the matter involving both the Federations and Coach Walid Regragui guilty on separate charges and ruled as follows: 1. Imposed a fine of USD 20,000 on the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football 2. Imposed a fine of USD 20,000 on the Federation Congolese de Football…

The Ivorian Football Federation has discontinued their partnership with the first team head coach Jean-Louis Gasset regardless of AFCON qualification possibility. Ivory Coast finished third place in Group A after picking three points from the available 9 – winning one and losing two games to Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria who progressed to the next round with seven points respectively. A statement from the Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) on social media asserted that head coach Gasset, and his assistant Ghislain Printant’s contract have been terminated due to bad results. “The Federation Ivoirienne de Football expresses its regrets for the performance…

Championship side, Watford FC has announced the signing of former player Emmanuel Dennis who returns to the club on loan from Nottingham Forest till the end of the current season. “Watford FC is delighted to announce the return of Emmanuel Dennis, with the forward agreeing a loan deal with the Hornets until the end of the season.” Dennis joined the Hornet in June 2021 from Belgium outfit Club Brugge where he was capped 119 times with 29 goals to his name. With Watford, Dennis featured 35 times for the Hornets during the 2021/22 Premier League season – including two appearances…

The Ghanian Football Federation has announced that Chris Hughton has been sacked following his poor performance in the ongoing AFCON in Côte D’Ivoire.  The Black Stars failed to win any of their three group games, amassing two points from two draws and a loss in group B. Ghanaian fans were put into colossal disappointment on Monday evening when they blew away a 2-0 lead in the added minutes against Mozambique. Ghana conceded two late goals in the 92th and 94th minutes respectively to finish third place in Group C. The Association announced the dissolution of the technical crew and would…

Super Eagles and Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has made a decision about his future for next season. The African Footballer of the year in his interview with cbssportsgolazo said he is very eager to complete his current season with Napoli then work on his next plan. “I have already made my decision on the next step to do at the end of the season. I already made up my mind”. “I already have my plan, I know what I want to do, the next step I want to take. It’s all very clear in my plans”. Osimhen is currently representing…

Manchester United has offered Jadon Sancho and Anthony to Saudi Pro League clubs according to Goal.com.  Jadon Sancho who has now returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan had a fall out with Erik Ten Hag after Manchester United’s tie against Arsenal early in the season, Sancho’s response to Erik Ten Hag’s post match interview resulted in the punishment the English winger suffered. Anthony who arrived from Ajax last year has since then not lived up to expectations – facing much criticism following his mega money move. Manchester United spent a total of £155 million to acquire both wingers and things…

Real Madrid has announced that Brazilian defender Eder Militao has extended his contract until 2028 with the club. “Éder Militão has agreed to extend his contract, he remains with the club until June 30, 2028.” Militão joined Real Madrid in 2019 from FC Porto, aged 21 and has stayed with the Los Blancos since then. In his 143 caps with Real Madrid, the 26 year old has won: 1 Champions League, 1 Club World Cup, 1 European Super Cup, 2 Leagues, 1 Copa del Rey and 3 Spanish Super Cups. Militāo has scored 11 goals and made 5 assists with…

Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has revealed that the Super Eagles will attend the knock round as they have performed in the first round.  Nigeria secured the knockout spot after a 1-0 victory over Guinea Bissau last night finishing up in the second spot of Group A – tying up points with group leader Equatorial Guinea. Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea earned seven points following two victories and a draw. Guinea Bissau and host nation Cote D’Ivoire ended at the fourth and third spots in group A respectively. “With no goals conceded in the last 2 matches and no defeats,…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria qualify for the knockout round of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after a resplendent victory over Guinea Bissau who finished bottom of Group A. Nigeria secured 5 points First Half: Despite a difficult start into the game, the Super Eagles took the lead at the end of the first half of the time following Sangante’s 36th own goal. It was a 50/50% ball possession, Guinea Bissau had more goals attempted and on target more than Nigeria. Lookman and Zaidu Sanusi were introduced for Samuel Chukwueze and Samuel Osayi in the 80th minute. Another frustrating…

Thomas Muller expressed his brutal assessment of their home defeat to Weirder Bremen at the start of the second half of the season. In his post match interview, Muller was brutal in his assessment of his teams poor performance – describing it as being poor and lifeless in their turf. “We definitely would’ve deserved to score a goal in the last 15 minutes. Over the course of the full 90 minutes, however, we didn’t deserve to win. We were too sluggish and too lifeless. That doesn’t mean you have to start screaming and tackle somebody. It’s about recognising that the…

The forward sustained the injury on Thursday during the first half of his nation’s group-stage fixture against Ghana. In the vigorous encounter which ended 2-2, the Liverpool forward was replaced with Pyramid forward Fathi Mostafa following a suspected muscle injury. It has also been affirmed by Egypt FA that Salah will miss two of Egypt’s games should they proceed to the knockout stage today. The Egyptian FA said in a statement on Sunday: “After additional examinations were conducted on Mohamed Salah during the last hours, and after communication between the national team’s medical staff and his counterpart at Liverpool FC,…

Portuguese great, Cristiano Ronaldo has asserted that the annual awards of Ballon d’or and FIFA awards are losing integrity.  In a post shared by Fabrizio Romano, Ronaldo said that he no longer believes in the awards. “We have to analyse the entire season. It’s not to say that Messi didn’t deserve the award, or Haaland or even Mbappe, I simply no longer believe in these awards”. “It’s not because I won at the Globe Soccer but these are facts, numbers are there and they don’t deceive”. “They ’ ’ , I’m happier because the numbers are facts”. “If you go…

English and former Liverpool midfielder, Jordan Henderson, has terminated his contract with Saudi Arabia outfit Al-Ettifaq just after six months with the club.  Recall that this summer, the former Liverpool captain was part of the players shipped out when it underwent a total midfield revamping. Jordan then decided to reunite with Steven Gerrard, who manages the club. Following his £12m summer move to the middle West, Henderson has received much criticism from mainly English fans, who slammed him for prioritizing money over European teams. The criticism was so pronounced that Three Lions manager Southgate was asked to stop inviting Jordan…

AS Roma has announced the appointment of former player and legend Daniele De Rossi as the first team head coach following the sacking of José Mourinho yesterday.  The club confirmed De Rossi’s appointment today on the club website. “AS Roma are pleased to confirm that Daniele De Rossi has been appointed as head coach.” “We are happy to be able to hand over the managerial role of AS Roma to Daniele De Rossi, as we feel that the leadership and ambition that have always defined him can prove decisive in achieving the team’s objectives until the end of the season,”…

Nigerian youngster Gift Orban is set to join French giant Lyon from Gent for a fee worth €13m, according to Sports transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano and according to Transfer Market, the deal is 85% nearing completion.  Gift, and his agent will be in Lyon today as a deal between Gent and Lyon has been agreed on. “Gift Orban, on his way to Lyon with his agent as the deal will be completed today. Documents in place between the two clubs, OL will pay €13m fee to Gent for the Nigerian striker.” Orban started his career with Bison FC in Nigeria…

The 2023 African Cup of Nations tournament which kicked off last week Saturday, in Abidjan, Cote D’ Ivoire has been filled with so much suspense, shock, and upset. The big dogs have been put through a rigorous contest by their usual prey.  After the host Nation edged Guinea-Bissau by a 2-0 full-time score in the opening game of the tournament, and defending champion Senegal’s 3-0 victory over The Gambia, the other mighty nations have had a difficult test in their first ties. It began with the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who had to fight back in a quick response to…

AS Roma today has confirmed that Portuguese manager José Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect. The reason for this immediate cutting of ties between Mourinho and Roma is yet to be disclosed by either party. Mourinho Joined the Italian giant in May 2021, where he led the team to win the Conference League in Tirana on May 25th, 2022, and to the Europa League final in Budapest last season. “AS Roma can confirm that José Mourinho and his coaching staff will leave the club with immediate effect. “We would like to thank José on behalf of all of…

La Liga side Real Sociedad has responded to critics from Nigeria following a video of Sadiq Umar training actively with the club.  The Eagles Trackers contacted the club’s Social Media department on the development and got this response: “The NFF was the one who made the medical exam for Sadiq, you should ask them. He’s now working to be ready as soon as possible. We do not give any potential day to return with the injuries in the club.” Recall, that Sadiq Umar was one of the Eagles players ruled out of the 2023 AFCON following an injury sustained. He…

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi has been voted the best FIFA Men’s player award ahead of Manchester City forward Erling Haaland and PSG and French captain Kylian Mbappé in the Grande finale ceremony which took place in London.  The voting which was done by national team coaches and captains as well as expert journalists and supporters across the world saw Haaland tied on the same votes (48) with Messi, the Argentine captain won the poll by the number of first-choice nominations received in votes from national team captains, while Mbappé earned the third spot with 35 points. Leading Argentina to a…

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has asserted that the team’s faith, strength, and focus will not be diminished regardless of their disappointing first AFCON game against the Lions of Equatorial Guinea on Sunday afternoon.  In his post on his social media page, Peseiro made his reviews on how the Eagles had dominated and created chances during their 1-1 stringent draw in their first group A game against Equatorial Guinea, but luck didn’t shine on them: “We played a good game and deserved to win, supported by our organization and style of play, Offensive and Dominating, creating several goal opportunities!…

Barcelona’s Director of Football has revealed the reasons why Barcelona is unable to sign players this transfer window. The former Barcelona midfielder disclosed that the club is affected by the FIFA Financial Play rule.  “Financial Fair Play is affecting many clubs, and we’re unable to complete any signing now, it’s the reality”. Deco, when asked if Xavi could face a sack following a sloppy start this season, Deco responded by describing the situation as “Nonsense”. “Xavi’s job is at risk. It’s nonsense. Xavi has full confidence from all of us at Barcelona, for sure”. “We’re sad, but one defeat will…