Finidi George has lashed out at the critics, stating he and his technical crew should be allowed to make decisions freely in their role, following the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against South Africa. George officially took over as the manager of Nigeria’s senior male national team in April and Friday’s draw in Uyo was his first competitive game on the touchline. The ex-international is currently tasked with making sure Nigeria qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – which now seems a more difficult battle following the share of the spoils at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. Themba Zwane…
Author: Somto Isaac
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has insisted he will not entertain any talk of Manuel Neuer being dismissed as the first choice goalkeeper of the team after the Bayern Munich veteran made another error in Friday’s 2-1 friendly win against Greece. The 38-year-old was the culprit for the opening goal of the contest, letting loose Christos Tzolis’ shot for Georgios Masouras to slot home. Kai Havertz then restored parity early in the second 45 and Pascal Gross netted the winner in the last minute of the tie to complete the comeback. Much of the focus after the games was on…
Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and Tottenham Hotspur’s James Maddison have all been excluded from Gareth Southgate’s Engand squad for the European Championship in Germany. Southgate selected his final 26-man list on Thursday as Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton both made the final cut. Grealish and Maguire – who were both key figures in previous tournaments – were cut alongside Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. It was also announced earlier in the day that James Maddison and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones had both left the training camp. Grealish’s unstable…
The next Africa Cup of Nations has been pushed six months ahead as it is now set to take place in June 2026. All was scheduled for Africa’s showpiece to next take center stage in June 2025 in Morocco but it clashes with the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States of America from June 15 to July 13. Africa is set to have four representatives at the Club World Cup and many of the players could also be called up for the AFCON. Africa’s football governing body, CAF, was continuously quizzed about the…
Antonio Rudiger has suggested Germany can learn from UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid in their ability to kill games. Rudiger played a key role for Real in their 2023-24 Champions League campaign, including keeping a clean sheet in their 2-0 final win against Borussia Dortmund. Los Blancos’ triumph extended their unbeaten run in finals for more than 40 years and was their 15th European Cup win. “[Germany and Real], these are two different pairs of shoes,” Rudiger said in a presser at the national team’s base in Herzogenaurach. “Here we have a very good system that fits our game…
Napoli have confirmed the appointment of Antonio Conte as the club’s new manager on a three-year contract. The 54-year-old had embarked on a year departure from management following his exit from Tottenham Hotspur. The Italian will now take charge of a Napoli team which disappointed in the defence of their title, finishing 10th last term. Conte said in a statement: “I can certainly promise one thing: I will do my utmost for the growth of the team and the club. My commitment, along with that of my staff, will be total.” Conte’s excellent track record speaks for itself, having won…
Real Madrid lifted their 15th UEFA Champions League title after their 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley and UEFA chiefs have recognized the individual contributions of their key players. Vinicius Junior has been named as the Champions League Player of the Season while Jude Bellingham has also been honored as the best young player. Brazil international Vini Jr. scored six goals and registered five assists – including scoring the second in the final win over Dortmund. The 23-year-old said: “I’m very happy to be able to win another Champions League with this club, which has given me so much.”…
Real Madrid have announced the signing of France star Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer, bringing an end to the long transfer saga. The 25-year-old joins the European champions on a five-year contract, achieving a life long dream as he will be strutting his stuff at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu from next season. Following their 15th UEFA Champions League crown, Los Blancos revealed in a statement, saying: “Real Madrid C.F. and Kylian Mbappe have reached an agreement whereby he will be a Real Madrid player for the next five seasons.” Reacting to his new move, Mbappe shared pictures on his social…
Jose Mourinho has been out of work since January, but the popular Portuguese coach is now set for a new job. According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, Mourinho is set to take over at Turkish club, Fenerbache ahead of the new season. The former Real Madrid, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Chelsea manager is reported to have signed and agreed a contract with the Istanbul club until June 2026. It was also stated that the deal was negotiated by famous agent Jorge Mendes. This will be Mourinho’s 10th different club as a manager. He has coached Benfica, Leiria, Porto,…
Bayern Munich’s new head coach Vincent Kompany has made it clear what to expect from his side’s playing style as he so makes demands on the approach every player of the club must show. The 38-year-old — who signed a contract until 2027 after leaving Burnley following their relegation from the Premier League — has stated he will demand absolute aggression and bravery from his charges. The Bavarians who have won the league title in the last 11 campaigns finished third in the recently-concluded 2023-24 season, behind Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart. The German giants also failed to win a…