Sports

Osimhen Leads Super Eagles to Victory

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5 months ago

September 8, 2024

KSmylesGH

Victor Osimhen, Nigeria Striker

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Victor Osimhen contributed significantly to Nigeria’s Super Eagles securing a 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match held on September 7, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The game saw Ademola Lookman scoring twice, with Osimhen adding one goal to seal the win. Osimhen’s goal came shortly after he was introduced as a substitute, showcasing his impact even with limited playtime.

Osimhen scored in the 78th minute, doubling Nigeria’s lead with a clinical finish from a cross from Wilfred Ndidi. The goal was not just significant for the match but also marked his 22nd for the Super Eagles, surpassing Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s tally to make him the third-highest scorer in Nigeria’s football history.

This victory was particularly sweet as it avenged a previous defeat to Benin in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. It also marked Nigeria’s first competitive win since their 2023 AFCON quarterfinal victory over Angola.

The Super Eagles displayed dominance throughout the match, with Benin only managing their first shot on goal in the 40th minute, which was saved by Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

The win has boosted Nigeria’s standing in Group D of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, placing them at the top with 3 points. Osimhen’s performance, alongside Lookman’s, has been widely praised across social platforms, with fans and analysts highlighting their pivotal roles in the victory. This match not only showcases Osimhen’s prowess but also underscores Nigeria’s potential in upcoming international competitions.

With this morale-boosting win, Nigeria looks forward to their next match against Rwanda, aiming to continue their winning streak in the qualifiers. The performance of players like Osimhen and Lookman fuels optimism among fans about Nigeria’s chances in future tournaments, including aspirations to win AFCON titles or even reach significant stages in the World Cup.

This victory, led by the contributions of Victor Osimhen, not only marks a successful start to Nigeria’s AFCON qualification campaign but also enhances Osimhen’s reputation as one of Africa’s premier football talents.

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Sports

Real Madrid Shifts Focus from Alexander-Arnold, Eyes Summer Move

Published

7 days ago

January 15, 2025

KSmylesGH

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Real Madrid’s interest in Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has been well-documented, but recent developments suggest a shift in their transfer strategy. As of early January 2025, Real Madrid appears to have given up on securing Alexander-Arnold in the January transfer window due to Liverpool’s firm stance on not releasing him mid-season. Reports indicate that Liverpool rejected an approach from Real Madrid for Alexander-Arnold in January, and there’s a strong indication that he might move on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer of 2025.

Despite this, Real Madrid has not abandoned their interest in Alexander-Arnold entirely but is now focusing on a summer move when he would be available as a free agent. The club has reportedly been working on this deal since March of the previous year, showing their long-term interest in the English full-back.

Real Madrid’s current strategy seems to involve waiting until the summer for Alexander-Arnold, with the club confident that they can secure his signature then. This confidence stems from their belief that Alexander-Arnold has decided to sign for Real Madrid when his contract with Liverpool expires. Meanwhile, they are considering other players like Lucas Vázquez, Valverde, or Asensio to cover the right-back position until the end of the season.

This situation reflects Real Madrid’s strategic patience in transfer dealings, aiming to bolster their squad with high-profile signings without the immediate pressure of the January transfer window.

Sports

Liverpool Actively Pursuing Greek Prodigy Stefanos Tzimas

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7 days ago

January 15, 2025

KSmylesGH

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Liverpool Football Club is actively pursuing the transfer of Greek striker Stefanos Tzimas, who is currently on loan at FC Nürnberg from PAOK Salonika. Here’s the latest on this development:

Liverpool have initiated discussions with both Tzimas’ representatives and FC Nürnberg, aiming to secure the young forward’s services. The Reds have reportedly spoken with Tzimas’ camp and made a phone call to Nürnberg regarding a potential summer transfer. However, it’s suggested that any deal might be more likely to happen in the summer rather than during the current January transfer window.

Tzimas, born in 2006, has made a significant impact in the German 2. Bundesliga with Nürnberg, where he has scored eight goals and provided two assists in 14 appearances this season. His performances have not only caught Liverpool’s eye but also attracted interest from other Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Brighton, and Aston Villa, as well as several Bundesliga teams.

Reports indicate that Liverpool might have to pay around €25 million (£21m) plus add-ons for Tzimas. This fee would make him the most expensive Greek teenager in history. Nürnberg has an €18 million buy option from PAOK, which they plan to activate with the intention of selling Tzimas for profit.

Tzimas became PAOK’s youngest goalscorer at 17 years, 1 month, and 27 days old in March 2023. His move to Nürnberg on loan in the summer of 2024 has been a platform for him to showcase his talent under the tutelage of the legendary Miroslav Klose.

Liverpool sees Tzimas as a potential long-term investment, aligning with their strategy of nurturing young talents. His physical attributes, including his height and speed, combined with his scoring ability, make him an exciting prospect for Liverpool’s dynamic attack under manager Arne Slot.

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Chelsea Recalls Chalobah Amid Defensive Crisis

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7 days ago

January 15, 2025

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Chelsea Football Club has recently decided to recall defender Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Crystal Palace due to an ongoing defensive crisis. The decision was influenced by injuries to key players like Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, which have significantly depleted Chelsea’s options at the center-back position.

Both Fofana and Badiashile suffered hamstring injuries, with Fofana potentially being out for the entire season and Badiashile not expected back until at least February. This left Chelsea with limited senior center-backs, including Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Axel Disasi, prompting the club to look for solutions within their existing roster.

Initially, there were conflicting reports regarding the presence of a recall clause in Chalobah’s loan agreement with Crystal Palace. However, it was later confirmed that Chelsea indeed has the option to recall Chalobah, and they have decided to activate this clause. Chalobah, who has been in fine form at Palace, scoring three goals in 14 appearances, was seen as a viable option to bolster Chelsea’s defensive line.

Crystal Palace’s manager, Oliver Glasner, has expressed a desire to keep Chalobah for the remainder of the season, acknowledging his significant contribution to the team. However, with Chelsea activating the recall, Palace will have to adjust their defensive strategy, potentially relying on other players like Marc Guehi, who has also been linked with a move back to Chelsea.

Recalling Chalobah serves as a cost-effective and immediate solution to Chelsea’s defensive woes without needing to enter the transfer market. It also reflects a strategic move to utilize home-grown talent, especially with young players like Josh Acheampong and Aaron Anselmino being integrated into the first team but still considered for development rather than immediate first-team roles.

The decision has stirred mixed reactions among Chelsea fans. Some see it as a pragmatic move given the injury situation, while others feel it might disrupt Chalobah’s development or question the club’s long-term planning after initially seeming to push him out.

This recall, announced on January 15, 2025, will see Chalobah return to Stamford Bridge with immediate effect, not available for Crystal Palace’s match against Leicester City that evening. The move is part of Chelsea’s broader strategy to navigate through the season with a compromised defense while possibly looking at further reinforcements in the transfer window.