SPORTS UPDATE

[Edoman]

PORT
Transfer: Chelsea set to bring Morata back from Atletico Madrid

 
on
 June 29, 2019
By
 Ifreke Inyang [/url]


Chelsea have informed Atletico Madrid that they will recall Alvaro Morata from his loan spell, unless they sign him permanently this summer, according to the UK Telegraph.
Morata joined Atletico in January, with his loan deal running until June 2020.

However, the Blues are now demanding that Atletico sign Morata for £50million during this transfer window.

If the La Liga side failed to buy Morata, Chelsea, who are unable to sign new players this summer due to a transfer ban, are likely to exercise their option to recall the 26-year-old.

Morata scored six goals in 17 appearances for Atletico last season.
[url=https://dailypost.ng/sport-news/]PORT

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SPORT
Transfer: Mbappe snubs new PSG deal, eyes move to Real Madrid

 June 29, 2019
By
 Ifreke Inyang [/url]


Kylian Mbappe hold told Paris Saint-Germain that his long-term future lies elsewhere, Marca reports.

The 20-year-old has spent two seasons at PSG and his current contract is not due to expire until 2022.

Real Madrid have long been admirers of Mbappe and are keeping tabs on his situation.
The France international is one of PSG’s best-paid players and Real would be unable to compete with the Ligue 1 outfit in a straight wage war.
But it is believed that money is not Mbappe’s primary motivation and that he is keen to win trophies and awards.

He has therefore made it clear to PSG that he has no intention of extending his contract in Paris no matter how large their financial offer.
Real are unlikely to move for Mbappe this summer having already spent big on Eden Hazard from Chelsea, who could get as much as £150million from the deal.
[url=https://dailypost.ng/sport-news/]PORT

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We’ll neither hustle nor sleep against Madagascar – Eagles declare
[img=25x0]https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bfdc81a7f3515f792d8b24f7b4a19743?s=80&d=mm&r=g[/img] 
 
 June 30, 2019

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[url=https://thenationonlineng.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/eagles-celebrate7-2.jpg]

If you expect Eagles to be all over the place when they  file out today in the last group match against Madagascar, then you are in a for a disappointment as the players have resolved to take it  easy  while  assuring that they won’t lose.

A cross section of the Players who bared their minds ahead of today’s encounter at the Alexandria Stadium, said though the Eagles have already booked a place in the round of 16, it is important to comprehensively finish as group leaders.

“We are going to take it easy but we are not going to be careless, that is not to say that it will be an easy match because Madagascar definitely will be coming out in full force,” they submitted.

Debutants Madagascar, who are currently second in the group are to get a draw against Eagles and equally hoping that Guinea and Guinea and Burundi end up preferable on a goalless draw.

Jubilation which took the center stage in Madagascar following their defeat of Burundi in the second match, has given way quickly to permutations over the possible outcome of Nigeria/Madagascar match on one hand and Guinea/Burundi tie on the other.[img=300x0]https://thenationonlineng.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/samuel-kalu1-1-300x170.jpg[/img]

Some analyst believe Syli Nationale of Guinea have what it takes to displace Madagascar by beating Burundi but agree that a lone goal defeat may not do the magic.

One player on the Nigerian side that is being tipped to start in today’s encounter is Samuel Kalu who bounced back to fitness after initial health setback and who came into the match against Guinea but had no time to express himself on the pitch before the referee blew the final whistle.

On the Madagascan side Marco Ilaimaharita who was voted man of the match in the tie against Burundi will be hoping to re-enact his performance against the Eagles to further catapult his countrymen to cloud nine.

[Edoman]

AFCON 2019: Ghana hold Cameroon, risks early AFCON exit
[img=25x0]https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7fbd034682430e7e97f0ef3e528db012?s=80&d=mm&r=g[/img] 
 
 June 29, 2019

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[url=https://thenationonlineng.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CMRGHA.jpg]

Defending champions Cameroon played out to a barren draw with Ghana in a hotly contested West African clash of the titans in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group F clash in Ismailia on Saturday.

Substitute Kwabena Owusu should have won all three for the Black Stars barely a minute after coming on for Andre Ayew but his cracking shot from the edge of the box came off the crossbar. Andrew Yiadom had a chance five yards from goal a minute later, but saw it saved by Andre Onana.

On the balance of chances, Cameroon should have gone to the break at least one up. A massive save by Richard Ofori four minutes from time and a timely tackle from Jonathan Mensah earlier on ensured the scores were 0-0 after the opening 45 minutes.

Ofori made a brilliant full stretched-save to punch out a shot from Christian Bassogog from inside the box. Ghana were caught in possession with Baba Rahman losing the ball on the left. Karl Toko Ekambi picked up and cut back a cross for Bassogog which was well saved.

Ghana had dodged another bullet on the half hour mark when Mensah, coming in for the suspended John Boye, made a timely tackle to poke the ball off Ekambi’s feet after he was sent through with a delightful backheel flick by Zambo Anguissa.

Ghana were forced to an early sub after 14 minutes when Christian Atsu limped off injured with a hamstring problem after taking an aim at goal off a counter with a low shot from the edge of the area. He was replaced by Samuel Owusu.

Atsu had Ghana’s second chance just after Nuhu Kassim’s shot from a Thomas Partey cut back went over in the eighth minute. In the 28th minute, Mubarak Wakaso swung in a brilliant cross from the left, but Jordan Ayew could not get a vital touch from the edge of the six yard box as he came flying in.

With the result, Cameroon have moved to four points while Ghana are on two points after back to back draws. The Ghanaians have to beat Guinea Bissau on Tuesday to be certain of a place at the next round.

 

[Edoman]

Copa America: Luis Suarez In Tears As Peru Defeat Uruguay On Penalties (Photos)

Luis Suarez was left in tears after he missed a penalty in Uruguay's 5-4 shootout defeat to Peru in the Copa America quarter-final on Saturday, MySportDab reports.

Luis Suarez missed the crucial penalty as Uruguay were knocked out of the Copa America at the quarter-final stage with a shoot-out defeat by Peru on Saturday.

Uruguay had already been left frustrated by three goals ruled out during normal time, before the match at the Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador went straight to extra time at the end of a goalless 90 minutes.

Suarez missed Uruguay's first penalty but every other player converted their spot-kicks and Edison Flores sealed Peru's place in the last four by blasting past Fernando Muslera.

Fans have now reacted on social media.

Watch Video;https://www.mysportdab.com/2019/06/copa-america-luis-suarez-in-tears-as.html

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REAL MADRID are preparing to offer Jurgen Klopp the chance to sign Marco Asensio but there is only one catch - they want Sadio Mane in exchange.

Klopp is known to be a big fan of the £85million rated Asensio who is also a target for Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Real Madrid have been taking a keen interest in the Senegal international who played a key role in helping Klopp’s side lift the Champions League trophy last season.

Real are willing to allow Asensio, 23, leave the Bernabeu this summer and are ready to use him as bait to land Mane.

Meanwhile allowing Mane to leave Anfield could open the door for a move on Lille hitman Nicolas Pepe if he doesn’t join French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG want Ivory Coast ace Pepe who is away at the African Nations Cup but they are waiting to see what happens with Neymar before making a final decision.

Mane impressed last season at Liverpool, netting 26 times in all competitions.

And that has alerted Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane to his talents as he looks to overhaul his side.

Asensio featured 44 times for Los Blancos last season, scoring six times and providing seven assists to his team-mates.

Meanwhile, football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes Liverpool could spend big again if Klopp wants to.

“Liverpool finished second in the Premier League and actually generated more money from TV from the Premier League than Manchester City because they were on television live more often,” he said.

“Combine that with the additional revenue from the Champions League, and Liverpool’s cash reserves are high.

“They can sign practically anybody they choose. If Jurgen Klopp feels there are still one or two places missing in terms of the squad, they could spend £50m-£60m on a player today, absolutely.

“Plus the fact that Liverpool don’t need to sell and players don’t want to leave.

“They had issues with Coutinho, Suarez and Sterling, but I don’t think those issues will arise again for a good while, so they are in a very strong position in the market.”

Maguire then stated that if Klopp thought it was necessary, he could choose to spend £150m this summer - but also mentioned the German was likely happy with his current squad.

“They could spend another £150m if they wanted to this summer,” he said.

“I think Jurgen Klopp is very pleased with the squad and he’s also had some absolute bargains in the likes of Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold who came through the academy, and those two alone will have saved £100m.

“So it’s not just about spending big, it’s spending smart as well, which you’ve got to give the club credit for.”

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1147011/Liverpool-transfer-news-Real-Madrid-Sadio-Mane-Marco-Asensio

[Edoman]

SPORT
AFCON 2019: NFF reacts to Super Eagles’ shock 2-0 defeat to Madagascar


on
 July 1, 2019
By
 Ifreke Inyang [/url]


The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has said that the Super Eagles’ 2-0 defeat to Madagascar on Sunday at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, was an “eye-opener”.
He however backed the Nigerian team to still go all the way at the tournament.

Pinnick, who addressed the players, alongside Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, in their dressing room after the loss, assured them of NFF and President Muhammadu Buhari’s support.
He said, “It might be a sad day but it is not a bad day. This is an eye-opener. No team should be underestimated. It is an eye-opener in the sense that we should not prepare to play a weak team in the second round. There is no weak team in AFCON. Now, let us be ready for the big teams.
“In the last AFCON that we won, we started slowly. We were 10 minutes away from being eliminated in the first round then we scored two goals against Ethiopia, and we won the AFCON. Let us rise up. Individually, let us rekindle our spirit – the spirit of Naija. We did our best but it was not good enough.

“We are not pushing the burden on you; it is the collective burden from all of us. There is no team that has not been beaten. It was just a bad day. Please let us make that old man and Nigerians happy. Let them call us whatever name, but we know that we will be going to Aso Rock with the trophy.”


[url=https://dailypost.ng/]

[Edoman]

PORT
Transfer: Chelsea announce decision on Higuain’s future

 
on
 July 1, 2019
By
 Ifreke Inyang [url=https://dailypost.ng/2019/07/01/transfer-chelsea-announce-decision-higuains-future/dailypostngr][/url]


Chelsea have confirmed that Gonzalo Higuain has left the club, with the Europa League winners choosing not to extend his loan from Juventus or make it a permanent deal.
Higuain spent the second half of 2018/2019 at Stamford Bridge scoring only five goals in 14 Premier League appearances.

Chelsea had the option to pay €18million to extend the 31-year-old’s loan for another 12 months, while the Blues could have also purchased the forward from Juve for €36m.
But the Blues, in a statement on the club’s official website, said: “Gonzalo Higuain joined Chelsea on loan from Juventus in January. He was reunited with Maurizio Sarri after their successful time together at Napoli.
“Higuain made his Blues bow in an FA Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday, and opened his account with two superbly-taken goals the following weekend against struggling Huddersfield.

“He netted three more times before the expiry of his loan, all sharp finishes that highlighted his natural ability in front of goal. Fulham, Burnley and Watford were his victims, and he more than played his part in our eventual third-placed Premier League finish.
“With Olivier Giroud leading the line in the Europa League, Higuain’s involvement was largely limited to domestic competitions, but he leaves having added another winners’ medal to his extensive collection after victory in Baku.”

[Edoman]

SPORT
Benitez reveals why he left Newcastle

 
on
 July 1, 2019
By
 Ifreke Inyang [url=https://dailypost.ng/2019/07/01/benitez-reveals-left-newcastle/dailypostngr][/url]


Departing Newcastle manager, Rafael Benitez, has sent a farewell message to supporters on Monday morning and claimed that he “wanted to stay” but the club “did not share his vision”.
The Spaniard left St James’ Park upon the expiration of his contract on June 30, after guiding the Magpies to a 13th place finish in the Premier League last season.

Benitez has finally broken his silence following his exit, insisting that differences between himself and the board led to his final decision.
“Thank you to everyone at the Club who has helped the team and of course to the fine players who grew and fought with us and to the staff (one of the best I have ever shared time with).
“From winning the Championship to our two seasons in the Premier League, fans, staff and players have all been United. I wanted to stay, but I didn’t just want to sign an extended contract, I wanted to be part of a project.

“Unfortunately, it became increasingly clear to me that those at the top of the Club did not share the same vision.
“I’m very sad about that, but I do not regret for one moment my decision to come to Tyneside and I’m very proud of what we achieved together.
“I will always have you in my heart. Best of luck for the future. C’mon Toons!’” the former Chelsea and Liverpool boss said

[Edoman]

Marcus Rashford Signs A New Deal That'll See Him Earn £300K Per-week Until 2023

Manchester United has tied Marcus Rashford down until 2023 after England striker puts pen to paper on a new £300,000-per-week contract


The 21-year-old will receive in excess of £200,000-per-week at Old Trafford but bonuses will take his wage up to £300,000. The long-term also have the option to extend his contract by a further year. 



On signing his new deal, the talented England striker who has made 170 appearances for the Premier League club so far including 32 caps for England, said: 'Manchester United has been everything in my life since I arrived here at the age of seven. 

This club has shaped me, both as a player and as a person, so it is such a privilege every time I get the opportunity to wear the shirt.

'I want to thank Ole and his staff for everything they have done for me; they are the perfect group of coaches to learn from as I continue my development and look to push on to the next level.

'I will be giving everything I have to help get this club back to where it belongs and deliver the success that our fans deserve.'

Source: https://www.collinsuchendusblog.com/2019/07/marcus-rashford-signs-new-deal-thatll.html?m=1

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Transfer: Neymar, Griezmann’s move to Nou Camp depends on one Barcelona player


 


Barcelona could be set to offload Ousmane Dembele, to make room for both Neymar and Antoine Griezmann, Kicker reports.
The deal to take Griezmann to the Nou Camp from Atletico Madrid has somewhat become complicated, by Neymar’s desire to return to Catalonia just two years after he left for Paris Saint-Germain.

The Brazilian is seemingly desperate to link up with Lionel Messi again and is even prepared to go on strike to force through the deal.
With Barca already a fairly long way down the road with negotiations for Griezmann, they face having to sell a big name or two in order to not to breach FIFA’s rules.
FIFA doesn’t allow clubs to finish a transfer window with a negative balance of €100million or more.

Bayern Munich are willing to take Dembele, with a fee of €100million being touted.

[Edoman]

Sport
Transfer: Real Madrid striker leaves club
 


Real Madrid forward, Raul de Tomas will be announced as Benfica player today after completing a €25 million move, according to Marca.
De Tomas had spent the vast majority of his senior Real Madrid career out on loan.

He had also impressed most recently during a two-year spell at Rayo Vallecano, scoring 38 goals in 66 league games.
Benfica will make De Tomas their most lucrative summer signing so far.
Real Madrid want to sell some of their fringe players to fund major deals as manager Zinedine Zidane looks to rebuild his team for the new season.

The Santiago Bernabeu outfit had already acquired Chelsea’s most priced asset, Eden Hazard this summer.

[Edoman]

Anthony Joshua given strong warning ahead of Andy Ruiz Jr rematch



Former boxer, David Haye, has warned Anthony Joshua’s team to take the Andy Ruiz Jr rematch, if they know the reason for his defeat and not just attempt to repair his reputation.
Joshua is expected to reveal details of a second fight with Ruiz Jr very soon, after his world title reign and unbeaten record were ended by a stunning defeat in New York.

Haye hopes that Joshua knows the cause of that loss, before enforcing a second fight and would have backed the 29-year-old, if he needed a few more fights to prepare for Ruiz Jr.
He told Sky Sports: “The fact that I’m hearing that there’s going to be a direct rematch is actually quite heart-warming, because it gives me the thought that the powers that be, Team AJ, realise they got it wrong, and they know what needs to be done to rectify it.
“If they do go for a rematch, they are a smart team, they know what they’re doing. They’ve got him to this stage. They are not going to put him back in a fight against someone who has got his number.

“If he says ‘I need two or three fights to work against smaller guys who come forward, to prepare me better for that,’ I would be happy with that as well. Okay, smart move.
“The fact they are talking about an immediate rematch, I hope they are not just doing it for PR sake. I hope they are doing it because they truly know that it was a freak thing that happened and he’ll be better.”

[Edoman]

Transfer: Super Eagles star becomes longest-serving player at Chelsea


Nigeria international, Kenneth Omeruo, has become the longest-serving player at Chelsea, following the departure of Tomas Kalas to Bristol City on Monday.
Kalas arrived at Stamford Bridge from Sigma Olomouc in July 2010 and leaves after only four first-team appearances in nine years.

Omeruo joined the Blues from Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Sunshine Stars, in January 2012.
He has remained loyal to Chelsea, despite failing to make his official debut after seven years and six months.
Omeruo has been sent out on loan to five different clubs: ADO Den Haag, Middlesbrough, Kasimpasa, Alanyaspor and Leganes

The 25-year-old, who is contracted to Chelsea for another one and a half years, has been linked with a permanent departure from the club this summer.

[Edoman]

Transfer: Barcelona officials meet Neymar’s agent ahead of Nou Camp return



Neymar’s representatives are set to meet with Barcelona officials on Tuesday, to discuss the player’s potential return to the Nou Camp.
According to Esporte Interativo, Neymar’s father and his lawyer are already in the Catalonian capital, where they will be received by compatriot Andre Cury.

Representing the LaLiga outfit in Brazil, Cury has brokered deals involving them before, including that which took Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain in the first place for a world record fee of £200m.
Cury was paid a 3% cut, or £6m, of that deal.
He will now be key to bringing Neymar back to Barca.

Despite winning the French title in both seasons he has played for them, Neymar’s time with PSG has been dogged by controversies and two lengthy injuries.
The Brazilian superstar is now so desperate to rejoin Barcelona, that he will take a pay cut to make it happen.

[Edoman]

Wilfried Zaha: Arsenal submit opening bid for Crystal Palace forward



Wilfried Zaha scored 10 goals for Palace in 2018-19

Arsenal have submitted an opening bid of about £40m for Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha.
No players have been offered as part of the proposed deal, and the bid will be rejected by Palace.

The 26-year-old is keen to leave the club this summer and favours a move to Arsenal, but the Eagles value the Ivory Coast international at up to £80m.

The Gunners will have to hope a compromise can be reached on a lower fee and staggered payments.

• Zaha goal helps Ivory Coast progress to Afcon last 16
  
  

Arsenal's summer transfer budget has been restricted by their failure to qualify for next season's Champions League.
After an unsuccessful move to Manchester United, Zaha made a permanent return to Palace in 2015 and has four years left on his contract, which he signed last summer.

Since he helped Palace earn promotion back to the Premier League in 2012-13, they have finished in the top half just once, coming 10th in 2014-15, when Zaha had returned on a season-long loan from United.

Zaha's brother, Judicael, told Sky Sports News: "Given all that Wilfried has given to Crystal Palace to help them remain a Premier League club, I hope Palace will be able to see their way to agreeing a deal with Arsenal that allows Wilfried to realise his dream of playing European football for the club he's supported since childhood."

[Edoman]

Rafael Benitez: Ex-Newcastle boss appointed manager of Chinese side Dalian Yifang






Benitez led Newcastle to promotion to the Premier League in 2016-17 before keeping them in the top flight for the last two seasons
Former Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has been appointed manager of Chinese side Dalian Yifang.
The Spaniard left the Magpies on Sunday after his contract expired, saying that the Premier League club "did not share his vision".
He replaces Choi Kang-hee, who resigned on Monday "for personal reasons".
"After a long path, we start a new challenge. I´m happy to begin this new project with Dalian Yifang," said 59-year-old Benitez.
Benitez, who has also managed Liverpool, Chelsea, Valencia and Real Madrid, received a £12m offer to manage Dalian Yifang, tweeted a message welcoming himself to the club.
He led Newcastle to a 13th place finish in the Premier League last season.
"I wanted to stay, but I didn't just want to sign an extended contract, I wanted to be part of a project," Benitez said in a letter to fans on Monday.
"I'm very sad about that, but I do not regret for one moment my decision to come to Tyneside and I'm very proud about what we achieved together."
The move to Dalian sees him reunited with Marek Hamsik, who played under Benitez at Napoli between 2013 and 2015.
Belgium international Yannick Carrasco also plays for the club.

[Edoman]

Wimbledon: Cori Gauff Defeats Venus Williams, In Tears After (Photos)


15-year-old Cori Gauff was left in tears after a stunning first round victory over top favourite Venus Williams at Wimbledon, MySportDab reports.

Cori became the youngest woman to win a main-draw Wimbledon match since Jennifer Capriati beat defending champion Martina Navratilova in 1991

She won 6-4, 6-4 before collapsing onto the Court 1 grass clutching her face while the emotions spilt out.

‘Now I have had the guts to,’ said the 15-year-old, having composed herself after the emotional moment of victory, when a look of disbelief spread across her face.

‘I want to be the greatest. My dad told me that I could do this when I was eight,’ she reflected.

‘Obviously you never believe it. I’m still not 100 per cent confident. Now my goal is to win it.’

The tennis prodigy entered her Wimbledon debut ranked 313th by the Women’s Tennis Association, while Williams entered 44th.

Watch Video;
https://www.mysportdab.com/2019/07/wimbl...ff-in.html

[Edoman]

AFCON 2019: Nigeria to face defending champions Cameroon in the round of 16 (See Full Fixtures)





 
Fixtures for the round of 16 of the African Cup of Nations holding in Egypt have been confirmed.
 
Nigeria will face defending champions Cameroon on Saturday at 6pm, while hosts nation, Egypt will take on South Africa later that night. 

See full fixtures below.
Friday, July 5
Morocco vs. Benin, 6 p.m. 
Uganda vs. Senegal, 9 p.m. 
Saturday, July 6
Nigeria vs. Cameroon, 6 p.m. 
Egypt vs. South Africa, 9 p.m.
Sunday, July 7
Madagascar vs. DR Congo, 6 p.m.
Algeria vs. Guinea, 9 p.m. 
Monday, July 8
Mali  vs. Ivory Coast, 6 p.m. 
Ghana vs. Tunisia 9 p.m.
 
 
by L

[Edoman]

Copa America: Barcelona react to Messi-led Argentina’s 2-0 loss to Brazil
 
 
                          
Barcelona have reacted to Lionel Messi-led Argentina’s 2-0 defeat to Brazil at the 2019 Copa America semi-final encounter on Wednesday.

The La Liga champions reserved special praise for three of their players: Arthur, Coutinho and Messi, who were on international duty for their countries.

Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino ensured the host nation defeated Argentina and qualified for the competition’s final where they will play either Chile or Peru.

“Arthur and Coutinho are through to the final of the Copa América,” Barcelona wrote on their official website.

“But it’s the end of the road for Argentina and Leo Messi following Tuesday’s semi-final, with Brazil advancing on the back of a 2-0 win to meet the winners of tonight’s other semi between Chile (featuring Arturo Vidal) and Peru.


“All three Barça players were on for the full ninety in Belo Horizonte.

“Most of the chances went Argentina’s way after the break, with Messi in the thick of the action – hitting the post and being defied by the same goalkeeper Alisson from those fateful nights against Roma and Liverpool.

“Brazil defended solidly, and against the run of play extended their lead when a Gabriel Jesús led counter attack was culminated by Firmino and that was as good as game over.

“Brazil advance to their first final since 2007, while Argentina’s quest for their first continental crown since 1993 will have to wait.”