SPORTS UPDATE

[Edoman]

Sport
Transfer: Three Premier League clubs battle to sign Diego Costa
 

West Ham have joined the race to sign Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, the UK Mirror reports.
The Hammers are exploring all options after losing out to Valencia in the race to sign Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini is in the market, to replace frontmen Marko Arnautovic, Andy Carroll and Lucas Perez after their departures this summer.
Costa, 30, is on the way out of Atletico this summer, following the breakdown of his relationship with the club he rejoined from Chelsea in 2017.
Everton and Wolves have also been mooted as possible Premier League destinations for him.
However, none of the three clubs has yet made a firm bid for the Brazil-born Spain international.

[Edoman]

Sport
Transfer: Lukaku close to Man Utd exit as Inter Milan chief confirms official approach
 


Inter Milan have made a formal approach to Manchester United over a deal for Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian wants to leave Old Trafford this summer, after falling down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Inter side are yet to make a formal offer for Lukaku, but sporting director Piero Ausilio claims an official approach has been made.
Ausilio jetted into London on Thursday for talks with United over the transfer.
After arriving back, he told Sky Sport Italy: “We had a meeting with Man United for Lukaku.

“There has been an official approach between two important clubs. Let’s see. Conte wants every player we’re trying to sign.”

[Edoman]

Sport

AFCON 2019: What we’ll do for Super Eagles – Dangote, Otedola
 


Business moguls, Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, have made a promise to the Super Eagles as Niger progresses in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.
The billionaires said they will donate $50,000 and $25,000 respectively for each goals scored in their semi-final game against Algeria.

The Super Eagles will battle the North Africans for a place in the final on Sunday at the Cairo International Stadium.
They defeated South Africa 2-1 in the quarter-final on Wednesday.
Osasu Obayiuwana disclosed the cash rain promise on Twitter, with a video of President of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Amaju Pinnick, announcing the gesture at the team’s base in Cairo on Thursday.

The member of the NFF Reform Committee tweeted: “Africa’s richest businessman, @AlikoDangote promises the @NGSuperEagles $50k for every goal they score in the #AFCON2019semi-final. @realFemiOtedola will pay $25k per goal.”

[Edoman]

'I’m calling the shots' - Andy Ruiz says he will refuse a rematch with Anthony Joshua in the UK





 
The rematch between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua may not be happening in the UK, as the Mexican-American heavyweight is pushing for the fight to take place in either of his two home countries. 
 
Andy Ruiz had claimed the WBA, IBF and WBO titles, after he defeated Anthony Joshua in a fight which took place in Madison Square, New York, United States. Speaking to TMZ Sports on plans about the rematch, he said; 

“I haven’t talked to him, but I’m pretty sure he’s training hard for the rematch and so am I. I want the rematch to be in Mexico or New York City again, Vegas, or here [in LA].”

 
When asked if the Nigerian-born British boxer will agree to this, he said; 

 “It doesn’t matter because I’m the champion… I’m calling the shots… We’re the A-side.”

 
 
This contradicts fight promoter, Eddie Hearn's claim that Anthony Joshua will have the final say over where the rematch takes place.
 
The Nigerian-born British boxer is in Nigeria at the moment.
by Lin

[Edoman]

South African Players To Earn R520k (N13m) Each After Defeat By Nigeria At AFCON






Before the quarter-finals match that eventually got the Bafana Bafana players of South Africa knocked out from the 2019 African Cup of Nations, they had a payment plan for their campaign.




For reaching the last eight of the 2019 AFCON in Egypt after a 1-0 victory over Egypt on Saturday in Cairo, each player had a guaranteed R520,000. Here is the bonus payment plan as guaranteed by the South African Football Association;

– R320 000 for reaching the last 16
– R520 000 for the quarter-finals
– R670 000 for the semi-finals
– R920 000 for winning the tournament


They however couldn't hit the R670, 000 jackpot, as their journey in the 2019 AFCON was cut short by the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Source: https://www.collinsuchendusblog.com/2019...k.html?m=1

[Edoman]

South Africans Hail Chukwueze, Ndidi


South Africans on Thursday hailed Nigeria’s Samuel Chukwueze and Winfred Ndidi for their outstanding performances in their 2-1 quarter-final triumph over Bafana Bafana at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Chukwueze was in blistering form scoring the game’s opener before William Troost-Ekong sealed the hard-fought win with a late striker to send Nigeria to the semi-finals.

The South Africans took to social media to express their delight at the displays of both players, who played major roles in the victory.

Xolani Yamani said, “The game was not for Thamsanqa Mkhize, and other players. They find it difficult to mark the Nigerian wingers. Ndidi took over the midfielder.”

“The pace from Nigerian wingers was too much. Even Sifiso Hlanti struggled against Chukwueze,” Itist Shego added.

The South Africans also blamed coach Stuart Baxter for playing “wrong tactics” in the game.

One of them, Zukisani said, “We never looked like the team that wanted to win. Honestly, I didn’t see where the goal could come from.”




Read more here https://thickmatch.com/south-africans-ha...eze-ndidi/

[Edoman]

FIFA increases punishment for racism in football 





 
The world football governing body, FIFA has increased punishment for racist incidents. 
 
They will be doubling their minimum ban for racist incidents to 10 games and will allow players to make victim statements and participate in the proceedings
 
In a statement released, FIFA said they “will not let down victims of racist abuse,” adding they “may be invited by the respective judicial body to make an oral or written victim impact statement.”
“For a first offence, playing a match with a limited number of spectators and a fine of at least 20,000 Swiss francs ($20,000) shall be imposed on the association or club concerned.”
 
Fare network, an organisation which promotes diversity in football across Europe, has welcomed the changes and called on the English FA to implement similar measures.
 
The changes come after several incidents last season in domestic and international football.
 
Last season, Inter Milan were ordered to play two home games behind closed doors after their supporters racially insulted Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
 
Montenegro were also ordered by European governing body UEFA to play a home game behind closed doors.
by L

[Edoman]

Atletico Madrid Sign €8M Saponjic From Benfica[url=https://leadership.ng/byline/our-reporter/][/url]





Atletico Madrid have signed Serbia Under-21 striker Ivan Saponjic from Benfica on a three-year contract, the club have announced.
Neither club disclosed the fee paid for the 21-year-old but the deal is reported to be worth in the region of €8 million (£7.1m/$9m).
A physically imposing forward, Saponjic will provide an extra attacking option for coach Diego Simeone alongside Diego Costa, Alvaro Morata and record signing Joao Felix, who also arrived from Benfica for €126m (£113m/$141m).
But while the Portugal international starred in the club’s Primeira Liga triumph in the 2018-19 season, Saponjic played for Benfica B after joining from Partizan Belgrade in January 2016 and spent the 2017-18 campaign on loan with Belgian club Zulte Waregem.


He joins fellow new faces Marcos Llorente, Hector Herrera, Felipe, Lodi and Joao Felix at Atletico, with star forward Antoine Griezmann widely expected to complete a €120m (£107m/$135m) switch to Barcelona.
The 21-year-old Serb joined Partizan from Sloboda Uzice as a youth player in 2013, working his way up to the first team where he made his competetive debut in 2014.


He scored 11 times in 42 appearances for the Serb giants, starring as they won the Serbian Cup in 2015 and forcing his way into the under-21 side of the Serbian national team.
He failed to make an appearance in Benfica’s first team after swapping Belgrade for Lisbon, but managed to net eight times in 40 appearances for the B team before loaned out to Belgium in 2017.
His chances of making the first team at the Wanda Metropolitano will be boosted if Griezmann finally makes his long-awaited move to Camp Nou in the coming weeks, with the France World Cup-winner believed to have agreed terms to move to the Liga champions.
Last season’s runners up Atletico are looking to make up an 11-point gap to Barca next term, as they aim to win a first league crown since Simeone guided them to a shock title success in 2014.

[Edoman]

Barca Interested In Signing Martinez From Inter – Agent




Lautaro Martinez’s agent Alberto Yaque confirmed La Liga champions Barcelona are interested in signing the Inter forward.
Martinez, 21, has been linked with a €112 million (£100m/$126m) move to Barca, just one season after joining Inter from Racing Club.
The Argentina international scored nine goals in all competitions – six in Serie A – last term and emerged as the focal point of Inter’s attack amid the fallout between Mauro Icardi and the club.
He has since joined his national team for the Copa America, where he led two goals in the competition, tied with Sergio Aguero for joint-most among the Argentina team.


The forward scored his first in Argentina’s final group game against Qatar, a 2-0 victory that sent the 2015 and 2016 runners-up into the knockout stages.
He then fired once again against Venezuela in a 2-0 quarter-final victory, but Argentina would fall in the team’s next match against hosts Brazil.


In total, Martinez has earned 11 caps for Argentina while scoring six goals for his national team.
Asked about speculation linking Martinez to Barca, Yaque told Ole: “Talk of Barcelona’s interest is true.
“No-one’s called us, but we know that they’ve been looking at him strongly. It’s true that Barcelona like him.”
Inter have been busy in the transfer market following Antonio Conte’s appointment as head coach in place of Luciano Spalletti.


The Nerazzurri have signed Diego Godin, Valentino Lazaro and Stefano Sensi, while they are reportedly poised to announce the arrival of Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella.
There have also been ongoing talks with Manchester United over Romelu Lukaku, as it appears the Belgian forward is edging closer to a move away from Old Trafford.


Inter will also need to handle the situation surrounding Icardi, with the forward and Radja Nainggolan both widely expected to leave the club this summer .
Meanwhile, Barca have lured Frenkie de Jong and Neto to the club as they also look to sign Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann and Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt.
They’ve also been linked with the likes of Neymar, who could leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer amid reports that the Brazilian star is unhappy with the French side.

[Edoman]

Laurent Koscielny To Face Disciplinary Action From Arsenal




Arsenal are set to open disciplinary proceedings against Laurent Koscielny after he refused to join the club on their pre-season tour of the USA, according to Sky sources.
The 33-year-old France international is out of the contract at the end of the season and it is understood he has asked to be released from his deal so that he can return to France.
The club said in a statement on Thursday: “Laurent Koscielny has refused to travel to the US for our pre-season tour.
“We are very disappointed by Laurent’s actions, which are against our clear instructions.


“We hope to resolve this matter and will not be providing any further comment at this time.”
Koscielny remains an important player for Unai Emery. He appeared in 29 games for Arsenal in all competitions last season, starting 24.


In total, the France international has made 255 appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League, scoring 22 goals since joining from French side Lorient for £10m in July 2010.
Arsenal are due to face Bayern Munich in Carson, California on July 18 in the opening game of their pre-season tour.
That is followed by games against Fiorentina in Charlotte on July 20 and Real Madrid on July 24 in Washington DC.
The situation leaves Arsenal’s captaincy shrouded in uncertainty. If Koscielny is stripped of the armband, or if he gets his wish and leaves the club, then Emery’s options are limited.


The Spaniard named a captaincy group of five players last season, Koscielny being one of them, but of the other four, Petr Cech and Aaron Ramsey are gone and Mesut Ozil’s future is uncertain.
That leaves Granit Xhaka as the only logical option, although the Switzerland international is not universally popular among supporters.


Could Emery look elsewhere? There are few standout candidates. Nacho Monreal has the experience having been at the club since 2013, but his place in the team is far from guaranteed.
Sokratis could be seen as captaincy material, but he has only been at the club for a single season. Hector Bellerin, an Arsenal player since 2011, might be a left field alternative.
It is another conundrum for Emery in what’s turning into a difficult summer.

[Edoman]

TECNO Renews Partnership With Manchester City Football Club


TECNO held its 2019 Global Partner Summit in Delhi, India 2 days ago using the opportunity as well to unveil its new Phantom smartphone, the Phantom 9.

Having launched the smartphone in Nigeria last week, the OEM which has expanded its global presence to over more than 60 emerging markets across Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Europe and the South America also used the Global Partner Summit to announce it has extended its partnership with Premier League Champions, Manchester City.

In 2016, TECNO showed its intent to become a global when it shocked everyone to announce itself as the Official Global Tablet and Handset Partner of Manchester City.

The deal has been beneficial with TECNO using the club to grow its strategic marketing and advertising campaigns globally.

In what has been a successful partnership with the Premier League giant, City legend, Paul Dickov was present at the Summit in Delhi to seal the renewal and also announce a new health and fitness challenge, called TECNO Race to Manchester City, where 40,000 City Indian fans will virtually race across the world to Manchester.

Vice President of Transsion Holdings, Stephen Ha further expanded more on the partnership with Manchester City, he said, “The partnership with Manchester City Football Club, the Premier League champions, will help further boost our brand recognition and name value as a leading mobile device company around the world. With a history of business relationships in elite sport, TECNO is delighted to partner with City, a club who we feel shares similar values.”

https://howtotechnaija.com/tecno-renews-...ster-city/

[Edoman]

Barcelona confirm the signing of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid for €120million






Barcelona have confirmed the signing of  Antoine Griezmann in a deal worth €120 million from Atletico Madrid.
 
The deal was confirmed on the club's official Twitter page after Barca paid the €120 million buyout clause to release Antoine Griezmann from his former club.
 
The 28-year-old France star will sign a five-year contract with a new release clause of €800 million to stay at Camp Nou till the 30th of June 2024.
 
Griezmann is expected to be officially unveiled as a Barcelona player on Sunday and will join up with his new team-mates on Monday for pre-season training, although the club is yet to confirm the details.
 
Griezmann who scored 133 goals in 257 appearances in his five years with Atletico announced his intention to depart the club back in May.

by Linda Ikeji

[Edoman]

Roger Federer defeats Rafael Nadal in four sets to reach his 12th Wimbledon final






This evening, Roger Federer defeated Rafael Nadal, 7-6 (3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4, to reach his 12th Wimbledon final.
 
He will face Novak Djokovic, the top seed and defending champion, in the final on Sunday. Federer, 37, has won eight Wimbledon singles titles. If he wins on Sunday, he will tie Martina Navratilova’s open era record of nine.

"I'm exhausted. It was tough at the end Rafa played some unbelievable shots to stay in the match. I had spells where I was serving very well and probably the biggest points in the match went my way. That first set was huge, to get the lead and try to protect it. It was a joy to play" Federer told BBC Sport.

 
Defending champion Djokovic, 32, goes for his 16th Grand Slam triumph after beating Spain's 23rd seed Roberto Bautista Agut in four sets earlier on Friday.

by Linda Ikeji

[Edoman]

Onyekuru, Osimhen could play against Algeria, says Rohr

 
 July 13, 2019

[/url]

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr

[url=https://thenationonlineng.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Gernot-Rohr-2.jpg]

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr confirmed he will be parading a full strength squad in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Algeria, but it remains to be seen whether Victor Osimhen and Henry Onyekuru will play a role.

The duo and Francis Uzoho are the only Super Eagles players yet to play in the tournament despite Rohr’s rotation strategy.

However against Algeria in Cairo, Osimhen and Onyekuru could be thrown into the fray with Uzoho expected to warm the bench throughout the championship.

“We had two changes before the game against South Africa, the winning team against Cameroon has been changed and it is possible that we will change the team again because all the players are ready to go,” said Rohr during Saturday’s pre-match conference.

“We have nine strikers in the team, played seven but we cannot play all of them at the same time. The young are also here to learn.

“Out of 23 players, 20 players have played already which is a lot and I hope we can see the other two [Osimhen & Onyekuru].

“It is difficult for the third goalkeeper coming in. The moment has come to bring the best team against Algeria.”

Nigeria will play their 14th semi-final in AFCON, more than any other team.

However, they have qualified for the final only once in their last five games at this stage – against Mali on 6 February 2013 in a comprehensive 4-1 triumph.(Goal.com)

[Edoman]

Breaking: Simona Halep beats Serena Williams to win her first Wimbledon title






Simona Halep won her first Wimbledon title and crushed Serena Williams' latest bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam success with a devastating 56-minute display of athleticism.  
 
The Romanian won 6-2 6-2 in front of an incredulous Centre Court, running after everything the American threw at her. "It was my best match," the 27-year-old said after her second Grand Slam title following her 2018 French Open success.  For 37-year-old Williams, it was a third major final defeat in 12 months.  
 
"She played out of her mind, it was a little bit deer in the headlights for me," she said.
 
Williams, like in last year's final defeat by Angelique Kerber, seemed weighed down by public and personal expectations as she quickly fell 4-0 behind in the opening set. Halep had said beforehand that she had no pressure on her and that is exactly how she played. From the outset she looked relaxed and confident, attacking the Williams serve and keeping the rallies long and deep to force the American into errors.  
 
While Williams closed her eyes at changeovers to try to regroup, Halep kept her eyes on the prize and kept her cool to take the victory on her second match point, when the American sent a forehand into the net. 

by Linda Ikeji at 13/07

[Edoman]

We Won’t Fall For Algerians’ Antics, Omeruo Vows

Players and officials of the Super Eagles have stated that they are fully ready for the antics of the Desert Foxes of Algeria in today’s semifinal game at the on-going Total Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Today’s semifinal cracker holding at the Cairo International Stadium is tagged: ‘Final before the final’ of the competition, and the Super Eagles have said that they know the task ahead of them.

Speaking at a pre-match conference yesterday in Cairo, Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo said they wouldn’t fall to the football antics of the Algerians, which they are known for.

“The Algerians are known for their football antics; trying to provoke opponents to commit fouls. But we will take care of it. Our coach always says no foul, particularly around the 18-yard box. That will be our weapon in the match against the Algerians. We will beat them to their antics,” he stated.

Omeruo, who scored Super Eagles’ lone goal in the second Group B match against the Syli Nationale of Guinea in Alexandria, however, stated that today’s match would be tough.


“Any opponent at this stage of the competition is a tough team. We watched the match between Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire, and we saw how the Algerians played. But the Super Eagles is equally a tough team. We have players, who are capable of handling any situation. I am sure we will beat Algeria.”

Coach Gernot Rohr said he would parade the best squad in today’s semifinal, saying: “We have given some young players the opportunity to prove themselves in this competition. This is the semifinal and we have to parade our best. So far, the players have given a good account of themselves in this competition. They have given good image of the country, fighting on. And we will continue to fight on until we win the trophy.”

Despite eliminating some heavyweights in the competition, including the defending champions, Indomitable Lions of Cameroun and ‘stubborn’ Bafana Bafana of South Africa, Rohr says the Eagles should not be tagged the favourite for the trophy. “All the four teams in the semifinal are favourites for the title. I can only say we are second favourite.”

Meanwhile, an Algerian player, Sidi Abed has declared that they would do everything to conquer the Eagles in today’s semifinal, saying: “Nigeria has good players, but we know where to go and how to go about it tomorrow (today).”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/we-wont-fall-for-algerians-antics.html

[Edoman]

SPORT
Lampard singles out one Chelsea player after two pre-season games

 

 July 14, 2019



Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, has praised Christian Pulisic’s desire to get started on his career with the club quickly and believes the young American will be a big signing for them.
Pulisic signed with the Blues on a £57million ($72m) deal in January, but finished out the 2018/2019 season with Borussia Dortmund on loan.

The 20-year old just completed the Gold Cup with the US national team, where he scored three goals and added three assists, as he guided the Americans to the final.

Though the USA fell to rivals Mexico in the final, Pulisic was named the tournament’s best young player for his performances.

And while the Gold Cup final was only July 7, Lampard confirmed Pulisic will cut any prospective vacation short, to join up with Chelsea next week, just nine days after the Mexico defeat.

“Christian joins us on Tuesday. He’s had a short break, but he wanted to get back with us quickly, which I certainly appreciate.
“I appreciate that [coming straight off the Gold Cup]. It’s how I would have been.
“It’s a big move for him to a huge club. He’s a top young player. He’s only going to go one way in terms of his career – he’s going to go up and be a big signing for Chelsea. I hope so. I look forward to working with him.

“It’s important we start the season as well as we can. I know we have injuries – people back at Cobham now that are influential players for us at similar positions, so we’ll need him,” Lampard told reporters.

[Edoman]

SPORT
Mourinho refuses to endorse Chelsea appointing Lampard as new manager

 
on
 July 14, 2019
By
 Ifreke Inyang [/url]


Jose Mourinho has refused to publicly back Chelsea’s decision to appoint Frank Lampard as their new manager.
Lampard was appointed earlier this month as Maurizio Sarri’s replacement.

Mourinho, meanwhile, remains out of work after he was sacked by Manchester United last December.
Lampard was one of Mourinho’s key players at Chelsea and the pair won two Premier League titles, as well as the FA Cup during their time together at Stamford Bridge.
But despite their success, Mourinho declined the opportunity to send a message of support to Lampard, during his trip to Silverstone on Saturday.

Asked by Sky Sports if Lampard is the right appointment for Chelsea, Mourinho waved his finger and replied: “I don’t speak about football. My football? I have no football now.”
On his return to management, he added: “I am but I will wait for the right club, for the right project.
“And, in the meantime, I am doing things I like to do.

“I prefer to work, but I like other sports and this is a good opportunity to enjoy.”


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

[Edoman]

SPORT
Transfer: Arsenal submit £70m bid to sign Nicolas Pepe from Lille


 
on
 July 14, 2019
By
 Ifreke Inyang [/url]


Arsenal have submitted an €80million (£70m) offer to Lille for Nicolas Pepe, Telefoot reports.

Unai Emery is in the market for a new wide player and the club have already failed with a £40m offer for Wilfried Zaha, who Crystal Palace value at £80m.

Pepe also fits the profile Arsenal are looking for, but the 24-year-old has attracted interest from other big clubs following his impressive performances last season.

The Ivory Coast international scored 22 goals in Ligue 1 and registered 11 assists, but he lost out to Kylian Mbappe for the division’s Player of the Year award.

It is believed Lille is considering the bid for their star player.
[url=https://dailypost.ng/]

[Edoman]

Algeria Vs Nigeria: Atiku React To Super Eagles' Loss To Algeria


The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the February 23 election, H.E Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the outcome of the semi-final match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Algeria National football team in the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which ended in 2-1 in of favor Algeria team.


The Algeria National football team defeated the Super Eagles 2-1 on Sunday, July 14 at the Cairo International Stadium, to qualify for the Finals of the 2019 AFCON.


There was a own goal from Williams Troost-Ekong at the 40th minutes into first half of the game.


At the 72nd minutes of the game, Odion Ighalo netted a penalty kick which was awarded to the Super Eagles.


Riyad Mahrez netted another goal at the 5th minute of extra time of the game after the Algeria team were awarded a free kick which ensured that Gernot Rohr’s men got dumped out of the competition, Fox Meek can report.


Atiku wrote; “Well done @NGSuperEagles. We are forever proud of you. Though we didn’t make the finals, we stayed committed till the end. #TotalAFCON2019 #NGAALG”


Source; https://www.foxmeek.com/news/afcon-2019-atiku-react-to-super-eagles-loss-to-algeria