SPORTS UPDATE

[Edoman]

EPL: FA take final decision on Aubameyang playing against Sheffield, Chelsea

 January 15, 2020


Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s three-game ban has been upheld by the FA, following an appeal by Arsenal.

Aubameyang was sent off during the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace last Saturday.
The Gunners captain, who opened the scoring at Selhurst Park, saw red after a challenge on Max Meyer midway through the second half.


Referee Paul Tierney initially showed him a yellow card, but it was upgraded by VAR to a red.
Speaking to the club’s official website on Wednesday, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta said: “It has been confirmed that he is going to be suspended for three games.
“It’s a big shame and a big loss for us, because as well we know Auba’s intention when he plays. But unfortunately, he mistimed the tackle, he made a decision and we have to accept it.”


Aubameyang will miss fixtures against Sheffield United, Chelsea and Bournemouth

[Edoman]

Transfer: Arteta speaks on getting John Stones from Man City

 January 15, 2020



Arsenal head coach, Mikel Arteta, has admitted his admiration for John Stones, but insists he is not looking to bring him to the Emirates.


Stones has been linked with a loan move to the Gunners this week.
It is believed the England defender is keen on regular football, ahead of the European championships this year.



But speaking ahead of Arsenal’s game with Sheffield United on Saturday, Arteta has closed the door on the possibility of linking up with Stone, who he worked with during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad.
“No truth at all,” told reporters, when quizzed on a possible move for Stones.
“John is a player I really like. We followed him before we signed him when I was at City.



“I worked with him for many years, I know him well and when I look at centre-backs he has many attributes I like, but we are not interested in him.”

[Edoman]

LaLiga: Hazard criticizes two former Chelsea managers

 January 15, 2020



Real Madrid forward, Eden Hazard, has admitted that he was “less happy” when working under Italian coaches Antonio Conte and Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea.


Hazard spent seven years at Stamford Bridge, where he won two Premier League titles and one FA Cup.
The Belgium captain says he is now enjoying his training sessions under Zinedine Zidane.



“In training, we are always using the ball, there’s movement and mini-matches,” Hazard told Sport Magazine.

“When you meet Italian coaches like I did (Conte and Sarri) you are less happy.
“They are more rigid and repetitive.



“You find pleasure in victory (playing the way Real Madrid do). I spent three years with Italian coaches so to rediscover this pleasure again makes me happy.”

[Edoman]

Transfer: Chelsea striker set to leave for Inter Milan by weekend

 January 15, 2020



Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is set to join Inter Milan in the coming days, according to RMC Sport.


Giroud will sign a two-year contract at San Siro, with the Blues set to receive €6.5million.
The France striker has been restricted to just five Premier League appearances under Frank Lampard.



Giroud, 33, finds himself behind Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi in the pecking order.


Speaking on Giroud’s future last week, Lampard said: “With Oli, the situation is if it’s right for everybody, first and foremost for us as a club because he’s under contract, then we’ll look at whether he can leave the club.


“He’s been a great professional here, trained brilliantly, so I hold him in a lot of high regard for that. ‘But nothing is done yet.”

[Edoman]

Chichi Igbo captured the reaction on people's faces when they stare at her thinking she isn't watching






Retired Danish-Nigerian footballer Chichi Igbo, popularly known as Chified, had shared photos showing the expressions on people's faces when they stare at her, thinking she isn't watching.
 
The ripped female footballer, who mostly dresses in outfits considered masculine, naturally gets stares from people. She decided to capture the expressions of some of those who stare at her.
 
One photo shows a woman in iro and buba looking at Chified with disgust, her mouth turned down. Another shows a woman looking at the footballer with mild interest.
 
See below.
 



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[Edoman]

'It was a special duel, and it will remain forever': Lionel Messi speaks of his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo






Lionel Messi has admitted that his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo in Spain was special and it will remain forever.
 
Messi and Ronaldo played for Barcelona and Real Madrid, where they rivaled each other for the La Liga and Champions League titles from 2009-2018 as well as the Ballon D'Or, before the Portuguese footballer moved to Juventus. 
 
Speaking to DAZN about their rivalry, Messi said: "It was a special duel and it will remain forever because it lasted many years and it is not easy to maintain certain levels for a long time.
 
"Plus the teams we played in were also very demanding, both Real Madrid and Barcelona were the two best teams in the world."
 
The Argentinian also scored 472 times in all competitions for Barcelona between 2009 and 2018, while the Portuguese star registered 450 goals for Madrid.
 
Messi added: "Competing on an equal footing for so many years, I think it will remain forever.
 
"The sporting duel between us was very nice on a personal level and I think people had fun too, whether it was from Madrid or from Barca, or even only football fans in general."
 
RONALDO VS MESSI RIVALRY (2009-2018) 
 
Goals:  
Messi: 472; Ronaldo: 450
Assists:
Messi: 122; Ronaldo: 95
La Liga Trophies:
Messi: 7; Ronaldo: 2
Champions League Trophies:
Messi: 2; Ronaldo: 4 
Ballon D'Or 
Messi: 6: Ronaldo: 5
 
 

[Edoman]

Real Madrid 'agree £47m deal with Ajax for Donny van de Beek'






Spanish giants, Real Madrid have reportedly agreed a €55million (£47m) deal with Ajax to sign highly-rated Dutch midfielder, Donny van de Beek.
 
The Ajax star has been one of Europe's most wanted midfielders following his impressive performances at the Champions League last season.
 
According to Marca, a deal has been agreed to take the 22-year-old to the Bernabeu but he will not arrive until next summer. It was also claimed in the report that at least one current Real player will be shown the door to make space for Van de Beek.
 
Van de Beek's impending arrival in Spain comes as a blow to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who wanted to sign the Dutchman for Manchester United. 
 
The update comes after Van de Beek revealed he was not going to leave Ajax anytime soon. 
 
Speaking during Ajax's mid-season training camp in Qatar, the playmaker said: 'I have said it before and I will say it again: I will remain at Ajax this season. And maybe next season as well.
 
'These reports about Real Madrid or Manchester United are a good sign, but it is not important now. I've said I will stay at Ajax and I will do so, 100 percent.' 
 

[Edoman]

Manchester City Sign Camron Gbadebo, Nigerian Defender From Leicester City


Manchester City have snapped up Nigerian defender Camron Gbadebo from Premier League rivals Leicester City following a successful trial, according to various reports in the English press including Foxes Hub.

The 17-year-old is bidding farewell to the Foxes after nine appearances for their U18 team in the U18 Premier League.

Gbadebo previously turned out for the youth teams of Watford and Crystal Palace before he was acquired by Leicester City in 2018.

Writing on Instagram, Gbadebo said : "I'm so happy to announce that I’ve signed for @mancity.

"Thank you to every one that has supported me on my journey so far. This is only just the beginning!"

Gbadebo joins Flying Eagles invitee Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Felix Nmecha, Nathanael Ogbeta, Gavin Bazunu, Samuel Edozie and Timi Sobowale at the Manchester City Academy.

He is a product of the Kinetic Foundation Academy in South London that produced Nigeria internationals Joe Aribo and Josh Maja.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel


https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=34975

[Edoman]

2021 AFCON Moved From June To January Because Of Unfavorable Weather


The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations will start on 9 January after its dates were moved, hosts Cameroon have announced.

The tournament was scheduled to take place in June and July but was changed because of the "unfavourable" weather in the country at that time of year.

It means a number of Premier League clubs could be without first-team players at a crucial stage of the season.

The 2019 tournament in Egypt was the first one to be held in the summer.

Before that, the Cup of Nations had been held in January and February, clashing with the European domestic season.

The change back to a January start means that the tournament will not clash with the expanded Club World Cup, being held in China in June 2021.

Following a meeting on Wednesday with representatives from the Confederation of African Football (Caf), including president Ahmad, the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) tweeted: "It [2021 Africa Cup of Nations] will be played in Cameroon from 9 January to 6 February, 2021. Date changed for weather reasons at Cameroon's request."

Caf's deputy general secretary Tony Baffoe said: "We have reviewed the period of the competition as requested by the Cameroonian party due to unfavourable climatic conditions during the period initially slated.

"After listening to the various arguments and viewpoints - and in particular from the Cameroonian meteorological authorities, the coaches and players - the representatives of the Afcon organising committee, which received the mandate from Caf Executive Committee to take the decision, has granted this request.

"A detailed reported shall be presented to the members of the Executive Committee during its next session on 6 February."

Cameroon had been scheduled to host the 2019 Cup of Nations, but were stripped of that honour in November 2018. At the time, Caf said the decision had been made because of delays in the progress of Cameroon's preparations.

A month later, Caf announced that Cameroon had agreed to host the 2021 edition instead.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51119002

[Edoman]

UEFA Changed The Formation Of Their Team Of The Year To Accommodate Ronaldo.


REVEALED: UEFA changed the formation of their team of the year at the last minute to squeeze Cristiano Ronaldo in after Lionel Messi, Sadio Mane and Robert Lewandowski won more votes than him - with N'Golo Kante the unlucky man to dropped.

Cristiano Ronaldo was voted into the UEFA supporters' team of the year for 2019
But the Portuguese forward got less votes than Messi, Mane and Lewandowski
UEFA used a 4-2-4 formation to keep Ronaldo in and dropped N'Golo Kante
UEFA sensationally changed the formation of their fans' team of the year to accommodate Cristiano Ronaldo, Sportsmail can reveal.


On Wednesday, European football's governing body named the XI, which is voted for by supporters.

However, the formation picked was a rarely-used 4-2-4, which led to many puzzled queries.

It can now be disclosed that the reason for doing so was because the Portuguese megastar finished fourth in the forwards category, behind rival Lionel Messi, Liverpool's Sadio Mane and Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski.

UEFA chiefs were not impressed and so came up with the formation switch to allocate Juventus's Ronaldo, dropping a midfielder. The unlucky man is understood to have been Chelsea's N'Golo Kante.

The move raises serious questions over the integrity of the exercise and fans of the Chelsea man, not to mention the player himself, may well be furious.

UEFA decided to use an unorthodox 4-2-4 formation in order to keep Ronaldo in the team
UEFA decided to use an unorthodox 4-2-4 formation in order to keep Ronaldo in the team
Lionel Messi was voted into a place in the side by the two million fans who cast their votes
Lionel Messi was voted into a place in the side by the two million fans who cast their votes.

UEFA FANS' TEAM OF 2019
Goalkeeper: Alisson

Defence: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Matthijs De Ligt, Virgil Van Dijk, Andy Robertson

Midfield: Frenkie De Jong, Kevin De Bruyne

Attack: Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane

It is even understood that the initial announcement over the team was meant to be made public last week, but the Ronaldo decision and subsequent manoeuvring prompted a delay.

A source said: 'This is really not good. It is effectively vote rigging. Such is Ronaldo's popularity at a senior level within the organisation, alarm bells sounded when he did not make the cut and, as a result, the formation was changed. It makes you wonder what else they get up to.'

A UEFA spokesperson suggested the move was made thanks to Portugal's victory in the Nations League final. 'The formation for this year's team of the year was chosen to reflect the votes of the fans in parallel with the players' achievements in UEFA competitions,' they said.

The formation switch meant that a midfielder had to be dropped - N'Golo Kante was that player.

'As a result, there are five UEFA Champions League winners and four UEFA Nations League finalists (including one winner). The formation changes on a regular basis and this year is no exception.'

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva, who was in the Portugal team, finished 12th in the poll but it is thought there was a reluctance to drop Kante for someone in the same position.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7892159/UEFA-squeezed-Cristiano-Ronaldo-team-year-got-votes-rival-forwards.html

[Edoman]

Scores injured as irate fans of Katsina United hold Kano Pillars players, officials hostage for hours after match ended in 1-1 draw (photos)






Many were injured and stadium facility vandalized on Wednesday, during a clash between fans of Katsina United and Kano Pillars players at the Muhammadu Dikko stadium in Katsina State.
 
Trouble started after irate fans believed to be supporters of Katsina United held players and officials of Kano Pillars hostage for several hours after their week 15 Nigeria Professional Football League match ended in 1-1 draw.
 
Despite the presence of heavily armed security personnel at the stadium, the hoodlums succeeded in holding the visiting team hostage for several hours.
 
According to reports,  during the half time break, the visiting team had to stay back on the pitch for fear they would be attacked, if they returned to their dressing room.
 
The situation was said to have gotten out of hand when the thugs in their hundreds blocked all exit points at the end of the match.
 
Consequently, there were clashes between the home fans and visiting supporters with many suffering different degrees of injuries.
 

 
After some hours, players and officials of Kano Pillars were escorted out of town by well armed security personnel.
 
Following security reports that the route they had planned to follow was blocked, Pillars were forced to take another direction as they travelled back to Kano in the night.
 
Pillars Media officer, Malam Idris Malikawa said “We changed our route because we got security report that they blocked the road we wanted to follow. We are now passing through Daura to Kazaure and Kazaure to Kano. It is a shame that after all we did to have a hitch free-match, this is still happening. Football is not war,” he said.
 
More photos below...
 






 

[Edoman]

I left Watford for China because of money – Odion Ighalo






Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo has revealed that he left Watford where he carved a niche for himself to join Chinese side, Changchun Yatai back in 2017 because of money. 
 
The Nigerian striker who scored 33 goals in 82 matches for the English club revealed that before he left for China, he had offers from Crystal Palace and West Bromwich. 
 
Speaking to Watford Observer, Ighalo stated that he has no regret leaving England for China because it has made a remarkable impact in his career.
 
He said; 

“There’s lot of reasons I went there [China]. I wasn’t playing much in Watford and I did not want to keep sitting on the bench. 
“Watford fans don’t know it but I had an offer from Crystal Palace on the table and West Bromwich but the club was looking for big money and that’s why I accepted Changchun Yatai at the time. So, instead of me sitting down there and not playing I had to move.
“When the opportunity came for me I accepted it because China could pay what Watford wanted. But this is past tense now. I am happy and Watford are happy because they made a lot of money with me. And they are still my team in the Premier League.
“I don’t know about other players. Maybe they go there for different ambitions. Me? Yes, I went there for the money I am honest but I don’t know why other players go there for.”
“The league is really growing, they have a lot of foreign coaches and players who improve the league.
“All I can say is that the Chinese Super League is improving every day and I am very happy about my choice. Regrets? No everything is going well, I am happy there and working hard.”

 
 

[Edoman]

Lionel Messi having more Ballon d'Or wins than Cristiano Ronaldo is 'really annoying' - Juventus coach, Maurizio Sarri says









Last year, Lionel Messi won his sixth Ballon d'Or and broke ties with his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo after they dominated the prestigious annual honour for the last decade.
 
Maurizio Sarri, the coach of Juventus has now said that he is not happy that Lionel Messi has won the coveted award one more time than his forward, Cristiano Ronaldo. 
 
According to the Italian coach, it is 'really annoying' and he is determined to help Cristiano Ronaldo win another Ballon d'Or. 
 
'I would like to help Cristiano win the sixth Ballon d'Or first,' Sarri told reporters after their win over Udinese.
 
'It's really annoying thinking that someone won more [Ballons d'Or] than him. I think about him and I think helping him, it is my goal and the goal of the team. It is right for him.'
 
Sarri also tipped Paulo Dybala to challenge for the award in the future.
 
'Dybala is going to be one of the contenders in the next years. I think so,' Sarri added. 'Dybala is a top player. As every top player when they are becoming confident and having the right age, they are playing like a top player.
 
'I don't think a manager can teach something to a top player. Dybala is going to leave a mark in world and European football in the next years. 
 
He has got the right age to leave a mark and he's still got many years of his career. He is really confident in this moment after a few difficulties in the past.' 
 
SEE RONALDO AND MESSI'S BALLON D'OR DOMINANCE BELOW
2008: Cristiano Ronaldo 
2009: Lionel Messi
2010: Lionel Messi
2011: Lionel Messi
2012: Lionel Messi
2013: Cristiano Ronaldo
2014: Cristiano Ronaldo
2015: Lionel Messi
2016: Cristiano Ronaldo 
2017: Cristiano Ronaldo 
2019: Lionel Messi 
 
 

[Edoman]

Footballer Romelu Lukaku's followers poke fun at him after he shares photos of his new massive bed



               


Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku just moved to a new house and didn't waste time to show off his new bed.

The former Manchester United player, last week bought two luxury apartments in City Life, a new district near the San Siro, Milan, according to Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad and didn't waste time showing off his new massive bed.

The 26-year-old shared two photos on Instagram of him lying under the huge covers with the caption: 'New apartment, new bed.'
 
    

 
Lukaku's followers didn't waste time to seemingly poke fun at him with some saying the bed is big enough for over 10 people while defender Andrea Ranocchia commented: 'Is it for 15 people?'
Former Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles, who played with Lukaku during the striker's four years at Everton also joked: 'Bed for seven?'
 
               
           
      
   
      
Lukaku moved to Milan this season after spending over 6 years in England.

by

[Edoman]

SPORT
LaLiga: Barcelona president predicts who will coach team in future

 January 16, 2020


Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has confirmed that there is a break clause in the contract of new manager, Quique Setien.

The clause means Setien could leave the club in 2021, despite signing a two-and-a-half year deal.
The former Real Betis coach was only appointed this week as Ernesto Valverde’s replacement. 

Bartomeu, speaking to Sport, also said Xavi “will be the coach of Barcelona one day”.
He said: “The door is open to many coaches, but now we have a manager, Quique Setien.

“He’s signed for two-and-a-half years and I’ve explained the break clause in 2021 due to elections. If a new president wants to change the manager, they can.

“But, clearly, Xavi will be the coach of Barça one day, I have no doubt. He is very capable, he’s a person that perfectly understands our football, he’s hugely keen to do it and one day he will.

“But now it’s Quique Setien and I think and I hope it goes really well because he’s arrived full of motivation and he’s said he will follow our philosophy and style of play.
“There will be variations, of course, he will have his nuances, but I think with the players and talent we have, plus Quique Setien, it will go really well.

“However, I also want to say that Ernesto Valverde’s do a magnificent job. We’re grateful for the success and the trophies, his way of being, his talent, his professionalism and above all his intelligence.
“He’s left many good things at the club but it was the moment to give a new impulse to the team.”

[Edoman]

SPORT
Transfer: Details of Arsenal’s deal with PSG for Kurzawa revealed

 January 16, 2020


Arsenal are close to wrapping up a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender, Layvin Kurzawa, according to The Athletic.


The Gunners are in talks with the Ligue 1 champions for the France international left-back, who has just six months left on his current contract.

Negotiations are believed to now be at an advanced stage between the two clubs.

Arsenal are pushing to get a deal done for a fee around £6m for the 27-year-old, who moved to PSG from Monaco in 2015 in a deal worth close to €22million (£16m/$25m).


Since then he has won three league titles while at Parc des Princes, as well as three Coupes de France and three Coupes de Ligue.


Although Kurzawa started for PSG as they claimed a 4-1 win at Monaco, it was only his 13th appearance in all competitions this season.

[Edoman]

Pochettino names world’s greatest team, speaks on coaching another club in England, Spain

 January 16, 2020


Former Tottenham Hotspur manager, Mauricio Pochettino has identified Barcelona as one of the ‘greatest’ teams in the world.


He also refused to rule out the possibility of returning to management in either Spain or England.

The Argentine has been without a job since he was sacked by Tottenham last November.


Asked about the prospect of him returning to management in England or Spain, Pochettinho told La Liga TV in London on Wednesday: “For me I was so lucky to start my career as a manager at Espanyol in Barcelona and then to come to the Premier League to learn a different language and culture and I am a better person today.

“I have more knowledge and had a great experience. The Premier League is the Premier League. Football was born here in England but I think LaLiga has amazing football and amazing coaches.

“Coaches like Gustavo (Poyet) and myself, we try and be in the best place, and England and Spain are the two best leagues in the world.”

Pochettino added: “Barcelona, of course, are one of the greatest teams in the world.

“Of course now with the new manager everyone is expecting him to continue the same philosophy.

“Valverde did a fantastic job in La Liga and with Barcelona and it’s a massive challenge for Quique Setien. He showed unbelievable love for [Johan] Cruyff and the style of football of Barcelona.


“I think it’s a great opportunity for him to live his dream and it’s so amazing to follow what’s going to happen.”

[Edoman]

Chelsea defender Reece James signs new five-year deal worth £25million



                


Chelsea youngster Reece James has tied his future to the London club after signing a new five-year deal worth £25million on Thursday.
 
After enjoying a loan spell at Wigan, James returned to Chelsea this season buoyed by the Chelsea ban on signing players, and made 18 appearances for Chelsea this season establishing himself as a first team player.
 
James will earn a basic of £80,000-per-week and guaranteed £20m over the course of the deal. But with bonuses, his weekly wage will rise to around £100,000-a-week and there are plans to make him one of the best paid young defenders in world football.
 
The player who joined Chelsea aged eight, said: 'It has been my dream to be here at Chelsea and play week in week out and to have a contract for another five-and-a-half years is living the dream again.
 
                
 
'I have always wanted to be here and another five-and-a-half years means a lot to me and a lot to my family.
'There are a few of us playing in Chelsea's first team now who have all come through the academy at the same time and that's great.
'It shows how well the academy brought us through and how well we are doing.'

[buyinstagramuk]

Villarreal are set to offer Samuel Chukwueze a new deal, which will also see his release clause rise up to €60million (about N24bn), Marca reports. The move is to ward off reported interest from Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. The Super Eagles winger’s current deal .http://epicfollowers.co.uk/

[Edoman]

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola confirms his players including the married ones partied with 22 Italian Instagram models






Manchester City coach, Pep Guardiola has confirmed that his squad partied with 22 Italian Instagram models after he gave them permission following their 6-1 win against Aston Villa last weekend. 
 
This comes days after the Sun reported that Manchester City stars including married footballers flew 22 Italian Instagram models out to Cheshire for team bonding night at £150-a-night Mere Golf Resort in Knutsford
 
The team bonding session was organized by fixers close to the club and Guardiola confirmed he was aware of the party and even disclosed that he encourages his players to spend time together away from training.

I knew it. When they have time, they make a lot of times dinners together, with the staff,’ Guardiola said.
 
‘They did it many times anyway. And I like it when they are together outside here, the do it sometimes at home, sometimes in a restaurant, as was the case. It was nice.’ 
 
Some of the models including famous stars Amira Paula, Marta Tejada Italian TV presenter, and Chriara Giuffrida among many others took to Instagram to document their Cheshire stay with videos in the spa and other photos that showed them relaxing, dressed in skimpy bikinis.