Sports Updates

[Edoman]

Spurs boss Mourinho urges Vinicius to toughen up in Premier League

27 November 2020, 



Jose Mourinho claimed Carlos Vinicius must learn to throw his weight around to make an impact with Tottenham in the Premier League after impressing in the Europa League.


Vinicius scored twice in Tottenham's 4-0 rout of Ludogorets in Europa League Group J on Thursday to leave Spurs within a point of reaching the knockout phase.


The brace was Vinicius' first goals for Tottenham since he joined the London club on a season-long loan deal from Portuguese giants Benfica in October.


Vinicius has contributed to five goals (two goals and three assists) in four Europa League appearances for Spurs this term.


Speaking at a post-match media conference head coach Mourinho, however, told Vinicius he must learn to handle the Premier League's physicality become a success in England.


"He is not playing a lot, especially in Premier League, but he helped us to win the game at West Bromwich Albion and in Europa League he is doing okay and adapting," said Mourinho.


"It was good that he scored important goals. Then in the second half he assists Lucas Moura for his goal.

"He is a big boy, a strong boy and needs to be more physical in the Premier League, but I am happy.
"It is good for the team to have that because for example last season, if Harry Kane needed a rest - we couldn't and because Vinicius is here, the squad is much more balanced."


Vinicius' second goal owed much to a piece of selfless play by Dele Alli, who has been on the fringes of Tottenham's impressive run this season.
But the attacking midfielder's attitude in the win against the Bulgarian visitors impressed Mourinho.


"The second one is 75 per cent Dele Alli's goal," added Mourinho. "That's the team. He could try to score but for Vinicius it was an easy goal. A team player does that. No risk and 2-0. Doesn't surprise me that he did that."


Tottenham have won five consecutive matches in all competitions for the first time since November 2018, under Mauricio Pochettino (a run of six), whilst they have kept three consecutive clean sheets for the first time since April 2019.


Spurs head to Mourinho's former club Chelsea on Sunday, but he claimed a trip to Stamford Bridge will be about the three points and not the sentimentality of the occasion.


He told BT Sport: "Every game is every game, in the Premier League I don't make any difference because every game you can gain points or lose points. We don't look to the table we look to matches."

[Edoman]

Nigeria's Super Eagles drop three spots on latest Fifa ranking







The Super Eagles of Nigeria have dropped a massive three spots on the FIFA/Cocacola rankings after having back to back draws against Sierra Leone this month
 
In the latest Fifa global rankings for November, Nigeria have slipped to 35th position after playing 4-4 and 0-0 back-to-back draws against Sierra Leone in their 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.
 
Nigeria is now the fourth best country in Africa with Senegal retaining the no. 1 spot, followed by Tunisia and Algeria in the second and third positions, respectively.
 
Meanwhile Sierra Leone - who made a come back from 4-0 to 4-4 against the Super eagles in Nigeria before playimg alt='Nigeria's Super Eagles drop three spots on latest Fifa ranking' class='img-responsive text-center' style='margin: auto;' a 0-0 draw in their home - are among the biggest movers on the continent as they climbed four places to 116th in the world.
 
Equatorial Guinea and Burundi climbed 10 spots after avoiding defeats in their Afcon qualifying games against Libya and Mauritania, respectively. They are the biggest climbers in Africa.
 

[Edoman]

Covid-19: Barcelona agree salary slash worth €122million with players and staff







Barcelona football club have reached an agreement with their playing squad to slash salaries by €122 million (£110m/$146m) over the next three years, the club has announced.
 
The club has been forced to make cuts to their budget after La Liga authorities imposed a lower salary cap upon the club last week, so the club could offset financial difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
However, the club announced it will still pay out €50 million (£45m/$60m) per season during the three year period on wage packets.
 
La Liga president Javier Tebas brought in the financial measures to reduce spending by clubs since income streams have reduced due to the ban of supporters from stadiums amid the ongoing pandemic.
 
After weeks of negotiations with key figures such as Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and coach Ronald Koeman, Barca have now confirmed their new financial road map.
"Today, the parties have reached an agreement in principle that allows an adjustment to salaries for the current season," the club confirmed Friday, November 27, in a statement.
"[This is] for an amount of €122 million [in] fixed remuneration, which is added to the deferral for three years of variable remuneration from this season [onward], budgeted at an approximate figure of €50 million.
"This principle of agreement is pending ratification in the coming days by the group of players and coaches affected.
"The agreement, if it is ratified, will be a milestone of great importance to redirect the current economic situation.
"That both parties recognise the great effort that has had to be made to reach this principle of agreement, [they should] congratulate themselves for it."

Barcelona have struggled this season. They have won and lost three games which sees them stuck in 13th position.
 

[Edoman]

EPL: Mourinho reveals Tottenham’s game plan against Chelsea


 
on
 November 29, 2020



Tottenham Hotspur manager, Jose Mourinho has revealed Spurs’ game plan against Chelsea ahead of both side’s Premier League clash on Sunday evening.


Mourinho said his team would go to Stamford Bridge with the desire to win the match against Chelsea, adding that they would try to score more goals than Frank Lampard’s men.


Mourinho’s men head to the game following a 4-0 victory against Ludogorets in the Champions League on Thursday.

Speaking of his side’s game plan against Chelsea, Mourinho was quoted by Tottenham’s official website as saying on Saturday at his pre-match press conference: “Score more goals than them! We go to win like we always do. Against Manchester City, we went to win. It’s going to be difficult, but not easy for them.”


Mourinho added: “It’s always difficult to play Chelsea. If I’m not wrong, the last 16 years they won the Premier League five times, and they didn’t finish in the Champions League positions only once.

“They have an amazing squad, so I’m not even worried about who is going to play, because they only have very good players.”


The kick-off time for the Chelsea vs Tottenham match is 5:30 pm.

[Edoman]

Madrid's Zidane alarmed by lack of consistency after shock LaLiga loss

29 November 2020, 


Zinedine Zidane said he is concerned by Real Madrid's lack of consistency following their shock defeat to Deportivo Alaves.


LaLiga champions Madrid were stunned 2-1 by visiting Alaves at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium on Saturday.


Lucas Perez's fifth-minute penalty and Joselu's goal four minutes into the second half put Alaves in control before Casemiro reduced the deficit with four minutes of regulation remaining.


Madrid had beaten Inter 2-0 in the Champions League during the week but were unable to back up that result as Los Blancos lost for the third time in their last six LaLiga matches – as many defeats as they had in their previous 42 fixtures in the competition.

It was only the second time Alaves won away to Madrid in LaLiga, having previously upstaged the Spanish and European powerhouse at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2000.


"I think that's the problem we are having at the moment. Consistency," head coach Zidane, who saw star attacker Eden Hazard hobble off in the Spanish capital, told reporters. "That's why we have to try and improve.


"We've had a lot of injuries. We're not going to try to find excuses but that's the reality.


"Hopefully we can get players back for our next game and hopefully we can improve the dynamic in the squad overall because we have to change it. In three days we've played two completely different games.


"The difference between the Inter game and today is enormous. I don't really have the words to describe what’s happened but I know we're going to analyse the game today and think about changing things for our next game."


Madrid, who have conceded at least one penalty goal in three successive LaLiga games for the first time in the 21st century, are fourth and six points off the pace as Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid both boast 23 points.

[Edoman]

Juve must learn to win without Ronaldo, insists Pirlo

29 November 2020, 


Juventus head coach Andrea Pirlo said the Serie A champions must learn to win without Cristiano Ronaldo after the superstar missed Saturday's draw against Benevento.


Ronaldo was rested as Juve produced another below-par performance in their 1-1 draw away to Benevento.


Alvaro Morata's 21st-minute opener was cancelled out by Benevento's Gaetano Letizia on the stroke of half-time, before the former was sent off at the death.


Juve are three points adrift of leaders Milan and Pirlo urged his side to improve in the absence of Ronaldo – who has scored eight goals in five Serie A appearances this season.


"Ronaldo is a very important player, not only for us," Pirlo told reporters post-match.


"He was for Real Madrid and for previous Juventus.


"This kind of players are game and goals catalysts, but we must win this kind of games with or without Ronaldo. We must improve this side.


Juve have won only one of their last nine away matches in Serie A, dating back to last season.
The Italian powerhouse – who have four wins and five draws so far in Serie A – have also drawn at least five of their first nine league games of the season for the first time since 2001-02.


"I am not worried, but we must start thinking that games are going on and we are losing many points," added Pirlo.


"We need to change our path, our mentality and our personality because all the matches are not the same."

[Edoman]

Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Bordeaux: Champions pegged back again as old boys combine

28 November 2020, 


Paris Saint-Germain dropped points from a winning position for the second week running as Bordeaux recovered a 2-2 draw at the Parc des Princes.


PSG collapsed from two goals up to lose at Monaco in their previous Ligue 1 game and again failed to make the most of an advantage after Neymar had turned Saturday's match in their favour.


The reigning champions trailed to debutant Timothee Pembele's 10th-minute own goal, but Neymar equalised with a penalty he won himself for his 50th Ligue 1 strike in his 58th appearance - a 21st-century record - and then had a hand in Moise Kean's swift second.


Thomas Tuchel's side were comfortable until 20-year-old PSG academy graduate Yacine Adli brought Bordeaux back level less than two minutes after his introduction, dealing the capital club another early blow in their title defence.


Second-placed Lille can now move level on points at the summit with victory at Saint-Etienne on Sunday, perhaps sensing an opportunity as PSG stumble from one blunder to the next.


Pembele's headed own goal from Hatem Ben Arfa's corner, needlessly conceded by Presnel Kimpembe, set the tone for the chaos that was to come.


Benoit Costil saved well from Alessandro Florenzi following wonderful work by Rafinha, but the goalkeeper was outwitted by Neymar from 12 yards after the Brazil superstar took possession from Ben Arfa, tempted a trip from Otavio and successfully appealed for a VAR review

PSG were in front just 65 seconds later as Costil clumsily spilled Neymar's shot and Kean rifled in the rebound.


Costil was more convincing as he turned Kylian Mbappe's finish over and produced an even better save moments later to help an effort from the same man onto the post, before Sergio Rico got down to a Mehdi Zerkane attempt at the other end.
An exquisite Mbappe backheel was ruled out for offside shortly after the restart and PSG were made to pay when Adli shaped a fine finish inside the right-hand post from Ben Arfa's square ball.


Ben Arfa appeared determined to rock his former side further, sending substitute Nicolas de Preville clear to see a shot saved, but had to settle instead for a point that represents a far better result for his current employers.

[Edoman]

Guardiola hails clinical Mahrez, says Man City top performers will not be rotated

28 November 2020, 


Pep Guardiola will demand "more, more, more" from his players after they thumped Burnley 5-0 on the back of Riyad Mahrez's hat-trick.


Benjamin Mendy and Ferran Torres were also on target as Guardiola's side found their scoring form, having struggled in front of goal in the early months of the season.


In his role as chief destroyer, Mahrez took his goals haul to seven in his last four Premier League appearances against Burnley.


His overall total of eight career goals against the Clarets means he has scored more against them in the Premier League than any other side.


The Algerian winger also took his tally of goal involvements in the Premier League to 102 (61 goals, 41 assists), making him the sixth African player to reach triple figures in the competition.



Such an impact means Mahrez looks set for a run in the City team, with Guardiola insisting the time for squad rotation in the Premier League is over, at least until the Champions League knockout rounds begin in February.


"Of course there will be players who are tired and need some rest," Guardiola said, "but they will play, the guys who defend well and score goals.


"The guys who do it will have more chances to play. It's not about right now making rotations. They are going to play more, more, more until they are tired."


Mahrez has clearly helped his cause, with the big win largely of his making, and Guardiola urged others to follow the former Leicester City player's lead.


"The last week or few days he's been much, much better and we saw him sharper," Guardiola said.
"Of course [a big win] can help us, especially for Riyad. Riyad has to score goals, the other ones have to score goals, [Raheem] Sterling when he plays has to score goals, and they don't score much.


"They have to score goals and that's the reason why they are here and play up front."
In the final reckoning, City had 68.6 per cent of possession and 19 shots to Burnley's nine.


Twice in the Premier League this season, City have taken more shots at goal, but they could not force a win on either occasion, losing 2-0 to Tottenham despite having 22 attempts and drawing 1-1 with Leeds United regardless of their 23 shots at the West Yorkshire side's goal.


City had scored just 10 times and lost twice in their opening eight Premier League games this season, which was hardly the start their manager wanted after being pushed aside by a rampant Liverpool in last season's one-sided title race.


Now, after inflicting another 5-0 defeat on Burnley - strangely, that has been the scoreline in their last four Etihad Stadium clashes with Sean Dyche's side - there is greater cause for optimism.


But Guardiola does not mind by how many goals his team win, as long as they continue to beat rival sides.


"It's not important; the important thing is winning games," said the former Barcelona head coach. "You can win it with a big margin and that's good, but I'm not expecting that every game we go out there and score a lot of goals.


"The important thing is to create the chances - every game we have a lot and today we were good and we converted."


For an afternoon at least, City did not miss Sergio Aguero.


The Argentine striker's knee injury has meant he has missed most of the season to date, and Guardiola reported that remained a problem, saying Aguero had been unable to train earlier in the day.


"We know the injury he had is not easy for the recovery. We have to handle it as best as possible," Guardiola said. "When he is ready he will start to train with us and play."

[Edoman]

Papa Bouba Diop Dies Aged 42 

Former Senegal, Fulham and Portsmouth midfielder Papa Bouba Diop has died aged 42.

Bouba Diop made 129 appearances in the Premier League and also had spells in England with West Ham and Birmingham City.

He played for Senegal at the 2002 World Cup and scored the winner in the tournament's opening game as his country beat France 1-0.

"Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero," Fifa posted on social media.

A post on Fulham's Twitter account said the club was "devastated" and, using Bouba Diop's nickname, added: "Rest well, Wardrobe."

BBC

WHO IS PAPA BOUBA DIOP?

Papa Bouba Diop (28 January 1978 – 29 November 2020) was a Senegalese professional footballer. His preferred position was defensive midfield but he could also play as a centre back, where he previously played at Lens. Diop was considered a strong and aggressive player.

His playing style and ability drew comparisons to Patrick Vieira. Diop's second of a total of 11 international goals for Senegal came in a 1–0 defeat of then-world champions France in the opening match of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, in Senegal's first ever match at the FIFA World Cup.

Wikipedia

Bouba Diop played for RC Lens, Fulham, Portsmouth, AEK Athens, West Ham United, Birmingham City, amongst others

We are devastated to hear news reports this evening that Papa Bouba Diop has passed away, aged 42.

Rest well, Wardrobe �

Fulham FC

FIFA is saddened to learn of the passing of Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop.

Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero.

FIFA WorldCup

Everyone at West Ham United is saddened to learn of the passing of Papa Bouba Diop at just 42.

A part of our 2011/12 promotion-winning squad, he'll always be a part of our Club. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

Rest in peace, Papa ❤️

West Ham United

We are devastated to learn of the passing of former player Papa Bouba Diop at the age of 42.

Our thoughts are with Papa’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time. �

Birmingham City

� We’re devastated to hear reports that FA Cup winner Papa Bouba Diop has passed away after a long illness, aged just 42

Rest in peace, The Wardrobe ��

#Pompey

Portsmouth FC

It is with great sadness that the Racing Club de Lens has just learned of the disappearance of its former player Papa Bouba #Diop, at the age of 42 years. We offer our deepest condolences to his loved ones. �❤️� #LensoisPourToujours #rclens

RC Lens

We send you all our thoughts in this painful time and send our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones �

Toulouse FC

Papa Bouba Diop scored Senegal's first World Cup goal against then holders, France.
Senegal were pitched in Group A against France, Denmark and Uruguay.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaBkN-Dyx58

[Edoman]

My dressing room is not happy – Mourinho reacts to Tottenham’s draw with Chelsea


 
on
 November 29, 2020



Tottenham Hotspur manager, Jose Mourinho, has claimed his players were not happy in the dressing room, following their 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Sunday.
Mourinho’s men came into the game at Stamford Bridge looking to go top with three points, after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Brighton on Saturday.


Spurs indeed went top with one point. But Mourinho, speaking to Sky Sports after the game, said his team was not delighted.

“My dressing room is not happy and that is the best thing to take from the game.


“We are not happy and for me that is fantastic, it is a change of mentality,” Mourinho said.


He however admitted that “it is a game where we respect them and they respect us. No one gambled.”

[Edoman]

EPL: Lampard hits back at Mourinho over title claims


 
on
 November 30, 2020



Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, has disagreed with his Tottenham counterpart, Jose Mourinho, that they are not in the title race after the Portuguese coach described his side as “just a pony”.


Spurs remain top of the Premier League after a 0-0 draw between the two sides at Stamford Bridge.


Although Spurs maintained their position at the top of the table, after the game Mourinho claimed Chelsea were bigger contenders and his side were heavy underdogs.

But Lampard refused to buy Mourinho’s comments and sees Tottenham as a legitimate challenger for the title.
When told about Mourinho’s comments, Lampard replied: “It’s Jose’s call to say it how he sees it from his end. But from the outside they’re top of the league or very close to the top.


“If we’re contenders then they have to be contenders. I think if you’ve got Harry Kane and Son in your team – Son’s got nine goals, Harry’s got seven – they keep clean sheets well because of the organisation of their team, they would expect to be in the race.

“They’ve invested heavily, they’ve got people like Gareth Bale sitting on the bench, Dele Alli’s not here, there’s a strong squad there.


“So I think we’re all competing, but Jose can say it as he sees it.”

[Edoman]

EPL: The truth about Ozil’s situation at Arsenal will come out – Wilshere
 
on
 November 30, 2020



Former England midfielder, Jack Wilshere, has said the truth about Mesut Ozil’s exile at Arsenal will come out “one day”.


Ozil has not played under manager, Mikel Arteta since football resumed after lockdown.


The German playmaker has also been excluded from the squads for both the Premier League and Europa League.


Wilshere believes the 32-year-old should be playing a more prominent role for Arsenal, as they continue to struggle on the domestic front.

“I think he’d be a big player in that team,” Wilshere told Sky Sports.


“I would love to see Ozil play in that team under Arteta but obviously that’s not happening at the moment. He could get on the ball and feed the likes of [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang and [Alexandre] Lacazette.


“I loved playing with him. He was a top player. It’s a shame, but what is happening is happening, and no one knows but I’m sure everyone will find out one day.”

[Edoman]

Odegbami: Will The World End If Rohr Is Sacked?

Odegbami: Will The World End If Rohr Is Sacked?

In the aftermath of the two matches between the Leone Stars and the Super Eagles I have refused to make any comments. I have been besieged with questions about why I have remained silent. I am surprised that people are surprised that I have been unusually quiet. What more is there for me to say?

One year ago, or so, I was vehemently opposed to the renewal of the contract of Franco-German coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr. I screamed and shouted to the point where some people thought I had personal issues with the coach. My take was simple: the coach may have been good for the standards set for him by his employers, but surely he was not good enough for the vision most Nigerians have about the place of their national team in the world considering the country’s achievements, capacity and capability. I thought I must belong to a different planet from those that elongated our collected agony by renewing Rohr’s contract, because not only was extended by several more years they now offered him a contract so tightly legally put together that the country cannot sack him for the next 3 years without breaking the vaults of Nigeria’s Central bank.

The man became so comfortable that he presented us with the worst football match in our entire history against ordinary Sierra Leone and did not even apologise. He committed unforgivable blunders in the kind of substitutions he made. His entire attitude on the bench was unserious throughout the period of Nigerians’ pain and humiliation.



So, those who renewed his contract are reaping what they sowed. Period. Unfortunately, it is every single one of 200 million Nigerians that will have to pay the price in money and in failed expectations.

It is obvious that those in charge have set small goals for him because they too have such small dreams about Nigerian football.


The match was a test about the true character of Gernot Rohr and his competency as a football tactician. Once again he failed woefully.

I still cannot fathom the special job he is doing as manager of the Super Eagles that any number of Nigerians with better qualifications, but underrated by their own, cannot do better. If this is what he has to offer the country after 4 years, with the humongous wages he is being paid, then there is something wrong with who we are.

The matches against Sierra Leone are bereft of any tactical depth and understanding. There is no acceptable excuse for the result of the match in Benin City. It was such a bad advertisement for Nigerian football and Nigerian players, particularly those of them that are Diaspora born and bred. It is making us dream home-based players and domestic Nigerian football again.


My wonder is that after such a match any Nigerian would still be defending the coach. We had sacked several coaches and even administrators in the past for a fraction of what we all saw in the two matches. A Nigerian coach had even been sacked after winning the biggest football trophy in Africa. Yet, this man is treated with kid gloves, shoved in our faces in the manner of colonial enslavement and Nigerians are made to swallow the bitter pill, pain, humiliation and shame. Gernot Rohr has been given too much long rope.

He may be considered a good coach using some people’s standards, but by mine, I join with Aiyegbeni Yakubu, our celebrated football hero, who was quoted recently as saying that the German may be the worst coach in the history of Nigerian football.

Thank God, I am not in any position to influence anything. In the days of yore, a tsunami in football administration would have happened by now. Thank God we are in strange times. Coaches are overprotected.

I would have sworn that with the evidence of his capability laid bare by Nigeria’s failure at two critical moments during the World Cup in Russia and the AFCON in Egypt, the country will not be led by the nose again with the narrow sentiments of a few administrators and sports writers that stand to benefit from sustaining the vestiges of a colonial mentality that embraces everything White and condemns everything Black.

The rather ‘stupid’ question I have been asking myself in the solitude of my silence is this: will the world end if Gernot Rohr is sacked?

‘Abeg, make I remain silent o, and siddon look the drama of Nigerian sports administrators wey dey celebrate nonsense and some people dey clap hand’

https://www.completesports.com/odegbami-will-the-world-end-if-rohr-is-sacked/

[Edoman]

FA Cup third round draw: Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea discover opponents [Full fixtures]


 
on
 November 30, 2020



The draw for the third round of the FA Cup was conducted on Monday night.
Holders Arsenal will host Newcastle, as they begin their quest to win a record-extending 15th title.
Manchester United welcome Watford, Chelsea have been handed a home tie against Morecambe, while Wolves and Crystal Palace clash in an all-Premier League affair.
Tottenham Hotspur are away at Marine, Stoke City host Leicester City and Aston Villa take on champions Liverpool.

The matches will be played during the weekend that begins January 8, 2021.
FULL FIXTURES:
Huddersfield vs Plymouth Argyle
Southampton vs Shrewsbury Town
Chorley vs Derby County
Marine vs Tottenham
Wolves vs Crystal Palace
Stockport County vs West Ham
Oldham Athletic vs Bournemouth
Manchester United vs Watford
Stevenage vs Swansea City
Everton vs Rotherham United
Nottingham Forest vs Cardiff
Arsenal vs Newcastle
Barnsley vs Tranmere Rovers
Bristol Rovers vs Sheffield United

Canvey Island or Boreham Wood vs Millwall
Blackburn Rovers vs Doncaster Rovers
Stoke City vs Leicester
Wycombe Wanderers vs Preston
Crawley Town vs Leeds United
Burnley vs MK Dons
Bristol City vs Portsmouth
QPR vs Fulham
Aston Villa vs Liverpool
Brentford vs Middlesbrough
Manchester City vs Birmingham City
Luton Town vs Reading
Chelsea vs Morecambe
Exeter City vs Sheffield Wednesday
Norwich City vs Coventry City
Blackpool vs West Brom
Newport County vs Brighton

Cheltenham Town vs Mansfield Town

[Edoman]

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[color=var(--atc)]We have missed Osimhen – Gattuso

 December 1, 2020




[url=https://punchng.com/we-have-missed-osimhen-gattuso/]
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Gennaro Gattuso has admitted that Victor Osimhen has been sorely missed after missing the club’s last two games since he suffered a dislocated shoulder  on international duty.[/color]


The 21-year-old dislocated his shoulder during Nigeria’s 4-4 draw against Sierria Leone during a 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin City, Edo State.


“We have missed Osimhen in recent weeks, remember, he is an important player,” Gattuso told Sky Sports.

The Nigerian left Ligue 1 where he shot himself into the limelight by posting impressive performances for the French side Lille.


The former Sporting Charleroi player has scored two goals for the Gattuso-led side and he has played a total six matches.

[Edoman]

Super Falcons star, Asisat Oshoala nominated for 2020 UEFA fans’ Women’s Team of the Year











Super Falcons star, Asisat Oshoala, who plays as a striker for Barcelona Femení has been nominated for the 2020 UEFA fans’ Women’s Team of the Year.
 
The Nigerian international, 26, who has scored twice this season for the Spanish women’s side is the only Nigerian female player shortlisted, among the 50-woman listed for the award by UEFA on Tuesday.
 
“The nominees are proposed by the UEFA editorial team before being validated by the Technical Observer panel on the basis of their performances in UEFA competitions and domestic competitions within UEFA member associations from January to December 2020,” UEFA said in a statement on Tuesday. 
 
“The UEFA.com Women’s Team of the Year is chosen to reflect the votes of the fans in parallel with players’ achievements over the course of the calendar year, moderated by the UEFA Technical Observer panel.”
 
See the full list of nominees below:
 
Goalkeepers: Sarah Bouhaddi (Lyon & France), Christiane Endler (Paris Saint-Germain & Chile), Hedvig Lindahl (Wolfsburg/Atlético & Sweden), Sandra Paños (Barcelona & Spain), Sari van Veenendaal (Atlético/PSV Eindhoven & Netherlands).
 
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Lyon/Manchester City & England), Kadeisha Buchanan (Lyon & Canada), Paulina Dudek (Paris Saint-Germain & Poland), Kathrin Hendrich (Bayern/Wolfsburg & Germany), Magdelena Eriksson (Chelsea & Sweden), Steph Houghton (Manchester City & England), Dominique Janssen (Wolfsburg & Netherlands), Sakina Karchaoui (Montpellier/Lyon & France), Mapi León (Barcelona & Spain), Maren Mjelde (Chelsea & Norway), Lena Oberdorf (Essen/Wolfsburg & Germany), Irene Paredes (Paris Saint-Germain & France), Wendie Renard (Lyon & France), Marta Torrejón (Barcelona & Spain), Leah Williamson (Arsenal & England).
 
Midfielders: Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea & England), Daniëlle van de Donk (Arsenal & Netherlands), Ingrid Engen (Wolfsburg & Norway), Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir (Wolfsburg/Lyon & Iceland), Kheira Hamraoui (Barcelona & France), Amandine Henry (Lyon & France), Svenja Huth (Wolfsburg & Germany), Ji So-yun (Chelsea & South Korea), Saki Kumagai (Chelsea & Japan), Kim Little (Arsenal & Scotland), Lina Magull (Bayern & Germany), Amel Majri (Lyon & France), Dzsenifer Marozsán (Lyon & Germany), Alex Popp (Wolfsburg & Germany), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona & Spain).
 
Forwards: Delphine Cascarino (Lyon & France), Kadidiatou Diani (Paris Saint-Germain & France), Beth England (Chelsea & England), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus & Italy), Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona & Norway), Pernille Harder (Wolfsburg/Chelsea & Denmark), Jenni Hermoso (Barcelona & Spain), Marie-Antoinette Katoto (Paris Saint-Germain & France), Eugénie Le Sommer (Lyon & France), Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal & Netherlands), Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona & Nigeria), Ewa Pajor (Wolfsburg & Poland), Nikita Parris (Lyon & England), Fridolina Rolfö (Wolfsburg & Sweden), Jill Roord (Netherlands & Arsenal).
 

[Edoman]

Jude Ighalo, Asisat Oshoala, Alex Iwobi, other Nigerian football stars celebrate Amaju Pinnick as he turns 50 today







The President of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, Amaju Pinnick is celebrating his 50th birthday today December 1.
 
Nigerian football stars including Jude Ighalo, Asisat Oshoala, Alex Iwobi, Maduka Okoye, Kelechi Iheanacho, and others came together in a video to send him their best wishes as he celebrates his golden jubilee.
 
Happy birthday to him!
 
Watch the video below
 
 
 

[Edoman]

Stephanie Frappart set to make history as the first female referee to take charge of a men's Champions League










French referee, Stephanie Frappart will become the first-ever female official to referee a men's Champions League game when she oversees Juventus vs Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday, December 2.
 
The 36-year-old became the first woman to referee a major men's European match when she took charge of the UEFA Super Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea in Istanbul last year. 
 
She also officiated the 2019 Women's World Cup final between the United States and Holland and became the first female referee to take charge of a French Ligue 1 match when Amiens played Strasbourg in April last year.
 
She oversaw her first Europa League game in October when Leicester City hosted Zorya Luhansk.
 
Juventus, who have already qualified for the last-16, are second in Group G with nine points from four games, eight points clear of Dynamo Kiev, and three behind Barcelona, who face Ferencvaros on Wednesday.

[Edoman]

Oshoala Nominated For UEFA Fans’ Team Of The Year

Oshoala nominated for UEFA Fans’ Team of the Year

Asisat Oshoala has been nominated for the 2020 UEFA Fans' Team of the Year. The Barcelona forward has scored two goals this season after scoring 20 goals in 19 league games to help her side to the league title last season.

Here is a full list of all the nominees.


2020 UEFA Women Fans’ Team of the Year Full List

Goalkeepers

Sarah Bouaddi (Lyon)
Christiane Endler (PSG)
Hedvig Lindahl (Atletico Madrid)
Sandra Panos (Barcelona)
Sari Van Veenendaal


Defenders

Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Lucy Bronze (Manchester City)
Kadeisha Buchanan (Lyon)
Paulina Dudek (PSG)
Magdalena Eriksson (Chelsea)
Kathrin Hendrich (Wolfsburg)
Steph Houghton (Manchester City)
Dominique Janssen (Wolfsburg)
Sakina Karchaoni (Lyon)
Mapi Leon (Barcelona)
Maren Mjelde (Chelsea)
Lena Oberdorf (Wolfsburg)
Irene Paredes (PSG)
Wendie Renard
(Lyon)
Martha Torrejon (Barcelona)


Midfielders

Sara Bjork (Lyon)
Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea)
Ingrid Engen (Wolfsburg)
Kheira Hamraoui (Barcelona)
Amadine Henry (Lyon)
Svenja Huth (Wolfsburg)
Saki Kumahai (Lyon)
Kim Little (Arsenal)
Lina Magull (Barcelona)
Amel Majri (Lyon)
Dzsenifer Marozsan (Lyon)
Alex Popp (Wolfsburg)
Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
Ji So-Yun (Chelsea)
Danielle Van De Donk (Arsenal)


Forwards

Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona)
Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal)
Eugenie Le Sommer (Lyon)
Marie-Antoniet Katoto (PSG)
Jenni Hermoso (Barcelona)
Pernille Harder (Chelsea)
Caroline Graham (Barcelona)
Christiana Girelli (Juventus)
Beth England (Chelsea)
Kadidatou Diani (PSG)
Delphine Cascarino (Lyon)
Ewa Pajor (Wolfsburg)
Nikita Parris (Lyon)
Fridolina Rolfo (Wolfsburg)
Jill Roord (Arsenal)



Cast your vote via the link below and stand a chance of winning prizes from UEFA

https://toty.uefa.com/women?utm_campaign=toty-2021&utm_content=women-feed&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter





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UEFA Men's Team Of The Year Nominees


Goalkeepers

Alisson (Liverpool)

Anthony Lopes (Lyon)

Keylor Navas (PSG)

Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)


Defenders 

David Alaba (Bayern Munich)

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Angelino (RB Leipzig)

Juan Bernat (PSG)

Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)

Matthijs De Ligt (Juventus)

Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan)

Hans Hateboer (Atalanta)

Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

Presnel Kimpembe (PSG)

Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

Andy Robertson (Liverpool)

Thiago Silva (Chelsea) 

 

Midfielders

Thiago Alcantara (Liverpool)

Houssem Aouar (Lyon)

Ever Banega (Sevilla)

Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan)

Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich)

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Alejandro Gomez (Atalanta)

Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich)

Kai Havertz (Chelsea)

Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)

Josip Ilicic (Atalanta)

Marquinhos (PSG)

Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)  

Marcel Sabitzer (RB Leipzig) 


Forwards

Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)

Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid) 

Angel Di Maria (PSG)

Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich) 

Ciro Immobile (Lazio)

Harry Kane (Tottenham)

Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan)

Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Neymar (PSG)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) 

Cast your vote via the link below and stand a chance of winning prizes from UEFA


https://toty.uefa.com/?utm_campaign=toty-2021&utm_content=generic-feed&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sN9IEkBUoU

Liverpool (2015)


Arsenal (2016)


Dalian (2017-2018)


Barcelona (2019-2022)

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1) The golden ball for being the best player at the 2014 FIFA Under 20 World Cup.


2) The golden boot for being the highest goal scorer at the 2014 FIFA Under 20 World Cup.


3) The golden ball for being the best player at the 2014 African Women's Nations Cup. She also won the silver boot for being the second highest goal scorer at the tournament (second to Desire Oparanozie).


4) The golden boot for being the highest goal scorer at the 2016 African Women's Nations Cup.

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Also

1) highest goal scorer in the Nigerian Women’s League (2013)

2) Winner of the Nigerian Women’s League (with River’s Angels) (2014).

3) Winner of the Nigerian Women’s Cup (2013 and 2014)

4) Winner of the English FA Women’s Cup (2016)

5) Winner of the Chinese Women’s Super League 2017 & 2018.

6) Highest goal scorer in the Chinese Women’s Super League (2017).

7) Winner of the Chinese Women’s Super-Cup (2017)

8 ) Winner of the Copa Catalunya (2019).

9) Winner of the Spanish Women’s Super-Cup (2020).

10) BBC (World) Women’s Player of the Year (2015)

11) African Women’s Player of the Year (2014, 2016, 2017 & 2019)

12) Winner of the African Women’s Nations Cup (2014, 2016 & 2018).

13) 2019 UEFA Women's Champions League silver medallist (she scored in the final).

14) Winner of the Spanish Women's League (2020)

15) Second highest goal scorer in the Spanish Women's League 2020 (20 goals)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKQcy1HVuJc

[Edoman]

'I won't resign'- Zinedine Zidane insists after Shakhtar Donetsk complete shock 2-0 win over Real Madrid







Real Madrid head coach, Zinedine Zidane, has insisted that he will not resign, despite another poor performance from his side in a 2-0 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night, December 1, 2020.
 
Real Madrid's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League last 16 are now in doubt after the match completed a shocking win for the Ukranians over Madrid, weeks after losing 3-2 at home to Shakhtar.

Zidane could be asked by the Madrid hierarchy if results don't improve with Madrid now having lost three of their last five matches. 
 
But he has bullishly said he will not be stepping down.
 
“I am not going to resign – not at all," he said following Tuesday's defeat.“We have always had delicate moments. It is true that it is a bad streak in terms of results, but we must continue. Today was a final, we prepared very well, but we know there is a game to go and we have to win and that's it."
 
“I believe in the players and of course I have strength. The other day against Alaves we did not deserve to win but today we did. There is no choice but to work and continue so that the good results return."
 
After their defeat to Shakhtar, Madrid have conceded nine goals in five Champions League group-stage games, their worst defensive record at this stage in the competition’s history.
 
But Zidane is optimistic.
 
“It is a difficult moment but I am convinced that we are going to bring out our character because we have to win the next game,"
"I am convinced that we can do it." he said