One of the most tactical and creative managers in history of football, Josep Guardiola has extended his stay at Manchester City with one-year contract. Despite the struggling side of the team, Pep made this decision in a bid to consider the future of his career and the team; Manchester City.
The Manager of Manchester City; Pep Guardiola
The ex-manager of Barcelona and Bayern Munich signed a new rolling one-year contract which will allow him to remain at the Etihad Stadium until the end of the 2025/2026 premier league campaign .
Recall that Guardiola’s existing contract was set to expire next summer, which raised doubts about whether this would be his last season in charge.
The manager’s last two contract extensions were also agreed in November when travelling to Abu Dhabi, the home nation of the club’s owner, Sheikh Mansour.
Ahead of City’s 2-1 loss at Brighton on November 9th, their last game before the international break, Guardiola was asked if he had any plans to go there again during the international break.
The Nigeria Football Federation and Super Eagles players have commiserated with first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali following the death of his father.
Super Eagles Goalkeeper,Stanley Nwabali
Nwabali who is also Chippa United goalkeeper announced the sad news on his Instagram page with a heartfelt tribute, writing, “Rest in peace, dad.”
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, expressed shock at the timing of the death, which came a day after Nigeria sealed qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
“We are shocked and saddened to hear of the demise of Stanley Nwabali’s father. Coming a day after the player featured in the match that won us the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ticket, it made for a day of low morale as we flew from Abidjan to Uyo,” Sanusi said.
He added, “The death of a parent is always a thing of deep sorrow and sadness. However, we want Stanley to take heart in the fruitful and fulfilled life that his father lived, and we pray that the Almighty will grant him eternal rest and also grant Stanley and other members of the family the fortitude to bear the big loss.”
Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong led the tributes from teammates on social media, writing on Instagram, “Love you, my brother, Nwabali. We are together.”
Fellow goalkeeper Amas Obasogie wrote, “My chief, I hold you close in our thoughts at this sad time. I am deeply sorry for your profound loss.”
“Stay strong, bro,” Boniface wrote.
“Stay strong, Nwabali; we are together,” Simon added.
“My condolences, brother,” Onyemaechi wrote.
Real Sociedad forward Sadiq Umar also sent his condolences, writing, “Stay strong, Nwabali.”
Nigeria super eagle have drawn against Benin, it’s a disappointing performance from the super eagle.Well ,today’s performance is expected from the super eagles players today but the game result is not what the fans and the entire Nigerian citizen received from the team.
In the first half, Benin first scored Nigeria at 16 minutes by Tijani with a heading from the corner, and a lot of chances were created by Ademola Lookman who played as a winger in today’s match.
The tactics in today’s game were not impressive, the defenses are not strong and the midfield is poor, but the left and right wingers tried their best to take the ball into the box eighteen opponent.
Austin Eguavoen used the formation of 3-4-2-1 in today’s game Bassey, Troost Ekong, osho ( defenders), Onyemaechi, Ndidi, Iwobi, Aina ( midfielders), Lookman , Iheanacho( wingers) Osimhen (striker), it’s a tough match for the super eagles today.
Victor Osimhen
At the second half of the game, Victor Osimhen scored in 81 minutes and gave the super eagles an equaliser and made it 1-1
But some chances were lost by Victor Osimhen as striker, where Osimhen faced the opponent keeper and headed the ball to goal kick.
Super eagles are still topping the table in group D with 11 points and 7 goals, followed by Benin with 7 points, Rwanda with 5 points and Libya at bottom of the table 4. This made the super eagles qualified to the 2025 Morocco AFCON
Manchester City faced a setback on Saturday night as Brighton staged an exciting 2-1 comeback to defeat the reigning champions.
City started strong, taking an early lead thanks to Erling Haaland’s goal in the 26th minute, which seemed to set them up for another victory. However, Brighton had other ideas, displaying a spirited performance in the second half that ultimately shifted the momentum of the match.
NORWEGIAN FOOTBALLER; ERLING HAALAND
Demonstrating resilience and tactical flexibility, Brighton’s manager made strategic substitutions in the second half, a decision that quickly proved beneficial.
Substitutes Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley emerged as the stars of the match, each finding the back of the net within just five thrilling minutes.
Pedro’s composed finish levelled the game, igniting the home crowd.
Matt O’Riley
Shortly after, O’Riley’s precise shot in the 79th minute sent Brighton fans into a frenzy, securing the win and leaving Manchester City to deal with consecutive losses.
This marked the first time in his managerial career that Guardiola experienced four straight defeats as Brighton rallied from behind to triumph over his Manchester City team.
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen returned to the Galatasary line up with a bang post-injury, scoring the second goal in his side’s 2-1 win over Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig.
Victor Osimhen climbed to third place in the Turkish Super Lig scoring charts by scoring twice in Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over Samsunspor, continuing an impressive streak as he regains his top form following a challenging start to the season.
In the English Premier League, Yoane Wissa and Mohamed Salah showcased their potential as contenders for the Golden Boot this season, while Omar Marmoush and Serhou Guirassy continued to find the net in the German Bundesliga.
Mohammed Salah
Osimhen’s departure from Napoli and his move to Galatasaray in September raised some doubts, considering his recent injury history and period of inactivity before joining the Super Lig. However, his impressive start in Turkey has been outstanding. Scoring six goals and providing two assists in just six league games is quite an achievement, especially since he’s missed a portion of the matches. His consistency in scoring or assisting in each of his first six matches is remarkable, a feat not seen since the 2014-15 season. Osimhen’s impact has been crucial in Gala’s lead over Fenerbahce, and his performances in the Europa League have been noteworthy as well. His recent standout performance, scoring early in the game, showcased his talent and influence on the team.
Deborah Abiodun, a fast-rising midfielder for the Super Falcons, has made a name for herself in the NCAA Division I women’s soccer tournament while playing for the University of Pittsburgh, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
At just 21 years old and in her second year at the university, she was named to the Second Team All-ACC on Wednesday, marking her recognition as a top player for the second consecutive season. Her contributions helped the university finish the regular season with an overall record of 9-6-3 and a conference record of 3-5-2.
After missing six games due to injury prior to the start of ACC play, Abiodun made a strong comeback. She scored her first goal of the season in a victory against Clemson on October 3, 2024, and followed it up with a brace in the Panthers’ 3-0 win over Syracuse just ten days later.
Deborah Abiodun
She also netted Pitt’s sole goal against Florida State on October 20 and topped the Panthers with four goals during ACC play.
This was her second time receiving the honour after being named in the Third Team and ACC All-Freshman Team selection in 2023.
The Ibadan-born player was recently recognized as one of the PNC Achievers of the Week after scoring two goals to help Pitt secure a 3-0 victory over Syracuse at Ambrose Urbanic Field.
She started the scoring with a header from a Pitt corner in the 76th minute and completed her brace off another corner less than six minutes later, marking her second career multi-goal game.
Abiodun, who scored the game-winning goal in her last two matches, started her professional career with Rivers Angels Football Club in the Nigerian Women’s Football League.
Her impressive performances attracted the attention of scouts, resulting in a full scholarship offer from the University of Pittsburgh’s women’s soccer team in the United States.
Alejandro Garnacho celebrates after a scoring a goal during the EPL football match
Manchester United concluded Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim tenure on a high note with a convincing 3-0 victory over Leicester on Sunday. Meanwhile, Ipswich pulled off a stunning upset, defeating Tottenham 2-1 to secure their first Premier League win in 22 years.
Nottingham Forest’s impressive run came to an end as they suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Newcastle, dropping them from third place.
Looking ahead, Arsenal seeks to revive their title bid with a crucial away match against London rivals Chelsea.
Following the international break, Ruben Amorim will take the reins at Manchester United for the first time.
Ruud van Nistelrooy bowed out on a high, having guided Manchester United to an unbeaten four-game streak after taking over from the departed Erik ten Hag.
Bruno Fernandes celebrated his 250th United appearance in style, scoring his fourth goal in four games. A slick exchange with Amad Diallo set up the opener.
Fernandes’ inventive playmaking also crafted the second goal. His run into the box led to Victor Kristiansen’s own goal, as the Leicester defender inadvertently deflected the ball into the net.
United’s momentum now shifts to new manager Ruben Amorim, who takes charge after the international break.
Amad Diallo’s impressive two-goal display in Thursday’s 2-0 Europa League victory over PAOK earned him a starting spot ahead of Alejandro Garnacho. However, the Argentine youngster made a lasting impact off the bench, sealing the win with a breathtaking strike into the top corner.
The triumph lifted Manchester United to within three points of fifth place in a tightly packed table, despite remaining 13th.
Chilean football player Arturo Vidal and members of his first-division team Colo Colo are under investigation for sexual assault, according to the prosecutor’s office in Santiago, which announced this on Monday.
Image:Arturo Vidal
The inquiry was initiated following a complaint against the players; however, no arrests have been made at this time, the office stated.
It did not say which of Vidal’s teammates were also targeted in the probe.
Chilean media reported that the supposed assault occurred in the early hours of Monday at a nightclub in Santiago, where a group of Colo Colo players were celebrating a birthday.
Police chief Gerardo Aravena stated that 37-year-old Arturo Vidal, a former midfielder for Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Inter Milan, was taken to a police station for an identity verification.
Vidal has scored 34 goals in 142 appearances for the Chilean national team. The investigation follows closely after former Chilean international Jorge Valdivia, aged 41, was detained on allegations of rape.
Valdivia denied the accusations, stating he had “a consensual relationship with an adult woman.” He was a key player in the “Golden Generation” that secured Chile’s triumph in the 2015 Copa America. Additionally, he represented the national team in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
LaLiga: He’s Been Overshadowed By Vinicius, Mbappe – Petit wants Arsenal to Sign Real Madrid Star
Published
on October 29,2024
By BALIKIS HAMZAT
EMMANUEL PETIT (A French former footballer)
Former Chelsea star, Emmanuel Petit, has urged Arsenal to pursue Rodrygo Goes from Real Madrid.
The Frenchman believes that the Brazilian is underrated at Real Madrid and doesn’t receive the recognition he deserves at the Santiago Bernabeu.
He feels that the Brazil international is overshadowed by other top players at the club.
Petit thinks Mikel Arteta’s team could attract the attacker to the Emirates since he doesn’t get enough credit compared to Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
“He has immense quality, and I’ve always said he would be a fantastic player for them. If they can’t sign Williams, Arsenal should go for Rodrygo from Real Madrid as he’s so underrated and is overshadowed by Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr,” he told Genting Casino.
“He reminds me a bit of Sylvain Wiltord from my time at Arsenal. I genuinely believe he would shine at the Emirates and be an incredible player who can operate in all three positions along the front line.
“This guy is so underrated, and perhaps he feels overshadowed at Real Madrid. Regardless, he could become an absolute superstar for Arsenal, and I hold him in high regard. He scores goals, provides assists, and brings great energy to the pitch.”
This season, the Brazilian has netted three goals and contributed two assists in 12 matches for Real Madrid across all competitions, starting eight of those games.
Ballon d’Or 2024: Lookman Aims For History as Vinicius is Poised to Claim the Award
Published
on October 29, 2024
By HAMZAT BALIKIS
An Ace Footballer, Lookman Adetola
Only one African footballer has ever won the Ballon d’Or.
In 1995,George Weah earned the award due to his performances with Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan.
The Liberian icon also claimed the African Footballer of the Year title three times and is regarded as one of the greatest strikers in history.
Since then, no player from the continent has come top of the Ballon d’Or voting.
Sadio Mane came closest to winning in 2022 when he finished in second place.
The Senegalese winger, who was with Liverpool at the time, netted 23 goals in 51 appearances and played a crucial role in nearly leading the club to Champions League success.
This year, Ademola Lookman is in fact the only African included in the 30-man shortlist.
Lookman received the recognition after a remarkable season with Atalanta, where he won the UEFA Europa League and scored a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
He was also awarded Atalanta’s Player of the Year, concluding the season with 11 goals and seven assists in 31 league appearances.
Lookman also made it to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final with the Super Eagles of Nigeria, where they were defeated by the host nation, Ivory Coast.
Will this be sufficient for Lookman to conclude a 29-year wait?
“I find it nearly unimaginable to envision Ademola Lookman winning the Ballon d’Or this year,” Wale Agbede, the Head of Sports at Plus TV, stated to DAILY POST.
“I believe the frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or are fairly clear. Vinicius Jr, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, and so on.”
“However, it is still a significant acknowledgment in itself. Regardless of the outcome, the history books will record that he was a contender. He is undoubtedly one of the top 30 players in world football now.”
“I believe his chances are nearly nonexistent, but it’s still a fantastic acknowledgment of his accomplishments with Atalanta and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.”
A prophet is likely to be respected in his own country – or continent.
Lookman, who is Nigeria’s eighth nominee for the Ballon d’Or, is probably the top contender to win the African Footballer of the Year award when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) holds its own ceremony in December.
The 25-year-old was part of a 10-man shortlist that also featured his Nigerian teammate William Troost-Ekong, Simon Adingra (Cote d’Ivoire/Brighton & Hove Albion), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns).
“In my opinion, being the sole African player nominated for the Ballon d’Or should clearly qualify him as the African Footballer of the Year.”
“Lookman played a significant role for the Super Eagles at the AFCON this year and had an outstanding season with his club, where he was also key to their success.”
“I believe you already have a champion for the CAF Player of the Year right there.”
Before all that, though, we will find out who the winner of the Ballon d’Or is.
Agbede does not agree with what is the popular choice.
“I think Rodri is the best player in the world, to be honest.
“And I believe Bellingham is a superior player compared to Vinicius,” he added.
Sportscout 