Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Liverpool Appoint John Heitinga as Assistant Coach. Liverpool have announced the appointment of John Heitinga as the new assistant coach for their men’s first team. The 40-year-old Dutchman will join head coach Arne Slot’s staff ahead of the 2024-2025 season. Liverpool disclosed the news in a statement on their official website, highlighting Heitinga’s impressive career as a centre-back. Heitinga earned 87 caps for the Netherlands and played for prominent clubs including Ajax, Atletico Madrid, Everton, Fulham, and Hertha BSC before retiring in 2016. Prior to his appointment at Liverpool, Heitinga served as first-team assistant coach at West Ham…

Fernandez Faces Disciplinary Action Over Alleged Racist Chant. Chelsea have initiated disciplinary proceedings against midfielder Enzo Fernandez following a video he posted on social media, which the French Football Federation (FFF) claims includes an alleged “racist and discriminatory” chant. On Tuesday, the FFF announced it would file a complaint with world governing body Fifa over the video, which features a song sung by some members of the Argentina squad about France’s black players. Fernandez’s Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana, who has one cap for France, described the video on Instagram as “uninhibited racism.” Fernandez, a £107m British record signing…

Federal Government Successfully Repatriates Over 100 Stranded Nigerians from UAE. The Federal Government has successfully repatriated more than a hundred Nigerians who were stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This development was confirmed by Bashir Garga, the Zonal Director for the North Central region of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in a statement issued in Abuja. Upon their arrival, the returnees underwent thorough profiling and documentation by relevant agencies. They were also provided with counselling on the importance of maintaining decorum and responsibility as they reintegrate into society. “The Federal Government urges all Nigerians, wherever they may…

Power Africa Collaborates With USAID To Train Over 700 Women and Youth for Jobs in Nigeria’s Clean Energy Sector. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Power Africa have announced the successful conclusion of a landmark programme aimed at boosting women’s participation in Nigeria’s clean energy sector. The initiative, a priority under the Biden-Harris Administration, has provided over 700 women and youth with the skills and opportunities to pursue careers in clean energy. Launched in September 2023, the “Growing Green Jobs for Women in Nigeria” programme has been instrumental in equipping participants with critical skills needed for the…

Abdullahi Maikaba Set to Return as Wikki Tourist Manager. Abdullahi Maikaba has reportedly accepted an offer to manage Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Wikki Tourist, marking his return to the club for a second stint after his previous tenure in 2016. The 59-year-old tactician is expected to be unveiled as the Bauchi Elephants’ new technical adviser later this week, bringing his extensive experience to the team once again. Wikki Tourists have turned to Maikaba following their failure to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) last season. The team finished third in the NNL Northern Conference…

Iran Denies Involvement in Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump. Iran has firmly denied any involvement in the recent attempted assassination of former United States President Donald Trump, labelling the accusations as “unsubstantiated and malicious.” The Iranian Mission to the United Nations responded to allegations following an incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a 20-year-old individual attempted to shoot Trump during a campaign event on Saturday. The shooter missed Trump and was subsequently killed by the Secret Service at the scene. The accusation against Iran arose as a supposed act of retaliation for the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. However,…

Luis de la Fuente Achieves Historic Milestone with Euro 2024 Victory. Luis de la Fuente has etched his name into the annals of football history by becoming the first coach to win European Championships at three different age levels. De la Fuente’s latest triumph came as he led the Spain national team to victory at Euro 2024. Spain’s win in the Euro 2024 final not only added another prestigious title to the nation’s footballing accomplishments but also secured De la Fuente’s unique milestone. Prior to this, he had already guided Spain’s U-19 and U-21 teams to European Championship victories,…

Ladan Bosso has been unveiled as New Head Coach of Bayelsa United. Bayelsa United have announced the appointment of Ladan Bosso as their new head coach, Govima Sports reports. Bosso was officially unveiled at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa on Tuesday. This marks his second tenure with Bayelsa United, having previously managed the team in 2012. The 56-year-old coach, who has an extensive resume in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), was brought in following the team’s struggles last season. Bayelsa United finished the campaign in 15th position, narrowly avoiding relegation. They will however kick start the new…

NPFL 2024/25 Season to Follow Full-Schedule Format. The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has confirmed that the 2024/25 season will be conducted on a full-schedule format. This announcement comes amidst speculations that the league might adopt an abridged format due to financial constraints faced by some of the clubs. Govima Sports reports that the club owners have resolved to maintain the traditional full-schedule format for the upcoming season. “I can confidently tell you that the 2024/25 NPFL season will be a full format and not an abridged one,” stated Okey Kpalukwu, General Manager of Rivers United, during the…

UEFA EURO 2024 Team of the Tournament Announced. The UEFA Technical Observer panel has revealed the prestigious Team of the Tournament for UEFA EURO 2024. This elite selection recognises the standout performers from the tournament held in Germany. Here is the illustrious lineup: Goalkeeper -Mike Maignan (France) Defenders – Marc Cucurella (Spain) – William Saliba (France) – Manuel Akanji (Switzerland) – Kyle Walker (England) Midfielders -Fabian Ruiz (Spain) -Rodri (Spain) -Dani Olmo (Spain) Forwards -Nico Williams (Spain) -Jamal Musiala (Germany) -Lamine Yamal (Spain) The team features a strong Spanish presence, reflecting their dominant performance throughout the tournament.…

NPFL Club Owners Condole Late Hon. Ekene’s Family. The Nigeria Premier Football League Club Owners Association of Nigeria (NPFL) has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the death of Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports. Chief Okey Kpalukwu, Chairman of the NPFL Club Owners Association, conveyed the condolences on Tuesday in Abuja, extending sympathies to members of the football community and the bereaved family. “The sudden death of Hon Ekene Abubakar is devastating. He was vibrant and full of life. Someone who lived for the beautiful game as a player and…

Gareth Southgate Steps Down as England Manager After Eight Years in Charge. It has been announced that Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager after an eight-year tenure, during which he led the nation to two European Championship finals. Southgate took over in 2016, bringing unprecedented success to the national team, unmatched since their World Cup victory in 1966. After reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018, the Three Lions went one step further at Euro 2020, losing the final to Italy on penalties. This was followed by a quarter-final exit at the 2022 World Cup before Southgate…