Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Football Roundup: FA Backs Southgate, Klopp in High Demand, and De Ligt Eyes Manchester United Move. The Football Association (FA) is keen for Gareth Southgate to remain as England manager, regardless of the outcome of the Euro 2024 final against Spain on Sunday. Southgate, who has led England to consecutive finals, has garnered significant support from the FA for his role in transforming the national team. Meanwhile, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is a top target for both the USA and Germany. The USA has made Klopp their primary candidate to replace Gregg Berhalter, as reported by the Independent.…

Nigerian Referee Association Urged to Enhance Professional Standards. In a recent meeting by the sports minister with the Nigerian Referees Association, significant discussions were held regarding the need to deepen and strengthen their professionalism to attract greater participation in FIFA and CAF-sanctioned competitions. The meeting underscored the pressing need for Nigerian referees to play more critical roles in these prestigious tournaments. Expressing his concerns, the Sports Minister John Enoh stated, “I am not happy that Nigerian referees are not playing critical roles in both FIFA and CAF-sanctioned competitions due to our failure to meet the performance and professional thresholds set…

Nigeria and Benin Face Another Showdown in CAF Confederation Cup. In yet another twist of fate, Nigeria and Benin will face off once more, this time in the CAF Confederation Cup. El-Kanemi, representing Nigeria, will go head-to-head with Benin’s Dadje FC in the opening round of the prestigious tournament. This encounter follows their draws in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. El-Kanemi, determined to make their mark in continental football, will be keen to secure a strong start against Dadje FC. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s other representative, Enyimba FC, has been exempted from the…

Bayern Munich Confirms Joao Palhinha Signing From Fulham On a Four Year Deal. Bayern Munich have announced the signing of Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha from Fulham on a four-year contract. The Bundesliga giants confirmed the transfer on Thursday, marking another significant acquisition in their summer transfer window. Palhinha, 29, joined Fulham in 2022 and made 79 appearances for the Premier League club across all competitions. He has also been capped 31 times by Portugal’s senior national team. While the financial terms were not disclosed, The Athletic reported the deal to be worth €51 million ($55.29 million). “This is…

Colombia Triumphs Over Uruguay to Reach Copa America Final Amid Post-Match Chaos.  Colombia secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Uruguay in the Copa America semi-final on Wednesday, despite being reduced to 10 men in the second half. The win sets up a title clash against defending champions Argentina, but the night was marred by post-match clashes between players and fans. The match at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte concluded with Uruguayan players confronting Colombian supporters in the stands, leading to chaotic scenes as security personnel struggled to restore order. The South American governing body, CONMEBOL, has announced an…

Ronald Koeman Criticises VAR After Contentious Penalty in Euro 2024 Semi-Final. Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has criticised the use of video assistant referees (VAR) after England were awarded a controversial penalty in the tense Euro 2024 semi-final on Wednesday. The Netherlands initially took the lead with a powerful strike from Xavi Simons. However, the game turned when Harry Kane was fouled by Denzel Dumfries after the England captain had already shot over the bar. No penalty was given initially, but referee Felix Zwayer pointed to the spot after being advised to review the incident by VAR. Kane converted…

Gregg Berhalter Sacked By USA Following Copa America Group-Stage Exit. The United States Soccer Federation has announced the sacking of head coach Gregg Berhalter following the USA’s early exit from the Copa America group stage. The USA, as host nation, made history by becoming the first to be eliminated at this stage, after defeats by Panama and Uruguay. “We are deeply grateful to Gregg for his commitment over the past five years to the men’s national team and to US soccer,” said United States Soccer Federation sporting director Matt Crocker. “Gregg has earned the respect of everyone within our organisation…

England defeated Netherlands to set up a crunch battle against Spain in Euro 2024 Final. England will face Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday, thanks to a last-minute strike from substitute Ollie Watkins, which secured a thrilling victory over the Netherlands. Gareth Southgate’s side seemed destined for extra time for the third successive game after Harry Kane’s contentious first-half penalty equalised a powerful early strike from Xavi Simons. However, Watkins’ late heroics changed the course of the match. England dominated the first half, with Phil Foden particularly outstanding. Foden hit the post with a…

Paris Saint-Germain Confirm Signing of Super Falcons Midfielder Jennifer Echegini. Paris Saint-Germain’s French D1 Arkema side have announced the signing of Super Falcons midfielder, Jennifer Echegini, on a three-year contract. Echegini, 23, recently departed from Italian club Juventus, where she enjoyed a prolific season, scoring 10 goals and providing one assist in 16 appearances. Her move to the Parisian giants marks a significant step in her burgeoning career. “I am experiencing a great moment in my career today. Signing for Paris Saint-Germain is a huge source of pride. I am very proud to join a club that is…

NFF’s #EmpowerHer Initiative Gains Ministerial Backing. ‘EmpowerHer’ an initiative by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) aimed at promoting the wellbeing, welfare, reformation, rehabilitation, and integration of female inmates through football, has received strong support from the Minister of Interior, Hon (Dr) Olubunmi Ojo (As earlier reported by Sportgister) In a compelling presentation, Aisha Falode, NFF Executive Committee Member and Chairman of the Women’s Football Sub-Committee, emphasised the transformative power of football. She highlighted its potential as a landmark tool for gender empowerment and rehabilitation within Nigeria’s correctional facilities. The Minister praised the NFF for this innovative concept…

Thiago Alcantara Announces Retirement from Football. Former Liverpool FC midfielder Thiago Alcantara has announced his retirement from professional football, marking the end of a distinguished career filled with numerous accolades and memorable moments. Thiago made his announcement on social media platform X, writing: “I am always ready to give back what I was given, and I am grateful for the time spent. Thank you, football. And thank you to everyone who accompanied me and made me a better player and person along the way. See you soon, Thiago.” Thiago’s career spanned several top European clubs. He began his…

Messi on target as Argentina beat Canada to book spot in Copa America Final. Defending champions Argentina have booked their place in the Copa America final after goals from Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi secured a 2-0 victory over Canada in Tuesday’s semi-final in New Jersey. The victory sets up a final clash against either Uruguay or Colombia in Florida on Sunday, a match that could represent the last shot at silverware for several senior squad members, including Messi, Angel Di Maria, and Nicolas Otamendi. “Let’s enjoy what we are experiencing as a national team, as a group. It…