Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Michael Olise Pledges Allegiance to French National Team. Soon-to-be Bayern Munich player Michael Olise has pledged his allegiance to the French national team, ending speculation about his international future. Arsenal icon Thierry Henry confirmed that the highly-rated winger has chosen to represent France over Nigeria, England, and Algeria. Olise, who was born in London 22 years ago, is eligible for Nigeria and Algeria through his father and mother, respectively. In addition to his commitment to the senior national team, Olise will also represent France at the upcoming Olympics. The French Olympic team, coached by Henry, will benefit from…

Shkodran Mustafi Announces Retirement From Football As He Transitions Into Coaching With Germany U-17s Former Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32. The German international will be taking on a new role as assistant manager for Germany’s U-17 national team. Mustafi, who enjoyed a varied and successful career, played for several notable clubs throughout his time as a professional footballer, began his career in the youth ranks of Hamburger SV and English club Everton, where he made one substitute appearance for them before leaving to Sampdoria in January 2012. He…

Declan Rice Responds to James McClean’s “Overrated”Comment with Grace. In a recent interview with the Belfast Telegraph, England midfielder Declan Rice responded to comments made by James McClean, who labelled him as ‘overrated’. Rice, who previously played alongside McClean for Ireland, addressed the situation with maturity and respect. Rice recalled his time with McClean fondly, stating, “Do you know what? I played with James for Ireland for three games and I got on with him really well. I am not going to sit here and slag him off. I thought he was a really top guy.” Reflecting on…

Nigeria Triumphs in Women’s 4x100m Relay at African Senior Athletics Championship. Tobi Amusan led Nigeria to victory in the women’s 4x100m relay, securing a gold medal at the 2024 African Senior Athletics Championship in Douala on Monday night. The Nigerian quartet, comprising Amusan, Justina Eyakpobeyan, Tima Godbless, and Olayinka Olajide, finished the race with an impressive time of 42.76 seconds. Their West African rivals, Liberia and Ghana, finished second and third respectively. Notably, Nigeria has maintained an unbeaten record in this event at the African Athletics Championship since 2018, with Amusan being a crucial member of all three victorious teams.…

Arthur Chukwuezugo Okonkwo Joins Wrexham on Permanent Deal. Nigeria-eligible goalkeeper, Arthur Chukwuezugo Okonkwo, has officially joined Wrexham on a permanent deal following the expiration of his contract with parent club Arsenal. Okonkwo made a significant impact during his time at Wrexham, making 40 appearances for the club, including 36 in the league. His impressive performances included keeping 14 clean sheets and saving a crucial penalty, helping Phil Parkinson’s team achieve promotion to a higher tier in English football. Expressing his delight at the signing, Okonkwo said, “I’m feeling very good, I’m so happy to have finally signed and…

EURO 2024 Talking Points: Spain Remain Perfect as Zaccagni Saves Italy. As Group B came to a dramatic close on Monday night, we bring you the biggest talking points after Spain finished with a 100% record and Italy left it late to qualify for the last 16. Questions remain over the defending champions. NO MISTAKES FROM SPAIN A perfect record in any major tournament during the group stage is not to be sniffed at, and Spain can have very few complaints after their 1-0 win over Albania. Luis de la Fuente made ten changes to his side that beat…

Hungary Captain Dominik Szoboszlai Calls for Medical Protocol Change After Barnabás Varga Injury at Euros. Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai has called for a change in medical protocols following a serious injury sustained by the team’s striker, Barnabás Varga, during their match against Scotland on Sunday at Euro 2024. The incident occurred when the 29-year-old striker suffered a severe collision, prompting immediate concern from his teammates. They signalled urgently for medical assistance, and upon its arrival, sheets were raised around Varga as he received on-field treatment. Television cameras captured Szoboszlai visibly distressed, seemingly in tears and concerned about the speed at…

Sports and Tech Initiative Empowers Lagos Street Children. Pistis Foundation, in collaboration with The Asumah Brothers, has launched a transformative initiative aimed at empowering 54 street children through sports and technology. The project, conducted in partnership with Kids Off The Streets, seeks to make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children in Lagos. This innovative programme, inspired by the increasing number of street children, combines physical activity with technological education. Over the course of five weeks, children aged eight to 16 will receive comprehensive training in football, basic computing, digital literacy, and technology skills. The initiative…

Femi Thomas Set to Retire After FA Cup Final. NPFL legendary goalkeeper, Femi Thomas, is set to retire from professional football after an illustrious career spanning 24 years. Thomas, currently with Akwa United, will hang up his gloves following the FA Cup final, marking the end of a remarkable journey in the sport. Over his 22 seasons in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Thomas has achieved significant success, winning two NPFL titles and three FA Cups. His contributions to the league have cemented his status as one of the most respected and celebrated goalkeepers in Nigerian football history.…

Karl Hein Extends Contract at Arsenal. Arsenal have officially confirmed that Karl Hein has signed a new deal with the club. The young goalkeeper, who spent the second half of the 2021/22 season on loan at Championship side Reading, made five league appearances for the Royals. Hein went on to make his full Arsenal debut in a Carabao Cup game against Brighton the following November. Expressing his joy at the new contract, Hein said: “I’m delighted to extend my contract and continue my journey in this amazing club after six years. Hopefully, there will be even more good memories…

Govima Sports Report on the concluded NPFL 2023/2024 Football Season. The 2023/2024 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) season concluded with Rangers International FC emerging as the champions. The trophy presentation took place at the new Jos Stadium, marking a historic moment for the Enugu-based club. The season finale encapsulated the excitement and unpredictability that characterise Nigerian football, with both triumph and heartbreak experienced across the league. CHAMPIONS: RANGERS INTERNATIONAL FC Rangers International FC clinched the NPFL title with a dominant performance throughout the season. Their consistency and strategic play led them to the top of the table, securing the championship…

Copa América Report: USA vs Bolivia. The USA secured their first victory in the Copa América 2024 with a 2-0 win over Bolivia in Group C, earning the crucial three points. AC Milan striker Christian Pulisic, known as “Captain America,” opened the scoring with a stunning goal, showcasing his composure and skill. The second goal came from AS Monaco star Folarin Balogun, who doubled the lead and ensured the win for the “Stars and Stripes.” With this result, the USA moves to the top of Group C with three points, while Bolivia finds themselves at the bottom with…