Sports
Liberian President George Weah Commends Victor Osimhen as Super Eagles Reach AFCON Finals
Liberian President George Weah has praised Victor Osimhen, the forward for the Super Eagles, following Nigeria’s victory in the AFCON finals with a 2-0 lead on Sunday. Osimhen, who has been enjoying a remarkable season with 25 league goals, helping Napoli secure their first Italian Serie A title in 33 years, received a personal letter of congratulations from President Weah, who also advised him to continue achieving new milestones.
President Weah, accompanied by Nigeria’s Ambassadors to Liberia and Sierra Leone, Excellencies Godfrey Odudigbo and Henry Omakwu, respectively, as well as other dignitaries, watched the match from the presidential box at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Paynesville. The Liberian President was impressed by Osimhen’s skills, describing him as a striker with exceptional positioning, athleticism, and fighting spirit.
Osimhen is currently the leading scorer in the AFCON qualifying series, with seven goals and a total of 17 goals in 25 appearances for Nigeria at the senior level. His seven goals in this qualifying campaign include a crucial goal against Sierra Leone in Abuja in June 2022, securing a 2-1 victory for Nigeria on the opening day of the series. Additionally, he scored four of the 10 goals against Sao Tome and Principe in Agadir, Morocco, on the same day Nigeria set a new international win-record.
President Weah is not the only admirer of the talented footballer. Excited Liberian and Sierra Leonean fans reportedly gathered near the Super Eagles’ dressing room, chanting, “We want Victor!”
Osimhen’s two goals propelled Nigeria ahead of Sierra Leone, although Mustapha Bundu and Augustus Kargbo equalized. In extra time, Kelechi Iheanacho scored after a remarkable run from Zaidu Sanusi, stunning the Liberian defense.
With 12 points and a match to spare, Nigeria secured a spot in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals, alongside second-placed Guinea Bissau with 10 points. Sierra Leone was eliminated from the competition, having earned only five points.
The 14 countries that have qualified for the Cote d’Ivoire 2023 AFCON finals are Cote d’Ivoire (hosts), Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Egypt, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, and Mali. The remaining 10 countries are expected to emerge in September.
In September, Nigeria will host Sao Tome and Principe, already eliminated from the group, in a match that holds no significance for the standings.
Sports
Transfer: Gabriel Jesus Could Leave Arsenal as Napoli Show Interest
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus could leave the club this summer, with Italian side Napoli reportedly interested in signing the Brazilian forward.
According to Sky Italia, Napoli’s new manager, Massimiliano Allegri, is a long-term admirer of Jesus and is keen to explore the possibility of bringing him to Serie A.
Jesus and Allegri share the same agent, Giovanni Branchini, who was reportedly spotted at Napoli’s pre-season training camp in Castel di Sangro on Friday.
A meeting could reportedly take place to discuss a potential move for the Arsenal forward.
Napoli’s interest could depend on their ability to offload one of their existing strikers. The club would reportedly need to find new destinations for Lorenzo Lucca, who spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, or Romelu Lukaku before making a move for Jesus.
Arsenal are reportedly willing to consider offers of around £18 million for the 29-year-old, who has entered the final year of his contract with the Gunners.
Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 and could now be heading for a new challenge in Italy if Napoli’s interest develops into a formal transfer.
Sports
Transfer: Liverpool Agree Loan Deal for Barcelona Defender Araujo
Liverpool have reportedly reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign Uruguay international Ronald Araujo on loan.
According to Sky Sports, the deal could be completed this weekend, with the 27-year-old defender set to move to Anfield on a straight loan arrangement.
Araujo renewed his Barcelona contract last year, extending his stay at the Catalan club until 2031.
However, the defender endured a difficult campaign last season and was subsequently granted an extended leave of absence from the team.
The proposed move to Liverpool would give Araujo an opportunity to revive his career in a new league and country.
The Uruguay international joined Barcelona from Uruguayan club Boston River in 2018 before making his first-team breakthrough a year later.
Sports
LaLiga: Mourinho Introduces Four New Rules at Real Madrid
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly introduced a series of new rules at the club after identifying what he considered bad habits within the dressing room.
Mourinho returned to the Spanish giants for a second spell this summer and has already begun implementing changes to improve discipline and professionalism within the squad, according to AS.
One of the new measures concerns players’ diets. The Portuguese manager has reportedly ended the freedom for players to eat whatever they choose, with the club’s nutritionist now responsible for overseeing their meals.
Under the new system, menus will be carefully structured and determined according to the nutritional needs of the players.
Mourinho has also introduced a disciplinary measure for players who arrive late to training. Such players will reportedly be required to undergo individual gym sessions.
Another rule concerns injury rehabilitation. Players recovering from injuries will now be expected to complete their rehabilitation at the club’s training ground under the supervision of Real Madrid’s medical and fitness staff rather than working independently with external personnel.
The changes are part of Mourinho’s reported efforts to establish greater discipline and control within the Real Madrid squad following his return to the club.
-
Uncategorized6 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines11 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News12 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
News9 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News10 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion7 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology5 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women
-
Headlines10 years agoBorno Dep Gov Abducts Another Church Leader
