₦airaland Forum

Nigeria's Super Falcons had a hard time against Canada but came out unscathed to get their 2023 FIFAWWC journey off to a positive start.
Nigeria Super Falcons kicked started their 2023 FIFAWWC with a positive outing against Olympic champions Canada.

The 10-woman Falcons, who had Deborah Abiodun sent off late on, held their illustrious opponents to a share of the spoils after a goalless affair in their Group B clash on Friday morning.

Here are five lessons learnt from what was an interesting head-to-head battle between the two teams.

1. Slow Start from Super Falcons
Nigeria’s Super Falcons took some time to get going in their opener as Canada dominated the first quarter of the game and threatened early on.


The Falcons looked comfortable sitting deep in their half as the Canadians dominated on the ball and piled on the pressure as Nigeria looked like they had no other plans.

However, the African giants recovered from their slumber to end the half as the stronger of the two sides and the most likely to find the breakthrough, coming close on two occasions via Ifeoma Onumonu, who tested the Canadian goalkeeper in the 22nd minute, and superstar Asisat Oshoala, who came close 10 minutes later.

2. Good defensive display
While Nigeria struggled to disturb Canada offensively, the Super Falcons were brilliant with their shape off the ball.

The Nigerians worked hard to limit their opponents to chances from range, with goalkeeper Nnadozie also an assured presence behind the solid backline.

Nigeria has conceded the most goals in World Cup history, with 63 goals, but against the North Americans, the Falcons ensured they did not add to that woeful record.

3. Chiamaka Nnadozie proves world class status
The Super Falcons goalkeeper was at her reliable and absolute best against the Canadians.

After a solid defensive showing in the game, Francisca Odega gifted Canada a lifeline three minutes into the second half with a needless foul.

The VAR assisted the referee to award an obvious penalty but Nnadozie, who had been superb before that incident, saves Ordega’s blushes with an outstanding double save to help earn her team a clean sheet and valuable point.

4. Blunt attack from both sides
While Canada dominated on the ball, there was nothing to separate both sides offensively as they shared the spoils.

Both teams lacked the necessary cutting edge in the attacking third, with both goalkeepers relatively having nothing much to do.

Canada and Nigeria combined for just four shots on target, three of the ladies in red, from a total of 27 shots.

5. Deborah Abiodun shines
The youngster has justified her place in the Super Falcons despite an unfortunate VAR–assisted red card late in the game for a dangerous foul.

Playing in the heart of Nigeria’s midfield, the midfielder showed flashes of brilliance, especially with her work rate and off-the-ball duties.


She won seven (7) tackles, made one interception, one block, and won seven of 10 attempted ground duels against the Olympic champions in what was her FIFAWWC debut.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/nigeria-vs-canada-5-lessons-learnt-from-super-falcons-hard-fought-draw-vs-olympic-champions-2023072105062340090

Saudi Pro League director of football Michael Emenalo has said that the huge influx of top stars into the Saudi Arabian league is not just because of money.

Emenalo has taken a stand against people who believe the Saudi Pro League is only attracting stars because of the economic benefits on offer.

The Saudi football revolution
The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Sport announced at the end of last season that the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will take full control of four teams in the Saudi Pro League. The clubs are Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr.

Soon after, an array of top talent flooded the Saudi League, those at the tail end of their careers (Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante) and those not even at their peak (Ruben Neves).

Emenalo explains why players are moving to Saudi Arabia
Emenalo, a former Nigeria international, most popular in European football for his time as technical director at Chelsea, was appointed the SPL’s first-ever director of football this month.

“Footballers are not completely ignorant of what the industry is about,” Emenalo said, speaking to The Athletic.

“They recognise when something is happening and you have to have conversations with them, not just the agent, and explain to them what the league is about.

“So if a lot of them are making this decision, it’s not necessarily because of the economic side of the opportunity. It’s also because they recognise that this is going to be something that defines their legacy and they have an opportunity to contribute something special.

“And that’s what every footballer is looking for; they’re looking for greater competition and an opportunity to do something exceptional and special.

Emenalo was technical director at Chelsea from 2011-2017, a period of huge success for the club under previous owner Roman Abramovic. It is hoped that he will bring his huge wealth of knowledge to the Saudi League in this early period of growth.

The 2023-24 Saudi Pro League season begins on August 11.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/it-is-not-because-of-money-emenalo-reveals-reason-players-are-moving-to-saudi-arabia-2023072010280042555

According to reports, Ronaldo has put his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez on a $107,000 salary for life.

Since the start of the year, Georgina Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo’s relationship have been a topic of discussion.

Ronaldo sealed a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia in January in a deal that made him become the highest-paid athlete in the world.

Ronaldo recently confirmed that his adventure in Europe

However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was earlier reported to be unhappy in his relationship with his longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez.

First, it was reported by some Portuguese outlets, that Georgina,29, was unhappy with Ronaldo's move to the Middle East, as her countenance during his Al-Nassr unveiling was referenced.

However, the Spanish-Argentine model has since shut down rumours suggesting that there were tensions between her and the footballer.

Despite Georgina’s denial of the rumours, another report emerged that she was not on good terms with her potential mother-in-law, Maria Dolores Aveiro.

Maria Dolores Aveiro is the famous mother of Cristiano Ronaldo and one of the pioneers of his success as one of the greatest soccer players of all time.

Dolores responded to the rumours of a rift with Gio in an interview, labelling the reports from Portugal as ‘false’.

Although weeks later, Pulse Sports reported that Georgina Rodriguez and Dolores Aveiro had unfollowed each other on social media.

Interestingly, a few hours later, Georgina Rodriguez began following Dolores again on the social networking platform, although, Ronaldo’s mother is yet to reciprocate the gesture.

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly placed Georgina Rodriguez on a $107,000 monthly stipend for life
Amongst all the alleged rumours rocking Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez’s relationship, one which has remained a conversation amongst fans on social media is the reported salary Ronaldo has agreed to pay his girlfriend.

According to Pulse Sports, Ronaldo has reportedly reached a "pre-nuptial-style" arrangement with the Spanish model and influencer whereby he will pay her $107,000 every year for the rest of her life.

This news also led fans to speculate that Ronaldo has indeed moved to protect his incredible wealth and assets worth millions of dollars from his partner.

But is Ronaldo truly shielding his riches from Georgina Rodriguez, or is this merely a precautionary measure in case the love of his life and mother of his children comes to claim a substantial portion of his empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars?

This article will explain below what the reported agreement between Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez entails.

EXPLAINED: Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez’s contract agreement


As has already been pointed out, it was reported that in the event of his split from girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez Ronaldo had entered into a 'prenuptial agreement'.

Ronaldo and Georgina have been together since June 2016, and they have two children together, Alana Martina and Bella Esmeralda.

Georgina Rodriguez is also playing the role of a mother to his three other children: Cristiano Jnr, and twins Eva and Mateo, who were born via surrogate.

Earlier this year, the powerful couple were excused from Saudi laws that prevent unmarried couples from living together in the Kingdom when Ronaldo made his record-breaking £175 million move to Al-Nassr in January this year.

A report from TV Guia revealed that arrangements have been made between the couple should they separate to ensure Rodriguez receives financial support, despite not being married.

The reported agreement saw Ronaldo transfer ownership of the family's home in Madrid, La Finca, to Georgina Rodriguez.

Alongside ownership of the family’s multi-million dollar mansion, Georgina Rodriguez would also receive an eyewatering $107,500 monthly salary for the rest of her life.

However, the report adds that some of the conditions of the agreement were modified following the birth of Bella Esmeralda in 2022, the couple’s youngest daughter.

Portuguese TV channel CMTV, reported that in 2018, Georgina Rodriguez travelled alone, in possession of a document signed by Cristiano Ronaldo that gave her full authorisation to register the surrogate twins”.

It is also pertinent to emphasize the purpose of Rodriguez's reported monthly alimony is understood to serve as financial support on the basis of her being the mother to all five of Ronaldo's children.

Georgina is the biological mother of two of Ronaldo’s children, however, she remains a mother to his other three children including his first-born Cristiano Junior, as she has been legally registered as the mother of Ronaldo’s five children.

Essentially, what the report revealed is that Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez have concluded all agreements with regard to sharing their assets, even though they aren’t officially husband and wife.Although, Ronaldo has previously revealed in an interview with Piers Morgan that he wants to marry Georgina at a later date.

“I’m not thinking now about that, but I can see us getting married in the future,” said Ronaldo as per The Mirror. “I think I deserve it, she deserves it.”

Is Cristiano Ronaldo protecting his wealth from Georgina Rodriguez?

The simple answer to this question is No. What Ronaldo did is pretty much standard with long-term relationships that have produced children.

Because nothing is guaranteed in life, in the event of separation, there is bound to be an agreement between a couple that will ensure the mother of the children gets financial support for the children.

In this situation, Ronaldo and Georgina apparently took this step as a backup plan in case reality strikes and they split up.

To say that Ronaldo is protecting his wealth from Georgina, one would be suggesting that Georgina does not already have more than enough financial support or that she is simply ‘greedy’.'

In this case really, it is a simple situation of two people sharing their investments ahead of time, in the event of a breakup or divorce (when they get married).

Contrary to the rumours in Spain that all she does is spend Ronaldo’s money, Georgina earns a pretty decent living as an influencer and an esteemed model, landing on the covers of several high-profile magazines.

Without the Portuguese star, who is one of the richest footballers in the world, she can still hold her own.

Georgina Rodriguez is one of the richest Wags in football.

As of July 2023, Georgina Rodriguez’s net worth is estimated to be $10 Million as per figures from Celebrity Net Worth.

Her net worth is largely the result of her success as a Spanish Influencer.

After her relationship with Ronaldo went public, Rodríguez became a much sought-after model.

She reportedly earned a six-figure sum to let cameras into her life for the Netflix series ‘I Am Georgina’.

So far in her career, she has been featured in magazines like Elle, Harper’s Bazaar Spain, Diva E Donna Magazine and others.

Georgina shares properties with Cristiano Ronaldo across Europe in Madrid and Barcelona, as well as in Miami, Florida.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/lifestyle/story/georgina-rodriguez-cristiano-ronaldo-wealth-2023071916550964562

After Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami, Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that his Saudi Pro League is superior to the Argentine's MLS and these seven reasons prove that the former Real Madrid forward has a point

Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been in the news recently after his statements about the Saudi Pro League being a superior league to the MLS, just a day after Lionel Messi was announced as a new signing for American club Inter Miami.

Ronaldo’s words have caused a stir in football circles, with many labelling the Portuguese superstar as delusional.

However, there seems to be some credibility to Ronaldo’s claims, and these seven reasons show that the former Real Madrid forward has a point.

No Salary cap
Messi’s bumper salary and franchise offer are anomalies in the MLS, as the Argentine forward was signed under the league’s designated player provision, nicknamed “the David Beckham rule” after Inter Miami owner David Beckham, who was the first player signed under the provision.

MLS clubs can only sign a maximum of three designated players per team, while other players are covered by the league’s salary cap, where players can only earn a maximum of $651.250 per year.

This is paltry in comparison to most leagues in the world, let alone the Saudi Professional League, which is known for its extravagant salary offers.

Clubs in the Saudi Pro League are not bound by a similar cap or even by Europe’s financial fair play laws, which ensure that teams cannot spend beyond their revenues’ capability.

Without the limits of other leagues, clubs in the Saudi Pro League have been able to convince players to sign with them with outrageous salaries, allowing them to attract a number of surprise signings this summer.

More relevant stars
Including the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Saudi Pro League has continued to bring in star players, with the profile of footballers going to ply their trade in Saudi Arabia becoming increasingly interesting.

Champions League winners Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante have both chosen to join Al-Ittihad, while Al-Hilal’s midfield next season will contain recent Manchester United targets Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Reuben Neves, who are both current internationals with Serbia and Portugal.

Other star players like Paul Pogba and Manchester City’s treble winner Riyad Mahrez have also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, while Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby has reportedly turned down a move to Aston Villa after a bid from a Saudi Pro League club turned the Frenchman’s head.

The MLS does not have such an extensive list of superstars, thanks particularly to the salary cap and designated player slots, as well as the fact that the American League is one of the least financially rewarding among top leagues.

Inter Miami have used their three designated player slots to bring in Messi, Sergio Busquets, and potentially Jordi Alba, but these players are a standard above the league’s current stars, including Carlos Vela, Christian Benteke, Xhedran Shaqiri, Thiago Almada, and Riqui Puig.

Potential for growth
The MLS has come a long way from the days of halfway-line penalty shootouts and funny gimmicks to become a “serious” league capable of attracting arguably the greatest player of all time, but it appears to have reached its Zenith, especially with salary caps that will struggle to attract top talent.

The Saudi Pro League, however, appears to be at its taking off point and is already making a splash in the world of football that rivals the MLS.

With more stars going to Saudi Arabia and the clubs in the Saudi Pro League not hampered by a spending cap or financial fair play, the Arabians have a chance to build something special.

Starting off on such a strong foot means that the Saudi Pro League can still grow a lot more and eclipse the standard set by the MLS.

Better timing for viewers
Fans of Lionel Messi who are set to become Inter Miami aficionados are set to find out just how difficult it is to follow MLS teams from outside American time zones.

With American cities being between four and seven hours ahead of GMT, the MLS is at a disadvantage in terms of followership of matches since games often kick off around 1am GMT, an uncomfortable hour for most of football’s watching populace.

Matches in the Saudi Pro League, on the other hand, kick off and end much earlier, as Saudi Arabia is 3 hours ahead of GMT.

Blockbuster matches will usually be played around the same time of day as UEFA Champions League matches, making the Saudi Pro League games much easier to follow.

No competition from other sports
America’s favourite sporting pastime regularly shifts between American football, baseball and basketball, leaving the MLS and “soccer” in general to fight for scraps alongside hockey, golf, and Tennis in the country’s hierarchy of sports.

Saudi Arabia has no such problems with football being one of the major sporting endeavours in the country, attracting huge followings and now huge investments.

Larger financial backing
Despite teams boasting reputable sponsors such as Herbalife, Target, Etihad Airways, and Bimbo Bakeries and individual teams being valued into the hundreds of millions, the MLS franchise cannot currently compete with the financial might of the Saudi Private Investment Fund, which has become a leading investor in four of the biggest teams in the Saudi Pro League.

The Saudi PIF, which is backed by the oil-rich Saudi Arabian government with near-unlimited wealth, has made it obvious that it will spare no expense to improve the lot of the Saudi Pro League with the goal of making it one of the top leagues in the world by 2030.

More visible in media
Whether for good or for bad, the Saudi Pro League is currently more talked about than the MLS, an example being Ronaldo’s recent comments about the league overshadowing the unveiling of Messi and Busquets as players of Inter Miami.

With the league constantly targeting familiar faces from Europe’s top sides, they continue to remain relevant in news cycles and fan discussions.

Even the questionable antics of the Saudi Pro League in signing players from teams in Europe allegedly backed by funds from Saudi Arabia have led to increased visibility for the league as discussions fuelled by its major players remain at the top of football deliberations, giving the league more visibility.

Over the last five years, the Saudi Pro League has rivalled the MLS for Worldwide searches on Google, with the gulf league enjoying a spike in related searches when Ronaldo signed and at the end of the 2022/23 league season.

Both peaks have not been matched by the MLS’ biggest announcement in the signing of Messi showing that the level of interest in the American league still has some catching up to do.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/ronaldo-vs-messi-7-reasons-why-the-saudi-pro-league-is-better-than-the-mls-2023071822440141396

Famous Nigerian athlete Tobi Amusan was provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for missing drug tests.

Tobi Amusan has opened up about her suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).

The AIU in its statement said the Nigerian athlete earned the suspension for 3 Whereabouts Failures.

However, a disciplinary panel has been set up by the World Athletics Championships to investigate the matter.

While responding to the suspension, Tobi Amusan has maintained her innocence, stating that she is a “clean athlete.”

The 100m Hurdle World Record Holder said she is a clean athlete and is regularly tested by the AIU.

If she loses her appeal, Tobi Amusan could face up to a two-year ban.

AFN defends Tobi Amusan after suspension
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria have risen to the defence of Tobi Amusan.

In a swift response to the news, the AFN has thrown its weight behind Nigeria’s track and field queen.

Samuel Onikeku, AFN’s Technical Director said the news is not a happy one because Tobi Amusan is the face of Nigerian athletics.


Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/i-am-innocent-tobi-amusan-reacts-to-suspension-2023071918331372633

Manchester United's Harry Maguire is certainly not the only famous captain to have the armband taken away from him and can take solace from these other seven famous skippers

Manchester United's Harry Maguire said he was extremely disappointed after being stripped as captain of the Red Devils, and the painful decision has left the defender on the brink of exiting the club.

Maguire's reaction to being removed as captain is quite natural, as most of these seven other axed captains must have found out.

Samuel Eto'o — Cameroon
Cameroonian icon and current FA President, Samuel Eto’o Fills, is widely regarded as the greatest-ever player to wear the Indomitable Lions’ jersey, but his international career was far from drama free.

The former Barcelona star was famously dropped as national team captain after a disastrous 2014 World Cup campaign in which Cameroon lost all three group-stage matches and were dumped out of the first round.

After 17 years with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon senior team, Eto’o saw his removal as captain as the perfect opportunity to leave the national team and retired once the decision was confirmed.

Joey Barton — Queens Park Rangers
Always a controversial character throughout his football career, Joey Barton still managed to earn respect at most clubs he wound up playing for and was named captain of relegation strugglers Queens Park Rangers

The former Manchester City man was a magnet for bans and fines due to his erratic behaviour, but was still named captain of QPR after joining them from Newcastle at the start of the 2011/12 season.

In the final match of that same season, against Manchester City, Barton was sent off for an elbow on Carlos Tevez, kicked Sergio Aguero, and appeared to aim a headbutt in the direction of Vincent Kompany after the red card.

The violent outburst would end up costing Barton the QPR captaincy, as he was stripped while he faced charges from the FA.

Asisat Oshoala — Nigeria
Super Falcons and Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala took over the captain's armband of the Nigerian Women’s team after taking over from another dethroned skipper, Desire Oparanozie who was exiled from the team following the 2019 World Cup.

Oshoala was in turn removed as captain of the side just over two years later, with varying reports as to why the decision was taken.

Most credible was the rumour that the armband weighed too heavily on Oshoala and affected her performance with the national team, forcing the decision to relieve her of the burden of being captain.

The Barcelona forward found out about the end of her tenure as captain of the Super Falcons on Twitter and was shocked, as she had not received the information herself.

She was replaced by veteran defender Onome Ebi, who remains captain to date.

Granit Xhaka — Arsenal
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka finished his stint with the Gunners on a high after an impressive final campaign with the club, which saw him win plaudits from the fans and pundits, but his time in London was not always so rosy.

After being named captain under Unai Emery in 2019 following Laurent Koscielny’s departure, Xhaka lasted only six weeks in the role and was stripped of the title following an altercation with the club’s fans.

During Arsenal’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace, Arsenal fans at the Emirates Stadium took exception to Xhaka’s performances and cheered when his number was announced for substitution.

They then booed the midfielder as he left the pitch, and the Switzerland international reacted by sarcastically applauding and encouraging the booing before screaming expletives in return and throwing his jersey on the ground in anger.

Emery had little choice but to replace Xhaka as captain after the incident, which drew further criticism from fans.

Xhaka was replaced by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was vice-captain of the team at that point.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang’s reign as captain after taking over from Xhaka was markedly longer than the Swiss midfielder’s but also came to an end in disgrace.

The Gabonese striker took over the reins from Xhaka in November 2019 under Emery and remained captain when Mikel Arteta took over from his compatriot.

Aubameyang enjoyed a pleasant start as captain under Arteta, and even became the African captain to lift the FA Cup, but things soon turned sour under Arteta due to several disciplinary problems, leading to the striker’s removal as captain of the team in December 2021 when he returned late from a trip and was reportedly pictured partying.

The relationship between Aubameyang and Arteta deteriorated completely and the Gabonese striker moved to Barcelona in the very next transfer window and was replaced by Martin Odegaard as captain.

William Gallas — Arsenal
Yet another Arsenal player features on the list, with French defender William Gallas’ removal as Arsenal captain perhaps the most dramatic of all three Gunners’ captain removals.

Gallas had joined Arsenal from London rivals Chelsea in the summer of 2006 and was named captain of the side a year later when club legend Thierry Henry departed for Barcelona.

The defender’s performances as captain rarely gave the same impression of charisma and leadership that former Arsenal captains Patrick Vieira and Henry had shown, with Gallas famously breaking down in tears in the centre of the pitch after Arsenal’s loss to Birmingham in 2008.

Later that year, Gallas gave a scathing interview, castigating the culture at the club and blaming the team’s younger players for the on-pitch problems that the Gunners faced.

He was promptly removed as captain and replaced by Cesc Fabregas, who, ironically, was only 21 at the time.

John Terry — England
Chelsea legend John Terry stands in a league of his own as far as being stripped of captaincy goes, as the former Blues defender had the armband taken from him not once, but twice during his career with England.

Terry was named England captain after the 2006 World Cup, and played a crucial role in England's qualifying for the 2010 edition, but would not get to captain at the finals after being stripped of the captaincy following accusations that he had an affair with Chelsea and England teammate Wayne Bridge’s wife.

He was reinstated as captain in 2011 under Fabio Capello but again lost the honour just a year later after he was accused of racially abusing West Ham’s Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League game.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/harry-maguire-7-other-famous-captains-stripped-of-their-armbands-2023071822144564313

After Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami, Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that his Saudi Pro League is superior to the Argentine's MLS and these seven reasons prove that the former Real Madrid forward has a point
Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been in the news recently after his statements about the Saudi Pro League being a superior league to the MLS, just a day after Lionel Messi was announced as a new signing for American club Inter Miami.

Ronaldo’s words have caused a stir in football circles, with many labelling the Portuguese superstar as delusional.

However, there seems to be some credibility to Ronaldo’s claims, and these seven reasons show that the former Real Madrid forward has a point.

No Salary cap
Messi’s bumper salary and franchise offer are anomalies in the MLS, as the Argentine forward was signed under the league’s designated player provision, nicknamed “the David Beckham rule” after Inter Miami owner David Beckham, who was the first player signed under the provision.

MLS clubs can only sign a maximum of three designated players per team, while other players are covered by the league’s salary cap, where players can only earn a maximum of $651.250 per year.

This is paltry in comparison to most leagues in the world, let alone the Saudi Professional League, which is known for its extravagant salary offers.

Clubs in the Saudi Pro League are not bound by a similar cap or even by Europe’s financial fair play laws, which ensure that teams cannot spend beyond their revenues’ capability.

Without the limits of other leagues, clubs in the Saudi Pro League have been able to convince players to sign with them with outrageous salaries, allowing them to attract a number of surprise signings this summer.

More relevant stars
Including the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Saudi Pro League has continued to bring in star players, with the profile of footballers going to ply their trade in Saudi Arabia becoming increasingly interesting.

Champions League winners Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante have both chosen to join Al-Ittihad, while Al-Hilal’s midfield next season will contain recent Manchester United targets Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Reuben Neves, who are both current internationals with Serbia and Portugal.

Other star players like Paul Pogba and Manchester City’s treble winner Riyad Mahrez have also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, while Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby has reportedly turned down a move to Aston Villa after a bid from a Saudi Pro League club turned the Frenchman’s head.

The MLS does not have such an extensive list of superstars, thanks particularly to the salary cap and designated player slots, as well as the fact that the American League is one of the least financially rewarding among top leagues.

Inter Miami have used their three designated player slots to bring in Messi, Sergio Busquets, and potentially Jordi Alba, but these players are a standard above the league’s current stars, including Carlos Vela, Christian Benteke, Xhedran Shaqiri, Thiago Almada, and Riqui Puig.

Potential for growth
The MLS has come a long way from the days of halfway-line penalty shootouts and funny gimmicks to become a “serious” league capable of attracting arguably the greatest player of all time, but it appears to have reached its Zenith, especially with salary caps that will struggle to attract top talent.

The Saudi Pro League, however, appears to be at its taking off point and is already making a splash in the world of football that rivals the MLS.

With more stars going to Saudi Arabia and the clubs in the Saudi Pro League not hampered by a spending cap or financial fair play, the Arabians have a chance to build something special.

Starting off on such a strong foot means that the Saudi Pro League can still grow a lot more and eclipse the standard set by the MLS.

Better timing for viewers
Fans of Lionel Messi who are set to become Inter Miami aficionados are set to find out just how difficult it is to follow MLS teams from outside American time zones.

With American cities being between four and seven hours ahead of GMT, the MLS is at a disadvantage in terms of followership of matches since games often kick off around 1am GMT, an uncomfortable hour for most of football’s watching populace.

Matches in the Saudi Pro League, on the other hand, kick off and end much earlier, as Saudi Arabia is 3 hours ahead of GMT.

Blockbuster matches will usually be played around the same time of day as UEFA Champions League matches, making the Saudi Pro League games much easier to follow.

No competition from other sports
America’s favourite sporting pastime regularly shifts between American football, baseball and basketball, leaving the MLS and “soccer” in general to fight for scraps alongside hockey, golf, and Tennis in the country’s hierarchy of sports.

Saudi Arabia has no such problems with football being one of the major sporting endeavours in the country, attracting huge followings and now huge investments.

Larger financial backing
Despite teams boasting reputable sponsors such as Herbalife, Target, Etihad Airways, and Bimbo Bakeries and individual teams being valued into the hundreds of millions, the MLS franchise cannot currently compete with the financial might of the Saudi Private Investment Fund, which has become a leading investor in four of the biggest teams in the Saudi Pro League.

The Saudi PIF, which is backed by the oil-rich Saudi Arabian government with near-unlimited wealth, has made it obvious that it will spare no expense to improve the lot of the Saudi Pro League with the goal of making it one of the top leagues in the world by 2030.

More visible in media
Whether for good or for bad, the Saudi Pro League is currently more talked about than the MLS, an example being Ronaldo’s recent comments about the league overshadowing the unveiling of Messi and Busquets as players of Inter Miami.

With the league constantly targeting familiar faces from Europe’s top sides, they continue to remain relevant in news cycles and fan discussions.

Even the questionable antics of the Saudi Pro League in signing players from teams in Europe allegedly backed by funds from Saudi Arabia have led to increased visibility for the league as discussions fuelled by its major players remain at the top of football deliberations, giving the league more visibility.

Over the last five years, the Saudi Pro League has rivalled the MLS for Worldwide searches on Google, with the gulf league enjoying a spike in related searches when Ronaldo signed and at the end of the 2022/23 league season.

Both peaks have not been matched by the MLS’ biggest announcement in the signing of Messi showing that the level of interest in the American league still has some catching up to do.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/ronaldo-vs-messi-7-reasons-why-the-saudi-pro-league-is-better-than-the-mls-2023071822440141396

Tobi Amusan has been charged with alleged doping violation by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), says 'I'm a CLEAN ATHLETE'

World Record (WR) holder Tobi Amusan has released a statement with an alleged doping violation by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).

In the statement, Amusan said the AIU has charged her with an alleged doping violation rule of missing three tests in the space of 12 months, which she doesn't agree with as she has always kept to the rules of the AIU.

Amusan, in her defense, says she intends to fight this charge and will have her case decided by a tribunal of three arbitrators before the start of next month's World Championships in Budapest.

The Nigerian has declared that she's a CLEAN ATHLETE and has been regularly tested (maybe more than usual) by the AIU.

"I was tested within days of my third 'missed test,' her official statement posted on her Instagram page read.

The world champion has faith the case will be resolved in her favour, and she will be competing at the World Championships in Budapest, so she can successfully defend her 100m Hurdles world title.

Amusan became Nigeria's first WR holder and world champion at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon, where she clocked a resounding WR of 12.12s in the semifinals and a windy 12.06s to win the final.

Amusan has been in exceptional form in July, winning all her five races at the Stockholm Diamond League, Nigeria trials, Silesia Diamond League, and on July 18th the Gyulai Istvan Memorial meet in Hungary.

The AIU is still yet to respond on the issue.

Soirce: Pulse Sport Nigeris

https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/tobi-amusan-lands-in-trouble-as-she-is-allegedly-charged-with-doping-violation-2023071901363474438

Novak Djokovic became the first player in history to reach 35 Grand Slam singles finals but Carlos Alcaraz proved just too stubborn for him when it mattered most in the Wimbledon final.

Legendary Serbian Novak Djokovic has been fined over N6 million for smashing his racket in the 2023 Wimbledon final on Sunday.
Djokovic lost his first final at the All-England club for the first time in six years following an explosive encounter against Carlos Alcaraz at the Centre Court.

The 36-year-old lost to the youngster in the five-set final following a 1-6 7-6 (6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 defeat in the game that lasted over four hours.

Djokovic punished by Wimbledon
During the game against Alcaraz, the legendary Serbia failed to control his emotions having failed to break and then losing his own service in the fifth set.

Djokovic was cautioned by umpire Fergus Murphy for time violation, per Daily Mail.

But 20-year-old Alcaraz broke Djokovic in the game of the fifth set and the Serbian lost it and smashed his racket against the net.

Djokovic has now been fined $8000, over N6 million by the All-England Club for what they described as “racket abuse.”

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/tennis/story/wimbledon-novak-djokovic-fined-over-n6m-for-smashing-his-racket-in-defeat-to-alcaraz-2023071721451175418

The two nations were drawn alongside Rwanda, Benin Republic and Lesotho in Group C during the draw held in Abidjan.

Okocha cautions Nigeria Super Eagles

Following the draw, the former Super Eagles captain reacted and charged his former team to be careful heading into the competition.

According to a report by the Punch, the former skipper name-checked the rainbow nation as Nigeria’s toughest opponent in the group.

”Aside the (Super) Eagles, South Africa are about the strongest team in that group and we (Eagles) must be very careful when we play them,” Okocha stated.

“We have not had it easy against them recently,” the former skipper added.

In a related development, as reported by Pulse Sports, Okocha also charged the team and others to emulate semifinalists at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Atlas Lions of Morocco.

In his words, the Moroccans showed that it is possible for an Africa nation to win the World Cup after their brilliant display in Qatar.

“Morocco showed that an African country could win the World Cup! We must follow the example of Morocco,” he concluded.

Okocha in Abidjan
The capital of Ivory Coast, Abidjan, played host to football leaders and legends as the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers was held last week.

Super Eagles legend Okocha in the company of former Chelsea superstar Didier Drogba led as the former Premier League duo and others helped CAF to group teams ahead of a gruesome road to 2026.

The World Cup will be held jointly by Canada, Mexico and the USA in the summer of 2026, with nine countries expected to represent Africa in the next global showpiece.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/2026-fifa-world-cup-super-eagles-legend-okocha-cautions-nigeria-ahead-tough-qualifiers-2023071714023107837

Habeeb Okikiola also known as Portable was among the three artistes that thrilled fans at the super 8 final on Sunday.

Popular Nigerian artiste, Habeeb Okikiola also known as Portable did not waste time before he 'Japa' while thrilling over 10,000 fans at the final of Naija Super 8 final on Sunday.

Sporting Lagos clinch Naija Super 8 title against Remo Stars
The maiden edition of the Naija Super 8 pre-season tournament has come to an end with Sporting Lagos emerging the first-ever champions.

Sporting defeated Remo Stars 4-2 via penalty shootout following a dramatic 1-1 draw in normal time.

Goalkeeper Christian Nwoke was the star of the show as he saved two spot kicks in the shootout to give Sporting Lagos the bragging rights.

During Portable's performance at the football game, some fans applauded him while other stoned Portable with plastics.

Portable, who thrilled football fans with some electrifying performance at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan stadium got some set of fans vibing and recording him while he sang some of his hit songs.

However, some fans were stoning him with plastics and in a bid to avoid being hit, he ran helter-skelter round the pitch as he continued to perform.

Meanwhile, Seyi Vibes and Pheelz also performed at the final.

The turnout of fans at the stadium was very impressive; it recorded a huge crowd - the first since its renovation by the Lagos State Government.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/video-portable-japa-as-fans-throw-plastics-at-him-during-performance-at-naija-super-8-final-2023071707071320523

Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez could be another player leaving Europe as reports suggest that he has agreed personal terms with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli.

The Algerian player has two years left on his current contract at the Etihad after winning a historic triple with City last month.

Mahrez joined Manchester City in 2018 for a fee worth £60 million and could end his five-year stay at the Etihad this summer.

The City forward has been linked with a move away this summer and recent reports suggest that he has agreed personal terms with a Saudi Arabian team.

According to reports, the recently promoted team is willing to pay Pep Guardiola's team £30 million to sign the Algerian.

Al-Ahli, one of the four founding teams that were taken over earlier this month by the nation's Public Investment Fund, which also owns Newcastle United, was unexpectedly relegated to the Saudi top division.

Last month, Mail Sport claimed that Mahrez was considering ending his career in Saudi Arabia where he could receive a two-year contract for £43 million plus bonuses.

While they continue to pursue great European players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, who have joined Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, it is evident how ambitious and financially powerful the Saudi clubs are.

Mahrez not sure of the move
According to Daily Mail, Mahrez is understood to be hesitant about leaving City this summer having recently won the Treble under Pep Guardiola.

Mahrez was frustrated about his lack of playing time toward the end of last season when he was left on the bench in the Champions League and FA Cup finals.

The Algerian has made 236 appearances for City since moving from Leicester in 2018, making 78 goals and 59 assists.

If he were to sign with Al-Ahli, he would team up with former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who joined Kalidou Koulibaly and N'Golo Kante as the third player from the Blues to leave for the Middle East this summer.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/riyad-mahrez-reportedly-agrees-personal-terms-with-saudi-arabian-side-al-ahli-2023071619373529312

Declan Rice has finally completed his move to Arsenal after agreeing a fee with West Ham several days ago.

The former West Ham captain became the Gunners' top priority this summer transfer window towards the end of the 2022/2023 season.

The West Ham midfielder made his debut in 2017 against Southampton and has grown to be a regular for the Hammers. He was then made the club captain following the retirement of Mark Noble in May 2022.

His top-class performance in the last two seasons has caught the eye of big clubs including Arsenal, with the Gunners looking to bolster their midfield with a top-quality player in the summer.

The Gunners missed out on signing Moise Caicedo in January with Brighton rejecting £70 million for the Ecuadorian.

With the Arsenal new signing joining the team, we take a look at the qualities he will bring to the team and what the Gunners stand to gain.

Declan Rice qualities and the benefits he brings to Arsenal
1. Defensive quality
Declan Rice's best quality as a defensive midfielder is his defensive abilities. The English midfielder is one of the top ten best tacklers in the Premier League this season.

His ball recoveries are high which is an advantage for Mikel Arteta’s side. He has been a rock in West Ham’s midfield and his tackling and interception is one of the attributes he will bring to the team.

2. Ball-carrying abilities
The West Ham midfielder is a good carrier of the ball unlike Arsenal’s Thomas Partey and Manchester United’s Casemiro.

This gives him the potential to develop into a box-to-box midfielder with a higher potential than Granit Xhaka who has also been excellent for Arsenal this season.

Only a few top-class defensive midfielders possess this quality and Arsenal will enjoy the Englishman next season.

3. Physical presence
Rice has the quality to play as a number six, with the position requiring a lot of physical presence and the ability to progress the ball from the back.

He has a top physical presence in midfield thanks to his excellent pass selection, technical security, demand for the ball under pressure, ball-striking, use of the body to guard the ball, quick feet, mobile, and tall with a broad build.

In addition, he is also athletic and a technician who is at ease using both feet. Declan Rice has been observed changing the play with his left foot.

4. Decision-making on and off the ball
The English midfielder’s ability to make the right decisions at the right time is one quality every midfielder needs to possess.

The Englishman has the ability to make the right pass at the right time, take a shot at the right time and also know when to move the ball at the right time.

He also knows how to read through spaces and knows how to position himself to intercept the ball with ease.

5. Peak years at Arsenal
An average peak year of a midfielder is around 25-26 years and Declan Rice is getting close to that age. He is already showing a lot of his ability and is expected to improve year after year, playing at the top level.

The 24-year-old will be at the top of his game if he signs for Arsenal with many expecting him to become a world-class player when he hits his peak. The thing about Rice is that he is yet to unlock all the qualities he has.

With the former West Ham midfielder and captain in Arteta’s side for next season, a lot will be expected from them.


Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/declan-rice-5-qualities-the-english-midfielder-will-bring-to-the-arsenal-team-2023050714340739434

Former Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard has claimed that he had an impossible job motivating Blues players who had already given up on 2022/23 season

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has opened up about his disastrous spell as Chelsea’s interim manager last season, noting that the task of motivating the squad was too difficult for any coach to pull off.

Chelsea finished 12th with legend Lampard in charge
The former Chelsea captain was tasked with keeping Chelsea’s 2022/23 campaign respectable after the Blues suffered under former boss Graham Potter but he was only able to guide them to a finish in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Lampard noted that the team had already suffered too much by the time he arrived, and noted that a number of factors hampered the team’s motivation and desire, which he was unable to recover.

Despite having an expensively assembled squad at his disposal, Lampard noted that the level that the Blues were playing at when he arrived was unbefitting of the Chelsea badge and said he was not surprised at the ensuing struggles.

Lampard joined a sinking ship as Chelsea boss
Speaking on The Diary of a CEO podcast, Lampard said he realised as soon as he joined the club that something was wrong.

He said, “I could see in training the the level wasn't enough. It wasn't enough to get a result at Brentford at home or whatever, let alone Real Madrid.”

He also noticed that after losing to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, things got even worse.

“When I got there I could see the team spirit and the togetherness was not there. It was nothing bad, but you have to train elite to be elite.

“The minute we didn't get through against Real, you're into that end of season zone and what are you playing for? And that is not the norm at Chelsea.

“At Chelsea, we should be playing for something. We played for not so much, another reason why motivation came down.”

Lampard also noted that it was difficult to motivate the large numbers in the Chelsea squad especially players who had been ostracised and felt they deserved better.

'When I came in, I noticed very quickly that some players were thinking the season was going to peter out and what the future would look like for them,” Lampard said.

“If I'm a player that's not been playing for seven months and think I might be leaving in four weeks' time, I'm probably going to struggle to motivate that player. I haven't got a magic wand to motivate them.

“When you have international players in a big number, you're telling internationals they have to stay at home. It's not easy.”

Lampard has been out of work since leaving Chelsea at the end of the 2022/23 campaign and is looking to get back into management as soon as possible.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/i-havent-got-a-magic-wand-lampard-opens-up-about-failure-to-motivate-chelsea-in-interim-manager-spell-2023071405551736755

Nigeria and South Africa are set to clash once again as the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana are drawn in the same group for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers

The Super Eagles of Nigeria found out their opponents for the qualifying phase of the 2025 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Nigeria to play South Africa in World Cup qualifiers
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 edition of the World Cup won by Argentina after falling at the play-off stage to old foes Ghana, and have been grouped with another of its international rivals South Africa.

Nigeria and South Africa headline Group C of CAF’s World Cup qualifiers and are joined by Benin Republic, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Lesotho.

The qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup will kick off on November 13, 2022, with each team playing at least 10 matches in home and away round-robin matches.

Nine teams to qualify directly for World Cup
Due to the number of teams to play at the World Cup increasing from 32 to 48 in 2026, Africa as seen its slots increase from five to nine while also gaining a place in an inter-continentl playoff.

There are nine qualification groups in the CAF region, meaning that only one team can qualify directly from each group, with only the top team from each of CAF’s nine qualifying groups automatically reaching the 2026 World Cup.

Four of the best losers from the nine groups will also qualify for a continental play-off, the winner of which will compete in an inter-continental play-off which could see Africa get an astounding 10 places at the 2026 World Cup.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/2026-world-cup-super-eagles-draw-old-foes-south-africa-2023071316590967466

Jordan Henderson is reportedly on the verge of accepting a mind-blowing package worth around ₦‎700million every week to move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.

Henderson is seriously considering teaming up with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard who is now manager of Al-Ettifaq but expected to have a face-to-face meeting with Jurgen Klopp before making a final decision.

Henderson set for big-money Saudi move

The Saudi club are pushing hard to make Henderson their statement signing and are set to quadruple his current wages of around £180,000 a week in an effort to land the 33-year-old.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Liverpool captain is leaning towards accepting an offer that would be life-changing, despite having two years left on his existing deal at Anfield.

Henderson knows his role at Liverpool next season will be limited as Klopp pushes on with plans to reshape his midfield after signing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Hungary star Dominik Sbozoszlai from Leipzig.

The England international is desperate to be at the heart of Liverpool's attempt to challenge Manchester City once again but if he receives no assurances from Klopp, he is minded to accept the Saudi move.

Should he choose to depart, he would be doing so after 492 appearances in all competitions, winning the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/liverpools-jordan-henderson-set-for-life-changing-move-to-saudi-arabia-worth-naira700m-a-week-2023071307332024878

LeBron James says he will be back for a 21st season at the 2023 ESPYS Awards.
Due to the Hollywood writers strike, the 2023 ESPYS took on a slightly different appearance this year and were held without a host for the first time in their 31-year existence.

Athletes from several different sports came together on Wednesday night at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles to continue the sporting celebrations.

The night's biggest winner was Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who won the awards for best athlete, men's sports, and best NFL player.

Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs also won the award for best team.

Lil Wayne and H.E.R. performed, and presenters included Damar Hamlin, Dwayne Wade, Travis Kelce, Sue Bird, Mike Tyson, and Livvy Dunne.

The beneficiaries of the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award were (Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks and Lauren Holiday, a retired member of the United States Women's National Team).

LeBron James dismisses retirement
On Wednesday, LeBron James made it official that he would play his 21st NBA season with the Lakers.

After winning the ESPY for Best Record-Breaking Performance in recognition of his overtaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the NBA's all-time scoring list last season, James spoke about his future.

He said, “I don’t care how many more points I can score or what I can or can’t do on the floor.

“The real question for me is, can I play without cheating this game?

"The day I can’t play without giving everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done. Lucky for you guys, that day is not today.”

James will now be teammates with Nigerian-American professional basketball star Gabe Vincent, who recently joined the Lakers from the Miami Heat.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/basketball/story/lebron-james-dismisses-retirement-at-2023-espys-awards-2023071307524620600

Achraf Hakimi has moved on from his marriage to Hiba Abouk as has been spotted with a new woman while on holiday in Miami.

Months ago, Achraf Hakimi made the headlines after rumours of his divorce broke the internet.

The Paris Saint Germain midfielder was rumoured to have transferred his wealth to his mother’s account, leaving his estranged wife Hiba Abouk with nothing to part with.

However, Pulse Sports cannot verify the authenticity of this claim as neither Hakimi nor his wife, Hiba confirmed the report.

Hakimi, 24, and Hiba Abouk, 36, have two children together - Amín, 3, and Naim, 1.

However, Abouk decided to separate from the Moroccan footballer following allegations of rape.

However, Pulse Sports reported that the pair’s marriage had since been on the verge of crashing before Hakimi was accused of rape months ago.

Currently, it is believed that the former couple have concluded their divorce proceedings, although, they still follow each other on social media.

Hakimi is yet to comment on the divorce nor confirm that he is officially divorced from Abouk, but the Spanish-Tunisian model and actress has since confirmed that she is moving on from her failed project with the PSG star.

Achraf Hakimi spotted with new woman in Miami following divorce saga

The Morocco wingback was recently spotted with a new woman while on holiday in Miami.

Achraf Hakimi has been sharing posts on social media about how he’s spending his summer break.

The 24-year-old former Inter defender visited his foundation in Casablanca, before attending a couple of events in Barcelona and Paris.

Hakimi, who is currently in Miami was spotted with a new woman following his viral divorce saga that broke the internet in April.

The Moroccan footballer was spotted with Uruguayan singer and songwriter Belu Blanco while on his holiday.

Pictures which emerged on social media showed the PSG wingback shirtless while having a conversation with the beautiful singer in a bikini amid the company of people believed to be close friends of the duo.

Pulse Sports gathered that Belu Blanco is rumoured to be dating a close friend of Hakimi - Jose Maria Relucio who currently plays for Levante.

However, neither the player nor the singer has confirmed that they are in a relationship.

Hakimi has been gearing up for the new season, as he has often shared pictures of himself training and working out with friends while in Miami.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/achraf-hakimi-new-woman-divorce-saga-2023071216562675749

Kylian Mbappe's PSG future remains unresolved as the France captain remains steadfast in his desire to leave the club next summer as a free agent while the Ligue 1 club reportedly want him gone now, to recoup a fee.

Real Madrid have long been the striker's first choice destination but the Spanish giants are prepared to wait till next summer to land him on a free transfer.

The full cost of Mbappe's potential move to Real Madrid

want a deal done right now and the figures behind an immediate move to Real Madrid have been revealed.

According to Spanish outlet Relevo, any move by Real to sign Mbappe this summer would require a total package of €550m, including salary, wages and bonuses.

There is a desire from Real Madrid and Mbappe for him to complete the rest of his contract before moving to Spain next summer. However, PSG’s stance is firm, and it means that he could be forced out of the door in the next few weeks

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/revealed-psg-superstar-kylian-mbappe-to-cost-real-madrid-euro550m-this-summer-2023071210074773463

At the age of 56, Kazuyoshi Miura is not thinking about hanging his boots soon

The oldest footballer in the World, Kazuyoshi Miura, is set to extend his playing career after agreeing to another season with Portuguese second-division side, Oliveirense.

Oldest footballer in the World set for one more season
Despite turning 56 years old in February this year, Miura is intent on playing on as he extends his lead as the oldest currently active professional footballer in the world and has agreed to extend his loan with Oliveirense from the Japanese side Yokohama FC.

The former Japan international has been an active footballer since 1986 with Brazilian side, Santos, and is still unwilling to hand up his boots, 37 years later.

Miura has been a staple in Japanese football for decades, and despite taking his services outside his home country, appears to be no closer to retiring than the day he started his career.

Miura's incredible career
After making his debut in football with Santos, Miura went on to represent 17 teams in five countries, playing for clubs such as Vissel Kobe, Genoa, Dynamo Zagreb, Palmeiras, Sydney FC, and Verdy Kawasaki.

The forward also represented the Japanese national team 89 times, scoring 55 goals for the Blue Samurai, including at the Afro-Asian Cup final against the Ivory Coast as he helped his country to the 1993 title.

He was named J-League player of the year that same year and was named in the XI of the year in 1993, 1995, and 1996.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/oldest-footballer-in-the-world-set-for-one-more-season-2023071122591650561

FIFA has sanctioned Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr because of an issue involving Super Eagles star Ahmed Musa.

The world football governing body FIFA has banned Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr from registering any new signing going into the new Saudi Pro League.

FIFA banned Al-Nassr after failing to pay the money they owed Leicester City for the transfer of Ahmed Musa.

FIFA bans Ronaldo's Al-Nassr after Ahmed Musa's transfer
Musa joined Al-Nassr from Leicester City in 2018, shortly after the World Cup in Russia, for €16.50m.

While the Knights of Naja have paid the transfer fee, they are yet to pay the add-ons Leicester are entitled to despite The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling.

According to Ben Jacobs, Al-Nassr were ordered to pay the Foxes €460k in performance-related add-ons as part of the conditions of the deal that took Musa to their club in 2018.

However, the Saudi Arabian giants are yet to obey CAS’ ruling, forcing FIFA to ban them from registering new players ahead of the new season.

Nonetheless, FIFA will likely lift the ban soon as Al-Nassr are expected to pay the money to Leicester before the new season kicks off.

Musa at Al-Nassr
Musa joined Al-Nassr in 2018, going on to play 60 games for the club. The Super Eagles captain scored 11 and registered 14 assists during his time at the club, winning the league title in his first season and also the Super Cup in his second year.

The Nigeria international’s move to Saudi Pro League was before the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) took control of the country’s biggest clubs.

Musa is currently on the books of Turkish Super Lig club Sivasspor, with his contract expiring next summer.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/ahmed-musas-transfer-forces-fifa-to-ban-ronlados-al-nassr-2023071203241397977

Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo has admitted he would not be able to turn down a move to Chelsea this summer.

Caicedo has been Chelsea's top targetall summer as the Blues look to fill the huge void they have in midfield after the departures of N'Golo ante and Mateo Kovacic.

Reaching an agreement with Brighton has been increasingly dfficult for Chelsea but both sides remain in negotiaions.

The sticking point has been Brighton's price tag of £100m which has been dictated largely by Declan Rice's impending transfer to Arsenal. The West Ham captain was able to command a fee of £105m and the Seagulls value Caicedo at just a little under that.

"It's a big team, that is true," he told Maria Jose Flores when asked about a potential Chelsea transfer.

"A very historic team and I can't say no, because it's a very big, historic, beautiful team. "The city as well is beautiful. It's got everything beautiful."

Despite Brighton's interest in seeing Chelsea offer Levi Colwill in any bid for Caicedo, Chelsea have made it clear they will not entertain the possibility.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/i-cannot-say-no-to-chelsea-moises-caicedo-2023071206303307495

Following an investigation into salary manipulation during the Covid-19 pandemic, former Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has been banned from football for a further 16 months and fined €60,000.

On Monday, Agnelli was sanctioned by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for salary manipulation, agent relationships, and other club partnerships.

Former Juve boss handed further football ban
The 47-year-old will be adding this suspension to a two-year ban he was already serving for alleged financial malpractice following a capital gains case in January.

As part of the plea bargain Juventus and other past and present directors struck with the FIGC in May to bring an end to the sporting penalties for financial malpractice, he agreed to stand trial after not entering a plea bargain.

Juventus, along with other past and present directors, agreed to a fine after refusing to enter a plea bargain.

The verdict in May ended the scandal and allowed the Bianconeri and FIGC to move on without further sanctions, such as a points deduction next season.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/ex-juventus-boss-handed-16-month-ban-from-football-2023071107464426291

The Nigerian Women’s League is filled with many good-looking players

Asides from Peace Abbey, whom many football fans regard as the most beautiful player in the Nigerian Women’s League, other stars such as Taiwo Lawal are not left out

Dubbed the most fashionable player in the NWFL, Lawal is one of the reasons why several male fans visit the stadium to watch the Women’s League.

Who is Taiwo Lawal?
Taiwo Lawal is a prolific forward who has a good eye for goal, capable of quickly punishing defenders for any error they make.

Blessed with the creative instinct of a midfielder and the finishing traits of a striker, she can easily find space in the middle of the pitch and smell blood from a distance.

The forward started her career with Aseyori Queens in Lagos before she became a professional when she teamed up with FC Robo Queens.

The talented goal poacher has seen her stock rise over the years and she has represented Nigeria both at the U-17 and U-20 levels.

Beauty, panache, glamour, and style are all synonymous with Taiwo Lawal which makes her a fan favourite in the Nigerian Women’s League.

She is blessed with mouthwatering looks and a terrific physique to complement her outstanding performances on the pitch.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria
https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/taiwo-lawal-meet-the-most-fashionable-player-in-the-nigerian-womens-league-2023071012013934068

Sporting Lagos fans came out in their numbers to cheer their team for the first time in the Naija Super 8 but faced strong opposition from the organisers against NPFL champions Enyimba International.

Fans of newly promoted side Sporting Lagos have furiously lashed out at Naija Super 8 after they were threatened with a fine for making noise.

Sporting Lagos the Mobolaji Johnson, MJ, Arena for the first time since their historic promotion to the NPFL.

The Tech Boys had a first taste of what to expect in the NPFL next season as they locked horns with champions Enyimba on Sunday in the Naija Super 8.

Sporting Lagos vs Enyimba
In what was their game in the Super 8, Sporting Lagos fans came out in their numbers to cheer their team against the champions.

Izuchukwu Akawor • 10:12 - 10.07.2023
Sporting Lagos fans came out in their numbers to cheer their team for the first time in the Naija Super 8 but faced strong opposition from the organisers against NPFL champions Enyimba International.
Fans of newly promoted side Sporting Lagos have furiously lashed out at Naija Super 8 after they were threatened with a fine for making noise.

Sporting Lagos the Mobolaji Johnson, MJ, Arena for the first time since their historic promotion to the NPFL.

Sporting Lagos' "Happy Corner" cheering and willing on the team at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (Photo credit: Siju Olajumoke)
Sporting Lagos' "Happy Corner" cheering and willing on the team at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (Photo credit: Siju Olajumoke)
The Tech Boys had a first taste of what to expect in the NPFL next season as they locked horns with champions Enyimba on Sunday in the Naija Super 8.

Sporting Lagos vs Enyimba
In what was their game in the Super 8, Sporting Lagos fans came out in their numbers to cheer their team against the champions.


Sporting Lagos and Enyimba served the first goalless draw at the Naija Super 8
The Tech Boys put up a brave fight against Enyimba to earn a share of the spoils following a goalless affair with their fans behind them all through the clash.

Led by the now famous ‘Happy Corner’ and their vuvuzelas, the Sporting Lagos fans created an electric atmosphere throughout the game against the People’s Elephant.

Naija Super 8 threaten Sporting fans
During the game against Enyimba, an official of the Naija Super 8 came to the happy corner to ask the home fans to put an end to what he termed ‘noise’.

The official called on a high-ranking Sporting Official who was at the Stadium to caution the fans to stop as they were making noise.

Sporting fans protested mildly before they continued to support their team with their vuvuzelas.

The Naija Super 8 official was furious with this and gestured to the VIP area to fine the club; “N5m for Sporting Lagos, Sporting Lagos.”

Sporting Lagos reacts
Following the bizarre situation at the Stadium in Onikan, the fans have now taken to their social media accounts to blast the organisers.

One of the organizers of this Super8 came to Happy Corner to say that the noise is too much, that the noise has to go. Baba this is @SportingLagos!!! The noise is going nowhere. You better go home,” one of the fans stated.

Reacting to the post above, another of the fans at the happy corner said;
This was one of the most ludicrous things I’ve ever heard since I started watching football. Well, the organizers have not really been top-notch around here and seem to be okay with the level the league is at. “Making too much noise” as if this is a library.”

“Telling people they're making too much noise in a stadium is a very foolish thing. That's why the Nigerian Premier League will never move forward. Dead league. Brain-dead organisers. I wonder what they did to even merit their positions of authority,” another fan added.

“If you like the Anfield atmosphere or the Signal Iduna stadium in Dortmund, you will be watching Sporting Lagos play at Onikan. - the happy corner is here to make the loudest noise in Lagos.”

Sporting Lagos will be playing their next game in the Naija Super 8 against neighbours Remo Stars on Tuesday.

The game against the Sky Blues is one of the most anticipated in the competition as bpth clubs have already spiced thing up with some banter on social media following Sporting Lagos’ promotion last week.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/sporting-lagos-fans-blast-naija-super-8-after-cheeky-naira5m-threat-for-making-noise-2023071009123254864

Super Eagles legend Yakubu Aiyegbeni celebrates with daughter to dismiss calls of arrest by Nigerians 13 years after World Cup miss

Super Eagles of Nigeria legend Yakubu Aiyegbeni is back among the trends on social media.

Yakubu rose to the top of social media trends after a post about the crop of talented Super Eagles strikers.

The post included several top strikers, past and present, asking a question about the preferences of the fans.

Nigerians call for arrest of Yakubu Aiyegbeni 13 years after World Cup miss
A Twitter user took a post by the Naija Footballers that included images of Victor Osimhen, Rashidi Yekeni, Obafemi Martins, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Odion Ighalo, and Emmanuel Emenike.

The user then asked the audience to Start two, Bench two, and Trash two.

All six players were among the trends on social media, and several users on Twitter picked their preferences.

Yakubu was the name that received the most backlash of all the six strikers.

2010 FIFA World Cup and the reason for Yakubu's criticism
Nigerian football fans are still stuck on Yakubu's performance in one of the games at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

In the last Group B match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Yakubu was the attacking leader of the Nigerian Super Eagles side against South Korea at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

The Super Eagles needed to defeat South Korea in order to qualify for the round of 16 after losing 1-0 to Argentina and 2-1 to Greece.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni was the recipient of a pass from Ayila Yussuf that was sent through the South Korean defense.

Yakubu pushed the ball wide of the left post after the pass connected with his foot four yards from the open goal.

Nigerians football fans are yet to forgive the striker 13 years after for the miss.

Yakubu shows off daughter to ward off criticism
Yakubu took to his official social media platforms to show off his daughter.

In an elevator picture, The Yak posed along with his daughter Kayla, unbothered by criticism from Nigerian football fans.

Yakubu is now retired and ranked among the greatest strikers in Premier League history.

The Yak, despite criticism, has 21 goals in 58 appearances in the Green and White and is among Nigeria's all time top scorers.

Now retired, Yakubu features in Charity and Legends games when called upon.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/yakubu-aiyegbeni-nigerians-call-for-arrest-of-super-eagles-legend-13-years-after-world-cup-miss-2023071005463006740

Hammers legend Paolo Di Canio tears into Mbappe in latest rant about PSG and Mbappe transfer debacle

Premier League icon and former West Ham forward Paolo Di Canio has blamed Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe for the current transfer saga that embroils the Frenchman.

West Ham legend questions Mbappe’s motives
Di Canio, who famously played for London side West Ham in the Premier League and Juventus, Milan, and Lazio in Serie A during a storied career, recently told Sky Sports Italia that he believed that the current PSG transfer debacle was due to Mbappe’s indecency.

The former player and manager was critical of Mbappe, who is being forced out of PSG this summer as the Ligue 1 side try to avoid losing him on a free transfer next season.

Mbappe informed PSG in an email that he will not be extending his contract with the club beyond 2024 after rejecting a move to Real Madrid in 2021 to stay with Les Parisiens.

Di Canio has now claimed that the main reason for the current debacle is the club trying too hard to please the France national team captain.

Di Canio assesses Mbappe-PSG situation
Speaking to SkySPorts Italia, Di Canio was visibly irate as he commented on the Mbappe situation.

He said, “PSG have put themselves in this situation because they coddled him, now they must limit the damage and make a decision.

“We can judge PSG’s errors but, I am saying it openly, also the indecency of the lad. Indecency, that’s what it is. He took advantage of this situation a year ago and now he’s doing the same, threatening to leave on a free transfer next year.

Di Canio also accused Mbappe of disrespecting the club and its fans despite the support that they have shown him.

“It’s an absolute shame that Mbappbe behaves this way after earning €200-300m even if everyone always tries to earn more without hypocrisy,” Di Canio said.

“Then there are the fans, the club and the honorability which you can’t buy even with €2 billion and he is not respecting any of these.”

PSG have allegedly issued an ultimatum to Mbappe to either sign a new contract at the club or leave this season in order to recoup some of his transfer fee, but the Frenchman has continually stated his desire to only leave at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/premier-league-icon-blames-indecent-mbappe-for-transfer-saga-2023070916145523793