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Super Falcons through coach Randy Waldrum queried the NFF over FIFA's World Cup grant amidst poor World Cup preparation and could go on strike in Australia.

Nigeria’s Women's national football team the Super Falcons are set for more showdown with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The Super Falcons are reportedly planning to go on strike by boycotting their first game of the World Cup in response to their fight with the NFF over money issues.

Falcons, who are in Group B with co-hosts Australia, Canada and Ireland, have had a turbulent build-up to the global showpiece slated for later this month.

Super Falcons plan to boycott opener

Following an ongoing dispute over match bonuses between the coach Randy Waldrum and his employers, the NFF, the team is set to take drastic measures to make their voice heard according to a report by the Mirror.

As reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria, the NFF had been queried by Super Falcons coach, Waldrum, who is furious with the poor preparation his team has had ahead of the World Cup.

The Super Falcons had a two-week camp cancelled while the players have not been properly compensated despite FIFA making money available.

Waldrum and his Falcons are expected to battle Olympic champions Canada in their World Cup opener on July 21.

However, that game is now under threat per the report as the Super Falcons are planning to boycott the encounter except the current financial issues bedevilling the team are resolved.

Should the Falcons push ahead with this plan, this will be the second time under Waldrum that the team would embark on strike action.

Super Falcons players failed to turn up for training ahead of their bronze medal clash against Zambia at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations also due to financial issues.

Nigeria went on to lose that encounter, with confirmation from coach Waldrum during his recent war of words that the players are yet to receive their allowances from the competition.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/super-falcons-planning-strike-ahead-of-fifawwc-opener-over-money-issues-2023070805221093495

Maurizio Sarri, the current boss of Lazio, has urged Osimhen to be careful following an incredible season with Napoli.

Former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has urged Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen to think carefully before deciding to leave Napoli this summer.

Osimhen has been linked with a move away from Naples this summer after a historic season with Napoli.

Chelsea, Bayern Munich, PSG and Manchester monitoring Osimhen

The Super Eagles star had the best year of his career last season after leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years.

Osimhen played a pivotal role in the success after scoring 26 goals in 31 games, including the all-important goal that won Napoli the title.

The Nigeria international also broke several records in the process, becoming the first African to score more than 21 league goals in a single season in Serie A and overtaking George Weah as Africa’s all-time top scorer in the league.

Overall, Osimhen scored 31 goals last season as he also scored another five goals in six Champions League matches.

But Osimhen’s impressive numbers have come at a cost for Napoli as the Nigerian striker is being linked with a move away from the club.

The likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich have all been linked with a move for Osimhen.

Sarri warns Osimhen

However, Sarri has urged Osimhen to think carefully before deciding on a move. The former Napoli manager insists Osimhen will never reach the heights he reached with the Neapolitans if he leaves Naples for any other city.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/he-wont-find-again-in-his-career-ex-chelsea-boss-sarri-on-osimhen-2023070611502574412

Based on the reactions garnered online, here are 5 reasons why Amusan was greeted to an empty stadium on her first race back on home soil.

On the first day of the Nigerian Championships, World Record (WR) holder Tobi Amusan competed in the women's 100m Hurdles semifinals, which she won effortlessly and later on the final.

To the disappointment of Nigerian sports fans and enthusiasts, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium (the venue of the championship) was empty, with no spectators present or media promotions worthy of a homecoming befitting of a national heroine.

This has caused several debates online, making many suggest that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) have no understanding of the business side of sports, maximising the social media and online presence of Amusan, and they may have lost its plot in organising world-class athletics championships.
1. Rush-hour organisation by AFN
According to a confirmed source (name withheld), the Nigeria Trials organising committee was selected a week before its commencement.

Now a well-organised country or federation, planning would have started at least six months ago when the federation knew that Amusan will be in the country to race in front of her home fans.

Organising a world-class athletics meet takes time to plan and put up a show. Though the AFN have a pretty good committee, they could not pull off any marketing or get the locals out to watch due to time constraints.

2. Location
The last time Nigeria held a continental athletics competition was the 2018 African Championships in Asaba which exceeded expectations based on media awareness and spectators turnout.

Applying a similar approach would have been better, using Delta State as the location as it's known to b a sports-loving state, and fans would have turned out in their numbers.

Another viable location is Lagos, using the school vicinity of Yabatech Sports Center. The track is known for its fast surface, and there would have been a guarantee of high spectators turnout from students and athletics-loving fans who wants to watch their national icon for the first time.

3. Non-functioning media or marketing departments in AFN
Does the AFN have functioning media and marketing departments responsible for athletes and competition promotions? Because if they do, the departments should have done a better job using Amusan's popularity and relevance to attract sponsors and media engagements.

In an organised country that understands sports marketing and fan engagement, the Nigeria Trials should be aired live on a local TV station and live-streamed on at least one social media platform of the AFN.

4. Zero social media presence by AFN
It's unbelievable that in this media age where online presence is the foundation of any successful business and dissemination of information, the AFN doesn't have social media platforms.

So when a governing body whose only means of communication is through letters/mails and depending on other online platforms, they won't understand the relevance of how to work with a global star to improve their brand visibility.

For example, there was no online or traditional media exposure concerning the Trials - the biggest yearly athletics meet in the country, and apart from athletics enthusiasts following the sport vividly and creating online content, the meet is as good as bland.

5. Poor online and offline publicity
It still boils down to poor media awareness before and during the trials.

Publicity should have begun at least a month ahead, talking to sponsors about the magnitude of the online presence it'll gather with the presence of Amusan, Ese Brume, and other recognised Nigerian athletes flying into the country.

A pre-championship international meet could have been put together, inviting some elite athletes and using Amusan as the headliner to attract sponsors and awareness.

Unfortunately, these were not considered, and the outcome was what was seen at the stadium.

Nigerians react to the situation
As expected, Nigerians flooded social media pages to pour out their disappointment and frustrations regarding the empty stadiums that greeted Tobi Amusan.

Most of the reactions are quite hilarious, with many blaming the economic situation in the country as one of the factors responsible. Take a look at some of them;

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/tobi-amusan-5-reasons-why-nigerian-world-record-holder-was-greeted-with-an-empty-stadium-2023070610061272697

18-year-old Nigerian James Nnaji impresses on his NBA debut for the Charlotte Hornets against the Golden State Warriors,
Nigerian Professional basketball player James Nnaji has finally made his NBA debut.

The 18-year-old James Nnaji made a sensational move from Spanish ACB side Barcelona to the NBA last month.

Nnaji, a rookie center from Nigeria who is 18 years old, was originally taken by the Detroit Pistons with the No. 31 pick.

The Hornets acquired Nnaji on Draft Day by sending the Nos. 34 and 39 picks to the Boston Celtics.

James Nnaji makes NBA Summer League debut for Charlotte Hornets
James Nnaji hasn't spent much time putting his own mark on the NBA.

The Nigerian center made his Summer League debut for the Charlotte Hornets against the Golden State Warriors.

His performance caught the crowd's attention with good stats and highlights.

With 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block in 17 minutes on 2/2 field goal shooting, Nnaji who is 18 years old and selected in the 31st round, left a strong statistical record.

Nnaji was able to exhibit the majority of his skills during his brief time in the game, including dunks and blocks, two moves that characterize him as a player.

The Hornets were defeated 98-83 by the Warriors, and Nnaji, a member of the Barça team, was unable to stop it.

Although he will delay his arrival since he will continue to play for the Barcelona club for another year, he made a strong impression and started earning the respect of the NBA.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/basketball/story/james-nnaji-18-year-old-nigerian-impresses-on-nba-debut-for-charlotte-hornets-2023070608293710527

Chelsea have conducted a summer clearout over the past few weeks but there are still four players Mauricio Pochettino must get rid of in the next few days.

New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has one week before the team jet out for pre-season and there are a number of players that must be sold before then to avoid a difficult and potentially awkward situation.

The Blues have already let go of Kalidou Koulibaly, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Edouard Mendy, Kai Havertz and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, while N'Golo Kante has departed on a free transfer.

Pochettino aiming to sell 4 Chelsea stars in the next week
According to Mirror Football, Pochettino only wants to work with players who have a burning desire to remain at the club and is intentioned to cut off any players with designs on a Stamford Bridge exit.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Romelu Lukaku, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech are all either far from the manager's plans or have been vocal about their desire to play football elsewhere.

To avoid an awkward situation in pre-season, all four players must have their situations resolved in the next week.

Striker Romelu Lukaku is keen on a return to Inter Milan, having spent the past season there on loan, but the Serie A side have yet to reach an agreement with Chelsea over a permanent switch.

Aubameyang, who has flopped badly since joining Chelsea from Barcelona has also attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard keen to bring him to Al Ettifaq.

Big picture for Pochettino & Chelsea
Pochettino needs to ensure there are no dissenting voices or bad eggs in his dressing room as he begins the process of rebuilding a broken club and restoring the feel-good factor that was absent last season.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/4-players-chelsea-must-sell-before-pre-season-2023070606295431052

Super Eagles and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has been ranked the 4th best striker in the world in ESPN's annual FC 100 list.
Victor Osimhen who had a storming season for Napoli in Serie A has been ranked in the top 5 best strikers in the world for the 2022/23 season by ESPN in their yearly FC 100 list.

Osimhen had an excellent season for Napol

The Nigeria international set Europe ablaze last season, almost singlehandedly guiding Napoli to their first Scudetto in 30 years, winning the golden boot in the process and ending the season with a staggering 31 goals in all competitions.

ESPN FC's best men's strikers in the world in 2022-23

Erling Haaland
karim Benzema
Harry Kane
Victor Osimhen
Robert Lewandowski
Gabriel Jesus
Randal Kolo Muani
Alexander Isak
Dusan Vlahovic
Jonathan David
Fans of the Napoli hitman may have some complaints about the striker's position on this list, arguing that he perhaps had a better season than the likes of Harry Kane, who, despite scoring 30 league goals, failed to lead his side to any trophies.

Verdict - Osimhen should have been higher

Osimhen scored 31 goals last season, just one short of Harry Kane's total of 32 but the Nigerian did so in fewer appearances. He was also more impactful than the England captain as well as Karim Benzema over the course of the season.

The 24-year-old scored crucial goals to lift Napoli to the Serie A title and his absence was also keenly felt as his team cashed out in the Champions League quarter-final. An outstanding season for the Super Eagles forward.

SOURCE: Pulse SPorts Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/disrespectful-fans-react-as-osimhen-ranks-4th-in-espns-best-strikers-in-the-world-2023070506173550126

Several fans believe Peace Abbey is one of the most beautiful footballers in the Nigerian Women’s League.

The Nigeria Women's Football League (NWFL) Superstar, Peace Abbey, has shut down the internet after sharing some stunning photos on Twitter.

Abbey was part of the Delta Queens Squad, which won the Women's League.

Delta Queens have been crowned champions of the NWFL for the first time in 11 years at the NWFL Super Six at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

Bayelsa Queens were defeated in a 2-1 comeback victory, and Mercy Omokwo finished the year as the leading goal scorer with nine goals.

Abbey shut down the internet with her beautiful photos

The youngster took to her official social media account to share pictures of herself with her fans.

The attacker is blessed with an incredible physique, which makes several followers of the league regard her as the most beautiful footballer in the Nigerian Women’s League.

She posted with the caption, “Taste and see that the Lord is good, happiness is what we seek for."

Source: Pulse SPorts Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/peace-abbey-nigeria-womens-league-most-beautiful-player-shut-the-internet-with-stunning-photos-2023070405433186610

The Mauricio Pochettino era at Stamford Bridge is well and truly underway and the new Chelsea boss stirred the pot with his comments on his first day in the job.

While fans of Premier League football are engulfed in the comings and goings of the summer transfer window, several supporters are curious to know when pre-season begins for their beloved teams.

Pochettino's Chelsea era begins

The Argentine tactician arrived Cobham, the club's training base, for the first time on Monday as he hopes to live up to the task of turning things around.

The Blues had a torrid time last season, finishing 12th on the back of 16 league defeats and seeing two capable managers in Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter sacked for their troubles.

The former Spurs boss stirred up fans of his former club and other rival fans with his comments on Chelsea's greatness in the English game.

"I think it’s important to continue a culture of winning. In the last 10, 12, 15 years, Chelsea is the greatest team in England," Pochettino said on of the importance of the club's history.

Here are some tweets from rival fans who seem to disagree with the new Chelsea boss.

The Chelsea boss must now back his words with action and return the Blues to winning ways after a largely forgettable season.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/pochettino-angers-rival-fans-after-calling-chelsea-greatest-team-in-england-2023070406021357787

The legendary Liverpool midfielder will be delighted to be back in business after being out of job since he was booted out from the Villa Park

Legendary Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is the latest big name to be added to the revolution in the Saudi Pro League.

Gerrard has been confirmed as the new manager of Saudi Arabian club Ettifaq.

Pulse Sports Nigeria can confirm this following a post by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Gerrard joins Ettifaq

The club also announced the deal on their official Instagram account on Monday evening.

With the announcement, the former Liverpool man returns to manager having been out of work since he was sacked by Premier League club Aston Villa.

The 43-year-old was fired in October last year after a disappointing start to the 2022/2023 campaign at the Villa Park.

He has remained without a job since then but will now manage Al Ettifaq in what is a clear continuation of the revolution in the Saudi Pro League.

Ettifaq finished seventh in the league last season and will be hoping their new man can inspire them to a better place in the 16-team league when the next season kicks off.

Gerrard is the latest high-profile addition to a league that has already attracted players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.

As earlier reported, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, which owns Newcastle United, is serious with its plans to make the Saudi Pro League a top division in the World.

Gerrard retired in 2016 before taking over Scottish giants Rangers where he led them to the league title for the first time in 10 years, with Nigerian trio Leon Balogun, Calvin Bassey, and Joe Aribo involved.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/liverpool-legend-steven-gerrard-finally-lands-new-job-saudi-arabia-revolution-2023070316011128485

PSG's Kylian Mbappe remains a transfer target for LaLiga giants Real Madrid but his monetary demands make a move to Los Blancos an impossible one at the moment.


The transfer speculations around Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe are clearly not going away any time soon.

Mbappe is back in the news with reports that he has demanded a whopping sum to join any club this summer.

The 24-year-old remains a hot property in the transfer market but is currently on holiday following a brilliant last season with PSG.

Mbappe remained the main man for PSG and France after scoring 54 goals across competitions for club and country.

His form includes a memorable outing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup where he emerged as the tournamen’s top scorer and golden boot winner in Qatar.

Mbappe’s transfer demand
However, despite his impressive form for club and country, there are still uncertainties around his future in Paris.

As reported bymbappe, early this year the France international made it clear that he would stay at PSG next season but will not be taking up the option to extend his contract at the club beyond that.

Now, according to a report by Marca, Mbappe has demanded for a whopping 240 millions euros in transfer package to leave Ligue 1 champions, PSG.

Real Madrid's reaction
Real Madrid remain in the hunt for Mbappe but are not impressed by his latest demand.

Accoding to the report, Los Blancos now view the World Star as a prisoner of money but remain interested as they look to snap him up next year as a free agent.

With Mbappe’s demands making move this season a difficult one following the departure of club legend Karim Benzema, Real have already moved on with the signing of former youngster Joselu from Espanyol.

Pulse Sports also reported that the 33-year-old had sealed a return to the club on a season-long loan which would see him replace Benzema until the end of next season when Real are expected to try again to sign Mbappe on a free transfer.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/psg-star-kylian-mbappe-called-prisoner-money-240-million-euros-transfer-demand-2023070308582791080

England international is back Jude Bellingham may have secured a multimillion euros move to Real Madrid but the midfielder is not so lucky in the love market after a breakup with his Ghanaian girlfriend.

Real Madrid’s summer signing Jude Bellingham is back in market searching for love.

Bellingham has broken up with his reported girlfriend Asantewa Chitty.

The 20-year-old was dating Asantewa, who is a Turkish-Ghanaian and an instagram model last summer.

Bellingham joins dating app
The relationship has hit the rocks with the Real new man spotted in a celebrity dating app in search of a new girlfriend, according to a report by The Sun.

His profile on the app noted that Bellingham was in London on a ‘visit from Madrid.’

After his move to LaLiga giants Real, the talented midfielder is focused on establishing himself at Los Blancos but also want to settle down.

“Jude is all about football, that’s his main focus,” The Sun added. “But he’s still keen to meet someone to settle down with. He’s been in London to see pals before the season heats up again. Jude is taking his time after the break-up.”

Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid

The English youngster became Britian’s most expensive player ever after a 115 million pounds move in the summer.


Bellingham has since put pen to paper on a six-year contract after swapping Germany for Spain.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/jude-bellingham-real-madrid-man-dating-app-in-search-of-love-after-breakup-with-ghanaian-girlfriend-2023070210352278947

First Lady of Nigeria, Remi Tinubu wants the Super Falcons to come back with the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, a Nigerian politician and current first lady of Nigeria, has given the Super Falcons the task of winning the FIFA Women's World Cup finals taking place in Australia and New Zealand.

Before the squad's departure on Sunday for the event, which begins on July 20 and ends on August 20, she delivered the charge on Saturday in Abuja while hosting the team for dinner.

She was represented by Dr. Betta Edu, the APC National Women Leader at the event.

Sen. Tinubu said that Nigeria's participation in the 9th FIFA Women's World Cup must be for the honorable goal of bringing the coveted cup home.

Remi Tinubu tells Super Falcons to win 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
She encouraged the Super Falcons to work hard so they could live up to Nigerians' expectations while drumming up support for the team and pointing out how important a unifying sport was for the nation.

The statement said, “It is important that you remain committed by playing together as a team; no one should think that she’s better player than the other.

“It is only when you play as a team that you can record success. It is my expectation that this time, you will surpass your previous efforts.

“I am sure that 99.9 per cent of Nigerians will stay glued to their television sets to watch you. Please try your best to bring the cup home.”

While expressing her faith in the ability and pedigree of the team to excel at the Mundial, the first lady promised to receive the team herself when they bring the cup home.

NFF President thanks Remi Tinubu for Super Falcons support
Earlier, Alhaji Ibrahim Gashua, the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for aiding the squad.

“Football remains the biggest unifier across the world; it has helped to shore up our national image while helping to reduce criminal tendencies among the youth

“I want to encourage the coaches to be more committed because you will be accountable for the outing.”

Mr. Philip Shuaibu, the deputy governor of Edo, prominent sports officials, and diplomats were among the dignitaries that attended the meal.

Only seven national teams, including the Nigerian women's national soccer team, have participated in every competition since the competition's inception in 1991

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/remi-tinubu-first-lady-charges-super-falcons-to-win-2023-fifa-womens-world-cup-2023070210545007425

Former Bayern Munich and Bordeaux star Gernot Rohr was a former coach of the Nigeria National football team, Super Eagles for five years.

Former Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has reflected on an encounter with Nigerian Sports Minister Sunday Dare during his time in Nigeria.

Rohr spent five years as the coach of Nigeria and led the Super Eagles to a third place finish at the 2019 AFCON.

The former Bundesliga star looked back on his time with the African giant during an interview with his former club Bayern Munich.

Rohr shades Dare
On the occasion of his 70th birthday, Rohr spoke to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

Speaking during the interview, Rohr, who is the current coach of Benin Republic, remembered a bizarre encounter with Nigerian Sports Minister Sunday Dare in the Super Eagles camp.

Two years ago in Nigeria, suddenly the minister of sport turned up at training with 40-50 journalists and wanted to join in the football,” Rohr told Bayern Munich website after he was asked about his experiences as a coach in Africa.

“I was perplexed. My assistant said we had to let him join in, otherwise we'd all be gone tomorrow. Without further ado, we added a circle game for him and everything was fine.”

Minister trains with Super Eagles
The incident happened during the team’s preparation for a crucial AFCON 2021 qualifiers against Sierra Leone.

Minister of Sports, Dare, in the company of then NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, joined the Super Eagles in training at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin

It as a strange sight that trended for days back in November 12, 2020.

Rohr was subsequently sacked before the AFCON 2021 in Cameroon, with former Super Eagles star Augustine Eguavoen taking the team to Cameroon for the tourney.


Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/super-eagles-ex-coach-gernot-rohr-throws-serious-shades-at-sports-minister-sunday-dare-2023070212013681917

The Cameroon football legend is yet to acknowledge the paternity of his daughter, Erika Rosario.
Cameroon football legend Samuel Eto’o recently made the headlines over his paternity issues.

The former Barcelona, Chelsea and Inter striker has reportedly been sued by his daughter Erika do Rosario Nieves for allegedly neglecting his duties as a father.

In what has been a constant back and forth between the FECAFOOT president and his daughter, 'El Diario de Sevilla' revealed this week, that Erika and her representatives are seeking punishment for Samuel Eto’o’s failure to comply with the court’s order stating that the 42-year-old Cameroon legend should pay her monthly upkeep of £1,167.

This article reviews the profile of Erika do Rosario Nieves, the estranged daughter of Samuel Eto’o.

Erika Nieves: 3 things to know about the legal battle between Samuel Eto’o and his daughter
1. Who is Erika Nieves?

As mentioned earlier, Erica do Rosario Nieves is the daughter of Cameroon football legend Samuel Eto’o (father) and a Spanish woman named Adileusa do Rosario (mother).

She was born in 1999 in the Alarcón Foundation hospital in Madrid

The Sun reports that Erika’s mum, Adileusa, was said to have met Eto’o at a nightclub in Madrid in 1997.

That was when the former striker was playing for Leganes, a club based near the city.

A relationship between Eto’o and Adileusa ensued leading to her pregnancy.

According to the lawsuit stated by Spanish press agency EFE, Adileusa then discovered in February 1998 that she was pregnant.

The lawsuit also added that the former footballer ‘told her that he would act responsibly with respect to the common child, although he preferred that she did not give birth to the child.’

2. The legal battle involving Erika’s paternity started in 2018

Erika Rosario’s mother, Adileusa began the lawsuit in 2018 as she provided biological evidence that supported her testimony that Erika was the daughter of Eto’o.


Eto’o is said not to have engaged with the court at any point during proceedings and was absent during the decision.

In 2022, the court eventually ruled that Eto’o must now pay allowance, totalling €1,400 (£1,167) per month, to the young woman which is dated back to the moment that the lawsuit was filed.

Court No. 83 in Madrid reached the verdict in February 2022 to conclude the legal battle.

However, to date, Samuel Eto’o has never publicly acknowledged that he is indeed Erika Rosario’s father.

3. Why is Erika Rosario suing her father?

Pulse Sports reported that the 22-year-old daughter of Samuel Eto’o is suing her father due to his failure to pay her support fees as ruled by the court in 2022.

After Erika was pronoucned as Samuel Eto’o’s daughter in 2022, after multiple refusals by the former Cameroonian striker to undergo DNA tests, the judge later established a pension of €1,400 per month to be paid by the FECAFOOT president.

However, the young woman alleges that Eto’o never made good on the court ruling.

"He owes more than five years of pension to his daughter and continues to defy justice. Erika's economy is fragile while Eto'o lives in luxury,” says Fernando Osuna, the lawyer of Eto’o’s daughter, in statements collected by 'El Diario de Sevilla.

The defense of Eto’o’s daughter, Erika do Rosario requests the application of "the aggravating factors of recidivism and abuse of authority given the superiority it has over the young woman."

Recall that Eto'o was already sentenced to one year and 10 months for a tax offence in the national territory, and to a financial fine for the non-payment of maintenance to another of his daughters born out of wedlock.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/erika-do-rosario-samuel-etos-daughter-lawsuit-2023070209305058775

No Hijab for Aisha! Super Eagles star Umar Sadiq shows off daughter as injury recovery continues.

Super Eagles of Nigeria star Umar Sadiq is back among the trends on social media.

The 26-year-old forward took to his official social media platforms to share his recovery process ahead of the new season.

Sadiq Umar daughter Aisha and Hijab
Sadiq went viral with photos of his training with his daughter Aisha.

Along with the photo was a message that said, "AISHA you a blessing 🤍the mother of the believers 🙏🏾all I pray is my GOD should keep protecting and guiding you to the straight path."

In the comments, Sadiq was criticized for not covering his daughter Aish with the traditional Hojab as a Muslim.

Sadiq Umar recovering from injury

In order to complete his injury recovery and be ready for the start of preseason on July 10th, the Real Sociedad striker is already working at Anoeta.

The Nigerian went to Anoeta to begin his workouts and carry out his personal work schedule so that he could come on July 10 in the best possible shape for the start of the preseason.

Since the season finished on June 4, the striker has been working diligently alone.

Sadiq has revealed the routines he has done alone on social media, displaying his passion and commitment.

Sadiq is nearing the end of his recovery, recalling the distant September 11 when he suffered a right knee injury during his third game in a Real Sociedad shirt.

The player wants to get back on the field and prove his value to the squad before the first summertime exhibition game against Osasuna on July 21.


Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/umar-sadiq-super-eagles-star-blasted-as-daughter-aisha-does-not-wear-hijab-2023070202594569871

According to sources in Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo's mansion near Lisbon falls a year behind schedule and has upset the football star's future neighbours.

Ronaldo's mansion has caused some misunderstandings with others living around the area, with the location of the property only known to the Portuguese public.

Ronaldo and his family are expected to split their time between Lisbon, which is close to the shore, and Madrid, the home of his former team Real Madrid, once he retires from playing football.

Recent reports have suggested that the construction has taken a setback which has made his future neighbours furious with him and his family.

Neighbours angry with Ronaldo’s family
According to Look magazine, Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez have enraged neighbours by performing substantial work on the £28 million property.

The construction work has been going on for more than three years and will continue for at least another year.

As reported by Daily Mail, it is believed that neighbours are "fed up" with the ongoing endeavour and have said, “They've been building for three years. The house is so big it looks like a hospital.

“My street has been closed for months, my garden is full of dust. My street has been closed for months, my garden full of dust. All because of Pharaoh Ronaldo's "pyramid".

The estate, which locals derisively refer to as "Pharaoh Ronaldo's pyramid," still needs a lot of work as evidenced by a recent video, which at the time seemed like a building site.

Ronaldo’s project in Lisbon
Ronaldo’s project in Lisbon, Portugal is a huge multi-million project which has been going on for more than three years

The project's estimated cost was originally set at £10 million; however, costs have since increased to £17 million and now total £28 million.

As part of what is thought to be Portugal's most costly real estate development, the home will include a massive glass swimming pool with an underwater bridge, a master bedroom covering 1,000 square feet, and many other amenities.

Several homes in Europe are owned by the Portuguese star. He owns a pricey Italian property in Turin from his time with Juventus, as well as a £4.8 million mansion on the La Finca estate, a gated fortress estate close to Madrid.

Ronaldo also owns a seven-story apartment building in Funchal, Madeira, the island where he was born.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/neighbours-in-lisbon-angry-with-ronaldo-after-multi-million-mansion-falls-behind-schedule-2023070109171110328

The world football governing body has released the latest FIFA ranking, with the Super Eagles benefitting from their win against Sierra Leone.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have moved up in the latest FIFA ranking released by the world football governing body on June 29, 2023.

The Super Eagles were ranked 40th in the last ranking released in April but have now moved up to 39th.

Nigeria move up in FIFA ranking
The three-time African champions gained a total of 5.68 to move up a place from their position last April.

Nigeria played just one game in the last international window, beating Sierra Leone 3-2 to book their place in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

With the movement, Jose Peserio’s men stay above Erling Haaland’s Norway, the Black Stars of Ghana, the Elephants of Cote D'Ivoire and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

Senegal remain Africa's number one as Argentina stay top
On the African continent, the Super Eagles remain in the top six, which is a big boost for them as it means they will be among the top seeds when the AFCON draw is conducted later this year.

Meanwhile, Morocco remain Africa’s number one nation, sitting in 13th place in the world ranking.

They are followed by the Teranga Lions of Senegal (18th), the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia (31), the Desert Warriors of Algeria (33) and the Pharaohs of Egypt (34).

On the world stage, world champions Argentina are still the number one ranked nation ahead of France, Brazil, England and Belgium.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/fifa-ranking-super-eagles-ahead-of-haalands-norway-ghana-ivory-coast-and-cameroon-2023062909154390241

SSC Napoli and Super Eagles superstar Victor Osimhen is enjoying his vacation in Lagos Nigeria and embarrassing people on the pitch while at it.
A video has emerged showing Italian champion and Napoli hero Victor Osimhen surely having fun on his summer vacation in Lagos, Nigeria.

Osimhen is showing his friends and fans why he is making a living as top professional footballer in Europe.

In the video making the rounds as posted by a Twitter use Takingcustody.

In the video, Osimhen picked up a loose pass before beating two of his markers with impressive ball-joggling skill.

He progressed the ball beautifully while those watching cheered on.

However, his final effort in the offensive third was way over the bar.

It was a moment that proved why the 24-year-old is a professional.

Osimhen in Lagos
The Super Eagles star has been in the centre of excellence on vacation after a gruelling season with Napoli.

Osimhen proved to be a hero as Napoli ended a 33-year wait for the Serie A title.

He netted 26 goals to lead the club from the front en route a historic feat as the first African to be named Serie A striker of the season.

Watch the video here

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/napoli-icon-victor-osimhen-incredible-skill-to-embarrass-locals-in-lagos-2023062907541757163

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

The Real Madrid shot-stopper has officially tied the knot with Mishel Gerzig, more than a decade after sleeping with Kevin de Bruyne's girlfriend.

Thibaut Courtois and Mishel Gerzig are officially married.

The 31-year-old Real Madrid goalkeeper wedded his Jewish girlfriend this week.

A report from People reveals that after the pair first connected on Instagram in early 2021, the couple began dating that summer.

Courtois proposed to Gerzig in June 2022 and a year later, he walked teh beautiful Israeli model down the aisle in a beautiful wedding ceremony at the Chateau de la Croix des Gardens in Cannes, France.

Courtois first announced their relationship on Instagram in August 2021. He posted a photo of the couple sitting together with a caption reading, "The love of my life" in Hebrew.

Gerzig told Israeli lifestyle magazine La'Isha that the couple first met on Instagram after Courtois commented on a photo of Gerzig with her pet dog.

Since then the couple have been together although, some people have accused the model and former naval officer of dating the footballer to promote her own career, a rumour she has since dispelled.

Thibaut Courtois and Mishel Gerzig's wedding

Over the weekend, the couple first hosted friends and family to their welcome party ahead of their wedding ceremony.


Courtois and Mishel dressed up in white for the event and seem glued to each other as the pair shared snaps on their social media network.

Three days later the couple shared beautiful photos from their wedding on Instagram with the Real Madrid shot-stopper captioning it: ‘Mr & Mrs Courtois‘

Check out some photos from their wedding below.

Courtois weds fiancee 11 years after sleeping with teammate's girlfriend

Recall that the Los Blancos shot-stopper was revealed to have slept with his Belgium teammate’s wife.

Courtois was accused of sleeping with Kevin de Bruyne’s then-girlfriend Caroline Lijen after she herself revealed in a bombshell interview.

In 2014, Caroline Lijnen spoke out on her fling with Courtois back, insisting she strayed towards him in 2012 after De Bruyne had his own affair with her best friend

“Kevin cheated on me,” she told Story Magazine as reported by Daily Star

“I did not say anything for months because I couldn't say anything, as Kevin's parents said they would take legal action if I gave my story.

“I was under pressure and I could not have contact with Kevin.

“I respected everything. But in his book Keep it Simple Kevin wrote a passage about my affair with Thibaut. So, I decided to remain silent no longer.

“In the summer of 2012, Kevin told me that he had an affair with my old best friend. I gave him the choice: her or me. I was ready to give him another chance, but our relationship was never the same afterwards.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/thibaut-courtois-mishel-gerzig-wedding-2023062814564232203

Chelsea forward Kai Havertz has officially signed for London rivals Arsenal after spending three years at Stamford Bridge.

Last season, he failed to perform at a high level as Chelsea ended up in 12th position in the Premier League table.

This summer, he has been subjected to different transfer speculation, with Real Madrid making the first move for him.

However, they dropped out of the race, giving Arsenal the chance to swoop in and sign the Chelsea forward for £60 million plus 5 million add-ons.

Kai Havertz has finally signed for Arsenal after recently completing his medical and has joined the list of players to play for both teams.

Havertz joins Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has always been a huge admirer of Kai Havertz since his days at Bayer Leverkusen and has finally gotten his man.

Arsenal 'lost their souls' before I turned them to title contenders - Mikel Arteta

The Gunners completed a deal for the Chelsea forward worth a total of £65 million including add-on fees.

According to Romano Fabrizio on Twitter, "It's officially confirmed. Kai Havertz joins Arsenal on £65m deal from Chelsea — medical was completed over the weekend, and he will wear number 29. Signing sealed."

The 24-year-old becomes Arsenal's first signing of the summer and joins former Chelsea midfielder Jorginho at the Emirates.

Kai Havertz will become the eighth Chelsea player to make a switch from the Blues to the Gunners in recent years.

Havertz joins list of players to make London switch
The Chelsea forward is not the first player nor will he be the last to make a switch from Stamford Bridge to the Emirate.

The likes of William Gallas in 2006, Lassana Diarra in 2007, Yossi Benayoun in 2011, Petr Cech in 2015, David Luiz in 2019, Willian in 2020, Jorginho in 2023 and now Kai Havertz in 2023 and made a transfer switch from Chelsea to Arsenal at a particular time of their career.

Havertz will be the eighth player to make a transfer move from Chelsea to Arsenal after his move was confirmed by the club.

The Gunners are still in the transfer market to sign more players as they hope to build on their second-place performance last season.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/kai-havertz-complete-switch-to-arsenal-joins-list-of-player-to-have-featured-for-both-london-clubs-2023062614564850657

Lionel Messi has been awarded the best foreign player for the 2022/23 Ligue 1 season.

Argentine Superstar Lionel Messi has been awarded the Ligue 1 Foreign Player of the Season for his exploits at PSG last season, helping them to a record 11th league title.

The 36-year-old leaves the French top flight for MLS's Inter Miami after two seasons but continues to earn plaudits for his impressive second season.

What happened
The former Barcelona man was nominated for the Ligue 1 Player of The Season award but lost out to his teammate Kylian Mbappe.

However, he has been named the best non-French player in the competition in a recent announcement by the league.

Although he only scored a paltry 16 goals for his own lofty standards, below nine other players, Messi led the league for assists this season with 16, five more than the next best, Neymar.

This sums up to 32 goal contributions, and only the Ligue 1 player of the season, Kylian Mbappe, with 34, had more in the entire campaign.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi looked back on his fractured relationship with Paris Saint-Germain fans and how their relationship evolved during his two-year stay.

The 36-year-old ran down his PSG contract, despite having a renewal offer on the table, and is now a player for MLS side Inter Miami.

The Argentine superstar was regularly subjected to jeers by sections of the Parisien fanbase.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/lionel-messi-wins-ligue-1-best-foreign-player-award-2023062615523225578

Victor Osimhen's agent has stated that there are offers that will be irresistible to turn down.

Victor Osimhen’s agent Dario Canovi has stated that the Napoli striker will be sold if a tempting offer comes for him.

The Nigerian international has been linked with several top European clubs following his outstanding performance for the Partenopei at the just concluded season.

Napoli won the Scudetto for the first time since 1988 and Osimhen scored 26 goals in 32 matches in the Italian topflight division.

The 24-year-old has drawn interests from Manchester United, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

The striker’s value according to Napoli could rise to about €150m and Canovi believes such an offer will be difficult to resist.

What Osimhen’s agent said

Canovi told Italian news media outlet Radio Marte as quoted by Complete Sports:

Osimhen had made it clear that his future with the Serie A champions depends on Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis.

PSG are understood to be making a staggering offer of €150m as Kylian Mbappe could be leaving the club to join Real Madrid this summer.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/victor-osimhen-it-will-be-difficult-to-resist-euro150m-offer-for-him-agent-reveals-2023062614013829302

Edo Man Deontay Wilder has issued a warning to Andy Ruiz for his next fight.

As their talks progress, Deontay Wilder has cautioned Andy Ruiz Jr. not to lose out on "a hell of a lot of money."

After going silent for months, the two former champions now appear to be making progress as they prepare to square off in a WBC final eliminator to determine Tyson Fury's next opponent.

Fans who feel deprived of heavyweight action in 2023 would appreciate a matchup between the two former world champions, but the contract hasn't been finalized yet.

In a very mysterious callout, Wilder shared a video message with his future rival in which he encouraged him to "dictate his own career."

Wilder to Andy Ruiz
Wilder took to his official Instagram account to make the call out to Ruiz.

Along with the video was a message that said, “Stop playing around @andy_destroyer13 and be a man and make your own decisions and not allow your daddy to mess up your last few years #DaddyBoy❤️.

“It's okay to be that but you're a grown-ass man with children depending on you.

“Remember that before it’s too late then you’ll have regrets while your father lectures you on how you should have saved your money lol.”

In the video he said, “Hey yo Andy. It’s time up for the games now, buddy, let’s get this fight on.

"We offered you a hell of a lot of money. Now, one thing I don’t want is for you to allow others to dictate your career at this moment in time. It’s only a short period of time that you have.

"You gotta man up to responsibilities, because if you allow others to dictate your life at this point in time, you’re gonna end up with nothing.

"Zero. Broke, my man, okay? I have no more time to wait on about you and this situation … I think you should take it.”

Ruiz is the first heavyweight to defeat Anthony Joshua as a professional boxer.

Wilder continued by offering Ruiz his counsel a second time It remains to be seen if he is aware that Ruiz's squad is considering taking a different route.

Ruiz merely said, "Be ready," in response to Wilder as early September is the intended date for the fight.

Any postponements would jeopardize Wilder's advanced negotiations with Saudi Arabia to take on Anthony Joshua in December.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/boxing/story/edo-man-deontay-wilder-wants-1st-boxer-to-beat-anthony-joshua-2023062610394729670

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has completed his transfer to Barcelona, as confirmed by the club.

The German international left City on a free transfer after he decided not to extend his contract with the Citizens.

Gundogan who was instrumental for Pep Guardiola’s team during their treble win last season made 304 appearances, scored 60 goals and provided 40 assists for Manchester City.

The midfielder has now officially completed his move to Barcelona and all paperwork has been signed by both parties.

Manchester City confirms Gundogan transfer to Barcelona
Ilkay Gundogan has made a transfer move from Manchester City to Barcelona on a free transfer.

The completed deal was officially announced by Manchester City’s official Twitter account, confirming that he has joined Barcelona.

Man City’s Twitter handle tweeted, “Thank you, İlkay. @IlkayGuendogan is to join Barcelona bringing an end to a hugely successful seven-year stay with Manchester City.”

The 32-year-old has put a halt to his seven years stay at the Etihad and has decided to move to Spain and play for Barcelona next season.

Barcelona also confirmed the transfer of Ilkay Gundogan on their official Twitter page and have given him a warm welcome.

The new signing also released a statement shortly after the announcement, saying, "He is very happy to sign with Barcelona, excited for this new journey and to join this beautiful club. See you soon forza Barcelona."

Details of Gundogan’s deal
Gundogan’s move to Barcelona came as a free transfer after his contract expired with Man City a few weeks ago.

The details of the deal as reported by Romano Fabrizio on Twitter are not stated in full detail.

According to Fabrizio, “Gundogan has a release clause of €400m release clause, a contract signed until June 2025 and an additional clause to extend until 2026

Despite Man City's efforts to keep the German and other interested parties away from Arsenal and Saudi Arabia's generous offers, the German chose to move to Barcelona.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/ilkay-gundogan-joins-barcelona-on-a-free-transfer-2023062609505300120

Victor Osimhen won the best international African player beating Mohamed Salah and Riyad Mahrez at the Ghana Football Awards.

Victor Osimhen has been given the best African International player at the Ghana Football Awards ceremony, GF Awards Twitter.

The Napoli striker beat the likes of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City and Sevilla’s Yassine Bounou.

Osimhen said after winning the award:

Osimhen’s achievements this season
Osimhen scooped the award ahead of Mahrez who won the treble with City as well as Bounou who helped Sevilla to a victorious outing in the Europa League.

The 24-year-old scored 26 goals in Serie A to help Napoli win the Scudetto in an outstanding 2022-23 season.

He became the first Nigerian to win the accolade and also his first in the annual award held in Ghana.

The Super Eagles striker has now added to his collections of individual awards this year winning Serie A’s topscorer and the best striker in the Italian league.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/osimhen-beats-salah-mahrez-to-win-best-african-player-at-ghana-football-awards-2023062608342718345

In recent years, we have seen a lot of big contracts given to athletes by their employers in the world of sports.

Different sports like Formula 1, football, basketball, tennis and others offer huge contracts to their athletes due to their performance and abilities.

The game of football of recent has overshadowed other sports in offering their players massive salaries.

Currently, football is where the money is at its most staggering levels, especially in Saudi Arabia where players earn twice as much as they earn in Europe.

With football leading in terms of contracts given to players, Pulse Sports takes a look at the top ten biggest contracts in the world of sports.

Top Ten Highest Earners in the World

1. Cristiano Ronaldo - £200 million
Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo fought his way out of Manchester United to go to Al-Nassr, money has been flowing freely throughout the Saudi Pro League.

With a deal worth an astounding £173 million annually, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner easily tops the list of athletes with the highest yearly salaries.

The Portuguese has made a massive change in the Saudi Pro League in terms of interest from fans around the world, and also in convincing other top-level stars to make the move.

2. Karim Benzema - £172 million
Benzema also made a move to the same club that signed N’golo Kante, with both players playing for the same team.

The Frenchman was also offered a massive contract for signing for Al-Ittihad and will earn a lesser amount than Cristiano Ronaldo

Karim Benzema, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner who left Real Madrid for the Middle East, will make £172 million annually.

3. N’golo Kante - £86.2 million
Chelsea former midfielder N'Golo Kante has also made his move to Saudi Arabia which has skyrocketed his earnings to £86.2 million.

The French international recently completed his move from Chelsea to Al-Ittihad and joined the ranks of the highest earners.

Kante's move to Saudi Arabia has displaced Lionel Messi in second position since his move to Inter Miami, USA.


4. Steph Curry - £42.8 million
Steph Curry is a popular basketball player that plays for Golden State Warriors in the NBA. He is well known for his three-point shooting range.

American professional basketball player is the highest-paid NBA player with an amount worth £42.8 million yearly.

Steph is one of the best basketball players in the world and he is also recognised as the best three-point shooter in the NBA.

5. Zach Lavine - £42.79 million
Zach Lavine is also a basketball player that earns a lot of money, playing for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA.

The NBA star player takes home an amount close to what Steph Curry earns in a year because he is the Chicago Bulls' best player.

Lavine pockets £42.79 million in a year, making him the second-highest-paid player in the NBA behind Curry.

6. Nikola Jokic - £42 million
Nikola Jokic is a professional basketball player that plays for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA.

He is considered as their best player in the past few seasons, winning the NBA Finals MVP and two-time league MVP.

Jokic currently earns a sum of £42m a year, just a little distance from Lavine and Steph Curry's annual salary.

7. Lamar Jackson - £41.4 million
Lamar Jackson is an NFL star that plays for Baltimore Ravens. He plays the position of quarterback for his team.

The NFL star also entered the list of highest earners in the world as he collects a huge sum every year.

Jackson currently earns a total of £41.4 million a year and he is the highest-paid NFL player in the world.

8. Jalen Hurts - £40.27 million
Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles is also an NFL player that plays the same position quarter-back as that of Lamar.

He is also one of the best NFL players in the world and earns a massive amount of money yearly.

Jalen's salary yearly is £40.27 million a bit below Lamar Jackson’s yearly payment and he is the second highest-paid NFL player.

9. Verstappen - £40 million
Verstappen is one of the best Formula One drivers right now and drives for the Red Bulls.

The Dutchman is the highest-paid Formula One driver in the world surpassing Lewis Hamilton.

The Formula One driver currently earns a total sum of £40 million per year above other drivers in the world.

10. Kelvin Durrant - £37.4 million
Kelvin Durrant is also a popular NBA star that plays for Phoenix Suns. He is a professional basketball player that is known for his skills.

The Phoenix Suns star also earns one of the highest salaries in the NBA and he is currently the best player in his team.

Durrant earns a sum of £37.4 million every year and makes our top ten list of highest-paid athletes in the world.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/revealed-top-10-biggest-contracts-in-sports-2023062421543666149

WATCH THE GOAL CELEBRATION BELOW

https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/okocha-celebrates-skills-at-ronaldinhos-charity-game-2023062508171728989

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

Ighalo started his career at Nigerian club Prime and moved on to another Nigerian club Julius Berger before finally getting his first European move in 2007 to Norwegian club Lyn.

Former Super Eagles striker Odion Jude Ighalo has shown interest in playing in Nigeria's elite soccer league, the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), but under certain conditions.

Ighalo started his career at Nigerian club Prime and moved on to another Nigerian club Julius Berger before finally getting his first European move in 2007 to Norwegian club Lyn.

The former Philadelphia Eagles striker is currently without a club affiliation following the termination of his contract with Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal.

Ighalo told Elegbete TV, would not completely rule out playing in the league but did say that there would be some challenges to playing in the NPL.

He said, “If security is guaranteed, along with good media coverage and competent referees, I can play for six months or even a year without receiving a salary.”

Odion Ighalo Biography
Ighalo started his career at Nigerian club Prime and moved on to another Nigerian club Julius Berger before finally getting his first European move in 2007 to Norwegian club Lyn.

A year later, he was signed by Italian club Udinese but found game time hard to come by and then spent most of his tenure on two separate loan spells with Spanish club Granada.

Ighalo scored 16 goals to help Granada seal promotion to La Liga after which he also joined Watford in the English Championship.

He was integral in the club's promotion to the Premier League in the 2014–15 season where he led the Hornets with 16 goals in 37 games in his first Premier League season.

In January 2017, Ighalo joined Chinese Super League club Changchun Yatai for a reported £20 million where he scored 36 goals in 55 games in his two years.

One more year in China followed with Shanghai Shenhua where he scored 10 goals in 19 games and as such attracted the attention of his favourite club Manchester United.

In January 2020, Ighalo returned to England, joining Manchester United on loan, initially until the end of the 2019–20 season; the loan was then extended until January 2021 and he managed five goals in 23 games for the club.

His next adventure was in Saudi Arabia with Al Shabab where he scored 22 goals in 32 games across two seasons after which he joined another team in the same country, Al Hilal where he still plays.

Ighalo led Al Hilal to the Saudi Professional Football League title in his first season in 2021/22 also finishing as the top scorer in the league.
He still plays for Al Hilal and just finished the season with 26 goals in 37 games across all competitions.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/odion-ighalo-gives-3-conditions-to-play-in-the-npfl-for-free-2023062506163577190

Okocha is proud to remind Ronaldinho and the football world of his skills in the USA.
Ronaldinho's celebrity-studded charity game in Florida came to a wild conclusion as crowd members invaded the pitch in large numbers after the game was called early due to weather.

To organize "The Beautiful Game" at the Exploria Stadium, the 43-year-old Brazil superstar welcomed a variety of footballing faces and celebrity all-stars.

At the MLS team Orlando City's stadium, the game featured Team Ronaldinho (R10) battling Team Roberto Carlos (RC3).

Ronaldinho vs Okocha
Ronaldinho battled Okocha in a show of skills on the pitch, reigniting their glory days before retirement.

Ronaldinho and Okocha were teammates and French Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain and took to the pitch to entertain the crowd.

Team R10's Jay-Jay Okocha scored the game's first goal after tricking the defense with some of his signature movement and slipping the ball past Rene Higuita of Colombia.

The goal showed that Okocha, a legend of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, still possesses incredible football skills, years after retiring.

Okocha took to his official social media platforms to celebrate his skills in the charity game that went viral.

Along with a video of the skills needed to score was a message on his official Instagram account that said, "Just a little cameo in Olando."

Okocha, now retired, was a pundit during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Known for his football skills, Okocha is also invited to showcase them in several top-level charity games worldwide.

Okocha is regarded as one of the greatest football exports from the African continent and continues to be an ambassador for the game.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/okocha-celebrates-skills-at-ronaldinhos-charity-game-2023062508171728989

Liverpool have reportedly scheduled a meeting with Osimhen's representatives to discuss a possible transfer.

Liverpool have reportedly scheduled a meeting with Victor Osimhen's representatives to discuss their interest in the player.

The 24-year-old had an outstanding season in Serie A with Napoli, scoring 26 goals to win the Scudetto, Capocannoniere, and consequently the best striker award.

Osimhen's transfer situation
As Pulse Sports reported previously, Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis claimed that they have reached an agreement in principle with the striker on a two-year extension that keeps the Nigeria international at the club until 2027.

However, the player, according to him, would be allowed to leave if a massive offer was made for him.

A recent report by GetfootballNewsItaly claims the president and Osimhen's agent had talks over a renewal but did not reach an agreement.

The report claimed Osimhen's demands were not met, as he believes he stands to make more elsewhere should he leave the club this summer.

It remains to be seen if the Merseysiders would be willing to match Napoli's over-€150 million request for the striker, given that they pulled out of Jude Bellingham's deal despite being in pole position, citing lack of finances.

Source: Pulse Sports

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/report-liverpool-schedule-talks-with-victor-osimhen-over-transfer-2023062416341922161