₦airaland Forum

West Ham have had a £40m bid for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher rejected and are expected to make an improved offer.

Gallagher has been lined with a move away from Chelsea throughout the summer, with Liverpool, Newcastle, and West Ham all taking a keen interest in the midfielder.

Chelsea's Gallagher on the move?

The 23-year-old who scored in the Blues pre-season win over Brighton is believed to want to stay and fight for his shirt at Stamford Bridge but the arrival of Moises Caicedo will further limit his chances.

According to the Telegraph, West Ham have firmed up their interest by making a bid worth around £40m for Gallagher, a bid that was immediately turned down.

The Hammers are looking to strengthen their midfield after losing their captain Declan Rice, who moved to title contenders Arsenal for £105m.

Gallagher came through the academy at Chelsea but really made a name for himself while on loan at Crystal Palace in the 2021/22 season.

He made 35 appearances in the league for Chelsea last season.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/chelsea-turn-down-pound40m-bid-from-west-ham-for-midfield-sensation-2023072507295789016

Chelsea continue their pursuit of Michael Olise after making a bid above the winger's release clause

Premier League side Chelsea have offered Crystal Palace £39 million for winger Michael Olise as they look to continue their spending spree under new owner Todd Boehly.

Chelsea looking to pay over the odds for Olise
The Eagles star had been on the radar of French giants Paris Saint-Germain before the summer transfer window opened and is also a rumoured target for Premier League champions Manchester City.

Olise reportedly has a release clause in his contract with Crystal Palace that will allow him to leave for £35 million, but the Blues have gone above the prescribed price to fast-track the deal.

They hope to beat Manchester City, who are the only other team keen on Olise with the impending departure of Riyad Mahrez to Saudi Arabia.

Chelsea looking to sign top Premier League talent
Olise is a top Premier League talent, and the 21-year-old is potentially one of the best players in the league in the coming years.

Chelsea want to continue their pursuit of young talent as they build for the future and Olise would fit perfectly into their club's direction despite already being experienced in league football at a young age.

The left-footed winger played youth football for current suitors Chelsea and Manchester City, as well as Arsenal, before playing professionally for Reading for two years, winning the EFL Championship Young Player of the Season in 2021.

Olise has been a revelation since joining Crystal Palace and was named the Eagles’ player of the year in the 2022/23 campaign, where he scored two goals and assisted 11 times in 37 matches.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/chelsea-offer-naira39-billion-for-eagles-star-2023072404001817118

Chiamaka Nnadozie the Nigeria women's goalkeeper is presently making her country proud at the ongoing Women’s World Cup.

The Paris FC Feminines goalkeeper captained the Super Falcons, leading them into the field against Canada.

Super Falcons goalkeeper Nnadozie was superb in Nigeria's first game in the Women’s World Cup.

The goalkeeper was influential in helping the Super Falcons secure a draw against Canada, saving a penalty to keep them in the game.

After having a spectacular game against Canada, we take a look at some interesting facts about the outstanding goalkeeper.

1. Who is Chiamaka Nnadozie
Chiamaka Cynthia Nnadozie, a goalkeeper for Paris FC in the French Division 1 Féminine and the Nigeria women's national team, was born in Nigeria on December 8, 2000.

She possesses a dominating presence, quick wit, and great all-around talent as a goalkeeper. She can also initiate build-up play with her ball delivery.

The Super Falcons goalie is recognized as one of the top goalkeepers in the world and the best female goalkeeper in Africa.

2. Club career
Chiamaka Nnadozie joined Rivers Angels to begin his professional career at the beginning of the 2016 campaign.

The Rivers Angels won the league championship in 2019 thanks in large part to Nnadozie's performance in goal.

She left the country on January 22, 2020, when she signed an 18-month contract with Paris FC of France.

3. International career
Chiamaka Nnadozie started representing her country right from the U-20 and participated in the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

She played all four matches in the tournament and performed well against Haiti, earning the Player of the Match award.

She was chosen for the 2018 Africa Women's Cup of Nations not long after the U-20 Tournament.

Nnadozie was selected to play for the senior national team at the age of 19 in preparation for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France.

After the Super Falcons defeated Korea, Nnadozie became the youngest goalkeeper to record a clean sheet at the World Cup.

Nnadozie once more assisted the Falconets in winning the gold medal at the African Games in Morocco following the 2019 World Cup by saving three penalties against Cameroon in the shootout.

4. Ability
The Super Falcons goalkeeper Nnadozie is an excellent goalie with lots of abilities such as swift feet and reflexes.

She is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world and also the best goalkeeper in Africa.

He is good with her feet when with the ball and also commands a good aerial presence when contesting for the ball.

She is also one of the best goalkeepers when it comes to penalty saves and she showed a glimpse of it against Canada when she saved a penalty to keep her team in the game.

Nnadozie is also a very good shot-stopper and has the ability to make crucial saves most especially one on one saves.

5. Trophies won
The Super Falcons goalkeeper has won many honours as a footballer and while still playing she is likely to win more.

She won the Nigerian Women's Championship with her team Rivers Angels in 2016 and also the Nigerian Women's Cup in 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Nnadozie also won the African Women's Championship with Nigeria in 2018 and the African Games in 2019.

6. Individual awards
Aside from trophies won for club and country, Nnadozie has also won several individual awards for herself.

In 2019 she scooped the IFFHS Africa's Best Woman Goalkeeper and was nominated for the IFFHS World's Best Woman Goalkeeper and African Women's Footballer of the Year.

She was also nominated for the NFF Awards of the Young Player of the Year in 2018 after representing the U-20 team.

In the 2021-2022 season, she won the EaglesTracker Awards for the Nigerian Goalkeeper of the Season.

She also won a double award in the 2022–23, the EaglesTracker Awards for Nigerian Golden Gloves and EaglesTracker Awards Goalkeeper of the Season.


Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/chiamaka-nnadozie-5-interesting-fact-about-super-falcons-goalkeeper-2023072319163446028

Gabe Vincent says winning Olympic Gold for 400 million Nigerians is greater than winning an NBA Championship with the Lakers.


Vincent recently joined the Los Angeles Lakers on a reported 29 billion naira deal during NBA free agency.

Gabe Vincent on Nigeria and NBA championship
Born to a Nigerian father Gabe Vincent of the LA Lakers is a national representative for the D’Tigers.


Nigeria's D'Tigers did not qualify for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, but the newest Lakers star places winning on the international competition greater than winning the NBA title.

Vincent gave an explanation of why he prefers winning the World Cup to receiving an NBA ring in a conversation with JJ Redick for the podcast The Old Man and the Three.

He said, "For me personally, I've been looking forward to raising that Larry O'Brien trophy.

"But knowing how much it would mean to the 400-plus million people in Nigeria, let along the 1-point something billion in the continent of Africa, that's a hard one to pass up. Especially in this sport where African teams really haven't had much of a footing.

"I think that'd be, not only would it be fulfilling, and great, in its own way, but I think legacy wise, I think it would stand taller, stand a little longer.

"So, I'm gonna reluctantly have to say the gold medal with Nigeria. I think that would just be epic."

Gabe Vincent and Nigeria
Vincent rose to stardom when the D'Tigers recorded a shock victory against the USA in a friendly ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

At the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, where the D'Tigers finished 17th, Vincent played his first game for the team.

Despite not having much basketball success, Nigeria has qualified for the last three Olympic tournaments.

It is unclear if Vincent will now feature for the D'Tigers in the 2024 Pre-Olympic qualifiers in Lagos.



Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/basketball/story/gabe-vincent-winning-olympic-gold-with-nigeria-is-greater-than-an-nba-championship-with-lakers-2023072217003169345

Lionel Messi is the second active footballer to have scored over 800 career goals.
Lionel Messi has already enjoyed a Hollywood start to his Inter Miami career.

The 36-year-old Argentine playmaker broke the internet last week with his stunning last minute free-kick for his new club against Mexican club Cruz Azul to win the game for the hosts in their opening Leagues Cup match.

.Messi entered the match in the 54th minute to a huge roar from the sold-out crowd at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

However, the 2022 World Cup champion showed excatly why he is worth his $5o million contract in front of thousands of fans including superstars like Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham, NBA legend LeBron James, Tennis legend Serena Williams, NFL legend Tom Brady and famous American influencer Kim Kardashian.


Messi’s goal against Cruz Azul was his 808th goal in his legendary career.

The former Barcelona and PSG star is one of two only active footballers to have netted over 800 goals in their career.

Lay's gathers 808 goats to celebrate Messi 808 career goals
In celebration of his 808th career goal, popular Snack brand Lay’s gathered 808 goats in a field and lined them up brilliantly to project Lionel Messi’s face from a bird’s eye view in a new ad.

Lay’s took to their social media networks to post the ad with a caption that read: ‘+1 🐐for the 808th goal for the G.O.A.T @leomessi’

Messi who is synonymous with the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) nickname will no doubt go down as possibly the greatest player to ever grace a football pitch.

The majestic Argentine is one of the top 10 highest goalscorers in football history and has been widely regarded as the best player of all time.

Messi is currently in contention for the Ballon d’Or later this year as the Albiceleste skipper could scoop a record 9th Ballon d’Or award in his trophy-laden career.


Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/lionel-messi-lays-goats-ad-808-career-goals-2023072307500271420

Arsenal new boy Kai Havertz was once again anonymous as the Gunners lost 2-0 to Manchester United in a pre-season friendly.

Havertz signing for Arsenal, split opinion from day one but it would be foolish to doubt Mikel Arteta's sense of judgment and track record with incomings.

However, in just a few weeks there have been shades of brilliance but more questions than answers.

Havertz slow start to life at Arsenal

After coming off the bench to score a fine goal against the MLS ALL-Stars in midweek, silencing a few critics in the process, he returned to his now familiar pattern.

Havertz played 70 minutes against Manchester United at the Met Life Stadium and did absolutely nothing. Lining up on the left side of a midfield three, with license to move into attacking areas, he basically ghosted through the game.

The 24-year-old was especially tepid in a first half that saw new Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho score two fine goals to take the game away from Arteta's men.

For Havertz, fans are curious as to what his real position is, and this was another performance to forget for the Germany international.

What next for Arsenal & Havertz
It is too soon to write Havertz off as he will certainly need some time to gel and grasp the basic requirements of Arteta's style of play.

Arsenal play Barcelona next, on Thursday at the SoFi stadium in Los Angeles.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/bad-market-arsenal-fans-give-up-on-havertz-after-poor-performance-against-man-united-2023072307585258048

Samuel Eto'o, the head of the Cameroonian Football Federation, is under investigation for match-fixing.

According to reports, recordings have surfaced in which Eto'o promised Valentine Gawain, president of Victoria United, that he would influence referees to promote the team.

He gave his word to the president of Victoria United, stating that he will promote them to the second division by manipulating games.

At the end of the season, Victoria United got promoted when the federation decided that Stade de Bertoua, the runner-up from the previous season, was ineligible.

Eto’o’s voice recording in word
It has been revealed that Samuel Eto’o’s voice was heard in a recording making a promise to the president of Victoria United.

Eto'o said as reported by Daily Mail, “There are things we can do, but you have to be very discreet, brother.

“I haven't even had time to get home yet. I'm out, bro. I haven't had time to get home and work with the president (of the Cameroonian Referee's Association) because I can't call the refs directly and tell them to be careful. But I can work with the president.”

Eto'o was reportedly heard saying, “Opopo (Victoria United's nickname) must go up to the first division. This is our goal (…) This is our Federation. Victoria United will go up.

“Stay calm, we will grant you the three points and we will suspend the referee. But let me at least go back to Cameroon.

“He arrived on the 3rd (January) at night. So we'll see you in the office on the 4th. Anyway, I'm going to rule out and disqualify this referee.”

Eto’o also spoke about how powerful the president of the referee association is by saying, “He has the power.

“From there, he with his commissions will be able to suspend even the president of the referees. Our club, Opopo, must go up to the first division, that is our objective.”

With the evidence of Eto’o’s voice being heard in a recording, he is now under investigation for match-fixing in Cameroon.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/samuel-etoo-cameroonian-legend-under-investigation-for-match-fixing-2023072209400154245

Gianluigi Donnarumma is at least the 13th PSG player to have been a victim of a robbery attack in recent years.

Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and his partner Alessia Elefante were victims of an assault last night on their home in Paris by a group of thieves.

Donnarumma was reportedly robbed alongside his girlfriend, both of whom fortunately survived the horrific incident.

The 24-year-old Italian goalkeeper was slated to travel this week to Japan as PSG begins their pre-season tour.

Gianluigi Donnarumma and his girlfriend robbed at gunpoint in their home in Paris
According to a report from Le Parisien, the criminals forced the door of Donnarumma’s house, located in an exclusive area of the VIII district of the French capital.

The criminals assaulted the Paris Saint-Germain and his girlfriend, after which they fled with goods and items estimated to be worth £432,000 (500,000 euros)

The report from Le Parisien reveals that the Italy international and his partner were tied up during the assault by "several individuals" and the thieves held them hostage "at gunpoint" while they found valuables.

However, the couple managed to escape the incident with no severe injuries as they later took refuge in a hotel near their home where employees tipped off the police.

However, Le Parisien, citing a confidential source, Donnarumma was "slightly injured".

Both Donnarumma and his girlfriend Alessia Elefante were later taken to a hospital to be examined.

The building's doorman, who was also previously tied up by the thieves in order to carry out the robbery, was also reportedly taken to the hospital to be examined.

A special unit of the Paris criminal police was assigned to the investigation.

Concern grows as Donnarumma joins list of PSG stars who have been robbed

In recent years there have been reported cases of PSG players who have been victims of assaults on their homes, usually while they were not at home.

Donnarumma becomesat least the 13th PSG player to have reportedly been a victim of a robbery, as Ángel Di María, Sergio Rico, Mauro Icardi, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Dani Alves, and Choupo-Moting have experienced episodes with thieves.

In January this year, two men were convicted of robbing Marquinhos' home in March 2021, while in February two other people were sentenced to three and four years in prison for the assault on Di Maria's home, also carried out in March 2021.

However, these unfortunate incidents do not occur only in the Paris region, and do not only concern footballers at PSG.

Le Parisien reports that in the summer of 2022, Marco Verratti was robbed for more than 3 million euros while on holiday in Ibiza.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/gianluigi-donnarumma-psg-goalkeeper-girlfriend-robbed-2023072110032170945

Arsenal's £65m signing Kai Havertz scored his first goal for the club in a 5-0 pre-season win over MLS All-Stars on Wednesday night.

After a disgraceful performance in Tuesday's MLS skills challenge, Havertz bounced back to show what he's capable of with a fine performance for Arsenal in the All-Star game.

Havertz silences critics
In stoppage time of the second half, the former Chelsea man was on the receiving end of a sweet Marquinhos cross, controlled it brilliantly with his chest before slamming it into the net and past New England Revolution keeper Djordje Petrovic.

Arsenal on fire
Arsenal flew out of the blocks with Gabriel Jesus opening the scoring inside 5 minutes. Leandro Trossard doubled the lead before the interval to put Wayne Rooney's men in all kinds of trouble.

The goal-fest continued in the second half with further strikes from Jorginho, Martinelli, and a sweet Kai Havertz finish to wrap things up.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/the-havertz-show-ex-chelsea-man-scores-superb-goal-to-silence-critics-as-arsenal-wallop-mls-all-stars-2023072007420535935

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich absolutely destroyed FC Rottach-Egern 27-0 in a friendly match on Tuesday.

Bayern Munich began their preparations for the new season with a friendly match against FC Rottach-Egern in Tegernsee on Tuesday evening.

Bayern destroy FC Rottach-Egern 27-0

Thomas Tuchel's men absolutely torched the local side, scoring 27 goals without reply.

Jamal Musiala opened the scoring in the third minute and former Arsenal man Serge Gnabry doubled his team's lead a minute later.

Alphonso Davies made it 3-0, with Gnabry getting on the score sheet again to make it 4-0. Musiala scored another to put Bayern five goals to the good. Konrad Laimer, Mathys Tel (x5), Noussair Mazraoui, Dayot Upamecano and Leroy Sane made it 14-0.

A hat-trick by Musiala was followed by two more goals by Gnabry before halftime.

Despite being 18-0 up at the interval, Bayern continued to thrash Rottach-Egern in the second half. Marcel Sabitzer, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Manchester United, scored five times to make it 23-0.

Raphael Guerreiro got in on the action as did Ryan Gravenberch and Kingsley Coman to make it 26-0. Former Liverpool man Sadio Mane completed the rout as the Bundesliga club won 27-0.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/tuchel-ball-ex-chelsea-boss-leads-bayern-munich-to-27-0-victory-2023071910165110862

The 2022/2023 season in the Nigerian Women’s Football League is over and here are the hottest female footballers in the League.

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) came to an end after the NWFL Championship in Ikenne, Ogun state over the weekend in all divisions.

This year’s elite league (NWFL Premiership) was won by Delta Queens and two clubs from the second division got promoted to the elite division.

In this article, Hassan of Pulse Sports highlights three beautiful faces that makes male fans troop into the stadium to watch the Women's game.

Here are the Top 3 most beautiful female footballers in the League;

3. Yemisi Samuel (Edo Queens)
The Edo Queens striker, Yemisi Samuel has been ranked in the top three of the most beautiful players in the Nigerian Women’s Football League.

Yemisi was part of the Edo Queens squad at the Super Six in Asaba.

Yemisi scored 11 goals in 6 matches for the Nigerian women's U-17 national team in qualifiers in 2020.

The striker played for Osun Babes and Sunshine Queens before joining Edo Queens.

2. Taiwo Lawal (Robo Queens)
Taiwo Lawal is one of the reasons why several male fans visit the stadium to watch the Women’s League.

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 the creative instinct of a midfielder and the finishing traits of a striker.

Moreover, 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.

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

1. Peace Abbey (Delta Queens)

No doubt, Peace Abbey has been regarded as one of the most beautiful players in the (NWFL)

The beautiful Delta Queens player was part of the team that won the Women's League.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/revealed-top-3-most-beautiful-players-in-the-nigerian-womens-football-league-2023071710280676275

Barcelona have reportedly identified five players who need to leave the club before the

LaLiga giants Barcelona are reportedly keen on finding exits for five players before the club head to the United States of America to begin pre-season training on Wednesday.

Barcelona looking to offload five players

The Blaugrana currently have a bloated squad with more players than manager Xavi is willing to handle, and they have only a few days to trim the squad with five players expected to leave this summer.

Barcelona are reportedly seeking deals for players like Clement Lenglet and Sergino Dest, who spent the 2022/23 season out on loan, as well as Alex Collado, Franck Kessie, and Pablo Torre, who is expected to leave on loan to Girona as part of a deal bringing La Masia graduate Oriol Romeu back to the club.

All five players are not currently part of Xavi’s vision for the team and will have to make way, especially if the club intends to sign more players this summer.

Barcelona looking to bolster squad with funds from sales
Barcelona have already completed the signings of ex-Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, Inigo Martinez from Athletic Club, and Brazilian striker Vitor Roque, who joins in January from Athletico Paranaense, and could see more players enter the club’s doors before the end of the transfer market.

To finance any new transfers, the Catalan club will almost certainly need to sell off some of the squad’s players, as their financial situation remains precarious despite recent league success.

Barcelona won the 2022/23 LaLiga title after holding off the challenge of Real Madrid, but will need to be even better next season as Los Blancos’ summer transfer business will see them mount a stronger title challenge.

Source: Pulse Sports

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/barcelona-hoping-to-offload-5-players-in-three-days-2023071708311531606

World champion Tobi Amusan won her second consecutive Diamond League meet in Silesia, blazing to a Meeting Record and Season's Best of 12.34s.

World Record (WR) holder Tobi Amusan is hitting her top form at the right time after storming to a Meeting Record (MR) of 12.34s (0.9) to win the women's 100m Hurdles at the Silesia Diamond League.

Amusan edged former WR holder Keni Harrison on the line in12.35s and newly crowned US champion Nia Ali in 12.38s. Jamaican champion Megan Tapper finished fourth ahead of her compatriot Danielle Williams in fifth.

The Nigerian's time is her fastest this season, equaled Jasmine Camacho-Quinn's MR, and propels her to the top of the Diamond League standings as she continues her build-up to a third successful title defense.

Also, her victory is her second consecutive Diamond League win, having succeeded in Stockholm. She is now seven points ahead of Camacho-Quinn, who for the first time, didn't feature in a Diamond League meet this season.

The reigning world champion proved in Silesia that she's still in the conversation for the world title and peaking perfectly, as her SB is now No.2 on the world's top list behind Camacho-Quinn's 12.31s.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/tobi-amusan-storms-to-back-to-back-diamond-league-wins-and-meeting-record-in-silesia-2023071616084065298

All the Naija Super 8 games have witnessed a record turnout of fans, an unusual trend in local football matches in Nigeria.

After 14 games and eight days of exciting football at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, the final of the Naija Super 8 tournament between south-west rivals, Remo Stars and Sporting Lagos is set to take place on Sunday at 5 pm.

Here are five interesting talking points ahead of the highly anticipated final of the biggest off-season tournament in the country.

1. Mouth-watering Prizes
Having earned N3 million for each of their previous four matches in the tournament, the two clubs are assured of more millions in their coffers.

The winner of the tournament will be rewarded with a grand prize of N25 million and a trophy, while the runner-up will receive N9 million.

2. South-west Derby Rematch
Remo Stars and Sporting Lagos had earlier faced each other in the group stage round, a tie which Sporting Lagos won 2-1. The finalists had begun to build a healthy rivalry on social media when Sporting Lagos gained promotion to the NPFL and both teams bragged about emerging zonal champions whenever they meet.

The cup final on Sunday presents a perfect opportunity for either Remo Stars or Sporting Lagos to establish derby superiority ahead of their first-ever league meeting.

3. Music Interlude
Two notable Afrobeats artistes, Portable and Pheelz Mr Producer, are billed to perform at the final. Portable notably performed at the opening match between Remo Stars and Enyimba International, he stole the show when he climbed the barricade to roll with the fans at the stand while shouting his popular slang “Wahala Wahala Wahala”. Fans cannot wait to see another episode of the controversial artiste, on Sunday.

4. Fan of the Tournament
Flykite Productions, organisers of the Naija Super 8 have reiterated that the tournament is all about the fans, which was why the teams that participated at the tournament, were voted by the fans. All the games at the tournament have witnessed a record turnout of fans, an unusual trend in local football matches in Nigeria.
To crown it all, 8 fans will be announced as the Naija Super 8 Fans of the tournament on Sunday. The winners are set to win trophies, autographed match balls and Naija Super t-shirts. To stand a chance at winning, post a photo or video of yourself at the stadium using the hashtag #NaijaSuper8Fans.

5. Live Broadcast
While tickets for the match will sell at N200 for regulars and N2000 for VIPs at the ticketing booth of the stadium. Fans outside Lagos can get to follow the highly anticipated final on SuperSport. on SuperSport Football (DStv ch 205 & GOtv ch 61), SuperSport Variety 4 (DStv ch 209). This is the biggest game of the off-season and you cannot afford to miss it.

The Naija Super 8 is organised by Flykite Productions in partnership with MultiChoice Nigeria and sponsors, MTN, Hero Lager, DStv, GOtv, SuperSport, Moniepoint, Pepsi and Custodian Assurance.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/naija-super-8-5-talking-points-ahead-of-exciting-remo-stars-vs-sporting-lagos-final-2023071611392440347

These seven players are all that stand between Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala and the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Golden Ball

With the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup set to kick off in the next few days, many fans of Nigeria’s Super Falcons are praying for a special performance in Australia and New Zealand.

If the Super Falcons are able to shock the world, Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala is expected to be central to any success, which could leave her as one of the favourites to win the competition’s Golden Ball as its best player.

Winning such an honour will certainly not come easily, as several other players will be vying for the honour, with these seven being the most likely to keep Oshoala from being named player of the tournament.

Sam Kerr — Australia
The Chelsea forward will certainly enjoy playing in her home country during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and will be hoping to replicate her superb club form for Australia as they look to make the best of their home advantage.

he hopes of the entire nation of Australia rest on the shoulders of the Chelsea forward and the country’s all-time leading goalscorer as they aim to do better than their current best finish at the World Cup in 2007, 2011, and 2015 when they reached the quarterfinals.

Kerr has scored 62 goals for the Matildas in 120 appearances and has also scored 90 goals in 116 games since joining the Blues in 2019.

With Australia seen as one of the dark horses for the trophy, Kerr could put in a Golden Ball-worthy performance to excite the home crowd.

Alexia Putellas — Spain
Spain’s Alexia Putellas is looking to return to the Spanish national team with a bang at the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The Barcelona midfielder suffered a horrific injury ahead of Spain’s 2022 UEFA Women’s Euros campaign, which has seen her miss most of the 2022/23 season, allowing her only six appearances at the end of the campaign to regain fitness in time for the World Cup.

Putellas, who received the 2022 Ballon d’Or Féminin and FIFA The Best Women’s Player of the Year award, is looking to regain her position at the top of the football world and will be the central figure to Spain’s squad at the World Cup.

In her last full season, she was Barcelona’s top scorer in all competitions with 34 goals in 42 games as she helped the Blaugrana to the UEFA Women’s Champions League final and LaLiga Femeino title.

Alex Morgan — USA
Title favourites The United States of America will be looking for inspired performances from the 2019 Women's World Cup’s joint-top scorer, Alex Morgan.

The USA have won the last two editions of the World Cup, in 2015 and 2019, and Morgan has scored seven goals across both tournaments.

Morgan has scored a total of nine goals at the World Cup and will be keen to add to her tally in Australia and New Zealand as The Stars and Stripes aim for an incredible third World Cup win in a row.

The San Diego Wave forward was named Player of the Tournament in the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Championship, her last involvement in a major tournament, and she could replicate that performance at the 2023 FIFA World Cup.

Lieke Martens — Netherlands
Netherlands forward Lieke Martens will have to navigate the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup without her strike partner Viviane Miedema, but this means that she will have the spotlight all to herself as the 2019 losing finalists aim to go one step further in Australia.

Martens is recognised as one of the best players on the planet and was named the 2017 UEFA and FIFA Women’s Player of the Year after incredible performances with the Netherlands national team.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward led the Netherlands to their first-ever major title in 2017 as they won the UEFA Women’s Euros, with Martens named Player of the Tournament and winning the Bronze Boot.

Marta — Brazil
No player in FIFA Women’s World Cup history has scored more goals than Brazil’s Marta, who has scored 17 goals in total in 20 competition matches.

The Brazilian sensation will be heading to her sixth consecutive World Cup tournament in Australia and New Zealand, but despite her advanced years, she still poses a threat for the Golden Ball award thanks to her incredible skill and drive.

The six-time FIFA Women’s Player of the Year is one of the most popular faces in the women’s game and could mark what is expected to be her last hurrah on the world stage with a performance fitting of the end of her great career with the Canarinhas.

Even with an ageing squad, Brazil are still considered one of the favourites for the tournament in Australia, and they will be hoping for one last dose of Marta magic to hand them their first world title.

Alexandra Popp — Germany
Germany’s Alexandra Popp, who has lost two major finals in the space of a year, enters the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup hoping to right the wrongs of the past 365 days.

She was joint-top scorer at the 2022 Women’s Euros with six goals as Germany ultimately fell short in the final against England, and also scored twice in the final of the 2022/23 UEFA Women’s Champions League with Wolfsburg, only to see Barcelona make a stunning comeback to secure a 3-2 win.

Her recent form perhaps deserves more silverware than it has gotten, and Germany will be pinning their hopes on the dominant striker producing another exhibition to help them wrestle the World Cup trophy from the grasp of the USA.

Caroline Graham Hansen — Norway
Barcelona’s Caroline Graham Hansen, like her teammate Alexia Putellas, missed a large part of the 2022//23 season, but when fit, the Norwegian forward showed the world what she was capable of, leaving zero doubts about her talents.

The swift and skilful winger entered Barcelona’s season late on and was one of the driving forces behind their push to a second UEFA Women’s Champions League title in the last three years.

Graham Hansen put up incredible performances in the crucial part of the 2022/23 season, scoring in both legs of Barcelona’s UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinal against Chelsea and putting up another superb performance in the final against Wolfsburg, assisting one of the Blaugrana’s three goals.

The 28-year-old forward has entered fine form just in time for the World Cup and could be key for Norway, alongside Ada Hegerberg, in the Grasshopper’s hopefully long competition run.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/fifa-wwc-7-players-who-could-stop-super-falcons-asisat-oshoala-from-winning-the-golden-ball-2023071606270460420

Romelu Lukaku's dream move from Chelsea to Inter could be off with the Nerazzurri reportedly withdrawing interest in the Belgian forward

Serie A giants Inter are reportedly set to abandon their pursuit of Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, who spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan with them.

Inter set to abandon interest in Chelsea striker
Inter were believed to be in the driving seat in a race for Lukaku’s signature and were set to beat rivals Juventus and AC Milan to the Belgian’s services, but a new twist in the saga has left the Nerazzurri reconsidering their interest in the forward.

Lukaku has made known his desire to leave Chelsea this summer after spending last season on loan outside the club, and his declaration sparked a bidding war for his services despite the Blues requesting a modest sum for the Belgian national team’s all-time top scorer.

The bids for Lukaku, all under Chelsea’s €45 million valuation, were thought to be a formality since Lukaku’s choice appeared to be to sign for Inter, but the striker’s behaviour in recent days has opened the possibility of a move elsewhere.

Lukaku considering Juventus interest

According to reports from Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Lukaku’s head has been turned by Juventus’ interest and the striker has stalled on concluding personal terms with Inter, despite claiming earlier that he only wanted a move to the Nerazzurri.

The Belgian striker and his agent have reportedly avoided speaking with representatives of Inter as they wait for Juventus’ terms for a personal deal.

Inter have now reportedly responded by cutting ties with the Belgian forward, ending their pursuit of Lukaku in favour of other targets.

Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has emerged as an option for Inter and would cost around the same amount as Lukaku for a summer move.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/inter-set-to-abandon-lukaku-chase-2023071522313360894

Reece James has been sent for a knee scan days before Chelsea is scheduled to go on a preseason tour of the US, raising concerns about an injury.

The Chelsea defender struggled with injury last season which kept him out of the majority of their games.

The Blues finished the 2022/2023 season in 12th position which was one of their worst campaigns as a club.

New manager Mauricio Pochettino was brought in to change the team's fortune and will play their first preseason game in a few days' time.

The Chelsea team will likely be without their star player Recce James after he was sent for a knee scan by the club doctors.

Reece James injury issues
The Evening Standard, as cited by Daily Mail, said that Chelsea is anticipating good news on the scan but was eager to receive a medical opinion on the status of the 23-year-old after he complained of pain.

Given James' troubles with injury last season, the news will undoubtedly worry many Blue supporters.

During a turbulent period that saw Thomas Tuchel replaced by Graham Potter, the England star started eight of the team's first ten Premier League games.

James was forced to the sidelines in October due to a knee injury, missing out on a spot in Gareth Southgate's England World Cup team.

The full-back made a comeback in February, but his time with the team was brief as additional injuries limited him to just 14 Premier League starts for the entire season.

Chelsea continues summer clear-out
Romelu Lukaku, Hakim Ziyech, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang did not accompany the team on the preseason tour as Chelsea's summer clear-out continues.

Aubameyang is reportedly interested in moving to Marseille in Ligue 1, while Lukaku is caught in a Serie A bidding war between Juventus and Inter Milan over his services for the upcoming year.

Callum Hudson-Odoi, a graduate of the Blues Academy, will not be joining the tour either. The 22-year-old is also set to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

The first game of the Blues' four summer friendlies will take place on Wednesday in North Carolina against Wrexham.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/chelsea-face-reece-james-injury-scare-sent-for-precautionary-knee-scan-2023071514592650439

Wearing their new kit, Super Falcons thrash Queensland Lions FC 8-1 in friendly game

The Super Falcons of Nigeria continue their preparation for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The team led by Head Coach Randy Waldrum recorded an 8-1 victory against Queensland Lions FC on Friday, July 14, 2023.

Super Falcons 8-1 Lions FC
The Super Falcons are already in Australia and are already fine-tuning preparations for their three group games.

Ashleigh Plumptre: Super Falcons star departs Leicester City

The Super Falcons confirmed the friendly with photos and a statement on their official social media platforms.

A statement by the Super Falcons on the game said, "We recorded a morale-boosting 8-1 victory over an Australian club, Lions FC in a friendly in Gold Coast 🇳🇿.

"SCORERS: Asisat Oshoala (2), Ifeoma Onumonu, Toni Payne, Rasheedat Ajibade, Halimatu Ayinde, Uchenna Kanu and Gift Monday."

According to the latest Super Falcons update, star forward Asisat Oshoala has recovered from an injury that saw her miss the 2023 UEFA Women's Champions League for Barcelona.

Oshoala scored twice to complement six others in a comfortable warm-up encounter.

The Super Falcons have reportedly put aside issues of a strike and are now focused on the task at hand.

Along with Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland, the Super Falcons have been placed in group B.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/super-falcons-of-nigeria-thrash-lions-fc-8-1-in-friendly-game-2023071506255072589

Inter Miami's new star and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi is yet to be unveiled as a new player in the MLS but already is making headlines in Florida, USA.

Just days before his official unveiling, Lionel Messi was saved from a serious accident in Florida, United States of America.

Messi and his family are in Florida ahead of a new adventure with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, MLS.

Messi avoids auto crash
Messi is on the verge of being announced as a new Inter Miami player after he left Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

However, just days before his official presentation as a new player in the MLS, the World Cup winner found himself in a near-precarious situation.

According to a report from the Daily Mail, the 35-year-old was being escorted by the police in his new hometown in Florida when his car went past the red light.

The car carrying the Argentine went into the busy intersection but was lucky to avoid a crash with multiple cars.

Messi’s scary moment was captured live by an Argentine TV channel, TyC Sports and shared on the social media platform Twitter.

Messi will be unveiled on Sunday as a new Inter player, with his debut slated for July 21 against Cruz Azul in the MLS/Liga MX.



Watch the video here

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/barcelona-legend-lionel-messi-escapes-serious-car-crash-in-the-us-2023071508391218685

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

France's Benjamin Mendy was a Manchester City player until July 1 and has been in court for rape.

Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has been found not guilty of rape and attempted rape in a British court.

According to a report from the BBC, Mendy has been cleared of raping a woman and attempting to rape another one, Pulse Sports Nigeria can confirm.

Mendy was accused of attacking a young woman in his Cheshire mansion in the summer of 2020.

The talented defender was also accused of attempting to rape another woman, who also claimed that the hitherto City star molested her.

Mendy cleared in court
However, it was another victory for the Frenchman after the court cleared him of any wrongdoing.

The verdict is the latest follows the six count charges cleared in the winter.

As per the report, Mendy broke down as the verdict was read by the jury.

A jury of six men and six women cleared the fullback after taking three hours and 15 minutes to conclude.

After the verdict was read and Mendy cleared, one of the Judges discharged him.

"Mr Mendy can be discharged from the dock,” Judge Steven Everett said.

Mendy was cleared of six counts of rape back in January and one count of sexual assault, relating to four young women.

But he was not discharged as the jurors failed to reach verdicts on two counts of rape and attempted rape, prompting a re-trial.

The defender is currently a free agent after his contract at City expired.'

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/benjamin-mendy-ex-manchester-city-star-found-not-guilty-of-rape-2023071415050667690

Okocha spent four years at Bolton Wanderers, making 124 appearances before moving to Qatar.


Former Super Eagles captain Austin Jay Jay Okocha has revealed that his move to Bolton Wanderers in 2002 was not a well thought out one.

The ex-PSG star told talkSPORT Breakfast that he did not do his research properly before he decided to switch the Ligue 1 side for the Reebok Stadium.

Okocha had impressed then Bolton Wanderers coach Sam Allardyce with display for Nigeria at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan.

Although Nigeria failed to make it out of a group that had England, Sweden, and Argentina, Big Sam was convinced that Okocha was the man his side needed.


However, looking back, Okocha feels he did not do enough due dilligence before making a move to the Premier League

“I will say that it’s obvious that I didn’t really do my research before signing for Bolton,”

“As a football person, football comes first, not the city, not the lifestyle, but one thing that’s clear is that the training ground was different, the attitude towards the games was different,” Okocha said.

Okocha repays Sam Allardyce’s faith in him
Bolton Wanderers were fortunate to sign Okocha for free in 2002; same player Paris Saint-Germain splashed out £14 million to acquire in 1998.

During an exclusive interview with Pulse Sports, Jay Jay Okocha revealed that he would be worth a whopping €150m in today’s transfer market.

On arrival in Englad, Okocha took the Premier League by storm and saved Bolton from relegation in 2002/2003 season.

49-year-old Okocha said he did not hit the ground running and that it took him a while before he understood Big Sam’s philosophy, but once he did, it was all magic from there.

“It took me a while to really understand what Sam’s philosophy was, but once I understood it, it was a bit easier then.

“After a while I realised that it’s not really that kind of long ball person, but it was all he had then, the players that he had then he can only play direct football with them because they haven’t got the ability to out-possess the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea or Man United, so he was playing to his strengths.

“But then when we came in and when he started bringing players with better quality in his squad, we started playing a bit more possession football.”

Okocha and Ronaldinho differing fortunes
When Okocha joined PSG in 1998, a Brazilian protégé was handed to him to mentor - his name Ronaldinho.

Jay Jay Okocha told Pulse Sports in an exclusive interview that the Brazilian superstar learnt a few tricks from him.

Ronaldinho switched Parc des Princes for Baracelona in 2003 and went on to win the Ballon d’Or in 2005.

Meanwhile, his mentor Jay Jay Okocha failed to win the African Footballer of the Year award despite being nominated on three occasions.

Austin Okocha won the Nigerian Footballer of the Year seven times and the BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2004 and 2005.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/i-did-not-do-enough-research-before-joining-bolton-okocha-opens-up-on-move-to-england-2023071413493347503.

Enyeama has been inactive since 2018, but his long-standing African record remains intact following Mweene’s retirement.

Vincent Enyeama will keep his record as Africa’s top-scoring goalkeeper after Kennedy Mweene retired from professional football.

Mweene announced his retirement from professional football after over an 18-year-long career that began in 2003.

Mweene retires from football
Although he never played outside of Africa, Mweene was famous for his maverick style of goalkeeping and flamboyant celebrations.

However, aside from his maverick style, Mweene was also a goalscoring goalkeeper during his playing career.

The former Zambia star is one of the highest-goalscoring goalkeepers in the history of the beautiful game, having scored 13 goals.

Mweene scored 11 goals for Free State Stars, all from the penalty spot and two for Zambia, including an equaliser against Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Enyeama remains Africa's number one
However, despite scoring a lot of goals, the award for most goals scored by an African goalkeeper belongs to Enyeama.

Enyeama scored 24 goals during his career, although he never scored one for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The former Nigeria international scored all of his goals from the penalty spot, including 13 for Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Enyeama also scored another ten goals during his time at Enyimba and one for Akwa Ibom Stars.

The ex-Super Eagles shot-stopper is one of the top-goalscoring goalkeepers in history, although he is way behind Rogério Ceni, who is number one with 131 goals.

Enyeama retired from international football in 2015 before quitting football fully in 2020. He made 101 appearances for Nigeria.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/ex-super-eagles-star-vincent-enyeama-keeps-his-record-after-kennedy-mweenes-retirement-2023071409564758201

Frank Lampard is sure that Mason Mount will be a great player for the Old Trafford team and that he will help lift the bar at Manchester United.
Mount and Lampard both worked at Derby, and Lampard has consistently been one of the managers to praise Mount's abilities even when doing so would cause disagreement.

The England international left his childhood club Chelsea, where Lampard gave him his senior football debut, and moved to United in a high-profile deal this summer

The former Chelsea midfielder was signed for a fee worth £60 million including add-ons after rejecting a new contract from the Blues.

Chelsea former manager Frank Lampard has heaped praises on Man United new signing and believes he will be a great player for them.

Lampard speaks about Mount
Speaking on The Diary of a CEO podcast, as reported by Daily Mail, Lampard said, “I think it's a complicated one [why he left Chelsea] and in the end, he's got a year left on his contract …

“What I'll say about Mason is, all the things I spoke about there, you talk about modern players and how the game's changed, he is a throwback to the attitude and the commitment and the quality... that was the beauty of working with Mason. He gave you so much in terms of his effort every day.

“Anything you'd ask him to do he's like "yeah", and he kind of got it. I think any great player has to have that kind of intelligence and that desire about them. You know that "what do you need me to do? Yep, I've got it and I'll do it and I'll repeat it" and also quality.

Lampard believes Mount will live to the expectation
Mason Mount has been praised by his former manager Frank Lampard who believes he will achieve great things with the current United team.

Still speaking as reported by Daily Mail, “Don't get me wrong, bar raisers are already there with Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, but he will absolutely fit in with that.

“If you're trying to build a group mentality of a team with] players that are just going to give everything and have talent which a top team needs, he fits in.

“I've seen some alternative reaction to that [signing] like "oh, yeah, Mason Mount that's a good buy" [but then also] "but why would you pay that for him?" Mason Mount is going to be a fantastic player there in my opinion.”

Mount made his debut for Manchester United in a friendly against Leeds United as they secured a 2-0 victory to begin their preparation for the new season

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/mason-mount-is-a-great-signing-for-man-utd-frank-lampard-admits-2023071319475944385

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg chokes Nigeria's UFC champion Israel Adesanya in new photos.

Images of Israel Adesanya's unexpected encounter with Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg have been made available.

The UFC middleweight champion from New Zealand and Nigeria today tweeted images of himself grappling and sparring with the tech giant on his Twitter feed.

Israel Adesanya vs Mark Zuckerberg
Along with the photos was a message that said, "We both have South Africans to deal with."

In the caption, Adesanya made references to Zuckerberg vs Elon Musk and his upcoming championship defense against Dricus du Plessis.

In the wake of a recent verbal spat between Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, a rival in the technology industry, the two have decided to settle their disagreements through a fight.

Dana White, the head of the UFC, gave some credence to the remarks that appeared to be made in jest when he revealed that he had spoken to the two and that they were both serious about making it happen.

Alexander Volkanovski, the Australian UFC featherweight champion, joined Adesanya and Zukerberg in the session.

In May of last year, Zuckerberg wrote about winning his first jiu jitsu competition and also starting to train in mixed martial arts.

Israel Adesanya and Dricu Du Plessis
UFC Middleweight title holder Israel Mobolaji Adesanya will square off against Du Plessis in a fiery grudge bout at September's UFC 293 event in Sydney.

Adesanya and Du Plessis engaged in an intense octagon confrontation after the bout.

In his face-to-face post-fight exchange with the South African fighter, Adesanya frequently used the N-word.

The middleweight title match between Adesanya and Du Plessis appears to be scheduled for September 10 at UFC 293 in Sydney, Australia.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/other-sports/story/israel-adesanya-vs-mark-zuckerberg-facebook-founder-chokes-nigerias-ufc-champion-in-new-photos-2023071306211659033

Chelsea are not expecting Romelu Lukaku to return for pre-season as they work on an exit agreement with Inter Milan.

Lukaku, 30, has made no secret of his desire to return to Serie A giants Inter Milan on a permanent basis and Chelsea are working hard to make that happen.

Lukaku not in Chelsea's plans

Despite Mauricio Pochettino insisting he was anticipating the Belgium striker's return, the club has other plans, according to The Athletic.

Chelsea begin pre-season tour by flying out to the United States on July 17 and will hope a deal is struck with Inter before they depart.

The Blues rejected Inter's latest bid for the wantaway striker, with the Stamford Bridge club holding out for a fee of around €45m.

More on Lukaku
Lukaku spent last season back on loan at Inter following a disappointing 2021-22 campaign at Chelsea, where he scored 15 goals in 44 matches in all competitions.

He scored 14 games for the Serie A side last season as they reached the Champions League final, losing narrowly to Manchester City.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/dont-come-back-chelsea-block-lukaku-return-as-inter-talks-continue-2023071217260273649

Manchester United's Casemiro has revealed he knew exactly what he was doing when he left LALIGA giants Real Madrid for the Red Devils.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has revealed that his move to Manchester United happened at an “ideal” time to leave Real Madrid.

Casemiro made a shock switch to Old Trafford last summer in a move that saw United pay £60 million for his signature.

The then 30-year-old put pen to paper on a five-year contract that will see him stay at the club until the summer of 2027.

Casemiro explains United switch

The move to United ended Casemiro’s seven-year romance with Real Madrid, where he won several titles.

He lifted the Champions League five times, and won three LALIGA and Club World Cup titles.

However, he joined United in a shock move last summer, helping the Reds win the Carabao Cup and picking a ticket back to the Champions League.

According to a report by Daily Mail, the Brazilian has now explained his move to England, describing it as the “ideal moment.”

'First I spoke with my family, who accepted it immediately,' the defensive midfielder told Brazilian magazine,” he said.

'It was the opportunity to leave a great club (Real Madrid) at the top, at an age that still allows me to have that hunger to continue winning.

'If it had been two or three years from now, I wouldn't have left Real Madrid to go to another big one, I wouldn't have that ambition to change leagues and leverage another giant club. It was the ideal moment.'

Speaking further, Casemiro adds that it was easy at first after then switch but everyone has been good to him.

'Of course, everyone wants love and respect,' he added. 'Everyone at the club has always been very affectionate.

'I felt loved from the first day, which was not easy after ten years at Real Madrid. It is the result of the work on the field, it was a very good mix of fans, employees, players, and that has been very important for my adaptation.'

Casemiro made 28 appearances in the Premier League last season, with four goals and three assists to his name. He also received two red cards.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/why-i-left-real-madrid-for-manchester-united-casemiro-2023071015261753750

Mauricio Pochettino has already singled out players in the Chelsea squad he hopes to influence positively when the Blues begin training for next season

Chelsea’s new manager Mauricio Pochettino has already identified three players in the Blues’ squad that he could help become better during his reign as boss.

Pochettino looking to improve Chelsea’s fortune
The Argentine took over from caretaker boss Frank Lampard after an extensive process to find a replacement for Graham Potter left Chelsea with the former Tottenham and PSG gaffer.

Pochettino has already set about his task as Chelsea’s new boss and identified three players who are currently not fulfilling their potential at the club, and whom he ca help become better versions of themselves during Chelsea’s training camp ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The Chelsea manager spoke to the club’s media team and outlined his plans for these three players, who could play pivotal roles for the Blues under him.

Pochettino has special plans for three players in particular
Pochettino first mentioned Chelsea’s record signing, Enzo Fernandez, who joined the Blues in a British record move for €121 million from Benfica shortly after being named the best young player as Argentina lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

"‘He’s young and energetic, but the young also need to rest, clean the mind. Also, he arrived at Chelsea not in the best circumstances. It’s difficult.

He is still young and still needs to learn about the Premier League. The Premier League is a really tough competition and he [Fernandez] changes everything – culture, language, everything – and it is always difficult to adapt," Pochettino said about the most expensive player in the club’s history, adding that he thinks Fernandez now “knows what it is to be a Chelsea player, knows London, and is communicating better. We are going to help in all these aspects for him to grow and provide the team with his best.”

He also mentioned another of Chelsea’s expensive 2022/23 signings Mykhailo Mudryk, whom he wants to see during the team’s training camp in America.

‘It is to understand the circumstances how he also arrived,” said Pochettino, adding, “I think it’s not the same mindset and everything is different in the life of Mudryk than Enzo. That is why for us it is really important to spend time to talk.

“I really like to see and to know him to try to decide with the staff the best strategy to help him to be at the level that I think Chelsea when they signed him expected him to be.”

Finally, Pochettino will also be aiming to improve the lot of former Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling, who has not had the impact at the club that he hoped he would.

About Sterling, Pochettino said, "It's not always to blame the player... We need to see us and see what is going on and why they are not performing in the way that we expect and then, of course, when all is clear, we cannot give excuses to them to not perform."

Chelsea will be hoping that their new manager can help their expensively assembled team perform better than last season where they finished 12th in the Premier League in one of the worst campaigns in the club’s history.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/new-chelsea-boss-identifies-3-players-he-wants-to-help-improve-2023071006010849757

UEFA could be set to hand Juventus a one-year European ban which will end their participation in the 2023/24 Europa Conference League

Juventus’ recent woes are set to continue after a report from One Football suggests that the Old Lady could lose their spot in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League.

Juventus likely to miss out on 2023/24 Europa Conference League
A Pulse Sports report noted that a ban for the Bianconeri was possibly on the cards after they were left out of UEFA’s promo for the Conference League, and it appears this possibility has been strengthened by a new report.


Juventus have been under investigation by UEFA for the same capital gains scam that resulted in the Old Lady being docked 10 Serie A points in the 2022/23 season, and with the European body nearing the end of their own findings, there have been reports of possible punishments.

Juventus were set to drop to the Europa Conference League due to their points deduction, but they might lose their right to participate if UEFA hand them a one-year ban as rumoured.

Juventus unlikely to appeal Conference League ban
According to multiple sources, Juventus' new management, which took over after a number of old board members resigned due to the caputal gains scandal will accept the UEFA ruling in order to make peace with the European governing body.

The Old Lady’s maagement, who also pulled out of the European Super League, likely in a bid to pacify UEFA as well, have reportedly agreed not to fight the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sports as they see their absence from next season’s Europa Conference League a small price to pay.

In the absence of a European campaign, Juventus will be able to focus on reclaiming their Serie A crown, last won in the 2019/20 season.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/uefa-reportedly-set-to-hand-juventus-european-ban-2023070912131053594

Kylian Mbappe has allegedly been spotted cruising around Cameroon in a motorcade fit for a king

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe continues to enjoy his vacation in Cameroon, and the superstar striker was reportedly spotted in a procession of vehicles that would be fitting for a revered government official.

Mbappe enjoys Cameroon amidst PSG trouble
Mbappe has been in his father’s home nation of Cameroon for three days during his summer holidays after representing France in the last international window, and has been seen enjoying himself and meeting other celebrities of Cameroonian descent.

With a transfer saga brewing around Mbappe’s stay in PSG and Les Parisiens’ hierarchy attempting to force him out of the club this summer, the French forward has stayed hidden from the commotion, preferring to relax in the central African country instead.

Mbappe spotted in extensive motorcade
In a recent video, the PSG forward was seen moving in an extensive motorcade that featured mobile police, an ambulance, an army vehicle, and several other cars.

Many have described the motorcade Mbappe was spotted in as presidential, as the French forward enjoyed the luxury usually reserved for a head of state.

As one of the most recognisable and most valuable footballers in the world, Mbappe's protection certainly seemed deserved, as PSG would have been keen on protecting their investment, whom they hope to sell to Real Madrid for up to €200 million this summer.


Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/watch-mbappe-tours-cameroon-in-presidential-motorcade-2023070907095145501

Spanish shot-stopper David De Gea announced his Manchester United exit after 12 years and 545 appearances for the Red Devils.

De Gea's contract expired June 30 and with no agreement reached to extend, the Spaniard announced his departure from Manchester United after 12 years.

In those 12 years, there were highs and lows but we have chosen to focus on the highs.

Here are De Gea's best moments in a Manchester United shirt

5. PL title win in Alex Ferguson's final season (2013)
In De Gea's second season at the club, 2012/2013, he was struggling to hold down the starting spot with some inconsistent performances.

However, in the second half of the season, he returned to his best and was a pillar of protection as Man United wrestled the premier league title back from Man City - his excellent performances saw him named in the PFA team of the season.

4. Last-minute penalty save against West Ham (2021)

De Gea had a shaky record when it came to saving penalties so when Mark Noble stepped up in added time for West Ham, United fans could be forgiven for fearing the worst. However, the Spaniard made his first penalty save in 40 attempts to give the Red Devils, who were up 2-1, the three points.

3. Most saves in a PL game (2017)
In December 2017, De Gea famously made as many as 14 saves in a single Premier League game keeping Arsenal at bay in a 3-1 United win at the Emirates. The Gunners kept De Gea busy all night and the goalkeeper responded in spectacular fashion. That record stands till this day.


2. Man of the Match performance against Everton (2014)
During this game, De Gea made a multitude of crucial saves for United as they clinched a 2-1 win and earned back-to-back victories under Louis van Gaal. First, he denied Leighton Baines from the penalty spot becoming the first ever Premier League goalkeeper to do so.

Crucially, he secured the points for United by denying Bryan Oviedo's long-range effort in stoppage time with an outstanding outstretched save.

1 . De Gea leaves Manchester United with the most clean sheets (2023)

De Gea helped Man United win the Carabao Cup in March with a 2-0 win over Newcastle. The Spaniard's clean sheet was his 181st for United, surpassing the record set by club legend Peter Schmeichel.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://pulsesports.ng/football/story/de-gea-top-5-unforgettable-manchester-united-moments-2023070814542140868

Al-Ahli's new signing Roberto Firmino was mobbed by jubilant fans as he arrived in Saudi Arabia to begin a new chapter.

Firmino left Liverpool at the end of his contract and signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, becoming one of many superstars to swap Europe for the Middle East this summer.

The 31-year-old Liverpool icon won five major trophies in his 8 years at Anfield and will be fondly remembered as one of the greatest Brazilians to grace the Premier League.

Firmino mobbed by Al Ahli fans

A move to the Saudi Pro League for Firmino may perhaps be surprising considering he is only 31, but the Brazil international has opted for an exit from the spotlight in a league that can only keep growing.

He ended his Liverpool career with 111 goals for the Reds, forming one of world football's most fearsome front threes with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/roberto-firmino-former-liverpool-striker-mobbed-as-he-arrives-saudi-arabia-2023070817493439141

Romelu Lukaku could still have a role to play at Chelsea according to new boss Mauricio Pochettino

New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has outlined his expectations for Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku and other players who want to be part of the Blues’ team.

Pochettino officially resumes Chelsea role
Pochettino was named Chelsea’s permanent manager, taking over from Graham Potter, who was asked to leave in March, and Frank Lampard, who was caretaker boss until the end of the 2022/23 season.

The Argentine manager has set about his new job at Chelsea, resuming officially in July, and has stated his expectations for any player who intends to be part of his team when first-team training resumes on the 12th of July, including Lukaku, who spent last season on loan at Inter.

Pochettino expecting Lukaku to resume training with the rest of the squad
While speaking at a press conference, Pochettino was asked about Lukaku’s future and his plans for the Belgium international, and the new Blues boss noted that he expected to see the former Everton and Manchester United man when the team resumed training.

He said, “The situation, all of the parts, know what we think. I think in that case he needs to come back in 12th or 13th to be in the squad to start pre-season.
Yeah, like all of the players when they arrive, they come to my office to say hello. If he is still a Chelsea player.”

Lukaku has pushed for another move to Inter this summer, but with Chelsea demanding an outright transfer while Inter insist on another loan deal, all things point to the Belgian striker remaining with the Blues for the 2023/24 season.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/new-chelsea-boss-pochettino-outlines-expectations-for-lukaku-2023070807483247209