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Bruno Labbadia's appointment as Super Eagles head coach has sparked widespread criticism. Here's why Nigerians are questioning the decision.

The Super Eagles have appointed German tactician Bruno Labbadia as new head coach.

The 58-year-old was appointed on Tuesday morning as the NFF look to salvage what's left of the World Cup qualifiers and of course, secure passage to the 2025 AFCON.

The German's appointment has drawn widespread criticism, with many believing he has done nothing to merit this opportunity.

3 shocking facts about Bruno Labbadia: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/bruno-labbadia-3-shocking-facts-about-new-super-eagles-head-coach-2024082707512249692

[b]READ MORE: [/b]https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/who-is-this-clown-nigerians-slam-nff-for-appointing-labbadia-as-super-eagles-head-coach-2024082706504336467

The NFF's decision to announce Bruno Labbadia as new head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria has raised eyebrows.

After months of uncertainty, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has finally announced a new permanent head coach for the Super Eagles; German tactician Bruno Labbadia.


Secretary General of the NFF, Mohammed Sanusi made the announcement on Tuesday morning, with the former Stuttgart boss following a long line of Germans that have coached the Super Eagles, including Berti Vogts and more recently, Gernot Rohr.

The 58-year-old's immediate task is to navigate the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda next month and subsequently the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Despite the NFF finally settling on a permanent appointment, Labbadia's relative lack of pedigree, especially regarding never managing a national team, has raised some concerns.

[b]READ MORE: [/b]https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/who-is-this-clown-nigerians-slam-nff-for-appointing-labbadia-as-super-eagles-head-coach-2024082706504336467

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/maresca-tells-chelseas-champions-league-winner-to-leave-stamford-bridge-2024081701261520281

The Blues could bid farewell to one of their pivotal performers during the 2021 run to a second European Cup win under Thomas Tuchel.
Enzo Maresca has hinted that Ben Chilwell 's time at Chelsea may be coming to an end as the summer transfer window draws to a close.

Chilwell’s struggle for game time under Maresca

The England international has struggled to find consistent playing time under the Italian, who has expressed concerns about Chilwell's suitability for his tactical system.

Despite having a contract until 2027, the left-back has been sidelined for much of Chelsea's preseason preparations, recently missing the Blues’ last off-season fixture against Inter.

The head coach has suggested that Chilwell could be open to a transfer before the transfer window closes later this month.

What Maresca said about Chilwell’s Chelsea future

Maresca believes that a move away from Chelsea would be beneficial for both the player and the club, allowing the wide defender to seek more playing time elsewhere.

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/maresca-tells-chelseas-champions-league-winner-to-leave-stamford-bridge-2024081701261520281

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/transfer-news-chelsea-will-kill-victor-osimhens-career-nigerian-pastor-2024081411495192358

The Cleric urged Osimhen to rethink his choices about moving to the London club.

Renowned Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has cautioned Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen against joining Chelsea.

The cleric, who is the founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, believes that a move to the London club could negatively impact Osimhen's career.

In a short video clip, Ayodele strongly advised Osimhen to reconsider his options, stating that the striker would not "shine" at Chelsea.

He further urged the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to be cautious in calling up Osimhen if he indeed moves to the English club.

“I want to quickly advise as directly that Osimhen should not go to Chelsea because if he goes there, he will not shine and it will kill his career.

“NFF, if Osimhen should go to Chelsea, don’t call him again, and also calling him to the Super Eagles still needs to be previewed properly because we have what it takes to the World Cup and Nations Cup,” Ayodele said per Punch.

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/transfer-news-chelsea-will-kill-victor-osimhens-career-nigerian-pastor-2024081411495192358

Wayde van Niekerk broke into athletics limelight in 2016 when he ran a jaw-dropping new 400m World Record in 43.03s. Ironically, eight years after his historic feat, he says he never enjoyed running the event and want to find love in the sport again.

Eight years after a historic feat of running a jaw-dropping World and Olympic Record in the men's 400m event, South African track icon Wayde van Niekerk has revealed he never enjoyed running the event.

Van Niekerk is currently at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he chose to compete in the 200m alone and not his trademark event - the 400m.

The talented sprinter managed to qualify for the semifinals after finishing third in his heat in 20.42s and will have to produce a much better performance of a sub-20s clocking for any hopes of a spot in the final.

Speaking with reporters after his race, the South African revealed that his decision to run the 200m in Paris was to enjoy the sport again.

"I think for me, the decision was based on getting back to a space of enjoying the sport and finding peace in the sport that has helped me so much. I think that was honestly the biggest decision and motive of why I’m here today,” he said.

Van Niekerk broke into the athletics limelight in 2014 when as an unknown sprinter, he won the Commonwealth Games and African Championships silver medal in the 400m.

A year later, at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, he stunned the track world by winning the world title in a then Personal Best (PB) and National Record (NR) of 43.48s.

With expectations now high on him as the future of the event and one to beat at the Rio 2016 Games, Van Niekerk did the unbelievable when he blazed to the Olympic title in a new blistering World Record of 43.03s, beating the time of 43.18s set by Michael Johnson in 1999

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/i-never-enjoyed-running-the-400m-south-african-speedster-reveals-eight-years-after-setting-world-and-olympic-record-2024080613554711831

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/favour-ofili-sets-new-record-in-womens-200m-event-despite-not-winning-a-medal-in-the-final-2024080701011292327

Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has set a new record in the women’s 200m race at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The 200-metre final was an extremely close race in which the Nigerian star girl just missed out on a medal.

Her hunt for a medal at the Olympics came to an end after losing at the hands of the USA's Gabby Thomas in the final.

Ofili was placed in lane nine beside the women’s 100m winner, Julien Alfred, and ended the women’s 200m final in sixth place.

Ofili’s new record

Favour Ofili got recognition for herself, setting a new record, despite not being among the top three winners in the women’s 200m final.

According to LSU Track & Field on X, “At the age of 21, Favour Ofili was by far the youngest competitor in the Olympic 200m final and was only.04 seconds away from the podium. Her future is brighter than all the stars in the sky.”

The Nigerian sprinter became the youngest female competitor to compete in the Olympic 200m final.

Ofili qualified for the women's 200-meter final by placing first in the heats and second in the quarterfinal.

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/favour-ofili-sets-new-record-in-womens-200m-event-despite-not-winning-a-medal-in-the-final-2024080701011292327

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/time-to-play-for-super-eagles-nigeria-eligible-lesley-ugochukwu-withdraws-from-france-team-2024072012510420513

According to reports, Nigeria-eligible, Lesley Chimuanya Ugochukwu, has withdrawn from France’s 2024 Paris Olympics squad.

Chelsea signed Ugochukwu from Stade Rennais for a fee of £23.1 million last season but struggled to make a mark in the team.

He made just 15 appearances for the two-time UEFA Champions League winners across all competitions but still earned a call-up for the France Olympic team.

A few weeks back, Ugochukwu was selected by Thierry Henry for France’s Olympic team and was preparing for the tournament with other French stars.

Ugochukwu withdraws from France team
The French Football Federation (FFF) has verified that Chelsea has recalled Lesley from his Olympic squad, according to The Athletic.

It was reported that the Chelsea star picked up an injury that has ruled him out of representing France at the Olympics.

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/time-to-play-for-super-eagles-nigeria-eligible-lesley-ugochukwu-withdraws-from-france-team-2024072012510420513

READ THE FULL STORY : https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/shocking-scene-super-falcons-players-pray-for-escape-route-after-being-stuck-in-elevator-in-paris-2024072017365149091

A few players from the Super Falcons team, encountered an elevator breakdown in France while getting ready for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The Super Falcons are currently in France for the Olympics as they make their first appearance in sixteen years.

The women's national football team landed in Bordeaux on Thursday following their training camp in Seville, Spain.

With the team arriving in France for the Olympics, some of the players had a fearful moment after getting stuck in an elevator.

Super Falcons elevator experience
In a friendly game played behind closed doors in Malaga versus Canada, the Super Falcons lost 1-0 during normal time but won 5-4 on penalties to round off their training.

The squad arrived in Bordeaux in Paris on Friday after departing from Spain as they prepared to play Brazil in their Olympic debut.

READ THE FULL STORY : https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/shocking-scene-super-falcons-players-pray-for-escape-route-after-being-stuck-in-elevator-in-paris-2024072017365149091

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/ademola-lookman-epl-saudi-clubs-must-pay-naira120-billion-to-land-super-eagles-star-this-summer-2024072014115913220

Serie A side Atalanta have reportedly slapped a hefty price tag on their star player Ademola Lookman amid strong interest from Europe's top clubs.

Ademola Lookman became one of Europe's most sought-after players after his impressive hat-trick for Atalanta in the Europa League final.

Even before his heroics in Dublin, Lookman was in excellent form for Atalanta, attracting interest from potential suitors. With 17 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, it's no surprise that clubs are vying for his services.

Reports suggest serious interest in his services from the Saudi Pro League, as well as English clubs West Ham and Aston Villa.

However, according to CalcioNews24, Atalanta is reluctant to let go of their prized asset and will only consider a sale under the right circumstances.

With two years left on his contract, any sale would need to meet the club's financial requirements.

The reported transfer fee is around €70 million, just shy of the €73.5 million record sale of Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United last summer.

Lookman joined Atalanta in 2022 on a four-year deal and has become arguably the club's most important player in just two seasons.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/ademola-lookman-epl-saudi-clubs-must-pay-naira120-billion-to-land-super-eagles-star-this-summer-2024072014115913220

READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/toni-payne-super-falcons-of-nigeria-star-joins-everton-2024072005100224525

Super Falcons of Nigeria star Toni Payne joins Everton after goodbye to Sevilla.

There is news about Super Falcons of Nigeria star Toni Payne

Toni Payne joins Everton from Sevilla
Toni Payne, a forward for Nigeria, has officially joined Everton..

The 29-year-old, who is capable of playing all over the front line, is Brian Sorensen's first summer acquisition. He comes to the Club following a six-year stint in Spain with Sevilla.

Payne, who has 21 caps for Nigeria, was a member of the Super Eagles team that participated in the Australia and New Zealand 2023 World Cup finals. The team lost to England in the round of 16 by a small margin.

Speaking to Everton TV on the move she said, “I’m super excited to be an Everton player.

READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/toni-payne-super-falcons-of-nigeria-star-joins-everton-2024072005100224525

READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/lifestyle/story/michelle-alozie-hottest-super-falcons-star-expresses-desire-to-date-fellow-athlete-2024071911230042541

Alozie revealed she would have been a WAG if she wasn’t a footballer.

Super Falcons of Nigeria star Michelle Alozie has opened up on her career preferences outside of football.

The 27-year-old fan-favourite took to her social media channel to host a brief Q&A with her followers ahead of Nigeria’s opening group match at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Alozie: Super Falcons star opens up on dream career outside football

Alozie, widely considered as the ‘Hottest Super Falcons player alive,’ took to her official Snapchat channel where she was quizzed by a curious follower who asked:

“If you weren't playing football, what else would you do?,” to which the Super Falcons star responded, “medical field, track runner, fashion or a WAG hahahaha.”

A WAG is typically defined as a Wife and Girlfriend of Athletes.

Alozie also revealed her preferred playing to position to be as a Right Winger as proposed to her current position for the national team, which is in the Wing Back role

READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/lifestyle/story/michelle-alozie-hottest-super-falcons-star-expresses-desire-to-date-fellow-athlete-2024071911230042541

READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/here-we-go-npfl-refs-to-use-communication-aides-learn-var-for-new-season-2024071907353103587

The Nigeria Premier Football League is set to level up next season with game-changing moves that will help referees officiate better, including the use of VAR.

In a move that is set to revolutionise the NPFL and football in the country, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled a series of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of officiating in the upcoming season.

At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in the nation's capital, the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, made a bold announcement that has sent shockwaves through the football community.

NPFL to get tech, VAR boost
The introduction of these cutting-edge communication devices is expected to significantly improve the decision-making process of match officials, reducing the likelihood of controversial calls that have often plagued the Nigerian game in the past.

READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/here-we-go-npfl-refs-to-use-communication-aides-learn-var-for-new-season-2024071907353103587

READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/hes-the-best-player-in-the-world-spain-coach-reveals-ballon-dor-winner-2024071615585843637

Rodri was part of the Manchester City squad that achieved a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title under Pep Guardiola.
Spain coach, Luis de la Fuente, has sparked debate by claiming Manchester City's Rodri is the world's best player and deserves the 2024 Ballon d'Or award.


Rodri's Stellar Year
Rodri's credentials are undeniable as he was instrumental in Manchester City's record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title under Pep Guardiola.

His performances throughout the Euros further solidified his position as a key player, earning him the Player of the Tournament award despite an injury that forced him off the pitch early in the final against England.

De la Fuente's Bold Claim
De la Fuente wasted no time in praising his midfielder, saying he deserves the award.

"Rodri is the best player in the world, please give him the Ballon d'Or now," he declared, according to the Daily Mail.

READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/hes-the-best-player-in-the-world-spain-coach-reveals-ballon-dor-winner-2024071615585843637

READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/report-victor-osimhen-close-in-on-sensational-euro120m-move-to-psg-as-mbappe-replacement-2024071709391760128

French giants PSG look set to win the race for Victor Osimhen's signature as the Nigerian closes in on a return to Ligue 1.

French giants Paris Saint-Germain, PSG, have seemingly won the race to sign in-demand Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in a blockbuster €120 million deal as they move to replace Kylian Mbappe.

According to a report by Italian outlet Il Mattino, the Nigerian goal machine is set to fly to the French capital today or tomorrow to put pen to paper on a lucrative contract with the Ligue 1 champions.

Osimhen to replace Mbappe in PSG
Less than 24 hours after club legend and France skipper Mbappe was unveiled by Real Madrid in a lavish presentation, PSG seemed to have acted swiftly to replace him.

Per the report, negotiations between Napoli and their Ligue 1 counterparts have been ongoing for some time for the Nigerian, who has been advised to remain in Naples, but it appears a breakthrough has finally been reached after the respective presidents got involved.

READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/report-victor-osimhen-close-in-on-sensational-euro120m-move-to-psg-as-mbappe-replacement-2024071709391760128

[b]READ THE FULL STORY: [/b]https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/nigeria-abandon-2-time-afcon-winner-eye-move-for-former-england-manager-to-replace-finidi-george-2024071619071820228

Finidi George's departure has left the Super Eagles with a huge vacancy that could be filled by a former England manager

The Super Eagles of Nigeria’s search for a new manager has led them to former England boss Steve McClaren. Currently working as Erik ten Hag's number two at Manchester United, McClaren is now reportedly a contender to replace the departed Finidi George, who left the role in June.

Nigeria consider McClaren for vacant job

According to TalkSPORT, McClaren has been spoken to about the vacant role after Finidi’s June resignation but faces competition for the job from other candidates for the job.

In addition to McClaren, former Ivory Coast and Zambia AFCON-winning boss Herve Renard and Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet have also been pencilled as potential options for Nigeria.

Both Renard and Saintfiet bring valuable experience in African football, potentially giving them an edge in the selection process. Renard, in particular, has a proven track record with national teams on the continent, having led both Zambia and Ivory Coast to AFCON victories.

[b]READ THE FULL STORY: [/b]https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/nigeria-abandon-2-time-afcon-winner-eye-move-for-former-england-manager-to-replace-finidi-george-2024071619071820228

READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/victor-boniface-and-jude-bellingham-super-eagles-star-encourages-england-midfielder-after-euro2024-disappointment-2024071615515593146

Super Eagles of Nigeria star Victor Boniface encourages England midfielder Jude Bellingham after Euro 2024 disappointment against Spain.

Jude Bellingham, who is only 21 years old, has already made a name for himself in the England locker room

The Real Madrid midfielder shared his reflections on the team's defeat against Spain in the 2024 European Championship final, thanking former manager Gareth Southgate for "great memories."

The Three Lions were on the verge of winning their first-ever Euro tournament when they gave up a goal by Mikel Oyarzabal in the 86th minute of play.

This defeat makes England the first team to lose two straight finals in the competition.

Jude Bellingham on Euro 2024
He said, "Still trying to process the final but the overriding feelings are sadness and disappointment.

"The fact is that we came up against a great opponent and fell short, it hurts that we were so close to history and yet couldn’t deliver for the England fans that backed us throughout the highs and lows of the tournament whether that was from back home or out in Germany in the stadiums.

READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/victor-boniface-and-jude-bellingham-super-eagles-star-encourages-england-midfielder-after-euro2024-disappointment-2024071615515593146

Nigeria vs Canada: Time and Where to Watch Super Falcons Olympic warmup game 🇳🇬 🍁 🕒

Read the full story ↕️

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/nigeria-vs-canada-time-and-where-to-watch-super-falcons-olympic-warmup-game-2024071709115342699