₦airaland Forum

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/nff-appoints-former-bayern-leverkusen-manager-as-super-eagles-coach-2024082705540901409

After months of anxious wait, since Finidi George resigned, the NFF has announced a foreign manager to lead the Super Eagles.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed German tactician Bruno Labbadia as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

The German has big shoes to fill after the departure of Finidi George, who resigned from his position just two games into his tenure following a disastrous start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Announcing the appointment, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed stated that the NFF Executive Committee approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee.

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/nff-appoints-former-bayern-leverkusen-manager-as-super-eagles-coach-2024082705540901409

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/usain-bolt-vs-yohan-blake-jamaican-sprinter-reveals-bitter-secrets-of-rivalry-with-worlds-fastest-man-alive-2024082313512130004

Find out everything you need to know about the greatest rivalry between the two fastest men of all-time Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake.
Two of Jamaica’s biggest track stars Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake once had the same coach and trained together. The pair were also members of the famous team that won gold in the 4x100m relay for the reggae-nation at the London 2012 Olympics.

The quartet of Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, Michael Frater and Nesta Carter ran a world record 36.85 seconds. The gold medal was never in doubt the moment Yohan Blake handed the baton to Usain Bolt, who anchored Jamaica home in record time - a record that stands till today.

However, like it is common to all men, rivalry, jealousy and envy is inevitable in such a competitive sport as athletics. Usain Bolt and Johan Blake have a fair share of such incidence.

This article breaks down all the details, separating facts from rumours, bringing balance to a topic that has divided fans over the years.

Usain Bolt vs Yohan Blake - Background story

Usain Bolt was in a class of his own duirng his days |Photo Credit: Imago
Unarguably the fastest man alive, Bolt who turned 38 years yesterday, August 22nd, 2024 set a blistering 9.58 seconds 100m record that is yet to be broken. The closest anyone has come to that time is fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake who ran 9.69 seconds in 2012. USA’s Tyson Gay also ran 9.69 seconds back in September 2009 in Shanghai, China.

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/usain-bolt-vs-yohan-blake-jamaican-sprinter-reveals-bitter-secrets-of-rivalry-with-worlds-fastest-man-alive-2024082313512130004

The WWE remains the most watched wrestling product in the world, but the question ‘Is WWE fake’ is one that has refused to go away. From death-defying dives to punishing striking; is any of it legitimate? Here are the answers you seek.

Professional wrestling has been around since the late 1800s, when it first gained popularity following the American Civil War. It was not, however, until the turn of the 20th century that its exact nature became the topic of widespread speculation, with newspaper articles calling the veracity of the contests into question and sowing doubts in viewers’ minds.

Regional promotions across the United States contributed to the continued growth of the discipline though, birthing superstars like Lou Thesz, Karl Gotch and Verne Gagne. Over the following five decades, however, the regional territories would lose ground with the rise of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), who – in their previous corporate guise as the WWF – not only became the first company to expand nationally in the late 1980s, but bought out its sole remaining competitor World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 2001.

While the question of its legitimacy has not discouraged fans all over the world from falling in love with the likes of Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker, it nevertheless is still a contentious subject. So, this is to set the record straight.

Is WWE fake? https://www.pulsesports.ng/wwe/story/is-wwe-fake-settling-the-argument-once-and-for-all-2023081722405386595

READ HERE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/top-10-contenders-for-the-premier-league-golden-boot-this-season-20242025-2024081616362796572

The race for the Golden Boot promises to be as fierce as ever. With top strikers from across the league vying for the prestigious award, fans are eagerly anticipating the performances of their favorite marksmen.

Manchester United opened the 2024/25 Premier League season with a 1-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday, August 16, courtesy of Joshua Zirkzee's debut goal.

Who will win the EPL Golden Boot 2024/25?

Erling Haaland, who has dominated the scoring charts for the past two seasons, will once again be the man to beat. However, several other players will be looking to challenge him for the top spot.

Pulse Sports reports that a supercomputer has predicted that Salah, Haaland, or Son will be the Premier League's top scorer.

Erling Haaland's 27 goals in 31 games were instrumental in Manchester City's fourth consecutive title win last season.

In a surprising turn, Cole Palmer finished as the runner-up, while Mo Salah, Ollie Watkins, and Dominic Solanke also delivered impressive performances in front of goal.

Pulse Sports has predicted its top 10 contenders for the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2024/2025 season.

READ HERE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/top-10-contenders-for-the-premier-league-golden-boot-this-season-20242025-2024081616362796572

[b]READ MORE: [/b]https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/paris-2024-nigerias-tobi-amusan-begins-olympic-medal-hunt-2024080705452991681

The world record holder in the women's 100m hurdles takes centre stage on Wednesday as she aims to add an Olympic medal to her gallery.

Tobi Amusan, Nigeria's flagbearer and world record holder in the 100m hurdles, will kick off her campaign for an Olympic medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Wednesday, August 7th.

The highly rated athlete is on a mission to add to Nigeria's medal tally in her third Olympic appearance. Amusan is a strong contender for gold.

However, she will face tough competition from world-class hurdlers including Devynne Charlton, Alaysha Johnson, Danielle Williams, and Jasmine Camacho-Quinn.

Tobi Amusan will compete in the first round today, followed by the semifinals on Friday and the final on Saturday.

With a stellar track record including multiple world titles, Commonwealth Games golds, and African championships, Amusan is confident and well-prepared for the challenge.

Favour Ofili Finishes Sixth in 200m Final

In other news, Pulse Sports reported that Favour Ofili narrowly missed out on a podium finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics, placing sixth in the women's 200m final.

[b]READ MORE: [/b]https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/paris-2024-nigerias-tobi-amusan-begins-olympic-medal-hunt-2024080705452991681

READ FULL ARTICLE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/lifestyle/story/victor-osimhen-vs-wizkid-who-is-the-richer-celebrity-2024073018404125493

Wizkid and Osimhen have successfully built diverse careers and income streams for themselves.

A global music superstar, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, and a talented footballer with a promising career, Victor Osimhen, have both established a career and broader income streams for themselves.

In this article, Hassan Abdulsalam explores the careers of these two celebrities and attempts to determine who is the wealthier of the two superstars.

READ FULL ARTICLE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/lifestyle/story/victor-osimhen-vs-wizkid-who-is-the-richer-celebrity-2024073018404125493

10 Best Christian Football Players in the world 2024: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/top-10-best-christian-football-players-in-the-world-2024-2024072915170779150

Football (Soccer) is the most popular sport worldwide, with around 3.5 billion fans. This immense following gives players significant influence both on and off the field. Here are 10 footballers using their platforms to share their Christian faith

These footballers exemplify how influential figures can use their platforms to share their faith and inspire others. Their stories highlight the diversity and depth of their spiritual journeys, showcasing the transformative power of belief in their lives.

Here’s a closer look at some of the most outstanding Christian footballers, some of whom you might not have known follow Christianity. Who is your favorite player among them?

10 Best Christian Football Players in the world 2024: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/top-10-best-christian-football-players-in-the-world-2024-2024072915170779150

Pulse Sports' scorecard of Super Falcons' performance against world champions Spain.

The Super Falcons fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat to world champions Spain, dampening their chances of qualifying for the next round of the Olympics.

Despite the defeat, Randy Waldrum's side performed gutsily and could have escaped unscathed, stole a late equaliser, or even run away as victors.

Here is the Pulse Sports scorecard for the Nigerian players who turned out against Spain: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/player-ratings-oshoala-nnadozie-shine-ajibade-flops-in-super-falcons-defeat-to-spain-2024072820513959140

READ MORE HERE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/spain-vs-nigeria-bench-oshoala-alozieand-4-super-falcons-tactics-to-shock-world-champions-2024072717242934664

Can the Super Falcons of Nigeria rise to the occasion and shock defending World Champion Spain in their second Olympic football match?

Nigeria's Super Falcons will file out against Spain in their second outing of the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics football game.

The decisive match will take place on Sunday, July 28th, at 6:00 PM Nigerian time in Nantes, France.

The Super Falcons lost their opening game, a 1-0 defeat to Brazil, while Spain came from a goal down to defeat Japan 2-1.

It will be the first time Nigeria will be coming up against another European heavyweight after bowing out of the 2022 FIFA Women's Cup via penalties to England.
However, reigning World Champions Spain are heavy favourites to take all three points in this group C encounter, but the Super Falcons have the resources to hurt the Spaniards.

Coach Randy Waldrum and his team can pull a big upset and defeat Spain if they make some tactical switches. Here are some of them;

READ MORE HERE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/spain-vs-nigeria-bench-oshoala-alozieand-4-super-falcons-tactics-to-shock-world-champions-2024072717242934664

READ FULL: https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/paris-olympics-2024-the-dates-opening-ceremony-venues-schedule-and-how-to-watch-2024072412250094167

The Olympics are held once every four years, and 2024 is another Olympic year, with this edition set to be hosted in the city of Paris, France.

From the events and dates to the venues, here is all you need to know about the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Breakdancing will debut as a sport as an Olympic event in the Paris 2024 Olympics, while this will also be the final Olympic Games held during the IOC presidency of Thomas Bach.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to August 11, taking place over a 19-day period, with athletes, including footballers, all aiming to achieve the unique feat of winning an Olympic gold medal.

Why is Paris hosting the Olympics?

Paris was not handed the Olympic torch; they earned it! Cities compete through a rigorous bidding process that considers factors like infrastructure, finances, and a strong national Olympic committee.

Paris and Los Angeles were the two cities left in contention after multiple cities withdrew their bids, and France’s capital was awarded the Games at the 131st IOC Session in Lima, Peru, on September 13, 2017.

Paris is a seasoned Olympic host, having held the Games twice before (1900 and 1924), and this experience will count towards having a well-organised event. Paris will become the second city ever to host the Summer Olympics three times, after London, which hosted it in 1908, 1948, and 2012.

Paris boasts impressive sporting facilities and well-developed transportation networks, with the Stade de France being the centrepiece of the Games.

When will the Paris 2024 Olympics start? (Paris Olympics dates)

The official start of the Paris 2024 Olympics hinges on a spectacular opening ceremony, but there's a twist.

While the ceremony officially takes place on Friday, July 26, 2024, some sporting events actually begin two days earlier.

READ FULL: https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/paris-olympics-2024-the-dates-opening-ceremony-venues-schedule-and-how-to-watch-2024072412250094167

The Nigerian youngster will swap Belgium for France after AS Monaco agreed a deal with Royal Antwerp.

Ligue 1 giants AS Monaco have agreed a deal worth a staggering €20 million (over £31 billion!) to sign teenage sensation George Ilenikhena from Belgian side Royal Antwerp.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano took to social media to deliver the bombshell news, revealing that the 17-year-old Nigerian wonderkid has already agreed personal terms and is set to undergo a medical with the French club this week.

Nigeria’eligible star leaves Belgium
"Deal in place with Royal Antwerp for a fee around €20m, medical tests booked — all set to be completed this week," the renowned journalist tweeted.

"Ilenikhena has agreed on terms, a huge move for present and future," the reliable Italia added.

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/transfer-news-17-year-old-nigeria-eligible-forward-abandons-super-eagles-star-in-belgium-for-mega-money-2024072410494352481

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/paris-2024-tobi-amusan-named-nigerias-flag-bearer-at-the-olympics-2024072307480684106

The World Record Holder in the 100m hurdles will be Nigeria's flag bearer at the Olympics.

Track and Field Queen Tobi Amusan has been selected as Nigeria's flagbearer for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony.

Meanwhile, Badminton star Anuoluwapo Opeyori has been appointed as the team's general captain. The announcement was made by the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

100mH World Record Holder Tobi Amusan will lead several Nigerian athletes as medal hopefuls in athletics.

Amusan's selection is a testament to her outstanding achievements in athletics. Her world-leading time of 12.40 seconds earlier this year solidified her status as one of Nigeria's brightest medal prospects.

Opeyori to Captain Team Nigeria
Badminton star Anuoluwapo Opeyori has been appointed as the team's general captain.

Opeyori, a seasoned Badminton player with extensive international experience, will provide leadership and guidance to the Nigerian contingent.

His role as general captain is expected to be instrumental in fostering team spirit and enhancing overall performance.

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/paris-2024-tobi-amusan-named-nigerias-flag-bearer-at-the-olympics-2024072307480684106

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/old-age-catching-up-with-me-2013-afcon-winner-mikel-obi-opens-up-on-recent-surgery-2024072012212652044

Mikel Obi, former Chelsea star, has opened up on the reason he went for surgery on his hamstring.

The Super Eagles legend retired from football in 2022 and has since started a podcast called ObiOne.

The former midfielder had a highly successful career with Chelsea from 2006 to 2017 before moving to the Chinese club Tianjin Teda. He retired following stints at Stoke City, Trabzonspor, and Middlesbrough.

The 36-year-old, recently posted photos of himself in a hospital preparing for a successful surgical operation.

Mikel on his surgery
Mikel disclosed that he had to get surgery to address a hamstring issue he had recently had after playing in a novelty match.

Mikel said on his podcast, “I tore my hamstring, I think it’s old age catching up with me. I was involved in an exhibition game with some celebrities.

We woke up in the morning, didn’t warm up, didn’t stretch properly, then we woke up in the morning to go play dodgeball.

“I was just trying to run past the .ball, and I slipped. As soon as I fell, I just fell my hamstring tear. It was so painful, I was on the floor.

“It was the most painful injury I ever experienced because I’ve never torn my hamstring pretty bad before. The pain was 10/10, and it was so painful that I was on the floor for almost 20 minutes.”

Mikel posted videos of himself receiving physical therapy to help with his recuperation. Since then, he has fully recovered from his accident and is back on his feet.

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/old-age-catching-up-with-me-2013-afcon-winner-mikel-obi-opens-up-on-recent-surgery-2024072012212652044

READ THE REMAINING LIST HERE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/paris-2024-atlanta-96-olympics-nigerian-football-heroes-where-are-they-now-2024072022591572996

The Dream Team's exploits at the 1996 Olympic Games are now part of Nigerian football legend, but where are the members of the squad now?

As the 2024 Olympics in Paris approach, the upcoming tourney evokes memories of Nigeria’s 1996 Atlanta Games football gold medal.

The Dream Team made history, becoming the first African side to win the gold medal at the Olympics, defeating overwhelming favourites Brazil and Argentina in the semifinal and final to win the tournament.

Unfortunately, the country has had a notorious past of forgetting about its heroes past, and nearly three decades later, the question arises: where are these Nigerian football heroes now?

Emmanuel Babayaro
Goalkeeper Emmanuel Babayaro was largely a backup as Nigeria soared to Olympic Gold in Atalanta, while his brother Celestine Babayaro played a more telling role in the team.

Emmanuel was on the books of Plateau United during the Olympics and was never able to seal a move to a club outside Nigeria, despite having positive trials with West Ham, Rangers, and Besiktas.

Today, Emmanuel Babayaro is dedicated to his philanthropic work with an NGO and also owns his own football academy.

Celestine Babayaro
Celestine was the younger of the Babayaro brothers but ultimately had the most success in his football career.

The left-back played in all but one of Nigeria’s games at the Olympics and played a vital role in goals in each game in the knockout round. Babayaro scored in the quarterfinal against Mexico, then forced an own goal from Roberto Carlos in the semifinal against Brazil before netting an equaliser at 1-1 in the final against Argentina

After the Olympic games, Babayaro moved from Anderlecht in Belgium to Chelsea in England and was a regular for the Blues until he moved to Newcastle in 2005.

The full-back played 27 times for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, playing at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups as well as three Africa Nations Cups between 2000 and 2004. His international career ended at the latter edition when he was sent home from the tournament due to indiscipline.

After retiring from football in 2008, Babayaro fell on hard times and was declared bankrupt just three years later. His current whereabouts are unknown but he is believed to be in good health.

Taribo West
Taribo West had a remarkable playing career, winning the French league title and two French Cups with Auxerre, as well as winning the 1998 UEFA Cup alongside compatriot Nwankwo Kanu at Inter.

Most of West’s career started with the Dream Team, where he started all six games, marshalling the defence as Nigeria brought home the Gold in Atlanta.

The menacing defender was with Auxerre when he helped Nigeria win the Olympic gold, after joining from Julius Berger, and then moved to Inter, AC Milan, and Derby County before spells at Kaiserslautern, Partizan, Al-Arabi, Plymouth Argyle, and Paykan.West also played 42 times for Nigeria, starring at World Cups and AFCON tournaments during his 11-year international career.

Following his retirement from active football in 2007, West turned to faith and became a pastor, founding his own church "Shelter in the Storm Miracle Ministries of All Nation” in Lagos, Nigeria.

Nwankwo Kanu
Arguably the biggest star of Nigeria’s 1996 Olympic gold medal-winning team, Nwankwo Kanu finished as the dream team’s top scorer with three goals, including a stunning brace against Brazil in the semifinal to help overturn a 3-1 deficit.

At the time, Kanu was already a European champion, having won the UEFA Champions League with Ajax a year earlier and earned a move to Italian giants Inter after winning Olympic gold with Nigeria.

After almost losing his life to a heart condition, Kanu went on to have a successful career in the Premier League with Arsenal, winning the FA Cup twice and the league titles twice, including as part of Arsenal’s famous invincible side.

Kanu spent five years at Arsenal, before moving on to West Brom, and then Portsmouth, where he starred again as Pompey won the FA Cup with the Nigerian forward scoring in the semifinal and final.The hero of the Olympic games played 86 times for the Super Eagles and ended his career as the fifth-highest appearance maker for Nigeria’s senior team.

Following his retirement in 2012, Kanu returned to his philanthropy and foundation, as well as appearing in several advertisements. He was also named the chairman of NPFL giants Enyimba in 2023.

Uche Okechukwu
A veteran compared to other members of the Dream Team, Uche Okechukwu was one of three overaged players allowed in the squad at 28 years old.

Okechukwu had already been part of the Nigerian senior national team for six years before taking part in the Olympic games and was in the Super Eagles team that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.

The centre-back started all six matches during the 1996 Olympic Games and was vital to winning the first Olympic gold medal for Nigeria.

READ THE REMAINING LIST HERE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/paris-2024-atlanta-96-olympics-nigerian-football-heroes-where-are-they-now-2024072022591572996

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/nigeria-vs-brazil-time-and-where-to-watch-super-falcons-1st-2024-olympics-game-2024072210211381070

Time and where to watch the Super Falcons of Nigeria's 1st 2024 Olympics game against Brazil.

Nigerian football fans have no other thoughts than the Super Falcons because the Olympics in Paris in 2024 are rapidly approaching.

We are coming closer to two weeks of the greatest women's football as the tournament is just a few days away.

The Nigerian Super Falcons begin their Olympic journey against Brazil on July 25th in Group C.

Preview and History of Nigeria vs Brazil
Brazil defeated Nigeria 1-3 in their previous matchup at the 2008 Olympics, and Nigeria will be seeking revenge.

With Brazil, Spain, and Japan in their challenging group, Nigeria will need to perform at their absolute best to advance to the knockout stages.

Nigeria did well enough in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup to get to the knockout stages.

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/nigeria-vs-brazil-time-and-where-to-watch-super-falcons-1st-2024-olympics-game-2024072210211381070

READ FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/basketball/story/nigerias-dtigress-suffer-62-70-loss-to-serbia-in-friendly-2024072203574958117

Ahead of the 2024 Olympics, Nigeria's D'Tigress suffered a 62-70 loss to Serbia in Belgrade.

There is news about Nigeria's senior women's basketball team known as D'Tigress.

D'Tigress lose to Serbia
In their second straight warm-up match in Belgrade, Serbia defeated D'Tigress, the senior women's basketball team from Nigeria.

The 10th-ranked nation in the FIBA World ranking defeated the reigning African champions by a score of 62:70.

D'Tigress was not outmatched until the very end of the game during the dress rehearsal prior to the Olympic Games.

The Serbian squad led by coach Marina Maljković had an even start, but by the second half of the first quarter, they were starting to have an impact and had a double-digit lead of 28:18 in the fifteenth minute.

They stopped letting their competitors threaten their edge after that.

The majority of the deficit was in double digits, and Nigeria would close with just 68:62 remaining with 45 seconds remaining.

Serbia made a greater field goal percentage of 42 percent as opposed to 34 percent for Nigeria.

While both sides had the same amount of assists (20) and turnovers, Nigeria held an advantage in rebounds (38–30) and steals (15–12).

The defeated to Serbia comes after a loss to Germany in their previous friendly.

READ FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/basketball/story/nigerias-dtigress-suffer-62-70-loss-to-serbia-in-friendly-2024072203574958117

[b]READ MORE: [/b]https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/fifa-rankings-nigeria-remain-ahead-of-ghana-south-africa-and-haalands-norway-2024071808484551913