₦airaland Forum

Despite enduring a winningless run under ex-coach Finidi George, the Super Eagles have managed to remain as one of the top teams in world football.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have maintained its position as one of the topmost-ranked teams in Africa in the latest edition of the FIFA rankings.

In the latest ranking, the Super Eagles, who are without a manager following Finidi George’s resignation, are ranked 39th in the world, dropping one place from the previous position.

This drop in the ranking can be attributed to the last two World Cup qualifiers, where the Super Eagles drew 1-1 with South Africa before falling to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of minnows Benin Republic.

Nigeria among top 5 teams in Africa

On the continent, Morocco, ranked 14th in the world, maintains its position as the number one ranked team in Africa after making history by reaching the semi-final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Closely following the Atlas Lions is the Teranga Lions of Senegal who are ranked 19th on the globe. Mo Salah’s Egypt (36th) and Sebastien Haller’s Ivory Coast (38th) are third and fourth on the continent, respectively.

Nigeria (39th in the world) completes the top five in Africa. Tunisia (41), Algeria (46), Cameroon (51), Mali (53), and South Africa (57) complete the top 10 in Africa.

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

READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/super-eagles-legend-mikel-obi-visits-real-madrid-2024071722423900936

Ex-Chelsea star John Mikel Obi visited the Real Madrid training facility in Valdebebas.

Super Eagles legend John Mikel Obi was a guest at Real Madrid's training facilities, where he met and frolicked with old teammates and rivals.

Mikel thriving after retirement

The 33-year-old ex-professional is maintaining his connection with the sport as he transitions towards being a sports media personality and icon with his purposeful and strategic positioning.

He currently hosts the smash hit podcast ‘ObiOne’, where he has interviewed some of the biggest stars in the game and reported exclusive content.

Mikel has also gotten himself involved in some of the biggest football events post-retirement. Last season, he was UEFA's guest for the Champions League knockout draws, and a few months later, he was one of the ‘celebrity or ex-footballers’ invited to the last Soccer Aid event.

READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/super-eagles-legend-mikel-obi-visits-real-madrid-2024071722423900936

Canada beat the Super Falcons in an Olympics preparation friendly in Spain.

The Super Falcons had a hiccup in their preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to North American side Canada.

The Falcons qualified for their first Olympic games since 2008 in Beijing. Off the back of their impressive World Cup showing in Australia/New Zealand, Coach Randy Waldrum’s team have shown they are capable of competing against the best.

What happened
The players arrived at La Quinta Football Centre, Malaga in high spirits as they prepared to face the Canadians.

Coach Randy Waldrum named a formidable IX, which unsurprisingly saw Bay FC star Asisat Oshoala dropped. An offensive duo of Rasheedat Ajibade and Chinwendu Ihezuo was preferred and in midfield, Waldrum, as he suggested in a pre-match interview, slotted Jennifer Echegini, along with Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe, and Toni Payne.

READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/nigeris-vs-canada-super-falcons-suffer-defeat-in-olympics-preparatory-friendly-2024071722240973869

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/lamine-yamal-inherits-lionel-messis-former-number-for-barcelona-2024071715372127625

Lamine Yamal continues to follow in Lionel Messi's footsteps, as he chooses the Argentine's former squad number at Barcelona.

Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal has officially been promoted to the first team and has now been assigned a new squad number, which has been worn by a few Blaugrana greats in the past.

Yamal earns first-team promotion

Yamal made his Barcelona debut at age 15 in the 2022/23 season. However, it was in the following campaign that he truly broke out. Within the 2023/24 season, the Spanish national established himself as the starting right-winger for Barcelona, deposing the more seasoned Raphinha to the bench or forcing him to be deployed in a lesser-fancied right-wing position.

The youngster has now taken up an allocation within the first team, given his new status, and due to LALIGA rules, it meant he had to ditch his previous shirt number ‘27’, and be assigned a value between 1–25.

READ MORE: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/lamine-yamal-inherits-lionel-messis-former-number-for-barcelona-2024071715372127625

The chairman was suspended after five of the board members out of nine voted against him while were for him.

The board members of the Lagos State Football Association have supended its chairman, Ogboni Fouad Oki, over gross misconduct.

Sports247 reported that the chairman was suspended after nine board members voted against him while they were for him.

In their statement to the media on Tuesday, the board members, under the direction of LSFA vice chairman Alhaji Liameed Olawale Gafar, listed the offenses Oki committed that were in violation of the NFF's laws and regulations.

He said that by skipping the NFF Congress without providing any justification and without informing the LSFA Board, the LSFA boss broke the NFF statutes.

According to Gafar, the disgraced chairman also altered the association's logo without getting consent from the board or Congress.

Oki also prevented representatives of the A1 camera for the Nigerian Professional League (NPFL) from using it for testing before the league started.

He claims that Oki released match day logistics for the 2023–2024 NNL season to NNL clubs without consulting the board.

Gafar further revealed that Oki and the Lagos State Sports Commission were at odds over the utilization of facilities, ruining their formerly cordial relationship.

He added that the board members had suspended Oki for interfering with and suspending a number of youth football competitions as well as recreational games and for threatening to have teams leave Lagos.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/drama-in-lagos-fa-as-chairman-suspended-over-misconduct-2023101713585903711

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/video-trouble-as-amotekun-assault-police-with-charms-at-ogun-swan-cup-2023101715281368576

The atmosphere became tense in the 65 minutes as the center referee, Ayo Amos, issued Amotekun defender Akinloye Ismail Babatunde, Force No: AMT/AN/21418, a red card for violent conduct on the police defender, Odukoya Olanrewaju.

Drama in Ogun State as Amotekun Corps assulted police officers with charms and knives during the Value Jet/SWAN Security Cup.

In the 52nd minute of the quarterfinal game, when the police officers scored their second goal, the rowdy Amotekun policemen who were taking part in the ongoing football competition hosted by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun State chapter, lost control.

The atmosphere became tense in the 65 minutes as the center referee, Ayo Amos, issued Amotekun defender Akinloye Ismail Babatunde, Force No: AMT/AN/21418, a red card for violent conduct on the police defender, Odukoya Olanrewaju.

Odukoya Olanrewaju, a police defender, was also dismissed by the referee for retaliation.

Akinloye, the Amotekun defender who had been sent off, came to the field right away and struck Constable Adesina James, a police officer who was playing on the field.


The ugly development led to invasion of the pitch by spectators at the stand who came in to rescue the police officer from the mob attack by the Amotekun.

Surprisingly, one of the Amotekun defenders, Tejuoso Segun with force no: AMT/AS/21201 rushed out of the pitch and returned with a charm and broken bottle to attack Inspector Ogunremi Oluwafemi inflicting him with a deep cut injury on his lower jaw.

The injured inspector Ogunremi was unconscious for some minutes before he was revived and rushed to hospital for treatment.

The match ended abruptly in the 67th minute.

In the 2021 edition of the SWAN/Security Cup, Amotekun Operatives chased referees and spectators on the pitch with charms.

Addressing journalists in Abeokuta, the chairman of the organizing committee, Hakeem Akintunde, expressed disappointment in the conduct of the supposed security operatives.

Akintunde said the conduct of the officers negates the rules of the competition.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/video-trouble-as-amotekun-assault-police-with-charms-at-ogun-swan-cup-2023101715281368576

Age controversy involving an Enyimba player sparks reactions and skepticism from Nigerians on social media.

A post on the social media platform, X.com, formerly Twitter, revealing the age of Enyimba player, Chidiebere Nnachi, has left Nigerians in disbelief.

According to the post, Nnachi is 18 years old and this declaration has ignited a wave of reactions and skepticism amongst Nigerians and NPFL followers.

Enyimba’s Nnachi
The youngster featured as the People’s Elephant overcame a scare from visitors, Akwa United, to register their first win of the season in the NPFL on Sunday.

Nnachi started the encounter and lasted for 90 minutes before he was subbed off, helping the NPFL champions to a thrilling 3-2 win against the Promise Keepers in Aba.

As reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria, Enyimba raced to a 2-0 lead in the first quarter of the game, but United fought back to equalise after 67 minutes played.

However, an excellent free kick from Alaibo Somiari, two minutes after Akwa United’s leveller, proved to be the difference for Finidi George’s men.

The social media reactions
After the game in Aba, famous Nigerian photojournalist, Pooja, took to his social media account to share a photo of the youngster.

“Chidiebere Nnachi featured for Enyimba FC yesterday against Akwa United. He's just 18 years. Future,” Pooja posted alongside a picture of the player.

Nigerians reacted immediately to the post, with Pooja forced to add more context as he was been attacked with questions and counter-questions.

“Club said the boy is 18 years but Pooja is the problem? To share real news kon be wahala o,” the NPFL expert added in a separate post.

Age controversies in sports are not uncommon, but the post about Chidiebere’s age has drawn significant attention due to the potential implications for his career and the team.

Here are some of the reactions from Nigerians.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/nigerians-react-to-enyimbas-player-reportedly-18-years-old-2023101708491947127

Super Eagles legend Emenike laments House demolition in Lagos Emenike explains why Igbos in trouble -

Super Eagles of Nigeria legend Emmanuel Emenike is back on the social media trends.

The veteran striker is trending on social media following his latest revelation.

Emenike and House demolition
As they saw the Lagos state government bulldoze their properties, several homeowners in Lagos cried out in agony, and their cries reverberated throughout the city.

The area's ongoing problems with erosion and flooding were blamed for this dramatic action.

Emenike is ferociously advising the distressed Igbo citizens to flee back home and plant the seeds of their investments there following the actions of Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu's leadership.

Emenike advises Igbo people in Lagos
The former Nigerian player ignited social media with a scathing criticism of the Lagos State government.

He claims that despite the state's Igbo people having the government's approval when they built the foundation for these multimillion dollar aspirations, they have demolished their properties.

Emenike is making a scene over the administration of Lagos State's bulldozer blitz, which has left several Igbo citizens in the state completely stranded.

The Lagos State government started demolishing unauthorized buildings on canals and waterways along the Gedegede-Mobil route, Megamound Estate, and Ikota drainage systems last week.

The demolition effort was necessary, according to the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, in order to stop the environment's ongoing erosion and floods.

During the demolition activity controlled by the Operatives Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, multimillion naira worth of properties were demolished.

Emenike advises Igbo people in Lagos on social media
Emenike conveyed his tremendous empathy for the extreme pain felt by the affected people by replying passionately and posting a graphic snapshot of the destroyed property on his Instagram story.

He claimed that the Lagos State Government, which finally destroyed their properties, had given them clearance.

He offered Igbo people advice to repatriate their money to the security of their eastern roots.

He specifically mentions states like Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi as safe locations out of genuine care for his fellow Igbo people should invest.

He wrote, “The sadness is too much after getting approval from the same Lagos state government, this is pure wickedness.

“Igbos are in trouble, bring your investment back home my people we have, Abia state, Imo state, Anambra state, Enugu state, and Ebonyi state.”

The comments by Emenike have now gone viral on social media.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/emenike-says-igbos-in-trouble-super-eagles-legend-laments-lagos-house-demolition-2023101609270501777

Nigeria has never hosted the FIFA World Cup despite hosting the U-20 and U-17 editions in previous years.

The senior pastor of Christ Ambassadors church in Johannesburg, Idah Peterside, has claimed that Nigeria, as a country, is incapable of hosting the FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria has hosted the U-17 and U-20 FIFA World Cups but never hosted the senior edition of the most prestigious sporting tournament in the world.

Peterside says hosting the World Cup is still an unachievable goal for Nigeria
The most populous black nation in the world hosted the U-20 World Cup in 1999 before hosting the U-17 edition in 2009.

However, despite hosting two age-grade competitions, the senior World Cup has continued to elude Nigeria.

Peterside has now claimed that he does not see the country hosting the biggest sporting competition in the world anytime soon.

The former Nigerian goalkeeper says the country lacks the infrastructure and facilities to host the World Cup right now.

“On record presently, the only playing field which we have is a grass stadium, and it is the Uyo Stadium, but 20 anything is still very long; maybe in the next 40 years, we would have had some kind of stability,” Idah said on Channels TV.

“This stadium must be working. We have the civic centre that had everything, such as the swimming pool, but these facilities are not being maintained,” he added.

World Cup in Africa
While Nigeria does not have what it takes to host the World Cup, the biggest sporting competition will return to the African continent in 2030, 20 years after the first one took place on the continent.

Morocco has been announced as joint-hosts with Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay for the 2030 edition.

Morocco, Portugal and Spain are the main hosts, while Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will play their first game in their respective countries.

The decision to make Morocco as joint-hosts means they will be the second African nation to host the World Cup after South Africa solely hosted it in 2010.



Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/maybe-in-the-next-40-years-christ-ambassadors-pastor-on-nigeria-hosting-the-world-cup-2023101109365521152#:~:text=%E2%80%9COn%20record%20presently%2C%20the%20only,This%20stadium%20must%20be%20working.

Akpoborie was a member of the Nigerian team that won the first FIFA U-16 Championship in 1985, scoring in the final against West Germany.

Former Nigeria international Jonathan Akpoborie, has sponsored free medical procedures for indigent Nigerians in Ajegunle, Lagos.

Ajegunle, on the mainland, is one of Lagos State's most neglected areas, although it has continuously produced stars in entertainment and sports, such as artist Daddy Showkey and Akpoborie himself.

Who is Akpoborie?
Akpoborie was a member of the Nigerian team that won the first FIFA U-16 Championship in 1985, scoring in the final against West Germany. He played for the Flying Eagles at the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship in Chile two years later.

He was chosen for the Africa Cup of Nations in 1992 and 2000, when he earned bronze and silver, respectively. His first senior cap came in a third-place match against Cameroon in the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations, which the Super Eagles won.

Free Surgeries for Nigerians
The former Stuttgart striker brought physicians from outside the country to do procedures at the Ajeromi General Hospital on Cardoso Street from October 1, Nigeria's Independence Day.

The free medical exams and procedures will commence every day at 8 a.m. till October 13.

Recall that Last year, Akpoborie funded the same humanitarian program in Ozoro, Delta State.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/former-super-eagles-star-performs-free-surgeries-for-nigerians-2023101016231655019

Bako emphasized the necessity for integrity and regulation in grassroots football.

The Chief Operating Officer of Soccer Queens, Nagogo Moses Bako, has disclosed that there is a need to develop women's football academies in the country.

Bako revealed this at the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Annual General Assembly and explained his unvarnished viewpoint on the issue of older players competing in youth football competitions.

Bako emphasized the necessity for integrity and regulation in grassroots football. This would ensure fair competition and player development.

He said, “Lots of the female academies we have don’t know what they are doing in terms of recruiting and registrations. In an academy where there should be 13-, 14-, and 15-year-olds, you end up having people who are 20 and above.”

"If you can’t play good football at the grassroots level, what gives you the guarantee that you will go and play football abroad at that age?”

NFF declares support for women football
The NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, said that a new era has started in Nigerian women's football and will flourish to its full potential.

Gusau was represented by Ogun State FA chairman and NFF board member, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, at the NWFL Annual General Assembly, who indicated that he is certain the new board is capable of advancing women's football in Nigeria to new heights.

He said, “We have seen it ourselves that the template the former board laid on is wonderful and much will be worked on it.

“As we have seen it, the federation did a wonderful job by putting the right person at the helm of the affairs and by the grace of God, we are going to see a new dawn in Nigeria women football

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/we-need-to-develop-women-football-academies-in-nigeria-moses-bako-2023100810473544287

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/lifestyle/story/victor-osimhen-i-dont-like-when-women-toast-me-napoli-striker-discusses-his-preference-in-women-2023100721001163899

Super Eagles ace Victor Osimhen talks about his love life, and reveals his preference in women.

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen discussed his taste in women in an interview, revealing that he is put off by female admirers making a move on him, as he prefers being the initiator of romantic relationships.

The 24-year-old is not single, as he is in a relationship with a German woman, Stephanie Ledwig, and they have a one-year-old daughter named Hailey, but he was happy to discuss his romantic preferences.

What Osimhen said
The Napoli forward had an interview with YouTuber Korty eo, where he discussed growing up, his family, and his career, among other things.

Osimhen spoke about his love life and hinted at what seemed like he has had his share of heartbreaks, but he says he is reigned in now and focuses his affection on his daughter.

His dynamics with female interests came up and when he was asked if he regularly gets wooed, he explained that he preferred doing the chasing.

“A lot has happened in my love life and everything but then I have a daughter now so I think she gets all the love now.

“In that aspect, I'm disciplined because I don't want to just have kids all over the place. You know we have to be careful some they want like flock around you because of what you can offer them financially. you guys give yourself brains. When you slack, these people will take advantage of you

“I don't like when girls come for me. I want to like see a girl [and go] ah this girl makes sense like okay now make I approach now this one. I like this type of thing, not the other way around.

“Some guys think it's a flex but it's not a flex. I don't care about looks; if they say table, if you're not bringing anything to the table, I'm not doing anything. I cannot buy a Birkin bag for a girl now; Birkin bag of how much, 100k, and reach my turn, you are telling me a king is born.”

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/lifestyle/story/victor-osimhen-i-dont-like-when-women-toast-me-napoli-striker-discusses-his-preference-in-women-2023100721001163899

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed important information about his relationship status and why he’s yet to get married.

The ex-AC Milan star has been with his partner Helena Seger for over 20 years, but the pair remain unmarried. The Swedish former footballer has now given a reason for remaining legally single.

The former Sweden international, 42, recently ended an accomplished football career in which he amassed 34 titles across nine clubs.

He is now enjoying retirement and spending more time with his family, and in a recent interview, he revealed why he and the Swedish model are yet to tie the knot.


What Ibrahimovic said
The former Barcelona striker sat down with Pier Morgan to talk about a wide range of subjects, including his family, his career, and life after football, among others.

In discussing his private life with the British television personality, Zlatan was asked why he is yet to be married to Helena, despite being committed to her for over two decades and having two boys with her.

The former Malmo striker explained that he had indeed asked his partner to marry him, but she turned down his approach, saying she did not have to be legally tied to him to be in a relationship.

"Because I don't want to lose fifty per cent," Zlatan said jokingly when asked why he is unmarried.

"I don't have a wife; I have two boys."

He then revealed that he had asked her hand in marriage: "I have asked her, she said no."

shes strong. This was a couple of years ago because I said after 20 years you deserve to be married to me.

"She said, 'I don't need to be married to you to be with you'. She's strong; she's very strong.”

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/lifestyle/story/i-dont-want-to-lose-50percent-zlatan-ibrahimovic-reveals-why-he-is-not-married-2023100610151420202

Should Victor Osimhen leave Napoli after the recent TikTok saga? Super Eagles legend Jay Jay Okocha gives his thoughts

Former Super Eagles captain Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha has given his two cents on the recent saga involving Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen and his current club, Napoli.

Okocha supports Osimhen through ordeal

Osimhen was the butt of a joke on TikTok from his own club, leading to speculation that the forward could be forced to leave the Italian champions in anger, but Okocha has offered his advice to the Super Eagles forward.

Okocha commended Osimhen on the way he handled the situation and noted that the Napoli forward had done well to keep scoring goals under the pressure of the scandal.

Speaking to Pulse Sports editor Joba Ogunwale, Okocha said, “Well, I mean, first of all, I will commend him [Osimhen] for the strength that he showed, you know, not letting anything affect him.

“He continued with his business, you know, and he kept producing.”

Super Eagles legend weighs in on Osimhen’s future
The Super Eagles legend also advised Osimhen on his future at Napoli, asking the striker to take his time in making a decision instead of choosing to leave the Partenopei over the recent TikTok gaffe.

Okocha said, “[As for] the future, I mean, it is for him to decide, you know, but I don't think that his decision should be based on a TikTok post, you know.

“He should always weigh his options and know what is best for him [and] if it's best for him to continue in Napoli or look for a new challenge.

“But I don't think that he should narrow his decision-making based on the TikTok post.”

Osimhen is unlikely to leave Napoli due to the saga, as both he and Partenopei president Aurelio de Laurentiis have confirmed that they are committed to the same project, with a contract for the Nigerian close to an agreement.


Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/super-eagles-legend-jay-jay-okocha-advises-osimhen-on-decision-to-leave-napoli-2023100604303170422

AGA approved the expansion of the NWFL Premiership to 16 from 14, and Championship to 20 from 12 and the restructuring of the 10-team Nationwide League to the States League.

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has expanded the teams in the elite league, the premership from 14 to 16.

The league board made the confirmation on Thursday after the draw, which was successfully held during the Lagos 2023 Annual General Assembly.

AGA approved the expansion of the NWFL Premiership to 16 from 14, the Championship to 20 from 12, and the restructuring of the 10-team Nationwide League to the States League.

The board announced that the 2023-2024 season will kick-off on November 15 with Ekiti Queens and Delta Queens being the star match of the opening day.

The AGA also confirmed that the transfer window would conclude on January 10 and that the league will have a three-week break beginning on December 20 and returning on January 3, 2024.

'Leagues to undertake meaningful programmes and activities' - Obi
The chairman of the league board, Ms Nkechi Obi disclosed that the leagues will undertake meaningful programmes and activities for its growth.

She added that the NWFL board is committed to transforming the league to become competitive and a tool for nation building.

“Our goal is to ensure that the NWFL becomes a tool to drive nation building, to reduce the number of out-of-school girls, to foster gender equality and inclusion, to promote learning and education, and to provide livelihood for women, using football as the platform for achieving these.

She contiued that the top-tier women's league in the nation is concentrated on earning income from the sports value chain and building capacity among league stakeholders.

“The task of delivering monumental growth of the leagues by the new board requires strategic thinking to ensure the full commercialization of the league, the development of frameworks to increase the number of girls playing football, and a clear, guaranteed pathway for young talented girls to become professional football players.

“For the first time, NWFL will be embracing and promoting the significance of sustainability in sports in general in Nigeria and women’s football in particular.

“By highlighting environmental and social sustainability considerations, we will strategically position the NWFL and its leagues to undertake meaningful programmes and activities,” she said.

Debutant Remo Stars handed tough draw
Remo stars drawn in Group alongside the defending champions, Delta Queens, former champions Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens

Others are, Sunshine Queens, Robo Queens, Edo Queens, Ekiti Queens and Delta Queens.

In Group A, Nasarawa Amazons, Heartland Queens, Confluence Queens, Adamawa Queens, Dannaz Ladies, Naija Ratels, Royal Queens and Abia Angels will battle for Super 6 slots.


Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/nigeria-women-football-league-expand-top-tier-teams-from-14-to-16-2023100606561127364

The former Akwa United and Enyimba FC FC striker retains the record for most goals scored in a single NPFL season (23), a feat he achieved in 2013/2014.

Former Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) goal-king, Mfon Udoh has revealed that Most Nigerian Coaches takes bribe from Nigerian Players.


Udoh, who now represents Bashandura Kings in the Bangladesh top-flight played for several Clubs in the Nigerian elite league.

The former Akwa United and Enyimba FC FC striker retains the record for most goals scored in a single NPFL season (23), a feat he achieved in 2013/2014 .

Many Nigerian coaches receives money from players
The 31-year-old disclosed this during a podcast section hosted by former Warri Wolves Player and Nigerian Beach soccer legend, Abu Azeez.

"I say any Nigerian coaches dey collect money from players, i know dem well well but i know go call their names, dey plenty,' he said in pidgin during the podcast.

He continued, "They are saying they helping players , Come and sign this contract, you will see different copies and when you ask for your copy, they will say its with NFF that they will send it back to you."

Mfon Udon unveils best season of his career
The forward Mfon Udoh revealed that the 2014 NPFL season was his best season after scoring 23 goals making him the record holder in a single season.


He scored nine goals for Enyimba in the CAF Champions League as well.

“My first season with Enyimba in 2014 was the best in my career in the NPFL. Everything worked for me despite not being the main striker for Enyimba," he said.


He was called up to a friendly match between Ghanaian and Nigerian sides playing at home in November 2014. He entered the game as a 45th-minute substitute for the national team.


Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/many-nigerian-coaches-take-bribe-from-players-former-npfl-goal-king-mfon-udoh-2023100416403431321

Fans have not taken kindly to Napoli's explanation regarding their infamous TikTok video about Victor Osimhen and have asked the Italian club to stop gaslighting the Super Eagles striker and offer a proper apology instead

Nigerian fans on social media have reacted badly to Napoli’s statement concerning a recently released video of star forward Victor Osimhen, asking for a clear apology from the club.

Napoli posted a bland Osimhen statement
The Partenopei’s TikTok handle posted a video making fun of Osimhen’s penalty miss against Bologna, which caused uproar all over social media and even elicited a reaction from the player himself.

Osimhen was apparently taken aback by the meme and showed his frustrations by deleting the club’s pictures from his Instagram account, while his agent threatened to sue the club for the TikTok post.

Napoli responded to the backlash by posting a statement where they explained the intention behind the video and urged Osimhen not to feel offended, but the statement has only served to make things worse between the club and fans of the striker.

Fans unhappy with Napoli despite official statement
Following the statement from Napoli, fans expressed their displeasure with the club once more, accusing them of attempting to gaslight Osimhen.

Many fans observed that Napoli had not actually apologized in their statement, instead shifting the burden of forgiveness to Osimhen, whom they believed misread the situation.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria



https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/gaslighting-101-nigerians-blast-napoli-for-fake-apology-to-osimhen-2023092821340173170

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has received an official apology from Napoli who explained the idea behind their infamous TikTok post making fun of the Nigerian star's penalty miss

Napoli have officially explained a TikTok video of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen that appeared on the club’s channel, apparently mocking the forward for a penalty miss against Bologna.

Osimhen gets apology from Napoli
The video, which was later deleted after backlash, was badly received by Osimhen and his entourage, with the Super Eagles star’s agent threatening the club with legal action.

However, Napoli have now released a statement, throwing their full weight behind Osimhen and explaining their recent social media post.

“In order to avoid any exploitation on the subject, Calcio Napoli specifies that it has never wanted to offend or make fun of Victor Osimhen, who is a treasure of the club,” the statement read.

“As proof of this, during the summer retreat, the club firmly rejected any offer received for the attacker's transfer abroad.”

Napoli explain Osimhen TikTok post
Napoli explained that the post on TikTok was only part of the happy-go-lucky nature of posts on the club’s channel and not an intended slight on their star forward.

The rest of their statement read: ‘It represents a common experience that on social networks, in particular on TikTok, has always used an expressive form of language with a light heart and creativity, without wanting to, as in the case with Osimhen as protagonist, have any intention of insult or derision”.”

“However, if Victor had perceived any offense against him, this was not what the club intended.”

Following the falling out with Napoli on social media, Osimhen purged his Instagram page of pictures relating to the Partenopei and even refused to celebrate when he scored in the first match since the incident in a 4-1 win over Udinese.

These have led to speculation over Osimhen’s continuance with Napoli, with clubs in England and Saudi Arabia reportedly keeping tabs on the developing situation to potentially swoop in the January window.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/napoli-officially-explain-osimhen-tiktok-gaffe-2023092817231631313

Barcelona may be excluded from the Champions League after being accused of paying off officials according to reports.

In March, state prosecutors filed formal charges against Barcelona for fabricating financial records, dishonest administration and corruption in sports.

The Spanish giants have now been accused of bribery after a recent raid by the police on the office of the referee committee.

According to reports, the recent bribery charge could lead to Barcelona’s exclusion from the UEFA Champions League.

Barcelona bribery allegations
The Sun reported in March that if the Catalan giants are found guilty, they risk being kicked out of Europe's top league.

Barcelona has reportedly been accused of bribery by judge Joaquin Aguirre, according to the Spanish publication El Debate.

The allegation has to do with payments of £6 million that were made to José Maria Enruquez Negreira, a former vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees.

The former presidents of Barcelona, Maria Bartomeu and Sandro Rosell, as well as Negreira and his son Javier Enriquez Romero, have all been prosecuted.

The La Liga champions are charged with breaking a statute that prohibits officials from getting paid for doing public tasks.

With the recent allegations leveled against Barcelona, they could be banned by the UEFA governing body from participating in Champions League tournaments.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/barcelona-could-face-ban-from-champions-league-after-being-charged-with-bribery-2023092815463359036

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/be-humble-and-professional-italian-reporter-blasts-osimhen-for-deleting-napoli-pictures-from-his-instagram-2023092810053977002

Italian TV host and football reporter Marika Fruscio has attacked Victor Osimhen for removing all Napoli-related posts from his Instagram page.

Marika Fruscio, a popular TV personality, Instagram celebrity, and sports reporter has taken to social media to accuse Napoli star Victor Osimhen of lacking humility and professionalism.

Osimhen was understandably incensed by the TikTok video on the club's official page, mocking him for missing a penalty against Bologna.

The Super Eagles striker immediately deleted all Napoli-related posts from his social media page, while also threatening to pursue legal action.

Marika Fruscio blasts Osimhen
Fruscio took to her Instagram page to share a photo of Osimhen with a lengthy caption indicating a lack of professionalism on the striker's part.

Her Instagram post read:

"You are a champion but it takes humility. What's the use of deleting the photos of the team that worshiped and supported you? What's the point of flirting like this?? Even legal action for a sarcastic video? An intelligent man would have laughed at it. BE THE PROFESSIONAL. HEAD DOWN AND WORK It's our fault anyway that we make these players almost gods... JUST THE SHIRT, JUST THE SHIRT."

Napoli are yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident and as Osimhen's contract runs out in 2025, there will certainly be no shortage of interested teams should the Nigerian decide to depart.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/be-humble-and-professional-italian-reporter-blasts-osimhen-for-deleting-napoli-pictures-from-his-instagram-2023092810053977002

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/we-never-wanted-to-hurt-osimhen-napoli-boss-rudi-garcia-2023092807265018307

Napoli boss Rudi Garcia has defended the club over the recent TikTok video mocking Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen was left incensed after a TikTok video was posted on the club's official account seemingly mocking the Nigerian striker for his penalty miss in the 0-0 draw against Bologna.

The video, which has since been deleted, immediately went viral on social media with scores of fans joining the chorus of condemnation against Napoli.

Despite the tense situation, Osimhen started and scored in Napoli's 4-1 win against Udinese.

Rudi Garcia on Osimhen
After the game, Garcia told Football Italia,

“Over the last two days, there was a bit of trouble with some clumsy behaviour.

“Nobody wanted to be hurtful, not the TikTok with the video of Victor, nor Victor by taking his photographs down on social media.

“Nobody intended to hurt anyone, these are instinctive reactions and are understandable,”


Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/we-never-wanted-to-hurt-osimhen-napoli-boss-rudi-garcia-2023092807265018307

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/tiktok-wahala-osimhen-deletes-napoli-pictures-from-instagram-2023092622522724181

Nigerian sensation Victor Osimhen has gone to great lengths to remove Napoli-related pictures from his Instagram after the club made fun of his penalty miss against Bologna

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has made a strong statement against current club Napoli after the Serie A side made light of his recent penalty miss against Bologna.

Osimhen trolled by Napoli on TikTok

The Nigerian forward has endured a worrisome start to the new season after a spectacular 2022/23 season where he claimed top honours in Italy with the Partenopei and appears to be hitting out at his employers following their recent social media gaffe.

Osimhen’s recent run of bad luck saw him miss the second penalty of the new campaign against Bologna in a disappointing 0-0 draw over the weekend which has had serious repercussions for both the player and club.

Osimhen escaped a fine after he flared up following his substitution in the match, but after apologising to his manager Rudi Garcia, he has now picked a new grouse with the club.

Osimhen distances himself from Napoli
The Nigerian forward has apparently been incensed at Napoli since their TikTok account posted a video making fun of his penalty miss against Bologna, and is believed to be considering legal action against the Partenopei.

To show how upset Osimhen is with Napoli’s social media handling, he has decided to scrub his Instagram page of images of his time at Napoli, choosing to focus his attention on his national team pictures instead.

The Super Eagles forward’s future at the club is now up for speculation as he is yet to sign a new contract with Napoli despite talks ongoing since the end of the 2022/23 season.

Osimhen will not be short of suitors for his talents if he does decide to leave the Partemopei, with a number of clubs inquiring about the striker’s availability in the summer.

While he was an untouchable then, recent events might have swayed both the player’s and club’s position on their relationship, meaning an exit for the striker is not far-fetched.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/tiktok-wahala-osimhen-deletes-napoli-pictures-from-instagram-2023092622522724181