Tag: Players

  • NNL: See why Kogi United sacked all its players 

    NNL: See why Kogi United sacked all its players 

    The Management of Kogi United have taken the drastic step of firing its entire playing staff over their abysmal performance in the 2022/23 NNL season.

    The development was disclosed to newsmen by Chairman of Kogi United Abdulmalik Isah Dolly in Lokoja.

    The sack followed their poor performance in the 2022/23 Nigeria National League (NNL) which saw the team suffer relegation heartbreak.

    ALSO READ: ‘F**king trophy is so difficult to win’, Guardiola reacts to Man City’s Champions League win

    Abdulmalik however, kept mute on the fate of the coach and other technical crew in the team.

    Sporting Tribune reports that Kogi United lost 4-0 away from home to Hypebuzz FC in Abuja.

    Kogi United in the last two season have failed to live up to expectations with relegation from the NNL the icing on the cake.

  • Local coaches, players unfairly criticised — Ogunbote

    Local coaches, players unfairly criticised — Ogunbote

    Shooting Stars coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, in this interview with JOHNNY EDWARD, opens up on how the Oluyole Warriors redeemed their season after a poor start and what must be done for the Super Eagles to excel again

    What lessons did you learn from this season, after Shooting Stars avoided relegation?

    With reference to Shooting Stars, it’s quite unfortunate. The dream everyone had when I arrived was that ‘once Ogunbote is there, there must be at worse a continental slot.’ We did our best, we had a good pre-season tournament, but unfortunately, we could not replicate what we had in pre-season, especially in the first stanza of the league. There were lots of challenges that derailed the team. After that, we were lucky to have been able to pick up the pieces just at the beginning of the second stanza, otherwise, it would have been a disaster. And by the time we picked up, it was late, we couldn’t catch up with those ahead of us, hence, we were unable to make the cut-off. But I think we did our best. Let us now see what happens next.

    What were the setbacks that affected the team in the first stanza of the season?

    That is personal, and it is a relative situation. Sometimes, what I see that could be a derailing factor might not be to some other persons, but as the coach of the team, I know we had a few challenges that really slowed us down, but let us keep that aside. We have taken positives from it, let us hope we don’t fall victim again.

    Are you optimistic about better performance next season?

    Definitely, because I have standards and from the last decade, to the glory of God, I can say aside from one or two occasions, I qualified my team for CAF competitions six times. So, it tells you that anything less than that is not an achievement to me. We have this issue and it is a big challenge for Nigerian football. You can’t beat your chest to say there is continuity in the teams we parade. If you have it with the club management, you won’t have it with the coaching staff and if you have it with coaches, you won’t have it with players. So, for me, that is a big challenge. Until the new season begins, you can’t say as a coach that you have been able to keep the best players you worked with last term. So, in a situation where there is continuity, we will be talking about just five or six players that need to be added so we can be stronger. As big as Manchester City are, they are still looking for more quality players to bolster their squad, so we hope that the players we keep will remain with the team and with luck on our side, we will be able to say the team can perform better.

    You signed a year’s deal with Shooting Stars but ahead of next season, will you leave if a better offer comes?

    Let’s leave that till when an offer comes. For now, I’m still the coach of the team.

    What will be your target next season, if your plans on improving the squad are met by the club?

    For a programmed coach, you must have identified areas of concern, even though you may think they are good. Manchester City felt a few players were surplus to requirements at the start of the season and they are the biggest buys now in other teams, so, you saw who he brought in to replace them. The system in Nigeria, however, is a challenge, the biggest challenge is finance. I want to tell you categorically, the best thing that has happened to 3SC this past season is that the management did not owe the players salary. We have what it takes to play in the NPFL, but we still need that financial power to compete for titles and bring back the glory days again.

    In the past, players from the league formed the bedrock of the Super Eagles. What do you think is the reason why NPFL players are no longer considered for the Eagles?

    I think as a coach, you choose what you think will make you succeed, but despite that, it’s down to your mentality. For instance, in Nigeria, even if you play badly, just win, that’s our norm. Now, to the NPFL players, I think we have quality players to compete with the overseas-based players. I am convinced about that, but the major issue is when an NPFL player makes a mistake while playing for the Eagles, everyone will condemn him to death all because he plays in the league but if our overseas-based players make the same mistake they do not face such. We have foreign coaches that make costly mistakes, but no one calls for their heads the same way they do when it’s the local coaches. The criticism is clearly different. Imagine that you have a contract with a coach and before he assumes his position his future is already tied to results. It makes such a coach work under fear of failure because he will need results at all cost to win and keep his job. He won’t have a long-term plan or think of the future of the team, which is what we lack. However, we run our indigenous coaches down ourselves, I watched Manchester City play against Arsenal and there was a moment Erling Haaland missed a sitter, when he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper. No one called for his head after the game, not even his coach, but if we are patient, we will reap the rewards.

    Have there been contacts from the Eagles coaches to league coaches to scout players for the national team?

    When I was privileged to work with the national team, it was a brief spell though, with the late Amodu Shaibu. He told me and some other coaches at that time, ‘you guys are coaches in the domestic league, and you cannot give me players to represent the national team.’  Then we had some quality players in the league and we recommended them to him and they performed creditably well before heading to Europe. I still believe we have quality players in the NPFL but it’s just a case of giving a dog a bad name, now the overseas-based players have disappointed us, can’t we try the NPFL players? The worst (with NPFL players) is that we will miss out on qualifying for tournaments, but there would have been a conscious effort to build a great team. Late Stephen Keshi tried it and he succeeded. Why can’t others follow the template and ensure they succeed?

    How would you rate Eagles coach Jose Peseiro since he took charge of the Eagles?

    I am a coach, I don’t want to talk about him and he has his contract and his employers. The only thing I can do is if we talk about the issues in the team, but not about a coach in particular.

    What do you think must be done to ensure the Eagles soar again?

    The players need to be hungry to play, not being begged to do that. It’s an honour to play for your country; it’s an honour to be saddled with the responsibility to represent your country, everybody can never be there.

  • Alex Iwobi named Everton’s Players’ Player of the Season

    Alex Iwobi named Everton’s Players’ Player of the Season

    Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has been awarded Everton’s Players’ Player of the Season accolade.

    This recognition comes as a result of Iwobi’s remarkable improvement throughout the current season, building on his strong performances in the previous year. The 27-year-old displayed versatility by excelling in various positions for the Toffees during the 2022/23 campaign.

    ALSO READ: MLS: Inter Miami sack Phil Neville after 10 defeats in last 13 matches

    ALSO READ: UEFA to decide on referee replacement amid far-right allegations

    With two goals and an impressive eight assists, Iwobi contributed significantly to Everton’s overall performance. This marks the first time Iwobi has received this prestigious award since joining Everton from Arsenal in 2019.

    Additionally, Everton narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League, securing a crucial 1-0 victory against Bournemouth on the final day of the season.

  • SPEED KINGS: See Top 10 fastest Premier League players

    SPEED KINGS: See Top 10 fastest Premier League players

    In this listicle, Sporting Tribune showcases the Top 10 fastest players in the English Premier League blessed with incredible pace and acceleration.

    Prepare to be shocked by some of the players on this list.

    1. Kyle Walker (Manchester City) – 37.31km/h

    Speed king Kyle Walker again played a key role in Manchester City’s title win. He fought his way back into contention after a spell on the bench to also star in their run to the Champions League final.

    And even though the Englishman is now 33 years old, he still managed to register the fastest top speed in the Premier League. That came in at 37.31km/h, with Walker proving he still has what it takes to flourish at the top level.

     

    2. Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest) – 36.70km/h

    Brennan Johnson starred as Nottingham Forest famously secured their stay in the Premier League. Johnson proved to be the difference-maker time and time again for Forest this campaign. He was the only player to appear in all 38 of their league games, scoring eight goals. The striker proved to be a major problem for defences all season long and registered a top speed of 36.70km/h.

    He was the only player to appear in all 38 of their league games, scoring eight goals. The striker proved to be a major problem for defences all season long and registered a top speed of 36.70km/h.

    ALSO READ: The Unfinished Nou Mestalla: A tale of ambition and delay in Valencia

     

    3. Mykhaylo Mudryk (Chelsea) – 36.63km/h

    The leading Chelsea player for speed this season has been Mykhaylo Mudryk, who joined from Shakhtar Donetsk in January. The Blues beat Arsenal to signing the winger for £89million, though he has struggled to live up to that price tag.

    He has shown several bright spells in his first six months at Stamford Bridge though, with his speed clear to see. The Ukranian has been ranked as the third-fastest player in the Premier League, registering a speed of 36.63km/h.

     

    4. Anthony Gordon (Newcastle) – 36.61km/h

    Newcastle splashed out to buy Anthony Gordon from Everton in the January window and in the process got their hands on one of the Premier League’s fastest players. Gordon struggled for goals, scoring just once in 16 games.

    But he did regularly feature in the second half of the campaign to help Newcastle to secure a Champions League qualification spot. And in doing so, he also secured fourth place in the list of the top-flight’s fastest players with a speed of 36.61km/h.

    ALSO READ: Joao Felix set for Atletico Madrid return as Pochettino opts against extended deal

     

    5. Darwin Nunez (Liverpool) – 36.53km/h

    Much was expected of Darwin Nunez when Liverpool made him their club-record signing last summer. But the attacker has failed to live up to those heights, having endured a mixed debut campaign at Anfield.

    There are hopes that he can finally begin to live up to his potential next season after settling into life in the English top-flight.

    Those hopes are in part fueled by several bright spells, including the fact he recorded the fifth-highest top speed in the Premier League this term.

     

    6. Arnaut Danjuma (Tottenham) – 36.34km/h

    Arnaut Danjuma appeared to be a good signing for Tottenham in January, but much like many others at the club this term, the winger failed to impress. He made just one top-flight start, in their penultimate game of the campaign.

    They lost that 3-1 to Brentford, with Danjuma making just eight other appearances in total. He still managed to record the sixth-fastest top speed in the Premier League, coming in at 36.34km/h.

     

    7. Matheus Nunes (Wolves) – 36.32km/h

    Heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, Matheus Nunes instead joined Midlands club Wolves last summer. The midfielder has proved to be a solid Premier League player, with his speed at the heart of his impressive displays.

    He recorded a top speed of 36.32km/h this term, making him the top-flight’s fastest central midfielder. Nunes’ performances in the middle of the park eventually helped Wolves to pull safely away from relegation trouble having been bottom at Christmas.

     

    8. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – 36.22km/h

    Haaland record

    Erling Haaland has enjoyed arguably the best debut season in Premier League history, setting a record for the most goals scored in a single campaign. The Norwegian has established himself as one of the best strikers in world football.

    He combines power and goalscoring nous with incredible pace, hitting a top speed of 36.22km/h this season. His impressive range of abilities helped him to score 36 goals in 35 Premier League appearances.

     

    9. Denis Zakaria (Chelsea) – 36.09km/h

    Midfielder Denis Zakaria endured a torrid time at Stamford Bridge, who arrived on loan from Juventus last summer. Zakaria made just seven appearances and was frozen out by caretaker boss Frank Lampard.

    Despite his limited game time, the Swiss star was still able to record the ninth-fastest top speed in the top-flight. That came in at 36.09km/h, making him the second-fastest player to have featured for the Blues this term.

     

    10. Reiss Nelson (Arsenal) – 36.07km/h

    Arsenal star Reiss Nelson hit a top speed of 36.07km/h this season, having only featured as a substitute. He made some key contributions though, memorably scoring the winner in a thrilling clash with Bournemouth.

    That was one of five direct contributions to goals from the Englishman this term as the Gunners mounted a title challenge. Arsenal are now thought to be attempting to tie him down to a new contract having taken the crown of the fastest player in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

  • TRANSFER RUMOURS: Arsenal to offload 14 players, as Mount tilts to Man United

    TRANSFER RUMOURS: Arsenal to offload 14 players, as Mount tilts to Man United

    • Manchester United are prepared to offer £55m to acquire England midfielder Mason Mount from Chelsea, hoping to outpace competition from Liverpool and Arsenal. (Source: Mail)
    • If Chelsea decides to sell, Mason Mount seems inclined towards joining Manchester United. (Source: The Athletic)
    • England manager Gareth Southgate expressed concern over the lack of playing time for Manchester United defender Harry Maguire (30) and Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips (27) as he called them up for the upcoming Euro qualifiers. (Source: Guardian)
    • Aston Villa is leading the race to sign English winger Harvey Barnes (25) from Leicester City. (Source: Independent)
    • West Ham is also interested in acquiring Harvey Barnes as well as English winger Jack Harrison (26) from Leeds United. (Source: Sun)
    • West Ham intends to retain David Moyes as their manager and support him by targeting Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha (27) from Fulham as a potential replacement for England midfielder Declan Rice (24). (Source: Guardian)
    • Arsenal plans to sell up to 14 first-team players in order to finance the signing of eight new players during a major summer rebuild, including record-signing Ivory Coast winger Nicolas Pepe (27). (Source: Football.London)

    ALSO READ: LALIGA: Tebas says he didn’t mean to attack Vinicius Jnr on Twitter

    • Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is open to allowing England midfielder Emile Smith Rowe (22) to leave the club to make room for Leicester and England midfielder James Maddison (26). (Source: Mirror)
    • Arsenal is interested in adding Paraguay forward Antonio Sanabria (26) from Torino in a deal worth £21.6m. (Source: La Repubblica via Mail)

    ALSO READ: See why Ruud van Nistelrooy resigned as PSV coach ‘with immediate effect’

    • Manchester United has been informed that they must pay £140m if they wish to sign Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen (24) from Napoli this summer, following their agreement for his club teammate South Korea defender Kim Min-jae (26). (Source: Il Mattino)
    • Napoli is making efforts to persuade Kim Min-jae to sign a new contract before a release clause takes effect this summer. (Source: 90min)
    • However, Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane (29) remains Manchester United’s top choice for a striker, and the club intends to initiate negotiations early in the transfer window. (Source: Guardian)
    • Aston Villa aims to secure long-term contracts for England striker Ollie Watkins (27) and Scotland midfielder John McGinn (28) before the transfer window opens. (Source: Telegraph – subscription required)
    • Inter Milan and Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku (30) revealed that he knew the club would attempt to sign him if his move to Chelsea did not materialize. (Source: Mail)
    • Feyenoord expects to lose manager Arne Slot to Tottenham. (Source: Football Insider)
    • Real Betis may revive their longstanding interest in signing Spanish midfielder Marc Roca (26) from Leeds United if the Yorkshire club faces relegation from the Premier League. (Source: Estadio Deportivo)
    • Arsenal has offered a new contract to England midfielder Reiss Nelson (23) until 2027, with other Premier League, Italian, and Spanish clubs also expressing interest. (Source: Fabrizio Romano)
    • Swansea manager Russell Martin has verbally agreed to become the new Southampton manager. (Source: Sky Sports)

  • Players arrive Kaduna for U18 Volleyball open camp

    Players arrive Kaduna for U18 Volleyball open camp

    At least more than 200 volleyball players under the age of 18 are expected to report at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna for the national open camp slated to hold between Wednesday 31st May, and Sunday 4th June, 2023.

    According to the organisers, the camp will be used as an avenue to select players who will represent the country at the 2023 African U17 Boys and Girls Nations Championship scheduled to hold in Nigeria from 6th to 16th July 2023.

    The Technical Representative on the board of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Chief Martin Melandi, said the camp will afford the Federation to create a level-playing ground for players from different parts of the country. He nonetheless cautioned academy and state coaches to avoid releasing overaged players for the open camp.

    “The Federation has a policy that encourages equity and fairness in the selection of players for the national teams. We are trying to select the best hands that can make the country proud ahead of the African U17 Boys and Girls Nations Championship to be hosted by Nigeria in July.

    ALSO READ: U20 World Cup: Approach Italy with positive mindset, Dimeji Lawal charges Flying Eagles

    “I am making an appeal to all the coaches in the various academies and states not to send players over the age of 18 years old. I am aware the National Youth Games is a platform where children under the age of 15 participate and I have seen younger players feature in the Division 1 and 2 Leagues respectively.

    “Players who will be participating in the Division 1 and 2 Leagues are exempted from the open camp as coaches will be sent to select more players leagues in Imo State. The Federation wants to set a standard where we can be sure of parading younger players who stand the test of time in the next decade.”

    Melandi, a former international national referee, however, commended board members of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVF) for coming up with the idea of the open camp.

  • LIGUE 1: Toulouse players dropped for refusing to support LGBT campaign

    LIGUE 1: Toulouse players dropped for refusing to support LGBT campaign

    Several Toulouse players were omitted from the Ligue 1 match against Nantes on Sunday due to their disagreement with a league-wide display of support against homophobia.

    The gesture was organized in recognition of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia on May 17.

    According to a statement from the club, the concerned players expressed their disagreement with their image being associated with the rainbow colors representing the LGBT movement.

    Toulouse ultimately decided to exclude these players from the match, respecting their individual choices.

    ALSO READ: EREDIVISIE: See why Ajax vs Groningen was called off

    During this weekend’s Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches, players wore shirts with rainbow-colored numbers and posed with banners, while coaches and officials donned rainbow armbands.

    ALSO READ: Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant suspended again for gun video

    Toulouse forward Zakaria Aboukhlal, 23, announced his decision not to participate in the game, stating his belief in the importance of respect, including respect for his own personal beliefs.

    In another match, Brest secured a 1-0 victory against Auxerre, putting them four points ahead of the relegation zone. Although Nantes remains in the relegation zone, their draw with Toulouse allowed them to close the gap to just one point behind Auxerre.

    Brest coach Eric Roy criticized the scheduling of the campaign against homophobia, stating that while everyone is entitled to express their opinions, some players clearly have reservations. He suggested that the campaign could have been organized in a different month, rather than during a critical period when teams are battling to avoid relegation.

    It is worth noting that in the previous season, current Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye refused to play for Paris St-Germain when a similar gesture was made by Ligue 1.

  • Lampard says he has ‘no problem’ with fans booing Chelsea players

    Lampard says he has ‘no problem’ with fans booing Chelsea players

    Frank Lampard has acknowledged Chelsea fans’ concerns after the team’s fifth consecutive defeat during his tenure against Brentford at Stamford Bridge.

    The visitors secured a 2-0 victory with an own-goal from Cesar Azpilicueta and a late effort from Bryan Mbeumo, leaving Chelsea with a sixth game out of their last seven without scoring and dim prospects of finishing in the Premier League’s top half.

    Chelsea’s run of poor form is worrisome, with no wins in any competition since beating Leicester on March 11 under former manager Graham Potter. Lampard and Bruno Saltor have presided over a winless streak of eight games, during which only Conor Gallagher has scored a deflected goal. Compounding matters, six of these winless games occurred at Stamford Bridge.

    Lampard has defended fans’ right to express their dissatisfaction, but he asserts that the players’ morale, rather than their commitment, is responsible for their downward spiral.

    “Absolutely the fans are going to be worried,” said Lampard. “If you’re a Chelsea fan, you’ve been used to 20 years of success, you’re used to it and you want it more.

    ALSO READ: Chelsea sinks to new low with 2-0 loss to Brentford at Stamford Bridge

    “I’ve got no problem with fans booing. I’m not sitting here to go against the fans and say don’t boo the players. I’ll defend the players because they’re young lads who want to do well. Is there an issue with confidence? Yes. Is there an issue with the balance of the squad? Maybe yes.

    “I’m not patronising everybody, I expect them to have an idea what’s going on behind the scenes, but when you work with it in this Premier League, if you think Brentford are going to come and turn you around and have corners and throw-ins against you and you’re going to walk that game, that’s not the case any time.

    ALSO READ: Arteta defiant over Arsenal’s title hopes despite Man City loss

    “When you’re in this moment with a lack of confidence, then it can be difficult to win a game. I’m not exonerating the players, far from it. I’m just supporting them. They’re in there disappointed because they wanted to win that game. They performed in my opinion like they wanted to win it.

    “Is there a confidence issue? Yes. Are we dynamic enough in the final third? No. Have we been for a long time before I came here? No. Those things are not things that are going to turn overnight. We have to keep working.

    “I understand the fans booing. I don’t think anybody is saying they can’t believe that’s the case today.”

    “There is a balance in the squad to address, I think everybody sees that,” said Lampard. “What can you do? This has been a problem that predates me coming recently into this. When there are not so many goals you also have to have players who can do a tactical job and work for the team.

    “We have to keep working and fighting to try and create opportunities to score goals. Maybe there aren’t goals so much in the team, and we’re low on confidence. There’s a clear issue in the squad, not scoring enough goals for a team like Chelsea.

  • See why Arteta has threatened to ‘kill’ Arsenal players ahead of City showdown

    See why Arteta has threatened to ‘kill’ Arsenal players ahead of City showdown

    Mikel Arteta

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued a warning to his players ahead of their Premier League title showdown against Manchester City.

    Arteta stated that he would ‘kill’ any of his players who feel intimidated by the high-stakes match.

    The Gunners are set to play against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, with a five-point lead over their opponents, albeit having played two more games and with a tougher run-in. However, Arsenal’s recent form, which includes three consecutive draws, has seen them lose momentum at a crucial time.

    ALSO READ: Mauricio Pochettino set to take reins as Chelsea manager

    During his pre-match press conference, Arteta was asked whether it was possible for his players to feel intimidated by such a significant event.

    ALSO READ: BIG MATCH PREVIEW: Manchester City vs Arsenal: Analysis, predictions

    “No. And if they do, I will just say: ‘I will kill them.’ And I don’t want that at all,” Arteta replied.

    “Yeah, it’s going to be a tough night and challenge but the opportunity is incredible for us. We knew from the beginning, if you want to win a Premier League, you have to go to Spurs and beat them. You have to go to Chelsea and you have to beat them. You have to go away from home and win. This is what we’ve been doing. This is why we’re here.

    “Now you have to go to City and you have to beat them. If you want to be champions you have to win those matches. It’s as simple as that.

  • Tottenham players to refund fans after 6-1 loss to Newcastle United

    Tottenham players to refund fans after 6-1 loss to Newcastle United

    Tottenham Hotspur players have taken responsibility for their devastating loss to Newcastle United on Sunday and have decided to refund their fans who traveled to watch the game.

    Despite their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, Spurs were soundly defeated by Newcastle, with the home team scoring five goals in just 21 minutes.

    The fallout from the defeat resulted in the dismissal of acting head coach Cristian Stellini on Monday, and Ryan Mason was appointed to the position until the end of the season.

    ALSO READ: NFF president denies holding meeting with Northern referees ahead of election

    On Tuesday, the Spurs squad released a statement expressing their remorse and appreciation for the support of their fans.

    ALSO READ: ‘It’s not an issue for me’, Ancelotti open to Messi return at Barcelona

    The statement read, “We understand your frustration and anger. We know that the defeat was unacceptable and it hurt us just as much as it hurt you. We want to thank you for your support, and we hope that you will continue to support us, home and away.”

    The players continued, “As a gesture of our appreciation, we would like to reimburse the cost of your match tickets from St James’ Park. We know that this does not change what happened on Sunday, but we hope that it will show our commitment to putting things right.”

    Spurs are determined to bounce back from their loss and will face Manchester United on Thursday. With six points behind fourth-placed United and having played two matches more, Tottenham is hoping for a win to keep their chances of qualifying for the Champions League alive.