Author: Gabby

Ezekiel Edidiong, the forward for Enyimba, has made a passionate appeal to the club’s supporters ahead of their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match against Remo Stars. The encounter, set for Sunday in Aba, promises to be a thrilling contest as the People’s Elephant host the reigning NPFL champions.

Edidiong emphasized the team’s determination to secure all three points, calling the victory non-negotiable. “I urge our incredible fans to come out in large numbers and back us as we fight for a must-win result against Remo Stars,” he stated through the club’s media channels.

The striker’s connection to the opposition adds an emotional layer to the fixture. Edidiong spent the 2022-23 NPFL season with Remo Stars, and he admitted that facing his former teammates stirs up mixed feelings. However, he made it clear that his loyalty now lies entirely with Enyimba. “I have fond memories of my time at Remo Stars, and I’m excited to play against them this weekend. It’s a bit emotional, but the pride of the People’s Elephant comes first,” Edidiong explained.

With both teams eager to climb the NPFL table, the clash is expected to draw a massive crowd at the Enyimba International Stadium. The forward’s call for fan support underscores the high stakes of the encounter, as Enyimba looks to capitalize on home advantage against the league’s top side.

Mohamed Salah has disclosed that a heartfelt conversation with Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard was the turning point that convinced him to remain at the club during the January transfer window. The Egyptian forward, who is set to leave Anfield as a free agent this summer, admitted he was on the verge of departing after tensions arose with new manager Arne Slot.

However, a visit from Gerrard changed everything. During their discussion, the former Liverpool captain emphasized the importance of leaving on his own terms, advice that Salah took to heart. Reflecting on that moment in an interview with Gerrard on TNT Sports, Salah shared: “People didn’t realize you came to my home, and we had a meaningful talk. You shared your perspective, and I truly valued it. I’m glad I’m now departing through the front door.”

Salah added that Gerrard’s words stuck with him: “You told me to leave on my own conditions, and I still recall that advice. Everything that has happened this season convinces me that the time is right to move on.”

Galatasaray’s Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has revealed who he considers the finest player he has ever shared a dressing room with. During a recent appearance on the 360 Experience with Onah Kosi, the forward was posed the question and did not hesitate to name his pick.

Having plied his trade in several top European leagues including Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, and now Turkey, Osimhen has been alongside many elite footballers. However, he singled out one individual above all others.

When asked to name the best teammate of his career, Osimhen simply replied, Kvaratskhelia. He elaborated on his choice, praising the Georgian winger’s qualities both on and off the pitch.

Osimhen stated, He is an incredible player. In the locker room and during games, he is a top person. When he first arrived in Naples, I often told him, ‘Inshallah, in the near future, you can win the Ballon d’Or.’ He truly has the ability to achieve that.

The Nigerian international’s admiration for his former Napoli colleague, now plying his trade at Paris Saint-Germain, underscores the high regard in which Kvaratskhelia is held among his peers.

Former Manchester United winger Antony has opened up about his time alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford, revealing a moment of embarrassment during their six-month stint together. The current Real Betis star shared how Ronaldo, now 40, once caught him off guard with a question about his physique in the sauna.

Antony recalled that Ronaldo playfully asked if he looked like a 23-year-old, leaving the Brazilian feeling self-conscious. ‘I was embarrassed,’ Antony admitted, as he compared his own physique to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s incredible condition, even at an advanced age. He described Ronaldo as a role model who inspires everyone with his dedication.

The pair often engaged in conversations beyond football, with Ronaldo steering discussions toward literature and life. Antony emphasized that these talks helped him disconnect from the pressures of the sport. ‘He would say, “Today we’re not discussing football.” That allowed us to explore other important matters,’ Antony explained.

Despite their limited time together—only seven appearances—Antony valued the lessons learned from the Portuguese legend. However, Antony’s own spell at Manchester United was largely disappointing. The £86 million signing made 96 appearances, scoring just 12 goals and providing five assists, marking him as one of the Premier League’s biggest flops.

After leaving United, Antony revitalized his career at Real Betis, where he has netted 22 goals and provided 14 assists in 67 matches. His reflections on Ronaldo highlight the profound impact the veteran had on him, both on and off the pitch.

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has dismissed criticism surrounding his team’s chaotic 5-4 triumph over Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinal first leg.

Speaking ahead of a Ligue 1 clash against FC Lorient, Enrique made it clear that not every critique deserves attention. He argued that when the majority enjoys a spectacle, negative opinions hold little weight.

“You don’t have to respect all viewpoints. If an opinion is flawed, it doesn’t merit respect. Many people loved the way we played football, and I’m among them. Those who prefer a different style can say what they want. I don’t care about those opinions,” Enrique stated, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano.

The French side’s high-scoring win has drawn sharp reactions, with former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney questioning how a team could be satisfied after shipping four goals. Rooney insisted that defenders and goalkeepers would be frustrated, adding that serious questions need answering.

PSG now prepare for the return leg in Munich, carrying a slender one-goal advantage into the decisive fixture.

Former Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has disclosed the reasons behind Michael Olise’s decision to represent France instead of Nigeria on the international stage.

The Bayern Munich winger, now 24, was born in England to a Nigerian father and a Franco-Algerian mother, making him eligible for four national teams: Nigeria, Algeria, France, and England. However, he ultimately pledged his allegiance to France.

Speaking in an interview with Brila FM, Rohr revealed that Olise had made up his mind years earlier. He recalled a meeting with the player and his assistant Tunde Adelakun back in 2019. ‘We tried to invite him, but he did not want to join us at the time,’ Rohr said. ‘He was already playing well. When we saw him six to seven years ago, he was so strong, and unfortunately, he refused to play for Nigeria.’

Rohr’s comments shed light on how long the decision had been in the making, confirming that the talented attacker’s choice was not a recent one.

Tensions are running high in the Real Madrid dressing room as several first-team players have voiced their anger towards manager Alvaro Arbeloa. According to reports, the discontent stems from Arbeloa’s perceived favoritism towards the club’s marquee names, at the expense of Spanish talent within the squad.

Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso as head coach just six months ago, has overseen a disappointing campaign. Los Blancos face a trophy-less season after crashing out of the Copa del Rey in the Round of 16 and suffering a quarter-final exit in the UEFA Champions League. In LaLiga, they trail leaders Barcelona by eleven points with only five matches remaining, making a title comeback highly unlikely.

Insider sources, including Guillermo Rai of The Athletic, reveal that numerous Real Madrid players are frustrated with Arbeloa’s rotation policy. The coach is accused of neglecting Spanish players in favor of the team’s star performers, regardless of their form on the pitch. This has created a rift within the squad, with many feeling that the manager treats certain individuals as untouchable.

With the season winding down, some players believe this is an ideal opportunity to give fringe and Spanish players more minutes rather than sticking with the usual starters. However, Arbeloa has continued to field his preferred lineup, further straining his relationship with the team.

Speculation is rife that Arbeloa will be dismissed at the end of the season, with Real Madrid already on the lookout for a new manager. Among the names linked is Jose Mourinho, currently at Benfica, who previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013. However, Mourinho has stated that he has not received any contact from the club, affirming that he still has a year left on his Benfica contract.

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team head coach Moses Aduku has expressed strong confidence that his side will achieve a significant victory when they face Malawi in the first leg of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier. The match is scheduled for Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, kicking off at 4 PM local time.

The Falconets advanced to this round after eliminating Senegal with a 3-1 aggregate scoreline. Malawi, on the other hand, secured their place by defeating Guinea Bissau 6-2 over two legs. The winner of this two-legged tie will earn a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which Poland will host in September.

During a press conference in Ikenne, Aduku stated that his team is fully prepared to counter Malawi’s strengths while exploiting their weaknesses. He emphasized that his players are determined to make the second leg a mere formality by establishing a commanding lead at home. Aduku remarked, “Every game is different. Yes, they scored six in their last match, but we have studied them and know how to neutralize their threat. We are aiming for a big win.”

The Falcons have been training intensively in Ikenne ahead of this crucial encounter, with the coaching staff focusing on tactical discipline and offensive efficiency. Aduku called on fans to rally behind the team as they pursue a World Cup berth.