Sports
Kagogi Young Stars Emerge Champions Of Kitoro IV Unity Cup
Kagogi Young Stars are the champions of Kitoro IV Unity Cup after beating Koro Young Stars 1-0 in the final to lift the trophy in Borgu, New Bussa, Niger State.
The maiden U15 grassroots tournament sponsored by ChatmyCause (CMC) Initiative was put together in honour of the Emir of Borgu, Muhammad Sani Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV.
No fewer than 250 players and 16 teams participated in the competition with the teams divided into four groups of four teams in each group.
After several rounds of hostilities in the group stage, Round of 16 and the quarter-finals, four teams qualified for the semi-finals at the end of a pulsating encounter.
The teams include Gbere, “A Academy, City Rulers FC, Kagogi Young Stars Karabonde, and Koro Young Stars FC.
Both Kagogi Young Stars and Koro Young Stars advanced to the finals after defeating Gbere ‘A’ Academy and City Rulers, respectively, in the semi-finals.
The third place match played on Thursday saw Abdulgafar Abidoka grab a brace, while Musa Dantalo added the third goal as Gbere ‘A’ Academy beat City Rulers 3-0.
The final match played on Friday lived up to the expectations of a mammoth crowd, which turned out in their hundreds to watch the thrilling encounter.
Koro Young Stars began the game on the strong footing and looked to assert their dominance early in the match.
But they squandered a lot of goal scoring chances, which came their way, with only the goalkeeper to beat on several occasions.
However, it was Kagogi Young Stars who opened scoring through Haliru Karabonde in the 18th minute against the run of play.
Karabonde’s early effort proved to be the winning goal after Kagogi Young Stars’ defence withstood a barrage of attacks from their opponents to emerge winners of the tournament.
NAN reports that the gold, silver, and bronze medalists received mouth-watering cash rewards courtesy of the Emir.
Lily Grace, the executive director of CMC Initiative, told newsmen after the match that the winners had also qualified to take part in a scouting programme billed to take place in Abuja from July 5 to July 7.
She said that as part of her Initiative’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a total of 50 of the best players selected during the course of the tournament and 10 coaches would be sponsored to take part in the U15 Scouting and Coaching programme in Abuja.
The Emir thanked CMC for providing children of the Emirates with the opportunity to showcase their God-given talent.
He said that it would go a long way to ensure that the youths achieve their dreams and become great.
The programme organised by Patoz Football Concept Ltd. in collaboration with Chatmycause (CMC) Initiative and OTP United FC, Finland is for youth academies across Nigeria at the Aguyi Ironsi Cantonment football pitch, Abuja.
Sports
Transfer: Arsenal agree deal with Bologna defender, Calafiori
Arsenal have agreed terms with Bologna defender, Riccardo Calafiori.
The Gunners offered Calafiori a five-year contract, which is valid until June 2029.
The Premier League are now in discussions with Bologna over a €50 million transfer fee.
FC Basel are expected to receive 50 per cent of the sale.
Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X: “Arsenal have agreed terms of Riccardo Calafiori’s contract, valid until June 2029.
“Arsenal and Bologna are discussing over fee, as request remains around €50 million.
“FC Basel would receive 50% of the sale over €4.5 million — they’re also aware of talks ongoing, nothing sealed yet.”
Sports
Transfer: Chelsea confirms deal for Chibueze
Chelsea have confirmed that forward Chinonso Chibueze has left the club to join Championship club Stoke City.
The Premier League West London club disclosed this in a statement on their website on Friday.
“Chinonso Chibueze has left Chelsea and completed a move to Championship club Stoke City.
“Good luck for the future, Chi Chi,” Chelsea’s statement read.
Chibueze joined Chelsea as an Under-10 from Fulham.
The 18-year-old moved through the age groups at Cobham and made his Under-18s debut during the 2021/22 season.
Sports
Copa America 2024: Ecuador sack coach Felix Sanchez after exit
Ecuador have sacked their head coach, Felix Sanchez after their Copa America 2024 exit at the hands of Argentina.
Sanchez watched as Argentina defeated Ecuador 4-2 on penalty shoot-out in the Copa America 2024 quarter-final on Thursday.
The encounter ended in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.
Ecuador striker Enner Valencia even missed a penalty in the 62 minutes during the encounter.
However, in a statement, Ecuador’s Football Federation (FEF) said: “We thank Felix and his coaching staff for their work and professionalism and wish him success in his future endeavours.”
Sports
Fit-again Ugochukwu pens new contract at Rangers
Midfielder Ugwuoke Ugochukwu has extended his contract with Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Rangers.
Ugochukwu signed a new deal with the Flying Antelopes.
The sensational midfielder has been certified fit to return to the pitch after a lengthy injury layoff.
“We are excited to have Ugwuoke Ugochukwu back on board for an incredible season ahead!
Welcome Canda!.” The club wrote on X.
Ugochukwu returned to the team’s training in March.
He is expected to fight for a place in the team next season.
Sports
NPFL: Rivers United keen to lure Awosanmi from Sunshine Stars
Rivers United are looking to sign forward Promise Awosanmi from Sunshine Stars, DAILY POST reports.
Awosanmi scored five goals and registered two assists for Sunshine Stars last season.
The young hitman is one of the promising strikers in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Sunshine Stars are expected to demand a high fee to sell the player.
Rivers United are looking to bolster their squad with quality additions following a below-par campaign last term.
The Port Harcourt club finished in a disappointing eighth position last season.
The club will be tinkered by former Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George next season.
Sports
Copa America 2024: Aguero suggests players to lead Argentina’s football after Messi
Former Argentina international, Sergio Aguero has named three players who he feels can take up the mantle of leadership once captain Lionel Messi retires from international football.
The three players are Julian Álvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez.
Messi is currently 37 years old and is heading close to his retirement from international football.
The Inter Miami forward is currently with the Argentina squad at Copa America 2024.
“In my opinion, our next leaders will be Julian Álvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez,” Aguero said in an interview with Stake (via Daily Mail).
“Some say Emiliano Martinez, but the goalkeeper’s roles are different, they have a different type of leadership. But I think that towards the future, those are the players.”
Sports
Euro 2024: UEFA confirms punishment for Bellingham ahead of Switzerland clash
UEFA has decided to fine England midfielder, Jude Bellingham, over his x-rated gesture after scoring in their 2-1 win over Slovakia at Euro 2024.
Bellingham has also been given a suspended ban.
The Real Madrid star made a lewd gesture after his dramatic late equaliser and insisted afterwards that it was an “inside joke”.
UEFA said in a statement on Friday, have announced that they have decided “to fine the English Football Association player Jude Bellingham €30,000 and to suspend him for a total of one UEFA competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct.
“Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”
England play Switzerland in the quarter-final on Saturday.
Sports
Alao wins Kwara United’s Player of the Season Award
Mohammed Alao has won the Kwara United’s Player of the Season award, DAILY POST reports.
Alao beat the club’s top scorer Emmanuel Ogbole to the award.
The midfielder scored six goals in 26 appearances for the Harmony Boys last season.
He was one of the top performers for the Ilorin- based club in the last campaign.
Alao was the link between the team’s defence and attack.
The player played a crucial role in Kabiru Dogo’s side escape from relegation.
Sports
Transfer: Chiesea to cost €25m, Arsenal striker joins Man City
Juventus are willing to offload Federico Chiesa this summer and will demand €25m for the forward.
New manager, Thiago Motta, has made it clear that Chiesa is surplus to requirements.
And football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X: “Juventus consider price tag around €25m with add-ons included for Federico Chiesa as current deal expires in June 2025, not being extended.
“Juventus are prepared to sell Chiesa who’s currently not part of Thiago Motta’s plans, as confirmed yesterday.”
In other developments, Vivianne Miedema has joined Manchester City after leaving Arsenal.
The 27-year-old, who is the all-time leading goalscorer in the Women’s Super League, joins as a free agent.
“The reason I chose City is because they have the same ambitions as me – they want to win the league and titles,” Miedema said.
Sports
Transfer: He’ll start pre-season at Napoli – Jones names two clubs that could sign Osimhen
Football transfer expert, Dean Jones has revealed that Victor Osimhen could start his pre-season at Napoli.
Jones said this while insisting that Premier League clubs, Arsenal or Chelsea could still make a move for the Nigeria international.
Osimhen had been linked with a move to the Premier League before signing a new contract with Napoli a few months ago.
The former Lille star is widely expected to leave Napoli this summer transfer window.
Speaking about Osimhen’s situation, Jones said as quoted by The Sun UK: “I still can’t shake the feeling that Chelsea or Arsenal will go in for him.
“It’s such a big moment to let pass you by when you have guaranteed goals staring you in the face. Osimhen is that man, but it sounds like he will be starting pre-season at Napoli.”
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