Sports

Sizzling Showdown: Saudi Pro League’s Golden Boot Race Heats Up as International Stars Shine

Published

1 year ago

November 14, 2023

The Saudi Pro League is humming with activity after an opulent summer of moves, as high-profile players make their mark in the Middle East. In this feature, we dig into the enthralling race for the Golden Boot, spotlighting the spectacular performances that have lit up the league.

Leading the charge is the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, who has taken the Saudi football scene by storm with his stellar performances for Al-Nassr. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been nothing short of sensational, notching an impressive 13 goals in just 12 appearances. Ronaldo’s goal-scoring spree includes a memorable hat-trick against Al-Fateh in August and a crucial brace against title rivals Al-Ahli the following month. Adding to his prolific goal tally, Ronaldo boasts an equally impressive seven assists, sharing the top spot in the division.

Hot on Ronaldo’s heels is the Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who seamlessly adapted to Saudi Arabian football after joining Al-Hilal from Fulham in August. With 10 goals in 11 league appearances, Mitrovic has become an integral part of the current league leaders. His standout moment came in a thrilling encounter against Al-Ittihad, where he netted a memorable hat-trick to secure a priceless 4-3 victory.

The goal-scoring prowess doesn’t stop there, as Brazilian maestro Anderson Talisca and French star Karim Benzema are in hot pursuit, both tied with 8 goals each. Talisca faced a setback at the beginning of the season, missing four of Al-Nassr’s initial five games due to injury. However, the Brazilian has made a triumphant return to full fitness, making a resounding impact on the league.

As the Saudi Pro League unfolds, the race for the Golden Boot promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with international football icons showcasing their skills and making a lasting imprint on the vibrant football landscape of the Middle East.

Sports

Enyimba Exits CAF Confederation Cup

Published

4 days ago

January 20, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Njoku Chijioke

Enyimba Football Club has crashed out of the CAF Confederation Cup after a series of disappointing performances, dealing a major blow to Nigerian football’s continental aspirations.

Despite their status as one of Nigeria’s premier clubs, Enyimba failed to secure crucial victories, resulting in an early elimination from Africa’s second-tier club competition.

Fans and supporters have expressed frustration over the team’s poor showing, with management and coaching staff facing heightened scrutiny.

Enyimba’s exit leaves Nigeria without representation in the later stages of the tournament, a setback for the country’s efforts to enhance its football competitiveness on the continental stage.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), and League Management Company (LMC), are expected to evaluate the team’s performance and address underlying issues to avoid future disappointments in international competitions.

Sports

Can Chelle Lead Eagles to CHAN 2024 Glory? –Akuneto

Published

1 week ago

January 17, 2025

Admin

By Oluwamayowa Fakande

Former Nigeria international and Oldham United coach, Chukwuma Akuneto, has questioned whether Mali-born manager Eric Sekou Chelle can guide the Super Eagles to their first African Nations Championship (CHAN), title in August.
Despite finishing as runners-up in 2018 and securing bronze in 2014, Nigeria has yet to lift the CHAN trophy.
After missing the last two editions, the Super Eagles B team secured qualification by defeating Ghana’s Black Galaxies 3-1 on aggregate.
The 2024 tournament, hosted across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, will feature 19 teams competing for a $3.5 million prize.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group D alongside defending champions Senegal, Congo, and Sudan—the only four-team group in the competition.
While Nigerians celebrate the team’s return, Akuneto remains cautious about Chelle’s ability to deliver success.
“Our local league has improved in organization, positively impacting the quality of the NPFL, so I expect a strong performance from our players at CHAN,” he said.
On whether Chelle can lead Nigeria to glory, Akuneto admitted uncertainty but acknowledged the coach’s experience.
“I don’t know, but he is currently coaching in Africa (MC Oran of Algeria), so he understands the football landscape.
“His coaching and playing career suggest he is highly experienced,” he added.

Sports

Diallo Matches Solskjaer, Rooney’s Feat with Hat-trick Against Southampton

Published

1 week ago

January 17, 2025

Admin

By Oluwamayowa Fakande

Amad Diallo joined an elite club of Manchester United players after his stunning hat-trick secured a dramatic 3-1 comeback win against Southampton.
Diallo became only the third player in Premier League history to score three times in the final 10 minutes of a match, matching Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s feat against Nottingham Forest in 1999 and Wayne Rooney’s against Hull City in 2010—all as United players.
Southampton took the lead just before halftime through an own goal by Manuel Ugarte.
However, Diallo turned the game around, equalizing in the 82nd minute before netting twice more in stoppage time to seal the victory.
The win lifted United to 12th place in the league table with 26 points.