Sports

Guardiola: Real Madrid Vulnerable at Etihad

Published

9 months ago

April 17, 2024

Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, remains resolute in his belief that his team possesses the capability to eliminate Real Madrid in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League clash at the Etihad Stadium. Following their thrilling 3-3 draw at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium last week, anticipation for today’s showdown is palpable.

In a recent press conference, the Spanish tactician emphasized the meticulous preparations undertaken by his team to overpower Real Madrid. Guardiola singled out key players, acknowledging the prowess of Real Madrid’s veterans, while expressing confidence in Manchester City’s ability to contain them.

He commented, “At his age, he feels pressure without a problem. I think he has a good mentality and is an exceptional player. We have to control him and take a look at what he does.” Guardiola’s remarks reflect a strategic focus on analyzing and neutralizing Real Madrid’s strengths while leveraging Manchester City’s own assets.

Despite the formidable reputation of Real Madrid, Guardiola maintained a stance of respect without fear. He stated firmly, “No, I don’t fear them. But I respect them a lot. I have faced them many times. I’m not going to talk great things about them and give you my opinion. I respect Real Madrid. And if I say I’m scared of them, I would be false.” Guardiola’s confidence and respect for the opponent epitomize Manchester City’s mindset as they gear up for a potentially decisive encounter on their home turf.

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.