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Euro 2024 Qualifiers: Spain Keeper Expresses Fear, Wants Haaland Tamed

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Goalkeeper Unai Simon said Spain must keep deadly Norway striker Erling Haaland far away from their goal on Sunday in an important Euro 2024 qualifier.

La Roja can book their place in Germany next summer with a win in Oslo, but Haaland and Norway stand in their way, desperately chasing victory to give themselves a chance of progress.

Manchester City forward Haaland was injured when Spain beat Norway 3-0 in March but scored twice on Thursday against Cyprus to keep his country’s Euro 2024 hopes alive.

If Norway fail to win Group A leaders Scotland would qualify, while Spain would then be able to guarantee their place at the tournament with a victory in either of their last two games.

READ ALSO: Haaland Set To Reign Over Europe As Man City Eye Historic Treble

“We see how decisive (Haaland) is in the box in every game,” Simon told a news conference Saturday.

“Any ball Haaland touches in the box could be a goal, whether it’s an aerial ball, a low one, left foot or right foot, he’s a born goalscorer.

“We’ll try to keep him as far from the box as possible, as far from our goal, and when he’s in our area, make sure he doesn’t touch the ball — he’s got an out-of-the-ordinary probability of scoring.”

Haaland took the English top flight by storm last season after arriving at Man City from Borussia Dortmund, netting 36 in the Premier League to break the competition’s all-time single-season record.

READ ALSO: Man City To Offer Haaland £500k-a-week Deal

The 23-year-old striker has scored 27 goals in 27 appearances for the Norway national team.

When asked about Haaland, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said his team would stay alert to stop the forward, and Norway’s other threats.

“We will try to be at our best, to go out there with total concentration to contain the opponent’s attacks,” said the coach.

“(Haaland) is a specialist in dynamic attacking but I’m very happy with the work of our centre-backs, we’ll try to counter these characteristics — not just of Haaland but other dangerous players.”

READ ALSO: Tragedy As Truck Crushes Delta Man To Death In Wife’s Presence

Norway playmaker Martin Odegaard said he thought Haaland was the world’s best footballer earlier Saturday, but also highlighted his team have other assets.

“It’s true that Haaland is the best in the world, but there are more (players),” said Arsenal midfielder Odegaard.

“We know what Haaland is, but everyone has a lot to offer — we play as a team.”

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AFCON: ‘Nigeria Thirsty For Victory’ – Sports Minister Charges NFF, Peseiro

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December 6, 2023

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Minister of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh, has directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro to ensure the Super Eagles emerge champions in the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The competition will be held in Côte d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, 2024.

The minister issued the marching orders on Wednesday in Abuja at a meeting with the NFF and Peseiro to discuss strategic plans and preparations for the AFCON.

READ ALSO: 2026 WCQ: Super Eagles Disappoint Again, Settle for 1-1 Draw Against Zimbabwe

Enoh expressed concern about the Super Eagles’ performances, particularly given their slow start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

DAILY POST reports that the Eagles were held to uninspiring draws by both Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November.

According to the minister, Nigerians are passionate about the round leather game and are eager to win the AFCON after more than a decade of waiting.

“Our country is so passionate about football, such that amidst all other sports, football is about the only sport that has an entry in the nation’s national budget.

READ ALSO: ‘We Don’t Have A Team Yet’, Reactions Trail Super Eagles Disappointing Draw Against Lesotho

“That is how important football is because whatever happens to it happens to us as a country.”

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unflinching support for Nigerian football, emphasizing the need for rigorous planning and unified strategies in propelling the national team to victory.

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Transfer: Jorginho’s Next Possible Club Revealed

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December 6, 2023

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Arsenal midfielder Jorginho’s next possible club has been revealed.

As per Calciomercato, Jorginho is reportedly set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, with a return to Serie A on the cards.

The report added that Juventus are interested in signing the Italy international.

The 31-year-old signed for Arsenal from Chelsea in January of this year for a fee of £12 million.

However, Jorginho has not been used regularly by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

Jorginho is in the final year of his contract at Arsenal and is likely to leave as a free agent next year.

READ ALSO: Footballer Slumps During Training, Dies

His playing time has only decreased since Declan Rice arrived from West Ham United in the summer.

He had played in the Serie A before during his time at Napoli, where he made 160 appearances for the club.

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EPL: Aina Wins Nottingham Forest’s November Goal Of The Month

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December 6, 2023

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Super Eagles defender, Ola Aina has claimed Nottingham Forest’s November Goal of the Month award.

Aina won the award with his stunning strike in the Steve Cooper side’s 2-0 victory against Aston Villa at the City Ground.

The 27-year-old slotted home a powerful shot from outside the box in the fifth minute of the encounter.

It was the Nigeria international’s maiden goal for the Tricky Trees.

READ ALSO: EPL: Man Utd To Offload ‘Three Most Expensive’ Attackers In January

The stunning strike received 50 per cent of the total vote.

The full-back linked up with Nottingham Forest on a free transfer in the summer.

Aina has made 10 league appearances for the Reds.

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