Sports
JUST IN: Ademola Lookman Ranks 14th In Ballon d’Or

Super Eagles and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has achieved a significant milestone, ranking 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings.
This was announced Monday evening in Paris, France by the Ballon d’Or organiser.
The Nigerian international, who plays in Serie A for Atalanta, received his first nomination for the prestigious award.
The 27-year-old forward delivered standout performances that placed him in the global spotlight. Following impressive contributions for both club and country, Lookman has been recognised as one of the top football talents this year.
READ ALSO: Again, Oshoala Nominated For Women’s Ballon d’Or
Lookman is also the overwhelming favourite for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, following his historic and remarkable Europa League exploits with Atalanta and his Ballon d’Or nomination, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Atalanta star made history as the first player to score a hat-trick in a European club competition final during his club’s triumph over Bayer Leverkusen last season.
Lookman’s nomination comes as no surprise after an exceptional year that saw him score 11 goals and provide seven assists in 31 Serie A games for Atalanta, making him the only African player nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Last year, Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen finished in eighth position in the 2023 Ballon d’Or award ceremony in Paris, The PUNCH reports.
Osimhen finished ahead of prominent players such as Karim Benzema, Jude Bellingham, Robert Lewandowski, and Mohamed Salah in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings.
He became the first Nigerian footballer to be shortlisted for the award in 24 years, with former Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu the last Nigerian player to receive a nomination in 1999.
Sports
UCL: ‘If You’re The Best Show It’ – Ramos Slams Lamine Yamal
Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain has slammed Barcelona stars, Lamine Yamal and Pedri over comments before their Champions League clash on Tuesday.
Before the game, the Barça players were in a bullish mood with Yamal posting a somewhat teasing message on his Instagram Story.
In the post, the young Spain international was seen sitting on a railing and wearing the Spain jersey, with the caption, “Pressure?”
READ ALSO:EPL: Arteta Gives Arsenal Injury Updates Ahead Of West Ham Clash
The best young footballer in the world went on to post, “I’m back and the mission is back too.”
His teammate, Pedri also echoed the confidence during the news conference ahead of the game.
He said “It was a tough game and we want to avenge that defeat,” he talked about PSG’s win over Barça in the Champions League final last season.
READ ALSO:UCL: Spurs Snatch Late 2-2 Draw At Bodo/Glimt
However, they were made to eat their words as PSG beat in front of their fans.
Ramos, who was one of the scorers of the goals told reporters, “We’re the European champions, I can’t say more than that. If you’re the best, you have to show it on the pitch, not talk.”
Ramos’ teammate Vitinha, added, “We don’t give a damn. We don’t care, we just want to play the match, we won, and we’re happy about that.”
Sports
EPL: Paul Merson Predicts Chelsea vs Liverpool, Arsenal vs West Ham, Other Fixtures
Former Arsenal player, Paul Merson has predicted the Premier League games taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Bournemouth will tackle Fulham at the Vitality Stadium on Friday night, while Manchester United will face Sunderland on Saturday.
Chelsea will take on Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, while Arsenal will take on West Ham United at Emirates Stadium.
READ ALSO:Dangote Group Agrees To redeploy Workers Sacked By Refinery
Brentford will tackle Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Sunday, while Everton will take on Crystal Palace.
Stating his predictions, Merson said via Sportskeeda:
Bournemouth 2-1 Fulham
Leeds United 2-2 Tottenham
Arsenal 3-0 West Ham
Man United 2-0 Sunderland
Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool
Aston Villa 2-0 Burnley
Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace
Newcastle United 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Wolves 1-2 Brighton
Brentford 1-2 Manchester City
Sports
EPL: Arteta Gives Arsenal Injury Updates Ahead Of West Ham Clash
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has given injury updates on his squad ahead of the visit of West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.
Arteta has not ruled out Gabriel Magalhaes, after the Brazilian defender was substituted late in their 2-0 win over Olympiakos on Wednesday night.
“We’ll have to wait and see after training,” Arteta said.
“We haven’t done anything today. I’m not too concerned about him.”
READ ALSO:EPL: Arsenal Snatch Late 2-1 Win Against Newcastle
The Spaniard also confirmed that new signing Piero Hincapie will be fit after the upcoming international break.
“He will be available after the international break,” Arteta said.
“We will do everything as fast as possible, but this one comes too quick for him.”
Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke still remain injured for the Gunners.
-
News5 days ago
JUST IN: ASUU Issues Ultimatum To FG Over Unresolved Issues
-
Metro4 days ago
ARISE News Broadcaster Killed In Abuja
-
News4 days ago
UNIBEN Bars 5000 Students From Writing Exam
-
News3 days ago
Benin Monarch To Tinubu’s Daughter: Do You Know Role Of Iyeki In Benin Culture?
-
Politics5 days ago
Edo: Chief Ben Bowei Sworn In As Vice Chairman, Ovia South-West
-
Politics3 days ago
Edo Assembly Declines To Confirm Ex-lawmaker As commissioner Over DSS Petition
-
Politics4 days ago
2027: Jonathan Will Contest Under PDP, Return To Aso Rock — Jerry Gana
-
Business4 days ago
Confusion Over Euro-Africa CCI’s $250m Investment In Edo
-
News4 days ago
Oba Of Benin Ushers In ‘Emorọ’
-
News4 days ago
Court Stops PENGASSAN, Others From Cutting Gas Supply To Dangote Refinery