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Leads United Manager, Allardyce, Names Okocha In Best XI

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New Leeds United manager, Sam Allardyce, has named Super Eagles legend, Austin Okocha, in the best 11 of players he managed in his illustrious coaching career, The PUNCH reports.

Allardyce was in charge of Bolton Wanders from 1999 to 2007, where Okocha also played from 2002 to 2006, going on to captain the side and hero-worshipped by fans of the club.

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Best associated with Bolton, Allardyce named Okocha in midfield alongside Fernando Hierro, Youri Djorkaeff and Garry Speed. A chunk of other players are also from Bolton as he chose Jussi Jaaskelainen in goal; Habib Beye, Ryan Nelsen, Phil Jones and Patrick Van Aanholt made up the defence line, while Jermain Defoe and Nicolas Anelka are his favourite strikers.

READ ALSO: Fans Knock Okocha Over €150m Claim

A two-time BBC African Footballer of The Year, seven-time winner of Nigerian Player of The Year, AFCON winner in 1994 and the tournament’s best player and top scorer 10 years later, Okocha is widely regarded as one of the greatest African stars to ever play the game.

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At Bolton, the Nigerian quickly endeared himself as something of a cult hero in his first season after joining PSG, before taking the armband in his second. Under Allardyce he scored 18 goals from attacking midfield in 144 games, although he is surely best remembered for his dazzling array of skills that thrilled fans and neutrals alike.

“He’s so good they named him twice! The Bolton fans printed some t-shirts with that on. Even the non-Bolton supporters enjoyed watching Jay-Jay Okocha,” Allardyce was quoted as saying by Daily Mail.

READ ALSO: World Cup: Jay Jay Okocha Predicts Winner Of England Vs Senegal Clash

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Sam Allardyce made an unlikely return to the Premier League on Wednesday when the 68-year-old former England coach was hired by Leeds until the end of the season after the relegation-threatened club fired manager Javi Gracia.

Allardyce’s last coaching role was at West Bromwich Albion for the second half of the 2020-21 season, when he failed in his short-term mission to keep the team in the Premier League.

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Enabulele Celebrates Edo Deputy Governor on Birthday

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The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has congratulated the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on the occasion of his birthday.

In a statement issued on Monday through his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele described Idahosa as a true democrat, a results-driven leader, and a high-flyer.

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You have continued to distinguish yourself in all your endeavours. Even as a young legislator, your impactful representation and laudable stewardship exemplify the true definition of a performer, earning you the admiration of many,” he said.

Enabulele further noted that Idahosa’s life is a testament to the importance of loyalty and respect, particularly in his current role as a supportive Deputy Governor. “You have stood firmly behind your boss, and that epitomizes true leadership,” he stated.

READ ALSO: Cristiano Ronaldo Officially Engaged, Set To Get Married

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As you celebrate another milestone, I join family, friends, and well-wishers across the globe in acknowledging your humility, commitment, and determination to ensure Edo State continues to rise under Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda,” Enabulele added.

He commended the Deputy Governor’s unwavering dedication to nation-building, his vision for a better Edo, and his commitment to advancing and safeguarding the interests of all Edo people, regardless of status or circumstance, describing these qualities as “worthy of emulation.”

We pray that Almighty God continues to grant you wisdom, good health, sound mind, happiness, and joy as you celebrate another year,” the statement concluded.

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Edo SWAN Felicitates Deputy Governor On Birth Anniversary

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‎The Leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Edo State chapter, has felicitated with deputy governor of the state, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on his birth anniversary.

A felicitation message jointly signed by Comrade Kehind Osagiede and Comrade Idahosa Moses, Edo SWAN Chairman and Secretary, on behalf of all sports writers in the state said, ‎”all of us at SWAN in Edo state are delighted over this milestone and wish that many more celebrations come your way now and always.”

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The duo, in the message, while describing the deputy governor as a man of “honour, candour and commitment to public good as you have aptly demonstrated in the task of sports and youths development in Edo state,” acknowledged his support and encouragement to the body since he assumed office.

READ ALSO: Use Edo By-election As Template For APC’s Victory In 2027, Idahosa Urges Residents

The message reads: “Your dedication to serving the people of Edo State and your insightful contributions to good governance is highly commendable

“‎Today, we celebrate a visionary leader who is propelling the sports sector to unprecedented heights.

“‎As you celebrate this special day, we wish Your Excellency good health and fulfillment in all your aspirations.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo Officially Engaged, Set To Get Married

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Georgina Rodríguez has confirmed that she is engaged to Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

She revealed this in a post on social media on Monday.

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Ronaldo met Georgina in a Madrid fashion store, and they have been together for almost 10 years.

The couple have two children together, with Rodríguez acting as stepmother to his other three children.

READ ALSO:Cristiano Ronaldo Pens Deal With Al Nassr Until 2027

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They have been repeatedly bombarded with questions over the years about when they would get married.

Georgina posted a photo of a large ring on her wedding finger and wrote: “Yes I do. In this and in all my lives.”

Ronaldo had previously said they were not married yet because the timing was not “quite right.”

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