Sports

NPFL Bars Head Coaches Without CAF B Licence

Published

2 months ago

September 27, 2023

Editor

It is now mandatory that to sit on the bench during matches, all Head Coaches of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs must possess the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) B Licence.

As part of its rollout activities for the start of the 2023/24 season, the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi announced that the requirement is part of the league’s bid to improve the quality of technical performance of the clubs.

“One of the areas of the league we seek to improve in the new season is the area of technical performance of our teams through the players and this can only be achieved by having competent Managers on the bench.

“For this season, we will only allow Head Coaches with a minimum qualification of the CAF B Licence to sit on the bench. This may be reviewed upwards next season “, Owumi told NPFL Media.

He said the measure is coming into force to trigger the Coaches to acquire trainings that will improve what they offer to players.

“The idea is to encourage our coaches to improve themselves through higher certifications by participating in reputable courses”, explained Owumi.

He described Coaching as one of the problem areas that the league must solve in order to grow the game and produce highly technical players.

The season is scheduled to kickoff on Saturday, September 30 at eight centres with the fixtures in Port Harcourt and Aba postponed due to continental fixtures of Rivers United and Bendel Insurance.

Both are facing Algerian and Burkina Faso opponents in the elimination round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

While Insurance were to face Cup holders, Enyimba International in Aba, Rivers United were to host last season’s runner-up, Remo Stars in Port Harcourt.

Sports

Why I No Longer Have Whatsapp Group With Messi, Neymar – Suarez

Published

11 hours ago

December 10, 2023

Editor

Former Barcelona striker, Luis Suarez has explained why he no longer has a Whatsapp group with his former Blaugrana attacking teammates Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Suarez, along with Messi and Neymar, formed one of the most fearsome attacking troickas in history during their time together at Barca.

During the ESPN Bola de Prata ceremony, the Uruguay international spoke about the Whatsapp group he used to have with Messi and Neymar (as per ESPN):

“We had a WhatsApp group, but Leo changed his number.

“Ney also changed his number. … They change all the time, so we lost it. … But we talk a lot individually.”

Suarez is set to leave Brazilian club Gremio as a free agent following the conclusion of the 2023 season.

The 36-year-old scored 26 goals and provided 17 assists in 53 games across competitions for Gremio.

Sports

EPL: Ian Wright Hits Out At Man Utd Star For Disrespecting Hojlund

Published

11 hours ago

December 10, 2023

Editor

Arsenal legend, Ian Wright has hit out at Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot for not setting up Rasmus Hojlund in the Red Devils’ Premier League 3-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday.

During the encounter, Dalot, who was played in by Antony in the 67th minute, opted to shoot from a tight angle rather than find Hojlund.

Hojlund, who is yet to find his first league goal, was in a central area and would’ve had a simple close-range finish if the ball came his way.

But instead of cutting the ball back for the Denmark international, Dalot fired the ball into the side netting.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Wright claimed Dalot’s decision showed a lack of respect towards Hojlund.

Wright said: “It was for me, when I saw that it was Dalot, and at 1-0, we are talking about Hojlund’s come on now and he wants his chance.

“This is good play from them. He gets in, he’s got to square this. He’s got to square it to him.”

He continued, “I think the total lack of respect for him. Look, he’s had a shot from the most ridiculous angle.

“He’s upset with himself. But he doesn’t even look for Hojlund, has a ridiculous shot. And Bournemouth score a minute later. Hojlund, he’s got to be pulling him up in the dressing room about that.”

Sports

EPL: Why Everton Beat Us 2-0 – Cheslea Coach, Pochettino Opens Up

Published

12 hours ago

December 10, 2023

Editor

Chelsea head coach, Mauricio Pochettino has suggested why his team lost 2-0 against Everton in Sunday’s Premier League tie.

Pochettino watched as two goals from Lewis Dobbin and Abdoulaye Doucoure gave Everton all three points against the Blues at Goodison Park.

Speaking at his post-match interview after the game, Pochettino said his team lacked concentration during the encounter against Sean Dyche’s side.

“There are 11 players on the pitch that need to perform. The problem is why we arrive in this situation, it is difficult to explain,” Pochettino said.

“We know why we are dealing with this. Newcastle lose 3-0 and Everton was much better and credit for Everton but today I think we were better than Everton and we feel disappointed and frustrated.

“It is not only to dominate and play well but we cannot show this lack of concentration. We were punished too much today, too many positive things, I know it is difficult to talk about positive things in the position.”

Chelsea have now dropped to 12th position on the Premier League table after the defeat against Everton.