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Rooney Quits As Derby Manager

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Former Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney has resigned as manager of troubled Derby as the club prepare for their first season in the third tier for 36 years.

Rooney was unable to keep Derby in the Championship last season after the crisis-torn club were hit by a 21-point deduction as punishment for financial issues.

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In his first managerial role, Rooney impressively kept Derby in contention to avoid relegation into the final weeks of the season.

READ ALSO: EPL: Details of Arsenal’s Contract Offer For Gabriel Jesus Revealed

That valiant effort had suggested the 36-year-old would be able to lead Derby to promotion from League One next season.

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But with Derby remaining in administration throughout a turbulent close-season, Rooney has opted to quit the Rams with the new campaign starting on July 30.

Wayne Rooney has today informed Derby County Football Club that he wishes to be relieved of his duties as first team manager with immediate effect,” a club statement said.

Rooney, Manchester United and England’s all-time leading scorer, took charge at Derby in 2020 and had a year to run on his contract.

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The former England captain was linked with an emotional return to Everton as manager last season after earning widespread praise for his work at Derby.

“Over the course of the summer I have been closely following developments regarding the ownership of Derby County,” he said.

“Today I met with the administrators to inform them of my decision that it was time for me to leave the club. In fairness to them, they tried tremendously hard to change my decision but my mind was made up.

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“My time at the club has been a rollercoaster of emotions, both highs and lows, but I have to say that I have enjoyed the challenge.”

Fears over Derby’s future increased last week when American businessman Chris Kirchner withdrew his offer to buy the club.

But the sale of Pride Park to a local property developer David Clowes, who hopes to complete a takeover, has eased concerns that the club could go bust.

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READ ALSO: FIFA Sets To Replace Throw-ins With Kick-ins, Arsene Wenger Reacts

Regardless of the potential for new ownership, Rooney felt Derby would benefit from the new energy of a manager not worn down by the relentless negativity surrounding the club.

“Personally, I feel the club now needs to be led by someone with fresh energy and not affected by the events that have happened over the last 18 months,” he said.

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“I will remember my time at Derby with great pride and affection and would like to thank all my staff, players and of course the fans for their incredible support.

“I will never forget you and hope to see you all again in the near future and in happier times.”

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PHOTO: Okocha Hosts Ex-coach Clemens Westerhof In Lagos

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Nigerian football icon Jay-Jay Okocha recently hosted his former Super Eagles coach, Clemens Westerhof, at his Lagos home.

Westerhof, who posted photos from the visit on Instagram on Friday, called it an “unforgettable night of my life” and thanked Okocha for his warm hospitality.

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Westerhof, a Dutch national, managed the Nigerian national team from 1989 to 1994.

READ ALSO:AFCON 2021: Jay Jay Okocha Names One Player Nigeria Didn’t Miss

Under his leadership, the Super Eagles won their second Africa Cup of Nations title in 1994 and made their FIFA World Cup debut the same year, impressively topping a group that included Argentina, Bulgaria, and Greece.

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Okocha made his national team debut during Westerhof’s tenure and later became one of Nigeria’s most iconic footballers.

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Transfer: Atalanta Hold Lookman Back From Inter Milan Move

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Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has again told his Italian side, Atalanta, about his desire to leave this summer.

The camp of the Super Eagles’ forward conveyed the player’s decision to the club on Tuesday after Inter presented a written proposal of €42m plus €3m add-ons.

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Atalanta are insisting on €50m valuation for the Nigerian international and there is no green light to the move as of now, according to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano.

READ ALSO:Inter Milan Give Deadline For Ademola Lookman Deal, With Transfer On Verge Of Collapse

Meanwhile, as earlier reported, Lookman’s international teammate, Victor Osimhen will land in Istanbul on Wednesday with medical scheduled for Thursday at Galatasaray.

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Meanwhile, Álvaro Morata has been waiting for Osimhen’s arrival so as to leave the club and did not train with the team on Tuesday. The Spaniard wants to join Italian side, Como.

Ronano reports that Morata has no intention to stay at Galatasaray and is only keen on the Como move.

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‘She Has Placed Edo On Global E-Sports Map’ – Enabulele Celebrates Bezi On New GWR Feat

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Edo State Sports Commission has applauded Bolade Bezi for her remarkable achievement in setting a new Guinness World Record in E-Sports.

Bezi completed an extraordinary marathon of 57 hours, 10 minutes, and 5 seconds playing the popular video game “God of War”.

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The feat was officially recognized during a ceremony held at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, expressed admiration for Bezi’s resilience and groundbreaking accomplishment.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele congratulated Bezi and praised her determination, focus, and passion for E-Sports.

READ ALSO: WAFCON Final: Super Falcons Produce Stunning Comeback To Defeat Morocco, Win 10th Title

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“I must celebrate Bolade Bezi for her commitment and dedication to setting this new world record.

“Since the event commenced on Friday, she has demonstrated unwavering resilience and passion for E-Sports,” Enabulele said.

He noted that the officially recorded gameplay time was 49 hours, 0 minutes, and 14 seconds, surpassing the previous record set by Peer Bresser and Jimmie Smets in Cologne, Germany, on November 8–9, 2017, which stood at 24 hours, 15 minutes.

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“Bolade Bezi’s accomplishment in achieving the longest video game marathon in the hack-and-slash genre is truly commendable. She has not only shattered the previous record but also placed Edo State on the global E-Sports map,” he added.

READ ALSO: Edo Commits To Sports Development, Grassroots Talent Discovery – Enabulele

Enabulele emphasized that the milestone is a source of immense pride for Edo State and Nigeria.

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He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting youth engagement in constructive ventures like E-Sports, which he described as powerful tools for personal growth and social development.

This achievement aligns perfectly with our vision to inspire and empower our youth, steering them away from social vices and toward meaningful pursuits. It reflects the aspirations of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for sports development in Edo State,” he stated.

READ ALSO: FRSC Lacks Power To Seize Drivers’ Licences, Vehicles, Court Rules

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In her remarks, Bezi, a clinical physiologist, said her motivation for undertaking the intense marathon was to raise awareness about mental health, particularly depression and anxiety—two of the most widespread mental health issues today.

“This challenge was physically and mentally demanding. Sleep deprivation was the biggest obstacle, but I am grateful to God for making it possible. We are also using this platform to show that E-Sports is a viable and growing sport in Edo State,” she said.

Bezi expressed deep appreciation to Enabulele and the leadership of the Edo E-Sports Association, led by Ovebedaro Dean Bezi, for their unwavering support throughout her journey.

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