Sports

Van Dijk Says Becoming Liverpool Captain Would Be ‘An Honour’

Published

2 years ago

July 29, 2023

Virgil van Dijk said Saturday he was confident that Liverpool’s players will step up to fill the void left by Jordan Henderson and said it would be “an honour” to succeed him as captain.

England midfielder Henderson moved to the Saudi Pro League this week and Dutch defender Van Dijk, who has worn the arm band before, is widely tipped to take over as skipper

“Obviously he’s going to be a big miss for us as a player and definitely as a leader and a captain, someone who’s so important for us and successful at the club over the last years,” Van Dijk said in Singapore, where Liverpool face Leicester City on Sunday.

Henderson, James Milner and Roberto Firmino have all departed this summer, but Van Dijk says others in the squad will make up for it when it comes to leadership.

“Definitely we have a lot of players who can take that responsibility and have to take that responsibility, so I am confident that will happen,” Van Dijk, 32, added.

While he didn’t want to say too much about Henderson’s replacement as captain, Van Dijk was clear about what it would mean to him if he was asked to take the arm band permanently.

“Obviously I have captained the side multiple times over the last couple of years and it’s always a proud moment to do that. We’ll see what the future brings but it would be a huge honour to captain the side.”

Van Dijk is expected to lead Jurgen Klopp’s team against Leicester, but Klopp was giving little away beyond that.

“I know my decision already but I have to tell it first to the players… before I speak in public about it,” said the German.

“It’s an important decision but more important is the general leadership group we create. It’s a big change for us.”

Klopp remained optimistic despite the changes.

“Things have to change at some point, that’s clear as you can’t expect things to go on without any changes or developments,” he said.

“I can see a lot of positive signs in training and the games as well. The boys understand the situation and I’m really happy about that.”

Sports

Enabulele Hails Edo-born Athletes’ International Feats

Published

1 day ago

June 19, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has expressed delight over the outstanding performance of Edo athletes representing Nigeria on the international stage.

Enabulele, while describing the athletes as worthy ambassadors of the state and the country in general, singled out the impressive participation of seven Edo kickboxing athletes in Team Nigeria at the African Union Kickboxing Championship in Cameroon.

In a congratulatory message signed by his media aide, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele lauded the accomplishments of Flora Ugwunwa and Christopher Michael, who clinched gold medals at the 2025 World Para Athletics (WPA) Grand Prix in Tunis, Tunisia.

INFO DAILY reports that Ugwunwa bagged gold in the F54 women’s shot put and discus events, while Michael emerged victorious in the T11 men’s 100m event.

He said: “The remarkable performance of the country’s para-athletes in Tunisia, where Nigeria finished second overall out of 42 participating nations with 10 gold, 6 silver, and 3 bronze medals, is highly commendable.”

The Edo sports boss, while recalling the impressive performance of Team Edo during the recently concluded National Sports Festival (Ogun 2024), where Edo kickboxers secured 20 gold medals, said the feat which earned many of them national call-ups.

Enabulele reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to grassroots sports development and consistent support for para-athletes and other promising talents who continue to bring pride to Edo State and Nigeria.

“I’m proud of our athletes. Flora, Christopher, and our kickboxing team have done exceptionally well. This is what we want to see—Edo athletes in large numbers representing Nigeria at global events,” he emphasized.

Enabulele added that the achievements of Edo athletes reflect the deliberate investments in sports development by the current administration.

Sports

Full List: Maresca No Longer Needs Nine Players At Chelsea

Published

2 days ago

June 19, 2025

Editor

Chelsea are preparing for another major squad overhaul this summer, with as many as nine players set to leave Stamford Bridge.

New manager Enzo Maresca is keen to trim the squad further, targeting players who no longer fit into his long-term plans.

According to BBC Sport, the Italian tactician has identified nine players who are now available for transfer.

The players reportedly on the exit list include Raheem Sterling, Axel Disasi, Djordje Petrovic, Armando Broja, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu.

Sterling and Félix were both omitted from Chelsea’s squad for the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Sterling, who spent last season on loan at Arsenal, struggled to make an impression at the Emirates and failed to secure a permanent move.

Félix, meanwhile, was on loan at AC Milan from January until the end of the campaign, but the Serie A club have reportedly decided against making the deal permanent.

Sports

NPFL: Go For Victory, Enabulele Tasks Bendel Insurance FC

Published

3 days ago

June 18, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has charged Bendel Insurance Football Club to go for victory.

His charge follows the official announcement of the commencement of the 2025/26 season by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Board Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye.

Announcing the commencement in Abuja, Elegbeleye said the season will run from August 22, 2025, to May 24, 2026.

He emphasized that maintaining a stable football calendar is critical to Nigeria’s improved performance in continental tournaments.

Reacting to the announcement, Enabulele commended the NPFL leadership for the consistency in scheduling.

The Edo Sports Commission Boss who spoke through his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, called on players, coaches, and the entire management of Bendel Insurance FC to approach the new season with renewed vigor and a winning mentality.

“We are aware that the league calendar has been stabilized. This means every club must be better prepared. For us at Bendel Insurance, this is a fresh opportunity to compete strongly, win games, and aim for the top. The people of Edo State deserve nothing less,” he said.

Enabulele also pledged continued support for the team’s technical crew and urged the players to maintain discipline, focus, and unity both on and off the pitch, he also appreciated His Excellency, Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa for their unwavering commitment and support in elevating the team.