Sports

World Cup Qualifier: Senegal, Morocco Into Next Phase, Nigeria Stumbles

Published

4 years ago

October 13, 2021

Editor

Senegal and Morocco are into the next phase of the 2022 World Cup qualifying series in the African zone.

Famara Diedhiou scored a hat-trick on Tuesday, to send Senegal into the final phase of qualifying.

The Teranga Lions defeated Namibia 3-1 in Johannesburg, taking them up to 12 points in Group H after four games.

Morocco also guaranteed top spot in Group I with two games left to play.

They beat Guinea 4-1 in Rabat, to ensure they will be one of the 10 group winners competing in the playoffs in March for five spots from the continent.

An 11th minute own goal saw South Africa beat Ethiopia 1-0 in Group G. The Bafana Bafana are top of the group, one point ahead of Ghana, who earlier won away in Zimbabwe.

South Africa travel to Ghana for their last qualifier next month.

Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring as Algeria reclaimed top place in Group A by beating Niger 4-0 away in Niamey. The African champions lead Burkina Faso on goal difference, with the two countries set for a showdown next month.

Last weekend, Nigeria exacted revenge on the Central African Republic with a 2-0 win in Douala, following a shock 1-0 loss at home to the Wild Beasts.

The Super Eagles now have a two-point advantage in Group C over second-placed Cape Verde Islands, who beat Liberia in Mindelo on Sunday. It could yet get down to the wire – a straight shoot-out between Nigeria and Cape Verde in Lagos.

The last two rounds of the group phase of African qualifiers will be played between November 10-16.

Sports

JUST IN: Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms Al Nassr’s Stay, To Sign New Deal

Published

1 week ago

June 9, 2025

Editor

Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to extend his stay with Saudi pro side Al Nassr and is even ready to sign a new deal.

According to Fabrizio Romano’s post on X on Monday, the Portuguese have dismissed rumours of leaving Al Nassr.

The post read, “Cristiano Ronaldo confirms plan to stay at Al Nassr by signing a new deal.

“My future? Basically, nothing is gonna change. Staying at Al Nassr? Yea.”

Recall that the 40-year-old on Sunday helped his national team to secure the Nation’s League for the second time four years after the Nation’s League was unveiled.

Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December 2022 on a record-breaking deal, has played a transformative role both on and off the pitch.

His arrival marked a turning point for Saudi football, drawing global attention to the Saudi Pro League and triggering a wave of high-profile signings across the league.

During his time at Al Nassr so far, Ronaldo has delivered impressive performances, scoring consistently and helping the club remain competitive at the top level. His presence has not only boosted the club’s visibility but also played a key role in the league’s growing popularity worldwide.

The announcement of his continued stay is seen as a significant boost for Al Nassr and the Saudi Pro League as a whole. It also signals Ronaldo’s long-term commitment to the ambitious football project unfolding in the region.

Sports

Brazil Star, Neymar Tests Positive For COVID-19

Published

1 week ago

June 8, 2025

Editor

Brazil forward Neymar has been sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19, Santos announced in a statement cited by Brazilian media.

The 33-year-old began showing symptoms on Thursday and was immediately withdrawn from all team activities. Medical tests later confirmed the viral infection, the Brazil Serie A club said on Saturday.

Santos did not specify how long Neymar will be out of action and did not respond immediately to a Reuters request for comment.

Neymar is already set to miss Thursday’s league match at Fortaleza due to suspension.

That Fortaleza game will be Santos’ final fixture before the Brazilian league pauses for the Club World Cup in the United States, scheduled from June 14 to July 13.

The former Barcelona forward’s future with Santos remains uncertain as his contract expires on June 30.

Limited by injury, Neymar has made 12 appearances across all competitions this season, tallying three goals and three assists.

Sports

Osimhen Rejects Al Hilal 5th Offer, Wants To Stay In Europe

Published

1 week ago

June 8, 2025

Editor

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has officially turned down a fifth offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, reaffirming his desire to remain in Europe.

In a post shared via X (formerly Twitter) handle, journalist Buchi Laba. Laba revealed that Osimhen has shut the door on any potential move to Saudi Arabia, regardless of the financial incentives.

“Victor Osimhen officially rejects Al Hilal 5th offer,” Laba wrote. “He has decided to not move there no matter the money offered. Case closed.”

Osimhen, who has been a subject of transfer speculation in recent months, appears to be in no rush to make a decision about his next move.

Sources close to the player suggest that his main priority is to continue his career in Europe, where he feels more competitively challenged.

“Main priority is to stay back in Europe,” Laba added, noting that “a top Italian club [is] very interested and other European clubs” are also keeping tabs on the Nigerian forward.

The 26-year-old Napoli star has been linked with several clubs across Europe, including teams in the Premier League and Serie A.

However, he is reportedly taking his time to evaluate the best sporting project before making his next move.

Osimhen was instrumental in Napoli’s Serie A title win in the 2022/23 season and also helped Galatasaray to a domestic double during his loan spell in Turkey last season.