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UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin on Thursday honoured Cristiano Ronaldo with a special award in recognition of his remarkable legacy in the world’s most prestigious competition.
Cristiano Ronaldo the all-time leading goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League.
Ronaldo’s achievements in Europe’s premier club competition – over the course of more than 18 years – were recognised during the inaugural 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 36-team league phase draw ceremony on Thursday 29 August at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.
The former Sporting Clube de Portugal, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward has scored 140 Champions League goals in 183 appearances.
He is 11 goals clear of Lionel Messi and 46 ahead of third-placed Robert Lewandowski at the top of the scoring charts.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the brightest stars in the UEFA Champions League constellation. His extraordinary goalscoring achievements in the competition seem destined to stand the test of time, posing a remarkable challenge for future generations to surpass.
“His sustained excellence at the highest level is a testament to his relentless pursuit of both team and individual honours. Over more than two decades, he has continuously evolved and refined his game while preserving a youthful passion for scoring and celebrating goals.
“His professionalism, work ethic, dedication and ability to shine on the grandest stage are qualities that football players everywhere should aspire to emulate,” UEFA President Ceferin said.
Ronaldo has finished seven separate Champions League seasons as leading scorer – more than any other player – spanning from his eight goals in Manchester United’s triumphant 2007/08 campaign to his 15-goal haul when Real Madrid claimed their third straight title in 2017/18. He also holds the record for most goals in a single Champions League season having found the net 17 times in 2013/14, including in the extra-time win against Atlético de Madrid in the final.
The Portugal forward has won the competition once with Manchester United and four times with Real Madrid – making him the first five-time winner in the competition’s history since 1992 – and is the only player to have scored in three separate Champions League finals (2008, 2014, 2017).
He also holds the record for longest Champions League scoring streak having struck in 11 successive matches from June 2017 to April 2018. Ronaldo has also scored an astounding eight Champions League hat-tricks.
The multiple Ballon d’Or and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year recipient is also the all-time leading scorer in all UEFA club competition (145 goals, 197 appearances) as well as the most prolific ever player in men’s international football (130 goals, 212 appearances).
CRISTIANO RONALDO’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CAREER IN NUMBERS
Appearances: 183
Goals: 140
Wins: 5 (2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
Top scorer: 7 times (2007/08, 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15*, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18)
Most goals in a single season: 17 (2013/14)
Longest scoring streak: 11 games
*Joint-top scorer with Lionel Messi and Neymar
The Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has made history by rising to eighth place in the latest FIBA rankings, released on Thursday.
This significant leap of four spots secures their position among the top 10 teams globally, making them the first African team – men or women – to break into the top 10 of the FIBA world rankings.
D’Tigress’ impressive performance at the Paris Olympics fueled their historic rise. Notable achievements include:
– Defeating Australia in their first game, securing their first Olympic victory in 20 years.
– “A brilliant performance” against France.
– Defeating Canada to become the first African side to qualify for the Olympic basketball quarter-finals.
Although they lost to the United States in the quarter-finals, D’Tigress’ remarkable display earned their head coach, Rena Wakama, the title of “best coach of the women’s basketball event.”
The top five teams in women’s basketball remain, United States (Olympic champions), Australia, France, China, Spain.
D’Tigress’ groundbreaking achievement solidifies their position as six-time AfroBasket champions and a force to be reckoned with in global women’s basketball.
Nigerian high jumper and national record holder Temitope Adeshina talks about her journey into athletics and the pains of missing out on the final of the event at the Paris 2024 Olympics in this interview with ABIODUN ADEWALE.
How did you begin your journey into athletics, and what inspired you to focus on the high jump?
My journey into the high jump started with the Baba Ijebu Inter-School Athletics Championships around 2014 and 2015. I made it from the inter-school level to the district level, where I was second behind Esther Isa. That was also where and when my coach, Kola Adebayo, discovered us. He said we were tall and asked if we were interested in training with his athletes. He gave us his number then, but unfortunately, I lost my phone and couldn’t reach him. After the competition, everyone went back to their schools, and I began to go to the stadium. I schooled in Badagry, Lagos State, so I only went to the stadium on weekends. I was training in the evening, and unknown to me, coach Kola Adebayo was training in the morning. In the absence of coach Kola, I met coach Adu, Ruth Usoro’s coach, and started sprint training with him. However, I was a bit lazy in that, and he told me he was going to introduce me to a high jump coach who turned out to be coach Kola. That was how I reconnected with coach Kola, and I began to train specifically in the high jump. From there, I went to more school competitions, and gradually, I started competing at meets and national events in Nigeria.
The Olympics have come and gone. What’s the greatest lesson you learnt from your first outing at that level?
The Olympics have taught me not to wait for anybody. You just have to do what you need to do because eventually, nobody celebrates failure. If you win, that is when you will be celebrated. Nobody wants to roll with a loser. That’s the greatest lesson I got from the Olympics, even though the will to merely make it there is what most of us take as solace. But for me, it’s one thing to be an Olympian; it is another thing to be an Olympic medallist. So, we go again next time in LA 2028.
What was on your mind when you stepped out to compete?
When I first stepped onto the purple track inside the Stade de France, I was like, ‘Wow, this is a dream come true.’ Of course, there are still many other dreams, but that was special. From the time that I qualified, throughout my camping and eventual journey to Paris, I had nursed the feeling of becoming an Olympian, and I felt it the moment I stepped out to compete.
The bronze medal-winning mark was 1.95m, and your season’s best, which qualified you, was 1.97m. How did you feel about that, having not made the final of the event?
After the qualifiers, I felt bad that I couldn’t reach the final. And believe me, I gave it my all. During the final, when I saw that the bronze medal winning mark was 1.95m, I felt bad all over again because my season’s best, which qualified me for the Games, was 1.97m. I got to my room that day and cried. Honestly, I tried my best because I had a very long season.
Overall, Nigeria returned without a medal, and some Nigerians will blame the athletes for the poor outing. How disappointing was that for you?
As much as people demand from us as athletes, we demand more from ourselves too. I push myself beyond limits. The Olympics come up once every four years, and it’s not even easy to qualify in the first place. No athlete will take the sacrifices involved for granted. It was a low moment for me and all of us.
How did you prepare for the games, and what were the challenges you faced?
I prepared so hard because it was a dream I wanted to fulfil. Before the NCAA nationals, I checked the rankings, and I saw that I was Paris-bound, being in 25th place in the world. So, I was like, ‘Let me give myself a breather from competing and focus on training for the Olympics.’ Weeks later, my ranking had dropped from 25 to 33. When I called coach Kola Adebayo, then he said if I qualified by rankings, Nigeria would not register me for the Olympics, so I needed to pick an automatic qualifying ticket so I would be sure of going to the Olympics. That woke my spirit, and there were just three competitions left before the end of the season; I was almost giving up on qualifying for the Olympics. So I went for the NCAA nationals, and the big jump (1.97 m) came, and it got me straight to Paris and became a new national record as well.
How does it feel to hold the national indoor and outdoor records in the women’s high jump?
Holding both records feels great. Coach Adebayo usually said if I believed in myself, it would happen, and it did. I was so excited because I wasn’t expecting the results to come so soon. I always knew the results would come too, and I am proud of my achievements so far. Last season is one to remember for me, and I always want to look back to my first season in the NCAA and derive the inspiration to aim higher. Thanks to God, that is how it has been, all thanks to my sports mother, Doreen Amata, and my coaches in Nigeria and college as well.
How is your relationship with the former national record holder, Doreen Amata?
Dorren Amata has been like a mother to me since I started the high jump. She bought me my first high jump spikes as well. From the first time I met her, she has always monitored my progress. She was very sad about my performance at the Olympics and called me on the phone as soon as I finished my event.
How has it been combining academics with competition, and how is the NCAA impacting your career?
It’s not easy. I leave the house as early as 7 am and am at school before 8 am for classes, practice, assignments, exams, and competitions. I almost gave up the idea of studying. The impact of the NCAA has been immense. Aside from when I was discovered in Nigeria, joining the NCAA is another big step in my career because back home, there is little or no facility. The high jump bed I used in training in Nigeria is like what they use in the room. Imagine landing badly on one of those; you will feel your body touching the ground. So, coming here is a big step that has improved my career. To God be the glory, I won about four awards in my first season as well, and I’m ranked 18th in the world. By the time I start competing again, the only way is up.
You once competed in the 100m hurdles. Why did you leave the event?
I didn’t abandon the 100m hurdles, but I had to stick to the high jump in school. My school even wanted me to run the 400m as well.
What are your targets for next season and other major competitions ahead?
Going to the Olympics is a great experience, and my target at the World Championships next year is to return with any type of medal. Any medal would do. The long-term plan is also to be at the Commonwealth Games in 2026 and the next Olympics as well, of course, as a medallist. In terms of performance, I had hoped to jump 2m before the end of this season, which ended with the Olympics, and I wish I did that on the global stage too. The target is to jump 2.05 m. I have 3 cm more to make 2m, and I will double the effort to jump 2.05m.
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Liverpool’s latest signing, Federico Chiesa, has explained why he joined the club as a free agent.
Liverpool officially announced the signing of Chiesa on Thursday.
The 26-year-old forward joined the Premier League giants on a long-term deal after his contract with Juventus expired.
Speaking after signing for Liverpool, the Italy international suggested that he joined the Reds because of the club’s history and what its fans represent.
“I’m so happy to be a Liverpool player. When Richard Hughes called me and he said, ‘Do you want to join Liverpool?’ – and the coach called me – I said yes immediately because I know the history of this club, I know what it represents to the fan,” Chiesa told Liverpool’s website.
“So, I’m so happy and I can’t wait to get started.”
[Dailypost]
Tino Anjorin has completed a permanent transfer to Serie A side Empoli.
According to a post on Chelsea Football Club’s website on Thursday, Anjorin, who first trained with Chelsea at the age of six, officially signed as an under-9 and progressed through the Academy at Cobham.
Tino signed his first professional contract in November 2018 and moved up to the Under-21s squad ahead of the 2019/20 season.
It was an impressive campaign for the midfielder, as he was handed his senior debut against Grimsby Town, made his Premier League debut against Everton, and helped the Under-21s win Premier League Two.
“Tino was involved in several match-day squads throughout the following season, making his Champions League debut and full Premier League debut, and then embarked on several loan spells.
“We would like to thank Tino for all his efforts while at the club and wish him well as he begins the next chapter in his career,” Chelsea Football Club added.
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Nigerian-born UFC star, Israel Adesanya, has revealed what led to his decision to become a professional fighter.
This is as he also urged aspiring athletes not to follow his footsteps but to create their own path and draw inspiration from him and other celebrated athletes.
Fielding questions when he attended a Celestial Church of Christ service in Lagos, the Last Stylebender said he started fighting as a way of looking out for himself.
The fighter, who was decked in Celestial garment in a video sighted by our correspondent online, said he decided to become a professional fighter when he realised he was good at fighting.
He also highlighted the roles played by his father, saying he wouldn’t have become a fighter without his father’s support.
When asked why he took fighting as a profession, he said, “That’s a long story, but for me, I was just standing up for myself. It was what it took to learn how to fight and eventually, I realised I was good at it and I took it as a career and it worked out well so far.”
Adesanya also claimed faith has played a major role in his career, adding that after preparing for fights, he also holds onto faith.
He said, “Faith is something you have to have in this life. You can’t walk by side, you have to walk by faith. Faith has guided me a lot through my life and not just my career alone.
“I just trust in myself and trust in the high power. I trust and believe in who I am and I stand steadfast in it.”
“I prepare for my fight through training, hard work, and sometimes, you don’t know what the outcome is going to be and you just have to have faith.
“Faith is something I hold on to in life in general and it helps me in all parts of my life and even in my career,” Adesanya added.
On his advice for aspiring athletes, the last stylebender said, “Don’t try and follow in my footsteps. I’d say create your path. Get inspiration from someone like myself and what I have done and use it to further yourself in your own life.
“I feel like people trying to copy what someone’s done right now isn’t worth it. If you’re inspired by what someone has done, take that inspiration and use it in your own life.”
The PUNCH reports that the Nigerian-born athlete, who arrived in Lagos last Wednesday, received a hero’s welcome despite his recent UFC 305 loss to South African fighter, Dricus Du Plessis.
He had also visited his hometown of Esa-Oke in Osun State.
Adesanya had also been spotted enjoying the Lagos nightlife as he hit a popular club on Lagos Island Friday night.
The mixed martial arts star shared glimpses of his outing on his Instagram stories, drawing attention from fans and celebrities alike.
Despite losing to Dricus du Plessis in a thrilling UFC 305 main event, Adesanya reportedly earned more than the reigning champion.
The bout, which took place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, saw Du Plessis successfully defend his UFC Middleweight Championship for the first time, forcing Adesanya to tap out in the fourth round.
The fight, which was the first-ever UFC title clash between two African fighters, held significant historical importance and generated substantial financial rewards for both competitors.
According to reports from The Sportster, Adesanya, a former two-time middleweight champion, was guaranteed $750,000 for the fight, while Du Plessis got $500,000.
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On a Celestical Mission ??? pic.twitter.com/S9alMfAaWJ
— Paparazi (@RadioPaparazi) August 28, 2024
Gernot Rohr has backed his compatriot Bruno Labbadia to make an instant impact with the Super Eagles, DAILY POST reports.
Labbadia was named Super Eagles head coach on Tuesday by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The 58-year-old will be the sixth German to manage the three-time African champions.
Rohr,who was in charge of the Super Eagles between 2016 and 2021 labelled Labbadia a very good coach.
“He’s a very good coach, I hope he’s well treated by the NFF and Nigerian fans,” the 71-year-old was quoted by SCORENigeria.
“He has experience in the Bundesliga, I hope he quickly finds his way in Nigeria, which is a different environment.”
Rohr will come up against Labbadia when Benin Republic face the Super Eagles in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie in Uyo on Saturday, September 7.
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has started training with his teammates at Atalanta despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Soccernet.ng reports.
Just like his compatriot Victor Osimhen, Lookman’s next destination has dominated transfer talks in recent weeks following his impressive performances for Atalanta.
The Nigerian attacker joined La Dea two seasons ago, and he has shone brightly. His stock rose at the end of last season when he scored a hattrick against Bayer Leverkusen in the final of the UEFA Europa League.
Since then, he has been linked to Chelsea, Liverpool, PSG, and some clubs in Saudi Arabia have shown interest in signing him.
Due to the numerous talks surrounding his future, Lookman did not participate in Atalanta’s first two Serie A games. For the past two weeks, he has been training alone, away from his teammates.
However, the talks have cooled off in recent days, and it seems like the former Leicester City man will not get his big move this summer.
According to Atalanta BC, Lookman has returned to training with the full squad, and that makes him available for their next Serie A fixture against Inter Milan at Stadio Giusseppe Meazza.
Lookman’s return to the team would be a big boost against a solid Inter Milan side at home. La Dea lost their last game against Torino, but Lookman has enough magic on his feet to help them return to winning ways next time out.
Italian football administrator Pietro Lo Monaco has criticized Victor Osimhen over the management of his transfer from Napoli.
Osimhen’s exit from Napoli is one of the biggest issues in Europe as it has dragged on since the end of last season till now.
The Nigerian striker has been superb for Napoli in the past three seasons and has attracted interest from a lot of top clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Osimhen has attracted interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, PSG, and Al Ahli, but the debacle has either been his personal demands, or Napoli’s price tag.
With his future still in the balance, Osimhen has not played for Napoli since the start of the season, missing their Copa Italia game against Modena and their two Serie A games against Verona and Bologna.
The issue has dominated the news in Italy, and football administrator Lo Monaco has expressed displeasure at the turn of events. He believes Osimhen should still not have excluded himself from Napoli’s squad.
“The market sets the price, it all depends on whether the president decides to accept or not. His (Osimhen) management has been a joke, it is inconceivable that a player would dare to refuse to play,” Lo Monaco said, per Calcio Napoli.
The transfer window will close in less than 48 hours, putting Osimhen in a tough position. His next destination remains unclear despite numerous speculations.
Nonetheless, a lot could still happen before 11:59 PM on August 30.
French Ligue 1 Champions, Paris Saint-Germain, are preparing a final bid for Napoli and Super Eagles striker, Victor James Osimhen.
Luis Enrique’s side, alongside Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, have been two powerhouses that have been linked with signing the former LOSC Lille man, but Napoli have not been budging during negotiations, as they’re keen on receiving nothing less than Osimhen’s €130m release clause.
Recall that Napoli had agreed to a £55m deal with Saudi Pro League side, Al Ahli, for Osimhen, but the 25-year-old rejected the offer, with his agent, Roberto Calenda, coming out to say the Nigerian still has a lot to offer in Europe.
As per Caught Offside, Luis Enrique has finally considered the option of bringing Osimhen to the Parc des Prince, with Goncalo Ramos’ opening-day injury forcing them back into the market.
According to a recent report from Gianluca Di Marzio, the French giants are preparing to make Napoli a take-it-or-leave-it offer worth between £42 – £50 million (€50 – €60 million), after seeing how little it took Conte’s side to agree on a deal with Al Ahli.
PSG’s offer is way below what Napoli want, and the offer will most likely be rejected, although the player has already agreed to personal terms with Le Parisien.
Since arriving in Naples in 2020, Osimhen, whose contract expires in the summer of 2028, has scored 76 goals and registered 18 assists in 133 games in all competitions, winning the Scudetto in the 2022/2023 season.
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New head coach Bruno Labbadia has confirmed a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Republic of Benin and Rwanda.
Nigeria will first face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September, before travelling to Kigali to take on the Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, 10th September.
For these fixtures, Labbadia has selected three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards. Notable inclusions are Orlando Pirates defender Olisah Ndah, former Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, and Taiwo Awoniyi.
William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, and Ola Aina, who missed out under Finidi George due to injuries sustained during the AFCON tournament, have been recalled to the squad.
AFCON 2023 hero Stanley Nwabali, alongside Udinese FC’s Maduka Okoye and Obasogie, will compete for the number one goalkeeper spot.
The players are expected to assemble in Uyo on Monday, 2nd September, in preparation for these crucial matches.
Here is the full squad list
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)
Former Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen striker Bruno Labbadia has been named the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.
The German-Italian tactician brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and as a manager, to a nation brimming with football talent but yearning for global success.
But who is Bruno Labbadia, and what can Nigerians expect from him? Here’s a deep look into ten key things you need to know about the man now charged with leading Nigeria to new heights.
1. A Prolific Striker in His Playing Days
Bruno Labbadia’s name might not resonate as loudly as some of the world’s top strikers, but his record speaks for itself.
Across a storied playing career in Germany, Labbadia netted 229 goals in 599 appearances.
His best seasons saw him score prolifically for clubs like Arminia Bielefeld and Bayern Munich, with standout campaigns including 29 goals for Bielefeld in 1998-99 and 21 goals for Darmstadt 98 in 1986-87.
This goal-scoring nous could hint at an attacking philosophy that might excite Nigerian fans eager to see their team play with flair and purpose.
2. Tactical Flexibility and Pragmatism
Labbadia has built a reputation as a manager who can adapt his tactics to suit the strengths of his squad.
Whether leading a team to survival in a relegation battle or pushing for European qualification, Labbadia has shown he can be both pragmatic and flexible. His stints with clubs like VfB Stuttgart and VfL Wolfsburg showcased his ability to shift between different formations and playing styles.
Nigerian fans can expect a coach who will tailor his approach to maximise the potential of the Super Eagles’ diverse talent pool.
3. Success at Top-Tier Clubs
Labbadia’s managerial career has seen him take charge of some of Germany’s most storied clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburger SV, and VfL Wolfsburg.
Interestingly, he led Stuttgart to a sixth-place finish in the Bundesliga and a spot in the UEFA Europa League.
While he has faced challenges, Labbadia’s ability to guide teams through difficult periods and achieve respectable finishes speaks to his competence at the highest levels of the game.
4. The Relegation Specialist
If there’s one label that sticks with Labbadia, it’s that of a “relegation specialist.”
On multiple occasions, he has been brought in to save clubs from the brink of relegation — a task he has completed with remarkable consistency.
Whether it was rescuing Hamburg in 2015 or leading Wolfsburg to safety in 2018, Labbadia has shown he can steady the ship in turbulent waters.
Nigeria might not be in a relegation battle, but the former African champions are far from being in a great place in the World Cup qualifiers.
Labbadia’s experience, therefore, in high-pressure situations could prove invaluable in the cutthroat world of African football.
5. Italian Roots, German Discipline
Born to Italian parents who migrated to Germany as Gastarbeiter (guest workers), Labbadia’s heritage combines the passion and flair of Italian football with the discipline and efficiency of the German game.
This unique blend of influences is reflected in his managerial style — a mix of tactical rigidity and creative freedom.
For a Nigerian team that often struggles to balance structure with spontaneity, Labbadia could be the perfect fit.
6. A Connection to Youth Development
Throughout his managerial career, Labbadia has shown a willingness to trust and develop young talent.
At VfL Wolfsburg, he played a crucial role in the development of players like Josip Brekalo and John Brooks.
His ability to nurture and integrate young players into the first team could be a boon for Nigeria, a nation with an ever-growing pool of young, talented footballers eager to make their mark on the global stage.
7. A Record of Mixed Results
While Labbadia’s managerial career has had its highs, it’s also seen its share of lows.
He has been sacked multiple times, most recently from VfB Stuttgart after a poor run of results.
However, his ability to bounce back from setbacks and land jobs at other top clubs speaks to his resilience and the respect he commands within the footballing community.
Nigerian fans should be prepared for a coach who is not afraid to take risks but who also understands the demands of managing at the top level.
8. A Focus on Defensive Organization
One of the hallmarks of Labbadia’s teams is their defensive organization.
He often emphasises a solid defensive structure as the foundation for success. While this might not always lead to the most thrilling football, it has proven effective in grinding out results.
For a Nigerian team that has sometimes struggled with defensive consistency, Labbadia’s emphasis on organisation at the back could be exactly what’s needed to turn the Super Eagles into a formidable force.
9. A New Chapter in African Football
Labbadia’s appointment as the head coach of Nigeria represents a significant chapter for him.
This is the first time the 58-year-old gaffer will be taking up a coaching job outside of Germany. It even becomes more challenging as he is arriving in African football for the first time. There is no cause for alarm, though.
European coaches have had varying degrees of success on the continent, and Labbadia will be keen to make his mark by leading Nigeria to continental and possibly global glory.
His journey from the Bundesliga to Africa’s biggest footballing stage is one filled with potential, challenges, and the promise of success.
10. Labbadia’s first hurdles
With Labbadia’s appointment being with immediate effect, the German gaffer will be in charge when Nigeria begin their qualifying campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations next month.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face the Benin Republic on September 7 before trading tackles with Rwanda three days later.
Labbadia’s first task will be to name a 23-man squad for those engagements over the coming hours and set a strategy in motion to guide Nigeria to positive results.
How the former FC Koln coach navigates the September hurdles will be a pointer to how he will be perceived in the Nigerian football space.
Cristiano Ronaldo said he might end his illustrious football career at Al Nassr, noting that the Saudi Pro League side will “probably” be his last club before retirement.
Recall that Cristiano Ronaldo made the move to Al Nassr in January 2023 after leaving Manchester United.
Earlier this summer, there were speculations that the 39-year-old Portugal international could retire at his childhood club, Sporting Lisbon, but with his latest assertion, that might not happen.
In an interview with Portuguese TV channel Now, Ronaldo said, “I don’t know if I will retire soon, in two or three years, but probably I will retire here at Al Nassr.
“I’m happy at this club; I feel good in this country, too. I’m happy to play in Saudi Arabia and I want to continue.”
Having netted 898 career goals, including 130 for Portugal, Ronaldo has expressed his desire to continue his international career, stressing that his involvement with the national team remains a priority.
“When I leave the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance and it will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but also a very well thought-out one,” he said.
“Right now what I want is to be able to help the national team in their upcoming matches.
“We have the Nations League ahead of us and I would really like to play.”
This means that Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be invited to Portugal’s games against Croatia on September 5 and against Scotland on September 8.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to receive a special award from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin in recognition of his remarkable feats in the Champions League.
With an impressive record of 140 goals in 183 appearances, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner holds the record of being the competition’s all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing notable talents like Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski.
Note that Ronaldo’s extensive trophy cabinet includes five Champions League titles, one with Manchester United and four with Real Madrid.
A former Nigerian boxer and first-ever Olympic medalist, Nojim Maiyegun has died at the age of 83.
A confidante, Rudolfine F Soultan, confirmed the death of the boxer in a Facebook post on Monday.
The post read, “My Jimmy died. I can’t say more about this right now because it’s just horrible. The day after tomorrow, we would have been together for 17 years.”
Maiyegun as per The Cable breathed his last on Monday morning at his base in Vienna, Austria.
Maiyegun was reportedly battling an unnamed illness for a couple of months.
At 23, he won Nigeria’s first Olympic media (Bronze) in the light-heavyweight boxing category at Tokyo 1964.
In the second round of the competition, he defeated Great Britain’s William Robinson in just one minute and 59 seconds.
He defeated Tom Bogs of Denmark in the quarter-final before losing to France’s Joseph Gonzalez in the semi-final.
Maiyegun and Poland’s Józef Grzesiak settled for the bronze.
Two years later, in 1966, he won another bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica.
Maiyegun left Nigeria in 1971 to begin a professional boxing career.
He fought 16 times and won 12 — 10 of them by knockouts.