TIG Post

Author: Abigail Ampofo

  • Pedri to miss Barcelona’s Copa del Rey semifinal matchup against Real Madrid due to injury

    Pedri to miss Barcelona’s Copa del Rey semifinal matchup against Real Madrid due to injury

    After the international break, a source has told ESPN that Barcelona midfielder Pedri won’t be ready to play against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinal.

    The 20-year-old Pedri hasn’t played since tearing his hamstring against Manchester United on February 16 in the Europa League, but there was optimism that he would play against Real Madrid in LaLiga last weekend.

    He started group training again on Thursday, but Friday’s session did not feel right, so Barca chose not to press the matter.

    There is no set timetable for how long he will be out, but there is no urgency to have him back given that Barca leads LaLiga by 12 points after beating Madrid 2-1 on Sunday.

    A source told ESPN that it could be “three to four weeks” before he returns, which rules him out of the Copa Clasico on April 5. Barca go into that fixture at Camp Nou with a 1-0 lead from the first leg.

    Pedri’s aim is to be back before the end of the season and to be able celebrate a potential first LaLiga title for Barca since 2019 — and his first as a player — on the pitch alongside his teammates.

    The Spain international also has an eye on the Copa del Rey final in May, if Barca can get past Madrid in the semifinal, and the UEFA Nations League Final Four in June, with Luis de la Fuente’s side facing Italy in the semifinal.

    Barca also have fitness doubts over Ousmane Dembele, Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong ahead of April’s Clasico.

    Dembele has not played since injuring his thigh at the end of January but is expected to return at some point early next month.

    Araujo and De Jong both ended Sunday’s win over Madrid with minor issues which have forced them to drop out of upcoming matches with Uruguay and the Netherlands respectively.

    However, both hope to be ready to face Elche on April 1 after the international break, with Madrid due at Camp Nou four days later for the third Clasico in a month.

    Barca won the previous two and have now won three in a row in all competitions — including their Super Cup victory in Saudi Arabia in January — for the first time since 2011-12.

  • Clive Barker, the 1996 AFCON winner’s health is deteriorating, according to his son

    Clive Barker, the 1996 AFCON winner’s health is deteriorating, according to his son

    If some of Manchester United’s transfer targets are signed this summer, the team may undergo significant changes.

    Under the direction of Erik ten Hag, United has had arguably a successful season. In February, the Dutchman gave the team its first trophy in nearly seven years.

    The Europa League is one of two more trophies that the Red Devils are still in the running for.

    Victory in the Premier League game between Manchester United and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford is celebrated by Erik ten Hag.

    Sport24 reported last week that the 78-year-old Barker was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, which affects a person’s thinking, reasoning and processing of information.

    His last coaching job was at Maritzburg United in the 2015-16 Premier Soccer League season. The entire interview can be listened to hear.

    Hugo Broos blasts Andile Jali

    It does not matter who you are, but when it comes to criticism from Hugo Broos, you are not safe.

    This time it was Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Andile Jali’s turn, to face criticism by Bafana Bafana’s Belgian coach.

    Touching on the allegations that he arrived drunk at a practice not long ago, the Sunday World reported that Broos did not pull any punches.

    Broos lays into Chiefs and Pirates

    It is no secret that Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are mediocre outfits at the moment.

    This is as Mamelodi Sundowns tightens its stranglehold on football in South Africa. Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos has expressed his annoyance with the Soweto giants for their slide into near irrelevance, suggesting that it was undermining the national team’s ambition to return to the top.

  • See how Man Utd could like next season with Osimhen, Mitoma, and Bellingham

    See how Man Utd could like next season with Osimhen, Mitoma, and Bellingham

    If some of Manchester United’s transfer targets are signed this summer, the team may undergo significant changes.

    Under the direction of Erik ten Hag, United has had arguably a successful season. In February, the Dutchman gave the team its first trophy in nearly seven years.

    The Europa League is one of two more trophies that the Red Devils are still in the running for.

    Victory in the Premier League game between Manchester United and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford is celebrated by Erik ten Hag.

    Be that as it may, Ten Hag is understood to be keen on strengthening his squad further this summer to help him challenge for more trophies next season.

    According to Metro UK, United are looking to sign a prolific striker and have Napoli’s Victor Osimhen top on their shortlist.

    The Old Trafford dwellers are also expected to add a central midfielder within their ranks to partner Casemiro.

    United had initially touted Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong for the role, but The Sun claims Borussia Dortmund ace Jude Bellingham is now a top priority.

    Ten Hag is also likely to move for a right winger following Antony’s struggles since his arrival from Ajax.

    Man United possible starting XI

    Should Man United seal the three transfers, we are likely to see a much changed United team from next season.

    David de Gea is expected to continue guarding the net next season, with the long-serving United shot stopper in line to renew his contract at Old Trafford.

    Having already been frozen out of the starting XI, Harry Maguire may have to settle for a place on the bench should he continue at the club, with Ten Hag possibly continuing with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez at the heart of his defence.

    Diogo Dalot has been touted as the long term right-back at the Theatre of Dreams, leaving Wan-Bissaka staring at a bleak future with the club.

    How Man United could line up next season with Osimhen, Mitoma, and Bellingham.

    Photo: buildlineup.com. Source: UGC

    That said, Dalot is likely to be partnered with Luke Shaw on either flank of the backline, with Tyrell Malacia acting as Shaw’s backup in left-back.

    In the event United snaps up Bellingham from Dortmund, the Englishman is likely to team up with Casemiro in midfield, with Bruno Fernandes keeping his place as the club’s No.10.

    Mitoma would obviously slot in for Antony on the right wing, with Marcus Rashford continuing on the left.

    Such a scenario would then see Osimhen drafted into the attack to lead Man United’s goal hunt.

    Napoli name Osimhen price tag

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Napoli have reportedly set the asking price for the club’s top marksman, Victor Osimhen.

    Osimhen has courted interest from a number of top clubs across Europe after an impressive season with the Italian club.

    Manchester United are among the clubs believed to be keen on the services of the Nigerian international.

    While Napoli are said not to be willing to part company with Osimhen, fresh reports indicate the Italian giants would only listen to offers in the region of €150 million.

  • Teammates tease Saka for relationship with Kim Kardashian

    Teammates tease Saka for relationship with Kim Kardashian

    Declan Rice, a star for West Ham, immediately made fun of Bukayo Saka, an Arsenal star who gained notoriety for his FaceTime call with socialite Kim Kardashian’s son Saint West.

    On March 16, when Sporting Lisbon of Portugal defeated Arsenal on penalties to send the Portuguese team through to the quarterfinals of the competition, Saka was a key member of the Arsenal team.

    Kim Kardashian and her son Saint West, who is said to be an avid Arsenal supporter, were among the spectators at the Emirates on Thursday.

    When Saka’s turn came to take a penalty in the shootout, Kim K only pulled out her phone to record.

    In the wake of the defeat, Saka called Saint on Facetime, and the interaction was captured on video by Saint’s superstar mom, as reported on The Sun.

    Saka reported for international duty as he linked up with his England teammates, including Declan Rice, who wasted no time to reference the Kim Kardashian incident.

    In a video by Bleacher Report that is going viral on social media, Rice is seen greeting Saka before declaring:

    “He’s been on FaceTime with Kim Kardashian bruv, he doesn’t want us anymore.” Saka, who saw the funny side to it, hit back with “Do you want me to say hello to you or not?”

    Rice then smiles before finally embracing the Arsenal man. “It’s good to see you my friend.” He said.

    Kim Kardashian watches PSG defeat

    Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on Kim Kardashian’s surprise appearance at the Parc des Princes to watch Paris Saint Germain take on Rennes.

    Unfortunately for them, PSG succumbed to a shock 2-0 defeat to the visitors as the likes of Lionel Messi were heavily booed by fans.

    Following the game, Saint and his friends were also able to meet PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe and pose for photos with the French World Cup winner.

  • City’s goalkeeper Ederson hints on Ancelotti becoming Brazil’s coach

    City’s goalkeeper Ederson hints on Ancelotti becoming Brazil’s coach

    The goalkeeper for Manchester City, Ederson, recently expressed his opinions on the possibility of Carlo Ancelotti taking over as Brazil’s new head coach after leaving his position as manager of Real Madrid.

    Months after Tite made the decision to resign following a lacklustre 2022 World Cup campaign, Brazil has yet to name a new head coach.

    Ederson claimed he and his Brazilian teammates have been talking about the possibility, despite the fact that Ancelotti and Real Madrid have both recently refuted rumours that they would take over as Brazil’s new coach.

    It's a big possibility - Ederson speaks on Ancelotti becoming Brazil's coach

    He said at a press conference;

    “I was discussing this with Casemiro, Vinicius Junior, [Eder] Militão. There is a big possibility that he comes.

    “Just look at his CV. We will know shortly whether he will be here or not. I hope we can have a new coach quickly. I feel the anticipation too because there’s too much speculation. Is it a Brazilian or a foreign coach? We are also living that phase of anxiety.”

  • Oleksandr Usyk leaves training camp, that is a another ‘off ‘ fight between Tyson Fury

    Oleksandr Usyk leaves training camp, that is a another ‘off ‘ fight between Tyson Fury

    The manager of the Ukrainian fighter Oleksandr Usyk has blamed the “Gypsy King” for the latest breakdown in negotiations regarding their unification superfight.

    The two fighters’ camps have been engaged in heated negotiations and social media teasing in an effort to reach a settlement and crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000.

    Usyk, the IBF, WBO and WBA champion, even agreed to Fury’s 70-30 split in the Brit’s favour and a date at Wembley for April 29 was provisionally set but, according to reports, “other material terms critical to the deal beyond the split” could not be agreed upon.

    After months of negotiations, provisions for an April 29 bout at London’s Wembley Stadium have collapsed, with the Ukrainian’s team confirming he has left his training camp.

    Egis Klimas, the manager of the WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight champion told ESPN that despite his client publicly agreeing to a 70-30 split, Fury continued making demands: “No matter how much Usyk compromised, he was pushed for more,” he said.

    Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 'is off' again as Ukrainian quits training camp

    Another British fighter in Daniel Dubois is next in line to fight Usyk should they be unable to revive the Fury fight.

    The 25-year-old Londoner won the WBA ‘regular’ title last summer after knocking out Trevor Bryan and defended the belt before Christmas.

    The WBA officially ordered Usyk to defend his title against Dubois in December but at that stage, it looked unlikely that ruling would affect plans for the undisputed clash against Fury.

    The WBA have since set a new deadline for 1 April for Fury vs Usyk to be made, with mandatory challenger Dubois waiting in the wings.

    Usyk’s promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, who has held major doubts over the fight going ahead in recent weeks, has welcomed talk of a fight against Dubois in England.

  • Ghana-Angola clash: Kotoko Board Chairman to provide ten buses for supporters

    Ghana-Angola clash: Kotoko Board Chairman to provide ten buses for supporters

    Asante Kotoko Board Chairman Dr. Kwame Kyei has arranged for buses to transport fans in the Garden City to and from the game free of charge in an effort to pack the Kumasi Baba Yara Sports Stadium to capacity on Thursday when the Black Stars of Ghana take on Angola in the 2023 African Cup of Nations match.

    Ten buses will be provided by the business tycoon so that spectators from Pekyi, Bekwai, Ahenama Kokoben, Abrankese, Obuasi, etc. can travel to the Baba Yara Stadium to watch the game.

    Dr. Kwame Kyei has already promised to provide 1000 Ghanaians with free tickets to watch the game on Thursday.

    The Black Stars will hold their final training session at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Wednesday ahead of the game on Thursday.

    Ghana will play Angola on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at Baba Yara Stadium at 1600.

  • Okraku-Mantey to contest Ayensuano seat the ticket of NPP

    Okraku-Mantey to contest Ayensuano seat the ticket of NPP

    Deputy Minister for Tourism and Creative Arts, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has announced his intention to run for the Ayensuano parliamentary seat in the Eastern Region on the New Patriotic Party’s ticket (NPP) .

    The stateman has joined a long list of figures in the arts who have decided to run for parliament by making this decision.

    Fred Nuamah, a movie producer, is looking forward to running for the Ayawaso Constituency seat on the NDC ticket (NDC).

    On the NDC ticket, Baba Saddiq, a creative director for 3Media, is also running for the Okai Kwei Central seat.

    Additionally, NDC candidate and actor John Dumelo has redoubled his efforts to win the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat.

    In an interview with Akwasi Aboagye on Neat FM in Accra, Mr. Okraku Mantey announced the choice.

    The founder and current CEO of Slip Mark Entertainment is Mr. Okraku Mantey.

    Lord Kenya, Kumi Guitar, Oheneba Kissi, Daasebre Gyamenah, Akyeame, and Adane Best are just a few of the Ghanaian musicians that Mark Okraku Mantey has collaborated with.

    Okraku Mantey began his career as a DJ at Joy FM in the 1990s and progressed to become the Programs Director for Hitz FM, both of which are owned by the Multi-Media Group Limited.

  • IMF Chief played the diplomatic card on the real economic status of Ghana – Sammy Gyamfi

    IMF Chief played the diplomatic card on the real economic status of Ghana – Sammy Gyamfi

    National Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC),Sammy Gyamfi, maintains that Ghana’s economy was in ruins long before COVID-19 appeared.

    The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Russia and Ukraine are to blame for Ghana’s economic crisis, according to the Akufo-Addo administration.

    IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva earlier confirmed that COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war had a negative impact on the nation’s economy.

    Sammy Gyamfi, however, claimed that the IMF chief was being diplomatic with the truth about the true state of the Ghanaian economy when he appeared on Citi TV’s Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu.

    He claimed that the IMF managing director massaged the numbers because he didn’t want to endanger the government’s efforts to restructure its debt as part of the bailout, hence the massaged facts regarding the economic crisis.

    The NDC’s National Communications Officer reiterated that the economy was broken before the outbreak of COVID-19.

    “The economy was worse before COVID-19 came in, even before COVID-19 our economy was broken. It’s not what the IMF or World Bank says, it’s about what the facts say. The IMF is like a doctor, doctors have a certain duty of care to their clients. They will tell you reasons for your sickness but in a diplomatic way and well-dressed manner”.

    He maintained, “right now that we have gone to IMF for a bailout, they are our doctor, and we are the patient. They will definitely not say something that actually reflects the reality, knowing that it can hamper the bailout and economic recovery programme we are seeking from them. They were being diplomatic. In diplomatic settings, it’s very normal. If you listen to what these external players are saying, you will be deceived. You need to examine things for yourself, before COVID-19 what was the state of the economy?”.

    Mr. Gyamfi asserted that the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be used as a justification by the government for the woes of the country slamming the government for spending money on wasteful ventures.

    “They [NPP government] had more resources to transform this country than any government since Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s tenure. Yet have wasted these funds on needless and useless ventures such that today they have very little to show for the unprecedented resources they had. These and many falsehoods were presented by President Akufo-Addo in his state of the nation address,” the National Communications Officer of NDC pointed out.

    According to him, the local currency had depreciated by close to 13% against the dollar before COVID-19 describing as false claims that the economy was on a good trajectory before the pandemic.

    “Before COVID-19, our cedi had depreciated against the dollar by close to 13%. That claim that we were on a good trajectory before COVID-19 is false,” he stated.

  • School feeding caterers threaten demonstration if government’s 2 weeks payment pledge fails

    School feeding caterers threaten demonstration if government’s 2 weeks payment pledge fails

    If the promised payment does not arrive in two weeks, the Ashanti Region school feeding caterers have threatened to protest the government.

    The caterers complained that they had gone three terms without receiving payment.

    On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, the impacted caterers surrounded the regional office of the School Feeding Secretariat and threatened to demonstrate on Friday.

    The caterers admitted to Abdul Malik Anokye of Rainbow Radio that they are having trouble sleeping because of their debt to their suppliers and bankers.

    They claimed that the suppliers demanded that they pay off all outstanding debts before they would supply them with goods.

    The caterers stated that if the government fails to pay them, they will take to the streets and stage a protest.

    Mrs Dodoo, the Secretariat’s head, assured the caterers that all outstanding arrears would be paid in two weeks.

    She pleaded with them to be patient and to expect payment in two weeks.

    Since then, the caterers have accepted the assurance and threatened to strike.

  • B5 Plus Steel company resumes operation after clearing GH₵20m out of GH₵42m debt owed ECG

    B5 Plus Steel company resumes operation after clearing GH₵20m out of GH₵42m debt owed ECG

    B5 Plus Company Limited in Tema, the largest producer of steel in West Africa, was able to continue operating after facility managers paid GH20 million to settle a portion of their GH42 million debt to the Electricity Company of Ghana.

    The ECG revenue mobilisation task force, which is headed by Laila Abubakari, Manager of External Communications, rejected a previous proposal by B5 Plus managers to pay the GHc20 million in installments.

    Laila Abubakari claims that despite blaming the economy and the exchange rate for their inability to pay their bills, ECG is also having the same problems. As a result, the company decided to start a one-month revenue mobilisation exercise in an effort to pay off some of its debts.

    The Electricity Company of Ghana has disconnected several customers as it embarked on a nationwide revenue mobilisation exercise which began on Monday, March 20, 2023.

    In the Volta and Oti Regions, ECG officials visited customers like Volta Serene, Abutia Stone Quarry, UHAS, and HTU who owed electricity bills.

    The company disconnected KFC for owing GH¢68,000, Ho Airport for owing GH¢63,000, GRA Office for owing GH¢55,000, CEPS training academy for owing GH¢80,000 and Ho Technical University for owing GH¢402,000.

    However, Ho technical university paid GH¢200,000 after crunch talks with the ECG and has been told to settle the arrears by end of March 2023.

    The exercise also saw some companies make payments like the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) which paid GH¢1 million out of GH¢1.4million.

    The company is set to visit Ho teaching hospital, and the National Communications Authority among others to retrieve about GH¢5 million within the Ho Municipality.

  • The death sentence of Rawlings that never saw light

    The death sentence of Rawlings that never saw light

    The young Air Force officer, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, was detained by the military following a botched coup d’état attempt in 1979.

    He was later publicly court-martialed and given the death penalty.

    It was meant to be his punishment for attempting to overthrow Ghana’s Head of State, General Frederick William “Fred” Kwasi Akuffo, but a stronger force, coming from the civilians, overrode the General Court Martial’s authority.

    The Supreme Military Council overthrew a democratically elected government in October 1972, in what has been called a bloody usurpation, and the young Jerry John Rawlings was given the death penalty.

    However, according to Robert Beckley 1, a retired Ghanaian soldier who served during the time of Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings,  in the 1970s, it took the words of the late president to save himself from being executed.

    According to the military veteran, Rawlings who was then being kept under scrutiny in maximum security, was also during the period, sent to and from court over the case.

    During one of such court trials, Rawlings addressed the court and explained his reasons for the attempted coup.

    Robert said that Rawlings gave his reasons for the attempted coup as something that was occasioned by the lack of supporting working tools for the soldiers.

    “He said that he attempted to do this coup because when he turned up at the office, he found that half the vehicles in his regiment; never mind the others, had broken down and there were no spare parts… the planes were not safe to fly because they haven’t got the right things and (all kinds of legitimate excuses) this was all going out and he found that some of the boots the soldiers were wearing, some of the soles were worn,” he said.

    Continuing to recount his memory of things, Robert Beckley 1 explained that at the time, there was a lot of fear in the barracks and among the soldiers because of how highly they admired Rawlings.

    He added that it was in those moments that Rawlings was broken out of jail, culminating into his successful attempt at the coup a second time, and on a later date.

    “And everybody was confused because he was locked up and people had given up on hope … everyone thought he was going to die; there was no way out because he was in maximum security – they take him to court and they bring him back and before we know it, in the early hours of June 4th, a mighty explosion – that was when they blew off the maximum security gates to get him out,” he told YouTuber, Aaron Ayiih.

    The death sentence that was handed him eventually became a point for civilian sympathy, leading to a military rule by the man who would later give Ghana it’s most-stable, democratic era.

  • ‘Are you crazy’? PSG’s Konate blasts Mbappe’s critics over captaincy credentials

    ‘Are you crazy’? PSG’s Konate blasts Mbappe’s critics over captaincy credentials

    Didier Deschamps, the head coach of France, announced on March 22 that Kylian Mbappe will succeed Hugo Lloris and Raphael Varane, who retired with a silver medal from the 2022 World Cup.

    Mbappe’s eligibility for the captaincy has been questioned on a number of occasions, but Konate called his teammate’s detractors “crazy” and said that Mbappe is an excellent leader both on and off the pitch.

    The Liverpool defender told Eurosport;

    “Even if I had a say in this, it would not change a thing. It’s the coach’s decision but I’m very happy. Honestly, Kylian deserves it. We’re unanimous on this. He deserves it with what he’s done at the World Cup and with PSG as well.

    Konate slams critics of Kylian Mbappe's captaincy credentials

    “He’s a very good leader, on and off the pitch. He’s a young lad who loves to laugh and have fun, nothing more. He’s a very good person. Some may think he’s arrogant. It’s something I was asked about in my club and elsewhere. To them, I say ‘Are you crazy? He’s so nice.’ Of course, he will be a good skipper.”

    Also responding to claim of Atletico Madrid star, Antonio Griezmann who turned 32 on the day of the announcement, reacting badly to it, Konate added;

    “I did not see him sulking at all. Besides, it’s his birthday.“

  • Mesut Ozil ex-Madrid, Arsenal player retires from football

    Mesut Ozil ex-Madrid, Arsenal player retires from football

    Mesut Ozil, a former midfielder for Germany, Real Madrid, and Arsenal, has retired from football at the age of 34.

    During his time with his club, Ozil won nine awards, including four FA Cups and the 2012 La Liga championship in Spain.

    Additionally, he played for Germany on 92 occasions and was a member of the squad that won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

    “It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions,” Ozil said in a statement on social media.

    “I’ve had the privilege to be a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity.

    “But in recent weeks and months, having also suffered some injuries, it’s become more and more clear that it’s time to leave the big stage of football.”

  • Watch Osimhen singing, dancing during newbies initiation into Super Eagles

    Watch Osimhen singing, dancing during newbies initiation into Super Eagles

    Victor Osimhen Napolian striker, was spotted displaying his moves inside the Super Eagles’ training facility as three new players were introduced ahead of the match against Guinea Bissau.

    The MKO Abiola stadium, where the first leg of the AFCON qualifiers will be played, has already welcomed more than 20 players, who have begun training there.

    Osimhen arrived on Tuesday night shortly after signing an endorsement agreement in Lagos, where he is now a Dettol soap ambassador.

    Osimhen was seen dancing to worship songs with his teammates in the video that was posted on Twitter, while Iheanacho was playing the drum.

    New Super Eagles players initiated

    The new players who have been initiated into the Super Eagles are Sochima, Bameyi & Aniagboso and they have also introduced themselves to other teammates.

    Sochima is a goalkeeper who keeps for Rivers United, while Daniel Kolocho Bameyi graduated from the Under-20 team to the Super Eagles.

    Chijioke Kingsley Aniagboso is a goalie and was with the Under-20 team at the recently concluded AFCON in Egypt.

    Super Eagles have won their first two games in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers and Peseiro and his wards will want to continue with their impressive performances.

    Osimhen started as a goalie

    Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how Osimhen has been doing excellently well this season for Napoli in the Serie A getting them goals.

    However, not many knew that the 24-year-old started his career as a goalkeeper.

    The Nigerian striker made this revelation while answering questions in a video interview where he made it clear that he was a goalie when he was young.

    Osimhen also revealed that there was even a tournament where he saved two penalties for his youth team in the semi-final of a tournament.

    The Nigerian explained that he later stopped keeping and then became a defender before he became a striker.

  • Your economy was ill before Covid – Sammy Gyamfi to Akufo-Addo

    Your economy was ill before Covid – Sammy Gyamfi to Akufo-Addo

    National Democratic Congress’ (NDC’s) national communications officer, Sammy Gyamfi, said it is a false claim that Ghana’s economy was thriving prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

    He indicated that the economy was beginning to show signs of weakness before the pandemic.

    His remarks follow those of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who noted in his state of the nation address (SONA) on March 8 that Ghana’s economy was doing well before the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war broke out.

    The managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to the president, even acknowledged that Ghana’s economy was doing well before the pandemic.

    He said, “I have said, and the Managing Director of the IMF has also said, our economy was doing well until covid 19, and Russia Ukraine war.”

    But speaking on the Big Issue on TV3 Wednesday, March 22, Sammy Gyamfi said “These are people who are allergic to the truth. Before Covid, the government was already spending recklessly.

    “Before Covid what did the government have to show for the borrowing? Before covid, the economy was nothing to wrote home about.”

    He further attributed Ghana’s problems to wastage and corruption by the government.

  • Karim Benzema has to be benched – Former Lyon forward

    Karim Benzema has to be benched – Former Lyon forward

    The 35-year-old played in Sunday’s El Clasico, which Los Blancos lost 2-1 to Barcelona in a game they needed to win at Camp Nou. 

    With 12 games left, Carlo Ancelotti’s team now trails the Camp Nou team by 12 points in the race for the championship.

    Despite Benzema’s outstanding performances during the previous season, which earned him the Ballon d’Or, he has faced criticism. 

    In the match against Barcelona, the Frenchman had trouble contributing because he couldn’t effectively communicate with his teammates.

    The ex-Lyon forward, who has 19 goals and 5 assists through 29 games this season, had 36 goals and 15 assists at this point last year.

    Meanwhile, Real Madrid correspondent Kiyan Sobhani called on Ancelotti to consider using Rodrygo Goes rather than Benzema given his current state of fitness.

    He tweeted: “Why the obsession with playing Benzema every second that he’s able to walk. Camavinga was one of the bright spots again, he should’ve been allowed to see the game out until the end.

    Rodrygo played with purpose off the bench. Deserves more. Starting XI shouldn’t be so unshakeable.”

    Karim Benzema surpasses Raul

    Karim Benzema can’t stop scoring for Real Madrid. The French attacker grabbed his 10th and 11th goals of the season against Elche and made a little history in the process, Sports Brief previously reported.

    Benzema has now surpassed Raul on the club’s all-time goalscoring list in La Liga.

    Benzema wins 24th Madrid trophy Karim Benzema has been crucial to Real Madrid’s success over the years, and he’s closing in on more history with the club.

    The French attacker is edging closer to becoming the most decorated player in the Spanish giants’ history, but one player stands in his way. With the addition of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy, Benzema has now won 24 trophies with Los Blancos.

  • Victor Osimhen refuses to discuss transfer talks, calls it a disrespect to Napoli

    Victor Osimhen refuses to discuss transfer talks, calls it a disrespect to Napoli

    Victor Osimhen, a striker from Nigeria, has downplayed reports linking him to Premier League clubs, saying it would be disrespectful to Napoli for him to discuss transfers.

    When asked to choose between Manchester United and Manchester City by a fan during a Q&A session in Lagos, the Super Eagles player revealed this.

    Osimhen has been associated with Manchester United for a while, and many fans have been calling for him to move to Old Trafford.

    This is a result of his incredible efforts this season for Napoli, where he has scored 21 goals and is leading the Serie A standings.

    According to the video spotted on Twitter, Osimhen explained that he won’t be able to talk again on transfer because he has to respect Napoli. Statement made by Osimhen ”I want to appreciate the person who asked the question, but I don’t want to talk about transfers because it will be so disrespectful to my current club.”

    Meanwhile, Osimhen is expected to lead the attack for the Super Eagles in their coming double header against Guinea Bissau.

    Okocha wants Osimhen in EPL Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how Super Eagles legend, Jay-Jay Okocha showered encomiums on Victor Osimhen, saying he has been impressed with the Nigerian striker’s performances this season. Osimhen is already set to etch his name into the football history books, judging by his brilliant form for Napoli, where he is currently topping the Serie A scoring table with 21 goals this term.

    His brilliance in front of the goal has made him a target of many clubs in Europe, who are reportedly preparing to table offers to the Italian club in the summer.

    Thanks in part to their lethal striker, Napoli have established a 19-point lead on the Serie A table and are in good position to life the title.

    Okocha stated emphatically that Osimhen has shown he has the qualities to excel in the Premier League.

    The former Bolton Wanderers midfielder added he would love to see his compatriot feature in the English league for Manchester United or even Manchester City.

  • Arsenal’s super defender, Takehiro Tomiyasu falls out of rest of season over knee injury

    Arsenal’s super defender, Takehiro Tomiyasu falls out of rest of season over knee injury

    The injury of Takehiro Tomiyasu has caused the Premier League’s top team, Arsenal, a devastating blow.

    This season, Tomiyasu has been a core part of Mikel Arteta’s team, contributing significantly to the team’s title-winning effort.

    After suffering a serious knee injury that required surgery, the Japanese defender will now likely miss the remainder of the season.

    The development was confirmed by Arsenal on Tuesday, with the club saying in an official statement:

    “Following his substitution during last Thursday’s Europa League match, subsequent assessments have confirmed that Takehiro Tomiyasu sustained a significant injury to his right knee.” “Tomi has had successful surgery in London on Tuesday and will be ruled out for the remainder of this season,” the statement continued.

    When did Tomiyasu suffer the injury?

    According to Metro UK, Tomiyasu picked up the injury while in action for Arsenal during their Europa League round of 16 clash against Sporting Lisbon.

    The Japan international slipped awkwardly and was forced off the field after just nine minutes of the continental tie played at the Emirates Stadium.

    The defender was later seen in a brace and on crutches when he left the pitch shortly after the match.

    Some of the matches Tomiyasu is set to miss are Premier League fixtures against Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City.

    Did ten Hag curse Arsenal?

    Sports Brief previously reported on Arsenal suffering two key injuries only days after Manchester United coach, Erik ten Hag called the team ‘lucky’ with availability.

    While being interviewed ahead of the Europa League clash against Real Betis, the Dutch manager compared the Red Devils to the Gunners in terms of the season.

    Some believe ten Hag ‘cursed’ Arsenal, following his comments about the Premier League leaders always having all members of the squad available for each game.

  • Usain Bolt and Ten Hag’s conversation , ‘do you have any ideas?’

    Usain Bolt and Ten Hag’s conversation , ‘do you have any ideas?’

    Erik Ten Hag didn’t require much thought or time to realise that, in order to end Manchester United’s six-year trophy drought, he needed to win a trophy in his first season.

    The Red Devils’ first trophy since the 2017 UEFA Europa League they won under Jose Mourinho was the 2023 Carabao Cup, which the Dutch manager led them to by defeating Newcastle United 2-0 in the finals.

    The victory has brought relief to the supporters who think the former Ajax manager can move the team forward after showcasing his abilities in a short period of time.

    Usain Bolt, a three-time world champion in athletics and a lifelong supporter of Manchester United, shared the same opinion after speaking with the manager and attending the 3-1 FA Cup victory over Fulham.

    What Bolt told Ten Hag

    The Jamaican athlete met Ten Hag after the chaotic victory that ensured the club’s progression to the FA Cup semifinals and has now opened up on the conversation in an interview with PA via Independent.

    “I actually asked him about who we’re going to bring in the summer and he was like ‘do you have any ideas?’.

    It was a nice, simple but fun conversation,” he said. “The first thing I said to him was ‘thank you’. That’s the first thing I said and he was like ‘thanks for what?’ I was like ‘for bringing the glory days back’.

    The former FC Twente boss has been consistent in laying down his principles of hard work and consistently reminding the players that they are fighting for a purpose which is trophies.

    This philosophy is already visible to fans. “It feels good to watch Manchester now. The team is together, they’re as one. They’re working together, they’re working hard and you can see the purpose now, you can see the determination in the way they play,” Bolt added.

    “I was very happy with his progress and I can tell that he’s going to do a lot more. We have a lot more trophies in our future so I’m excited.”

    Bolt enjoyed the match as it went the way he had wanted, and the scoreline was what he had correctly predicted, as revealed by Manchester United’s official website.

  • Chelsea may terminate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract after Barcelona’s visit

    Chelsea may terminate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract after Barcelona’s visit

    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s weekend trip to Spain to watch El Clasico may have been the deciding factor in his departure from Chelsea.

    The striker, who signed with Chelsea in the summer, has had a difficult few months since Thomas Tuchel, the manager who signed him, was fired and replaced by Graham Potter.

    He was still playing for the club because of a FIFA rule that states players are only allowed to represent two clubs during a given season.

    Although a gap in the law that might have allowed him to sign with MLS teams was discovered, the Gabonese man decided against joining LA Galaxy in February.

    Chelsea could terminate Aubameyang’s contract

    As reported by Express, the former Arsenal striker’s omission from the UEFA Champions League squad summed up his disastrous time at Chelsea, and he is yet to feature.

    His recent trip to Spain and his appearance in Barcelona’s dressing room has reportedly left the Chelsea’s bosses furious and willing to terminate his contract in the summer so he can move on a free transfer, as reported by Goal.

    He has played 18 times for the London club scoring three goals, one in the league against Crystal Palace and two in the Champions League against his former club AC Milan, which helped the Blues progress out of the group stage.

    Auba plays mini-game in Milan

    The 33-year-old looks unbothered by his current situation at the club and seems to be enjoying his £260,000 per week salary happily away from the team. As Sports Brief reported, Auba was spotted playing five-aside in Milan while wearing his Chelsea kit.

    He uploaded the video on his Instagram story. The move appeared to show his nonchalance, but it was reported to have been a sanctioned break by the club for the out-of-favour striker, and he has not featured in the team since then.

  • MLS All-Stars to face Arsenal with Rooney as coach

    MLS All-Stars to face Arsenal with Rooney as coach

    In a friendly match in July, Arsenal will take on the MLS All-Stars, who will be coached by Wayne Rooney.

    A team made up of players from all over the league assembles for the annual MLS All-Star Game to play a rival.

    The MLS All-Stars have faced a Liga MX All-Stars team for the past two years, with the American top division’s team winning both times.

    The MLS All-Stars will, however, play a European club once more in the 2023 edition when Arsenal makes a second appearance in the exhibition match.

    The Gunners beat an All-Stars side that included Andrea Pirlo, Kaka, Didier Drogba and David Villa 2-1 in San Jose in 2016.

    This year’s match will be held at Audi Field in Washington, D.C, with England’s joint-record goalscorer Rooney – who coaches D.C. United in MLS – set to take charge of the All-Stars.

    “I’ve had a front-row seat to watch the growth and development of Major League Soccer, first as a player and now as a manager,” said Rooney in a statement.

    “The opportunity to lead the best our league has to offer against a top Premier League club like Arsenal will be a highlight for me personally and an unforgettable experience for our passionate fanbase here in D.C.”

    Mikel Arteta said: “It’s great that we’re playing against the MLS All-Stars in Washington D.C. in July.

    “Our US tour [in 2022] was very good preparation for the season, and we’re looking forward to once again visiting our amazing supporters in the US. The match against the MLS All-Stars will be a good test ahead of the 2023-24 season.”

    On July 18, 10 Arsenal players will also go up against 10 MLS players in the Skills Challenge, which will again be held at Audi Field.

    Arsenal are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League with 10 games remaining, while Rooney’s D.C. United are 11th in the Eastern Conference in MLS with four points from as many games this season.

  • HND holders, here is a list of universities you may want to consider

    HND holders, here is a list of universities you may want to consider

    HND (Higher National Diploma) is accepted by a number of US universities for mechanical engineering master’s degrees.

    However, the requirements for admission may change based on the institution and the particular programme.

    Several of the following institutions might accept HND for entry into their master’s programmes in mechanical engineering:

    1. University of Southern California (USC)
    2. University of Bridgeport
    3. Florida International University
    4. Texas A&M University
    5. University of Central Florida
    6. University of South Florida
    7. New Jersey Institute of Technology
    8. San Diego State University
    9. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
    10. Georgia Southern University

    It is important to keep in mind that every university has unique admission standards and requirements. It is advised that you enquire about the admission requirements and criteria at the particular university and programme of interest.

    State University of Arizona
    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute University of West Virginia
    The HND is accepted by these three without review.

    The rest requires evaluation.

  • Still has Premier League aspirations and may take the same path as Kompany

    Still has Premier League aspirations and may take the same path as Kompany

    Will Still is willing to move to a Championship club, much like Vincent Kompany did, in order to pursue his goal of managing in the Premier League.

    The 30-year-old, who did a good job with Ligue 1 team Reims, has been one of the most talked-about coaches in European football this season.

    Prior to a 2-1 loss at home to Marseille on Sunday, Reims had gone a club-record 19 games without losing in the league under Still’s leadership after taking over from Oscar Garcia in October.

    Still, whose only other loss as manager came in the Coupe de France, was born and raised by English parents in Belgium before moving to England as a teenager to pursue a coaching education.

    His name was mentioned for recent managerial posts at Leeds United and Southampton and, while he believes it is too soon to have been touted for such positions, Still would love a crack at England’s top flight one day.

    “It just seems completely stupid to me that my name is being put up against names that have done so much more and have been so many more places than I have,” he told Sky Sports.

    “I wouldn’t ever dare to compare myself to those people.

    “I’ve never really thought about it [managing in the Premier League] because I never expected to be in the position I am so early and so suddenly. Why not? I’ve done some crazy things in the past; I was head coach at 24 and the same thing happened at 28 back in Belgium and now I’m 30 and people are saying this is crazy.

    “Being English and growing up in an English environment in Belgium, England has always felt like home and a place that I’d love to go back to. It would feel like coming home, just because the English culture is part of me, part of my roots, part of my family, part of who I am.

    “I think if you asked any kid what they would like to do, they’d say they’d love to be a Premier League footballer or manager and I’m no different. I was brought up like everyone else and had the same dreams. I’ll keep at them.

    “If it happens one day I’ll deserve it, or I hope I will have deserved it, but I realise how much work there is to do before I get there and how much I’ve got to learn. For now, I will stick it to one side.”

    Up until recently, Reims were having to pay a €25,000 fine every time Still took charge of the first team as he did not have a UEFA Pro Licence, but he is now on a course to get his badge.

    Still believes that has amplified the interest in his story along with a comment he once made about the popular computer game Football Manager, that he says was misinterpreted.

    “With the Football Manager thing, for example – people think I’m some spotty geek behind my computer that’s just been dropped in at Stade de Reims and is doing an unbelievable job,” he explained. “But I’ve been doing it for 10 years and the experiences I’ve accumulated or tried to accumulate have helped me and are still helping me today.

    “People say, ‘Oh, he’s got no coaching badges, no qualifications, he’s just played computer games!’ I went to university to study football coaching, I’ve got the highest level diploma you can get, for the moment, in football and I’m studying for the Pro Licence.”

    In terms of the future, Still remains open to different career paths and mentioned how former Manchester City captain Kompany has excelled with Championship leaders Burnley after leaving Anderlecht as a potential example to follow.

    “Vincent Kompany was at Anderlecht last year and has gone into the Championship and has done an unbelievable job. I think the Championship rivals many of the top leagues in the world,” he said.

    “All the doors are open. I’m not closing anything at any time.”

  • Emmanuel Adebayor retires from football at 39

    Emmanuel Adebayor retires from football at 39

    Former striker for Manchester City and Arsenal, Emmanuel Adebayor, has announced his retirement at the age of 39.

    Throughout a professional career that began in 2001 with Metz, the former Togo international also spent time with Real Madrid, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace.

    In 2003, Adebayor moved from Metz to Monaco, where he caught the attention of legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who brought him to the Premier League in January 2006.

    He was reportedly paid a reported £25 million by City in July 2009, and in September of that same year, he made headlines for sprinting the length of the pitch to celebrate a goal in front of Arsenal fans.

    He joined Real Madrid for a short loan spell in January 2011 after falling out of favour under Roberto Mancini and then moved to Tottenham – initially on loan – in August that year.

    After having his contract terminated by mutual consent in September 2015, Adebayor had a nomadic end to his career, featuring for Palace, Istanbul Basaksehir, Kayserispor and Olimpia before returning to Togo with Semassi in July 2021.

    Announcing his retirement with a video on Instagram, Adebayor said: “SEA, from the highs to the lows, my career as a professional athlete has been an incredible journey. 

    “Thank you to my fans for being there every step of the way. I’m feeling so grateful for everything, and excited for what’s to come!”

  • Hojbjerg wants Conte to ‘elaborate’ on his outburst that put him in danger of being fired

    Hojbjerg wants Conte to ‘elaborate’ on his outburst that put him in danger of being fired

    Antonio Conte was admonished by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to “elaborate” on the extraordinary outburst that put him in danger of losing his job as Tottenham manager.

    The fiery Italian boss said he saw “selfish players” who “do not want to play under pressure” after his side were pegged back in a 3-3 Premier League draw by Southampton on Saturday.

    Conte also sounded like he was taking aim at the club’s leadership when he said: “20 years there is the owner and they never won something. Why?”

    Spurs are now anticipated to make their move during the break in international play. Hojbjerg said he can understand Conte’s annoyance over Sheffield United and Milan’s disappointing exits from the FA Cup and Champions League, respectively, but believes there should be a clearer message to  help the team get to where they want to be.

    “We’ve all seen it,” Hojbjerg told reporters while on Denmark duty. 

    “[It was a] very honest and very open press conference he gave. It is because he is not satisfied. You don’t do that if you’ve reached the quarter-final of the Champions League and if you’re in the semi-final of the FA Cup.

    “It comes from the fact that, unfortunately, we did not get the results we as a team and club wanted. We are still where we want and need to be in the Premier League. But yes, it’s hard, I should say.

    “I understand that if you want to be successful as a team, you need 11 men who are committed to a project and a culture. But I think he has to elaborate on how he feels before you as a player can start measuring and weighing.

    “The coach has not been satisfied, and that is what I will take with me. You do what you can to please him. What I do know about myself is that I am an honest player. I am a player who always gives 100 per cent of myself for the team.”

    When asked if he felt Conte was right to take the course of action he did, Hojbjerg replied: “Fortunately, I am not the one to judge it.

    “If that’s how he sees it, then you have to be a little more precise in order for you as a player to take it to heart.”

    He did confirm, though, that Conte did not give his players prior warning of the tirade that was to come.

    “He didn’t tell us what he wanted to say at the press conference,” he said.

    “But it is clear that you work with each other every day, you want the best for each other and you want to be successful together. And sometimes the waves go high in football.”

    Spurs are fourth in the table but each of Newcastle United, Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion own games in hand in a congested fight for Champions League football.

    They return to action at home to Everton on April 3.

  • Mbappe is the new France captain

    Mbappe is the new France captain

    Kylian Mbappe will take over as France’s captain after receiving Didier Deschamps’ approval, according to reports on Tuesday.

    Hugo Lloris, who retired after the World Cup, was replaced by the Paris Saint-Germain forward, who was the best candidate.

    Antoine Griezmann will serve as vice-captain, and it is reported that Mbappe was informed of his selection by coach Deschamps after dinner on Monday.

    The French Football Federation didn’t immediately confirm the reports, but it seems that the information is public.

    The appointment means Mbappe will lead the team into their Euro 2024 qualifiers, which start against the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland this fortnight.

    Juventus ‘convinced’ they have what it takes to best Sporting in Europe

    His first game as skipper will be against the Dutch on Friday at the Stade de France.

    The 24-year-old has been a member of the national team since his teens, making his debut as an 18-year-old against Luxembourg, and has earned 66 caps, scoring 36 goals.

    Former Monaco player Mbappe was a World Cup winner in 2018, and from a small field of potential candidates for the captaincy he stood out a mile.

    Long-standing skipper Lloris stepped down from national team duty after France lost to Argentina in the World Cup final, when Mbappe’s hat-trick was not enough to stave off a defeat on penalties.

    France’s squad gathered at their Clairefontaine training base on Monday ahead of the European qualifying double-header, their first gathering since returning from the Qatar 2022 near-miss.

  • Embattled Sevilla fire Sampaoli after a 2-0 loss to fellow strugglers Getafeafter

    Embattled Sevilla fire Sampaoli after a 2-0 loss to fellow strugglers Getafeafter

    After a string of poor performances that left Sevilla just two points above the LaLiga relegation zone, Jorge Sampaoli was fired by the Spanish club.

    Sampaoli, who had just returned to management for a second stint in October, was finally fired after a 2-0 loss to fellow strugglers Getafe on Sunday.

    Sevilla has lost four games in a row while winning just twice in their last seven La Liga games.

    Sevilla did advance to the Europa League quarterfinals under Sampaoli, but when they take on Manchester United, a new manager will be in charge.

    A Sevilla statement read: “Sevilla have terminated the contract of coach Jorge Sampaoli after the team’s defeat in Getafe, which has once again placed the team on the verge of relegation places.

    “The fact that the team has not managed to get out of the lowest positions in the table since his incorporation as coach and the image offered in the last matches of the team have led the club to make this decision, in search of a reaction in the 12 games that remain in the league.

    Alvarez talks on the progress he has made since Man City move

    “Sevilla thanks Sampaoli for the services he has provided and wishes him the best of luck in his future.”

    The club said they planned to appoint a new coach later on Tuesday, to be in charge in time to take an early-evening training session. Former Real Valladolid and Eibar boss Jose Luis Mendilibar has been strongly linked with the job.

    Sampaoli was first put in charge in Sevilla ahead of the 2016-17 season and led them to a fourth-placed finish in LaLiga before leaving to take over as Argentina head coach.

  • PSV slaps 40-year ban on man who assaulted Sevilla keeper Dmitrovic

    PSV slaps 40-year ban on man who assaulted Sevilla keeper Dmitrovic

    PSV have imposed a 40-year stadium ban on the man who attacked Sevilla goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic during their Europa League match.

    Despite winning 2-0 in the second leg of their knockout round play-off match last month at Philips Stadion after losing 3-0 in Spain, the Eredivisie club was eliminated from the competition.

    However, ugly scenes marred the closing stages of the match in Eindhoven when a 20-year-old fan attacked Dmitrovic on the pitch. Dmitrovic then pinned the man before security escorted him away.

    The man in question was given a two-month initial prison sentence on March 8 and will receive a one-month extension if he commits another crime.

    PSV have now confirmed he will face further long-term punishment for his actions, with a stadium ban stretching until 2063.

    “PSV [have] imposed a 40-year-long ban on the individual who invaded the pitch during the Europa League match against Sevilla,” the club said in a statement.

    “The 40-year-long ban comes on top of a possible fine imposed by UEFA. The pitch invader is currently serving a three-month sentence with one month suspended imposed by the East Brabant District Court.

    “He is also barred from the area around the stadium for two years.”

    PSV also revealed the individual had already been serving a ban from the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB).

    Sevilla secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League last week following a 2-1 aggregate victory over Fenerbahce.

    They will face Manchester United in the last eight in April, after the international break.

  • Man City’s Haaland to miss Spain and Georgia clash

    Man City’s Haaland to miss Spain and Georgia clash

    Erling Haaland, who withdrew from the Norwegian team for their first two Euro 2024 qualifying matches due to a groin injury, will return to Manchester City for medical tests.

    Following a five-goal outburst in a 7-0 Champions League thrashing of RB Leipzig, the star striker netted a hat-trick as City defeated Burnley 6-0 at the weekend in the FA Cup quarterfinals.

    Haaland joined his teammates from Norway as they got ready to play Spain and Georgia, but he won’t be taking part in either of those games.

    Team doctor Ola Sand told the Norwegian Football Federation’s website: “We hoped that this would carry over to Saturday but after doing tests and examinations yesterday it became clear that he will not make it to the games against Spain and Georgia.

    “It is better that he receives medical follow-up at the club.”

    Norway boss Stale Solbakken added: “Erling took it hard when he realised that he could not fight for the team. 

    No conclusive evidence to leave Walker out of England squad – Southgate

    “Fortunately, there is still plenty of self-confidence, talent and cohesion in this group to win points in the next matches.”

    City will hope the injury is not serious ahead of a busy period following the international break, starting with a crunch Premier League clash at home to Liverpool on April 1 as Pep Guardiola’s side aim to bridge the eight-point gap to leaders Arsenal.

    A trip to Southampton then precedes the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at Bayern Munich on April 11.

    Haaland has scored 42 goals in just 37 appearances during a prolific first season at the Etihad Stadium.

  • Roy Hodgson back from retirement to hold up Eagles

    Roy Hodgson back from retirement to hold up Eagles

    To prevent Crystal Palace from being relegated, Roy Hodgson has come out of retirement.

    With just five points from their previous 12 games and no victories since December 31, the Eagles are in last place in the Premier League’s form table.

    Palace lost 4-1 to league-leading Arsenal on Sunday, leaving them in 12th place, three points above the relegation zone, just days after Patrick Vieira was fired as interim manager.

    After Watford was demoted to the Championship at the end of the previous season, Hodgson, 75, hung up his clipboard. However, the team where he started his playing career in 1965 has persuaded him to return to the bench for the remainder of the campaign.

    The former England boss said: “It is a privilege to be asked to return to the club, which has always meant so much to me, and to be given the important task of turning the team’s fortunes around. 

    “Our sole objective now is to start winning matches and to get the points necessary to ensure our Premier League status. 

    “Crystal Palace is known for its fighting spirit and I have no doubt that all our supporters will fight with us, beginning with the visit of Leicester a week Saturday.” 

    It will be Hodgson’s second spell in the Selhurst Park hotseat after keeping the Eagles in the top flight from the 2017-18 season to the end of the 2020-21 campaign before stepping down from his role to be replaced by Vieira.

    Eagles chairman Steve Parish added: “I would like to welcome Roy and Ray back to the club. 

    “We are obviously in a very challenging period but we believe that Roy’s and Ray Lewington’s experience, knowledge of the club and players, alongside Paddy can help fulfil the immediate requirement of keeping us in the league.”

    With McCarthy joining Hodgson’s first-team coaching set-up as assistant manager, Darren Powell will become head coach of Palace’s Under-21s. 

  • Kudus joins team mates in Ghana ahead of 2023 AFCON qualifiers

    Kudus joins team mates in Ghana ahead of 2023 AFCON qualifiers

    Kudus is said to have arrived in Ghana on the morning of March 21,2023 ahead of Ghana’s clash with Angola.

    The 22-year-old has two goals in two games, making him Ghana’s leading scorer in the qualifying rounds.

    In advance of Ghana’s matches against Angola, 18 players, including Kudus Mohammed, have already arrived.

    He will travel with the group to Kumasi on Tuesday to continue the team’s preparations.

    Ghana will host the first leg of the encounter on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, while the second leg is slated for Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Estádio 11 de Novembre in Luanda.

  • Chris Hughton says he cannot promise Ghana trophies

    Chris Hughton says he cannot promise Ghana trophies

    Chris Hughton, the Black Stars’ newly appointed head coach, has made it clear that he cannot promise to lead the team to success in terms of winning championships.

    As the team’s head coach, the 64-year-old has agreed to a one-and-a-half-year contract.

    The senior national team has struggled to capture any noteworthy medals; the most recent one was won in 1982.

    The four-time African champions’ trophy drought has lasted 40 years, but the former Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United coach has refused to guarantee that he can break it.

    “No coach can guarantee a trophy. No coach can sit at a table like this and guarantee you that. No single coach can do that,” he said during his unveiling.

    “It starts with qualifications and you can know what you can do but no coach can guarantee a trophy,” he added.

    Hughton was officially unveiled today in Kumasi.

    His first game will be against Angola in a back-to-back game in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifiers this month.

    Ghana will host the Palancas Negras at the Baba Yara Stadium on March 23 before travelling to Luanda for the reserve game in four days’ time.

    The former Brighton boss will be assisted by Didi Dramani and George Boateng.

  • Real Madrid dressing room angry over the ‘unsportsmanlike’ attitude of Barcelona players

    Real Madrid dressing room angry over the ‘unsportsmanlike’ attitude of Barcelona players

    The El Clasico has come and gone, but the Real Madrid players still carry a bitter aftertaste from the significance of the biggest match in Spanish football.

    At Camp Nou, a dramatic goal by Frank Kessie in the 92nd minute gave Barcelona the victory over Los Blancos, a heartbreaking loss for the eternal rivals.

    Madrid Universal claims that the Real Madrid locker room is furious with the Barcelona players for their disrespectful actions both during and after their team’s El Clasico loss.

    The Barcelona midfielder Gavi, who tangled with Dani Ceballos and Dani Carvajal during the pivotal game in Camp Nou, particularly infuriated Real Madrid.

    Carvajal and Arnau Tenas also had to be separated by several members from both teams after the final whistle that left Real Madrid 12 points adrift of Barcelona in the race for the 2022/23 La Liga title.

    Xavi reacts to El Clasico victory

    Meanwhile, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandes says the Catalans do not feel like champions yet following a 2-1 win over Real Madrid on Sunday, Daily Post reports.

    Barcelona moved 12 points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga standings thanks to Frank Kessie 92nd minute winner which sent fans inside the Camp Nou into wild celebrations.

    With 12 games left to play for the remainder of the season, Xavi has remained cautious as he has revealed there is still more work to be done in order for Barcelona to be crowned champions.

    Real Madrid fans want Ancelotti sacked Earlier, Sports Brief reported Real Madrid fans are understandably angry following their 2-1 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish La Liga and they want Carlo Ancelotti sacked.

    The defeat dents Madrid’s ambitions of retaining the title and leaves the Catalans close to lifting the trophy for the first time since 2019.

    Los Blancos took the lead through a Ronald Araujo own goal but Barcelona pulled level when Sergi Roberto tucked home just before half-time.

  • ‘Our heart is with you’ Suarez expresses support for ex-teammate Lucas from Liverpool

    ‘Our heart is with you’ Suarez expresses support for ex-teammate Lucas from Liverpool

    Following his Sunday goal for Gremio, Luis Suarez shared a message of support for Lucas Leiva.

    Even though he joined Gremio in December, Suarez was reunited with his former Liverpool teammate but was unable to play alongside the Brazilian midfielder.

    After a routine screening revealed a heart condition, Lucas had already been forced to withdraw from training earlier that month.

    The 36-year-old revealed at a press conference on Friday that he had made the decision to end his playing career on the advice of doctors after taking some time to assess and undergo additional testing.

    Suarez – who played for Liverpool alongside Lucas between 2011 and 2014 – paid tribute to him after opening the scoring for Gremio at Ypiranga by revealing a written message on his under-shirt which read: “Lucas, our heart is with you, we are together”.

    Gremio’s players also wore shirts with Lucas’ name on the back, while head coach Renato Portaluppi adorned a t-shirt with the player’s name.

    Ypiranga went on to win 2-1 in the first leg of their Campeonato Gaucho semi-final through a 96th-minute penalty from Erick, with the second leg due to take place at Arena do Gremio on Saturday.

  • Chris Hughton speaks about Thomas Partey’s future in Black Stars

    Chris Hughton speaks about Thomas Partey’s future in Black Stars

    Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey, has been identified by Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton as an important player.

    Following a string of disappointing game performances, Thomas Partey’s future with the Black Stars has come into focus.

    Partey has been criticised for his commitment to his club rather than the national team, and there have been calls for Chris Hughton to remove the midfielder from the squad.

    Chris Hughton said Partey is an important team member when asked about the situation on Monday, March 20, 2023, during his unveiling.

    The 29-year-old, according to him, is the link between the midfield and the defence, and he claimed that because he does not consistently score goals and provide assists, people tend to criticise him.

    “Partey’s role in the team is as a continuity player…he is not that guy who is going to dribble past multiple players. His role is important to what the team does even if he doesn’t always standout.”.

    He urged Ghanaians not to compare Partey’s performance for Arsenal and for the country as he plays distinct roles for both entities.

    “Sometimes as football fans, we assume a player must necessarily fit the frame we have of him in an A team in a B team. Partey’s roles are both club and country are different from each other, but key.”

    Chris Hughton also disclosed during his unveiling that he will pay attention to the Ghana Premier League and give selections to players who impress.

    Another issue of concern was his contract and Chris Hughton disclosed that he is impressed with the two-year contract he agreed on with the FA.

    The contract is expected to expire in December 2024 with Chris Hughton billed to win qualify Ghana to the 2023 AFCON and win it.

  • Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola spotted at Camp Nou for Real Madrid vs Barcelona game

    Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola spotted at Camp Nou for Real Madrid vs Barcelona game

    Barcelona may have lost Pep Guardiola to greener pastures, but the team will always hold a special place in his heart. The manager of Manchester City is still a staunch supporter of the Catalan giants after having played for them and later coaching them.

    In the audience before La Blaugrana’s match against Real Madrid in the El Clasico, Guardiola showed his support for the team.

    The Spanish manager was spotted in the stands with Johann Cruyff’s wife before the game started. Widely considered as Barcelona’s greatest manager, Guardiola was no slouch as a player either.

    As noted by the club’s website, he played 479 games for the side and scored 16 goals. He won six league titles as a player, four Spanish Super Cups, two Copa Del Rey trophies, two European Super Cups, and one European Cup.

    Guardiola scouting Real Madrid?

    Guardiola’s presence at Camp Nou may have been twofold. The former Barcelona manager could have also been there scouting Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid ahead of a potential clash.

    Manchester City have been drawn against Bayern Munich in the quarter-final of the Champions League. The winner of that game will face the winner of Real Madrid and Chelsea in the semi-final of the competition.

    Barca move 12 points clear Barcelona snatched a 2-1 win over Real Madrid with Franck Kessie’s late goal Sunday to move 12 points clear at the top of La Liga, Sports Brief reported.

    The victory dents Los Blancos’ ambitions of retaining the title and leaves the Catalans that much closer to lifting the trophy for the first time since 2019. Carlo Ancelotti’s charges took the lead through a Ronald Araujo own goal, but Barca pulled level when Sergi Roberto tucked home just before half-time.

  • Chris Hughton pledges to watch, attend more Ghana Premier League games to build ‘good national league’

    Chris Hughton pledges to watch, attend more Ghana Premier League games to build ‘good national league’

    During his introduction as the Black Stars coach on Monday in Kumasi, Chris Hughton promised to pay attention to the Ghana Premier League and other local competitions by watching more games.

    Hughton received flak after selecting a 25-man squad for the 2023 doubleheader of the Africa Cup of Nations without any local players.

    Hughton is adamant about dispelling the myth that earlier Black Stars managers ignored the domestic league in favour of players from abroad.

    At his unveiling, he said, , “From the day that I’ve been involved with the association about one year ago I was made aware and stressed upon how important the local game is to the association and to the technical staff. So this time I’m very conscious of the local game.

    And of course in my period of time[as technical advisor] so far we have had some players that made the squad from our local game so I certainly will not underestimate it. Where I think I can add value in my new role is that I will be spending more time in Ghana. I will be watching more games. I will attend more club games to know the league.”

    “I am constantly being made aware of players that are doing well. The colts, the league structure and the teams that are doing well and certainly in my new role as head coach, I will be paying very much attention to not only the players that are doing well but the game here in general because I think it is important that any national team has a good national league. I’ll do my very best to make sure I see as much football here as possible,” he added.

    The former Northern Ireland international has signed a contract until 31 December 2024 and is determined to make the Black Stars great again.

    Hughton’s debut match is set to take place on Thursday, a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

  • Black Sea deal: Putin promises free grain to Africa

    Black Sea deal: Putin promises free grain to Africa

    Putin stated on Monday that if the Black Sea grain agreement is not extended in May, Russia will give grain to African nations gratis.

    Speaking to participants at a Russia-Africa parliamentary conference, Putin noted that only a small portion of the deal’s unblocked grain exports had made it to the continent and that it was in Africa’s best interests if Russia met its conditions for the deal’s renewal.

    Moscow further declared that it would not consent to extend the grain agreement past May unless problems with the Swift financial messaging system are fixed and additional restrictions are lifted.

    On its website, the Russian foreign ministry said Moscow had decided to limit the deal’s extension to 60 days, until May 18, over what it called “a lack of progress… on normalisation of domestic agricultural exports”.

  • Mentally troubled Khayelihle Shozi to receive support from Pitso Mosimane

    Mentally troubled Khayelihle Shozi to receive support from Pitso Mosimane

    Khayelihle Shozi will receive assistance from the person who gave him his senior football break at Mamelodi Sundowns. Pitso Mosimane is reportedly determined to assist Shozi, who has recently been homeless.

    During his time at Chloorkop, the Al Ahli Saudi coach elevated him from the Diski Challenge group to the senior squad.

    According to The Citizen, Shozi’s brother Shwi said in a radio inter “What I say is that I heard what coach Pitso said. It made me very happy and that is why I am here to talk about Khayelihle. It has been a while since he has been in that situation. But what will happen now is that Pitso wants to help him. He promised to do some things for him when he has been found and helped out of his current state.”

    Mosimane had tweeted: “Very sad to see this image.

    His combination with Percy Tau was amazing. We even promoted him to the senior team ahead of Percy.”

    What led Khayelihle Shozi astray

    Bad company and stress is the reason behind Khayelihle Shozi’s shocking behaviour which saw him being reported missing and being seen around the streets of Johannesburg walking around as a beggar on drugs, said a source close to the former Mamelodi Sundowns development player.

    Videos of Shozi looking like someone who was homeless circulated throughout social media platforms in January 2022.

    He was then spotted in the Vaal in a similar condition recently. The midfielder, who last played for JDR Stars in the GladAfrica Championship, is reported to be back home and has told his family that people he thought were his friends, introduced him to drugs and when he couldn’t cope they didn’t help him.

  • Finland declared World’s Happiest six consecutive times in Nordics dominated ranking

    Finland declared World’s Happiest six consecutive times in Nordics dominated ranking

    For the sixth year running, Finland is ranked as the happiest nation in the world, a record in a list that has been available for more than ten years.

    Finland ranks “significantly ahead of all other countries” in the World Happiness Report, which the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network released on Monday. Finland is followed in the rankings by Denmark in second place and Iceland in third.

    “Income, health, having someone to count on, having a sense of freedom to make key life decisions, generosity, and the absence of corruption all play strong roles in supporting life evaluations,” the report said.

    Happiness Scoreboard

    Nordic countries dominate the top of the happiness ranking

    Ranking using data form 2020-2022. All locations are not surveyed every year.

    Israel climbed up five steps from last year to take the fourth place, followed by the Netherlands. The US was in the 15th spot in the ranking that showed a large gap remaining between the top and bottom countries. Lebanon and Afghanistan came last, while Lithuania was among the biggest gainers, climbing up more than 30 places since 2017 to rank number 20 now. 

    In general, life evaluations have continued to be “remarkably resilient” with global averages during the Covid-19 pandemic years of 2020 to 2022 as high as those in the preceding three years, the report said.

    Nordic countries dominate the top of the ranking

  • Black Stars: Chris Hughton’s coaching contract to end in December 2024

    Black Stars: Chris Hughton’s coaching contract to end in December 2024

    Chris Hughton, the newly appointed Black Stars coach, will lead the team till December 2024.

    At a press conference the Ghana Football Association held to formally unveil him, this was confirmed.

    According to the FA, Chris Hughton’s contract is in effect until December 2024, at which point the FA and the Sports Ministry will decide whether to extend it or let him go.

    Chris Hughton revealed that in his capacity as the Black Stars’ head coach, he will closely monitor the Ghana Premier League and choose a few players who merit inclusion in his squad.

    “As head coach, I’ll be paying attention to the game here because it’s important that the local league is doing well and I will try and see as much local football as possible”

  • Real Madrid fans call for Carlo Ancelotti’s sacking after defeat to Barcelona

    Real Madrid fans call for Carlo Ancelotti’s sacking after defeat to Barcelona

    After losing 2-1 to Barcelona in the Spanish La Liga, Real Madrid supporters are understandably furious and want Carlo Ancelotti fired. Madrid’s hopes of retaining the title are dashed by the loss, and the Catalans are now in position to win the trophy for the first time since 2019.

    Ronald Araujo’s own goal gave Los Blancos the lead, but Sergi Roberto’s tuck just before halftime gave Barcelona the equaliser. Both teams had chances to win the game. Marco Asensio scored for Madrid, but VAR disallowed the goal because it was offside. Then, in the 92nd minute, Alejandro Balde set up Kessie to score.

    After the game, Madrid fans took to social media to criticise Ancelotti for losing his third El Clasico game in the trot. Social media reactions

    @deftonesIuvr tweeted: real madrid has 2 weeks to sack ancelotti and bring tuchel if they’re a serious club @MartinKlaus__ tweeted:

    Now La Liga is over for us… let’s sack ancelotti and move on.

    @KhaledM79788508 tweeted: If Perez is serious he’d sack ancelotti and sign tuchel within 24 hours.

    @thearmah_ posted: Perez go start dey draft Ancelotti sack letter from the Camp Nou embarrassment today

    @Anassyn said: We need to sack Ancelotti because of Barca. Three straight win against him. Haba.

    @AvfcTomYoung tweeted: Madrid are boring to watch now, the quicker they sack Ancelotti the better!

    Pep watches El Clasico Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola showed his support for the Blaugrana as she was spotted in the stands ahead of their El Clasico encounter with Real Madrid.

    Pep was spotted in the stands with Johann Cruyff’s wife before the game started. Widely considered as Barcelona’s greatest manager, Guardiola was no slouch as a player either. As noted by the club’s website, he played 479 games for the side and scored 16 goals.

    Vincius consoles Araujo Sports Brief reported earlier that Vinicius Junior demonstrated a touching gesture towards Ronald Araujo during Real Madrid’s weekend top liner against fierce rivals FC Barcelona at Camp Nou.

    The Madrid winger has been in blistering form for Los Blancos this campaign, almost invincible against any defender, but often struggles whenever he comes up with Araujo.

    In their latest clash on Sunday, the Brazilian duo came face to face for the umpteenth time this season, and it was Vinicius who appeared to have won the battle of wills.

  • Bafana Bafana Coach Hugo Broos rebukes Andile Jali after player arrived at training drunk

    Bafana Bafana Coach Hugo Broos rebukes Andile Jali after player arrived at training drunk

    No matter who you are, you cannot protect yourself from Hugo Broos’ criticism. This time, the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Andile Jali, was the target of the Belgian coach of Bafana Bafana’s criticism.

    Regarding the claims that he recently showed up to a practise drunk, he said to the Sunday World: “We have to improve, there are a lot of things that are still not professional – I was frustrated when I heard that a player like Andile Jali, who has to show the young players what and how to do things, was alleged to have arrived at the club training session drunk – come on.”

    Broos was steadfast in his refusal to heed the clamour for Jali to be chosen for the national team based on his performances in the 2021–2022 Premier Soccer League season.

    His impulsive remarks appear to have put an end to any possibility of Jali representing South Africa while Broos is still in charge.

    Chiefs and Pirates are criticised by Broos It goes without saying that Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are currently subpar teams.

    This is as Mamelodi Sundowns tightens its stranglehold on football in South Africa. Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos has expressed his annoyance with the Soweto giants for their slide into near irrelevance, suggesting that it was undermining the national team’s ambition to return to the top.

    Broos lays into Chiefs and Pirates

    It is no secret that Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are mediocre outfits at the moment. This is as Mamelodi Sundowns tightens its stranglehold on football in South Africa. Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos has expressed his annoyance with the Soweto giants for their slide into near irrelevance, suggesting that it was undermining the national team’s ambition to return to the top.

    Why Mudau slapped Motlohi

    It remains the slap that was heard around South Africa and its impact still reverberates today. Mamelodi Sundowns legend Daniel ‘Mambush’ Mudau assaulted teammate Charles Motlohi following another crushing final defeat to Kaizer Chiefs, this time in the 2001 BP Top Eight decider. Former footballer Sipho Nunens has revealed what truly happened on that infamous day, according to The Citizen.

  • Ghanaian winger King Faisal secures loan spot with Brazilian giants Sao Paulo FC

    Ghanaian winger King Faisal secures loan spot with Brazilian giants Sao Paulo FC

    King Faisal Owusu, a young winger from Ghana, will join Brazilian powerhouse Sao Paulo FC on a one-year loan with a purchase option.

    The young forward was acquired from Great Farcos FC of Ghana’s second-tier league.

    In order to complete the loan move to the Estádio do Morumbi outfit and undergo a required medical examination, 18-year-old Owusu arrived in Sao Paulo on Friday.

    He was chosen for the So Paulo FC U20 team as a step in the development of his career. During the loan’s one-year period, if he impresses the club’s technical staff, the contract’s option to purchase him might be exercised.

    The highly rated young winger is known for his explosive performances in the Ghanaian lower-tier league, where he has been described as one of the most gifted young wingers in the country.

    He is comfortable attacking on either wing or through the center of the pitch.

  • Chelsea’s spending spree continues as club is willing to pay more than €100m to sign Madrid’s Valverde- Reports

    Chelsea’s spending spree continues as club is willing to pay more than €100m to sign Madrid’s Valverde- Reports

    In order to sign 24-year-old Uruguayan sensation Federico Valverde for Real Madrid, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is preparing to make a huge move in the transfer market. Boehly reportedly has a blank check ready for the star midfielder and is willing to pay more than 100 million euros to get his man. According to reports, money is no object for Boehly.

    This is Boehly’s next move, according to El Nacional, and it follows a spending spree that saw Chelsea spend a whopping 600 million euros on new hires. There is no such thing as too much talent, however, for the ambitious West London club, who are looking to add to their roster after signing players like Mykhailo Mudryk.

    Despite their impressive array of signings, the Blues’ owner is still not satisfied with the team’s competitive level, particularly in certain areas of the pitch. The midfield, in particular, has been identified as a key area where improvement is needed. This is due to the injury struggles of N’Golo Kante and the lack of faith shown in players like Carney Chukwuemeka and others by manager Graham Potter.

    For Boehly, the list of transfer targets is set in stone, and at the top of his list is Valverde, a player who has also caught the eye of Manchester United and Liverpool. The Reds even made an attempt to sign the midfielder after the Champions League final, but were rebuffed by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

    Valverde is considered a fundamental player in Carlo Ancelotti’s schemes at Real Madrid and is seen as a cornerstone of the club’s long-term plans. According to El Nacional, he is also not looking to leave La Liga, as he and his wife have repeatedly expressed their contentment with life in the Spanish capital.

  • CR7’s girlfriend reveals she had suffered ‘three previous miscarriages’ before losing baby boy

    CR7’s girlfriend reveals she had suffered ‘three previous miscarriages’ before losing baby boy

    Cristiano Ronaldo, the star of Al-Nassr, is currently living it up in Saudi Arabia following his comeback to form, but less than a year ago, he and his partner Georgina Rodriguez were forced to deal with the tragic loss of their son, Angel, during childbirth.

    Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez began dating in 2016 after they crossed paths at the Gucci store in Madrid where she had previously worked as a sales assistant.

    With Ronaldo, the Spanish model has three biological children and three stepchildren. The sons Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. and Mateo, as well as the daughter Eva Maria, are Rodriguez’s stepchildren.

    She had twins in April 2022 after giving birth to her biological daughter Alana Martina in 2017.

    “Every time I went to the gynecologist’s at night I had nightmares because I was worried about what position they would be in, what the delivery would be like, if it would be a Caesarean section. I was very afraid at each ultrasound. I felt very tense because I’d had three previous miscarriages and I came home in pieces.”

    She also revealed that she didn’t immediately tell her children that Angel had passed away, instead saying he would be born a little later than his sister. She explained how she dealt with their loss:

    “They were born on Easter Monday. The most-awaited moment arrives and your heart stops. Bella was born strong and healthy but a piece of my heart shattered.

    She admitted that the former Real Madrid player told their children the truth:

    “You ask yourself how you’re going to carry on. I wasn’t prepared to accept or recognise what had happened to me and I wasn’t ready to tell my children about it. As I still had a belly, I told them that Angel was still going to wait a bit to be born, until Cris told them that Angel was in Heaven. That was a dose of reality.”

    Since their tragic loss, Ronaldo and Rodriguez have started to find happiness with the rest of their children in Saudi Arabia following the Portuguese’s move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in January.

  • Vinicius Junior suffers another abuse from Barcelona fans as they chants ‘Vinicius Die’

    Vinicius Junior suffers another abuse from Barcelona fans as they chants ‘Vinicius Die’

    The latest group of fans to verbally abuse Vinicius Junior are the supporters of Barcelona. This season, opposing teams’ fans have frequently singled out the Real Madrid attacker, with some fan bases going further than others.

    Even though the El Clasico is frequently a contentious contest, some Blaugrana fans escalated the situation with their chants. During their most recent El Clasico match, Barcelona supporters also yelled obscenities at the Brazilian, per reports.

    Vinicius, die’ was a chant heard from the crowd during the game.

    Vini’s performance during the game

    The Brazilian played a part in Real Madrid’s only goal of the game as his attempted cross was deflected into the back of the net by Ronaldo Araujo.

    Vini was also involved in a few arguments with the referee over fouls during the game, something that has become a common occurrence this season. The Los Blancos star has accused La Liga’s referees of giving him yellow cards for fouls while letting fouls against him go unpunished.

    Real Valladolid fans abuse Vini Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has found himself at the centre of more racial abuse in La Liga. The Brazilian attacker has endured a difficult season in La Liga when it comes to racist fans, and that continued against Real Valladolid.

    Madrid took on Valladolid as La Liga action returned after the World Cup break and secured a 2-0 win thanks to a Karim Benzema brace, Sports Brief reported. Vinícius calls for harsh punishments Vinícius Júnior wants harsh punishments for football racists.

    The Real Madrid forward believes that those found guilty of racist abuse should learn a lesson the hard way. Vini Jr called for those individuals to be given lifetime bans from football games, Sports Brief reported.

  • Moscow declares ICC’s arrest warrants as meaningless

    Moscow declares ICC’s arrest warrants as meaningless

    A government spokesperson stated on Friday that Moscow rejects the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to issue an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

    The official at the centre of an alleged plot to forcibly deport thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia, Maria Lvova-Belova, received a warrant from the ICC as well.

    Russia views the warrants as having “no meaning,” including from a “legal point of view,” according to Maria Zakharova, a representative for the foreign ministry of Russia.

    “Russia is not a member of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and bears no obligations under it,” Zakharova said. “Russia does not cooperate with this body, and possible (pretenses) for arrest coming from the International Court of Justice will be legally null and void for us.”

    How war crime prosecutions work: Located in The Hague, Netherlands, and created by a treaty called the Rome Statute, the International Criminal Court operates independently.

    Most countries on Earth are parties to the treaty, but there are very large and notable exceptions, including — pivotally — Russia, the US and Ukraine.

    Anyone accused of a crime in the jurisdiction of the court, which includes countries that are members of the ICC, can be tried. The court tries people, not countries, and focuses on those who hold the most responsibility: leaders and officials.

    While Ukraine is not a member of the court, it has previously accepted its jurisdiction.

    However, the ICC does not conduct trials in absentia, so Putin or any other Moscow official would either have to be handed over by Russia or arrested outside of Russia to face ICC proceedings.

  • Finland awaits Hungary’s vote to join NATO

    Finland awaits Hungary’s vote to join NATO

    Finland’s NATO membership will be approved in a vote later this month, according to a statement released by Hungary’s ruling party on Friday.

    According to a statement from the head of the ruling Fidesz Party, Máté Kocsis, the group will vote unanimously in favour of Finland’s bid on March 27.

    The group would decide later on Sweden’s request to join the military alliance, according to Kocsis.

    Turkey and Hungary have been the remaining obstacles preventing the entry of both Nordic countries; however, earlier on Friday, Turkey announced that it would approve Finland’s membership.

    Western officials had generally considered getting Turkey’s blessing the most significant hurdle to NATO expansion.

    More background: Finland announced its intention to join NATO in May, along with Sweden, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine caused a sudden shift in attitudes toward joining the bloc.

    That announcement was welcomed by almost all of NATO’s leaders, but under NATO rules just one member state can veto a new applicant’s membership.

    Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan put a spoke in the wheel when he said he was not looking at both countries joining NATO “positively,” accusing them of housing Kurdish “terrorist organizations.”

    Friday’s announcement clears the way for Finland’s accession, but Sweden’s application has been stalled by Ankara’s accusations, which Sweden denies.