Sports
2024 WAFCONQ: Super Falcons won’t underrate Cape Verde – Payne
Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne has said the team will not underrate Cape Verde in Thursday’s 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying contest.
Nigeria will host Cape Verde in the first leg of the final qualifying round tie at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on Thursday.
A big win will make the reverse fixture slated for Praia next week Tuesday a mere formality.
Cape Verde are not a big name in women’s football on the continent.
Payne, however, stated that the Falcons can’t afford to take their fellow West Africans for granted.
“I haven’t heard much about them, they are a little bit unknown in terms of how they play. We will see some videos to know more about them,” Payne told NFF TV.
”We just build on what we normally do and focus on ourselves. Our way of playing is keeping the ball. We can’t afford to take them for granted.
“We believe if we have the ball it will be difficult for the opponent to score. We will try and stick to our plan and get a win.”
Sports
Transfer: Akpom tipped to leave Ajax this summer
Chuba Akpom is expected to leave Eredivisie giants Ajax Amsterdam at the end of the season.
Akpom joined the former European champions from Sky Bet Championship club, Middlesbrough last summer.
The 28-year-old has, however, struggled for regular time at the club and has been linked with a return to England.
According to Ajax insider, Lentin Goodijk, the Nigerian-born striker could leave the club before the start of next season.
“I don’t think he will accept sitting on the bench. Certainly not if serious clubs come for him, which I expect,” Goodijk was quoted as saying by Soccernews.
“It could easily take until August when the Premier League clubs start to panic a bit. Then they all have it on the list. If he can be picked up for €15m.
“That is absolutely nothing for Premier League clubs.”
Sports
Juventus sack Allegri after Italian Cup triumph
Massimiliano Allegri has been dismissed by Juventus just two days after steering the team to victory in the Italian Cup.
Recall that the Turin club triumphed over Atalanta 1-0 in Rome, with Dusan Vlahovic securing an early goal.
However, Allegri’s behaviour marred the celebrations as he was ejected for ranting at match officials and dismissing the sporting director.
The Italian Football Federation’s disciplinary tribunal has since opened an investigation into Allegri’s conduct.
On Friday, Juventus officially announced Allegri’s departure in a statement via their website.
“Juventus announces that it has relieved Massimiliano Allegri of his position as head coach of the men’s first team,” Juventus’ statement partly read.
“The club wishes Massimiliano Allegri good luck in his future endeavours.”
Sports
LaLiga Awards: Full list of nominees out as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Girona dominate
LaLiga has revealed the shortlist for their upcoming end-of-season awards ceremony, which includes four categories and the team of the season.
The winners will be announced on May 28 at the KAFD Globe Soccer European Awards in Sardinia.
Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham are among the favourites for the Player of the Year award, but Girona also has two nominees, with Artem Dovbyk and Aleix Garcia in the running.
Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid are also shortlisted for the prestigious award, with Takefusa Kubo, Kirian Rodriguez, Isco, and Alexander Sorloth in the mix.
The Young Player of the Year award has nominees under the age of 23 and is dominated by Girona and Barcelona. Among the candidates are newcomers Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, along with Miguel Gutierrez, Savio, and Yan Couto from Barcelona. Kubo and Rodrygo from Real Madrid, Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis, Javi Guerra from Valencia, and Nico Williams from Athletic Club are also named.
For Goal of the Season, there are eight nominees, including Vinicius, Joao Cancelo, Saul Coco, Aitor Ruibal, Jesus Areso, Lamine Yamal, Joao Felix, and Memphis Depay.
The Coach of the Year award is the final category, with Carlo Ancelotti, Michel Sanchez, Diego Simeone, Ernesto Valverde, and Marcelino Garcia Toral all nominated.
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