Sports

FIFA Ranking: Super Falcons slip by 7 spots, now world 46th

Published

2 years ago

August 6, 2022

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have dropped by seven spots in the July FIFA Ranking, to be placed 46th, after ending 4th at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

In the ranking table published on the website of the world football governing body on Friday, Nigeria garnered 1535.09 points in the month under review and lost 69.33 points, which is the biggest decline in terms of points.

It was recalls that the former African champions surprisingly went down 1-0 to the She-polopolo of Zambia in the match for the third place match of 2022 WAFCON.

At the continental level, the drop in spot however did not displace the Falcons as the 1st placed team in Africa with the current WAFCON winner, South Africa placed 2nd.

Cameroon, Ghana and Ivory Coast are the 3rd, 4th and 5th placed teams, respectively.

South Africa (54th, plus 4) moved up four places on the back of their title triumph at the 2022 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Semi-finalists at that tournament, Zambia (80th, plus 23) are this edition’s most-improved side after surging 23 places.

At the global scene, July 2022 was a busy month for women’s football, with five major tournaments taking place across the globe.

In addition to the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, continental championships were held in Africa, South America, North America and Oceania, all serving as qualifying events for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

Since 17 June 2022, when the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking was last published, no fewer than 221 matches have been played, generating considerable movement in the standings.

And while USA (1st), recent winners of the CONCACAF Women’s Championship, remain the team to catch, the Stars and Stripes have a new pursuer in the shape of Germany (2nd, plus 3).

The EURO 2022 runners-up move ahead of Sweden (3rd, minus 1), whose own European title ambitions came to an end in the semi-finals.

Freshly crowned continental champions, England (4th, plus 4) moved up four places ahead of France (5th, minus 2).

Drops for the Netherlands (6th, minus 2), Canada (7th, minus 1), and Spain (8th, minus 1) are the other significant changes in this edition’s Top 10.

Another notable improver in this edition is Jamaica, who achieved their highest-ever placing (42nd, plus 9), following their third-place at the Concacaf Championship.

Also enjoying all-time highs are Iceland (14th, plus 3), the Republic of Ireland (26th, plus 1), Portugal (27th, plus 3) and Zambia.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four new teams have joined the Ranking since June 2022 namely Cambodia (120th), Turkmenistan (137th) Timor-Leste (152nd) and Guinea-Bissau (169th), giving the August 2022 edition a record-breaking 185 FIFA member associations.

Sports

Transfer: Akpom tipped to leave Ajax this summer

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2024

NewsDirect

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

Published

2 days ago

May 17, 2024

NewsDirect

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

Published

4 days ago

May 15, 2024

NewsDirect

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.