7 things to know about Eric Chelle, new Super Eagles coach – Newstrends
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7 things to know about Eric Chelle, new Super Eagles coach

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2 weeks ago

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Eric Chelle

7 things to know about Eric Chelle, new Super Eagles coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

As the team looks to turn its fortunes around, here are seven key things you should know about the man tasked with steering Nigeria’s football giants back to glory.

What to know about Eric Chelle, new Super Eagles gaffer

1. Eric Chelle led Mali to quarter-final finish at AFCON 2023

Eric Chelle was Mali’s head coach during the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. Under his guidance, Mali advanced to the quarter-finals, marking a great milestone for the team.

However, their campaign ended in heartbreak when they were defeated by the host nation in extra time.

2. A memorable reaction to defeat

Chelle’s emotional response to Mali’s quarter-final loss was one of the most striking moments of the tournament.

After the match, he was seen squatting on the sideline, hyperventilating. His assistants rushed to revive him with bottles of water, underscoring his deep passion and commitment to the team.

3. Experience in French football’s lower leagues

Before taking the reins of Mali’s national team in 2022, Chelle managed several clubs in the lower tiers of French football.

His coaching stints included GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne, where he honed his skills despite limited resources and visibility.

4. A modest playing career

As a player, Chelle represented Mali’s senior national team five times. His club career saw him feature for French sides such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.

While not a household name during his playing days, his experience across these clubs provided a solid foundation for his coaching journey.

5. Immediate responsibility for World Cup qualification

Chelle’s appointment comes with high stakes. He is charged with leading the Super Eagles to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

Nigeria is currently in a precarious position, sitting fifth in Group C of the qualifiers, winless after four games.

6. A challenging first assignment

Chelle’s debut as Nigeria’s head coach will come in March when the Super Eagles face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the next round of qualifiers.

These matches are crucial for reviving Nigeria’s chances of making it to the World Cup.

7. An opportunity to revive the Super Eagles

Chelle’s appointment signals a fresh start for the Super Eagles. Fans hope his international experience with Mali and his ability to work under pressure will translate into success for Nigeria.

With a passionate fan base and talented players, Chelle has the tools to make a huge impact if he can bring the team together.

7 things to know about Eric Chelle, new Super Eagles coach

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Salah hits new record with 50th European goal for Liverpool

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5 hours ago

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January 22, 2025

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Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah

Salah hits new record with 50th European goal for Liverpool

Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah has now scored three Champions League goals this season and 22 in 31 games in all competitions.

He has also set up another 17 for team-mates and his total of 39 goal involvements is the highest of any player in Europe’s big five leagues.

His latest goal set Liverpool on their way to victory against Lille and to securing their place in the Champions League last 16.

It was a nonchalant finish as he latched on to Curtis Jones’ superb through ball and lifted over the advancing Lucas Chevalier.

It was his 50th goal in Europe for Liverpool – with 44 coming in the Champions League, five in last season’s Europa League and one in Champions League qualifying.

His latest strike extends his record as the club’s leading European goalscorer and he has now scored 20 Champions League goals at Anfield.

Former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero (23 at Etihad Stadium) and ex-Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy (23 at Old Trafford) are the only players to score more goals in the competition at a specific venue for an English team.

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“There has always been a smile on Salah’s face but it’s just that belief in himself that he will score,” said former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“That’s what makes him so dangerous. That’s the elite mindset of a player of his calibre.”

He has also been directly involved in 18 goals in 15 appearances at Anfield this season (10 goals, eight assists in all competitions).

“He is a real talisman for Liverpool,” said former Reds striker Robbie Fowler on Amazon Prime.

“He is a game winner. He is very comfortable in front of goal.

“He is one of those players that if he misses a chance, he is not fazed because the next one he will score.

“We wax lyrical about Mohamed Salah and know what he is capable of.”

Speaking to Amazon Prime, Salah said: “Hopefully [it’s] not the last one but I’m very proud of it. I wasn’t focused on it before the game.”

The 32-year-old’s long-term future at Anfield has been a constant talking point, as he has yet to sign an extension to his contract that expires at the end of this season.

At the end of December, Salah said an agreement was “far away” but former Liverpool forward Luis Garcia said the “situation is not affecting him”.

“He has never said he wants to leave,” said Garcia on Amazon Prime.

“The club never said he wants to leave. I think they are trying to give him normality. Week in, week out he is delivering, he is scoring. So this situation is not affecting him.”

Salah hits new record with 50th European goal for Liverpool

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Barcelona in major comeback claim victory at Benfica

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6 hours ago

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January 22, 2025

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Barcelona in major comeback claim victory at Benfica

Raphinha struck a dramatic winner in stoppage time as Barcelona came from behind to beat Benfica 5-4 in a wild match on Tuesday and virtually ensure direct qualification to the Champions League last 16.

Benfica were leading 4-2 with under 15 minutes remaining but Barcelona mounted a stunning late comeback to stay three points behind leaders Liverpool.

Vangelis Pavlidis hit a first-half hat-trick for the hosts, in part thanks to two big errors by Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

However a Robert Lewandowski double from the penalty spot, Eric Garcia’s header and a brace for Raphinha helped Barcelona claim a stunning last-gasp triumph in Lisbon.

“We knew how hard it would be here, in front of their fans, and they know how to play really well, they have top level players,” Raphinha told Movistar.

“We didn’t let ourselves sink at 3-1 down, we were focussed on what we needed to do to try and change the game.

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“It was a spectacular game for everyone. They could have won, or us, but we managed to take it.”

Benfica opened the scoring in the second minute, when Pavlidis escaped Pau Cubarsi and fired home from Alvaro Carreras’ low cross.

Barcelona responded swiftly with Lewandowski scoring from the penalty spot after Alejandro Balde was brought down by Benfica defender Tomas Araujo.

The hosts nosed back ahead through a stroke of luck, when Szczesny raced out of his goal to try and cut out a through-ball, but crashed into Balde.

Greece international Pavlidis gleefully collected the loose ball and rolled his second into the empty net.

Barcelona, who lured Szczesny out of retirement to replace the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen in October, soon fell further behind.

Pavlidis completed his half-hour hat-trick with a penalty after another Szczesny mistake, with the goalkeeper flying in to try and dispossess Kerem Akturkoglu but bringing him down.

– Barca battle back –

Lamine Yamal and Raphinha missed good chances before the break as Barcelona pushed forward.

Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin saved from Jules Kounde, who should have scored, and Lewandowski could not turn home from Pedri’s dangerous ball across the face of goal.

Raphinha pulled one back for Barcelona in bizarre fashion as a clearance by Trubin struck his head on the edge of the area and flew back into the net.

However, Benfica soon struck again, with Ronald Araujo nudging past Szczesny into his own net as he tried to cut out a cross.

Barcelona kept pushing and Lewandowski converted another penalty after Nicolas Otamendi brought down Yamal.

The Catalan giants, who last won the Champions League in 2015, pulled level when substitute Garcia headed home from Pedri’s inviting cross.

Szczesny saved former Real Madrid star Angel Di Maria’s low shot before Raphinha’s dramatic winner.

With Benfica appealing for a penalty, Barcelona sprang a quick breakaway and the Brazilian winger slotted home to end a blockbuster battle.

Players from both sides clashed after the final whistle as tempers flared following the thrilling denouement.

“To go behind in the second minute… spoils your plans,” said Garcia.

“The team showed an incredible mentality.”

 

Barcelona in major comeback claim victory at Benfica

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Manchester City sign defender Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens

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1 day ago

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January 21, 2025

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Abdukodir Khusanov

Manchester City sign defender Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens

Manchester City announced on Monday that it has signed Uzbekistan central defender Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens of Ligue 1 on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

Khusanov, 20, played in 13 of Lens’ 16 league games this season, and City paid a £33.5 million transfer fee for him, according to British media.

“For such a young defender, Abdukodir is already very intelligent, as well as being strong, aggressive and extremely quick,” City said in a statement.

The centre-back is the Premier League’s first player from Uzbekistan. He will wear the number 45.

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“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City, a club that I have enjoyed watching for a long time,” Abdukodir Khusanov said.

“This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them.

“And of course Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches ever and I am so excited to learn from him and improve my game even more.

“This is a very proud moment for me and my family to be joining a great Club like Manchester City and I’m more than ready for this challenge,” he told the City website.

Abdukodir Khusanov joined Lens from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU Minsk in 2023, playing 31 matches for the French team in all competitions.

Manchester City are back in the top four in the Premier League after thrashing Ipswich on Sunday.

Manchester City sign defender Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens

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