Sports

Moses in cloud nine after two goals in games

Published

4 years ago

July 25, 2022

…Dessers also on target, Odey fires blank

With two weeks before action return to full swing in the European Top Five leagues, fans in Russia, Belgium, China and Finland are already being treated to some spectacular performances leaving EPL, La Liga and Serie A fans anxious about what to expect for the next seven months.

While some of the big names are yet to start making the headlines, Nigerians are already making their impact felt with Victor Moses, Cyriel Dessers on the scorers’ charts, while some of the country’s lesser-known stars have also impressed.

Victor Moses (Spartak Moscow)

The former Nigeria international continued with his fine run of form in the Russian Premier League helping Spartak Moscow defeat Krasnodar 4-1 in the Russian Premier League on Saturday.

The 31-year-old played a huge role to help Spartak pick their first victory of the season, scoring the fourth goal after goals from Roman Zobnin in the 35th minute, Quincy Promes in the 46th minute, and an own goal by defender Sergei Borodin in the 53rd minute had set them on course.

The goal was the Nigerian’s second of the season, after coming to his side’s rescue in their opening fixture of the season with an equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw against Akhmat Grozny at Akhmat-Arena last weekend.

With just two games played in 38 matches, the former Chelsea player, while expressing his delight in scoring in two consecutive matches, is already thinking of winning the league title.

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“It is always good to get on the score sheet. I’m not that player that everyone knows to get on the score sheet every week, but I will do my best to help the team because the team comes first,” Moses said on the club’s official YouTube page after their first victory of the season.

“The only thing I can do is to add my quality to what we already had here. We will keep working hard and I’m pleased with the way I started, hopefully, I will keep the momentum going.

“When I was a kid, this is where I started before everyone started knowing Victor Moses as a right wing-back and to be honest with you, I can play in any position and I will feel comfortable there because it is all about the knowledge of the game.”

On his new position in the team, Moses, who won the 2013 AFCON with Nigeria, added, “I can read the game and this position is good for me and the manager understands that as well. The most important thing is to do what I can to help the team; it’s all about the team and how hard we are going to work from now till the end of the season because it’s not just one, two or three games.

“I want to play football at the highest level, but we just have to concentrate on the league and I don’t know if it is a big ambition for me to say we want to win the league this year. It is about the team and if we can get together as a team, and work hard, I think anything is possible.”

Onuachu, Dessers (Genk)

In a keenly contested encounter between Club Brugge and Genk at the Jan Breydel Stadium on Sunday, Dessers was on target for the Blue-White as they suffered a 3-2 defeat.

Andreas Skov Olsen’s strike gave hosts Brugge the lead after 22 minutes, but the Nigeria international restored parity just eight minutes later to open his Belgian First Division A goals account for the season, before he was substituted for Andras Nemeth in the 78th minute.

Having impressed during his loan spell at Feyenoord last term – where he emerged top scorer of the UEFA Europa Conference League – Dessers will hope to convince his parent club that he can get the job done, as he continues his career in Belgium.

His compatriot Paul Onuachu was not listed for action by Genk.

Odey, Egho, Kehinde (Randers)

In the Superliga in Denmark, Austrian forward of Nigerian descent Marvin Egho was also on target in the 75th minute as Randers came from behind to snatch a point against OB.

Bashkim Kadrii’s 25th-minute goal and a goal deep into the end of the first 45 minutes from Charly Horneman had given OB a two-goal lead before the hosts restored parity with Egho leading the charge and grabbing his first goal of the 2022/23 campaign in the 2-2 stalemate.

Meanwhile, former MFM striker and Egho’s teammate Stephen Odey was in action for 63 minutes for the Danish club but was unable to get on the score sheet before being replaced with Filip Kristensen, while another Nigerian Tosin Kehinde put up a decent display in midfield for Randers, and saw 82 minutes of action with Tobias Klysner coming on for him.

Ebuka Samson (SJK)

The 22-year-old forward helped break the deadlock in the 26th minute as SJK claimed a comfortable 3-1 win away from home over FC Lahti in the Veikkausliiga in Finland.

The Nigerian played the entire 90 minutes on Sunday, helping his side move away from the relegation zone as they now sit seventh on the log.

Kingsley Onuegbu (Qingdao Hainiu)

Onuegbu was the hero as Qingdao Hainiu moved to third on the log, beating Zibo Sunday 4-2 in China League One on Sunday.

The 36-year-old got his first goal just 10 minutes into the game, before grabbing his second in the 66th minute. He would then complete his hat-trick one minute into additional time to take his goals tally this season to five.

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Sports

Furious Rosenior Calls Out Chelsea Players After 3-0 Defeat to Brighton

Published

17 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior

Furious Rosenior Calls Out Chelsea Players After 3-0 Defeat to Brighton

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior delivered a scathing assessment of his team after their humiliating 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, describing the performance as both “indefensible” and “unacceptable” amid growing unrest among supporters.

The loss at the Amex Stadium marked another low point for Chelsea FC, with fans audibly voicing their frustration as early as the first half. Boos and chants rang out when Brighton took a 1-0 lead, reflecting mounting dissatisfaction during what has become a troubling run of form.

Chelsea’s display raised serious concerns. The Blues failed to register a meaningful attempt on goal until the 40th minute, looked disjointed in attack, and repeatedly made costly defensive errors. Brighton, by contrast, controlled proceedings with composure, capitalizing on Chelsea’s lack of intensity to secure a comfortable victory.

The defeat extended Chelsea’s alarming streak to five consecutive losses without scoring, their worst run in over a century, dating back to 1912. The statistic underscores the scale of the crisis currently engulfing the club.

Speaking after the match, Rosenior did not shield his players from criticism. He pointed to a lack of effort, desire, and basic fundamentals as the root of the collapse.

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“It was unacceptable in every aspect of the game, unacceptable in our attitude,” he said. “That’s indefensible, that performance tonight. The manner of the goals we conceded, the amount of duels that we lost, the lack of intensity in the team—something needs to change drastically right now.”

The manager revealed that Chelsea lost around 80% of duels and failed to win a single header—figures he described as unacceptable at any level, let alone for a club of Chelsea’s stature. He emphasized that the issues went beyond tactics, instead pointing to a deeper problem with mentality and commitment.

“This wasn’t about tactics,” Rosenior added. “This was about desire, spirit, courage—and I did not see enough of that tonight.”

Despite previously defending his squad during difficult moments, the coach admitted this performance could not be excused. He called on both players and himself to reflect, stressing the need for accountability across the board.

“I think the players need to have a look in the mirror… and I need to look in the mirror as well. The general attitude, spirit, determination was lacking apart from maybe three or four players. That is nowhere near enough for this club.”

The defeat unfolded in front of influential club figures, including co-owner Behdad Eghbali, adding further scrutiny to the team’s struggles. With Chelsea now sitting seven points behind Liverpool FC in the race for European qualification—having played a game more—their Champions League hopes are rapidly fading.

Attention now turns to a crucial FA Cup semi-final clash at Wembley against Leeds United. The match is widely seen as a defining moment in Chelsea’s season—and potentially for Rosenior’s future.

While the manager dismissed suggestions of a disconnect with his players, he acknowledged that results and performances inevitably shape perception. “There is a lack of spirit and belief,” he admitted, conceding that the current run has made criticism unavoidable.

The coming days could prove decisive for Chelsea, as pressure intensifies from fans, club leadership, and the broader football community. With morale low and expectations high, Rosenior and his squad face a critical test of character to salvage their season.

Furious Rosenior Calls Out Chelsea Players After 3-0 Defeat to Brighton

Sports

FIFA Ranking: Super Falcons Rise to 36th, Retain Africa’s No. 1 Position

Published

1 day ago

April 21, 2026

Trends Admin

FIFA Ranking: Super Falcons Rise to 36th, Retain Africa’s No. 1 Position

Nigeria’s women’s national team, the Nigeria women’s national football team, have moved up to 36th position in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking, maintaining their status as the highest-ranked women’s football team in Africa.

The updated ranking released by FIFA on Tuesday shows a slight improvement from 37th place in December 2025, reflecting steady progress in recent international performances and preparations for upcoming competitions.

The ranking update also factors in Nigeria’s recent pre-Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) friendly matches against Cameroon. The Super Falcons recorded a 1–0 defeat in February 2026 but responded strongly with a convincing 3–1 victory in March 2026.

In the second encounter, Nigeria produced a more dominant display after an early setback in the first match. Chinwendu Ihezuo equalised in the 32nd minute with a header from a precise cross by Rinsola Babajide.

Just before half-time, Babajide turned scorer, finishing from close range after a goalmouth scramble to give Nigeria a 2–1 lead. The Super Falcons sealed the win in the 64th minute when Michelle Alozie powered in a header from a delivery by captain Rasheedat Ajibade.

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The result boosted Nigeria’s FIFA ranking points by 3.35, bringing their total to 1602 in April 2026. However, the team remains slightly below the 1607 points recorded in December 2025.

Despite this minor dip in points, the Super Falcons continue to dominate African women’s football, staying ahead of rivals South Africa, Ghana, and Morocco, who are ranked 58th, 59th, and 62nd respectively in the world.

The Super Falcons’ consistency reinforces their reputation as the most successful women’s national team in Africa, with a record number of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles and regular appearances at global tournaments.

On the global stage, Spain remain top of the FIFA Women’s Ranking, followed by the United States, England, Germany, and Japan, underscoring the competitive gap between elite European teams and African sides.

The latest ranking is expected to boost morale within the Nigerian squad as they continue preparations for upcoming qualifiers and major international competitions.

FIFA Ranking: Super Falcons Rise to 36th, Retain Africa’s No. 1 Position

Sports

Man City Beat Arsenal 2–1 to Ignite Premier League Title Race

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Manchester City Stun Liverpool at Anfield with 93rd-Minute Winner

Man City Beat Arsenal 2–1 to Ignite Premier League Title Race

Manchester City produced a crucial 2–1 victory over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium to tighten the Premier League title race, leaving the champions just three points behind with a game in hand.

The result has intensified the battle for the EPL title, as both sides continue to push for top spot in one of the most closely contested seasons in recent years.

Manchester City started brightly in the high-stakes encounter, creating early pressure and testing Arsenal’s defence with quick attacking transitions. The breakthrough came through Rayan Cherki, who produced a moment of individual brilliance inside the penalty area after earlier hitting the post. His skillful control and composed finish put City ahead in front of their home fans.

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Arsenal responded almost immediately, equalising just 107 seconds later in a dramatic twist. A mistake from City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma led to a rushed clearance that struck Kai Havertz and deflected into the net, restoring parity in a tense first half.

The second half remained highly competitive, with both teams creating major chances. Erling Haaland hit the post for City, while Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze also went close as momentum swung back and forth.

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães later saw a header deflected onto the post, and Havertz missed a clear scoring opportunity that could have given Arsenal the lead.

City eventually found the decisive goal through Haaland, who reacted quickest inside the box to finish from close range and restore City’s advantage. His strike proved to be the match-winner in a tightly contested title showdown.

Despite late pressure from Arsenal, Manchester City held firm defensively, managing the game with experience and control to secure a vital three points.

The victory significantly tightens the Premier League title race, with City now only three points behind Arsenal and holding a game in hand, setting up a dramatic conclusion to the season.