Sports
Iwobi, Eze listed among EPL’s most improved players
Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has been listed among Premier League’s most-improved players in the ongoing season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Other players listed among Iwobi are Miguel Almiron, Eric Dier, Diogo Dalot, Joelinton, Ivan Toney, Fabian Schar, Gabriel Martinelli, Eberechi Eze and Granit Xhaka.
Formerly ostracised by Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez at Goodison Park, Iwobi appeared to have amounted to nothing more than a utility player at Everton.
The Nigerian had managed only four Premier League goals in three seasons having joined from Arsenal as a forward player in a deal worth £34m including add-ons.
This season, however, Iwobi has looked a player reborn under Lampard. Indeed, it is form carrying over from the end of the last campaign when he was one of the standout performers in the club’s march to safety.
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But since earning regular starts under Frank Lampard, the Nigerian has emerged as a pivotal part of the Toffees’ system this season, offering an abundance of energy in midfield and has been involved in over 50 per cent of the Toffees goals so far.
He has also racked up five assists in the currently campaign.
No longer a winger or playmaker, Iwobi is now viewed as a hard-working, box-to-box midfielder under Lampard and has helped Everton climb to 11th in the table.
Iwobi’s hard-working role in the engine room has helped boost Everton’s defensive record
The 26-year-old, who is tasked with breaking up play and tracking runners in midfield, has contributed to the Toffees’ superb defensive record so far this season, which is the best among teams outside the top five (Arsenal, Man City, Spurs, Newcastle and Chelsea).
Attributing Iwobi’s resurgence to Lampard’s belief in him, team-mate Andros Townsend said: ‘Rafa used to have this fitness test and Alex was always the fittest. But he didn’t believe it.
“It was only when Frank Lampard came in and said “I believe in you”. Now you’re starting to see Alex as the specimen he is.”
Sports
Mike Tyson back in ring to face Youtuber Paul
Mike Tyson back in ring to face Youtuber Paul
Nearly 40 years after making his professional debut, and 19 years after being battered into retirement, a 58-year-old Mike Tyson will climb back into the ring on Friday for a Netflix-backed bout that has drawn widespread condemnation across the boxing world.
Tyson, who terrorised the heavyweight division during an imperious reign in the late 1980s, is lacing up the gloves once more to take on Youtuber Jake Paul, 27, in an officially sanctioned fight at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas.
The fight, which will be comprised of eight two-minute rounds, was initially due to take place in July but was postponed in May after Tyson required medical treatment on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles after vomiting blood due to a bleeding ulcer.
That gory mid-air emergency has provided another piece of ammunition for the numerous critics who have condemned Friday’s contest as a macabre circus act that poses an unacceptable level of risk for Tyson, who last graced a professional ring in 2005, when he was beaten via a technical knockout after quitting on his stool against Irish journeyman Kevin McBride.
– ‘It shouldn’t be happening’ –
“Twenty years ago, Mike Tyson retired from boxing, and was shot to pieces, right? I mean, completely shot,” the prominent British fight promoter Eddie Hearn said this week.
“If anyone thinks that Mike Tyson should be in a ring at this age, you either have absolutely no emotional feelings toward the man, or you’re an idiot. It shouldn’t be happening.”
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Hearn’s rival promoter Frank Warren echoed those sentiments.
“Mike Tyson is 58 years of age and he shouldn’t be fighting,” Warren said after the bout was announced. “It’s as simple as that.
“Anyone with an ounce of brains knows that it is ridiculous. You can be on a motorway stuck in a traffic jam and you get to the end of it and all it is is people who have stopped to look at a crash — and that’s what this is.”
Tyson, who US reports say is being paid around $20 million for Friday’s contest, has brushed off the concerns for his wellbeing, insisting when critics from the boxing world are motivated by jealousy.
“I’m beautiful, that’s all I can say,” he said earlier this year. “The people who said that wish they were up here. No-one else can do this.”
Mike Tyson back in ring to face Youtuber Paul
Sports
Alleged fraud: South Africa FA President, Danny Jordaan, arrested
Alleged fraud: South Africa FA President, Danny Jordaan, arrested
South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan was arrested on Wednesday amid allegations that he misused the organization’s funds for personal purposes, as reported by local media.
Jordaan, renowned for his pivotal role in securing South Africa as the host for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, sought to block his arrest on Tuesday by filing an urgent application.
However, the Johannesburg High Court is scheduled to hear his case only on Thursday, leaving him vulnerable to arrest.
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The arrest stems from a raid by police on the SAFA offices in March, after which police spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the allegations are that “between 2014 and 2018, the president of SAFA used the organisation’s resources for his personal gain, including hiring a private security company for his personal protection and a public relations company, without authorisation from the SAFA board.”
Jordaan, 73, and his reported co-accused, SAFA chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo and businessman Trevor Neethling, are due to appear in court later on Wednesday.
Neither Jordaan nor SAFA responded to a request for comment from Reuters, but in his affidavit to court seeking to block his arrest, he denies any wrongdoing.
Alleged fraud: South Africa FA President, Danny Jordaan, arrested
(Reuters)
Sports
Newcastle make Osimhen transfer target
Newcastle make Osimhen transfer target
Newcastle United have joined the race sign Victor Osimhen as the English club seeks to bolstering its attack with the prolific Nigerian star next year.
The club’s owners, Public Investment Fund is reportedly ready to activate the Nigerian’s £113m release clause.
Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder reports that the Magpies are among several clubs jostling for the service of the 25-year-old striker, who is currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray from Napoli.
The former Lille striker has been in an tremendous form since joining Galatasaray in September, netting eight goals in nine appearances across all competitions, including six strikes in six Turkish Super Lig.
His latest contribution came in Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Samsunspor, where he scored twice to maintain Galatasaray’s unbeaten run and extend their lead at the Turkish Super Lig summit to six points.
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Napoli Sporting Director Giovanni Manna has set a minimum price for any potential suitor.
“There are many clubs interested in Victor Osimhen. Galatasaray cannot take Osimhen if it does not pay a net fee of €75m,” Manna stated.
Newcastle’s interest comes after an inactive summer transfer window, with manager Eddie Howe keen to strengthen his attacking options. Fans are already agog by the prospect of pairing Osimhen with current striker Alexander Isak, though profit and sustainability regulations at St James’ Park could hamper any potential deal.
Chelsea and several Saudi Pro League clubs maintain their interest in the striker following failed moves last summer, setting up what could be an intense battle for his signature in 2025.
Meanwhile, Fenerbahce Vice President Acun Ilıcalı have shown little interest in pursuing Osimhen, citing the club’s existing forward options.
“There is Dzeko, there is En Nesyri, and there is also Cenk. Who will play?” Ilıcalı questioned during a recent television appearance.
Newcastle make Osimhen transfer target
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