Sports
Latest FIFA ranking: Super Eagles suffer drop despite Sao Tome and Principe thrashing
Nigeria’s perfect win record in the opening stages of the Afcon qualifiers did not push the three-time African champions up the global ranking
FIFA, the world’s top football governing body, has released its ranking for June, with the Super Eagles now ranked fourth on the continent and 31st on the planet.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions were previously ranked 30th globally and third in Africa, behind only top-ranking Senegal and second-place Morocco.
But the Super Eagles dropped a step down to make room for Tunisia, the Carthage Eagles now 30th in the world and third on the continent. Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions complete the top five ranking teams in Africa.
READ ALSO:
- UPDATED: Ondo Amotekun arrests suspected masterminds of Owo massacre
- Ekweremadu, Wife Arrested In London Over Organ Harvesting
- Buhari opens 22km Ekiti/Osun Road
Surprisingly, Nigeria’s victories in their last two competitive matches failed to boost their status.
The Super Eagles defeated Sierra Leone 2-1 in Abuja to kickoff the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on a winning note.
Nigeria’s recent two international friendly matches, however, appeared to have affected the national team’s standing.
The three-time Afcon champions lost to both Mexico (2-1) and Ecuador (1-0) in the United States.
Elsewhere, former world champions Brazil retain their place at the top of the standings, having replaced Belgium in March.
Belgium, Argentina, France, and England make up the top five.
soccernet.ng
Sports
Manchester United to use Marcus Rashford in swap deal for Victor Osimhen
Manchester United to use Marcus Rashford in swap deal for Victor Osimhen
Marcus Rashford’s potential exit from Manchester United could open the door to Victor Osimhen making the move to Old Trafford, according to a new report.
The 27-year-old has been dropped from the side in recent weeks by head coach Ruben Amorim. In fact, he has not featured in a minute of football since his side’s 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest on 7 December.
Reports by Goal.com suggested on Thursday, December 2 that Rashford is keen to see out his career in Europe, having turned down three offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia. He reportedly turned down the chance to secure a contract worth £ 675,000 per week in a bid to reclaim a spot back in the England side.
As such, a move to Napoli has now been mooted according to several media agencies in the UK and Italy. Antonio Conte’s men are currently in second place in the Italian top flight and are looking to bring in another forward to secure the league title, reports The Sun.
READ ALSO:
- US issues new advisory linking alcohol to cancer
- Edo LG chairman, 8 councillors, defect to APC
- Ghana President Akufo-Addo’s address disrupted as ADC collapses (Video)
They are keen on Rashford and it’s thought that this could open the door for the Red Devils to sign Victor Osimhen, as part of a sensational swap deal.
Osimhen was close to making a move to Chelsea during the summer window, but the proposed move collapsed as they could not agree personal terms. During the window, the striker instead made the loan move to Galatasaray for the 2024/25 season. So far in Turkey, he has scored 12 goals and made five assists in 15 outings.
Osimhen netted 76 times for Napoli in 133 appearances, even helping them win a scudetto during the 2022/23 season.
United have scored just 21 league goals this season, with Rasmus Hojlund, particularly Joshua Zirkzee, particularly under-fire. It could be that the Old Trafford club is looking to bring in another forward in the winter window ahead of the second half of the season.
Osimhen reportedly has a £62 million release clause in his contract and any move involving Rashford would see the Manchester-born attacker reunited with former United player Scott McTominay at the Italian city.
Manchester United to use Marcus Rashford in swap deal for Victor Osimhen
Sports
This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing
This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing
Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has lost his mother to the cold hands of death barely two month after losing his father.
Nwabali took to his X handle on New Year Day to announce the death of his mother.
In a deeply emotional moment, he shared that this has been “the worst year” of his life, a heart-wrenching statement that captures the weight of his grief.
Nwabali‘s words convey the raw pain of navigating through such a devastating period, with a message that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced profound loss.
READ ALSO:
- No plans to address hunger, unemployment in Tinubu’s New Year message – PDP
- ASUU to Tinubu: Vibrant Nigerians running away from lecturing
- Anthony Joshua presents autographed glove to Tinubu during visit
His final post describes the world as “crazy,” encapsulating the bewilderment and despair that often follows such an overwhelming tragedy.
This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing
Sports
EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool
EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool
Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to six points as Gabriel Jesus extended his hot-streak in a 3-1 win at Brentford on Wednesday.
Mikel Arteta’s side were rocked by Bryan Mbeumo’s first-half goal at the Gtech Community Stadium.
But Arsenal refused to be blown away on a wet and windy evening in west London as Jesus equalised before the break.
It was the Brazilian’s sixth goal in his last four games after he scored just once in his first 20 matches this season.
Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli netted in quick succession soon after half-time to ensure Arsenal moved into second place above Nottingham Forest.
READ ALSO:
- Married man arrested for raping 10-year-old girl in Niger State
- NLC insists on withdrawal of Tax Reform Bills
- How Tinubu outsmarted Buhari to become president – Ojudu
Excluding their 5-1 rout of Crystal Palace, the Gunners had spluttered through their last four games with lacklustre draws against Fulham and Everton followed by a narrow win over lowly Ipswich.
But Arsenal’s first Premier League game of 2025 provided compelling evidence that they are ready to compete in the title race with Liverpool, who have a game in hand on the north Londoners.
Runners-up to Manchester City for the last two seasons, Arsenal are unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions, a revitalising run that includes four successive wins.
With Bukayo Saka sidelined for several months due to a hamstring injury, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made his first league start for Arsenal.
Kai Havertz was absent after scoring Arsenal’s winner against Ipswich but Jesus ensured the German was not missed.
Arsenal did not lose a single one of their 10 league London derbies in 2024 and they maintained their impressive record in capital clashes after surviving an early blow.
EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool
-
metro1 day ago
‘Deepen Shariah knowledge to curb misinformation’
-
metro1 day ago
Ilorin: Retired works controller murdered on New Year’s Day
-
metro1 day ago
Jealous husband stabs Bishop to death over allege affair with wife
-
metro1 day ago
Tinubu’s refusal to honour Seyi’s pact with us disappointing – Nnamdi Kanu’s family
-
Politics3 days ago
How Tinubu outsmarted Buhari to become president – Ojudu
-
metro16 hours ago
Mosques should be research centres – Varsity don
-
metro3 days ago
Horror in Ogun as twin brothers kill, dismember sex worker
-
metro3 days ago
Fire razes police station, buildings in Lagos