Sports

Just in: Osimhen sidelined from Napoli’s squad as Lukaku picks jersey number 9

Published

3 months ago

August 31, 2024

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has found himself sidelined as the Serie A club has handed his iconic number 9 jersey to their new signing, Romelu Lukaku.

This development follows a summer of intense transfer speculation and a reported fallout with the club’s hierarchy, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Nigerian striker, who played a pivotal role in securing Napoli’s first Scudetto in four decades, was at the centre of a tug-of-war between several top clubs.

However, despite last-minute bids from Saudi giants Al-Hilal and English side Chelsea, Osimhen remains with the Partenopei, a situation that has left many fans and pundits puzzled.

New Napoli manager Antonio Conte, who has a history with Lukaku from their successful stint at Inter Milan, appears to have no place for Osimhen in his plans.

Conte’s preference for the Belgian striker is seen as a key reason behind the decision to strip Osimhen of his number 9 shirt.

Napoli had reportedly reached an agreement with Saudi club Al Ahli for a fee of around £67 million, but negotiations hit a snag when the Italian club demanded a higher fee.

This prompted Al Ahli to shift their focus to Brentford’s Ivan Toney, ultimately securing the English forward for a £40 million move.

Toney, who had already undergone a medical in London on Deadline Day, became the more straightforward option for the Saudi side.

The failed transfer saga has left Osimhen in a precarious position, with reports suggesting he could be sidelined until January when the transfer window reopens.

This situation is in contrast to his recent successes, including being named African Footballer of the Year and finishing 8th in the Ballon d’Or rankings.

After a successful 2023 season, tensions between the striker and Napoli had already been simmering, especially after the club’s official TikTok account released a controversial video that many interpreted as disrespectful.

Despite the public fallout, the former Wolfsburg striker extended his contract with Napoli until 2026.

Sports

NPFL: Rivers United return to summit, Remo Stars fall

Published

11 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Rivers United reclaimed top position in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, after a 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors.

Former Akwa United striker Ndifreke Effiong netted the winning goal for Finidi George’s side in the 58th minute.

Rivers United top the standings with 25 points from 13 points.

Azeez Falolu and Boslam Dawi scored both goals as Katsina United defeated Remo Stars 2-0 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

Shooting Stars returned to winning ways courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Bayelsa United. Anthony Okachi scored the decisive goal after 16 minutes.

Former champions Plateau United claimed a 2-0 victory over Nasarawa United in Jos. Shina Kumater scored an own goal in the 51st minute to hand Plateau United the lead. Olawale Doyeni doubled the home team’s advantage nine minutes from time.

Sports

EPL: Amorim begins Man Utd stint with 1-1 draw at Ipswich

Published

11 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim began his stint at the Premier League club with a 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town.

The 39-year-old began work officially on November 11 and waited for the international break to be over before his first game.

Marcus Rashford gave the Red Devils a dream start with a goal within the opening two minutes.

But the hosts responded before the break with a stunning finish from Omari Hutchinson.

Ipswich had chances from Liam Delap to claim a second, but ultimately settled for a draw at Portman Road.

Amorim’s next league game will be against Everton at Old Trafford.

Sports

EPL: Leicester City sack manager Steve Cooper

Published

11 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

English Premier League club, Leicester City, has announced the sack of Steve Cooper as the team’s manager with immediate effect.

The club announced on Sunday in a statement on its website, titled, “Leicester City Part Company With Steve Cooper.”

Cooper’s sack comes after the Foxes lost 2-1 at home against Chelsea in the league on Saturday.

The Foxes’ run in the domestic league has been poor, managing only two wins, four draws and six losses.

They currently sit in the 16th position — two points above relegation zone.

Cooper, an ex-Nottingham Forest boss, joined the Foxes on a three-year deal in June 2024 but failed to convincingly deliver with a five-game winless run in all competitions.

He took over from Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca who guided Leicester to last season’s Championship title before joining Chelsea.

“Assistant Manager Alan Tate and First Team Coach and Analyst Steve Rands have also left the Club. Steve, Alan and Steve depart with our thanks for their contribution during their time with the club and with our best wishes for the future.

“Men’s first team training will be overseen by first team coach Ben Dawson, supported by coaches Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes, as the club begins the process of appointing a new manager, which we hope to conclude as soon as possible,” the statement added.

Cooper, 44, guided England’s U17s to victory at the 2017 World Cup. He’s the second EPL manager to lose his job this season following Manchester United’s dismissal of Erik ten Hag last month.