Sports

Win Today Or Not, We’ll Splash Cash In The Summer To Progress The Team- Arsenal Owner Josh Kroenke Boasts

Published

11 months ago

May 19, 2024

By Ojomah Austin.

Arsenal have not won the title in 20 years and owner Kroenke says that, even if they do, they will not rest on their laurels in a hint at a big summer of transfer activity.

“While we are undoubtedly proud of the progress we have made, I want to be clear that no one at the club will stand still,” he told Arsenal’s website.

“However things finish today, we’re all working behind the scenes to move us forward – always forward – again.

“There is so much that we want to achieve, both at home and in Europe, and we are focused on writing some exciting new stories and chapters that build on the history of Arsenal Football Club.

“There have been so many stories and milestones across the season, shaped by so many of our players.

“We have all enjoyed seeing our summer signings flourish into being Arsenal players and we’re delighted that a number of players have committed to new contracts to keep this squad together, fighting on all fronts. We want to continue to forge that winning mentality that runs so deeply throughout the club.

“Whatever happens between now and the final whistle today, I’m certain that this season will live long in our memories.

“The football our teams have played has been a joy to watch and we can all rightly be proud of the progress and the direction of the football club.

“To be fighting for the Premier League title on the final day of the campaign is a testament to the hard work, drive and determination of everyone at the club. So, too, is the fact we reached the Champions League quarter-final for the first time in 14 years and made it back-to-back Champions League qualifications for the first time in seven years.

“That said, what has arguably given many of us the greatest pleasure is the connection we’ve felt between us all.

“The noise and backing given to our players again this season has played a huge part in what we have achieved together. I know Mikel [Arteta], Jonas [Eidevall] and our players are truly grateful to everyone who has played a part in that.”

Sports

NFF denies owning Christian Chukwu $128,000 amid social media claims

Published

21 hours ago

April 15, 2025

Admin

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that it owed former Nigeria captain and Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, the sum of $128,000 before his death.

Reacting to the reports following Chukwu’s passing on Saturday, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, described the allegations as baseless and misleading.

“There is no record in the NFF of any outstanding indebtedness to ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu,” Sanusi said.

Read Also: President Tinubu, Atiku, Gov. Mbah mourn Nigerian football icon Christian Chukwu

“During the first term of the Board headed by Amaju Pinnick, a committee was set up to diligently peruse the documents of coaches who were being owed, even from previous NFF administrations.”

He explained that the committee had been mandated to verify and settle all legitimate debts owed to coaches, and there was no documentation indicating that Christian Chukwu was owed any funds.

“I am aware that ‘Chairman’ was in the employ of the NFF between 2002 and 2005, before he was relieved of his duties following a 1-1 draw with Angola in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in Kano in August 2005. There is certainly no record of indebtedness to him in the NFF.”

Sanusi further urged anyone in possession of genuine and verifiable documents proving the NFF owed Chukwu or any other coach to come forward.

“As a credible organisation that is very much alive to its responsibilities, if we are confronted with any genuine document of indebtedness to any coach, we will offset the debt immediately,” he stated.

The NFF has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing its obligations, especially to individuals who have served the national teams.

Christian Chukwu, affectionately known as “Chairman,” captained Nigeria to its first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later coached the Super Eagles between 2002 and 2005.

Sports

UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Second Leg Preview: Fixtures, Predictions

Published

21 hours ago

April 15, 2025

Admin

As the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals head into the decisive second-leg fixtures, clubs across Europe are preparing for season-defining clashes that will determine their place in the semi-finals.

Aston Villa vs Paris Saint-Germain (Aggregate: 1–3)
Second Leg: Tuesday, 8 p.m.
Aston Villa return to Birmingham with work to do after a 3-1 defeat in the first leg at Parc des Princes. Despite managing an away goal, overturning a two-goal deficit against a PSG side boasting significant European experience and attacking firepower will be a major task.

Under Unai Emery, Villa have shown resilience in Europe, but PSG remain favourites to book a semi-final spot.
Prediction: PSG expected to advance (Aggregate Prediction: 2–4)

Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona (Aggregate: 0–4)
Second Leg: Tuesday, 8 p.m.
Barcelona delivered a dominant performance at Camp Nou with a convincing 4-0 win. With a commanding advantage heading into the return leg, Xavi’s men are well-positioned to close out the tie.

Dortmund will rely on home support and pride, but overcoming such a margin against an in-form Barça side appears highly improbable.
Prediction: Barcelona strongly favoured to progress (Aggregate Prediction: 2–6)

Real Madrid vs Arsenal (Aggregate: 0–3)
Second Leg: Wednesday, 8 p.m.
Arsenal stunned the Spanish giants with a stunning 3-0 away win at the Bernabéu, capitalising on their pressing game and quick transitions. While Real Madrid have a rich history of remarkable comebacks in Europe, the Gunners’ advantage is substantial.

With composure and discipline, Mikel Arteta’s side are in a strong position to seal qualification.
Prediction: Arsenal likely to go through (Aggregate Prediction: 3–4)

Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich (Aggregate: 2–1)
Second Leg: Wednesday, 8 p.m.
This matchup is the most closely contested of the quarter-finals. Inter edged out Bayern 2-1 in Munich, though Bayern’s away goal keeps the tie wide open. With both sides stacked with attacking quality, the second leg at San Siro promises high drama.

Expect a fiercely competitive affair, but Inter may just have the edge with home support.
Prediction: Inter tipped to narrowly advance (Aggregate Prediction: 3–2)

Projected Semi-Final Pairings:

Paris Saint-Germain vs Arsenal

Barcelona vs Inter Milan