Sports
NFF set to introduce VAR in NPFL
By Francesca Hangeior.
The President of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Ibrahim Misa Gusau has disclosed the ministry’s plan to introduce Video Assisted Referees, VAR in the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL.
Gusau made this known at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu while addressing journalists at the end of the opening game of the premier league between defending champion, Rangers International and Wkki Tourists.
Gusau who attested that VAR requires a capable hands to handle, disclosed that the ministry want to make sure that they have qualified and trained personnel that will manage it.
He, however, assured that they will start with training and retraining of personnel to ensure efficiency and quality service delivery.
Speaking on the 2024/25 season, Gusau assured that there would be a lot of improvements in the league, adding that referees will be wearing communication gadgets while officiating to provide a communication platform for referees and their assistants without going close to themselves.
“We are working on improving the league to international standard. We will soon introduce the VAR but we are concerned about training the personnel that will handle it first so that we won’t have any error while using VAR.
“From next week, you will see our referees starting to use communication gadgets. The referees will now communicate with themselves, they don’t need to go to AR to start asking them questions.
Sports
Transfer: Cristiano Ronaldo to Become Highest-Paid Player in History With New Deal
Al Nassr striker, Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed an extension to his contract with the club, which will see him remain the “highest-paid player in history”, according to Goal.Com
It is believed that Ronaldo is close to agreeing terms on a deal worth £173 million per season.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s current contract is set to expire in the summer.
But it appears Ronaldo is willing to continue playing with Al Nassr.
The 39-year-old has been linked with a few clubs, including Al-Hilal – where Neymar Jr is currently playing.
It is, however, being claimed that Ronaldo wants to compete with them, rather than represent them.
Ronaldo is now seeking assurances that Al Nassr will spend big in the summer transfer window.
Ronaldo has scored 81 goals in 90 appearances for Al-Nassr.
He has already become a centurion in the goal department at previous clubs Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
Sports
Former Man City Captain, Manager Tony Book Dies
Former Manchester City captain and manager Tony Book has died at the age of 90, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.
Right-back Book captained City as they won four major trophies, including the English top-flight title and European Cup Winners’ Cup, in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
He later led them to League Cup success as manager in 1976.
Tony made 315 appearances for City in total between 1966 and 1974, scoring five goals. Credit: X/@ManCity
Book was subsequently named as an honorary president at City as well as life president of the official supporters club.
“For nearly sixty years Tony helped to shape Manchester City,” said City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
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“Not just in what he contributed as a player, captain and manager, but in the way he conducted himself. His hopes and ambitions for his club were matched only by his incredible humility regarding his own significant achievements.”
He added: “Tony’s devotion to his club meant he was still fulfilling club duties earlier this season I will miss seeing him at our games enormously.”
AFP
Sports
Rigobert Song Announced As New Central African Republic Coach
Former Cameroon coach Rigobert Song has been appointed the new Central African Republic manager, the country’s sports minister said late Monday.
Song will aim to guide the country to qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first time in its history.
The Wild Beasts missed out on the 2023 tournament after losing their last two qualifiers.
Cameroon chose not to renew the 48-year-old former Liverpool and West Ham defender’s contract after the Indomitable Lions crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations at the last 16 stage in January last year, when they were beaten 2-0 by Nigeria.
Song also guided Cameroon to qualification for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, with a goal late in extra time in a qualifier against Algeria sealing their spot.
In Qatar, they were eliminated in the group phase despite a 1-0 win against Brazil.
In 23 matches in charge of Cameroon, Song won six games, with nine defeats and eight draws.
As a player, Song made 137 appearances for Cameroon.
AFF
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