Sports
Good news for Super Eagles as Atalanta shares Lookman’s return date after knee injury
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has taken a significant step toward full recovery after sustaining a knee injury last week.
The 27-year-old forward was ruled out just hours before Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League clash against Barcelona, sparking fears of a long-term absence.
However, Atalanta BC News has confirmed that Lookman has returned to light training, raising hopes of a swift return to action within the next two weeks.
The reigning CAF Men’s Player of the Year winner has been a key figure for La Dea this season, contributing 14 goals and seven assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.
Lookman’s return is a timely boost for Atalanta, who are set for crucial matches in both the Serie A and the Champions League.
How Lookman’s comeback helps Atalanta
Coach Gian Piero Gasperini will be eager to reintegrate Lookman into the squad as Atalanta faces a double-header against Club Brugge in the Champions League as the forward’s impressive performances have made him one of Atalanta’s most valuable players.
With 14 goals and seven assists per TransferMarkt, the Super Eagles forward stands as the club’s second-highest goal contributor behind Mateo Retegui this season.
Lookman’s dynamic attacking play, quick dribbling, and sharp finishing have played a crucial role in Atalanta’s strong campaign so far.
https://twitter.com/eurofootcom/status/1881062654690935061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Additionally, La Dea’s Serie A campaign needs reinvigoration, as they currently sit third in the standings, trailing leaders Napoli by six points.
Lookman’s link-up play with Charles De Ketelaere has been a bright spot for Atalanta, and his return could help reignite their push for domestic and European success.
Lookman’s recovery also comes as fantastic news for the Super Eagles ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Match.
The three-time African champions are set to face Rwanda and Zimbabwe next month, and Lookman’s presence will provide a significant attacking advantage.
https://twitter.com/NGSuperEagles/status/1886820351734141070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Lookman has proven to be a reliable offensive weapon for Nigeria in recent months, making his return a welcome development for coach Eric Chelle.
Source: www.legit.ng
Sports
FA Cup: Maguire scores last-gasp winner as Man Utd eliminate Leicester City
Manchester United defender, Harry Maguire, scored in the 93rd minute of the game as they came from behind to beat Leicester City 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday night.
The Red Devils came into the tie looking to bounce back from a 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League last weekend.
But it appeared they were set to suffer yet another shock loss in front of their fans, after De Cordova-Reid opened the scoring in the first half.
Ruben Amorim responded by taking off debutant Patrick Dorgu off at half and introducing Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho’s arrival seemed to spark United into life, as his cross led to Joshua Zirkzee tapping into an empty net.
As the game dragged into extra-time territory, Maguire headed in Bruno Fernandes’ deep cross.
It appeared the defender was in an offside position as Fernandes swung in the free-kick that he headed past Mads Hermansen, but with no VAR in action at this stage of the competition, the goal was awarded.
Sports
Usman advises Adesanya after Saudi Arabia disaster
Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has advised his close friend Israel Adesanya to take time off and focus on enjoying his fighting career following his third consecutive defeat at UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Speaking on his “Pound 4 Pound” podcast with Henry Cejudo, Usman suggested that Adesanya should follow the path of Anderson Silva by choosing entertaining matchups rather than rushing back into title contention.
“For Israel, man, honestly he’s at a point in his career to where – remember Anderson Silva got to this place where, ‘I’m going to pick a fun fight. It’s a fun fight, that’s a fight that I think is going to be great, that people want to see that fight,’” Usman said.
“Because Izzy did show that he can still fight, he was sharp.”
The Nigerian-born New Zealander suffered a second-round TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov last Saturday at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, marking his fourth defeat in his last five outings.
The loss, which came after a promising first round where Adesanya landed several effective low kicks, saw him drop two places to fourth in the official UFC middleweight rankings, while Imavov climbed to the second spot ahead of Khamzat Chimaev.
The 35-year-old former two-time middleweight champion, who previously defended his title five times, has endured a difficult 12 months, losing his belt to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 before suffering another defeat to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 last August.
“Right now, Izzy, take your time. When you want to come back at the end of the year then take a fight that makes sense,” Usman concluded.
Despite the setback, Adesanya, whose professional record now stands at 24 wins with 16 knockouts and five defeats, displayed his characteristic resilience on social media, writing, “As real as it gets, @ufc. Rolled the dice…snake eyes. I’ll be back, gone to get some milk.”
The bout marked the first time in six years and 12 fights that Adesanya has competed without a UFC championship on the line, with his latest loss potentially reshaping his approach to future matchups as he contemplates his next move in the increasingly competitive middleweight division.
Sports
Transfer: Iheanacho won’t rule out Sevilla return
Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho is not ruling out rejoining Sevilla, a Spanish team.
On Monday, Iheanacho went on loan to Middlesbrough, a team in the Sky Bet Championship.
Six months after leaving Leicester City for Sevilla, the attacker is back in England.
According to the 28-year-old, he had a good time at Sevilla and is excited to rejoin the team.
“Obviously, it’s good to leave (England). To feel like I’m in a different environment. It’s a good atmosphere there,” he told Middlesbrough’s official website.
“It’s a great club. I’ve loved my experience there. Sevilla is a great team. I’ll always be happy to go back there. I’m here now. I’m focused on what I can achieve here.”
He signed for two seasons with Sevilla, with the option for one more, arriving in a free transfer after his time at Leicester City.
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