Manchester United will end a fifth successive season without a trophy after bowing out of the Champions League at home to Atletico Madrid.

Long since out of the Premier League title race, Ralf Rangnick’s Red Devils saw their final route to silverware slammed shut by Diego Simeone’s well-drilled side.

United failed to build on their scarcely-deserved draw in the first leg of this last-16 clash in Spain, with Renan Lodi’s first-half header securing a 1-0 Old Trafford win as Atleti progressed to the quarter-finals.

The 2-1 aggregate exit extinguished any faint hopes of a first piece of silverware since the 2017 Europa League as the Premier League side saw a fifth successive continental campaign end in defeat to Spanish opposition.

United started well enough at a rocking Old Trafford, where Anthony Elanga would have scored his second of the tie was it not for a fortunate Jan Oblak save on a night that the reigning La Liga champions grew into.

Joao Felix scored a bullet header in the first leg and saw a first-half goal ruled out for offside, shortly before Antoine Griezmann hook a cross to the back post for Lodi to head home.

It was a gut punch that United failed to respond to as Simeone’s side sat deep, soaked up pressure throughout the second half and frustrated the hosts as much as the officials.

United goalkeeper David de Gea said the team were "not good enough" after being eliminated.

"We are really disappointed with the result. It's difficult to put into words how we feel now at the moment. We did not do enough in both games to win it. It's a very disappointing day for us," De Gea told BT Sport.

"They are a team with a lot of experience. They know how to play those Champions League games.

"They scored a goal then are a tough team so it was hard for us to create chances. We are out of one of the most important competitions so we are very sad."

United have reached the last eight of Europe's top club competition just twice since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. The club's last trophy came when they won the Europa League five years ago.

"Of course it's not good enough. It's hard for the club, for us and the fans. It's really hard," said De Gea.

"This is where we are at the moment. It's a difficult situation. We have to keep fighting. I feel very sad. But we were not good enough."

By

Ayobami Adedeji Sports 2022-03-16

Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the favourite to succeed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United.

Solskjaer – who will receive a £7.5milllion pay-off - was sacked by United following the humiliating 4-1 defeat at Watford, which stretched their dismal run to just four points from 21.

Former United striker Solskjaer was dismissed after a face-to-face meeting with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, with Michael Carrick taking charge for the next few games – starting tomorrow away to Villarreal.

United are looking to appoint an interim boss to take over from Carrick until the end of the season, with their former defender Laurent Blanc – currently coaching in Qatar – one of those in the frame for the role.

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane and Ajax coach Erik Ten Hag are all on United's shortlist to replace Solskjaer permanently.

But former Tottenham boss Pochettino, currently in charge of Paris St Germain, is understood to be the man United want to appoint on a permanent basis next summer.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been a long-time admirer of Pochettino and has previously tried to lure him to Old Trafford, but it seems United are finally set to land the Argentine.

Pochettino has told close friends he is desperate to return to the Premier League and the United job in particular is the one he is said to have set his heart on.

The 49-year-old has one full season left on his contract at PSG, so compensation to extricate him from his role there would not be minimal for United.

Pochettino took Spurs into the Premier League's top-four and a Champions League final in five-and-a-half years, before leaving in 2019 and taking over at PSG in January.

Solskjaer was sacked a month shy of his three-year anniversary in charge of United, the humiliation at Watford proving the final straw for the Old Trafford hierarchy.

United released a statement which read: “Manchester United announces that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as manager.

“Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United and it is with regret that we have reached this difficult decision.

“While the past few weeks have been disappointing, they should not obscure all the work he has done over the past three years to rebuild the foundations for long-term success.

“Ole leaves with our sincerest thanks for his tireless efforts as manager and our very best wishes for the future.

“His place in the club’s history will always be secure, not just for his story as a player, but as a great man and a manager who gave us many great moments.

“Michael Carrick will now take charge of the team for forthcoming games, while the club looks to appoint an interim manager to the end of the season.”

By

Ayobami Adedeji Sports 2021-11-22

Football star Cristiano Ronaldo,is bereaved,his newborn son has died, according to an announcement posted on the footballer's Instagram account. 'It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away. It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel,' the announcement read. 'Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness. 'We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support. 'We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time. 'Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.' The Manchester United star, 37, announced in October 2021 that he was expecting twins with his partner Georgina Rodriguez, 28. Since,the sad news broke out,well wishes and messages of consolation have flooded the social media. Manchester United, Ronaldo's current club and the team where he cemented his status as a premier league legend, posted on Instagram: 'Your pain is our pain. Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time.' Meanwhile, Ronaldo's sister Katia Aveiro released an emotional open letter in which she said 'our little angel is already on daddy's lap,' in reference to the pair's father, Denis, who passed away in 2005 after a battle with alcoholism. 'I love you and my heart is with you over there,' Aveiro's letter read. 'May God take care of you and strengthen your path more and more. 'Our angel is already on daddy's lap. And our little girl is there firm and strong and full of health and is going to show us with every day that only love matters.' Denis passed away aged just 52 after drinking himself into an early grave. Cristiano was only 20 when he died. Real Madrid said that the club and its officials “deeply regret the death of one of the children that our beloved Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, were expecting”. “Real Madrid joins the grief of the whole family and wants to show them all our love and affection,” the Spanish giants said. Rival clubs, among them Leeds United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, also sent condolences. “All of us here at Liverpool FC send our deepest condolences to you, Georgina and the family,” Liverpool tweeted. Ronaldo’s United teammates also joined the outpouring of sympathy. “Thoughts are with you and Georgina, brother I’m so sorry,” forward Marcus Rashford wrote on Twitter. Goalkeeper David de Gea responded to Ronaldo’s announcement with a simple heart emoji. Additional information from AFP

By

Ayobami Adedeji Sports 2022-04-19

The 6th edition of the Dr Taiwo Afolabi Soccer Competition has kicked off.The competiion is in partnership with the Lagos State Grassroots Football Association.

The 6th editiion is played by both boys and girls at the Apongbon Stadium, Lagos Island. The competion is sponsored by the billionaire businessman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi.

The stadium was filled to the brim by football fans who stormed there to support their teams.This year's edition,is particularly significant,as it is in commemoration of his 60th,which comes up in April,2022.

The soccer competition has, in the past produced several soccer stars who are playing for different big teams both in Nigeria and abroad.

Dr. Taiwo Afolabi is the Chairman/MD of Sifax Group and Marriot Hotels.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Sports 2022-03-09

Ronaldo was thrust straight into the United XI at Old Trafford after sealing his move from Juventus shortly before the international break.Twelve years and 118 days on from his previous Premier League appearance, it marked the longest gap between outings in the competition’s history.

And Ronaldo was immediately involved in the final third, attempting a game-high five shots in the first half.

The fifth of those found the net to put United 1-0 up, profiting on Freddie Woodman’s fumble from a deflected Mason Greenwood strike.

Only Matt Jackson (13 years and 187 days between May 1993 and November 2006) has gone longer between Premier League goals, with Ronaldo’s previous effort coming 12 years and 124 days earlier against Manchester City in May 2009.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Sports 2021-09-11

Nigeria's World Cup qualifier against Ghana,was marred by ugly incidences at the final whistle.CAF official,Dr Joseph Kabungo,has died following Nigeria's match against Ghana on Tuesday evening.The two African teams were competing,in the second leg of their World Cup play-off,in Abuja.Ghana booked their place at the 2022 World Cup with Thomas Partey's goal in the opening 10 minutes enough to win the tie on away goals. But the match was marred by scenes after the final whistle with fans storming onto the pitch and causing chaos.

Home fans rushed onto the pitch in their hundreds with dugouts ripped from the ground and missiles being launched at players from both sides. Police tried to contain the angry crowd with tear gas used to try and disperse them as both sets of players tried to escape down the tunnel.

And it's now been confirmed that Dr Kabungo, who was CAF's Doping Officer for the match, has lost his life after the scenes in the Abuja National Stadium. 

Zambia FA president Andrew Kamanga said in a statement: “Today we mourn the passing of our CAF/FIFA medical officer Dr Joseph Kabungo who was on duty as a Doping officer in Tuesday’s match involving Nigeria and Ghana, and we extend our sincere condolences to Dr Kabungo’s family and the football family at large.

"We take note that it is too early to dwell into the nitty-gritty of the cause of his death but will wait for the full report from CAF and FIFA on what exactly transpired.

“He was a dedicated and widely loved member of our football community and his impact was vast, having also been part of the 2012 Africa Cup winning team. His death is a huge loss as Dr Kabungo was a friend and confidant to many generations of players and their families.”

The World Cup play-off tie was finely poised after a 0-0 draw between the two sides last Friday. And it was Ghana who got off to the perfect start in Abuja with Arsenal's Partey scoring the opening goal.

Nigeria were level shortly after with William Troost-Ekong scoring from the penalty spot. But the Super Eagles were unable to find a second goal with Ghana progressing to the 2022 World Cup on away goals.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Sports 2022-03-30

The city of Dakar,Senegal,exploded with joy at the final whistle as Sadio Mane’s Senegal beat Mohamed Salah’s Egypt for their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations crown.

“African champions. What a game! What a team! You did it. Beautiful moment of football, beautiful moment of communion and national pride. Congratulations to our heroes,” Senegalese President Macky Sall tweeted after the Lions’ win Sunday night.

Sall declared Monday a national holiday to celebrate the “brilliant victory”, public television announced.

The president, who had been due to visit Comoros at the end of a trip that took in Egypt and Ethiopia, also cancelled the last leg in order to welcome the triumphant Lions on their return to Dakar at 1300 GMT Monday, RTS television said.

Dakar erupted when Liverpool star Mane scored the decisive penalty to give Senegal the win in a shoot-out (4-2) after the final finished goalless at the end of extra time.

Hundreds of supporters in Senegal jerseys flocked to Independence Square, near the presidential palace in the heart of Dakar, to celebrate.

The square vibrated to the sound of car horns, vuvuzelas, whistles and firecrackers.

A festive atmosphere spread across the capital, with national flags hung from buildings, on vehicles and sidewalks.

At the massive African Renaissance Monument which towers above the capital from a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, dozens of fans hugged each other amid bonfires after the penalty shoot-out.

“I’m happy. It’s the best day of my life,” 25-year-old Modou Ba, a car washer, told AFP.

“We waited a long time. (The cup) is finally here. We really needed it,” said Seydou Nourou Diop, a 27-year-old accountant.

Student Khadim Lo, 21, said he was “very proud of our Lions. It’s exceptional.”

At the foot of the monument, supporters then left the fanzone to reach the street, some standing on cars and mingling with the crowds coming out of their homes to celebrate.

Earlier, the tense shoot-out saw some anxious supporters in tears and even unable to watch the screen, Mane having missed a penalty during normal time, his shot saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal.

“He must not miss the penalty. For a final the great player does not miss. It’s unacceptable,” fumed Pape Mbaye, a 24-year-old driver.

The crowd started to relax as two Egyptian shots missed the mark.

They finally exploded with joy after Mane converted the last shot to make Senegal African champions.

AFP

By

Ayobami Adedeji Sports 2022-02-07

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced its sponsorship of the 5th edition of the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo golf tournament, organized by the Abeokuta golf club. The competition, which is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 14th August 2021 will have Chief Obasanjo perform the ceremonial Tee-off to the glamour of the 150 golfers participating from across Nigeria. 

Speaking on the competition, Kola Adeneye, the Captain of the Abeokuta golf club, said; “Abeokuta golf club is putting up this tournament, fully sponsored by First Bank of Nigeria Limited to celebrate Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, whom we all know to be an icon, a patriotic Nigerian and an entrepreneur. He is worthy to be celebrated and it’s not only when somebody dies that you celebrate him.

“So, Abeokuta golf club has put this tournament together to celebrate him and this is the fifth edition and we want to sincerely thank FirstBank for the support… It’s going to be a wonderful experience, a nice outing for golfers all over Nigeria to come and celebrate Baba Olusegun Obasanjo”, the captain emphasised.

Highlighting the Bank’s contribution to sports development in Nigeria, Mr. Tunde Owolabi, FirstBank’s Group Executive, Retail Banking (Lagos & West) said “we are delighted to join The Abeokuta Golf Club to honour Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for the indelible roles he has played to the socio-economic and political development of the country. The Bank’s influence in the development of sports in Nigeria is under its First@Sport initiative.

“In over a century, FirstBank has sponsored various sporting events known as its legacy sport. These events include the Georgian Cup of Kaduna Polo Club, for over 100 years; the Dala Tennis Hard Court in Kano Club for over 30 years; the FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship in Ikoyi Club which will be in its 60th year this November and the Obasanjo Pro-Amateur tournament of Abeokuta Club now in its 5th year”, he concluded.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Sports 2021-08-13

The award-winning Bigi carbonated soft drink (CSD) brand, from the stable of Rite Foods, is at the forefront of promoting sports among primary and secondary schools in the country with the sponsorship of the International Schools Athletics Championship where 68 schools participated, from 14 to 19 March, 2022, in Lagos.

The competition was part of the brand's support for the growth of young talents in athletics, like other sporting initiatives sponsored in the past, with its 13 variants and table water that have been the hallmark of distinctiveness in the beverage segment of the Nigerian economy.

It was also aimed at encouraging togetherness and peace, with 914 participants from 68 schools as well as 5,000 spectators.

Commenting on the sponsorship from the Truly World-class company, the Brand Manager, Boluwatife Adedugbe, stated that the premium Bigi CSD brand through its range of products rejuvenated the athletes with the vigour needed for the completion of the games, especially with the Bigi Table Water which is produced with global best practices in purification and offers quality, freshness, confidence, and reliability.

She said the company will continue to identify with credible platforms that connect its leading Bigi products with consumers to add value to lives, as demonstrated in the athletics tournament by helping young Nigerians accomplish their dreams of becoming superstars that would make the nation proud in sporting activities.

While applauding Bigi for its contribution to the success of the games, the Chairman of Lagos State Athletics Association, Dr. Solomon Alao, remarked that the competition was intended at encouraging a healthy body and mind in an era where moral degeneration is prevalent among the youth.

"Going forward the future is looking great. It is about going back to the basics, using sports and education as a platform to attain wholesome child development and a breeding ground for future champions," Alao affirmed.

He added that the inaugural event was also supported by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to showcase the skills of the youngsters who would in the future, represent the country at international events, with laurels to their credit.

On his part, a former Olympian, Enefiok Udo-Obong, who won a gold and bronze medal at the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics respectively, avowed that four schools in Ghana have already shown interest in the tournament, an indication that the initiative will grow stronger with an extensive footprint in the next edition.

Interestingly, the Bigi brand, which has been spearheading sports development in Nigeria, last year, threw its weight behind the Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon, held on 17 July 2021, where it reinvigorated the athletes with the strength to get to the finish line. It also powered the Abeokuta King's Golf Tournament held on 10 October, 2021, as well as the Abeokuta 10 km marathon held on 13 November, the same year, with commendation from the Ogun State Government.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Sports 2022-03-28

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has sacked Gernot Rohr as technical adviser of the Super Eagles.

The NFF confirmed the development in a statement posted on its website on Sunday.

Augustine Eguavoen was named the interim coach of the three-time African champions.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Mr Augustine Eguavoen, currently its Technical Director, as the Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles on an interim basis. This is with immediate effect, and follows the termination of the relationship with Franco-German Gernot Rohr, who has been in charge of the three–time African champions for the past 64 months, and is Nigeria’s longest–serving manager

“Following a virtual meeting of the NFF Executive Committee on Sunday, it was decided that Eguavoen will work with Salisu Yusuf (Chief Coach); Paul Aigbogun (Assistant Coach); Joseph Yobo (Assistant Coach); Dr Terry Eguaoje (Assistant Coach) and Aloysius Agu (Goalkeeper Trainer). Former Nigeria captains Augustine ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Garba Lawal have been appointed to provide technical and ambassadorial support for the crew.”

Mohammed Sanusi, general secretary of the NFF, said: “The relationship between the Nigeria Football Federation and Mr Rohr has come to an end. We thank him for his services to the Super Eagles and Nigeria.

“We also want to thank the federal ministry of youth and sports for their collaboration and guidance all through.”

Eguavoen was coach of the Super Eagles team that finished in third place at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt in 2006.

He will take charge of the team until the appointment of a substantive head coach.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Sports 2021-12-12

Italy beat England in a penalty shootout to win the European soccer championship on Sunday, dashing England’s hopes of winning its first major title since the 1966 World Cup and restoring the reputation of an Italian squad that had been humiliated five years ago when it failed to qualify for the World Cup.

The shootout was a dramatic conclusion to a gripping day at London’s Wembley Stadium, and to a monthlong tournament that overcame a one-year pandemic delay and innumerable public health concerns on its way to a final, scintillating day in London.

The final was worth the wait: It saw England take the lead on a goal by defender Luke Shaw after only two minutes, and then a second-half response from Leonardo Bonucci. Before and after was a whirlwind of highs and lows, hard fouls and close calls, misses and makes, before Italy prevailed in the shootout, 3-2.

Even the shootout had full chapters of drama: Players brought on just so they could take part missed their shots, and Italy’s surest penalty taker failed to convert an attempt that would have won it for his country.

Only when Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy’s hulking goalkeeper, had pushed aside the final attempt, by the England teenager Bukayo Saka, was it over, his save setting off a wild celebration that saw players from each team dissolve into tears.

For English fans, the ending — the entire day, really — was an emotional was hope and optimism to surprise to disbelief as they stumbled out of Wembley into the night, into a steady London rain.

“I’m devastated,” said Rosie Mayson, 25, as the shiny English flag she wore on her cheek faded with some tears. “That team embodied so many amazing values, but still, we didn’t bring it home.”

By

Ayobami Adedeji Sports 2021-07-12