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Iwobi hails ‘important’ Fulham win against Leicester

Alex Iwobi has hailed Fulham's win against Leicester as important

Alex Iwobi has hailed Fulham’s win against newly-promoted Leicester City on Saturday as important.

He was pleased with a professional performance as Fulham recorded their first win of the new Premier League campaign.

Iwobi struck the back of the net with his goal securing a 2-1 win at Craven Cottage. Summer signing, Emile Smith Rowe scored on his home debut but Leicester equalised through Wout Faes.

Iwobi restored the lead on 70 minutes, clinching the Whites’ first Premier League win of the season from Antonee Robinson’s ball over the top and finish past keeper Mads Hermansen.

The Nigerian international told FFCTV that he was particularly motivated to take all three points after coming so close to getting a result against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the opening game of the 2024/25 Premier League season.

“We were proud of our performance against United but we didn’t get the result we wanted, so it was only right we get our first three points at home and there’s no better feeling.

“The main message was to start on the front foot and I believe that we did, especially the first thirty minutes, we were dominating the game in my opinion.

“We were disappointed to concede the goal in the way that we did because set pieces are something we work on a lot, but the main thing was get the three points to stay resilient and strong in the end.

“The manager said at half time to keep playing the way we started the game, keep applying the pressure the way we did and that’s why we were able to get the second goal.”

Iwobi revealed that his winning goal had its genesis on the Motspur Park training pitches.

“It’s something we’ve worked on in training and when the right back pushed on to press Jedi, he had play it first time and I just had to stay onside.

“Luckily for me, there was no one in way until the goal, so i was able to go towards the goal and remain composed.

“I had a lot of time – it felt like I was running for ages, I was thinking, ‘Do I square it?’ but I just thought, ‘I’m front of goal, I might as well go with my weak foot’ and luckily for me, it went in.”

“It was important that we were able to see the game out. We know what Leicester are like; they have a lot of threat going forwards.

“We made some changes that brought new dynamics to the game but were able to close the game out and get the three points ahead of a busy week.”

For Iwobi, the game was his 255th in the Premier League, having now scored a total number of 23 goals and registered 29 other assists for three clubs, Arsenal, Everton and Fulham.

Football

Flying Eagles is work in progress—Zubairu

Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu says the men’s national U-20 football team is still a work in progress.

Zubairu stated this on Monday in Ilorin at a meeting with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara Chapter.

The gaffer noted that in spite of their victory in the WAFU B championship in Togo, critical areas in the team still needed improvement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Flying Eagles’ hard-earned victory in Togo secured Nigeria’s place in the U-20 AFCON billed for South Africa in January, 2025.

The U-20 AFCON will also determine the continent’s representatives for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

“I’m somewhat dissatisfied with our defence; we were conceding goals consistently. This vulnerability cannot be overlooked on a larger stage,” he stated.

Zubairu decried the fact that the team had limited time to prepare for WAFU B championship, while stressing the need for adequate preparation for future tournaments.

“I had just 37 days from my appointment to the WAFU B tournament, and we retained only three players from the previous squad, necessitating the recruitment of new talents,” he explained.

He also acknowledged the interest from eligible players outside Nigeria, asserting that “We will not hinder their participation and are committed to selecting those with the necessary skills.”

The coach revealed that plans were underway for an early training camp ahead of the U-20 AFCON, while underlining the importance of securing a spot in the World Cup.

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Football

Real Madrid Fans Club in Jigawa suspends member over ‘disloyalty’

Real Madrid Fans Club in Kwalam, Jigawa, has suspended a member, Abbati Soja, over alleged misconduct and lack of loyalty to the club.

A statement by the club’s Chairman, Garzali Nfari, and Secretary, Aliyu Tabulet, indicated that Soja was punished for remarks considered “discouraging” after the Spanish soccer giants lost 4-0 to bitter rivals Barcelona in a La Liga encounter.

According to the statement, Soja made a statement to the effect that Real Madrid would not achieve much this season.

“That sentiment affected the morale of other members.

“The suspension, effective from Oct. 28, following a meeting of the Fan Club’s Executive Council; he remains suspended till May 28, 2025. That day coincides with the end of the football season,” it said.

The decision has sparked debate among fans, raising important questions about loyalty in sports fandom

Some have suggested that such strict actions may prove counter-productive at a time fan clubs worldwide are striving to grow their base and promote inclusivity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 4-0 in front of their fans at the Bernabeu in the first El Clasico of the season on Oct. 26.

The win moved Barcelona six points clear of Real Madrid after 10 games in the season.

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Football

Conte warns Napoli players about dangerous Lookman

Antonio Conte has warned Napoli players about how dangerous Ademola Lookman could be as they face Atalanta l

Napoli manager, Antonio Conte has sounded a note of warning to his players about how dangerous Ademola Lookman could be as they face Atalanta in a Serie A game on Sunday.

Conte, according to Football Italia has warned Napoli that if Arsenal had to make tactical sacrifices to deal with Atalanta, then so will they on Sunday, saying it is not possible for them to underestimate the match.

The Partenopei are running away at the top of the Serie A table and have won every match except for a single draw away to Juventus since the opening weekend.

As for La Dea, they have won four on the bounce domestically, scoring 15 goals and conceding two.

Worthy of note is Lookman’s wonderful performances so far this season with the Nigerian international having scored five goals and contributed as many assists in 11 games across all competitions for Atalanta.

As such, Napoli gaffer, Conte has warned his players about Lookman even as he is planning to make use of a five-man defence in their Serie A game versus Atalanta.

“This is a big danger, because Atalanta are a strong team, they won the Europa League by ending Bayer Leverkusen’s season-long unbeaten record,” said Conte in his press conference.

“It is not possible for Napoli to underestimate this match. If anything, it could be Atalanta who underestimate us, seeing what happened last season. You all keep telling me it is an advantage not playing European games, but I warn you it is a disadvantage because we don’t have such a deep squad.”

He also noted that when Atalanta drew 0-0 with Arsenal in the Champions League, the Gunners made tactical sacrifices.

“It was Matteo who gave me the idea to drop down if needed when under attack. Against Atalanta, Arsenal put Thomas Partey on Ademola Lookman to form a five-man line, sometimes Arsenal also brought Saka and Martinelli deep.

“There is an evolution, you attack in one way and defend in another. It’s not just about defenders but the whole team working together to defend.

“I have really drummed the tactical issues into the players ahead of this game and we’ll see what happens.”

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Football

PSG keen on Lookman to replace Mbappe

PSG are reportedly keen on signing Ademola Lookman to replace Kylian Mbappe

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are reportedly keen on signing Ademola Lookman to replace Kylian Mbappe who joined Real Madrid during the summer transfer window.

Lookman looks a sure bet to make his departure from Atalanta in the nearest possible future with PSG looking like his next port of call in his growing football career.

In fact, the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee and Super Eagles winger is almost certain to leave the Serie A club during the coming winter transfer window come January 2025 following interest from the Premier League but the biggest interest is from PSG.

Lookman who won silver medal at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Nigeria in Ivory Coast earlier this year has been on the radar of London-based Premier League side, West Ham United.

The skillful winger also has interest from three other clubs in the Premier League but it is more certain that they alongside West Ham will find it difficult to compete with PSG for his signature, according to Football Insider.

Reports have suggested that the Irons are ready to swoop for the Nigerian international in January, however, sources say there will be “huge interest” from Europe in the 27-year-old Super Eagles attacker.

According to a report from top French media outlet, L’Equipe, PSG will be the frontrunner for the forward if he becomes available in the coming months.

He finished 14th in the Ballon d’Or rankings for 2024 after leading the Italian side to the Europa League trophy last term.

Lookman has already hit five goals and contributed five assists in 11 games across all competitions for Atalanta this season.

The forward who is under contract with La Dea until June 2026 hit 17 goals and notched 10 assists in 45 appearances across board during the 2023/24 season.

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Football

Manchester United appoint Ruben Amorim to replace Erik ten Hag

Manchester United have finally confirmed the appointment of Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim as the new manager at Old Trafford.

United sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday following a dismal start to the season, and immediately opened talks with the 39-year-old Amorim about replacing the Dutchman.

The club were willing to pay a €10m release clause to sign their top target before encountering issues over further compensation to acquire Amorim’s assistant coaches, leading the appointment to drag out all week

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Man Utd set to announce Amorim as new manager

Ruben Amorim is expected to be confirmed as Manchester United’s new manager on Thursday after the club reached an agreement with Sporting Lisbon, reports said.

The Athletic said the 39-year-old would stay with the Portuguese league leaders for their next three games, including next week’s Champions League match against Manchester City.

He is expected to take charge at Old Trafford during the November international break, with his first game set to be United’s away trip to Ipswich on November 24.

Sky Sports said it was understood the Premier League club had paid Sporting an extra one million euros over and above his 10 million euro ($11 million) exit clause for an early release.

Sporting issued a statement to the Lisbon stock exchange on Tuesday confirming United were willing to meet the release clause.

United pulled the plug on Erik ten Hag’s two-year reign as manager on Monday after a 2-1 defeat by West Ham left them 14th in the Premier League.

Amorim quickly emerged as United’s number one option.

United caretaker boss Ruud van Nistelrooy oversaw a 5-2 victory against Leicester in the fourth round of the League Cup on Wednesday.

“I came here as an assistant to help the club,” said Van Nistelrooy. “I’m helping as long as I’m needed and in the future, in any capacity, I’m here to help the club build towards the future.”

Despite spending heavily in the transfer market in the summer, Ten Hag paid the price for United’s poor start to the season.

Prior to the win against Leicester, they had won just one of their past eight games in all competitions.

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