Connect with us

Sports

African stars to watch in Europe this weekend

Published

on

Following an enforced one week break occasioned by the death of Queen Elizabeth, the English Premier League returned on Friday with two African stars setting the stage with goals in the only fixture of the day.

Taiwo Awoniyi was on target for Nottingham Forest forest but his 11th minute goal was not enough to prevent The Reds from losing at home to Fulham whose Nigerian-eligible defender, Tosin Adaranioyo was also on target in the 3-2 victory.

Taiwo Awoniyi and his Nottingham Forest lost 3-2 at home to Fulham (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Taiwo Awoniyi and his Nottingham Forest lost 3-2 at home to Fulham (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

With a return of football in England, albeit with some cancelled fixtures which would have seen more players from Africa strutting their stuff, there will be some others displaying their talents for their various clubs.

The focus is not only in England as there will weekend football across Europe as other major leagues are also in full force.

Sadio Mane – Bayern Munich

Current African player of the year will be a key for perennial German Bundesliga champions as they try to claw their way back to the top of the table from an unfamiliar third spot when they Bavarian giants visit Augsburg on Saturday.

The Senegal Afcon winner is not really setting the Bundesliga on fire as he is going a goal drought of some sort having not scored in his last five games.

Sadio Mane has lost his scoring touch (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Sadio Mane has lost his scoring touch (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

But the visit to Augsburg presents the former Liverpool star another opportunity to find his scoring boots once again after starting life in the league by scoring in his first three games.

Joe Aribo – Southampton

Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo and his Southampton team mates suffered another defeat at the hands of Aston Villa in another Friday night game thanks to a James Ramsey second half strike.

But the former Rangers of Scotland star gave a good account of himself for the duration he lasted on the pitch.

Joe Aribo has had a mixed season in the EPL so far (Photo Credit: SFC)

Joe Aribo has had a mixed season in the EPL so far (Photo Credit: SFC)

Aribo has had a mixed start to life in the EPL with but it is believed he will come good as the League progresses.

Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Patson Daka – Leicester

The trio of Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Zambian striker, Patson Daka have a tough task on Saturday as struggling Leicester City visit Tottenham Hotspur.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are sitting rock bottom in the table after a poor start to the season but any for a change looks bleak as the team is not only low on morale but is also battling with a rash of injuries which has forced Rodgers playing Ndidi in central defence from his more familiar defensive midfield position.

Last time out, both Iheanacho and Daka were on the score sheet but Leicester still managed to lose 5-2 to Brighton & Hove Albion.

But they now face a more daunting task and are seeing the possibility of losing a sixth straight game to Antonio Conte’s men in North London staring at them.

Samuel Chukwueze – Villareal

The Nigerian winger has been a regular fixture in the Yellow Submarines, featuring in all their La Liga games, albeit none has been from the start.

Samuel Chukwueze in action for Villarreal (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Samuel Chukwueze in action for Villarreal (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

As Unai Emery’s men trade tackle with Sevilla on Sunday, it is left to be seen if he will give Chukwueze a start or he will be brought on as a sub.

Ademola Lookman – Atalanta

Ademola Lookman’s start to life in the Italian Serie A has been a bit of a yoyo after scoring on his debut.

The Nigerian winger could be in for his fourth start as Atalanta welcome Jose Mourinho’s Roma to the Stadio Olimpico with the hopes of getting a win after a lacklustre goalless draw against Cremonese last weekend.

Mohammed Kudus, Calvin Bassey- Ajax

Mohammed Kudus has been one of the shinning lights of the African players with outstanding performances for Ajax both in the Eredivisie and in the Champions League.

The Ghana midfielder has so far scored a career-best five goals in four games after he found the back of the net in last Tuesday’s Champions League match against Liverpool which Ajax lost 2-1.

Mohammed Kudus has been one of Africa's shinning stars in Europe this season (Photo Credit: AFC)

Mohammed Kudus has been one of Africa’s shinning stars in Europe this season (Photo Credit: AFC)

His fellow African teammate, Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey has also proven to be a shrewd buy for the Dutch giants as he has slotted in to the team with great ease after a disastrous first match where he picked up a red card.

The two African players have become the first names on the Ajax team list and on Sunday, they are expected to be on from the start as Ajax travel for an away clash to AZ Alkmaar.

Idrissa Gueye – Everton

On his return to Everton from French giants Paris Saint-Germain, the Senegal midfielder only managed 28 minutes from the bench in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool two weeks ago.

But Gueye, who rejoined Everton on a two-year deal following his three years stint with PSG, is expected to help Frank Lampard’s struggling side avoid an early battle against relegation.

Following Everton’s resolute display against Liverpool which earned them a point, Lampard could hand Gueye a starting place in the team as they search of their first league win against another struggling side in West Ham United on Sunday.

Reinildo Mandava – Atletico Madrid

Mozambican defender, Reinildo Mandava, has quietly but firmly made the left back position at Atletico Madrid his own, relegating Brazilian Renan Lodi to his back up after joining the La Liga club from French side Lille in January.

Mandava has featured in every Atletico game this season, playing 90 minutes in all apart from Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League when he was substituted after 62 minutes.

Reinildo Mandava is making Mozambique proud in the La Liga (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Reinildo Mandava is making Mozambique proud in the La Liga (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

But Sunday’s clash with city rivals Real Madrid will come too soon for Mandava as he will have his hands full against Vinicius Jr in the Madrid derby at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa – Napoli

Following a string of impressive performances for Napoli both in the Serie A and the Champions League, Cameroonian midfielder Zambo Anguissa is expected to play a key role when champions AC Milan come visiting on Sunday.

Anguissa has become a real fulcrum for Napoli this season with his progressive forward driving runs which have seen him set up teammates while also scoring.

Against Liverpool in the Champions League, he scored a superb goal in the 4-1 routing of the English and was also a dominating force in midfield as Napoli beat Rangers on Tuesday.

Karl Toko Ekambi – Lyon

Ekambi is having the form of his life this season and is Lyon’s top scorer with four goals and will also be a key figure as for Les Gones face almighty Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.

The Cameroon forward is also one of the top scorers in Ligue 1 and will be a handful for the PSG backline which is likely to feature fellow African, Moroccan defender, Achraf Hakimi.

And if Lyon is to take anything out of the battle, Ekambi has to conjure up some tricks to outwit Lionel Messi, Neymar, Killian Mbappe and co.

Sports

Kenyan marathon legend Kipchoge advises young athletes to prioritize success over money

Published

on

Kenyan marathon legend, Eliud Kipchoge, has advised young athletes to place success ahead of quick money and riches.

The former world marathon record holder who gave the admonition in an interview with TelecomAsiaSport, urged upcoming athletes to prioritise their careers and personal values over the lure of fast money

He noted that in light of rising mental health concerns and growing cases of doping in sports, young athletes must to shift their focus from chasing quick financial gains to building lasting careers with integrity and resilience.

Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and celebrated for his record-breaking marathon runs, said since retiring from the sport, he has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of sportsmen and women.

“I am trying to talk to the young people because no one has really gone under the skin of athletes,” he said.

‘There is a lot going on under their skins but above all we need to sensitise them that life is not all about money.

“You need to have your own values as a person, and that is what should drive you,” Kipchoge emphasised.

He added that his hopes are to use his influence to guide young athletes in prioritising personal values, mental well-being, and career longevity over the fleeting allure of fame and money.

The marathon great reiterated that he is deeply concerned with the current state of affairs, especially as he sees the tragic impacts of depression and substance abuse on those who struggle to cope.

He made particular reference to the deaths of young athletes who succumbed to the pressures of the industry, citing the tragic death of former world Under-20 champion, Kipyegon Bett, who passed away after battling depression and alcoholism, according to close family members.

He also mentioned the demise o Clement Kemboi, a former All Africa Games steeplechase champion, who was found to have taken his own life at his home in Iten.

“I will still continue talking to them. And if all of us can come together and get our minds together, we can get rid of these things. It is unfortunate that we can lose athletes at such a young age, and it is more unfortunate that we can have young people get into depression and die.”

He attributes much of the current doping crisis to the culture of seeking quick, easy money, rather than focusing on building a reputation of dedication and integrity, adding that he has witnessed how the pressure for financial success can steer young athletes down dangerous paths, often leading to doping as a shortcut to fame and prosperity.

Despite the challenges, Kipchoge said he remains hopeful that a positive shift is possible if athletes receive the right mentorship and guidance early in their careers.

“There is a need for athletes to understand that a fulfilling life extends beyond medals and money. The fame and fortune are secondary to the peace and pride of knowing you did it the right way,” he concluded.

Continue Reading

Sports

South Africa’s FA president Danny Jordaan arrested on fraud, theft allegations

Published

on

The President of South African Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan, has been arrested on allegations of fraud and theft.

Jordaan, who was pivotal to the country hosting the first-ever FIFA World Cup tournament in Africa in 2010, is being accused of using about R1.3 million ($72,372) of SAFA funds to hire a PR firm and a private security company for his personal benefit.

His arrest follows a raid carried out by the country’s Special Investigating Unit (SPU) at the offices of SAFA in March where it was alleged that an assortment of electronic gadgets and files were seized for further investigation, thus leading to the arrest.

SA Police spokesperson, Katlego Mogale, who confirmed Jordaan’s arrest, told journalists that he was
arrested along with one other official and a businessman and are expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Continue Reading

EDITOR’S PICK

Metro14 hours ago

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under...

Sports14 hours ago

Kenyan marathon legend Kipchoge advises young athletes to prioritize success over money

Kenyan marathon legend, Eliud Kipchoge, has advised young athletes to place success ahead of quick money and riches. The former...

Culture14 hours ago

Tyla set to drop new single ‘Tears’ on November 20

South African “Ampiona” crooner, Tyla, is set to thrill her fans to her new single titled, “Tears’, which is set...

Uncategorized23 hours ago

1,172 Nigerians killed, over 1,000 kidnapped in nine months— NHRC

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has put the figures of Nigerians killed and kidnapped by non-state actors from January...

Tech1 day ago

Bolt invests $107m in Nigeria to boost safety standards

Ride-hailing platform, Bolt, has announced an investment of $107 million in its bid to boost safety and service quality in...

Sports1 day ago

South Africa’s FA president Danny Jordaan arrested on fraud, theft allegations

The President of South African Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan, has been arrested on allegations of fraud and theft. Jordaan,...

Metro1 day ago

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia,...

Metro2 days ago

Mpox immunisation scarcity slows Kinshasa’s epidemic fight

A lack of mpox vaccine doses has prevented the Democratic Republic of the Congo from starting a campaign in the...

VenturesNow2 days ago

After decades of imports, Nigeria ends oil importation

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has declared that it has finally stopped the long-standing practice of importing petroleum...

Politics2 days ago

Ghana’s Supreme Court reinstates ruling party’s majority

The ruling New Patriotic Party regained its majority in the legislature ahead of the Dec. 7 election after Ghana’s Supreme...

Trending