Perspective

Imo State governor has appointed Nigeria’s football legend. Kanu Nwankwo as his Senior Special Assistant on Sports.

Ihedioha made the announcement when Kanu visited him at the government House Owerri to present his CAF medal.

According to a statement by

“ Izuchukwu Akwarandu, the governor’s aide on new media, Kanu Nwankwo’s appointment is with immediate effect.

“Papilo, as fondly called by his fans, came to present his most recent CAF award, which was given to him at the just concluded Nations Cup in Egypt, to the sports-loving governor of Imo State. The star also presented a branded jersey to the governor.” Read more

Ebonyi football fans on Monday remembered the late Nigerian midfield maestro, Samuel Okwaraji, who died on Aug. 30, 2019 at the National Stadium, Lagos during a World Cup qualifier against Angola.

The fans who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki said the memory of Okwaraji who slumped during the encounter, would remain evergreen in their minds due to the rare qualities he displayed during his lifetime.

A Soccer Historian, Julius Ijeaku, recalled that he was inside the jam-packed stadium on that day as several football fans died on the terraces out of possible suffocation.

“No one took notice of Okwaraji’s slumping until Samson Siasia saw him gasping and foaming from the mouth and subsequently raised alarm.

“The medics at the stadium tried resuscitating him before taking him to the hospital and before the end of the match, news have started flying that he had died,” he said.

Ikechukwu Itumo, Team Manager of Ebonyi United FC of Abakaliki, said that Okwaraji still holds the record of Nigeria’s most patriotic player even in death.

“He was not only reputed for offsetting his air fares to Super Eagles matches and declining collecting allowances, he related with his teammates with utmost humility in spite of being a doctorate degree holder in Law. Read more

Steve Bruce’s reign as Newcastle United manager began in disappointing fashion as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second half goal sealed a 1-0 victory for Arsenal at a subdued St James’ Park on Sunday.

After a largely forgettable first half in which Newcastle United were slightly the better side, Arsenal eased to a comfortable three points thanks to Aubameyang’s 58th minute strike.

Newcastle United handed 40 million pounds record signing Joelinton a debut up front and he showed some flashes of intent in the first half but the hosts fizzled out after the break.

The Gunners had to wait until April to keep their first away clean sheet in the English Premier League (EPL) last season. Read more

Alex Iwobi has signed for Everton from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee after agreeing a five-year deal until the end of June 2024.

The 23-year-old forward is the Blues’ seventh and final signing of the summer transfer window following the additions of goalkeeper Jonas Lössl, right-back Djibril Sidibe, midfielders Andre Gomes, Fabian Delph and Jean-Philippe Gbamin, and striker Moise Kean.

Nigeria international Iwobi, who has 36 caps and helped his country to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals this summer, came through Arsenal’s academy before making his first-team debut for the Londoners in October 2015 at the age of 19. Read more

Winger Nicolas Pepe has become our record signing after joining us from Ligue 1 club Lille.

The 24 year-old Ivory Coast international completed the paperwork on his move on Thursday. He will wear the No.19 shirt.

Head coach Unai Emery said: “Nicolas is a highly-rated and talented winger who was wanted by many of the top teams in Europe.

“Signing a top-class winger has been one of our key objectives in this transfer window and I’m delighted he’s joining. Read more

Stephanie Frappart will become the first female official to referee a major UEFA men’s match when she takes charge of the Super Cup between Liverpool and Chelsea.

UEFA have confirmed Frappart, who refereed the FIFA Women’s World Cup final between the United States and the Netherlands in Lyon, will officiate the clash between the Champions League and Europa League winners in Istanbul on August 14.

Frappart will lead a team made up of predominantly female officials in the European season’s curtain raiser, with Manuela Nicolosi of France and Michelle O’Neal from the Republic of Ireland appointed as the assistant referees.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin believes Frappart’s appointment represents another significant step forward for women’s football. Read more

Chelsea FC have qualified for the final of this year’s Europa Cup after defeating German clubside Eintracht Frankfurt 4-3 on penalties.

Eden Hazard stepped up to smash home the winning penalty to book final spot after the match ended 1-1 after full time.

Chelsea opened the scoring through the in-form Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who rattled the bottom corner of the Frankfurt goal after being picked out following a passage of trickery from Eden Hazard.

The Germans refused to roll over however, as talisman Luka Jovic hit back in the second half and controlled a Mijat Gacinovic pass to slot the ball into the bottom left corner to equalise.

With things all square on aggregate, the sides passed through extra-time with David Luiz saving Chelsea with a last gasp clearance off the line.

Penalties followed, with Chelsea winning despite Cesar Azpilicueta’s early miss.

Victory for Chelsea ensured they face Arsenal in an all-English final after the Gunners humbled Valencia 4-2 in an earlier semifinals encounter.

The win saw Arsenal progressing on 7-3 aggregate.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles & Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has confirmed his retirement from the professional game.

Thank you for the support over the years . My last day as a footballer. But one I am happy and great full for !!! Thanks to everyone to do with @wolves and everyone in football I have met. ??? https://t.co/WM1s5A0czm

— Carl Ikeme (@Carl_Ikeme) July 27, 2018

The 32-year-old announced the news to his teammates before a training session at Compton on Tuesday morning.

Friends of @Carl_Ikeme and Wolves look back at the goalkeeper’s time on the pitch. #OneCarlIkeme

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— Wolves (@Wolves) July 27, 2018

The Wolves Academy product came to the decision after consultation with medical experts following his 12-month battle with acute leukaemia.

Last month Ikeme announced on Twitter that he was in complete remission from the disease after ‘a tough year and intense chemotherapy’.

The stopper now intends to take some time off with his young family before embarking on life after football.

Thank you @Carl_Ikeme for the memories and we wish you all the best in life as you continue to triumph! #ThankYouCarlIkeme pic.twitter.com/24s4T4otGM

— ?? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) July 27, 2018

Ikeme made 274 domestic career appearances in all competitions, with over 200 of them coming for Wolves, the club he joined in 2000 as a 14-year-old. Read more