Category: Sports

Shooting Stars fans have called for the dismissal of their head coach, Salisu Yusuf, after another disappointing result, DAILY POST reports.

The Oluyole Warriors were held to a goalless draw by Kano Pillars in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 3 encounter in Ibadan.

The Ibadan club has now recorded just one win from their last six league matches.

Frustrated supporters chanted “Salisu must go” after the stalemate with Kano Pillars.

“Salisu must go” chants were heard around the stadium.

The Ibadan-based club will now look to end their barren run when they face Kun Khalifat in their next league game.

NPFL: Shooting Stars fans call for Yusuf’s sack after Kano Pillars draw

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has sent an emotional message to Lionel Messi after he retired from the Argentina national football team.

In a post on Instagram, Infantino wished Messi good luck, labelling him a legend in football.

He also shared a photo of himself with the Inter Miami forward holding the World Cup.

“Congratulations, Messi, thank you very much! Argentine fans and Messi loyalists worldwide were incredibly emotional seeing you perform that timeless magic in the national team jersey for the last time! Good luck, legend,” Infantino wrote.

Messi, who has the highest appearance (208) for Argentina, will now focus on club football.

‘Good luck legend’ – FIFA President, Infantino sends emotional message to Messi

Former Barcelona and Chelsea forward, Pedro, has officially hung up his boots at the age of 39.

The former Spain international confirmed his decision to retire four months after the conclusion of his final professional contract with Serie A side Lazio.

In a post on Instagram, Pedro expressed gratitude as he “begins a new chapter in his life.”

Pedro won the LaLiga, Premier League,  2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 with Spain during his professional career.

He played for clubs like Barcelona, Chelsea, Lazio, and Roma during his playing days.

Former Barcelona, Chelsea forward Pedro retires at 39

Kano Pillars maintained their unbeaten start to the new NPFL season after playing out a goalless draw against Shooting Stars at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

Both sides created several opportunities during the encounter, but neither could find the back of the net as the game ended 0-0.

The result puts further pressure on Shooting Stars technical adviser, Salisu Yusuf, following the team’s disappointing run of form.

The Oluyole Warriors have now recorded just one victory in their last six league matches.

Shooting Stars currently sit 16th on the table with seven points from six games.

Kano Pillars climbed to sixth position following the draw.

NPFL: Kano Pillars extend unbeaten run after Shooting Stars draw

Brazil legend Ronaldinho has sent a message to Lionel Messi as the Inter Miami forward retires from Argentina.

Messi played his last match for Argentina in a friendly farewell encounter earlier on Wednesday.

In a post on Instagram, Ronaldinho extended his best wishes to the 39-year-old, insisting that he gave his all for his country.

According to Ronaldinho, Messi also brought so much “joy” to Argentines and to many football fans globally.

He also hailed the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner for fulfilling his “dream” of becoming World champion.

“How happy and privileged it is to have been part of your life story from day one, brother,” Ronaldinho said.

“You gave your all for the national team and your homeland. Enjoy life, brother. I wish you all the best, today and always.”

Argentina: You gave your all – Ronaldinho sends message to Messi as he retires

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has now become the highest-paid manager in the Premier League.

This follows the confirmation of his new contract with the Gunners on Wednesday.

It is reward for Arteta bringing the league title back to the Emirates after 22 years.

The contract will run until 2030 and will be bonus related.

According the UK Mirror, success could push Arteta towards the £20 million-a-year mark.

Nottingham Forest manager, Oliver Glasner, takes home around £14m after add-ons.

Arteta is also the longest-serving coach in the English topflight.

EPL: Arteta becomes highest-paid manager with new Arsenal contract

Nigeria’s Super Eagles dropped four places in the latest men’s ranking released by the Federation of International Football, FIFA, on Wednesday.

Previously ranked 26th, the Super Eagles are now in 30th position in the world.

Éric Chelle’s side also dropped from fourth to sixth position in Africa.

The Super Eagles are now behind Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Algeria, and Cote d’Ivoire on the continent.

Nigeria recently featured in three games, recording one win, one draw and one defeat.

The West Africans defeated Madagascar 2-1 at home, and lost 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau.

They held Russia to a 3-3 draw in a thrilling international friendly on Tuesday.

Super Eagles slide four places in latest FIFA rankings

Rangers have unveiled eight nominees for their Player of the Month, POTM, award for September.

The nominees are Igwillo Chimaobi, Azeez Falolu, Daniel Itodo, Oputa Chibueze, Austin Opara, Iwundu Chidozie, Abuchi Okeke and Lucky Jimoh.

The Enugu-based club announced that voting is open to fans to decide the winner.

Rangers have urged supporters to go to the club’s social media platforms to cast their votes.

The winner of the award will be announced by the club after the conclusion of the voting process.

The monthly award is aimed at recognising outstanding performers as the team continues their quest to defend the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, title.

NPFL: Rangers unveil eight-man shortlist for September POTM

Croatia football legend, Luka Modric, has said Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to end his time with the Portugal national team on a high note.

Modric was reacting to Ronaldo walking out of camp following a clash with head coach, Jorge Jesus.

The incident has left the 41-year-old’s international future in limbo.

In a long statement on Tuesday, Ronaldo insisted he remains available to play for his country, while other reports claim the Al-Nassr forward wants Jesus gone before he returns.

Modric said: “Cristiano is the greatest player in the history of Portugal, and he deserves another farewell and another ending with the national team.

“It’s sad to see this happening to Cristiano in his own country.

“Still, I think they will find a solution, because Cris deserves, whether he retires or decides not to continue with the national team, to have a great farewell that reflects what he deserves.

“So, I don’t know exactly what happened, but I hope the situation gets resolved.”

What Ronaldo deserves amid uncertainty over Portugal future – Modric

Ranchers Bees technical adviser, Usman Abdallah, has blamed lack of experience for his team’s defeat to Kwara United.

The Bees suffered a 2-1 defeat to Kwara United in a matchday seven fixture in Ilorin last weekend.

Ranchers Bees took the lead through Jamilu Yusuf in the seventh minute, before Toheed Gidado equalised for Kwara United in the 51st minute of the encounter.

Stephen Gideon grabbed the winning goal in the 71st minute for the Harmony Boys.

Abdallah believes that his team showed strong determination in the game despite the defeat.

“Ranchers Bees are a Nigeria National League, NNL, team that just gained promotion. Fifty percent of my players have never played in the NPFL,” Abdallah said after the game.

“The NPFL is a league of its own style, sometimes you will play well and lose the match with a little bit of mistake.

“This is what the team needs to work on. Putting the right players at the right place because sometimes experience wins the games.

“My players showed determination in the game and they needed the three points.”

NPFL: Why Ranchers Bees lost to Kwara United – Abdallah