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Super Eagles Players Appluads Osimhen

Super Eagles Players Appluads Osimhen For POTY Award In Camp

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Super Eagles Players Appluads Osimhen For POTY Award In Camp—-Super Eagles players and coaches have officially honoured Victor Osimhen at the team’s Abu Dhabi camp, after winning the men’s African Player of the Year (POTY) award.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osimhen became the first Nigerian after Nwankwo Kanu in 1999 to win the CAF POTY award as the best player on the continent in December.

This was after he powered Napoli to their first Scudetto title in 33 years  and topping the goalscorer chart during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

However, since Osimhen’s triumph at the CAF award ceremony, the Super Eagles had not met as a team.

Nigeria’s last engagement was in November when the Super Eagles, who had Osimhen out injured, were forced to two consecutive 1-1 draws by Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are, however, gathered in their training camp in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, as they step up preparations for the AFCON in Cote d Ivoire  this month.

The national team camp opened on Tuesday, with 24 out of the 25 invited players already working with head coach Jose Peseiro.

Only Leicester City’s striker Kelechi Iheanacho is being awaited as he recovers from an injury threatening his participation at the tournament.

Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong were among the last players to arrive in camp.

The team’s first dinner together on Friday, therefore presented the Super Eagles the perfect opportunity to officially congratulate the current African king.

A video shared on the team’s official X account on Saturday, saw Patrick Pascal, the team’s coordinator, call out Osimhen for special recognition.

He was honoured with a standing ovation and resounding claps by his teammates and officials.

“On behalf of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Gusau, the board members, the coach, team officials, the Captain and the players of the Super Eagles, please help me welcome the king, Osimhen ,” Pascal said.

He officially welcomed Osimhen and praised him for winning the prestigious award, adding that the NFF as well as the entire country was proud of his achievements.

Prayers were thereafter offered to thank God for giving him the victory.

NAN also reports that Osimhen will be Nigeria’s primary goal outlet when proceedings kick off at the 34th edition of the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Napoli forward was Nigeria’s most prolific goalscorer in 2023.

As the best striker on the continent, he will be expected to lead the Super Eagles’ charge for a fourth continental crown.

Osimhen could become the first Nigerian player since Rashidi Yekini to win the AFCON as the Best Player on the continent.

The 2023 AFCON which kicks off on Jan. 13 will end on Feb. 11.

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Tottenham Agree Club-Record £100m Deal for Sandro Tonali From Newcastle United

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Tottenham Agree Club-Record £100m Deal for Sandro Tonali From Newcastle United—-Spurs have reached an agreement with Newcastle United for the Italy international, with Roberto De Zerbi landing his top midfield target in a blockbuster deal worth up to £100 million.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a club-record £100 million deal with Newcastle United to sign Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, in what is set to become one of the biggest transfers of the summer window. The agreement is understood to be worth an initial £92.5 million, with a further £7.5 million in performance-related add-ons.

The 26-year-old is expected to sign a long-term contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after agreeing personal terms. Tonali is reportedly set to become one of the club’s highest-paid players, with manager Roberto De Zerbi playing a pivotal role in convincing his fellow Italian to make the move to North London.

De Zerbi identified Tonali as the cornerstone of his midfield rebuild, believing the Italy international possesses the technical quality, leadership and tactical intelligence needed to transform Spurs into Premier League and UEFA Champions League contenders. The pair share a close footballing philosophy, with sources indicating Tonali was persuaded by De Zerbi’s long-term vision for the club.

Tonali joined Newcastle United from AC Milan in 2023 for around £55 million and quickly became one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders. Although his first season in England was interrupted by a 10-month suspension for breaches of betting regulations, he returned strongly and helped Newcastle end their long wait for major silverware by winning the Carabao Cup before re-establishing himself as one of the league’s elite central midfielders.

For Newcastle, the sale represents a substantial profit and provides significant financial flexibility as the club continues to reshape its squad. Reports suggest Eddie Howe’s side are already targeting replacements, including Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Touré and Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi, while also exploring further additions before the new season begins.

The acquisition of Tonali signals Tottenham’s intent under De Zerbi. The Italian midfielder is expected to become the centerpiece of a revamped Spurs side aiming to challenge for domestic honours and compete strongly in Europe. Once the medical and final paperwork are completed, Tonali will officially become Tottenham’s most expensive signing in the club’s history, eclipsing all previous transfer records.

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JUST IN: Folarin Balogun Scores but Sees Red as USA Beat Bosnia to Reach World Cup Round of 16

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JUST IN: Folarin Balogun Scores but Sees Red as USA Beat Bosnia to Reach World Cup Round of 16—-The USMNT defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in Santa Clara to book a last-16 clash with Belgium, but the victory was overshadowed by Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card after the striker had opened the scoring.

The United States booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a determined 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, overcoming the dismissal of star striker Folarin Balogun to continue their impressive run on home soil.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side endured a nervy start at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium as Bosnia threatened through Ermedin Demirović, forcing goalkeeper Matt Freese into two excellent early saves. Despite Bosnia’s bright opening, the hosts gradually settled into the contest, dominating possession and creating the better opportunities.

The breakthrough came just before halftime in the 45th minute. A high press forced Bosnia into surrendering possession near midfield, and after Malik Tillman’s attempted pass deflected kindly into Balogun’s path, the Monaco striker calmly slotted a left-footed finish beyond the goalkeeper to score his third goal of the tournament. The strike made Balogun only the third American player to score three or more goals in a single FIFA World Cup.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a straight red card following a VAR review. Referee Raphael Claus upgraded the incident to serious foul play after reviewing Balogun’s challenge on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemović, leaving the United States to play the remainder of the match with ten men. The dismissal means Balogun will miss the Round of 16 clash against Belgium through suspension.

Despite the setback, the Americans showed tremendous resilience. With Bosnia pushing forward in search of an equalizer, Malik Tillman produced a moment of brilliance in the 82nd minute, curling a superb free-kick into the top corner to double the lead and effectively seal qualification. Matt Freese completed an outstanding evening by preserving his clean sheet with several key saves late in the contest.

The victory sends the United States into the Round of 16, where they will meet Belgium in Seattle in one of the standout ties of the knockout stage. However, Pochettino will be without his leading scorer after Balogun’s dismissal, a significant blow as the co-hosts aim to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.

While Balogun’s evening ended in disappointment, his goal proved crucial in setting the United States on course for victory. Combined with Tillman’s spectacular free-kick and a disciplined defensive display, it was enough to keep the Americans’ World Cup dream alive as they prepare for their toughest test yet against Belgium.

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