Sports

Sports: Super Eagles, NFF at Loggerheads Over AFCON 2023 Prize Money Sharing

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2024

A dispute has emerged between the Super Eagles players and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the sharing of the $4 million prize money received from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for reaching the final of the 2023 AFCON. The players are seeking 30% of the prize money, amounting to $1.2 million, while the NFF is offering 25%, equivalent to $1 million.

According to a top official, “There is no agreement yet between the players and the NFF on how the prize money should be shared.” The official noted that the lack of a prior agreement on the prize money sharing has led to the current impasse. CAF paid the AFCON prize money to the NFF last month, but the players and the federation have yet to reach a consensus on the sharing formula.

It is worth recalling that at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, where the team finished third, the players received 30% of the prize money paid to the NFF by CAF. It is learnt that some players have openly accused captain Ahmed Musa of not doing enough to ensure they receive their entitlements.

The current disagreement specifically concerns the AFCON prize money. It should not be confused with the 12 billion naira approved by President Bola Tinubu in January to clear outstanding bonuses and allowances dating back to 2021.

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Transfer: 9 players leave Barcelona (Full list)

Published

8 hours ago

July 1, 2024

AbilityDigitalz

Transfer: Nine players leave Barcelona [Full list]

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

At least nine Barcelona players have left the club following the expiration of their contracts on June 30. The Catalan club disclosed this in a statement via their website on Sunday. The nine players are Cuéllar, Iker Goujon, Josep Cerdà, Saïdou Bah,Pau Víctor, Moha, Pelayo, Marc Vidal and Naim.

“June 30 is the final day of the contract for the Barça Atlètic players Pau Víctor, Moha, Pelayo, Marc Vidal, Naim, Cuéllar, Iker Goujon, Josep Cerdà and Saïdou Bah, meaning their time with the FC Barcelona development side has come to an end,” Barcelona’s statement read in part. “The Club appreciates their commitment and professionalism, and wishes them all the best in their future sporting and personal endeavours.”

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Euro 2024: England vs Slovakia: Starting XIs for Euro 2024 last-16 clash

Published

9 hours ago

July 1, 2024

AbilityDigitalz

Germany vs Switzerland: Starting XIs for Euro 2024 group clash

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

Francesco Calzona names an unchanged Slovakia team from the side who were held to a 1-1 draw by Romania in their last group-stage game. Newcastle’s Martin Dubravka starts in goal. Slovakia XI: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Strelec, Haraslin. Subs: Rodak, Ravas, Obert, Rigo, Gyomber, Suslov, Bozenik, Tupta, Benes, Hrosovsky, De Marco, Duris, Bero, Sauer, Kosa.

Gareth Southgate makes just one change to the England side who drew with Slovenia in their last group-stage game. Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo replaces Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher – who was taken off for Mainoo at half-time against Slovenia. England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Mainoo, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane.

Subs: Ramsdale, Henderson, Shaw, Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Dunk, Gallagher, Toney, Gordon, Watkins, Bowen, Eze, Gomez, Palmer, Wharton.

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Transfer: Chelsea agree £22m deal for attacking midfielder – Romano

Published

17 hours ago

June 30, 2024

AbilityDigitalz

EPL: Romano reveals manager in advance talk to replace Pochettino at Chelsea

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

Chelsea have agreed a permanent transfer deal with Ipswich Town for their attacking midfielder Omari Hutchinson. This was disclosed by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, on Sunday. According to Romano, Chelsea agreed a deal worth £22 million plus sell-on clause. “Understand Chelsea and Ipswich Town have just signed all docs for Omari Hutchinson permanent deal.

“Agreement on package worth £22m fee plus sell-on clause around 25%, NO buy back option. “Exclusive story, confirmed.”

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Euro 2024: England, Spain qualify for quarter-final

Published

18 hours ago

June 30, 2024

AbilityDigitalz

Euro 2024: England, Spain qualify for quarter-final

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

England and Spain have qualified for the quarter-final of the ongoing Euro 2024. The Three Lions needed a late Jude Bellingham equalizer against Slovakia to stay in the game. Gareth Southgate’s men were 86 seconds away from an embarrassing exit until Bellingham’s stunner. Harry Kane then stepped up 50 seconds into the additional 30 minutes to nod home Ivan Toney’s flick and give England a victory which sets up a quarter-final with Switzerland next Saturday.

Spain set up an eagerly-anticipated quarter-final with hosts Germany by overcoming an early own goal to thrash Georgia 4-1. Spain and Germany have been two of the most impressive sides at Euro 2024 and they will now meet in the last eight in Stuttgart at 5pm.

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Euro 2024: Roy Keane, Ian Wright slam Man United star after Denmark’s 2-0 defeat to Germany

Published

18 hours ago

June 30, 2024

AbilityDigitalz

Euro 2024: Roy Keane, Ian Wright slam Man United star after Denmark's 2-0 defeat to Germany

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

The performance of Manchester United striker, Rasmus Hojlund in the Euro 2024 round of 16 clash between Germany and Denmark has been criticised. The 21-year-old led the attack for Denmark as they were defeated 2-0 by the host in a controversial manner. Former Manchester United icon Roy Keane and Arsenal legend Ian Wright believe the striker failed to utilise some crucial opportunities

Hojlund hit the side netting after robbing Nico Schlotterbeck of the ball, then had a chipped shot saved by Manuel Neuer, and lastly, fired straight at the Bayern Munich gloveman. Keane said via Metro: “We said before the game, if he gets one or two chances, he has to be clinical. And he’s not been.

“You have to go across goal. You might hit the target, the goalkeeper might save it, you might get a tap in, whatever.” Wright added, “You talk about a player improving and learning new things but that is something you should know right from the start. For this second chance, he takes a little step just before he gets to the ball. That gives the goalie some time.”

Denmark exited the competition in a controversial manner, after the video assistant referee denied them a goal and then awarded a penalty to Germany.

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Euro 2024: Two quarter-final fixtures confirmed

Published

18 hours ago

June 30, 2024

AbilityDigitalz

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

Two of the four quarter-final fixtures at Euro 2024 have been confirmed. This follows the Round of 16 clashes on Sunday. England produced an impressive comeback to beat Slovakia 2-1. They will now play Switzerland, who eliminated Italy thanks to a 2-0 victory yesterday. In the second game of the day, Spain thrashed Georgia 4-1.

The Spaniards will now take on hosts Germany in the quarterfinal next week. In Monday’s Round of 16 games, France play Belgium and Portugal clash with Slovenia.

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Barcelona confirm departure of two players

Published

18 hours ago

June 30, 2024

AbilityDigitalz

Champions League: Barcelona confirmed for Pot 1 in 2024/2025 group stage draw

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

Barcelona at the weekend confirmed that defender Marcos Alonso will leave the club by June 30. The Blaugrana also confirmed that it has reached an agreement with PSV Eindhoven for the transfer of their player Sergiño Dest. The LaLiga giants disclosed this in separate statements on their website.

“Marcos Alonso is not to continue with FC Barcelona, as the Spanish defender’s contract ends on June 30. “FC Barcelona would like to place on record their appreciation for his commitment and dedication, and wish him all the best and every success in the future.” On Dest, Barca said: “Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player Sergiño Dest. FC Barcelona retains a percentage of any future sale.”

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Euro 2024: We won Germany – Anderson slams VAR after Denmark’s 2-0 defeat

Published

18 hours ago

June 30, 2024

AbilityDigitalz

Euro 2024: We won Germany - Anderson slams VAR after Denmark's 2-0 defeat

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

Denmark defender Joacjim Anderson has slammed the officiating of their game against Germany that saw the team off to a 2-0 defeat. The defender criticized the harsh penalty call against him which led to his country’s defeat. The video assistant referee stole the headlines in Dortmund, with the Crystal Palace defender seeing a goal chalked off and a harsh penalty awarded against him as the host progressed for the quarter-final.

Kai Havertz scored from the spot as they conceded another goal to Jamal Musiala. Anderson, while addressing the press after the game, slammed the decision to award the penalty against him. He said, according to EuroFoot, “It was crazy and not a penalty at all. I can’t run around with my arms behind my back and play football.

“He’s half a metre away from me and hits the ball on my hand, so I can’t see what I could do to prevent it. “The offside call is also difficult to see. It’s so minimal that you really have to look for it. But the handball call is the craziest I’ve ever seen. Margins decided the game. If our goal had been allowed, I’m convinced we would have won the game.”

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Dele-Bashiru to join Lazio on loan

Published

18 hours ago

June 30, 2024

AbilityDigitalz

Transfer: Dele-Bashiru to join Lazio on loan

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

Nigeria midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru is expected to complete a loan move to Serie A club Lazio for the 2024–25 season. According to Sky Sports Italia, Lazio and Turkish club Hatayspor have agreed on the transfer fee. Lazio will pay an initial €2 million as a loan fee for Dele-Bashiru.

The Eagles will pay another €4 million when he moves to the club permanently next summer. The 23-year-old only moved to Hatayspor on a free transfer last summer after ending his three-year stay at Sheffield Wednesday. Dele-Bashiru made 39 appearances in the 2013–24 season, scoring nine goals and providing six assists.

He also has one goal in two senior caps for Nigeria and was linked with Napoli last year.

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Sport: Rangers tracking Bendel Insurance defender Ogbonda

Published

18 hours ago

June 30, 2024

AbilityDigitalz

Rangers tracking Bendel Insurance defender Ogbonda

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

Bendel Insurance defender Evans Ogbonda is attracting interest from Nigeria Premier Football League champions Rangers, according to reports. Rangers are reported to have open talks with the highly-rated left-back. The player is understood to have caught the attention of Rangers’ tactician Fidelis Ilechukwu last season.

Ogbonda netted three goals for Bendel Insurance in the 2023–24 NPFL campaign. He also registered three assists in 35 appearances for the Benin Arsenals. Ogbonda featured once for Bendel Insurance in the CAF Confederation Cup.