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Endrick stars as Brazil end England’s unbeaten Wembley streak

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Brazil’s new boss Dorival Junior started his bid to revive the five-time world champions with a 1-0 win against England as teenage sensation Endrick bagged his first international goal in Saturday’s friendly at Wembley.

Coming off their worst period for over 60 years, Brazil hope Dorival Junior can trigger a revival in time to challenge for the 2026 World Cup.

This was a first significant step in the right direction for the Selecao, who marked their manager’s debut with victory against an England side expected to make a strong challenge to win Euro 2024.

On a cathartic evening for Brazil after their wretched 2023, it was fitting the highly-rated Endrick bagged Brazil’s late winner.

The Palmeiras forward, due to join Real Madrid in July, has been tipped to succeed Neymar as Brazil’s latest superstar and his match-winning cameo appearance off the bench was a suitable coming of age moment in his third appearance.

Aged 17 years and 246 days, Endrick is the youngest senior international goal-scorer at Wembley.

Endrick’s emergence is a breath of fresh air for Brazil after an unusually stale period for the Selecao.

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Snubbed by Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti and frustrated by the failings of two caretaker managers, Dorival Junior has been tasked with ensuring Brazil qualify for the World Cup.

The 61-year-old left Sao Paolo to take charge of Brazil in January, moving into world football’s most scrutinised job at a time when his country had just finished a calender year with more defeats (five) than wins (three) for the first time since 1963.

Beaten in three consecutive World Cup qualifiers for the first time ever, the team’s confidence is at its lowest ebb since the 7-1 humiliation against Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals.

Brazil lost a World Cup qualifier at home for the first time when Argentina beat them in November, leaving them facing a nervous fight to qualify for the 2026 tournament.

But in the dynamic display of Vinicius Junior, the emergence of Endrick and the combative performances of his team-mates, Brazil have cause for optimism at last.

They will aim to build on the momentum from their first win over England since 2009 in another friendly against Spain on Tuesday.

Endrick steals spotlight
England’s spluttering performance featured few highlights, although boss Gareth Southgate will have been encouraged by a lively debut from Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon.

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England were wearing their controversial new home shirt for the first time after criticism of manufacturer Nike’s decision to change the colour of the St George’s Cross on the kit.

The debate about the shirt will soon be forgotten, but Southgate won’t have fond memories of its debut as England lost at home for the first time in 21 games.

Belgium’s friendly visit to Wembley on Tuesday represents the last chance for England’s fringe players to impress before Southgate names his Euro squad.

Southgate opted for Ollie Watkins instead of Ivan Toney as England’s central striker, with Harry Kane not risked due to an ankle injury.

But Watkins did little to suggest he could shoulder the burden if Kane were to be injured at the Euros.

In their first meeting for seven years, England were out of sync from the moment Watkins fluffed his lone chance, taking Conor Gallagher’s pass and lashing over from close-range.

England’s stand-in captain Kyle Walker was forced off with a hamstring injury in the 20th minute.

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Causing England problems with their pace and movement, Brazil were inches away from taking the lead when Lucas Paqueta’s shot from 12 yards cannoned back off the post.

They went close again when the error-prone Harry Maguire’s woeful backpass was intercepted by Raphinha for a low strike that flashed just wide.

Endrick stole the spotlight in the 80th minute when the teenager tapped in, defying England’s appeals for offside after Vinicius’s shot was saved by Jordan Pickford.

AFP

 

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FULL LIST: What Will Happen If Jonathan Wins In 2027

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As ex-President Goodluck Jonathan enters the race for the 2027 election, the political atmosphere is increasingly charged with speculation regarding the possibility of Jonathan winning the race.

Should Jonathan eventually win the election, Nigerian citizens could experience another change of government in many sectors. Click link to continue reading.

'No more N1,700/$ as naira appreciates three consecutive days

 

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EXPOSED: Osimhen fakes injury for Nigeria – Asamoah Gyan

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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is facing fresh controversy after a Ghanaian player accused him of faking an injury to minimize his playing time with the Nigerian national team.

Asamoah Gyan, a former Ghanaian striker, made this accusation after Osimhen missed Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa on Tuesday. Click link to continue reading.

Victor Osimhen, a Nigerian international, is pressured by football fans to apologize to Finidi George as he is determined to secure a

 

Osimhen had previously returned to Galatasaray following a leg injury sustained during the Super Eagles’ 1-0 victory over Rwanda in a World Cup qualifier last weekend.

Consequently, the 26-year-old did not participate in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana on Tuesday evening at the Free State Stadium.

Galatasaray later issued a statement asserting that Osimhen had suffered an ankle ligament injury.

However, Gyan is skeptical about the legitimacy of the injury.

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He said, “I know these tricks. Someone might have said to Osimhen, ‘Look, we invested a lot of money in you. The Champions League is coming up. We’re not keen on you going to Africa, but go there, play a little, then get injured and act like it’s serious. The next day, you’ll be back in Türkiye.’” Gyan was quoted by habersarikirmizias saying.

 

 

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Oborevwori urges NSC to curb age cheating as 9th NYG ends in Asaba

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Oborevwori urges NSC to curb age cheating as 9th NYG ends in Asaba

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to urgently address the growing problem of age cheating at editions of the National Youth Games (NYG) to safeguard its credibility and ensure fairness.

Oborevwori made the call on Saturday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, during the closing ceremony of the 9th edition of the Games, which he described as a festival of unity, discipline and excellence.

“What began days ago with great excitement has now come to a glorious conclusion. Today, we celebrate not only the medal winners but also the triumph of sportsmanship and national pride that this festival of youth has demonstrated,” the governor said.

He commended the athletes for their resilience, stressing that whether they won medals or not, they had inspired the nation through their courage and determination.

While praising Team Delta for sustaining its tradition of sporting excellence, he said the Games also provided a platform for discovering new talents from across the country.

The governor, however, lamented that the continued practice of states fielding over-aged athletes undermined the vision of the games.

He urged the NSC to urgently introduce stricter measures to restore integrity and ensure the event remains a true nursery of young talents.

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Oborevwori expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the NSC, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), coaches, officials, and volunteers for their roles in ensuring a smooth and successful outing.

He also thanked the visitors for making Asaba their home during the period the Games lasted, assuring them of Delta’s readiness to host the 10th edition of the Games in 2026, in line with the agreement that gave the state hosting rights for four consecutive editions.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I congratulate every participant and wish you safe travels back to your various destinations,” he concluded.

In his remarks, Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, represented by Chief Amaka Asiofu, Director of Grassroots Sports and General Coordinator of the Games, described the Asaba edition as “an incredible experience, marked by fair competition, determination, exciting adventures, and inspirational sportsmanship.”

He praised the Delta State Government for its robust sports development system, noting that the Games had once again provided Nigeria with a fresh pool of athletes who would eventually replace aging national players across various sports.

He assured that the Commission would continue to implement policies to nurture the talents while promoting a sports economic ecosystem that will add value to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Dikko also expressed profound gratitude to Governor Oborevwori, the Federal Government, participating states, sponsors, and stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the Games, while lauding President Tinubu for his unwavering support for sports development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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In his own remarks, Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr Onoriode Oborevwori, said the Games had showcased not only the competitive spirit of Nigerian athletes, but also the values of friendship, resilience, and cooperation.

He thanked the NSC, organizers, and stakeholders for their commitment and called for continued collaboration to drive development and excellence in sports.

Meanwhile, in the final medal table, Lagos State emerged overall winners for the first time, with a total of 110 medals comprising 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze. Delta State finished second with 114 medals (37 gold, 38 silver, and 39 bronze), while Edo State came third with 79 medals (33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze).

Overall, 33 states won medals at the Games, with a combined total of 802 medals, comprising 246 gold, 236 silver, and 320 bronze.

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Why I dumped Nigeria for Turkey – Favour Ofili breaks silence, mentions AFN, NOC in hard decision

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Why I dumped Nigeria for Turkey - Favour Ofili breaks silence, mentions AFN, NOC in hard decision

 

Favour Ofili, a talented track and field athlete known for her impressive performances in the 100m, 150m, and 200m sprints, announced on Monday that she has officially changed her nationality from Nigeria to Turkey.

The 22-year-old athlete made her announcement through a thoughtful post on her X handle, expressing the significance of this pivotal moment in her career.

Speculation about Ofili’s switch had been circulating since July when it became clear that she was considering a move to the European country, a decision driven by her ongoing struggles with the Nigerian athletics authorities.

A particularly distressing episode occurred during her attempt to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she was unable to participate due to Nigerian Olympic authorities failing to inform her about the essential drug-testing requirements needed for eligibility.

Compounding her frustrations, another administrative error from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria thwarted her aspirations of representing her country in the 100m event at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics; they failed to submit her name by the required deadline.

In her heartfelt series of tweets, Ofili revealed that her journey had been marred by a pattern of negligence and miscommunication, leading her to make the difficult but decisive choice to switch her allegiance in hopes of a brighter and more supportive athletic future in Turkey.

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“Wrapping up my 2025 season has been a whirlwind of new experiences and big decisions. Racing back-to-back across amazing cities and learning from the best has been incredible,” she wrote.

“As some of you have heard, I’m also starting a new chapter representing Turkey.

“I am proud to have represented Nigeria for many years in a highly successful way! Having won SIX gold medals, TWO silver medals and TWO bronze medals in championship meets and a 200 meter Olympic finalist while experiencing the biggest disappointment from AFN and NOC towards me. Negligence towards me in Olympic (Tokyo/Paris). I have made this decision.”

The 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medalist also said financial incentive was not behind her decision to switch allegiance to Turkey.

“While that means sitting out this year’s championship in Tokyo, this change comes from the heart, not from financial motives. I’m truly grateful to have discovered a new home in Turkey,” she added.

Ofili joins the list of high-profile former Nigerian athletes Gloria Alozie and Francis Obikwelu who abandoned Nigerian colours for Spain and Portugal respectively in the 2000s.

 

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‘He Needs Spiritual War’ – Fresh Prophecy On Victor Boniface Revealed

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In a significant turn of events, Victor Boniface, the talented 24-year-old striker for the Super Eagles, has been left in limbo after his highly anticipated transfer to the esteemed Italian club AC Milan fell through at the last moment.

The aspiring forward had returned to training with high hopes, only to face disappointment when the Serie A giants officially withdrew their interest due to unexpected complications that arose during his medical examinations.

The failed deal has left Boniface visibly upset, as many had regarded this transfer as a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career....Click link for details 

Victor Boniface

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Donel Deal: Liverpool sign Alexander Isak for £130m British-record transfer

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Liverpool have reached agreement on a British-record deal to sign striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, according to ESPN.

Premier League champions say they have had a £125 million ($170m) bid accepted to sign the Sweden international, though Newcastle sources state the deal is worth £130m. Click to continue reading

 

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