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Aruna ranked 17th, reclaims Africa’s top spot

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Less than two months after surrendering the top spot in the continental ranking, Quadri Aruna has reclaimed his place after leaping to 17th place in the latest ITTF rankings released on Tuesday by the world table tennis ruling body.

Aruna, who recently reclaimed the ITTF Africa Cup in Rwanda earlier this month, rose by two steps up the ranking ladder to become the highest rated African in the world.

Egypt’s Omar Assar who toppled Aruna in the last rankings dropped to 22 in the world after occupying the top spot in Africa in the last two months following his triumph at the last African Games in Ghana.

Assar’s drop in the world ranking was due to the expiration of the quarter-finals points he garnered at the Durban 2023 World Championships in South Africa and that automatically made him lose some points that prompted his fall in the ranking.

Africa’s biggest movers in May include Egypt’s Mohamed El-Beiali, who became the third-best-ranked player on the continent and 49th in the world after finishing as runners-up at the 2024 ITTF Africa Cup. He lost 4-0 loss to Aruna in Kigali.

Despite dropping by a step, Egypt’s Dina Meshref held on to the top echelon of Africa as the 24th-best player in the world.

Meshref’s compatriot, Hana Goda, remained static as 31st ranked in the world.

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Following the conclusion of all continental quotas for the Olympic Games, players are now eager to pick up their tickets to Paris through the world ranking, which will be in force on June 11 as ITTF concludes the list of participants at the 2024 Olympic Games in France.

Source: The Punch

 

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FULL LIST: 8 English clubs with most European silverware

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FULL LIST: 8 English clubs with most European silverware

Tottenham have double the number of European trophies as Arsenal after winning the Europa League, but where do they rank among England’s other top clubs?

Winning European silverware is seen as the pinnacle for many English clubs, but some have been more successful than others over the years.

Taking all European trophies into consideration, here are the eight English clubs that have won the most European silverware.

Note: when teams are tied on the same number of trophies, we’ve ranked them by their most recent European title.

8. Nottingham Forest – 3 European trophies
Following their recent draw against Leicester City, Forest qualified for Europe for the first time in 29 years.

They are already a club steeped in European history, having previously won back-to-back European Cups in the late seventies and early eighties.

Forest also won the UEFA Supercup in 1979-80, taking their overall European trophy count to three.

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European trophies won: 2x Champions League, 1x UEFA Supercup

7. Aston Villa – 3 European trophies
Seeing Aston Villa competing in Europe once again just feels right, doesn’t it?

Along with winning the European Cup in 1982, they’ve also won the UEFA Supercup and Intertoto Cup, taking their overall tally to three European trophies.

With a manager like Unai Emery currently at the helm, we wouldn’t be surprised if they add another trophy to their collection in the near future.

European trophies won: 1x Champions League, 1x UEFA Supercup, 1x Intertoto Cup

6. West Ham United – 3 European trophies
While West Ham have never won the Champions League like Nottingham Forest or Aston Villa, they have won a European trophy in recent times.

Jarrod Bowen scored the decisive goal as David Moyes’ team beat Fiorentina in the 2023 Europa Conference League final.

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“I dreamed of scoring but to score the winner in the last minute, I thought I was going to cry. I’m just happy, I can’t put it into words,” Bowen said after winning European silverware.

Along with winning the Conference League, the Hammers have also won the Cup Winners’ Cup and Intertoto Cup.

European trophies won: 1x Conference League, 1x UEFA Cup Winners Cup, 1x Intertoto Cup

5. Manchester City – 4 European trophies
City won their first piece of European silverware in 1969-70 when they beat Gornik Zabrze in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final.

Since the arrival of Pep Guardiola, they’ve added another three European trophies to their cabinet, taking their overall tally to four.

Arguably, their greatest ever achievement was winning their first-ever Champions League in 2022-23, thanks to a Rodri second-half strike against Inter Milan.

European trophies won: 1x Champions League, 1x UEFA Super Cup, 1x FIFA Club World Cup, 1x UEFA Cup Winners Cup

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4. Tottenham – 4 European trophies
After winning the Europa League, Tottenham have now tied level with Man City on four European trophies.

While Ange Postecoglou’s side have fallen far below expectations in the Premier League this season, all will be forgiven after their triumph in Bilbao.

It’s the third time that Tottenham have won the Europa League/UEFA Cup, having also won it in 1972 and 1984.

Given they’ve also won the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1962-63, that takes their overall tally to four European trophies.

For those wondering, Arsenal have only won two European trophies during their club’s history.

European trophies won: 3x Europa League/UEFA Cup, 1x UEFA Cup Winners Cup

3. Manchester United – 8 European trophies
The Red Devils had the chance to win their ninth European trophy, but ultimately fell short against Spurs in the final.

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Coincidentally, the Europa League was the last European trophy that they’ve won. Jose Mourinho guided them to victory in 2017, beating Ajax in the final.

The vast majority of United’s European success came under Sir Alex Ferguson as he won six European titles during his tenure at the club, including two Champions League titles.

However, it was Matt Busby who won United’s first-ever European title, guiding them to the European Cup in 1968.

European trophies won: 3x Champions League, 1x Europa League, 1x UEFA Cup Winners Cup, 1x UEFA Super Cup, 1x FIFA Club World Cup

2. Chelsea – 9 European trophies
Chelsea have the chance to win their 10th European trophy next week when they take on Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final.

The club have always had a knack for winning European silverware, even when they’ve not been at the peak of their powers domestically.

With two Champions League trophies, two Europa Leagues and several other European titles, they are England’s second most successful club on the continent.

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European trophies won: 2x Champions League, 2x Europa League, 2x UEFA Cup Winners Cup, 2x UEFA Super Cup, 1x FIFA Club World Cup

1. Liverpool – 14 European trophies
Having won 14 European trophies, Liverpool are by far England’s most successful club on the continental stage.

They’ve won a whopping six Champions Leagues and have also won three Europa Leagues, four Super Cups and one Club World Cup.

Given the level they’re currently playing at, we wouldn’t be surprised if Arne Slot adds another European title to their collection in the next year or two.

European trophies won: 6x Champions League, 3x Europa League, 4x UEFA Super Cup, 1x FIFA Club World Cup

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Gateway Games 2024: Let the games begin

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Gateway Games 2024: Let the games begin

By ‘Dare Odufowokan

 

Finally as I write this piece, more than 10,000 athletes and officials from all over Nigeria, our great country, who are competing for laurels in the 22nd National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games, are converging in Abeokuta , the Ogun State capital in anticipation of a memorable festival as assured by the Chief host himself, Governor Dapo Abiodun.

While many of those who have arrived are enthusiastically admitting that the city is really agog and wearing many new looks already, the official opening ceremony of Gateway games 2024 has been slated for  Sunday, May 18, 2025.

The state government under the leadership of Governor Abiodun while receiving the Touch of Unity on Thursday, assured that all necessary logistics have been put in place for the reception of the contingents from participating states. And the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the competition, attests to this assurance.
Of course, hundreds of domestic and foreign journalists, sports enthusiasts, and other related professionals, are expected in the state to be part of the much awaited 22nd National Sports Festival.

The Dapo Abiodun-led administration has gone many extra miles to ensure that the memories of the competition would linger in the minds of the participants as well as the good people of the state.

For the records, this would be the second national sports festival to be hosted by Ogun State, the first being in 2006. And all hands, including those of the governor, his entire cabinet and all his aides, have been on deck to deliver the best organised sports competition ever in the country. Believe me, Governor Abiodun is walking this talk with seriousness and precision.

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Governor Abiodun had on several occasions noted that the National Sports Festival brings together the energy, and creativity of youths in the country and also serves as a platform for them to showcase their diverse talents and potential. He added that hosting the festival is a testament to the commitment of his administration to empower the next generation by offering them the opportunity for growth and self-development.

It is also worthy to add that youths from Ogun State have earned domestic and international acclaim for  themselves and the nation through sports events like athletics, boxing, chess, football, to mention a few.

The contributions of the legendary Segun Odegbami, sprinter Falilat Ogunkoya, maverick Anthony Joshua, youthful Tobi Amusan, Tunde Onakoya the Chess champion, among others, toward lifting Nigeria’s image in the international fora through sports, serve as a tonic for the organisers of this festival.

So, the good people of Ogun State happily welcome all participants to this wonderful sporting convergence. While the main hub for competitions is the newly rehabilitated and immensely upgraded M.K.O Abiola International Stadium, which has now been turned into a world class Sporting Complex by the Dapo Abiodun administration, some events will take place at the Alake Sport Complex and other venues.

The Babcock University at Ilishan Remo is the Games Village where all the athletes will be accommodated together in love and unity. A robust transport arrangement is in place to ensure itch free movement of people to and fro the games village all through the festival. Arrangements are also in place to cater for the socioeconomic conveniences of participants.

Importantly, Governor Abiodun and all other organizers and stakeholders have been advocating for the true spirit of sportsmanship to be displayed all through the festival even as we all look forward to celebrating winners and losers alike for the true essence of the entire festival and the many competitions is actually in the participation.

For the governor, there is more joy in hosting Nigerian youths to a sports festival than winning as he strongly believes that the role sports activities play in the well-being of the youths cannot be overemphasized. “For us in Ogun State, this festival isn’t just about the competition and performances, even though we would love to host and win every medal,” the governor had declared.

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“We want to host a National Sports Festival that will showcase the talent, our culture and potential of our great state as well as a very unique sense of hospitality of our people,” he added while  enjoining the people of the state to be part of the activities so as to display their usual hospitality to the visitors.

There’s no doubt that since over 16,000 people, including over 12,000 athletes and 4,000 officials, domestic and foreign journalists, would throng the Rivers  State capital for the two-week event, the hospitality  industry would surely face some challenges in terms of catering to their needs.

We are however, confident, that plans have been firmed by players in the hospitality industry to make the athletes’ stay one of the most eventful in their careers.

Indeed, we do not want to lose cognizance of the fact that a major aspect of the success story of this festival would depend on adequate security arrangement put in place by the stakeholders for the protection of all and sundry. While we  underline the return of peace and tranquility to the Garden City, The Tide insists that the security agencies put all it takes in place to ensure there are no untoward events during the competition.

This event, we are convinced, should be an opportunity for the security agencies to advertise their prowess in security matters in view of recent happenings across the country, including the recent killing of policemen in the state by some gunmen.

No doubt, given the level of preparedness and the satisfactory looks on the faces of the contingents that are already in town, as Governor Abiodun and the good people of Ogun State welcome the athletes, officials and other visitors to the festival, they are proud, indeed, to say, let the games begin, and let the best win.

Odufowokan is the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Abiodun on Public Communications

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Preview: All you need to know for the FA Cup final

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Preview: All you need to know for the FA Cup final

Football writer Ben Bloom picks out the key talking points and players ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Wembley.

For one side, it is an opportunity to achieve something that has never been done in the club’s 120-year existence; for the other, a chance to salvage some joy from a deeply disappointing campaign.

Saturday’s FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City promises to be a fascinating encounter in the battle for the final piece of major domestic silverware on offer this season.

There is also the offer of a UEFA Europa League spot to the winner – something City hope will be of little relevance to them, but a tantalising prospect for Palace supporters who have never tasted European football.

Here is all you need to know.

What does the FA Cup mean to both clubs?
There have been a few notable moments in Palace’s recent history: an extra-time Championship playoff final victory over Watford in 2012/13 and an FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United three years later.

This match is up there with them. Having already matched their record Premier League points haul of 49, with two games remaining, Oliver Glasner’s side are now bidding for a first piece of major silverware in the club’s history.

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They have twice lost FA Cup finals to Man Utd (in 1990 and 2016), and the most prestigious trophies in their cabinet remain those for twice winning the English second tier and claiming the 1990/91 Full Members’ Cup (a short-lived invitational tournament during the European ban for English clubs).

Man City are the polar opposite. Their trophy collection over the past 15 years has been extensive, with eight Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, three FA Cups and six EFL Cups won during that period.

Indeed, City have only gone without major silverware in three of the past 14 seasons and this is their third successive FA Cup final. Last year’s defeat also came at the hands of Man Utd.

What about Europe?
The winners of the FA Cup receive a place in the Europa League, something of great interest to Palace who have never played in a major European competition.

By the start of April, a strong set of results meant Palace supporters were beginning to develop slim hopes of qualifying for Europe by virtue of their Premier League place.

However, a run of five matches without a win – sparked by a 5-2 defeat at Man City’s hands – ended those aspirations, so Glasner’s team are all-in on this match.

Currently in fourth place, City have their sights firmly set on qualifying for the Champions League again.

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Should Pep Guardiola’s side triumph at Wembley and finish in the top five, their Europa League place for winning the FA Cup would be transferred to the highest-placed Premier League team who have not already qualified for Europe.

Path to the final
Crystal Palace
Third round: Palace 1-0 Stockport County
Fourth round: Doncaster Rovers 0-2 Palace
Fifth round: Palace 3-1 Millwall
Quarter-final: Fulham 0-3 Palace
Semi-final: Palace 3-0 Aston Villa

Man City
Third round: Man City 8-0 Salford City
Fourth round: Leyton Orient 1-2 Man City
Fifth round: Man City 3-1 Plymouth Argyle
Quarter-final: AFC Bournemouth 1-2 Man City
Semi-final: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man City

 

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Arteta ready to smash Arsenal transfer budget to sign striker

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Arteta's side have now gone five years without a trophy as they approach the end of a frustrating campaign marred by injuries to key forwards Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.

Arteta’s side have now gone five years without a trophy as they approach the end of a frustrating campaign marred by injuries to key forwards Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.

That trio, as well as influential midfielder Martin Odegaard, all missed substantial chunks of the season as Arsenal failed to keep pace with Premier League champions Liverpool before losing the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

A new striker is top of Arteta’s wish-list with Havertz, who has not played for almost four months, still the club’s top scorer in the league with just nine goals.

Arsenal are believed to have at least £100 million ($132 million) at their disposal for new players and have been linked with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.

After failing to lure England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa during the January transfer window, Arteta is willing to do whatever it takes to get a new striker in the summer.

“The thing is that the budget is like when you have your wedding, you plan your wedding with your wife and you give her a budget and never less, and it’s always more,” Arteta told reporters on Friday.

“When you build a house it’s always more. Normally this happens. And you prepare for different scenarios. Then unfortunate things happen. Sometimes we want a player and suddenly we have an injury or that player gets injured.

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“There are so many variables that can happen but there is a budget. There is always an idea of what we can do, what we can improve, what the priorities are going to be and then let’s see if we can do it.”

Amid speculation this week that Arteta and Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, who replaced Edu in March, have disagreed over which striker to pursue, the manager insisted their relationship is fine.

“Well, if that happens, that means that we cannot explain ourselves well enough, and we are not clear enough on what we want, and I guarantee you that hasn’t happened,” he said.

“It didn’t happen in five and a half years with Edu, and I guarantee you it hasn’t happened with Andrea.

“We have learned a lot and some of them (transfers) have worked really well and others have not. So we have to make sure that we make the right calls.

“But we are all human beings and unfortunately, nobody has got a crystal ball here.

“But Andrea is someone who is very driven, very clear in his ideas, in his vision and how we want to achieve it.”

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Second-placed Arsenal, who host third-placed Newcastle on Sunday, head into the final two matches of the season needing just two points to be assured of Champions League qualification.

However, with their superior goal difference, one point should be enough for Arsenal to secure a top-five finish.

 

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Osimhen wins first trophy In Turkey with two brilliant goals

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Victor Osimhen’s earnings in 2025 – Salary, endorsements, and net worth

Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen has scored two brilliant goals as Galatasaray beat Trabzonspor 3-0 to win the Turkish cup at the Gaziantep Stadium on Wednesday.

The hot-shot Nigerian striker was the hero of the night after scoring to brilliant goals to lead the awaiting Turkish league champion to first trophy of the season.

The former Napoli hitman, who has been in hot form for Galatasaray has attracted big offers across major European clubs as well as Saudi Arabian clube.

Osimhen has now scored five goals and registered one assist in the Turkish Cup this season.

Galatasaray, who are on the verge of winning the Turkish Super Lig title are targeting a double.

The Yellow and Reds last won the Turkish Cup in the 2018/19 season.

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‘We Played For Money’ – Osimhen responds to Saudi club’s €35 million annual offer

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Osimhen: 'I was never at a night club, Turkish journalist lied'

Hot-shot Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen has responded to the transfer rumour from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal with annual offer of €35 million after a successful season in Turkey.

It was reported that Saudi Arabian club, Al Hilal have tabled a big offer for Osimhen to join them this summer from Napoli.

Osimhen’s loan deal at Turkish champions Galatasaray will end this summer and speculations are rife where he will take his scoring boots to.

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Last summer, he was very close to joining another Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, but at the last minute Napoli caused it to collapse after they increased their asking price.

A source within Osimhen’s camp has reacted to the speculation, saying that players across the world play for Money’ and Osimhen could consider the offer from Saudi Arabia ahead of other interested club’s in Europe.

According to Corriere dello Sport, top Riyadh club Al Hilal have tabled before Osimhen an “indecent” salary of between 30 and 35 Million Euros-a-year.

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This is moe than double what he currently receives at Galatasaray.

“No players in the world playing for the sake of club passion or playing for free. At the moment, there are many clubs that want Victor and he has to sit down and chose the best for his career. Victor has nothing to prove again, except he wants to win Ballon d’Or,” Osimhen’s source told ThePapers.

“All players play for Money, we must understand that very well because at the end of his career the same people will questions his achievements despite being top scorer in Turkey and Italy,” he concluded.

Osimhen will also reunite with Senegal star Kalidou Koulibaly at the nine-time Saudi champions, who again look set to miss out on the league championship this season.

2027 Campaign: Peter Obi/El-Rufai poster floods social media as Nigerians react

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