Nigerian international, Ademola Lookman, on Friday, struck a late winner for Atalanta in a 2-1 victory over AC Milan.

The Serie A clash between both sides at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, saw Lookman help his side move top of the table with 34 points.

The 2024 CAF Awards nominee stooped to head home a flicked ball towards the near post by former Arsenal defender, Sead Kolasinac, in the 87th minute.

Earlier on, Belgian striker, Charles De Ketelaere had put the Bergamo side in the lead in the 12th minute.

Ketelaere, 23, powered a close-range header from a free kick by Marten De Roon.

Just 10 minutes after, ex-Real Madrid striker, Alvaro Morata, equalised for Milan.

Rafael Leao, in his typical style, paced down the left flank before delivering a low cross to the Spaniard who didn’t fail to convert.

It was Leao’s fourth assist in the domestic league this season.

Lookman had a chance at goal at the 43rd-minute mark.

However, the number 11 came in from the left flank but could only fire the ball past the post.

In 15 league games played so far, Atalanta has secured 11 wins, one draw and three losses.

They are closely followed by Napoli and Inter with 32 and 31 points, respectively.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s a new Gulfstream G650 private jet, valued at approximately $73 million.

This luxurious aircraft accommodates up to 19 passengers and features a range of amenities, including queen-size beds, a spacious cabin, and advanced entertainment systems.

It has a maximum speed of 610 mph and an operational range of over 7,500 nautical miles, allowing for long-distance travel without refueling.

The interior is customized with high-quality materials, ensuring comfort and privacy for Ronaldo and his family.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Gulfstream G650 boasts several unique features that set it apart from other private jets:

Spacious Cabin: It can accommodate up to 19 passengers and includes lie-flat beds, allowing for restful travel.

Signature Windows: The jet features 16 oval windows, providing ample natural light and a spacious feel.

Quiet Environment: Designed for comfort, it has a quiet cabin with a 100% fresh air system, reducing jet lag.

Advanced Technology: Equipped with cutting-edge entertainment systems and equipment, it ensures a seamless flying experience.

Long Range: With a range of 7,500 nautical miles, it can fly non-stop between major global cities.

The jet can be rented for around €6,000 per hour to have the CR7 experience.

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a Manchester United footballer who took the club through one of the darkest periods of its history.

Tony Young is one of the stars who helped take Manchester United back to the top flight of English football, having suffered the humiliation of relegation in 1973. Breaking into the Red Devils side at the age of 17, he was a key part of the squad that won promotion back to the First Division.

Growing up a stone’s throw away from Old Trafford, Young was a red through and through, making 97 appearances for the club between 1969 and 1976.

Now, tributes have been paid after it was confirmed that the legendary wiger has died age 71.

Former teammate Sammy McIlroy said: “It’s terribly sad to hear of his passing. I remember Tony had a massive reputation as a winger when he first joined the club, and unlike some, he seemed to thrive under the pressure.

“He was a proper Manchester lad – hard! He trained the way he played as well. Tony was a quiet personality, really. He broke in as a right-winger but showed his versatility and team ethic when he played a few games at right-back.

“Tony was the sort of character every group of players need, and the sort of willing player every manager loves.”

A statement from Manchester United added: “Capable of playing at right-back or right-wing, Young made 97 appearances for the club and truly broke into the first team during the 1972/73 season, when he played 34 times.

“Our thoughts are with Tony’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

National World

Having picked up their first Premier League win under Ruben Amorim, Manchester United‘s focus is starting to turn towards the January transfer window.

Amorim’s men thumped Everton on Sunday to move into the top-half of the Premier League table. The Portuguese coach will be handed the chance to bring in reinforcements in just under a month’s time.

United are expected to be one of the busier top-flight sides in the transfer market, given their awful season and Amorim’s recent appointment. Despite scoring four goals against the Toffees, a striker may well be high up Amorim’s list of targets.

Amorim’s Amad demand
Amad starred as United thumped Everton on Sunday, but club chiefs have a decision to make with his contract expiring in the summer. Boss Amorim has firmly stated his position, with the winger set to be a key part of his plans.

“He is really big in talent, but small in size. He did a great job but he also has to improve. He was really good again. You could feel it in the end of the game he was really, really tired,” Amorim said.

“So we have to manage that and increase his physical ability. I’d like to take credit for [Amad’s pressing], but that’s him. He’s like that. He’s smart. He’s explosive.”

A new striker appears to be high on Amorim’s list of targets for the January transfer window. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are the current senior forwards on the books at Old Trafford.

But it appears Amorim may be ready to cut ties with Zirkzee, with Ruleta Sport reporting United are ‘on the trail’ of Victor Osimhen. It is said they have offered the Dutchman and a fee to Napoli in exchange for Osimhen.

Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres is thought to be Amorim’s top target, though the manager believes they may demand too much. As a result he is ‘testing the waters’ for Osimhen, with Zirkzee thought to not be a good fit for Amorim’s style of play.

Shaw hint dropped
United boss Amorim has admitted that Luke Shaw wants more game-time. The defender has spent much of the season sidelined with calf and knee injuries, making only three appearances in total.

All of those have come from the bench, including in the win over Everton. And Amorim has revealed that with the January window on the horizon, Shaw is keen to have a bigger role.

The United boss said: “Luke Shaw wants to play more, but we have to control it; we have to rotate the team. In the future, we will have a different system; you can see more of a starting XI.”

West Ham secured a vital 2-0 win on a chilly Monday night at St James’ Park to end Newcastle’s winning run and ease the pressure on the under-fire boss Julen Lopetegui.

The Hammers took an early lead against the run of play as Tomas Soucek powered home a header from a corner in typical fashion on 10 minutes.

Eddie Howe’s side then dominated the remainder of the first half and really should have levelled before the break as Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak missed two clear cut chances.

Like in the first half, the away side struck early to double their lead as Wan-Bissaka finished off a quick West Ham move to score just the third goal of his career after barely 10 minutes of the half.
Newcastle rung the changes in response but to little effect as the Magpies faded badly as the half wore on.
West Ham remained disciplined to see out a much needed and well earned victory which sees them move to 15 points after 12 games and relieve some of the mounting pressure on Lopetegui.

Meanwhile, Newcastle remain rooted in 10th place on 18 points, four points behind third-placed Chelsea.

The President of Lekki Astro Sports Club, Haliru Momodu is a football enthusiastic with more than two decades experience as banker who had passion and skill of staging big football occasion like Lekki Astro League. The Director of Opulentlive speaks on how the league cup will enhance sports development in Lagos State.

How do you feel staging another football fitness league as 2024 Astro League Cup set to begin?
First of all, I want to thank you for the opportunity to discuss the 3rd Edition of the LEKKI Astro League, which is coming up on October 20, 2024. My club and I see this league cup as an annual ritual and a way to reach out to our community, bond, fraternize, and network amongst members and other businesses. I’m really looking forward to this edition, as it promises a lot of exciting developments.

Last season’s edition did not receive as much publicity as this year. Does that indicate the competition is taking another direction?
We faced challenges with planning due to lack of training facilities. Once we secured our current home, we were able to plan more effectively. While last year’s tournament was a great success, as a growth-driven association, we feel it’s essential to give this year’s competition the publicity it deserves, and we promise to do even better in future.

Onyekachi Okonkwo

What challenges and opportunities might arise from having a league exclusively for players aged 35 and above in terms of fostering future sports talent in the country?
Lekki Astro League Cup, designed for players aged 35 and above, brings a fun and social aspect to sports development in the country. While it might shift focus away from younger players, it creates an exciting environment where seasoned athletes can come together for the love of the game. Beyond the competition, it offers a relaxed space for veterans to mentor younger athletes, sharing their experience and knowledge in a more casual setting. Lekki Astro league Cup could also spark renewed interest in sports by showing that staying active and fit is possible at any age. Ultimately, the success of the league will depend on how well it fosters camaraderie and enjoyment while promoting a lifelong commitment to fitness.

The league is called the LEKKI Astro League Cup. Does that mean other parts of Nigeria are not considered?
We do play games outside of Lagos annually, but as a sports club, the league cup is primarily an internal competition. Our members sponsor four different teams, and the tournament is structured in a league format, with the highest points determining the winner. While we may consider hosting teams from other states in the future, for now, it is focused on our community.

Last season, some ex-Super Eagles players participated. Can you explain how league membership is organized?
Yes, we have ex-Super Eagles players like Onyekachi Okonkwo and Ogbonna Kanu among our members, along with some professionals still active in Europe. Participation is strictly for members, with teams owned by them. If anyone is interested in joining us, they are welcome to reach out, and we’ll explain what it takes to become a member (laughs).

The league is commencing with individual sponsorship. What are your targets in securing deals ahead of the 2025 season?
This Edition is being sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc’s through one of its Brand, Goldberg larger. When we refer to individual sponsors, we mean our members who are buying slots to own teams to market their brands, which also promotes their businesses. Companies will sponsor the tournament without owning a team. I believe next year’s edition will be even greater, as this is part of our ongoing efforts.

What makes Lekki an ideal location for hosting the Lekki Astro league cup in 2024?”
Lekki is an ideal location for hosting the league cup in 2024 due to its vibrant sports culture and community engagement. The area is known for its enthusiastic sports fans, which will create an energetic atmosphere during the event. Moreover, Holden Park School, our home ground, offers excellent facilities that are well-suited for sporting events, featuring quality playing fields and necessary amenities for players and fans alike. This familiar setting will help foster a sense of community and support among participants. By hosting the league cup in Holden Park School, we aim to bring together sports enthusiasts, local businesses, and families to celebrate the spirit of competition and camaraderie. We encourage anyone interested in being part of the cup celebration to join us at Holden Park School or contact us through our website at www.lekkiastrosportsclub.com. All these factors combine to create an exciting and supportive atmosphere for the league cup, making Lekki the perfect choice for this event.