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Osimhen speaks… the hard work, the sweat, the tears

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For a hot minute, it looked like Chelsea just might pull of a major signing at striker on Transfer Deadline Day, but after waiting around

Victor Osimhen won the Serie A title with Napoli last season and ended 2023 by being named African Footballer of the Year, but the striker reckons lifting the Cup of Nations with Nigeria might just top the lot.

While the Super Eagles are preparing to face hosts Ivory Coast in their second group game at this edition of the AFCON on Thursday in Abidjan, Osimhen said, ā€œIt would be one of the best moments of my life.

ā€œI have done that with Napoli, I have made history, but no matter what I do, no matter how many goals I have scored, to be able to win the AFCON, I would go a long way in my life but probably when I do that I am done,ā€ he admitted.

ā€œI am really looking forward to winning something with the Super Eagles.ā€

Osimhen is, naturally, the focus of most attention around the Nigerian squad after his exploits with Napoli, scoring 26 goals last season to lead them to their first Scudetto since 1990.

The eyes of Africa’s most populous country, home to over 220 million people, are on him, but he insists he can handle the pressure.

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ā€œI have aimed high all my life while growing up, and this pressure comes naturally. I am the kind of person who doesn’t fold under pressure,ā€ he said while speaking at the Nigerian team hotel overlooking Abidjan’s Cocody Bay.

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ā€œAs the pressure comes I take it into my head to try to give my best and do well for myself.

ā€œSo far so good, I have been doing well for my club and country, which I feel like is the most important thing,ā€ said Osimhen, who pipped Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah to the African player prize.

ā€œTo win the African Player of the Year is just the dream of every young African player. For me to have won it shows the kind of things I have put in, the hard work, the sweat, the tears.

ā€œFor me, it is really a dream come true,ā€ he added, appearing relaxed having just finished another interview with Togo’s 2008 African footballer of the year, Emmanuel Adebayor.

The lithe forward spearheads a Super Eagles side packed full of attacking talent and the aim for Osimhen is to lead them to their first AFCON crown since 2013.

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Doing that would allow him to take his place alongside Nigerian greats such as Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha, the latter part of the team that won the 1994 Cup of Nations.

ā€œI used to speak with Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha. I think I owe a lot of my success to them because they have been sort of an inspiration to me while growing up,ā€ said Osimhen, who announced himself as the top scorer at the Under-17 World Cup in 2015.

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ā€œTo be up there in the same category as them — not that I am better than them in terms of football, but in terms of what I have achieved — I think is huge for me.ā€

Osimhen is fresh from signing a new contract at Napoli, where he insists he is happy and has ā€œa good relationshipā€ with President Aurelio De Laurentiis.

His previous AFCON experiences have been frustrating, as he hardly featured when Nigeria –- with Odion Ighalo leading the attack — finished third in 2019 and then missed the 2022 edition altogether.

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ā€œIn 2019 when I came, Ighalo was there. He is a big brother to me, so it was important for me to go through this learning process from him, to get this experience,ā€ Osimhen said.

ā€œI was supposed to be there in Cameroon, but of course, I had my facial injury.

ā€œNow I am here. It is a dream come true for me. I don’t want to put myself in the centre but of course, a lot of people say this. I think I am more of a team player.

ā€œI think we have the quality to make sure we have a very good tournament that we can be proud of.ā€

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Osimhen scored as Nigeria was held by Equatorial Guinea in their opening Group A game, a result that increased the pressure before facing the hosts.

ā€œThe first game was really disappointing,ā€ he said.

ā€œGoing forward we need to make sure we get it right in the next game, which is against a tougher opponent.ā€

AFP

 

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Supercomputer Predicts Team To Win Title, 3 Clubs To Be Relegated

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Supercomputer Predicts Team To Win Title, 3 Clubs To Be Relegated

Aceodds’ supercomputer, Betsie, has backed Arsenal to win the Premier League this season, as reported by Daily Post.

Betsie, however, appears to disagree with an earlier prediction made by Manchester United legend Gary Neville over how many points Arsenal will need to be champions.

Arsenal went four points clear at the top of the Premier League table after beating Crystal Palace 1-0.

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As the Gunners celebrated their victory, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea all suffered defeats.

Manchester City are six points behind the Gunners, while Liverpool trail by seven and Chelsea by eight.

Neville had predicted that Arsenal are not going to have 100 or even 90 points to win the league, saying ā€œhigh 80s will win them this title.ā€

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Betsie said the Gunners would win the league with fewer points. After last weekend’s matches, the supercomputer predicted Arsenal will win with around 82 points.

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It said that Liverpool will come behind with about seven points, while Man City and Chelsea will follow.

The supercomputer further predicted that West Ham, Wolves and Burnley would be relegated.

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Up next for Arsenal in the Premier League is a trip to Burnley.

 

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TENSION IN SPAIN: Real Madrid Players Angry With Lamine Yamal Ahead ofĀ El Clasico, Bitter Reason EmergesĀ 

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Tension is escalating in anticipation of Sunday’s El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona, particularly following the provocative remarks made by the young talent Lamine Yamal.

The 17-year-old winger accused Los Blancos of stealing and complaining while appearing on the Kings League YouTube channel, just days before the highly anticipated clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Yamal, known for his confidence, made the remark while comparing Real Madrid to an opposing team in the fan-favourite online league, Sports Illustrated reports. His statement referenced ongoing debates about refereeing bias in La Liga, bringing to the fore the long-standing accusations of favouritism toward Real Madrid.

Yamal’s latest comments immediately caught fire across Spanish media, with Marca reporting that several Madrid players are ā€œfed upā€ with Yamal’s antics and feel his words crossed a line ahead of one of the biggest matches in world football.

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Alonso keeps focus on the pitch In the midst of the growing tension, Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso was asked to respond to Yamal’s comments during his pre-match press conference.

However, the Los Blancos manager took the high road, refusing to fan the flames or stir more controversy before the biggest game in La Liga this weekend, per One Football.

ā€œEl Clasico is special. It has always been and always will be. For us, the important thing is the pitch, what happens on the field, and how we want to play tomorrow’s game. That’s what concerns me most.ā€

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Alonso emphasized the significance of Sunday’s fixture for his young squad, calling on fans to fill the stadium with energy.

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ā€œWe want the stadium to vibrate, to push us forward. Hopefully, we’ll end up celebrating with our fans.ā€

Alonso’s composed response was directly opposite to Yamal’s fiery rhetoric, signaling Real Madrid’s intention to let their football do the talking.

What’s at stake in Sunday’s El Clasico

Sunday’s El Clasico showdown at the Santiago BernabĆ©u carries even more weight than usual.

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Barcelona trail Real Madrid by just two points at the top of La Liga, meaning a win would see them leapfrog their eternal rivals and reclaim first place.

The Catalans will have to depend on the brilliance of Yamal and Marcus Rashford as they will be without some key players, including Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, for Sunday’s encounter.

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But beyond the table, this latest war of words has added extra bite to an already explosive rivalry.

With Yamal’s comments lighting the fuse, Real Madrid’s players are expected to come out with added fire and determination.

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Slot Backs Salah To End Goal Drought After Six Goalless Matches

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Slot Backs Salah To End Goal Drought After Six Goalless Matches

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has brushed aside concerns over Mohamed Salah’s recent goal drought, insisting the Egyptian forward’s scoring touch will return soon.

Salah, who has scored just three times this season — one from the penalty spot — has now gone six matches without finding the net.

His last appearance saw him come off the bench for just 16 minutes in Liverpool’s midweek Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. The forward’s dip in form dates back to March, with only five goals in his last 23 games.

That win in Germany ended Liverpool’s worst run of results since 2016, but whether Salah’s form contributed to that slump — or was a consequence of it — remains open to debate.

Slot, however, remains unfazed, ESPN reports late Friday.

ā€œI don’t know if it’s sharpness or not. It’s so difficult, I could come up with a few reasons which I’m not sure are the reasons.

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ā€œIn general, football players miss chances and Mo is a human being as well. We are not used to him missing chances, let alone a few in a row, but these things can happen.

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ā€œIt’s easier to finish a chance if you are 3-1 up than if you are 1-0 down but maybe that is not true for him.

ā€œBut the main thing is Mo has always scored goals for our club and the last thing I worry about is Mo starting to score goals again.

ā€œThat is what he has done his whole life and that is what I expect him to do in the upcoming weeks and months for our club as well,ā€ Slot said.

The Dutch coach also pointed to Liverpool’s summer overhaul — including the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid and a Ā£450 million influx of new players — as a factor in the team’s growing pains.

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ā€œI think [Salah] has been in promising positions often enough for him to score goals but maybe with Trent even more — I don’t know.

ā€œBut in general for every player, if you have quite a few changes in your squad during the summer then everyone has to find new connections again.

ā€œMo is not an exception to this and it might have something to do with that.

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ā€œIn an ideal world, you play every game with the same team but it’s not realistic for a team which plays every three days. Even if you wanted to, it is not possible as Jeremie Frimpong has been in and out with injuries a few times, Conor Bradley has had injuries, let alone [Alexis] Mac Allister missed out on pre-season and so did Alex [Isak],ā€ Slot said.

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Slot and Salah will hope Saturday’s evening clash away to Brentford provides the spark the Egyptian needs.

The Bees have often brought out Salah’s best — he has scored six times in seven appearances against them.

Liverpool, however, will again be without Jeremie Frimpong and Alisson Becker, both sidelined with hamstring injuries. Updates are awaited on Alexander Isak, who sustained a groin problem midweek, and Ryan Gravenberch, who missed the Frankfurt trip with an ankle issue.

As the Reds look to rebuild rhythm, all eyes will be on Salah to rediscover the ruthless edge that made him one of Europe’s deadliest forwards.

 

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Ronaldo Joins Billionaire ‘Gangs’, Becomes First Footballer With Global Status After New DealĀ 

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Ronaldo Joins Billionaire 'Gangs', Becomes First Footballer With Global Status After New DealĀ 

Cristiano Ronaldo has made history by becoming the first footballer to achieve billionaire status, following a lucrative contract extension with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.

The 40-year-old Portuguese forward has an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, positioning him among the wealthiest athletes globally, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Ronaldo’s ascent to billionaire status is primarily attributed to his record-breaking contract in Saudi Arabia, which is reported to be worth over $400 million. Signed in June 2025, this deal ranks among the highest-paying sports contracts in the world.

His substantial earnings encompass tax-free salaries, performance bonuses, and additional perks, including access to a private jet and an equity stake in Al-Nassr.

The footballer’s current fortune combines over two decades of professional earnings, endorsements, and investments. Bloomberg’s valuation reflects Ronaldo’s career salaries, sponsorships with global brands like Nike and Armani, and business ventures under the CR7 brand. The report also adjusted for taxes and market performance.

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Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in 2023 marked a financial turning point in his career. While many questioned his decision to leave European football, the transfer proved transformative, giving him the highest average annual pay for a footballer and placing him among the world’s richest athletes.

Saudi Arabia’s tax-free income policy further boosted his net earnings.

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A brief profile of Ronaldo’s career and family
Ronaldo, who began his career with Sporting Lisbon before moving to Manchester United in 2003 and Real Madrid in 2009, has earned more than $550 million in salaries across his career. His long-term endorsement with Nike, worth nearly $18 million annually, and other deals with Armani and Castrol, have added over $175 million to his wealth.

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Born into a modest family in Madeira, Portugal, Ronaldo’s journey from poverty to global stardom has been marked by consistent ambition and discipline. The island now features landmarks dedicated to him, including the Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport and the CR7 Museum.

Ronaldo’s investments, managed by Lisbon-based LMcapital Wealth Management, span hospitality, fitness, and media. His portfolio includes the Pestana CR7 Hotel chain, a gym franchise, and real estate properties in Lisbon, Madeira, and the luxury resort area of Quinta da Marinha. His latest estate there, reportedly worth €20 million, has drawn significant local attention.

Ronaldo’s influence extends beyond sport. With more than 660 million Instagram followers, he remains the most-followed individual globally, a factor that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to use high-profile athletes to promote its image and tourism.

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His presence in the Saudi Pro League has increased international visibility for the league, though match attendance has fluctuated since his arrival.

Ronaldo joins a small group of billionaire athletes, including basketball legend Michael Jordan and tennis icon Roger Federer. However, unlike them, most of Ronaldo’s wealth stems from direct pay rather than equity or business stakes.

The footballer has expressed plans to retire at Al-Nassr and pursue club ownership, following in the footsteps of former teammate David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami. His reported 15% ownership stake in Al-Nassr marks the first step toward that goal, as he cements both his sporting and financial legacy.

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2026 W/C Qualifiers: Four Benin Players Ruled Out of Rwanda, Nigeria Clashes

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2026 W/C Qualifiers: Four Benin Players Ruled Out of Rwanda, Nigeria Clashes

Benin head coach Gernot Rohr is sweating over the fitness of his four players who could miss their Match Day 9 and 10 World Cup qualifying matches against Group C rivals Rwanda and Nigeria, according to The New Times.

Rohr and part of the Cheetahs squad arrived in Kigali on Monday, October 6, and are currently training daily at Amahoro Stadium which will host the match day 9 clash against Rwanda on Friday, October 10, before travelling to Uyo State, Nigeria, for their qualifying decider against the Super Eagles on October 14.

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Players doubtful to play the upcoming matches include striker Olaitan Junior who was prevented by his Turkish club Gƶztepe from taking a flight from Istanbul to Kigali, after doctors said that his medical condition does not allow him to travel for international duty.

It’s a decision that was not welcomed by Rohr and Benin FA who reportedly insisted that recent medical tests by their doctors indicated that the player is fit to play.

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However, the club stubbornly refused to release him.

Andreas Hountondji, who plays for Burnley in England, is another striker who is doubtful for this match. He is currently in race to recover from the knock he picked over the weekend and be fit in time to play both matches.

However, reports indicate that he is still doubtful for the match.

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Meanwhile, Abdoul Rachid Moumini of Azerbaijan Premier League Sumgayit FKand Rodolfo Aloko, who plays for NK KustoŔija in Croatia. They were both ruled out of the matches due to injuries.

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After Humiliating Barcelona, Nigerian striker Akor Adams Vows To Score More Goals

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After Humiliating Barcelona, Nigerian striker Akor Adams Vows To Score More Goals

Nigerian forward Akor Adams has expressed his joy after scoring his first goal at the Ramón SĆ”nchez-PizjuĆ”n Stadium during Sevilla’s commanding 4-1 victory over Barcelona on Sunday.

Adams, who came on as a second-half substitute, sealed the win in stoppage time with a well-taken finish inside the box after his earlier strike had been ruled out for offside. The goal came courtesy of a fine assist from compatriot Chidera Ejuke, marking a memorable night for the Nigerian duo as they helped inflict Barcelona’s heaviest LaLiga defeat since 2015.

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ā€œAbsolute madness,ā€ Adams told Sevilla’s media after the match. ā€œI want to give credit to Isaac Romero. For me, the first thing I had to do was defend and then go forward. I’m very happy with my first goal at the Ramón SĆ”nchez-PizjuĆ”n.ā€

The 25-year-old striker also praised the collective effort of his teammates, highlighting their unity and determination in overcoming the Catalan giants.

ā€œThis gives the team a lot of credit,ā€ he said. ā€œWe’ve been in a bubble, doing exactly what we’ve worked for, and all of that has paid off. It’s a historic moment. We have to focus on the positives and put the rest aside.ā€

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Adams’ goal continues his impressive run of form, having also scored the winner in Sevilla’s previous league game — a 1-0 victory away to Rayo Vallecano. His back-to-back goals have cemented his growing reputation as a reliable option in attack for head coach Quique SĆ”nchez Flores.

Before the Barcelona clash, Adams had spoken confidently about his ability to find the back of the net against top sides. ā€œI think I have the ability to score in every game if I have the opportunities,ā€ he said in a pre-match interview.

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With two goals and one assist in six appearances this season, Adams’ resurgence comes at an ideal time as Nigeria prepares for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin later this month.

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The former Montpellier striker will be hoping to carry his fine club form into the national team as the Super Eagles aim to strengthen their qualification campaign.

Soccerbyte

 

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