Category Archives: SPORT

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Inter Milan Stars Embrace Fresh Start Under Chivu After Champions League Heartbreak

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After a crushing 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final and narrowly missing out on the Serie A title by a single point, Inter Milan are determined to turn the page. With the FIFA Club World Cup now underway, the team sees the tournament as a chance for redemption, a fresh beginning under new head coach Cristian Chivu.

For Inter players Lautaro Martinez, Stefan de Vrij, and Alessandro Bastoni, the pain of that loss in Munich still lingers. But with renewed energy and purpose, they’re focused on making their mark in the United States.

“Football always gives you the chance to start over,” said Lautaro Martinez, who remains optimistic despite the setbacks.

“We’re having the best possible preparation for our match against Monterrey. They’re a strong side with a clear identity, but we want to win and bounce back after the Champions League final. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made this season. Even if we didn’t win a trophy, we’ve grown as a team.”

Martinez emphasized the importance of learning from the past while embracing new challenges:

“The Club World Cup is a great opportunity. Like every tournament, we’re going to enjoy it and give everything to take Inter as far as possible.”

Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij echoed the captain’s sentiments, highlighting Monterrey’s quality and the motivation within the squad:

“It’ll be a great match to start the tournament. They have some world-class players, even ones we’ve faced before in Europe. We’re excited, and even though the season didn’t end as we’d hoped, we’ve built confidence. Whether or not we’re favourites doesn’t matter, we’re ready to give it everything.”

A New Era Under Cristian Chivu

The appointment of Cristian Chivu has sparked a new wave of enthusiasm at Inter. The former club legend has brought a fresh perspective, focusing not only on tactics but also on rebuilding the team’s morale.

Defender Alessandro Bastoni praised Chivu’s impact on the squad’s mindset:

“It was tough after the Champions League final, but that’s the beauty of football there’s always another chance. We’ve got new faces, a new coach, and real motivation to attack this competition.”

Bastoni also shared his excitement about facing Monterrey and their star defender:

“Sergio Ramos has always been my idol, so playing against him is special. We know how passionate Mexican fans are. It’s going to be an incredible experience.”

As Inter prepares for their opening match against CF Monterrey, all eyes are on how the team responds to recent disappointments. With strong leadership, a refreshed squad, and a clear sense of purpose, the Club World Cup could be the beginning of a new chapter for the Nerazzurri.

Tobi Sangotola

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Maresca Blasts FIFA as Chelsea Play Club World Cup Opener in Near-Empty Stadium

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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has taken aim at FIFA after his team’s opening match at the revamped FIFA Club World Cup was played in front of a sparse crowd of just 22,137 fans — a dismal turnout in the cavernous 71,000-seat Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The Blues secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC on Monday night, but the atmosphere was notably subdued as the stadium, home to NFL’s Atlanta Falcons was barely a third full. The low attendance was a major embarrassment for FIFA, which has heavily invested in the expanded Club World Cup format and made bold predictions about fan engagement in the United States.

Despite the tournament’s profile and Chelsea’s global following, organisers failed to adjust ticket pricing or scheduling to attract local fans. The match kicked off at 3pm Eastern Time on a weekday — a decision widely criticised. Fans who had purchased the cheapest tickets were originally placed in the upper tier but were later relocated to the lower bowl in a last-minute attempt to create a fuller visual impression. Still, they were heavily outnumbered by rows of empty red seats.

empty stade

Maresca voiced his disappointment after the match:

“It was a good match, a good performance. But the environment was a bit strange — the stadium was almost empty. We prepared knowing the atmosphere would be different. No doubt the next one will be better, as we know Brazilian fans always come in numbers.”

Chelsea’s next match is set for Philadelphia against Brazilian giants Flamengo, a fixture expected to draw a significantly larger crowd at Lincoln Financial Field, another NFL venue.

Despite the circumstances, Maresca praised his players for maintaining focus and professionalism:

“What’s important is the behaviour and attitude of the players. They showed today the desire to win and the discipline to not concede. We want to keep that defensive strength we had at the end of our Premier League and Conference League campaigns.”

The low turnout has reignited internal tensions within FIFA. According to The Athletic, staff had advised staging games in smaller, MLS-sized stadiums, which typically seat around 25,000 to 30,000 fans — a move that might have avoided the embarrassment of visibly empty venues. However, those recommendations were overridden by top officials, including FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who had previously dismissed concerns about attendance.

Infantino had confidently declared in December that the tournament would attract millions to stadiums across the U.S., adding:

“This competition will have two, three, four million fans coming to the U.S… and those who stay at home will be able to watch every game of their team — or any other — for free on TV.”

Monday’s turnout, however, tells a different story, one that raises questions about FIFA’s planning, pricing strategy, and its broader ambitions for football’s footprint in the U.S.

– Tobi Sangotola

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Al Ahly Reflect on Hard-Fought Draw Against Inter Miami in Club World Cup Opener

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Riveiro, El Shenawy, and Abou Ali eye improvement ahead of Palmeiras clash

Al Ahly FC, African football powerhouse and one of the most decorated clubs on the continent, kicked off the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup with a goalless draw against Inter Miami CF at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Despite flashes of brilliance and a first-half penalty opportunity, the Red Eagles were left to rue missed chances in a match filled with attacking intent from both sides.

The Cairo giants impressed early on, dominating much of the first half and earning a penalty just before the interval. However, Trezeguet’s spot kick was saved, and the MLS side escaped into halftime unscathed. The second half saw Inter Miami respond with more attacking pressure, but veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy stood tall, making several key saves to secure a point.

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Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali, who had a goal disallowed for offside, expressed his frustration at the result. “I’m really disappointed we didn’t take all three points,” he said. “We had clear chances to score in the first half. The support from our fans was incredible, and we wanted to reward them with a win.”

Looking ahead to their next Group A fixture against Brazilian side Palmeiras on June 19, Abou Ali added, “Palmeiras will be tough, but we’ll work hard to be ready and hopefully get the result we need.”

New head coach Jose Riveiro, managing his first competitive match with Al Ahly, acknowledged both the positives and areas of improvement. “We controlled the first half but lacked sharpness after the break,” he said. “There were some mistakes and missed opportunities, but overall, it’s a decent foundation to build on.”

Goalkeeper El Shenawy echoed the sentiment, noting the challenge of playing in humid conditions. “We knew Inter Miami would come at us in the second half,” he said. “The humidity was a factor, but we earned a point, and that’s something we can build from.”

With one point secured, Al Ahly now turn their focus to Palmeiras, knowing victory is likely essential for progression in this historic tournament.

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Maresca Backs Cole Palmer to Shine on World Stage at Club World Cup

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Chelsea star tipped to lead global charge as Blues target glory in 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has set a bold challenge for Cole Palmer ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, declaring the tournament a global platform for the young England forward to prove himself among the world’s elite.

Palmer, who played a key role in Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League triumph, will now look to continue his rise at the Club World Cup in the United States. Maresca, who coached Palmer during their time at Manchester City’s academy, said the 22-year-old has the rare ability to “create something out of nothing” and is ready to introduce himself to a North American audience.

“He missed last year’s U.S. tour, so this is his moment to step onto the world stage,” said Maresca. “He’s one of those players who can change a game in an instant.”

Chelsea open their Group D campaign against Los Angeles FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday, followed by clashes with Flamengo and Esperance de Tunis. With superstars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane also in the tournament, Maresca is confident that Palmer and Chelsea can match the world’s best.

“When you’re at Chelsea, the goal is always to win,” Maresca added. “This tournament is more than football—it’s about uniting cultures and showing the world what we’re made of.”

The Blues are aiming for Club World Cup glory and a statement of their growing dominance on the international stage.

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FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Kicks Off: Dates, Fixtures, Venues and Broadcast Details Revealed

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The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup officially begins as Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami faces Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the opening match of a historic, expanded 32-team tournament hosted across 11 cities in the United States. This revamped competition features teams from all six confederations—including 12 European clubs—and promises over £100 million in prize money.

Set to run until July 14, the tournament brings together global heavyweights like Real Madrid, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Boca Juniors, and Flamengo, with early matches scheduled in venues ranging from Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium to Seattle’s Lumen Field and Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.

Despite some skepticism in parts of Europe, the tournament has sparked excitement in Africa, Asia, and South America, where clubs aim to upset traditional powerhouses on a global stage.

Here are the complete groups for the FIFA World Cup. #FIFACWC #FIFAClubWorldCup #FIFA

📅 Key Dates & Fixtures:

June 14: Inter Miami vs Al Ahly – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

June 15–23: Group stage matches across all cities

June 28 – July 1: Round of 16

July 4–5: Quarter-finals

July 8–9: Semi-finals

July 14: Final – MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

🕒 Kick-Off Times:
Matches vary between 12pm to 9pm EDT, with European-friendly BST schedules highlighted. Only a few fixtures stretch into early morning hours for UK fans.

📺 Where to Watch:
Coverage will be split between Channel 5 and DAZN, depending on region and match time. Fans can expect multiple language options and streaming availability worldwide.

🏟️ Venues Include:

Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)

Seattle (Lumen Field)

Pasadena (Rose Bowl)

Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)

Charlotte (Bank of America Stadium)

New Jersey (MetLife Stadium – Final)

With Messi leading the charge and football giants lining up across the brackets, the 2025 Club World Cup is set to redefine international club football’s reach and spectacle.

Messi
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Arteta’s Arsenal Aim To Make Champions League History

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Arsenal have not made it past the UEFA Champions League semi-finals since 2009, but manager Mikel Arteta wants his side to write its own history when they host Real Madrid for the first leg of their quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Madrid, the record 15-time European champions, have won six UEFA Champions League titles since 2009 while Arsenal continue their hunt for a first crown.

Arteta, whose team last year bowed out of the competition after a quarter-final loss to German side Bayern Munich, urged his side to back themselves.

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta.

“It’s a club (Madrid) that has set new standards in world football. This is where we want to be, where we want to belong,” Arteta told reporters on Monday. “It’s part of their history. We have to write our own history. We have to focus on our thing. They can hurt us a lot but we can too.”

“With a lot of hope that we can get a result, that we can do it. We need to be convinced that we can do it. We need to just enjoy it. It will be just the first leg, the intention is clear for tomorrow. We’re going to go for it.”

Winger Bukayo Saka did not start in Arsenal’s 1-1 Premier League draw at 15th-placed Everton on Saturday, only coming on in the 46th minute.

The 23-year-old England international, who has scored 10 goals and provided 14 assists in 26 matches in all competitions for Arsenal this season, had only made his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury on Tuesday.

Arteta said Saka was in a much better place now.

“We have built his minutes and he’s coped with that really well,” the Spaniard added.

Tobi Sangotola

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Team Nigeria Confident Ahead Of World Junior Fencing Championships

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Team Nigeria’s 6-man squad is brimming with confidence as they head to the 2025 World Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships, scheduled to take place from April 7th – 15th in Wuxi, China.

The squad comprises four boys and two girls, led by 17-year-old Inkosi Brou, the country’s highest-ranked fencer. Brou, the grandson of the former Director-General of NAFDAC, is Nigeria’s most active fencer, having competed in over five tournaments this year.

He is also the first Nigerian fencer to win a medal in an international event. The athlete aims to improve his world ranking ahead of the 2025 African Senior Championships in Lagos in June.

Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer, Inkosi Brou.

“My target is to make the top 16 in the junior men’s Sabre individual event, improve my junior FIE rank, and perform better than I did last year at the Junior/Cadet World Championships in Saudi Arabia,” Brou said.

The squad also includes the Idongesit siblings, all making their international debut for Nigeria in China.

The 18-year-old Mahathir Idongesit, aims to finish in the top eight in his first world junior championship.

“My target in China is to make it to the top eight. I also hope to give my best no matter the outcome,” he said.

The 14-year-old Mahadi Idongesit, is resolute in his ambition to reach the podium.

“My target is to get on the podium and finish among the top three. I will give it my all to achieve this,” he stated. “I expect to give my best no matter who I face in China.”

13-year-old Sara Idongesit is looking to gain valuable experience in her maiden international outing.

“My target in China is to reach the top 16 and give it everything I have. I see this as a valuable opportunity to learn and grow. No matter who I fence against, I’ll give it my all,” she said.

Other African countries competing in China include Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, South Africa, Togo and Tunisia.

The World Cadets and Juniors Fencing Championships is an annual international competition hosted by the International Fencing Federation (FIE).

VON

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Fulham Beats Liverpool, Southampton Suffers Earliest-Ever Relegation

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Liverpool endured a rare stumble in their march to the title after a 3-2 loss at Fulham on Sunday, while Southampton suffered the earliest relegation in Premier League history when they were beaten 3-1 at Tottenham Hotspur.

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister gave Liverpool an early lead before the Reds conceded three goals in 14 minutes. However, Fulham were determined to fight its wats back into the game

Forward Ryan Sessegnon then rifled home a superb first-time volley, after Curtis Jones failed to clear a cross to equalise for Fulham.

Forward Ryan Sessegnon (C) scores goal against Liverpool.

The host continued to push forward and were rewarded after a fine piece of play.

A series of mistakes from Andy Robertson allowed Super Eagles of Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi to score for Fulham as the league leaders were stunned.

Super Eagles of Nigeria and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi (L) celebrates goal with teammate and countryman Calvin Bassey (R).

Rodrigo Muniz completed the turnaround, winning a second ball with a lovely first touch ahead of Virgil van Dijk, then producing a sublime finish through Caoimhin Kelleher’s legs. 3-1!!!

Liverpool substitute Luis Diaz poked home with nearly 20 minutes to play but Fulham held on for the victory and moved up to eighth with 48 points.

“It’s not often we concede three goals let alone in one game or 15 minutes. We could have prevented it… Conceding three goals like we did is not of the standards of Liverpool,” Slot said.

Fulham enjoyed a deserved win over Liverpool, capitalising on dreadful defending to boost their push for European football next season.

“Great win for us,” Fulham manager Marco Silva told Sky Sports. “Our first half was very, very good, in all aspects of the game.”

VON

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NPFL: Rivers United Defeats Remo Stars, Cuts Lead

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Rivers United closed the gap on Nigeria Premier League Football (NPFL) leaders Remo Stars, after a crucial 1-0 victory in their Match Day 32 encounter, at the at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

Before the match, Remo Stars who are targeting its first-ever NPFL title were leading the table with 60 points with Rivers United trailing in second position with 52 points.

However, Boluwaji David Sholumade scored the only goal in the 84th minute for Rivers United to cut Remo Stars’ lead to five points, igniting hopes of the ‘Pride of Rivers’ to overtake the Ikenne side in case of more future slip-ups.

With the win, Finidi George’s men have reduced Remo Stars points gap to five points with six games to the end of the season. However, Remo Stars have a game more in hand against Lobi Stars yet to be played.

Rivers United are on 55 points while Remo Stars have 60 points.

Sunday’s NPFL results

Plateau United 0-0 Kwara United

Rivers United 1-0 Remo Stars

Lobi Stars 1-1 Sunshine Stars

Katsina United 1-1 Bayelsa United

Niger Tornadoes 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors

Nasarawa United 2-0 Akwa United

Enyimba FC 2-1 Abia Warriors

Shooting Stars 0-0 Ikorodu City.

VON

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Nottingham Forest Stun Man Utd, Saka Shines in Arsenal Comeback

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Nottingham Forest beat Manchester United 1-0 to close in on Champions League football next season as Bukayo Saka scored in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham on his return from injury on Tuesday.

Former United winger Anthony Elanga came back to haunt his former club with a stunning solo effort after just five minutes at the City Ground to earn all three points for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Third-placed Forest extend their lead over Newcastle in sixth to 10 points.

Thanks to the strong performance of English sides in European competitions this season, the top five will almost certainly qualify for the Champions League.

Forest are two-time European champions but have not played in the continent’s elite competition since they were holders in 1980.

Elanga was discarded by United in 2023 after a bright start to his career at Old Trafford, but is one of many Forest success stories fulfilling his potential under Nuno.

The Swedish international collected possession deep inside his own half but showed blistering pace to burst into the United box before firing low past Andre Onana.

Just a year after battling to narrowly avoid relegation, Forest are enjoying an unexpected fairytale season that also includes progressing to the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years.

They had been forced through 120 minutes and penalties to beat Brighton in Saturday’s quarter-final and were also without top scorer Chris Wood due to injury.

Forest fatigued in the second half, but United were undone by a familiar lack of cutting edge going forward.

Ruben Amorim resorted to sending on centre-back Harry Maguire as a makeshift striker in the closing stages and he nearly grabbed an equaliser in stoppage time when his shot was cleared off the line by Murillo.

United remain without two consecutive Premier League wins all season with the Red Devils languishing down in 13th.

Arsenal lose Gabriel

Arsenal maintained some pressure on leaders Liverpool by cutting the gap at the top to nine points.

Saka stole the headlines by coming off the bench to head in on his first appearance since December 21.

Mikel Merino’s deflected effort had given Arsenal a first-half lead.

However, victory came at a cost as key defender Gabriel Magalhaes limped off injured.

Rodrigo Muniz pulled a goal back in stoppage time, but defeat is a blow to Fulham’s ambitions of European football next season.

Just one week away from the Gunners’ Champions League quarter-final, first leg against Real Madrid, the sight of Gabriel pulling up with a hamstring problem added to Mikel Arteta’s injury woes.

Arsenal are already without forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus due to season-ending injuries.

But Merino has proved an able deputy as a stand-in striker.

The Spanish midfielder took his tally to five goals in eight games in his new role, albeit with the aid of a big deflection to open the scoring on 37 minutes.

Saka’s introduction was greeted with the biggest cheer of the night until that point at the Emirates Stadium when he replaced Ethan Nwaneri 25 minutes from time.

The England international took just eight minutes to net his 10th goal of the season.

Saka was in the right place to head in from close range after Gabriel Martinelli flicked on Merino’s cross.

At the bottom of the table, Wolves pulled ever closer to survival with a 1-0 win over West Ham.

Jorgen Strand Larsen scored the only goal at Molineux as Wolves moved 12 points clear of the relegation zone.

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