Nigeria’s Junior Yellow Greens are setting their sights on a crucial ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup clash against New Zealand after their much-anticipated tournament opener against Samoa was abandoned due to an unplayable wet outfield.
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that Anthony Joshua has remained quiet following Tyson Fury’s sudden announcement of retirement.
Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland has signed an unprecedented 9½-year contract extension, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2034.
The deal, announced on Friday, is the longest in Premier League history and reportedly one of the most lucrative contracts in global sports.
Haaland, who was previously contracted until 2027, will now remain with City beyond his 33rd birthday.
Importantly, the new deal eliminates the buyout clauses included in his original contract signed when he joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
The announcement puts an end to persistent speculation about the Norwegian’s potential move to Spain, where Real Madrid and Barcelona have expressed interest in the past.
“I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great club,” Erling Haaland said.
“Manchester City is a special club, full of fantastic people with amazing supporters, and it’s the type of environment that helps bring the best out of everybody.”
He added:
“I also want to thank Pep [Guardiola], his coaching staff, my teammates, and everyone at the club as they have all helped me so much in the past couple of years.”
”They have made this such a special place to be, and now I am City no matter what.”
“Now I want to keep developing, keep working to get better, and look to do my best to try and help us achieve more success going forward.”
Historic Deal
Haaland’s contract surpasses the nine-year deal Chelsea handed Cole Palmer in August 2024, making it the longest in Premier League history.
Although Manchester City has not disclosed the financial terms, sources close to the club suggest the deal ranks among the most lucrative in sports.
On the Road to Greatness
The 24-year-old has enjoyed unprecedented success since his move to Manchester.
In just 2½ years, Haaland has scored 111 goals in 126 games for City, helping the club secure two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and the Champions League.
Haaland’s form has sparked conversations about his potential to surpass Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League goal-scoring record of 260 goals.
Currently 61st on the list with 79 goals in 87 appearances, Haaland is on track to break the record by the 2029-30 season if he maintains his current pace.
Guardiola’s Influence
The record-breaking deal follows another significant commitment for Manchester City.
In November, manager Pep Guardiola extended his contract to remain at the club until 2027.
Erling Haaland acknowledged Guardiola’s influence in his decision to commit long-term.
- The head coach of Nigeria’s under-19 women’s cricket team, Sarah Bhakita, says she’s satisfied with her squad’s preparation ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, following morale-boosting performances in their warm-up matches.
The Junior Yellow Greens delivered a strong showing in their lead-up games, narrowly losing to cricket powerhouse Pakistan and securing an impressive victory over Scotland.
According to Sarah Bhakita, these results have given the team the confidence and momentum needed as they approach their opening game against Samoa on January 18.
“The warm-up matches have been really helpful,” Bhakita said. “At least now we have a picture of what we are to expect in the main games that are supposed to start on the 18th with our first game against Samoa.”
Bhakita acknowledged the importance of playing competitively against Pakistan, a Test-playing nation, and praised her team for their commanding win over Scotland.
“A very close game with Pakistan, a test playing nation, and a convincing win against Scotland is a major morale booster to the girls,” she explained.
“They believe that with the same attitude they had in-game, they are going into the next phase stronger, bolder, and confident.”
The coach also spoke on maintaining a winning mindset and how a strong track record can propel the team forward.
“When you have a track record of wins, it gives you confidence into the next phase,” she noted.
“For us, it’s just to encourage the girls to believe in themselves and do better in everything they do.”
Bhakita then called for unwavering support from cricket fans across Nigeria as the team embarks on their World Cup journey.
“We’re happy and just praying for support and our prayers from everyone who is a fan or cricket lover in Nigeria,” she said.
The Junior Yellow Greens will aim to make a strong statement in their opening match and carry forward the momentum from their warm-up successes.
Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala has assured fans that Nigeria’s women’s senior national team is determined to reclaim their dominance in African football by winning the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
Speaking during an X Space session hosted by Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo, Oshoala spoke the team’s readiness to build on recent progress.
“As usual, we have to focus on 2025 and grab another opportunity to try again and get back to winning ways and bringing trophies home like we used to,” Oshoala said confidently.
The Super Falcons, who boast an unmatched record of 11 WAFCON titles, last tasted victory in 2018.
Their 2022 campaign in Morocco ended in disappointment, with the team finishing fourth. But Oshoala believes the Falcons are on the verge of a resurgence.
“Also, there is a lot of work that needs to be done and after the past couple of tournaments, we are building on the positive outcome.”
“Although we didn’t come out of the group stage of the Olympics, I think we had good competition and we were able to compete with them.”
The former Barcelona Femeni forward praised the blend of local and foreign talents in the squad, attributing the team’s growing chemistry to their hunger and competitive spirit.
“We have incredible young talents from the local league and foreign-based players learning to play with one another better now,” she said.
“The year 2025 is going to be better. The mentality is different now, everyone wants to win, and the players are fighting for shirts because there is no automatic spot.”
Speaking on the team’s recent form, Asisat Oshoala highlighted their back-to-back competitive games as a foundation to build upon for future success.
“We have had back-to-back top games and we just have to keep that up and the WAFCON will be a good outing for us,” the Bay FC striker added.
After dominating the continent for decades, the Super Falcons are determined to restore their status as Africa’s best.
Edo Queens head coach, Moses Aduku has commended his players for their impressive start to the 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) season, following a commanding 5-0 victory over Abia Angels in Benin.
While satisfied with the result, Aduku stated that the team is still a work in progress and called for consistency as the season unfolds.
Balanced Perspective Despite Dominance
Moses Aduku acknowledged the strong performance of his players but was quick to highlight the competitive nature of the game:
“This is just the first game and my girls listened to instruction. Not that the Abia team was a pushover, but we took our chances as they came and we saw the game quality, but the two sides played.”
Focus on Building Consistency
While delighted with the five goals scored by his team, Aduku stressed the importance of maintaining consistency and gradual improvement:
“We’re going to prepare for the next game against Heartland Queens, which is coming up next week Wednesday.”
“That’s just all, but for now at least kudos to the guests for scoring five goals.”
“No, this is just work in progress. That’s what I need to say—it’s just work in progress because you cannot build a house in one day, so it’s gradually they will definitely blend.”
Looking Ahead
Edo Queens’ dominant opening performance is a continuation of where they stopped last season and their title defense credentials.
However, Aduku’s measured approach reflects his long-term vision for the team.
As they prepare for their next game against Heartland Queens, the reigning champions will aim to build on their strong start while ensuring steady progress throughout the campaign.
Newly signed Remo Stars Ladies forward, Subomi Ogundele, is elated after making a dream debut for the club in their 3-1 victory over Confluence Queens in the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership.
Subomi, who scored on her debut, described the experience as a proud and exciting moment, highlighting her dedication and hard work paying off.
“Playing for Remo Stars is like a dream come true for me. It was a moment of pride, like excitement, like it felt really great. Knowing my hard work and dedication has paid off.”
Ambitions for the Season
“My ambition for the season is to constantly improve my game, contribute more goals and assists, and help my team achieve its objectives because I believe it’s all about growth and making an impact on and off the field.”
Memorable Debut Goal
“Scoring my debut goal was like an unforgettable moment for me. I felt a mix of pride, joy, and responsibility to represent the team well. And you know at that moment when I scored it felt really nice.”
“All I could think of at that point was making my mark and contributing to our success, and I’m glad we ended up winning the game.”
Looking Ahead
Subomi Ogundele impactful debut performance underscores her potential to be a key player for Remo Stars Ladies this season.
As she settles into her new team, her focus remains on achieving collective success and leaving a lasting impression in the NWFL.
Bayelsa Queens head coach, Ogbonda Whyte, expressed his satisfaction after his team secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Delta Queens in their opening match of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) season.
The game was decided by a last-gasp winner from Sefiat Idris in the 94th minute, but the gaffer acknowledged areas needing improvement despite the result.
A Tough Test to Start the Season
Speaking about the hard-fought victory, Ogbonda highlighted the challenges his team faced but praised their resilience in securing all three points:
“This is the first match of the league for Bayelsa Queens, and by the end of the day we are able to get the three points as they expect.”
“Despite the fact that it was a very hard match for Bayelsa Queens, but at the end of the day we are able to get the three points, and I’m happy.”
Room for Improvement in Front of Goal
Despite the win, Ogbonda Whyte admitted that his team needs to be more composed in front of goal.
He emphasized that their inability to convert chances made the match more difficult than it should have been:
“What I felt there that went wrong is their inability to calm down in front of goal or to convert the chances created.
“We created a lot of goal scoring opportunities and chances, but they were unable to utilize it, because all of them were always anxious and eager to score, and they were in a hurry in front of goal.”
Late Drama and the Decisive Goal
Ogbonda acknowledged that the anxious approach in attack delayed the breakthrough until stoppage time:
“So that was why at the end of the day it was quite difficult getting the goals at regulation time before the extra time that we finally got that one goal.”
Looking Ahead
While satisfied with the win, Ogbonda Whyte knows his team must improve in converting chances as the season progresses.
The victory sets Bayelsa Queens off to a positive start as they aim for success in the highly competitive NWFL campaign.
Amad Diallo’s sensational late hat trick secured Manchester United a dramatic 3-1 victory over Southampton at Old Trafford, easing the pressure on head coach Ruben Amorim.
The Ivorian’s goals, scored in just 12 minutes, turned the game around for United, who had been trailing the Premier League’s bottom team for most of the match.
Ruben Amorim’s Relief
Amorim acknowledged the significance of the result in light of his post-match conversation with Ratcliffe.
“I had five minutes with him to talk about different things,” said Amorim.
“It was not a good game, but the result helped the conversation! We continue doing our job. Today it was more important to win.”
“I know the fans want to see so much better football, but we need to win games. We managed to win and we are going to prepare for the next game.”
“We didn’t do a good game, but if you look at all the opportunities, I think we deserve the win. In the first half, we were too late to every ball, and we tried to press too high and suffered for that.”
Amad Diallo’s Impact
Amad, fresh from signing a new five-year contract, described the past week as one of the best of his life.
“I am very happy for this win. This team deserved to win this game, so I am very happy. We know we have quality players in this team.”
”We need sometimes to be more hungry in the final third. Today we showed at the end we were the best team. I am so happy for the win today because this team deserves it.”
His hat trick, the first of his senior career, was a masterpiece of determination and skill.
Amad Diallo made his first goal by outpacing Kyle Walker-Peters, stretched to connect with Christian Eriksen’s pass for his second, and robbed Taylor Harwood-Bellis for an easy third.
Amorim praised the 22-year-old for his performance. “He did a great job, a good moment for a young kid to score a hat trick for a club like this. He helped us and he is doing a very good season.”
”I already spoke about this. You have to be careful with the young kids. Congratulations to him, enjoy tonight and he needs to appreciate these moments.”
United’s Struggles Continue
Although Amad’s brilliance brought joy to Old Trafford, the performance highlighted United’s broader struggles.
Southampton, without a league win since November, dominated large portions of the game, exposing United’s vulnerabilities.
Goalkeeper André Onana, who made several key saves, was United’s other standout performer.
Amorim, aware of the squad’s limitations, admitted the challenges ahead.
“The important thing is to win. Amad helped us, but we need more players with his energy and his eye for goal.”
”He has to rest, eat good food, and on Sunday [against Brighton & Hove Albion], we need him again.”
A Critical Season
United’s reliance on Amad is clear, with the winger quickly becoming Amorim’s most important player.
His performances, including recent heroics against Manchester City and Liverpool, have kept United afloat during a turbulent season.
However, Amorim’s ability to address the team’s deficiencies may hinge on the summer transfer window, as he faces the daunting task of navigating the rest of the campaign with a flawed squad.
For now, Amad Diallo remains the beacon of hope in a challenging season for Manchester United.
His hat trick against Southampton not only secured a crucial victory but also showcased the immense talent that Amorim is banking on to keep the club competitive.
Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens delivered a commanding seven-wicket victory over Scotland on Wednesday, wrapping up their preparations for the 2025 ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup in emphatic style.