Victor Osimhen named in 2023 Serie A ‘Team of the Year’

Victor Osimhen named in 2023 Serie A 'Team of the Year'

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has been recognized in the Serie A Team of the Year, for his outstanding performances in the 2022/23 Serie A season. The selection, published by football statistics website Who Scored, also includes Osimhen’s teammate Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, making them the only Napoli players on the list. Other notable names in the Team of the Year include Paulo Dybala, Federico Dimarco, Lautaro Martinez, Danilo, and Hakan Calhanoglu. Osimhen had quite a remarkable season, contributing to Napoli’s success as they secured the Scudetto for the first time in over 30 years.

Victor Osimhen named in 2023 Serie A 'Team of the Year'

Victor Osimhen – Getty image His impressive goal-scoring form saw him net 26 goals in Serie A, earning him the Golden Boot award, a historic achievement for an African player in Italian football. Recall Osimhen was also awarded the 2023 CAF Player of the Year, for his domestic efforts with Super Eagles. He is the first Nigerian to win the awarded since Nwankwo Kanu last won it in 1999. He has now joined the Super Eagles of Nigeria for the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) holding in Côte d’Ivoire.

Coach Peseiro on criteria for Super Eagles team selection

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Coach Jose Peseiro, has revealed the process behind securing the 25-man squad for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign. The team will depart for Abu Dhabi, UAE on Tuesday for a six-day training camp and two friendly matches ahead of the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, 2024. Meanwhile, Peseiro said that the coaching staff took several weeks to evaluate the players before finalizing the squad. “We set out to pick the best available players, considering their performance for both their clubs and the national team.

AFCON 2024: Coach Peseiro on criteria for Super Eagles team selection

Coach Jose Peseiro’s Super Eagles team – Getty image “We also looked at their current form, fighting ability, and their impact on the team’s atmosphere,” he explained. Peseiro said that they had to narrow down the initial pool of 72 players to 42 before settling on the final 25. He highlighted the case of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili, who is making his debut for the national team, explaining that the decision was based on thorough analysis and personal observations. Regarding the upcoming camp in Abu Dhabi, Peseiro pointed out that “The camp will allow us to fine-tune our strategies for the AFCON. “The friendly matches against Burkina Faso and DR Congo will provide valuable insights as we prepare for the tournament.” Looking ahead to the continental tournament, the coach expressed his ambition to win the competition, while acknowledging the tough challenge posed by Nigeria’s group opponents. He also said that his men are ready to compete at the highest level, and are determined to bring home the title.

I renewed because the team has been successful

"I renewed because the team has been successful"

Real Madrid’s manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed why he extended his contract with the Spanish giants until 2026. After months of speculation, Ancelotti’s renewed a two-year deal with Madrid, as was confirmed in December. In a recent interview, Ancelotti stated the role his players played in his decision to stay at the club, citing their success and the positive atmosphere within the team. “I have renewed because the team has been successful in past years and this year it is also having success.

"I renewed because the team has been successful" - Ancelotti on Real Madrid contract extension

Carlo Ancelotti – Getty image “The club sees that there is a good atmosphere between us, and this is very important because without a good relationship between the coach and the players, the club cannot be successful,” he explained. He continued, “For me, Real Madrid is, above all, a family. The atmosphere that this club generates around it is very familial, starting with the president. “Each of us gets the best out of ourselves because we work in a family environment,” Ancelotti added. Looking ahead, he remained positive about the future of the club, particularly with a young and talented squad. “The future of this club is going to be successful, as the past was and the present is. “With the generation of new footballers that are coming through, Madrid’s future is going to be very successful,” he stated.

Victor Boniface named among Bundesliga ‘Team of the Month’ for December

Victor Boniface named among Bundesliga 'Team of the Month' for December

Victor Boniface has been named in Bundesliga ‘Team of the Month’ for December, for his performances at Bayer Leverkusen. The Team of the Month, revealed on Who Scored official X handle, recognized the Nigerian forward’s contributions throughout the month under review, and his growing influence for Xabi Alonso’s side.

Victor Boniface named among Bundesliga 'Team of the Month' for December

Victor Boniface – Getty image In December, Boniface netted four times, while providing two assists in the German league. His notable displays included a crucial goal in Leverkusen’s 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund, a goal in the 3-1 victory against Paderborn, and an assist in the 1-1 stalemate against Stuttgart. He also scored a goal and an assist in the 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, followed by another goal in the commanding 4-0 win against Bochum.

Funke Akindele appreciates her team following the success of her project

“They gave their all” – Funke Akindele appreciates her team following the success of her project

“They gave their all” – Funke Akindele appreciates her team following the success of her project

Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele is filled with joy as she appreciates her team for a job well done on her new project hitting cinemas on 15th December. Recall that Funke Akindele unveiled the characters for her upcoming movie titled, A Tribe Called Judah on October 30th.

Funke Akindele

The star-studded cast includes Nse Ikpe-Etim, Timini Egbuson, Jide Kene A, Nosa Rex, Uzor Arukwe, Olumide Owuru, amongst others. Funke Akindele posted a behind the scenes look at her film, capturing wonderful moments with the cast and crew. The mother of two shared the video on her official Instagram page, revealing how much she enjoyed working on her project with her colleagues.

Funke Akindele

The highest grossing Nollywood actress thanked her colleagues for doing their best with prayers. She wrote: “Working with these fantastic actors gave me so much joy!! They gave their all. God bless you guys!! We can’t wait to show you all what we cooked!!! #atribecalledjudah is coming to the cinemas,15th of Dec!!” SEE POST:

Team lead reveals how he didn’t sack his employee

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Team lead reveals how he showed last-minute kindness and didn’t sack his colleagueTeam lead reveals how he showed last-minute kindness and didn’t sack his colleague A team lead took to his Twitter to reveal how he didn’t sack his colleague, choosing to show him kindness at the last minute. In a lengthy post he made on his Twitter page, @cyberomin, he explained the events. He explained how when he used to be a team lead he had a colleague who refused to pull his weight during work despite being called out numerous times. The team lead knew his capability so he was surprised about his negligence to his work. However, after numerous attempts to get him to do better without success, he decided to let him go. However, last minute, he chose to ask him what was wrong to which the colleague confided in him and explained how his mother had cancer and he had become her caregiver as well as responsible for her medical bills. He gave him two weeks off and filled in for him. The team lead has emphasized the need to show more kindness and has expressed gratitude for not sacking him. See post below… Team lead reveals how he showed last-minute kindness and didn’t sack his colleague Team lead reveals how he showed last-minute kindness and didn’t sack his colleague Team lead reveals how he showed last-minute kindness and didn’t sack his colleague Team lead reveals how he showed last-minute kindness and didn’t sack his colleague

Diego Cocca sacked as Mexico national team coach after seven matches

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Diego Cocca has been sacked by Mexico after leading the country to third place in the Nations League behind the United States and Canada. The Mexican football federation brought in Cocca in February after sacking Tata Martino following a poor performance at the World Cup in Qatar in which they crashed out in the group stage. Diego Cocca sacked as Mexico national team coach after seven matchesDiego Cocca unveiled as Mexico’s coach. Source: Getty Mexico’s team however suffered a painful 3-0 defeat to the USA in the Concacaf Nations League, a game that hurt a lot and even though they got the third place against Panama, the new director of the Mexican Soccer Federation, Juan Carlos Rodríguez decided that the Argentinean coach would not continue as coach of the Tricolor. There was already a warning that the Diego Cocca era would be analyzed after leading Mexico to the Nations League and the 2023 Gold Cup, which will begin this weekend, but he’s been sacked before the second competition began. Announcing the Argentine coach’s sack, FMF commissioner president Juan Carlos Rodriguez said; “In the last week, I have found many deficiencies. A game against the United States can be lost, there’s always that risk because this is football and the win can go one way or the other. What cannot be accepted was the way in which it happened. Diego Cocca sacked as Mexico national team coach after seven matchesMexico and United States players after a match last Thursday. Source: Getty “This phase has been flawed by the disorder in decision-making, by the lack of processes, rigour, and transparency in appointments, and by a perfect storm in the bad habits that we’ve been dragging for so many years. “The natural thing to do would be to wait for the end of the Gold Cup, but today we don’t have time to waste. So I inform you that I’ve made the decision to terminate the contract of Diego Martin Cocca and the members of his coaching staff.” Cocca who was sacked after seven matches, had managerial success in Mexico’s domestic leagues before taking over the senior national team. He won consecutive Liga MX titles with Atlas in the 2021 Apertura and 2022 Clausura. The 51-year-old Argentine also previously managed clubs in Argentina and Colombia. Jaime Lozano will now take over as interim manager as El Tri prepares to kick off their CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign on June 25. He previously led Mexico to the Bronze medal in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.  

Romeo Beckham signs one-year deal with Brentford’s B team

David Beckham's son signs one-year deal with Brentford's B team

Romeo Beckham, son of former England captain, David Beckham, has joined Brentford’s B team on a one-year deal, with the option of an additional year. Romeo Beckham was permanently signed by Brentford’s B team after joining them on loan from Inter Miami, the MLS club co-owned by his father. He made 15 appearances while on loan, scoring one goal against National League side Wealdstone. Romeo Beckham signs one-year deal with Brentford's B teamRomeo Beckham at a match for Brentford’s B team The 20-year-old was part of the squad that in May lifted the Premier League Cup, a competition run by the Premier League for under-21 sides. Confirming the new signing, Brentford B head coach Neil MacFarlane said; “We added Romeo to our squad in January and he’s been fantastic for the group. “He’s had a terrific end to the season in terms of his recent match against Manchester City where he showed what he’s learned during his loan with us. “We’ve continued to develop him in and out of possession and we look forward to him coming back in good spirits to continue working with him next season.”

Romeo Beckham signs one-year deal with Brentford's B team

Romeo Beckham signing a permanent deal with Brentford’s B team Commenting on the permanent deal, the young forward who spent time in Arsenal’s academy earlier in his career said; “The best feeling, honestly, so excited. Ready to get started and have a good next season. It’s been such a good experience, loved every second of it. Good group of boys, good coaches, it’s just a really nice place to be.” When he initially signed for Brentford on loan in January, Beckham said: “I came here at the start to keep fit during the off-season. The chance then came to come on loan here, and I’ve never been so excited. It was a fun season [in the USA] and there were a lot of ups and downs, but I’m excited to come here and see what I can do. “They’ve (the coaches) helped me massively over the last couple of months, and I’m excited to see what else they can help me with to really progress in football. If you look at Brentford as a club, it’s very positive, and it’s a club that is on the rise very quickly. I’m very grateful to be here.”

What Super Eagles need to maintain Africa’s number one team status — Jay Jay Okocha

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Former Super Eagles Captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, has called on the Super Eagles to be more consistent and stable in their bid to maintain their status as Africa’s number one team. Okocha made the call at the unveiling of the African Heroes Penalty Cup in Lagos. Okocha, who just celebrated the 30th anniversary of his first call up to the Senior National team, expressed his concern about the Super Eagles’ recent performance, noting that the team had been less impressive in recent years, missing important competitions like the World Cup. “We all want to see our Super Eagles doing well, we know how it is painful not to be in the World Cup, the team needs to steady the ship. The Super Eagles need to be more consistent, which is so obvious that they are not,” Okocha said. The former Paris Saint German player also advised in-form Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to remain grounded and keep his passion and spirit high. “My advice to Osimhen is to remain grounded and keep the passion and spirit high. It is clear that he plays with hunger and that is what I like about him. Osimhen should not let down his guards,” he advised. On the contract extension of the current coach of Super Eagles, Jose Pesseiro, Okocha explained that he expected the Nigeria Football Federation to take an informed decision. “It is not in my place to advise the NFF what to do about Pesseiro’s contract, because they are there for a reason. They should take a wise decision and get it right,” he said. Okocha is the Tournament Facilitator of the African Heroes Penalty Cup, in which he will feature alongside Daniel Amokachi and Finidi George to represent Nigeria. The competition will feature eight African countries, including Nigeria, Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, Cameroon, Mali, Cote D’Ivoire, and Senegal. Each country will have three representatives to play a knockout quarter-final game until the finalist emerges to produce the eventual winners of the competition. The competition will be held in Lagos at a yet-to-be-announced date later in the year.