Chelsea secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday. Benoit Badiashile, making his first appearance of the season after a long hamstring injury, put Chelsea ahead. The Blues’ captain, Reece James, who was starting his first match since the opening game of the season due to a similar injury, added strength to the team. Despite being against lower league opposition, Chelsea performance was a bit questionable. Raheem Sterling scored the winner for Chelsea – Getty image However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side has shown progress in the, reaching the quarter-finals of a major tournament only four months as the club’s manager. Raheem Sterling sealed the victory with a beautifully curled second goal just on the hour mark. The Londoners, with a young squad, still faces challenges in their forward line, and striker Nicolas Jackson, who had a promising start to the season, struggled to make an impact.
‘Gypsy King’ survives knockdown in controversial points win over Ngannou
Tyson Fury £150 million showdown with MMA star Francis Ngannou ended in a controversial points victory for the Gypsy King. Fury faced a tough challenge when he was knocked down by Ngannou in the third round and subsequently struggled throughout the fight. However, it was surprising that the result of the bout favoured the WBC champion, who the judges declared winner – 95-94 Ngannou, 96-93 Fury, and 95-94 Fury. The Sun UK reported that Fury who was stunned by Ngannou’s moves admitted, “That definitely wasn’t in the script. Francis is a hell of a fighter. He’s strong, he’s a big puncher, and a lot better boxer than we thought he’d ever be.” Francis Ngannou knocks down Tyson Fury in the fight of the century – Getty image He also expressed respect for his opponent, acknowledging Ngannou’s skills before and after the fight. The showdown between the undefeated WBC champion Fury and Cameroonian MMA fighter Ngannou, who had never trained in a professional boxing gym until the age of 22, was expected to be a one-sided affair. However, Ngannou’s strength and strong performance challenged the presumed script. Francis Ngannou punches Tyson Fury – Getty image The MMA warrior said after the match: “We can run it back again and I’m sure I’m gonna get better. This was my first boxing match, (it was) a great experience. “I’m not giving any excuses, I know I came up short. But I’m gonna go back and work harder. And with a little bit more experience and a little more feeling for the game and come back even stronger,” he added.
Tottenham continue best form in years with 2-1 win over Palace
Tottenham extend their lead at the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, courtesy of James Maddison and Son Heung-min. Spurs’ manager Ange Postecoglou now has reasons to see similarities between Son and Cristiano Ronaldo, as player continues to be instrumental to his sides many victories, transitioning from winger to centre-forward. After a slow start to the season, Son’s move to a central role has paid off, and he scored his eighth goal in ten league games against Crystal Palace on Friday night. The game proved challenging, with Palace putting up a stubborn defense, but Spurs had to rely on their new found combination of Maddison and Son to break through. Son’s goal against Palace – Getty image James Maddison set up the first goal, an own goal by Joel Ward, and then provided an assist for Son’s goal. Postecoglou has been quite proactive with his substitutions during his tenure at Spurs, and his decisions have paid off with the team sitting at the top of the league. Despite a late goal from Jordan Ayew, Spurs held on to secure the win, maintaining their lead in the Premier League, while remaining unbeaten.
Onana’s dramatic stop give Manchester United first win in ‘Group A’
Manchester United secured a 1-0 victory over Copenhagen, with Andre Onana stealing the show with late penalty save at Old Trafford. United captain, Harry Maguire, found the back of the net in the 72nd minute, to give his side the lead. However, the real drama unfolded in the seventh minute of injury time. Substitute Jordan Larsson, son of former United striker Henrik Larsson, was handed a penalty opportunity to level the score. But Manchester United’s often-criticized goalkeeper Andre Onana, kept it away with his stunning save.
Harry Maguire after scoring Manchester United’s winner – Getty image Maguire, who had faced uncertainty about his future at the club, proved his worth with the crucial goal. Despite being linked with a move away from Manchester United in the past, he undoubtedly, has given the Red Devils fans his response in his last two games. The goal happened when Christian Eriksen who came on as a halftime substitute, delivered a cross from the right flank. Maguire’s outmatched his opponent, Rasmus Falk, and he headed the ball past the goalkeeper to secure the lead. He celebrated the goal by forming a heart shape with his hands and kissing the club badge on his shirt, probably a sign to show his love for United fans, even with their criticisms. Until tonight’s game, Manchester United have faced two opening defeats. They are now third in Group A, behind group leader Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
Manchester United picks up a 2-0 win over Arsenal in pre-season match
Erik ten Hag and Manchester United got off to a brilliant start in their pre-season tour with a friendly 2-0 win over Premier League rivals, Arsenal. The match was played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States, in front of a record crowd of 82,262. Manchester United and Arsenal play a pre-season match at MetLife Stadium Manchester United’s new captain Bruno Fernandes gave his side an early advantage with a long rang effort. Gunners goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale did get a strong hand to the ball, but still failed to stop the goal. Just seven minutes later, Jadon Sancho doubled United’s lead, as he capitalised on Gabriel Magalhaes’ missed clearance and completed a brilliant finish past Ramsdale, putting the ball at the roof of the net. In the second half, Arsenal’s Kai Havertz had the best chance to score. He was picked out by a cross from Martin Odegaard, but the former Chelsea forward’s header did not hit the target. Arsenal, who had fielded new signings Havertz , Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber for the match, put on a dissapointing performance, which was made worse by a loss in penalty shootout as well. In the shootout, United converted all five of their spot kicks. Arsenal started their pre-season on July 8 with a 1-1 draw against Watford and followed it with a 1-1 draw against FC Nurnberg five days later. After this loss to United, they have matches against Barcelona, Monaco and Manchester City. They will take on Premier League Champions City for the FA Community Shield, as per Sky Sports.
Jadon Sancho sealed the win at the home of NFL teams the New York Giants and New York Jets. Source: Getty This is United’s third friendly of the summer having already beaten Leeds and Lyon in earlier contests. They have a hectic schedule over the coming weeks with clashes against Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Wrexham to come this month still. Next month, there is no slowing down with matches against Lens and Athletic Bilbao to come before the new Premier League season gets underway. United have already signed Mason Mount and Andre Onana, though the latter did not make the squad on Saturday night.
Davido’s uncle, Ademola Adeleke narrates how he went back to school to win Osun election
The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, who’s also an uncle to music superstar, Davido, has revealed how he went back to school to earn a degree following attacks from the opposition after he contested for the 2018 governorship position in his state. Adeleke while speaking at the combined 9th undergraduate and 5th postgraduate convocation ceremonies of the Adeleke University, Ede, Osun state, on Sunday said after losing the 2018 governorship election, he was subjected to the worst personality attacks and assaults.
Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke About 75 postgraduate and 537 undergraduate students were conferred with various degrees at the Adeleke University. The governor while addressing the students added that he had to leave the country to escape the attack and to complete his degree programme, after his elder brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke, insisted he must complete his education or forgo his 2022 governorship ambition. Adeleke advised that age should not be seen as a barrier to pursuing educational dreams, saying one of the conditions he was given before his 2022 governorship ambition was for him to complete his education. He said, “Dr Tajudeen Adeleke encouraged me to move ahead. Before I went on exile, he called me to a meeting where we discussed. He told me that I should look at what I have been subjected to by those saying I was not educated. He advised that I should go to (the United States of) America for studies. “He said the only thing I can do for Osun people if I am ready to be governor, I must get educated, I must complete my education; that without completing it, I should forget my governorship ambition. “At my age then, I successfully re-enrolled and completed my degree programme. I am proud of that achievement and I thank my family and friends for their total support. “I came back to re-contest in 2022 as a brand new graduate. The rest is now history. What is the lesson? Our age must never be a barrier to educational pursuit. What we need is commitment and passion to succeed.” In his remarks, Dr Deji Adeleke, who is the founder of the university, said if Nigerians resolved to change the country for better, it could be achieved. He called on Nigerians that desire a good country to contribute their quota to nation-building and stop apportioning blame to those in positions of authority.
Erigga hints on using juju to win Headies Award despite not being nominated
Popular rapper, Erhiga Agarivbie a.k.a Erigga reveals he intends to use juju to win a Headies Award even though he wasn’t nominated in the 2023. The musician had earlier gone online to call out the Award organizers for snubbing him each year despite his numerous record albums.
Erigga hints on using juju to win Headies Award despite not being nominated. Credit: Erigga/ Twitter Erigga, who appears to be tired of their consistent snubs, has hinted he would use another method to secure the award for himself. He shared photos of two comic actors who always act as native doctors in skits and revealed that would be how he’ll turn up and secure the Best Rap Album award. Sharing the photo, Erigga wrote: “How I’m pulling up to the headies to collect my best rap album 🧳🤝 the lost boy.” How I’m pulling up to the headies to collect my best rap album 🧳🤝 the lost boy pic.twitter.com/laaX0GSPTA — 𝙴𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚐𝚊.eth 🐐 (@erigganewmoney) July 14, 2023
Luis Suarez, only male Spaniard to win Ballon d’Or is dead
Luis Suarez Miramontes, widely regarded as one of Spain’s greatest players, has passed on at the age of 88. Confirming his death, the Spanish football federation said in a short statement;
Luis Suarez at San Siro stadium in 2006. Source: Getty “From the RFEF, we want to convey our condolences to all relatives and close friends of Luis Suarez Miramontes.” Suarez was a midfielder for Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Sampdoria during a playing career that ran from 1953 to 1973. Nicknamed “The Architect”, he is regarded as pioneering the modern attacking midfielder role. Although born in the northwest Spanish region of Galicia, the midfielder won the bulk of his trophies in Italy with Inter, including the European Cup in 1964 and 1965 and three Italian league titles. Suárez moved to Inter from Barcelona after winning two Spanish league titles. Luis Suarez was loved in Italy, after becoming one of the league’s most celebrated midfielders at Inter Milan under coach Helenio Herrera in the 1960s. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1960 and was runner-up in 1961 and 1964. He remains Spain’s only male winner of the award. Luis Suarez during his professional football days. Source: Getty He played on Spain’s team that won the 1964 European Championship, its first major title. After retiring in 1973, Suarez had three spells coaching Inter. He also managed Spain’s national side from 1988-91. Penning down a eulogy to him, Inter Milan wrote; “FC Internazionale Milano, its president Steven Zhang, the Vice President Javier Zanetti, the CEOs Alessandro Antonello and Giuseppe Marotta, the coach Simone Inzaghi and his staff, the players and the entire Inter world join in mourning the loss of Luis Suarez and, in remembering him, they embrace his family members. “Saying goodbye to Luisito leaves us with a deep melancholy: the nostalgia of his perfect and inimitable football, which in fact inspired generations, joins the memory of a unique footballer and a great, great Inter player. “We will miss him, because as [legendary coach] Helenio Herrera preached, ‘If you don’t know what to do, give the ball to Suarez’.”
3 Nigerian ladies show unbelievable flexibility, win N100k on Facebook Yoga challenge
In a remarkable display of flexibility and athleticism, three Nigerian ladies have emerged as the winners of a Facebook Yoga challenge, securing a combined cash prize of N100,000 for themselves. The challenge, inspired by billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu’s exercise routine, invited participants to showcase their yoga skills and replicate Elumelu’s acrobatic postures for a chance to win the coveted prize. One Facebook user, Fidelist Ozuawal, captivated by Elumelu’s fitness regimen, decided to emulate him and encouraged his friends and followers to do the same. Ozuawal then proposed an exciting challenge, offering a generous cash prize of N100,000 to participants who could successfully replicate Elumelu’s exercise style. Ozuawal explained his motivation behind organizing the challenge. He said; “It takes a lot to do what everyone else might find hard to do, and people enjoy the views of what they can’t imagine is possible.” Numerous participants eagerly joined the contest, eagerly attempting to recreate Elumelu’s acrobatic postures and impress the judges. After careful evaluation, the winners of the challenge have finally been announced. 1. First position goes to Debbie Paul The first-place prize of N50,000 goes to Debbie Paul, her exceptional yoga postures left viewers astounded. Debbie’s ability to perform extraordinarily difficult poses with grace and precision earned her the title of a star in the eyes of the spectators. A photo of Debbie Paul. Photo Credit: Fidelist Ozuawal Source: Facebook 2. Roselinda Ngozi Ubochi Roselinda Ngozi Ubochi claimed second place and a prize of N30,000 with her astonishing display of flexibility. Her jaw-dropping yoga postures defied expectations, leaving many questioning the very limits of the human body. Roselinda’s performance showcased her remarkable talent and dedication to physical fitness. A photo of Roselinda Ngozi Ubochi. Photo Credit: Fidelist Ozuawal Source: Facebook 3. Anibee Naomi Anibee Naomi secured the third spot in the challenge and will receive a cash prize of N20,000. Her unwavering resilience and captivating yoga postures entertained the audience, earning her widespread accolades and admiration. A photo of Anibee Naomi. Photo Credit: Fidelist Ozuawal Source: Facebook See below;
Nigerian lady goes extra mile to win over boyfriend’s mum during Sallah
In an attempt to win the affection and approval of her boyfriend’s family, a Nigerian lady named Morenikeji has captured attention and sparked discussions with her exceptional actions during a recent Sallah celebration. Morenikeji, eager to make a positive impression, offered her assistance in the festive cooking and left an indelible mark on the hearts of her boyfriend’s relatives.
A photo captures the Nigerian lady’s earnest attempt to win over her boyfriend’s family. Photo Credit:@ Source: Tiktok Described as a woman on a mission to win over her boyfriend’s family, Morenikeji visited her prospective in-laws to partake in the Sallah festivities. Acknowledging the significance of the occasion, she aimed to showcase her commitment and dedication to the family and its traditions. During her time with her boyfriend’s family, Morenikeji expressed her admiration for her potential mother-in-law, praising her as a kind-hearted woman. She candidly shared that she had been informed by her partner that he would marry her. In a video that has since gone viral, Morenikeji can be seen respectfully kneeling whenever an opportunity arose to greet her boyfriend’s mother and other women present, displaying her reverence for tradition and respect for her elders. Morenikeji’s actions did not go unnoticed, as family members and onlookers were taken aback by her humble demeanor. She graciously accepted the compliments she received on her attire, further endearing herself to the family. Her conduct in the video has ignited conversations and speculation about the depth of her commitment and intentions. @adewunmi said; “It is every seconds kneeling down for me.” @Johnson Abisoye Afol said; “Na so I first bf family used me tire and his mother went to do wedding for another lady after I have given birth to her son.” @Kunmi Klassic said; “It’s the kneeling down every seconds for me your knees strong ooo.” @ADUNNI said: “Work wey I no fit do for my house I go dey do am for my guy house I no fit ooo.” @Ayanfe eledumare said; “Dey play main wife they where she sit down dey press phone.” @Omo_Tola_Ni_ said:; “Ur boyfriend family try oo dem still let u use gas na wood u suppose use.” See below; @thriftplug #CapCut my mother in law is a very nice woman🥰🥰 ♬ original sound – Morenikeji ❤️