Sports

By Musa Abdullahi Kaga

The name Maldini is synonymous with Milan, as it is impossible to talk about Milan’s history without mentioning the Maldinis. In fact, the name is almost synonymous with football itself. Just as the likes of Maradona, Pele and Cryuff, the Maldinis have crafted their names on the golden stones of football history, only that there’s was even more spectacular – Grandfather, father and now the son, all following the same path.

The dynasty began in 1954, when the Italian centre-back, Cesare Maldini, made his debut for the Rossoneri. Due to his impressive leadership qualities and team spirit, he was rewarded with the captain’s armband just a year after his move to Milan from Triestina. He had 12 illustrious seasons with Milan, lifting four league titles and a European cup (now Champions League) in the process. Cesare had the privilege of being the first Italian to lift the then European cup, and of course, Milan was the first Italian team to win the title.

Cesare, named after the Roman emperor, had excellent technique and passing range. He was known to be imposing in aerial duels and had an outstanding reading of the game with anticipation. As a defender, despite having hundreds of caps for both club and country, he was only booked five times and sent off once in his entire career, solidifying his place in the list of the greatest defenders to have graced the game – the likes of Sergio Ramos could only dream.

Cesare Maldini made his final Milan appearance in a 6-1 triumph over Catania on May 22 1966, only to return as a coach six years later. The dynasty continued as a certain 16-year-old boy made his Milan debut in 1984 – Paolo Maldini, making an incredible 902 appearances during an illustrious 25 years career, winning 23 major trophies in the process. One of the few ‘one club men’ was an elegant and cool defender known by his iconic no. 3 jersey, deservedly retired, just like the legendary Baresi’s no. 6. The ambipedal defender has, despite being a left-back, adequately occupied all the defensive positions, forming a formidable partnership with Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi. The duo, while playing together, conceded only 29 goals in 196 games – astonishing? Legendary rather.

Paolo succeeded the retiring club captain, Franco Baresi, in 1997, after 20 years of service. Following his father’s footsteps, he captained Ac Milan till his retirement after the 2008/2009 season. The Maldini era was seemingly coming to an end until his unexpected return to Milan as sporting strategy & development director. He was, however, promoted to Technical director after a year. He was instrumental in the acquisition of the likes of Theo Hernandez, Rafael Leao and Mike Maignan. Among the new faces was a player with a very familiar and historic surname, coming through the youth ranks, Daniel MALDINI, your guess is right, the son of the legendary Paolo Maldini. Lo, a new chapter in the Maldini dynasty beckons.

Daniel, unlike his ancestors, plays as an attacking midfielder. Last season, in a very difficult match away to Spezia, Coach Pioli gave him his first Serie A start. The then 19-year-old did not disappoint, as he made history by scoring a header, becoming the third member of the Maldini family to score for Milan. Due to limited playing time, the 21-year-old was loaned out to Spezia this season. He started on Saturday evening against his parent club and, surprisingly, scored a curler to cancel out an early Theo Hernandez strike. A ‘Maldini‘ has scored in Sansiro again, precisely 5,333 days after Paolo’s goal against Atalanta in 2008 – Tradition.

Daniel would have rescued a point barring the intervention of Olivier Giroud. Milan thought they got the winner after Sandro Tonali’s screamer. However, VAR cancelled out the goal for a foul in the build-up. In the 89th minute of regular time, with incredible dexterity, from a tight angle, Oliver Giroud gave Milan a well-deserved victory again through a spectacular acrobatic volley – typical Giroud grand style.

The adrenaline was high, as you’d expect of any late winner. Hence, Giroud pulled out his shirt during the wild celebrations. Consequently, he was penalised for a second booking and eventually sent off. He was captured with a ‘mea culpa’ face in tears after the match. Cheer up, sins forgiven, Olivier!

Forza Milan!

Musa Abdullahi Kaga wrote via musaakaga@gmail.com.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Qatari government is preaching and introducing Islam to World Cup fans through murals placed in public places.

TRT World reported on Saturday that as Qatar prepares to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, it has placed several murals in public places bearing Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) sayings and traditions written in Arabic and English.

According to the report, the murals feature various sayings on mercy, charity and good deeds. They are situated across the Pearl District, a popular tourist attraction in the Qatari capital, Doha.

The initiative of Qatar’s government has been applauded by many Arab journalists and Muslims worldwide.

Qatar’s government has been unpretentious about not compromising Islamic values because of the 2022 World Cup. However, their stance on homosexuality and the LGBTQ community has been critical; the government deems it unacceptable to their country’s values and norms.

The Head of Security for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Major General Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Ansari, in a statement, said the country does not want LGBTQ flags in the venues of the World Cup, and LGBTQ is not acceptable to the country.

He said: You want to demonstrate your view about the LGBTQ situation, do it in a society where it will be accepted. Don’t insult the whole society because of this. You cannot change the religion for 28 days”.

Qatar is the first country in the Middle East to host the World Cup, the biggest tournament in the football world.

By Musa Abdullahi Kaga

“I try to do my job. When I’m in the area, I always try to be in the right place at the right time,” – Giroud

When Olivier Giroud’s rumoured move to Milan – from Chelsea – surfaced on the Internet, many Milan faithful were unhappy. Already battling with 39-year-old Zlatan’s fitness, most fans thought a 35-year-old wasn’t an ideal transfer target.

A token was paid to Chelsea for the transfer of the world cup winner, which has been paying off since then. His elegance and goal-scoring finesse were never in doubt. Olivier seamlessly settled into the team, as you’d expect of any experienced player of such calibre.

Everyone expected a rivalry between the former Arsenal star and Zlatan for the starting spot. However, it eventually proved to be a complementary role. He stood ably while the Lion (Zlatan) was nursing his injuries. When asked about the possibility of playing as a deputy to Ibrahimovic, he responded, “I don’t want to think about who will play; my job is also to be a big brother for the young players”.

After a seven-year absence from the Champions League, Milan desperately looked towards Zlatan Ibrahimovic for a solution. He eventually helped them to a second-place finish in the Italian Serie A. However, with the acquisition of Giroud the following year, the target was to build upon the success. He did that by contributing 11 goals and winning his second career league title, the first with Montpellier in 2012.

Naturally, big game players tend to be fan favourites, and Giroud was able to cement that status immediately with his super performances against the big guns. Most notably against Inter earlier in February, his brace assured the 3 points despite the defending champions taking the lead first. He followed that up with a star performance against Napoli, scoring the game’s only goal. Then, in the recent Derby win against Inter, he scored one of the three goals to claim the maximum points.

On the final day of last year’s league campaign, Milan only needed a draw to be crowned champions of Italy. Giroud showed up with pride and contributed two goals in the 0-3 triumph in the Magpie stadium. Last night, in the last game of the UCL group stage, Milan needed a draw to grace the knockout stage after a nine-year break. Their hero, Olivier Giroud, is at it again, with four goals contribution (two assists and two goals) in a commanding 4-0 win in front of a packed San Siro. He never gets old. At 36, he graced the game with a spectacular performance.

Grande Olivier!

Musa Abdullahi Kaga wrote via musaakaga@gmail.com.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

Ahead of the 2022 World Cup, which begins on November 20, the tournament host, Qatar, has released a list of dos and don’ts, especially for fans from other countries.

The wealthy Gulf nation has disclosed that spectators coming should note the bans that have been in place on alcohol, the LGBT community, exposing parts of the female body, and swearing are still in effect.

The host added that disrespect for mosques, loud music and sounds, dating, and taking pictures of people without their consent, are also banned.

Apart from the moral rules, there are also regulations concerning COVID-19 and its vaccine.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy mandated that all visitors six years of age and older show proof of a negative PCR test result obtained within 48 hours of their departure or a positive rapid antigen test result obtained within 24 hours of arrival.

Rapid antigen test results from legitimate medical facilities that are not self-administered only will be accepted. If visitors do not exhibit COVID-19 symptoms, no additional testing will be necessary in Qatar.

Additionally, everybody above 18-year-old must download the Ehteraz contact tracing phone app, which the government manages.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

After losing 1-0 to Inter Milan on Tuesday, Barcelona is in danger of not making it out of their Champions League group.

They now have three points from three games as a result of the outcome.

At the San Siro stadium, Hakan Calhanoglu scored the game’s lone goal to give Inter all three points.

Bayern Munich leads the group with a perfect nine points after defeating Barcelona 2-0 in the most recent round of games.

With six points, Inter is in second place, ahead of Barca, as there is still no point for Viktoria Plzen.

Next week’s matchup between Inter and Barcelona will take place at Camp Nou.

Barcelona have also gone five games in a row in the Champions League without scoring.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

Real Madrid have condemned the “racist and xenophobic” attack on their Brazilian player Vinicius Jr. 

Real Madrid said, in a statement released via its website on Friday, that the club has instructed its legal staff to pursue legal action against anyone using racist remarks toward its players before this weekend’s LaLiga clash against Atletico Madrid.

“Real Madrid CF rejects all kinds of racist and xenophobic expressions and behaviours in the field of football, sport, and life in general, such as the regrettable and unfortunate comments made in recent hours against our player Vinicius Junior.

“Real Madrid wants to show all its love and support for Vinicius Junior, a player who understands football as an attitude towards life-based on joy, respect and sportsmanship.

“Football, which is the most global sport that exists, must be an example of values and coexistence.

“The club has instructed its legal services to take legal action against anyone who uses racist expressions towards our players,” Real Madrid said in the statement

Remember that for his dancing celebration, Vinicius was the target of a racial comment made by Pedro Bravo.

The Brazilian international is well-known for dancing at the corner flag in front of fans, whether they are in the home or away end of the stadium, to celebrate the majority of his goals.

Pedro Bravo, the head of Spanish football agents, did make a statement on Vinicius’ celebration while appearing on El Chiringuito.

Bravo said, “You have to respect your opponents. When you score a goal, if you want to dance Samba, you should go to sambodromo in Brazil. You have to respect your mates and stop playing the monkey.”

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

As a mark of respect to the Queen, this weekend round Premier League has been postponed and fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course, Premier League disclosed on their official website on Friday.

The full statement reads, “As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.

“This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation, but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”

Further updates regarding Premier League fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course.”

The Queen died on Thursday after a reign which spanned seven decades.

By Muhammad Sabiu

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro is set to leave Real Madrid for Manchester United for close to £60m after negotiations between the Laliga and the Premier League giants.

Fabrizio Romano, a journalist in the know of the deal, quoted Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti to have said, “I have spoken with Casemiro. He wants to try a new challenge. We understand his decision”.

“Negotiations are ongoing, but he has decided to leave Real Madrid”.

The Brazilian footballer has been playing at Santiago since 2013. He won 5 Champions League trophies, Laliga titles and other domestic trophies.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

British long-distance runner Sir Mo Farah disclosed that he was not who the world knew him to be.  

Sir Mo Farah revealed that he was a victim of child trafficking and was brought into the UK illegally under the name of another child at the age of 9. He disclosed that his real name is Hussein Abdi Kahin

“The truth is I’m not who you think I am,” Sir Farah said.

“Most people know me as Mo Farah, but it’s not my name, or it’s not the reality.”

According to him, the woman who flew with him to the UK told him he was being taken to live with relatives and to say his name was Mohamed as she had fake travel documents that showed his photo next to the name “Mohamed Farah”.

Sir Farah, the first British track and field athlete to win four Olympic golds, said his children motivated him to tell the truth about his past.

“I’ve been keeping it for so long; it’s been difficult because you don’t want to face it, and often my kids ask questions, ‘Dad, how come this?’ And you’ve always got an answer for everything, but you haven’t got an answer for that,” he said

Farah’s recent revelation is in sharp contrast with previous interviews he granted, in which he claimed otherwise.

By Muhammad Sabiu

Real Madrid have secured a place in the Champions League final. They will play against the English Premier League Giants, Liverpool, after crashing Manchester City out of the competition today, Wednesday.

City had their opener through Mahrez in the 73rd minute, while Madrid had their goals thanks to Rodrygo’s brace—the first one in the 90th minute and the second one in the 91st minute—and Benzema’s third penalty goal in the 95th minute. That made the match end 3-1.

The goal aggregate emerged 6-5 as Madrid made it to the final even after being beaten 4-3 by the City last week.