Sports

By Aliyu Yakubu Yusuf

It is challenging for any group of players that has won all the available trophies on offer to maintain the same focus and motivation the following season. There’s only one way for any club to win a treble of league title: UCL and the domestic cup. That way is downwards. In this context, I am not overly surprised about Manchester City’s struggles so far this season.

Pep Guardiola is a gaffer who prioritises control and patient buildup in the middle of the park. The current Manchester City team lacks these attributes. Their matches are often chaotic end-to-end affairs that produce plenty of goalscoring chances. This isn’t a quintessential Guardiola team that routinely deprives their opposition of a sniff of the ball, let alone scoring opportunities. I attribute Manchester City’s recent travails to three critical factors:

1. Rodri’s frequent suspensions

Manchester City have lost four games so far this season. A common denominator in all these games is that Rodri missed ALL of them. Make that what you will.

2. Kevin De Bruyne’s Injury

Do I even need to mention the importance of the blond Belgian to this team? Julian Alvarez has deputised in the KDB role, often admirably. However, the Argentine is no midfielder and will never bring the same midfield control and assurance.

3. Gundogan’s Departure/Kovacic’s Poor Form

Pep Guardiola signed the Croatian as a direct replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, who left for a Bosman ruling in the summer. The German was a cornerstone for Manchester City for several years. True, Kovacic is no Gundogan. Still, he has often been poor whenever he steps onto the pitch. He was subsequently relegated to the bench. Guardiola and City surely expected more from the former Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea man.

There you have it. For the record, I still expect Guardiola to sort things out and mount a title challenge as usual. Come the end of the season, the Citizens will be there or thereabout. Write them off at your own peril.

Aliyu Yakubu Yusuf wrote from Kano, Nigeria. He can be contacted via aliyuyy@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

South Korean striker Hwang Ui-jo, currently playing for Norwich City, has been suspended from the national team just seven weeks before the much-anticipated Asian Cup.

The suspension comes in light of an ongoing police investigation into allegations that Hwang illegally filmed a sexual encounter with his ex-girlfriend without her consent. 

Despite the suspension from international duty, Hwang, on loan from Nottingham Forest, continues to be eligible to play for Norwich City.

The 31-year-old forward, who scored in a recent match against Watford, denies the allegations against him. 

The Korea Football Association (KFA) announced the decision on Tuesday, underscoring the necessity of awaiting a definitive conclusion to the police investigation before considering Hwang for the national team.

Lee Youn-nam, the head of the KFA’s ethics committee, noted the expectation for national players to uphold a high standard of morality and responsibility. 

Hwang Ui-jo, with 19 goals in 62 appearances for South Korea, leaves a notable gap in the national team’s lineup ahead of the Asian Cup.

Coach Jurgen Klinsmann expressed his understanding of the situation, pledging to respect the decision of the KFA.

Klinsmann had previously included Hwang in recent World Cup qualifying matches, defending his choice amid the ongoing police probe. 

The Asian Cup, set to commence in Qatar on January 12, poses additional challenges for South Korea as they open their campaign against Bahrain three days later.

The suspension adds an unexpected layer of controversy to the team’s preparations, raising questions about the potential impact on their performance in the upcoming tournament.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to clash one last time in the Riyadh Season Cup this February.

Following their recent encounter in January, where Paris Saint-Germain triumphed over a Riyadh All-Stars XI, many believed it marked the end of their on-field rivalry. 

While fans had hoped for a grand farewell on the World Cup or Champions League stage, the Riyadh Season Cup now serves as the conclusive arena for these icons.

Over a decade of dominance, Messi and Ronaldo’s rivalry garnered 12 out of 14 Ballon d’Or awards and featured in one of Europe’s biggest derbies when Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid in 2009. 

With Messi’s eight Ballon d’Ors and Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory, the debate over who’s better may finally find resolution.

The February friendly will be the last chance for fans to witness these football titans side by side, bringing an end to a captivating era in the sport.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has initiated legal action against his former club, filing a multi-million-pound lawsuit at an employment tribunal.

Mendy alleges that the Premier League champions engaged in unauthorised wage deductions during the period he faced criminal charges. 

According to Sky Sports, Mendy, now playing for French club Lorient, claims that City ceased payment of his salary in September 2021 when he was accused of rape and sexual assault.

Despite being acquitted in two trials earlier this year, Mendy contends that City withheld his wages for nearly two years, spanning the duration of the legal proceedings. 

His lawyer, Nick De Marco, confirmed the legal action, seeking all owed wages up until Mendy’s City contract expiration in June 2023.

The legal claim argues that City was not contractually entitled to impose such an extended wage suspension, emphasizing Mendy’s clearance of all charges. 

Mendy, once hailed as the world’s costliest defender after his £52 million move from Monaco to City in 2017, achieved success with three league titles.

However, his last appearance for City dates back to August 2021, just before his arrest. 

The statement released by Mendy’s legal team highlighted the critical details of the case: “Manchester City FC failed to pay Mr Mendy any wages at all from September 2021, following Mr Mendy being charged with various offenses, all of which he was subsequently acquitted of, until the end of his contract in June 2023. The claim will come before an Employment Tribunal.” 

This legal saga adds another layer to Mendy’s tumultuous journey, raising questions about the handling of wages during legal proceedings and the contractual obligations of football clubs in such situations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentine forward, has seized the Ballon d’Or for an unprecedented eighth time.

Messi, who now graces the fields of Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, achieved this remarkable milestone after steering Argentina to its maiden World Cup triumph in Qatar last year.

Not only did he guide his nation to glory, but he was also honoured with the Golden Ball award, recognising his stellar performance as the tournament’s standout player. 

His achievement widens the gap between him and his perennial rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, who notably did not feature on the shortlist for the first time since 2003.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, currently plies his trade with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. 

Having bid adieu to European football at the conclusion of the last season, exiting after a successful stint with Paris Saint-Germain, where he clinched back-to-back Ligue 1 titles, Messi embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

FC Barcelona has initiated an investigation into the alleged racist abuse directed at Real Madrid’s Brazilian winger, Vinicius Junior, during the recently played El-Clasico.

The incident occurred during the match held at Barcelona’s temporary Olympic Stadium, where a video published by Spanish media outlets seemed to capture a home supporter hurling racial slurs at Vinicius Junior. 

The video footage, widely circulated on social media, depicted a spectator in the stands allegedly referring to Vinicius Junior as a “monkey.”

Additionally, another disturbing incident occurred when what appeared to be a banana skin was thrown from another section of the stadium. 

Expressing their commitment to upholding the fundamental values of football, including respect for opponents, FC Barcelona released an official statement via their social media platforms, stating, “FC Barcelona will always defend the values of football and sport such as respect for the opponent, and we will investigate any racist insult that may have occurred this afternoon during the match against Real Madrid.” 

Throughout the match, Vinicius Junior faced jeers and derogatory chants from some Barcelona supporters.

Tensions escalated when the 23-year-old winger was substituted late in the game, following Jude Bellingham’s dramatic stoppage-time goal that secured Madrid’s victory.

Despite the hostile reception, Vinicius attempted to celebrate the win, pumping his fists towards the stands. Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, intervened, guiding Vinicius Junior off the pitch while attempting to shield him from further provocation. 

The incident has reignited discussions about racism in football and the urgent need for decisive action to eradicate such behaviour from the sport.

FC Barcelona’s investigation aims to identify the individuals responsible for the abusive behaviour, underscoring the club’s dedication to promoting respect, tolerance, and inclusivity within the football community.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A recent Forbes report shows that Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s highest-earning footballer, courtesy of his staggering £164 million annual contract with Al-Nassr and £49 million from sponsorships.

This places him leagues ahead of rivals like Messi and Neymar.

Notably, Ronaldo’s sponsorships alone surpass the combined earnings of Premier League stars Haaland, Salah, De Bruyne, and Kane. 

Adding to his triumphs, Ronaldo extended his international goal record to 125 during Portugal’s 3-2 victory over Slovakia in Euro 2024 qualifying.

Ronaldo’s dominance, both in the game and the financial arena, solidifies his status as an unparalleled icon in the world of football.

By Aliyu Yakubu Yusuf

I first took note of Eden Hazard’s mercurial talents way back around 2008 when he burst onto the scene for Lille in Ligue 1. Even in the team that boosted the likes of Johan Cabaye, Matthieu Debuchy, Adil Rami, Mousa Sow and Gervinho, Eden Hazard was the pick of the bunch. Hazard would lead that Lille side to the Ligue 1 crown in 2010/2011 ahead of the more fancied Marseille and Lyon.

When Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for Real Madrid in 2009, I hoped and prayed that Fergie sign up Hazard as the Portuguese’s replacement. I consider Hazard as the only player that could replicate Ronaldo’s exploits for Manchester United. It wasn’t meant to be. Instead of donning United’s red shirt, Hazard would pitch in at Chelsea, where he terrorised EPL defenders week-in, week-out for a decade, winning every single club trophy along the way.

If Hazard’s EPL career will be indelible in the minds of the footballing world, his stint at Real Madrid in La Liga is a story to forget. A combination of injuries, poor form and lack of sheer willpower has left Hazard as merely a footnote in the history of the greatest football club in the world. The fact that Hazard spent three seasons in Madrid but played a grand total of zero minutes in 10 El Clasicos against Barcelona summed up how his stock dramatically fell in Spain.

Apart from Neymar, Hazard was the closest player to Lionel Messi in terms of pure talent and magical dribbles. In fact, when push comes to shove, I would pick a fitter and more focused Hazard ahead of flashy and wayward Neymar. Hazard is a player I so much enjoyed watching. His career may have ended with a whimper, but that shouldn’t take away anything from the fact that he’s one of the greatest players of this generation.

Adieu Eden. Football will never be the same without you.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Arsenal emerged victorious in a historic match against reigning champions Manchester City, ending their eight-year wait for a Premier League win over the Citizens.

The decisive moment came in the dying minutes of the game when Gabriel Martinelli’s shot, deflected off City defender Nathan Ake, found the back of the net, securing a dramatic 1-0 win for the Gunners. 

This long-awaited triumph sparked wild celebrations among Arsenal fans, marking a moment of sweet redemption after enduring 12 successive league defeats against Pep Guardiola’s men.

Arsenal’s victory, coming just four minutes from the final whistle, lifted them two points above third-placed City into second position, trailing behind leaders Tottenham on goals scored. 

This win holds significant weight for Arsenal, as it signifies their first top-flight success against the treble winners since December 2015.

Although Arsenal had previously defeated City in the Community Shield in August, this victory holds greater importance, positioning them as serious contenders in the title race. 

Manchester City, on the other hand, faced their second consecutive league defeat following their 2-1 loss against Wolves the previous weekend.

Coupled with a League Cup defeat against Newcastle, City have suffered three defeats in their last four games, raising concerns about their form and stability.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) players Randal Kolo Muani, Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi, and Layvin Kurzawa have been handed one-match suspensions by the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) for their involvement in anti-gay chants after last month’s clash against Marseille. 

The LFP swiftly confirmed the disciplinary action, noting their commitment to combating discriminatory behaviour in football.

The derogatory chants, originating from a section of PSG supporters, led to an immediate investigation by the LFP, resulting in the sanctions against the players. 

In an official statement, the LFP condemned the players’ actions and reiterated their dedication to promoting inclusivity and respect within the sport.

Emphasising a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination, the LFP noted the importance of creating a football environment where individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, can enjoy the game without prejudice. 

The suspensions highlight the serious consequences of such behaviour in professional football, leaving PSG with a gap in their lineup for the upcoming match.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need to eradicate discrimination in sports and ensure a welcoming atmosphere for all.