Sports
SAFE HANDS! Nnadozie Shines in Paris FC’s Big Win; Nwabali Stars for Chippa
The spotlight was on Nigerian goalkeepers this weekend, as they played crucial roles in their teams’ performances abroad. ABIODUN ADEWALE reports on their standout displays.
France
Moses Simon (Nantes)
After reaching a milestone of 150 Ligue 1 appearances, Moses Simon continued his playmaking prowess in Nantes’ 2-2 draw against St. Etienne. Despite his efforts, which included two goals and two assists this season, Simon couldn’t add to his tally in the exciting match.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC)
In a dominant 8-0 victory over Le Havre, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was pivotal, making eight saves. This match marked her first clean sheet of the league season and her fourth overall, showcasing a stark improvement after a disappointing UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifier against Manchester City, where they lost 8-0 on aggregate.
Italy
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio)
Despite scoring and assisting in Lazio’s 3-0 UEFA Europa League win against Dynamo Kyiv, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was an unused substitute in Lazio’s 3-2 win over Torino. He has yet to find the net in three Serie A appearances this season.
The Netherlands
Chuba Akpom (Ajax)
Chuba Akpom was benched again as Ajax secured a 2-0 win over Waalwijk. He contributed for 36 minutes without influencing the scoreline.
Spain
Chidera Ejuke & Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla)
The Nigerian duo started for Sevilla in a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao. Ejuke assisted Sevilla’s goal with a crucial cross that was deflected into the net by Bilbao’s keeper deep in stoppage time.
Rinsola Babajide & Gift Monday (Tenerife)
Babajide and Monday also featured in the starting lineup for Tenerife, facing Real Madrid Women at home.
England
Toni Payne (Everton)
Midfielder Toni Payne made her second appearance for Everton in a 1-0 loss to Manchester United, coming off the bench in the 64th minute.
Scotland
Cyriel Dessers & Leon Balogun (Rangers)
Dessers started on the bench as Rangers narrowly beat Hibernian 1-0. Balogun remained an unused substitute. Dessers has netted three goals and provided one assist in six league matches this season.
South Africa
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United)
Nwabali maintained a solid performance with one clean sheet in four Premier League matches, conceding one goal in Chippa’s 2-1 win over TS Galaxy.
Turkey
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
Osimhen opened his account for Galatasaray with two goals in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Kasımpaşa, ending a three-game drought since joining on loan from Napoli.
Kenneth Omeruo (Kasımpaşa)
Omeruo returned from injury, playing 61 minutes and helping Kasımpaşa come back from a 3-0 deficit to secure a draw.
Saudi Arabia
William Troost-Ekong (Al Kholood)
Troost-Ekong scored his first goal for Al Kholood in a 4-2 defeat against Al Hilal, converting a late penalty to reduce the deficit.
England
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
Ndidi had a mixed day, providing an assist but also scoring an own goal in Leicester’s 4-2 loss to Arsenal.
Taiwo Awoniyi & Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)
The duo faced their first defeat of the season in a 1-0 loss to Fulham, where Awoniyi made his first league start.
Josh Maja & Ajayi (West Brom)
Maja scored his seventh goal of the season, but West Brom fell 3-2 to Sheffield Wednesday.
Maduka Okoye (Udinese)
Okoye made four saves in a 3-2 loss to Inter Milan.
Adeola Lookman (Atalanta)
Lookman played as a striker but failed to score in a 1-1 draw against Bologna.
Chrysantus Uche (Getafe)
Uche contributed to Getafe’s first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Alaves amid ongoing discussions about racism in football.
Abdulrahman Taiwo (FK Auda)
Taiwo scored twice, leading FK Auda to a 3-2 victory over Valmiera, boosting his tally to six goals in seven matches this season.
Sports
CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2024 Women’s Champions League
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially designated Morocco as the host for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The tournament will take place from November 9 to November 23, as announced on CAF’s official website.
Morocco previously hosted the last edition of this prestigious competition. Among the eight teams competing this year is Nigeria’s champions, Edo Queens. The current title holders are Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.
The tournament offers significant financial incentives, with winners receiving $400,000 and runners-up taking home $250,000.
Sports
Messi Matches Ronaldo’s Record with Hat-Trick Against Bolivia
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 10 international hat-tricks after scoring three times in a dominant 6-0 victory against Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
In addition to his goals, the 37-year-old forward also provided two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. With this win, Argentina solidifies its position in the South American qualifiers, currently leading the table three points ahead of second-placed Colombia and six points clear of their arch-rivals Brazil.
On the same evening, Ronaldo’s Portugal faced Scotland in the UEFA Nations League but was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving the superstar visibly upset post-match.
Sports
Mourinho Targets Barcelona’s Ansu Fati for January Transfer to Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly planning a January transfer move for Barcelona forward Ansu Fati. After spending last season on loan at Brighton in the Premier League, Fati, now 21, returned to Barcelona but has struggled for game time under new coach Hansi Flick.
Once considered a potential successor to Lionel Messi, Fati’s limited opportunities at Barça have fueled speculation about a possible departure. According to *AS*, Mourinho is keen to bring the Spain international to the Turkish league, offering him the chance for regular football at Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Mario Branco, is expected to initiate discussions with Fati’s representatives soon, confident that the promise of consistent playing time will help secure the forward’s move.
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