Category: Sport

 

Luka Modric and Kevin De Bruyne will face off on Sunday night when Serie A champions Napoli travel north to face AC Milan and the first true test of their title defence.

 

Both icons of 21st-century football, veterans De Bruyne and Modric, chose Italy for the latter end of their careers and have so far impressed for their respective clubs.

 

De Bruyne has started all five of Napoli’s fixtures in the opening few weeks of the season, including the four league wins from fou,r which have put Antonio Conte’s team top of the division on a perfect 12 points.

 

He has already scored twice this term as Conte tries to create a special role for the 34-year-old who joined Napoli in the summer after leaving Manchester City.

 

De Bruyne and last season’s player of the year Scott McTominay will be up against another formidable midfielder pairing in 40-year-old Modric and France’s Adrien Rabiot as Milan begin to warm up after a bumpy start.

 

Tuesday’s 3-0 Italian Cup win over Lecce was a fourth straight win in all competitions for Milan, who sit three points behind Napoli in third and could yet be a dark horse for the Scudetto.

None of Napoli’s major rivals have stood out yet and Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri benefits from having no European football to worry about, just like Conte on his charge to his sixth league title as a manager.

 

Napoli meanwhile host Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday night and last weekend Conte warned against “the physical and mental stress” of having to play every three or four days.

 

Milan will also be able to welcome Rafael Leao back to the fray as the Portugal winger returned to team training on Thursday morning.

 

Leao hasn’t played since suffering a calf injury in a Cup win over Bari last month but is set to make his league debut for the season, probably from the bench.

 

That is a major boost for Milan, especially as Napoli will be without star defender Alessandro Buongiorno who suffered a hamstring injury last weekend and will miss both Sunday’s clash and the visit of Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Wednesday.

 

Juventus will have a chance to take provisional top spot on Saturday when they host unbeaten Atalanta with a two-point gap separating them from Napoli.

 

Ademola Lookman will likely get more playing time in Turin after being brought back into the fold by Ivan Juric last weekend with the visit of Club Brugge coming up on Tuesday.

Juric will be hoping Lookman can help Atalanta in the Champions League after the Bergamo outfit were humiliated by Paris Saint-Germain in the opening round of matches in Europe’s elite club competition.

Key stats

 

4 – Napoli are the only team left with a 100 per cent record after winning their first four Serie A matches of the season.

 

59 – The number of club trophies won by Modric and De Bruyne.

 

Fixtures (times GMT)

 

Saturday

 

Como v Cremonese (1300), Juventus v Atalanta (1600), Cagliari v Inter (1845)

 

Sunday

 

Sassuolo v Udinese (1030), Roma v Verona, Pisa v Fiorentina (1300), Lecce v Bologna (1600), AC Milan v Napoli (1845)

 

Monday

 

Parma v Torino (1630), Genoa v Lazio (1845)

 

AFP

 

Liverpool, flawless in their Premier League title defence so far this season, will face a serious test when they visit unbeaten Crystal Palace on Saturday.

 

Arsenal cannot afford another Newcastle nightmare, while Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is in desperate need of a winning run.

 

AFP Sport looks at three key talking points ahead of the weekend’s action:

 

Palace pose Liverpool threat

 

Liverpool have got off to a flyer with seven straight wins in all competitions, but the Premier League leaders will face a stern examination at Selhurst Park.

 

The Reds, bolstered by their knack for scoring late winners, have marched five points clear after reeling off five successive league victories.

 

However, Oliver Glasner’s Palace are also flying high, in fifth place.

 

The FA Cup holders are the only other unbeaten team left in the top division and have enjoyed recent success against Arne Slot’s men, beating them on penalties in the Community Shield season curtain-raiser at Wembley in August.

Palace also drew 1-1 with champions Liverpool at Anfield on the final day of last season, an impressive result that ranks as part of their current 16-match unbeaten run in competitive matches dating back to April.

 

With Hugo Ekitike suspended, British-record signing Alexander Isak is set to lead the Liverpool attack after scoring his first goal for the club in the midweek League Cup win against Southampton.

 

Isak will be closely watched by Palace’s England defender Marc Guehi, who was on the verge of joining Liverpool before the move collapsed on transfer deadline day.

 

No margin for Arsenal error

 

Desperate to end their agonising wait for a first English title since 2004, Arsenal cannot afford another costly slip-up when they head to Newcastle, which has not been a happy hunting ground recently.

 

Mikel Arteta’s second-placed side, Premier League runners-up for the past three seasons, are already trailing in Liverpool’s wake after losing to the champions at Anfield and dropping two points against title rivals Manchester City.

The Gunners, without a trophy since 2020, are developing an unwanted reputation for crumbling when the pressure mounts and the trip north will provide another test of their mettle.

 

Arsenal have been beaten on their past three visits to St James’ Park, including a League Cup semi-final second-leg defeat last season after a Premier League loss earlier in the campaign.

Newcastle have won four of the past six meetings regardless of venue and Eddie Howe’s men have plenty of motivation after taking just six points from their first five matches.

 

Amorim seeks Man Utd momentum

 

Manchester United boss Amorim has his sights set on finally winning successive league matches as his side travel to struggling Brentford on Saturday.

 

Amorim has endured numerous low points since he arrived from Sporting Lisbon in November, including a humiliating League Cup loss at fourth-tier Grimsby in August, fuelling speculation over his future.

 

United have steadied the ship a little with consecutive home league wins against Burnley and Chelsea — the first time they have managed that in Amorim’s reign.

 

But the 40-year-old is still far from secure after a miserable 3-0 loss at Manchester City, in a match sandwiched between the two wins at Old Trafford, exposed the many issues bedevilling Amorim’s team.

 

If United cannot return home with three points from Brentford, languishing in 17th place after losing three of Keith Andrews’ first five games in charge, the questions surrounding Amorim will grow even more uncomfortable.

 

Fixtures (1400 GMT unless stated):

 

Saturday

Brentford v Manchester United (1130), Chelsea v Brighton, Crystal Palace v Liverpool, Leeds v Bournemouth, Manchester City v Burnley, Nottingham Forest v Sunderland (1630), Tottenham v Wolves (1900)

 

Sunday

 

Aston Villa v Fulham (1300), Newcastle v Arsenal (1530)

Monday

 

Everton v West Ham (1900)

 

AFP

 

More than 400 golfers are set to compete in the Nigeria @ 65 Independence Golf Tournament at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abuja.

 

The week-long tournament, organised to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, will also honour retired and serving officers of the Nigerian Army.

 

The Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Dr James Agbonhese, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday that the tournament aims to promote unity, camaraderie and national pride.

 

“This is more than a sporting competition. It is a reflection of our national values; unity, perseverance, discipline and excellence,” Agbonhese said.

He said the event would also feature the commissioning of new facilities at the resort, including a midway hut, a modern golf practice range, a back nine starter shed and a golf cart bay.

 

Agbonhese commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Grand Patron of the tournament, for his unwavering support.

 

The Vice Chairman of TYB Golf Club, Dr Ali Peters, who represented the Club Captain, Maj.-Gen. Samson Jiya, said the event was a symbolic tribute to the military’s role in safeguarding national unity.

 

“As we celebrate, we must reflect on the legacy of our founding fathers and the sacrifices that brought us this far,” Peters said.

 

He added that the new facilities would greatly improve the golfing experience for members and visitors.

Jummai Adamu, a member of the LOC, said more than 100 female golfers, including three professionals, would participate in this year’s tournament, reflecting golf’s growing popularity among women in Nigeria.

 

Tournament Manager, Mr Shola Adebayo, said the event would feature daily games, networking sessions and cultural showcases.

 

“It’s set to deliver not just top-level golf but an unforgettable experience for everyone involved,” he said.

 

The tournament tees off on Sept. 27 and will conclude on Oct. 1 with a ceremonial tee-off.

 

Expected dignitaries include the DSS Director-General, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.

Others expected are diplomats, retired senior officers and other distinguished guests.

 

An award ceremony will be held later in the day to crown the tournament champion and honour winners across various categories.

 

NAN

 

 

The Super Eagles have thrown their weight behind Ademola Lookman’s request to leave Atalanta at the end of the season, after submitting a formal transfer request.

 

PUNCH Online reports that the Super Eagles’ forward, in a statement released on his Instagram and X account on Sunday, revealed that he had submitted a transfer request following “many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer.”

 

According to the Nigerian international, his decision to speak publicly came after exhausting other avenues behind the scenes.

 

“Sadly, I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right, and I feel that enough is enough.

“It had already been decided that it was the right time for me to move on and experience a new adventure. Myself and the club ownership were in agreement that this summer was the right time for a new chapter.

 

“Despite now receiving an offer in alignment with what I believe had been discussed, sadly, the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand”, he said.

 

Throwing its weight behind the obviously frustrated forward, the Super Eagles, in a post on its official X handle on Sunday, wrote, “We stand with Ademola Lookman @Alookman.”

 

PUNH Online reports that Lookman is seeking a transfer to Inter Milan, but the Serie A football club has frustrated his ambition.

 

 

Lionel Messi suffered an injury and was removed in the 11th minute of Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup penalty kicks victory over Mexico’s Necaxa on Saturday at Fort Lauderdale’s Chase Stadium.

 

The 38-year-old Argentine superstar forward appeared to be having treatment on his upper right leg or groin before making his exit under his own power and walking to the locker room.

 

But after a 5-4 triumph in penalties after a 2-2 draw, Miami coach Javier Mascherano said it would be Sunday before exact details of the injury and the severity of the setback would be known.

 

“Well, he felt a discomfort, and we will not be able to know until tomorrow how severe the injury is,” Mascherano said after the match.

 

“There’s probably something there. Maybe not as important, because he was really not in pain. But he did feel a pull.”

 

Messi took the ball and dribbled into the Necaxa back line, but he stumbled at the top of the box and ran into Necaxa defender Alexis Pena then tumbled to the ground, pounding the pitch in frustration as the ball was cleared away.

Moments later, Herons captain Messi was alone near midfield on the left wing by himself when he went to the ground in a seated position, lying on his back briefly until trainers arrived.

 

Mascherano elected to send in Federico Redondo to replace Messi.

 

Inter Miami won 5-4 on penalties after the 10-man teams played to a 2-2 draw after full time.

 

Argentine striker Tomas Badaloni was denied on the decisive penalty kick in the third round of the shootout while Rodrigo De Paul, Ben Cremaschi, Jordi Alba, Redondo and Luis Suarez hit penalties for Miami, Uruguayan striker Suarez getting the decider on the last kick.

Inter Miami Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia scored in the 12th minute, but Herons defender Maximiliano Falcon of Uruguay was shown a red card in the 17th minute.

 

Badaloni netted the equalizer for Necaxa in the 33rd minute to lift the visitors level at half-time, and Necaxa was cut to 10 men as well when Cristian Calderon received a red card in the 60th minute.

 

Ricardo Monreal, who came off the Necaxa bench in the 74th minute, scored in the 81st to put the Mexican side ahead only for Spain’s Alba to net the equalizer for Miami in the second minute of stoppage time.

 

During Argentine World Cup qualifiers in March, Messi was nagged by thigh strain issues.

Messi has scored 18 goals and assisted on nine others in 18 MLS appearances this season.

 

He assisted on both Inter Miami goals in a 2-1 victory over Atlas on Wednesday in their opener in the Leagues Cup, a tournament involving MLS and Mexican League squads.

 

Miami conclude group stage play in the event on Wednesday against Pumas.

 

Messi led Inter Miami to the inaugural Leagues Cup crown in 2023 just after his arrival with the MLS club.

 

 

The Nigeria Basketball Federation has officially released a 17-man provisional roster for the senior men’s national team, D’Tigers, ahead of the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket tournament which will be held in Angola from August 12 to 24 PUNCH Online reports.

 

Headlining the squad list for the former AfroBasket champions, which was posted on the official X account of the Nigerian Men’s Nat’l Basketball Team on Wednesday, is Houston Rockets’ latest acquisition Josh Okogie, who is making a return to the national team set-up after a few years away.

 

The ex-Phoenix Suns guard represented Nigeria at the 2019 FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup in China and at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Japan.

 

Meanwhile, 2025 Basketball Africa League winner Caleb Agada, who plies his trade with Libyan franchise Al Ahli Tripoli, is among the elite players who have been called up.

 

There is also room for experienced hands including Ike Nwamu, Mike Nuga and Talib Zanna, while Peter Olisemeka and Devine Eke who both featured in this year’s BAL tournament for Rivers Hoopers of Nigeria and ASCVD of Senegal respectively, have earned call-ups to the national team.

Completing the preliminary roster are Kareem Joseph, Wesley Iwundu, Ugochukwu Simon, Stanley Okoye, Folabomi Fayemi, Emmanuel Omogbo, Christian Mekowulu, Martins Igbanu, Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, and Jekiri Tonye, while a notable absentee is experienced veteran Chimezie Metu, who is currently recovering from a long-term injury.

 

The 2015 continental champions last assembled in August 2023, during the FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament held in Lagos for the Paris 2024 summer Games which Nigeria ultimately failed to qualify for.

 

The team is expected to begin camping next week as preparations intensify, before the list is pruned to the final 12 players who will don the nation’s colours at the tournament.

 

Nigeria has been drawn in Group B alongside defending champions Tunisia, Cameroon and Madagascar. D’Tigers will begin their campaign with an opening game against Madagascar on August 13, before taking on Tunisia two days later.

 

They will wrap up the round-robin stage with a fixture against Cameroon on August 17. The knockout rounds will tip off on August 18 and conclude with the final which will be played at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda on August 24.

 

Nigerian female football team, Super Falcons, on Tuesday night celebrated their win after securing a spot in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

 

In a video shared on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the players were seen dancing to melodic songs after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in a tense semi-final clash.

 

Watch video here: