The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

Italy’s legend Chiellini announces retirement from football

Former Italy and Juventus defender Chiellini revealed he would be hanging up his boots at the age of 39 in a short post on social media accompanied by a video showing the highlights of his 23 years in the professional game.

“You have been the most beautiful and intense journey of my life. You have been my everything,” Chiellini wrote. “With you I have travelled a unique and unforgettable path. But now it is time to start new chapters, face new challenges and write further important and exciting pages of life.”

Chiellini ended his career at Los Angeles FC in the Major Soccer League – his final match Saturday’s MLS Cup final defeat to Columbus Crew – but he is best known for his exploits with Juventus and his country.

After joining Juve in 2005, Chiellini eventually became a cornerstone of the so-called “BBC” defence alongside Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci.

That defensive trio were key to propelling Juve back to domestic dominance after years in the doldrums following the ‘Calciopoli’ match-fixing scandal which exploded in the run-up to the 2006 World Cup.

Chiellini won nine consecutive Serie A titles between 2012 and 2020 and reached two Champions League finals with the Turin giants, who honoured him on social media with the message “Warrior, captain, champion. Thanks for everything big Giorgio!”

Juve also posted a video depicting helicopter lifting a giant Juve jersey, emblazoned with ‘Chiellini’ and his squad number three, from the pitch at the club’s Allianz Stadium.

Read Also: Chukwueze’s Milan appoints Ibrahimovic as advisor

Chiellini became a national hero after captaining Italy to triumph at Euro 2020, where under Roberto Mancini the Azzurri roared back from apparent footballing oblivion following their failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

A series of gutsy defensive displays in the latter stages of the continent-wide tournament culminated with a thrilling penalty shoot-out win over England in the final at Wembley.

The photo of him dragging back a scampering Bukayo Saka became one of the iconic images from the Euro for the Italians, who saw in Chiellini the continuation of a long tradition of rugged defenders who do whatever it takes to win.

However, Chiellini quit international football last year after 117 international caps and his country failing to reach a second straight World Cup.

In truth he had a mixed Italy career, reaching the Euro 2012 final – where Italy were outclassed by Spain, losing 4-0 – but having a difficult time at World Cup finals.

Italy exited in the group stage both in 2010 – when they were the defending champions – and 2014 before slumping to a historic play-off defeat to Sweden in 2017 which cost them a place in the 2018 tournament.

Chiellini also suffered the ignominy of being bitten by Luis Suarez as Italy exited behind Uruguay and Costa Rica in 2014.

His final Italy appearance came in the 2022 ‘Finalissima’ match with Copa America champions Argentina, a few weeks after ending 17 years at Juve.

He played the final two seasons of his career in the US with LAFC, where he won the 2022 MLS Cup before conceding the title at the weekend.

December 13, 2023
Al Nassr vs. Inter Miami: Ronaldo’s reveals honest feelings about Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi may face off for one final time next year when Al Nassr and Inter Miami play in a friendly on February 1.

Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted there was no ‘hatred’ between himself and long-time rival Lionel Messi after a friendly between Al Nassr and Inter Miami was confirmed for next year.

Ronaldo and Messi went toe-to-toe in Spain for nine years with both players creating history at the peak of their powers. Both are regarded as the greatest of all time by their respective ardent supporters with debates sometimes getting heated.

It’s also led to questions on how Ronaldo and Messi feel about one another and their incredible rivalry. They’ve both been asked on a number of occasions about the relationship between them and they’ve been respectful about one another.

That rivalry could have potentially continued in Saudi Arabia as Messi was offered the chance to play in the Saudi Pro League, but he turned them down to join MLS side Inter Miami.

However, they could face off again one final time in February after it was confirmed that Miami would play against Al Nassr in a friendly game.

Read Also: CAF Awards: Sports Minister lauds Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie, Super Falcons

Ronaldo and Messi will once again be the star attractions for that match and Ronaldo paid respect to his long-time rival.

“Hatred? I don’t see things like that, the rivalry is over,” Ronaldo said earlier this year. “It was good, spectators liked it. Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don’t have to hate Messi and vice versa.

“We’ve done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that’s the most important thing.

“He’s followed his path and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe.

“From what I’ve seen, he’s been doing well and so have I.

“The legacy lives on, but I don’t see the rivalry like that.

“We shared the stage many times, it was 15 years.

“I’m not saying we’re friends, I’ve never had dinner with him, but we’re professional colleagues and we respect each other.”

December 13, 2023
Osimhen forgives Napoli for TikTok chaos

Napoli star Victor Osimhen admits the TikTok chaos from last September was a ‘stupid error’ and insists neither the club nor President Aurelio De Laurentiis treated him badly.

The striker’s agent, Roberto Calenda, threatened legal action against Napoli at the end of September following a video published by the club’s official TikTok account, seemingly mocking the Nigerian star.

Osimhen has now revealed that troubles caused by the social media post have been put aside.

“I must clarify something,” Osimhen said on Monday after being named African Player of the Year. “I was not treated badly by Napoli or De Laurentiis. I’m sorry to say this word, but it was a stupid error from somebody who thought he could use a thing like that to joke at a crucial moment.

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“I was certainly not happy, but De Laurentiis, his son Edoardo and many at the club have supported me,” the striker continued.

“They explained the situation, and even the person responsible for it was really nice to me. That was the most important thing. I spoke to that person and he proved to be deeply sorry. Everything has been solved, so I am happy with them. Now I look to the future to leave it behind. This story belongs to the past.”

December 13, 2023
FCT FA boss Mohammed hails Osimhen’s emergence as Africa’ Best

Federal Capital Territory Football Association(FCTFA) chairman, Mouktar Mohammed has lauded the emergence of Super Eagles attacker, Victor Osimhen, as the 2023 CAF Player of the Year.

Speaking from Saudi Arabia at the ongoing World football Summit in Jeddah, Mohammed disclosed that the Nigerian deserved to be so named with the Scudetto title he won with Napoli and the individual honours being the highest scorer in Serie A and 2023 AFCON qualifiers.

“Victor deserved to win it. He did enough at club level to win a lot of laurels for Napoli ,” he told Television Continental (TVC).”It was a straight fight between the Moroccan Achraf Hakimi and Osimhen. But Osimhen did enough to prove himself. He also was the highest scorer at the 2023 AFCON qualifiers which gave him the edge.”

Osimhen’s emergence as the best player in Africa returned Nigeria back to the pinnacle of football on the continent for the first time since 1999 when Kanu Nwankwo won it while with Arsenal and the FCT FA boss hinted that it took Nigeria such long years because we have not done enough to bring forth special talents.

He said Egypt, Morocco and some other developed African nations have special centres where talents are developed and nurtured but that in Nigeria we always like to seek the easy way out.

Read Also: CAF Awards: Sports Minister lauds Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie, Super Falcons

“We have a gap is we do not have centre of excellence like Egypt, Morocco and a others where we have various centres to train world class talents. We are trying to find accidental talents. It doesn’t work that way,” Mohammed disclosed.

Meanwhile, Mohammed has thumbed up the decision by Saudi Arabia to make the nation the leading hub in global sports, adding that the decision is helping to grow the country’s GDP with more tourists now heading to the Middle East country.

“Saudi Arabia took a conscious decision by dreaming big. Their aspiration is to establish themselves as the leading force in global sports. They have realised the power of sports especially football.

“Saudis are attracting more tourists and this will grow their GDP and there will be bigger investment. Everybody has taken notice of it and a lot of talents are moving to Saudi Arabia now. It is a great move and it will give other nations the inspiration to do the same, “he added.

December 13, 2023
Champions League: Newcastle brace for stiff test against Milan

Eddie Howe is hoping for a “magical European night” as Newcastle try to reach the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday.

Newcastle must win at home to AC Milan and they might have to play without goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who is an injury doubt.

Even victory over the Italian giants may not be enough for the Magpies to remain in Europe’s elite club competition as they would still drop into the Europa League should Paris Saint-Germain win at Borussia Dortmund.

Defeat, meanwhile, would ensure Newcastle finished bottom of Group F, which would represent a hugely disappointing return from a campaign that featured an impressive 4-1 defeat of Paris Saint-Germain.

Newcastle manager Howe, having guided the northeast side into the Champions League for the first time in 20 years, said he was not ready for his side’s time in the tournament to come to an end.

“I’ve really enjoyed the Champions League,” Howe told a pre-match news conference. “My only frustration is that we have not had the freedom to attack the competition as we would have liked to have done (because of injuries).

“That’s my only feeling that I’m left with that is negative.”

The former Bournemouth boss added: “The tournament itself is special, the places we have been are incredible, the stadiums, the atmospheres and the experiences we have had at home have all been memorable.

“We have one more game to go and we have to make this as memorable as possible.

“My message to the fans is to make this a magical European night. They can only do so much, we have to do our bit to make it that.”

Sandro Tonali’s 10-month suspension and a series of injuries have hampered Newcastle’s progress in the Champions League and they could now be without Dubravka at St James’ Park on Wednesday.

The Slovakia international has started the last two league games in place of Nick Pope, who dislocated his shoulder during the 1-0 win over Manchester United on December 2.

Dubravka, however, did not train on Tuesday with Loris Karius, who suffered an error-strewn display playing for Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final, on standby.

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Howe said it was “slightly unclear” if 34-year-old Dubravka would be fit.

Meanwhile striker Callum Wilson, who returned from injury as a substitute during Sunday’s 4-1 loss away to Tottenham in the Premier League, said there would be no better time than Wednesday to score his first goal in the Champions League.

“I personally believe it hasn’t come yet because it’s waiting for a special moment to happen, and what a story it would be if it’s the winning goal tomorrow night,” he said.

The 31-year-old England forward, who suffered a hamstring injury during the 2-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund on November 7, added: “We will leave blood, sweat and tears out there. It’s what we do every time we step over the white line and for us as a football club, it’s about having no regrets.”

TODAY’s UCL FIXTURES

Atletico vs. Lazio

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Porto vs. Shakhtar Donetsk

Antwerp vs. Barcelona

December 13, 2023
Turkey’s Ankaragucu boss arrested over referee punched

A Turkish football club president has been arrested after punching a referee following a top-flight match on Monday.

MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca ran onto the pitch and struck match official Halil Umut Meler after his team conceded a 97th-minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Caykur Rizespor.

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said Koca and two others were formally arrested for “injuring a public official”.

All Turkish league football has been suspended.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the incident was “totally unacceptable” and violence had “no place in our sport or society”.

“Without match officials there is no football,” he said. “Referees, players, fans and staff have to be safe and secure to enjoy the game, and I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is strictly implemented and respected at all levels.”

Read Also: CAF Awards: Sports Minister lauds Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie, Super Falcons

Tunc said Koca and two others had been arrested after prosecutors took statements and a judicial control decision had been imposed on three other suspects.

“The investigation is continuing meticulously,” he added.

Koca later issued a statement via Ankaragucu saying he had resigned as club president and apologising for his actions.

“No matter how great an injustice or how wrong [the officiating] was, nothing can legitimise or explain the violence that I perpetrated,” he said.”I apologise to the Turkish refereeing community, the sports public and our nation.”

He added he felt “great embarrassment” for the “grave incident that I caused” but hoped it could help Turkish football address its “culture of violence”.

December 13, 2023
Amuneke slams internet mob over false claims on Osimhen

African football legend Emmanuel Amuneke has cleared the air on the spurious claims that he voted for Egypt’s Mohammed Salah ahead of his compatriot and mentee Victor Osimhen in the 2023 African Player of the Year poll .

In the viral video posted on CAF’s social media handles prior to announcement of Osimhen’s as the new Africa’s Best Player of 2023, the former Super Eagles forward erroneously voiced his preference for the Egypt and Liverpool star.

That sparked a backlash among Nigerians as the 52-year-old was tagged as ‘unpatriotic’ while some felt he was being envious of the Napoli star who eventually trumped Salah and Morocco ‘s Achraf Hakimi.

Speaking over the false claim, Amuneke, the 1994 African Footballer of the Year , said the viral video was all ruse.

“Good morning house, I want to use this opportunity to clear what some of you are saying in this platform. With all due respect to every one of you that I owe with high regard,” the 1994 African Player of the Year said on Nigerian Sports Village Square moderated by Osasu Obayiuwana. “First of all, I want you to understand the rumours that you guys are [spreading] concerning me not voting Osimhen. I was never elected to vote.

“On our way to the novelty game that we played in Marrakech here, a former player and captain of the Egyptian national team – who is preparing himself to become a TV producer in Egypt – with his group, he was debating on the Arabian team, and he raised the question between Hakimi and Salah.

“There was no time Osimhen was mentioned in that discussion. He came to me and asked ‘Hakimi or Salah’. I have to say Salah. And the reason why I said Salah was because I played in Egypt, I lived in Egypt and I know some of the guys there.”

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Amuneke continued: “So, there is nothing like voting against Osimhen. Osimhen is our player and our boy. We are happy about what he has achieved, and we hope he would continue to dream and achieve more for the betterment of his career and the betterment of Nigeria.

“It has come to a time in our culture in Nigeria – with all due respect to you guys, we should stop spreading false news and stop creating false impressions among the people. We are journalists, and our responsibility is to inform the public what is right.”

Incidentally as if it to quell the ranging inferno, Osimhen himself acknowledged the enormous role Amuneke contributed to his burgeoning career in his acceptance speech after CAF President Patrice Motsepe handed him his prize. “First of all, I want to thank God for everything,” the former Lille striker said. “Special thanks go to Mr. Emmanuel Amuneke.

“ Without him I don’t think I’ll be standing here in front of you guys holding one of the most prestigious awards in world football,” Osimhen added.

December 13, 2023
GTI applauds Nigeria’s feats at 2023 CAF Award

Strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, have congratulated the trio of Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie and the entire Super Falcons team on their triumphs at the just concluded 2023 CAF Awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday night.

GTI Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, affirmed in a press statement that the remarkable achievements of Victor Osimhen, on winning the CAF 2023 Men’s Player of the Year; Asisat Oshoala who clinched the 2023 CAF Women’s Player of The Year; Chiamaka Nnadozie, who emerged as Woman Goalkeeper of the Year, as well as the Super Falcons as the Women’s National Team of the Year is a confirmation that the country is blessed with abundant talents in sports, especially football.

The Executive Director of GTI, Nelson Ine attributed Nigeria’s continental triumphs at the Awards ceremony to hard work and determination on the part of the players involved.

“GTI is proud to join many stakeholders of Nigerian football in congratulating Nigeria’s sensational striker Victor Osimhen; six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala; inaugural Woman Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie and the Super Falcons for putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians.

Read Also: CAF Awards: Sports Minister lauds Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie, Super Falcons

“The triumphant feats by these Nigerians have redoubled the efforts of GTI in seeing that more Osimhens, Oshoalas and Nnadozies are produced through our strategic partnership with the NPFL in the near future.

“We need to rekindle our efforts at sustaining the country’s soccer prowess going forward and GTI is strategically positioned to compliment the efforts of administrators of sports in Nigeria to actualize this great dream since we have enough talents to make our dream come to fruition,” he stated.

Speaking further, Ine said: “The achievements of Osimhen and co will really serve as an inspiration to aspiring young footballers to always give out their best while wearing the green and white jersey of the country. Therefore, we call on the private sector to continue to play a vital role and support the government in its bid to take sports development in the country to a desirable height.”

Meanwhile, GTI have felicitated with the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh and the President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau on the achievements of these young Nigerians at the just concluded CAF 2023 Awards.

December 13, 2023
Offiah leads Kingsmen to Webber’s basketball 3×3 victory

The 1004 Estate in Victoria Island, Lagos was kept abuzz from midday into the night as basketballers from across the city of Lagos took to the court for the Lagos 3×3 Slam Jam 2023.

It was an event put together by Webber Hoops and Courts in conjunction with Hoop Dreams Nigeria to keep the game going at the fast pace of an youth. They had sponsorship support from Pocari Sweat and Red Bull.

In the basketball actions that had 16 teams vying for the N500,000 prize money the battle was real and the entertainment superbly served.

Star guard of the Nigerian national champions Rivers Hoopers, Abel Offiah led another brand of royals, called the Kingsmen to victory against White Fire.

Both teams had employed all tricks in the books to reach the final game but the Kingsmen who had their eyes firmly fixed on the cash won the match 14-9 in a game that was highly entertaining. They got N250k for the win.

White Fire who played an Over Time at the semi-final stage got N150,000 and third placed got N100,000.

The Kingsmen team also had Ezike Somto (Lagos Raptors), David Edward (Lagos Legends), Regina Iorunumbe (First Bank), Favour Essien (MFM) and Ogunsemore Olajide (Comets).

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The Chief Executive Officer of Webber Hoops and Courts, Opeyemi Babalola told journalists it’s a joint way of promoting basketball and keeping the youths busy and fun-filled.

He said: “Years back when I was in Angola I noticed they had a lot of basketball facilities in most corners of the city. I had always thought this type of development is for places like the USA and Europe and I was impressed with what I saw. And we all know how well the Angola are in African basketball.

“When we got into courts building and the allied equipment manufacturing, I figured out that we could get basketball going for competitions and entertainment like this. We have started and do hope that many individuals and corporate bodies can tap into this and make basketball available in every corner of the Nigerian city.”

The mobile court, uprights, the sitting facilities and the other equipment were manufactured by Webber.

December 13, 2023
Concept Swagga Skillz Ent is still much active, says Buushbaby

In the past decade, Concept Swagga Skillz Entertainment solidified its reputation as a nurturing ground for exceptional talents, boasting artists such as Phemmy G (Nitro), Damilarey, and more.

The label’s influence extended beyond its roster, with notable affiliations with Afrobeats veteran Lord of Ajasa.

Guided by the vision of CEO Oluwaseyi Odunowo, popularly known as Buushbaby, Concept Swagga Skillz Entertainment played a significant role in shaping the musical landscape over the last ten years.

However, recent inquiries regarding the label’s status and rumours of a potential shutdown prompted Buushbaby to address the speculation.

In a statement made available to renowned music executive Peter Okhide, Buushbaby emphatically clarified the situation: “Concept Swagga Skillz Entertainment is still very much active.

“We underwent a brief hiatus, but now we are back, stronger than ever, with a new dynamic, this time with myself as the frontline artist. We deeply appreciate those who have stood by us throughout the years, and we are committed to not letting you down.”

“The label has a lot more to offer now, 2024 will be a quite interesting year,” he added.

Buushbaby’s return to the forefront of the music scene signals a rejuvenation of Concept Swagga Skillz Entertainment.

The label’s hiatus, albeit temporary, served as a period of reflection and recalibration. With Buushbaby assuming the role of the frontline artist, the label is poised for a fresh and invigorating chapter.

Recent evidence of Buushbaby’s reinvigorated presence in the music scene can be observed in his releases, including notable singles like ‘I Don Taya,’ featuring Olamzzy, and his latest offering, ‘Awe.’

As Buushbaby reasserts his presence, the journey of Concept Swagga Skillz Entertainment continues, promising exciting and impactful contributions to the evolving landscape of the music industry.

December 13, 2023