Author: The Nation

The preliminary final matches of the second edition of the Zenith Bank sponsored Delta Headmasters Cup Competition in the 25 Local Government areas (LGAs) of the state are fast gathering momentum.

In Ndokwa East Local Government Area, the preliminary final was between Isselegu Primary School and Ozoma-Ukwu Primary School and it ended 4-2 in favour of Ozoma-Ukwu Primary School to represent the Local Government in the zonal competition.

Similarly, the final preliminary match between Royal Foundation, Ozoro and Odion Primary School, Emevor, both in Isoko North Local Government Area of the state, ended with Odion Primary School triumphing over Royal Foundation.

In Ughelli North Local Government Area, Iwreko Primary School humbled Destiny Primary School with three solid goals,  while in Isoko South, Okpolo Primary School, Enweh, walloped Emo -Ode Primary School, Irri,  with six goals.

The preliminary final, which held in Burutu Local Government Area , saw Ekpebiwe Primary School,  Ogulagha, defeating Egobiri Primary School , Egodor 4- 3.Speaking with some of the Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs), including  Adeda Ekuevugbe  of Isoko South, his counterpart in charge of Burutu , Omosomwofa Samson, described the competition as a veritable platform to discover them young  and commended the Zenith Bank PLC for its partnership with the state government, especially for its sponsorship of the competition.

Europe’s top leagues are nearing the end of the season, with titles, places in Europe and safety from relegation up for grabs. Here, AFP Sport takes a look at what is still to play for across the continent:

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Title: Reigning champions Manchester City need three wins from their final four matches to be sure of holding off second-placed Arsenal. Pep Guardiola’s side sit one point clear with a game in hand as they chase a fifth title in six seasons.

Europe: Newcastle and Manchester United occupy the two final Champions League places but have in-form Liverpool in hot pursuit. Jurgen Klopp’s men are one point behind Man United and three adrift of the Magpies, but have played a game more. Tottenham, Brighton, Aston Villa and Brentford are fighting for the other European spots.

Relegation: Bottom club Southampton are eight points from safety with three games left, but the next four clubs are separated by only three points. Two of Leeds, Leicester, Everton and Nottingham Forest will likely join the Saints in going down.

SPANISH LA LIGA

Title: Barcelona can secure a first La Liga title since 2019 with four games to spare if they beat local rivals Espanyol tomorrow.

Europe: Second-placed Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have all but wrapped up places in next season’s Champions League. Real Sociedad appear poised to join them, holding a seven-point lead over fifth-placed Villarreal with only five games remaining. There are just three points between seventh-placed Girona and 11th -placed Sevilla in the fight to reach the Europa Conference League.

Relegation: Elche have already been relegated. Second-bottom Espanyol are three points from safety, with six-time champions Valencia only out of the bottom three on head-to-head record ahead of Getafe. Real Valladolid, Cadiz and Almeria are all also in trouble.

 ITALIAN SERIE A

Title: Napoli have already clinched their first Scudetto since 1990.

Europe: AC Milan sit two points behind fourth-placed city rivals Inter Milan with four matches left. Third-placed Lazio and second-placed Juventus, who could yet have a points deduction reinstated, can also still be caught in the race for the Champions League. Atalanta and Roma are both five points behind Inter.

Relegation: Sampdoria have already been relegated. Cremonese are six points from survival, with Spezia three behind 17th -placed Verona.

GERMAN BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich are under rare pressure from Borussia Dortmund in their bid for an 11th  straight Bundesliga title

Title: Bayern Munich are just one point clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund heading into the last three matches of the season. The Bavarian giants are bidding for an 11th straight title.

Europe: RB Leipzig sit third, one point ahead of fourth-placed Union Berlin and fifth-placed Freiburg. Bayer Leverkusen are two points clear of Wolfsburg in the fight to qualify for the Conference League.

Relegation: Hertha Berlin sit bottom, but only three points off the relegation play-off spot, occupied by Stuttgart. Bochum are 17th , behind Stuttgart on goal difference. A run of three wins in four games has taken Schalke two points away from the drop zone.

 FRENCH LIGUE 1

Title: Paris Saint-Germain appear set to win a record 11th  Ligue 1 title despite a poor season. PSG sit six points clear of Lens with four games left.

Europe: Second-placed Lens are two points ahead of Marseille in the battle for automatic Champions League qualification. Fourth-placed Monaco appear likely to reach the Europa League, six points behind OM and five clear of fifth-placed Lille.

Relegation: Angers have been relegated. Four teams will go down in total as Ligue 1 changes from 20 to 18 clubs next season. Ajaccio and Troyes look destined for the drop, with one of Nantes, Auxerre, Brest and Strasbourg to join them.

PORTUGUESE PRIMEIRA

Title: Benfica are four points clear of title rivals Porto with three games to play.

Europe: Braga, five points behind Porto and four above fourth-placed Sporting Lisbon, are well-placed to secure a place in Champions League qualifying.

Relegation: The bottom three of Santa Clara, Pacos de Ferreira and Maritimo are all at least five points from guaranteed safety, fighting each other to go into the relegation play-off.

DUTCH EREDIVISIE

Feyenoord are on the brink of their second Dutch league title of the 21st  century

Title: Feyenoord will lift their first title since 2017 and just their second this century with victory over Go Ahead Eagles this weekend. The Rotterdam giants are eight points ahead of PSV Eindhoven with three matches left.

Europe: PSV are five points ahead of Ajax in the race for the second Champions League spot. This season’s Conference League semi-finalists AZ Alkmaar are just two points behind Ajax, chasing Europa League qualification.

Relegation: Cambuur and Groningen have been relegated. Excelsior, Emmen, Voldendam and Vitesse Arnhem are trying to avoid a relegation play-off.

Every kick, dribble, goal celebration, and handshake exchanged by opponents and fans from different socio-cultural backgrounds are attributes of football that can be leveraged to promote diversity and inclusion across the globe, Bethel Obioma, Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group has said.

Speaking at the launch of the energy conglomerate’s ‘#MADwithFOOTBALL’ initiative, Obioma said the campaign aims to foster a culture of oneness, equity, and camaraderie.

 “For us at Sahara, the word MAD represents making a difference. The global acceptance the round leather game enjoys can be a springboard for creative conversations on diversity and inclusion. This is what we hope #MADwithFOOTBALL will inspire,” he said.

Noting that football has the power to bring people together, Obioma added: “We understand that football is more than just a game; it’s a community. We believe that the ideals of that community where everyone feels accepted and valued, and chant endless songs together, regardless of race, gender, creed, or political leaning, can be harnessed towards making a difference.”

He further  revealed that as part of this initiative, some employees of Sahara Group have been given the opportunity to attend live matches at Old Trafford and Emirates Stadium, adding that the experience will help ramp up “fun in efficiency and the impact of diversity and inclusion” in the workplace.

“The campaign kicks of this weekend with 22 Saharians drawn from our locations in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, scheduled to attend the Arsenal home game against Brighton live at the Emirates on the 14th  of May,  and Manchester United homes games scheduled for May 25 and 28 respectively at the Old Trafford.  Seeing world-class players in action and feeling the energy of the fans will certainly be an unforgettable experience for the beneficiaries,” Obioma said.

“I am thrilled to be part of those that will be attending the Arsenal game as part of the #MADwithFOOTBALL initiative! It’s an amazing opportunity to see Arsenal in action and bond with colleagues at the Emirates stadium. I am over the moon already,” said Mariam Smith of Asharami Synergy, a foremost Sahara Group downstream company in Nigeria.

Camille Lavaud who joins the delegation from Sahara Energy International, Geneva, said that: “Football is a language that is spoken and loved by billions across the globe. There is so much difference we can make with football as the world seeks to stamp out the issues that tear us apart. This is another way Sahara Group is expressing bringing energy to life responsibly,” he said.

According to Roselyn Quansah of So Energy Ghana, a Sahara Group downstream company, “this is a dream come true for me, I can’t wait to feel the vibes at the Old Trafford as MANU team works towards a top-four finish.”

Obioma said the public can be part of #MADwithFootball initiative by sharing thoughts on how the game can drive togetherness on Sahara Group’s Instagram handle. This also comes with a chance to win Arsenal and Manchester United home jerseys.

One of the most difficult things to do in Africa  is organising  a proper football league especially in Nigeria due to poor infrastructures, lack of sponsorship, lack of proper organisation, poor officiating, poor travelling arrangement and many more.

Yet  some of these  militating  factors against football leagues in this part of the world  were seemingly  overcome  by a motely group  to organise a befitting U20 youth  league  with teams in  the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and its environs.

Tagged  Abuja Elite League, the first edition of the tournament  came to an end penultimate  weekend  amid pomp and ceremony  to the delight  of  fans  and organisers  in the main, were  excited about the prospect of the project and the possibility of success there lies ahead.

 “So, we’ve been having conversations about this league since last year, about our plans to want to develop not to go outside the context of what the FA does, just to align with some of the things that they currently do,” explained Mohamed Kamarudeen, Chairman Turf Arena football club.“ We felt it was important to have an elongated league that will run for at least 10 months.

“The way it is done in Europe and in other climes, whereby we give the players enough time to get engaged and also mingle with the FA organised footballing activities in the FCT.

Jurgen Klopp  has recalled past “miracles”  but admitted Liverpool’s destiny was not in their own hands as his red-hot team hunt down a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Last month the Reds were in eighth place, 10 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, but six successive victories have propelled them to fifth and only a point behind their fierce rivals, who have a match in hand.

Klopp, whose team have three games left, starting at relegation-threatened Leicester on Monday, was reminded at his pre-match press conference of previous remarkable comebacks, including the overturning of a 3-0 first-leg deficit to beat Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.

Liverpool also came from a seemingly impossible position in the Premier League in 2021 to qualify for the top four, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker scoring a stoppage-time winner at West Brom in one of their games.

Bayern Munich stalwart Thomas Mueller remains a key player for the team even in his current substitute role, coach Thomas Tuchel has  said, refusing to be drawn into speculating about the midfielder’s future.

The 33-year-old, who is a rare one-club player after having come through the Bayern youth system, has been left on the bench in recent weeks under Tuchel and has played only minor substitute roles.

He did not start either of their two matches against Manchester City as they were knocked out of the Champions League in the last eight and his lack of game-time has fanned speculation he could be looking for a move away from Munich at the end of the season.

“Thomas is the one who will mainly decide that because Thomas is Bayern Munich and Bayern Munich is Thomas,” Tuchel told a press conference. “He is playing for his 12th  German title. That is what we are all focused on. I consider everything else an exaggeration and missing the target.”

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has met with prospective Director of Football Deco for the first time, although the Brazilian-Portuguese is yet to be confirmed in the role.

The general consensus is that Deco will replace the outgoing Mateu Alemany this summer, even if he has not yet been confirmed in his role.

SER Catalunya claimed Xavi held a meeting with Deco, Assistant Manager Oscar Hernandez and Alejandro Echevarria, who is Joan Laporta’s right-hand man when it comes to transfers. The subject of the meeting was to plan the upcoming transfer window. Barcelona said they are set to get approval from La Liga on their viability plan next week, which if they meet their targets set out, will allow them to sign players this summer.

Fabio Cannavaro believes Real Madrid will have the edge over Manchester City in the Champions League semi-finals and opened up about his goals in his coaching career.

Los Blancos were held to a 1-1 draw by the Citizens in the first leg of their European semi-final at the Santiago Bernabéu, a thrilling and tense game that leaves everything on the table for the second leg. Whilst Real Madrid are hungry to repeat their European exploits and pick up their 14th title in the competition, Manchester City are desperate to finally get their hands on the Champions League trophy for the first time.

Speaking to AS, Cannavaro first reflected on the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals between Real Madrid and Manchester City.

 “With City it was a great game, well played by both teams and with a very balanced final result that leaves everything open for the Etihad.”

Pep Guardiola believes Arsenal will “definitely” win their final three matches of the season, keeping the pressure on his Manchester City side.

The Gunners have recovered from their stumbling run of form, which saw them draw three matches in a row before losing heavily to City, to beat Chelsea and Newcastle and keep their slim Premier League title hopes alive.

Treble-chasing City are a point clear of Arsenal but have a game in hand, which comes away to Brighton as their penultimate match of the campaign and could prove to be the game that clinches the title.

 “I think definitely they are going to win their three games,” Guardiola told reporters. “I would like them to drop points to be honest but I think they will get nine points.”

City travel to Goodison Park on Sunday to face Everton, who are on a high after producing a stunning display to beat Brighton 5-1 last time out and give themselves a major boost in the relegation battle.

It comes in between City’s two matches against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, with the tie level at 1-1 heading into the second leg in Manchester on Wednesday. However Guardiola, who is frustrated that the match is taking place tomorrow , has insisted the full focus from his side will be on Everton and not on their European assignment.

 “Since I’ve been here it’s always been so difficult, because of the environment, they’re a front-foot team,” Guardiola said of facing Everton at Goodison Park.

Thiago Silva may reportedly request to cancel his Chelsea contract at the end of the season. Despite his advancing years, Silva has proven to be one of the Blues’ key signings in recent years, bringing much-needed know-how to the backline.

The veteran has made a total of 114 appearances in all competitions, helping Chelsea win the 2021 Champions League, and the Brazilian recently extended his contract until 2024.

However, that decision was taken when Chelsea had Graham Potter as head coach, the club present in the Champions League and still pushing to secure a top-seven position in the Premier League table.

None of those now apply, and Silva recently acknowledged that he had been left frustrated by ‘mistakes’ that had been made by the club’s owners during their year in charge.

According to Globo Esporte, the 38-year-old has been tempted into returning to his homeland for 2023-24.

The report claimed  that Marcelo, formerly of Real Madrid, linking up with Fluminense has led to Silva wanting to follow suit and make the switch back to his ex-club.

Silva made 80 appearances for Fluminense at the start of his career and his performances there earned him a transfer to AC Milan in 2009.

The alleged decision of Silva comes at a time when Chelsea are in a period of transition as they prepare for the expected arrival of Mauricio Pochettino as head coach.

Pochettino will have to oversee major changes to his first-team squad, significantly reducing the playing numbers in order to take into account fewer fixtures and the club’s financial position.