The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Didier Drogba

  • Osimhen wants to break Drogba’s  records at Chelsea, says Mikel Obi  

    Osimhen wants to break Drogba’s  records at Chelsea, says Mikel Obi  

    Former  Super Eagles  captain John Mikel Obi  has yet  affirmed that Victor Osimhen  will  team up with Chelsea this summer , adding the Napoli  loanee to Galatasaray is desirous  about  breaking  the  scoring feats  established  by his idol, Didier Drogba, at the Stamford Bridge.

    ]Osimhen was rescued by Galatasaray last summer after failing to secure a permanent move away from Napoli and has enjoyed his time in Turkey after featuring 26 times in the Süper Lig this season, scoring 22 goals and providing five assists.

    The 26-year-old has played in either the Champions League or Europa League every season since signing for Lille in the summer of 2019 and now according to fellow countryman Obi Mikel he has no intention of breaking the successful streak.

    Read Also: NFF clears air on alleged unpaid salary to Chukwu

    “He wants to play for Chelsea,” said Mikel on beIN SPORTS. “I know where we stopped in terms of the contract, I know where we are. It’s an easy fix, because we’ve done all the hard work last summer.” 

    Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, the former Blues midfielder said that Osimhen would arrive in West London with the aim to break records and become a player to remember as he leads the forward line.

    “Listen, I hope it happens because I can see great things happening. I can see a great partnership happening, I can see a player coming in and becoming a massive legend for this football club.

    “Make no mistake, if Victor Osimhen comes to Chelsea he will want to break records, he will want to put himself top, top (up) there. His idol is (Didier) Drogba, he will want to go after his record, he will want to score goals, win us trophies, get us back to the top.

    “That would be his mission. His hunger when he plays, the ambition when he plays is something that few players have, the arrogance he has, the feistiness he has that you need to be able to succeed in the Premier League as a top striker.”

  • Drogba, Essien defend Mourinho in Turkey racism row

    Drogba, Essien defend Mourinho in Turkey racism row

    Former Ivorian striker Didier Drogba and Michael Essien, his Ghanaian ex-teammate at Chelsea, have both  defended their former coach Jose Mourinho, who has been accused of racist remarks by Turkish club Galatasaray.

    Galatasaray said it would launch criminal proceedings against Fenerbahce manager Mourinho following Monday’s drawn league match when the 62-year-old said the home bench had been “jumping like monkeys”.

    Fenerbahce responded by saying the Portuguese coach’s comments had been “taken out of context” and “deliberately distorted”.

    Read Also: NFF set to organize  CAF B-License Coaching Course

    Drogba, who was Chelsea’s record signing when he joined in 2004 and one of Mourinho’s key players when he guided them to back-to-back Premier League titles, took to X to lend his support.

     “I’ve seen the recent comments about Jose Mourinho. Trust me when I tell you I have known Jose for 25 years and he is not a racist and history (past and recent) is there to prove it,” posted Drogba who also went on to play for Galatasaray, adding: “How can my ‘Dad’ be a racist?”

    Essien also came to his old coach’s defence, posting on X and Instagram an old photo of himself and Drogba alongside Mourinho, accompanied by three hearts.

  • Sanwo-Olu parleys  Drogba, E1 Racing Team

    Sanwo-Olu parleys  Drogba, E1 Racing Team

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to promoting sports through strategic collaborations when he hosted representatives from the E1 Racing Team and Ivoian football legend Didier Drogba at the Lagos House, Marina.

    In a statement shared via his X handle, the governor described the meeting as a “fruitful exchange of ideas” focused on exploring potential partnerships to create a vibrant sports culture in Lagos.

     “We encourage collaboration between sports and community engagement, as it highlights our commitment to promoting sports in our state,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He noted that the discussions centred on partnerships to enhance sports development and community engagement across the state, reflecting the government’s efforts to position Lagos as a hub for sporting excellence.

    Read Also: NFF unveils Éric Chelle as Super Eagles’ 37th coach

     “We are all for creating a vibrant sports culture in Lagos, and we had a fruitful exchange of ideas exploring potential partnerships.” he added.

    Responding after the meeting, Drogba expressed appreciation for the warm reception.

    “We thank you, Dear Excellency @jidesanwoolu, for your warm welcome. The @E1Series and Team Drogba Global Africa can’t wait to come back to vibrant Lagos,” he said.

  • Sanwo-Olu hosts E1 Racing Team, Didier Drogba

    Sanwo-Olu hosts E1 Racing Team, Didier Drogba

    Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to promoting sports through strategic collaborations when he hosted representatives from the E1 Racing Team and Ivory Coast football legend Didier Drogba at the Lagos House, Marina.

    In a statement shared via his X handle, the governor described the meeting as a “fruitful exchange of ideas” focused on exploring potential partnerships to create a vibrant sports culture in Lagos.

    “We encourage collaboration between sports and community engagement, as it highlights our commitment to promoting sports in our state,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    Read Also: Police smash newborn theft, sale syndicate, arrest eight suspects

    He noted that the discussions centred on partnerships to enhance sports development and community engagement across the state, reflecting the government’s efforts to position Lagos as a hub for sporting excellence.

    “We are all for creating a vibrant sports culture in Lagos, and we had a fruitful exchange of ideas exploring potential partnerships,” he added.

    Responding after the meeting, Drogba expressed appreciation for the warm reception.

    “We thank you, Dear Excellency @jidesanwoolu, for your warm welcome. The @E1Series and Team Drogba Global Africa can’t wait to come back to vibrant Lagos.” he said.

  • Drogba not surprised at Tammy’s rise, gets Ballon d’ Or role

     

    Ivory Coast and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba says it is no surprise that Nigeria born Tammy Abraham is displaying traits of greatness adding that he is fast in learning and is determined.

    Drogba who netted 164 goals in his close to a decade sojourn with Chelsea predicted that Abraham and other younger players in the club will do more exploits in the future especially with former Chelsea ace Frank Lampard ready to hand them opportunities to showcase their skills.

    “Yeah, I’ve known him [Abraham] since he’s been [very young].”I am not surprised with what I have seen with Abraham.

    Ivory Coast and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba

    “These are kids we used to see, they used to come and watch us training, and I believe they learned a little bit of our skills, how we read the game,” he enthused in a chat with sky sports.

    Abraham is not the only home-grown star to be thriving at Chelsea, with Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori also getting their big breaks.

    Meanwhile, the former Galatasaray ace has been handed a role as co-host of this year Ballon d’Or scheduled for December 2nd in Paris. Although the Ivorian international did not win the award in the course of his career he was nonetheless nominated a record eight times between 2004 and 2012 when he was literally on fire at the Stamford Bridge.

    He finished 4th in the 2007 edition with 108 points behind Brazil international Kaka emerging winner with 444 points beating Messi and Ronaldo to the second and third place respectively.

    “I would have liked to do better but this fourth place is a great reward,” admits Drogba.

    The 64th Ballon d’Or ceremony will be take place at the end of the year, with Virgil van Dijk the front runner, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as usual in the race for the prestigious award.

     

     

  • My desire is to return Ivorian football to place of pride-Drogba

     

    Ivorian football legend and former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba says his ultimate desire is to take the country’s football to back to its original place of pride.

    Ivory Coast according to him has a glorious football past and everything must be done to return the country to those days of glory.

    Drogba who revealed that Chelsea offered him a coaching role after his contract with the club ended said he turned down the offer because his passion was not in coaching but in leading the Ivorian football Federation with a view to taking the game in the country to the next level, noting that there are tested hands in the country who can effectively work with him to achieve the needed turn around.

    The former Shanghai Shenhua of China ace said “Chelsea offered me the chance to return to them as a coach. “But being a coach does not interest me. I am a leader, and my vision is bigger than just the simple role of being a coach

    “A coach has an impact on a club – but I want to have an impact on an entire nation. I could have stayed at Chelsea, but I think the real challenge is here. I want us to re-think football, with a nationwide vision, so we can develop the game here. The Ivory Coast has a glorious footballing past.

    Former Ivorian captain Drogba

    “The funds are in place, together with talent and potential, but they are under-exploited.

    “There are some very competent people in the Ivory Coast who can work with me on this project, “he enthused.

    Drogba who made over 226 appearances for the Blues scoring 100 goals made 105 appearances for the Elephants of Cote d Ivoire scoring 65 goals.

    The two- time African Footballer of the year was there times in running for the Ballon d Or award finishing 8th, 4th and 9th respectively in the 2006, 2007 and 2009 editions.

  • Drogba, Aguero tear football fans apart

    Adeyinka Akintunde

     

    Football fans are engaged in a debate on who is a better striker between Argentine striker, Sergio Aguero and former Ivory Coast captain, Didier Drogba.

    Drogba is widely remembered for his heroic goal that gave Chelsea the 2012 UEFA Champions League title.

    He scored the equalising goal against FC Bayern Munich and converter he winning penalty for the London Club, in Munich.

    Aguero, on his part, is remembered for the last-minute goal he scored for Manchester City against the Queens’ Park Rangers that gave his side the first English Premier League title in 44 years, also in 2012.

    The two-time African footballer of the year scored 201 goals for the different club sides he played for between 1998 and 2018.

    He recorded the highest with Chelsea, scoring a whopping 100 goals in 226 appearance between 2004 and 2012.

    Read Also: Chelsea fans nostalgic dream Drogba return at 41

    Sergio Aguero, who is celebrating his eight anniversary at Manchester City on Sunday,  has 261 goals from 2003 till date, playing for three clubs, Independente, Atletico Madrid and Manchester City.

    Fans, reacting on twitter,  gave their views on who is better.

    For Kushveer Singh, with handle @Kushveer141 “Aguero now has been the best striker in the PL for years, many rival fans are going to say Kane is better but I don’t recall Kane having to face competition from the likes of Tevez, Balotelli, Dzeko, Negredo, Jovetic and Jesus week in and out.

    However, P. Master @peter_nuhu said “Comparing Drogba with Aguero is like Comparing Nigeria with Kenya” which to me is an insult to Drogba and all Football lovers

    Paindu Reports @PainduReports tweeted “On 28 July 2011, Sergio Aguero arrived at Manchester City and Premier League was never the same again.

    However, Me @_KeneC revealed in his tweet “I will take Drogba over Aguero anyday anytime. Call it sentiment, I do not care. Call me when you see Aguero holding this (the UEFA Champions League trophy)

    An authoritative tweet from Trendy Teacher [Kakamega Finest] @Mitira_Official read “He is Manchester City all-time highest goal-scorer, he scored his 178th City goal against Napoli. Agüero is currently the 6th highest goalscorer in Premier League history, and the highest non-European scorer in the history of the Premier League, with 164 goals. He is above Drogba”, but Oke Umurhohwo @OkeStalfy argued that “Balotelli and Costa will do the job but both will end up with a red card. Zlatan look the good choice but he won’t defend for the team. Drogba is the man for the big occasions. He tracks back, can bully, mark, defend and score key goals at the same time.

  • Weah, Drogba to play at Ambode farewell football match

    The organising committee for Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode farewell football match has confirmed 18 May for the high profile game.

    The epoch match, according to the organisers, would see former World Footballer of the Year and President of Liberia, George Weah play along with notable world football legends including Didier Drogba.

    The Chairman Organising Committee for ‘The Match’, Nigerian ex-international, Wahidi Akanni, in a statement in Lagos on Wednesday,  disclosed that the game was aimed at giving  Ambode a befitting farewell.

    “Gov. Ambode has served Lagos meritoriously for four years, so the match will be played at the newly remodeled Onikan Stadium on 18 May, which is 11 days to his final handover on 29 May.

    “Aside from George Weah and Drogba, other African legends have signed up for the game between African Legends and Ex- Super Eagles’ stars.

    “Others who will play on the side of the African legends are Michael Essien and Samuel Eto’O Fills, ” Akanni said.

    READ ALSO: President Weah’s striker son to join Celtic on loan from PSG

    He also stated that, for the event to have trappings of youth football development,  there would be a football clinic at the Campos Square.

    “The stage has been set for a curtain raiser between Lagos United Under-15 boys and girls against their Kebbi State counterparts.

    “This is to spice up the game aimed to celebrating the sports achievements of Ambode in Lagos State.

    “The U-15 games are aimed at raising awareness for grassroots football development, which has gained prominence across the country.

    “The proceeds from these games will be donated to the children of some ex-internationals who have been finding it difficult to pay school fees,” he said.

  • Didier Drogba set for Stamford Bridge return June 16

     

    Chelsea legend Didier Drogba will make an emotional playing return to Stamford Bridge this summer as part of Soccer Aid 2019.

    The Blues hero, who won 12 major honours with Chelsea, is set to be confirmed as one of the former professionals to play in the annual charity match, scheduled to take place on June 16.

    It will be the first time Drogba, 41, has played at his spiritual home since leaving his second spell at the club back in 2015

    Drogba, who scored 164 goals during his two spells at the club, is sure to receive a hero’s reception back at the Bridge when he turns out for the Rest of the World to play against England given his legendary status among Chelsea supporters.

    The game at Stamford Bridge is the first time Soccer Aid has been played at a club stadium other than Old Trafford in its 13-year history.

    In recent months, the former striker’s foundation has helped pay for a new mobile heart clinic, opened a new school as well as providing computer facilities for various educational projects.

    ‘I am very excited to be coming back to Stamford Bridge to play in Soccer Aid for Unicef,’ Drogba said.

    ‘I am passionate about all children having access to healthcare and education, which is key to Unicef’s work around the world. I’m delighted that my foundation and UNICEF are planning a project together in Cote D’Ivoire.

    Together we can help make a real difference to so many children’s lives, and have a greater impact than ever before.’

    Meanwhile, Chelsea have lodged an appeal against their two window transfer ban, imposed by FIFA.

    The Blues are currently prevented from signing any players either this summer or January for breaking the rules surrounding the transfer of minors.

    FIFA confirmed on Monday that Chelsea – who were also fined £460,000 – have lodged an official appeal against the ruling, with the hearing to take place on April 11.

     

     

     

  • Chelsea fans nostalgic dream Drogba return at 41

     

    Didier Drogba’s 41st birthday caused Chelsea fans to wish for the striker’s return on the pitch.

    The Blues legend, who won four Premier League titles and the Champions League with the club, was present as his former club rescued a late draw against Wolves.

    They had fallen behind to Raul Jimenez’s strike, but Eden Hazard earned a point with a 92nd-minute leveler.

    The toothless attacking display from the hosts had fans lamenting the retirement of the big striker.

    One fan felt Chelsea’s current attacking options paled in comparison to Drogba’s ability at the peak of his powers, and said: ‘Then see what we have now…’

    Yet another said “We can never have a striker like this again”

    Drogba spent eight seasons at Stamford Bridge between 2004 and 2011, before returning for a Premier League-winning campaign in 2014.

    In total, Drogba managed 164 goals in 381 appearances for the club, cementing his reputation as a legendary figure for his role in the 2012 Champions League triumph.

    At the national level Drogba contributed to the Ivory Coast to qualify for its first ever FIFA World Cup, held in Germany in 2006.

    In February 2006, Drogba captained the Ivory Coast to their second Africa Cup of Nations final, scoring the only goal in their semi-final match with Nigeria and putting away the deciding spot-kick in their record-tying 12–11 penalty shootout quarter-final win over Cameroon.

    However, they lost in the final to Egypt 4–2 on penalty kicks after a 0–0 draw, with Drogba’s shot being stopped by Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary. He was not only a fighter on the pitch but was a motivator in chief for the Elephants. The former Marseille ace made over 105 appearances for the Elephants scoring 65 goals.