The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Hull City

  • Football: Cousin named as Gabon coach after Aubame

    Former Hull City and Rangers striker, Daniel Cousin is the new Gabon coach after the father of the country’s leading player, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, turned down the job.
    Cousin’s appointment has been confirmed by the Gabon Football Federation ( FEGAFOOT ), who were last week heavily criticised by Aubameyang for the arbitrary appointment of his father Pierre Aubame as co-coach alongside Cousin.
    Arsenal striker Aubymeyang said his father had not agreed to the job before being announced as a national coach, was ill and did not want the job anyway, leading to an embarrassing retraction by the federation.

    Read Also: In Gabon, an app to boost academic performance

    Aubameyang, the 2015 African Footballer of the Year, said the original announcement was “another example of the federation’s amateurism” but FEGAFOOT said they were pressured into it by the sports minister, without explaining why.

    Aubame also captained the national team, was among Gabon’s first exports to French league football and had previously served as an assistant coach with the Gabon team.

    Cousin replaces former Spain manager Juan Antonio Camacho, who was fired after winning just two matches in his two-year spell as Gabon coach.

    Cousin takes charge for the first time when Gabon faces South Sudan in Libreville on Oct. 12 and the same opposition in Juba four days later.

    The country needs all six points to revive hopes of qualifying for next year’s African Nations Cup finals.

  • Aluko fires Fulham to victory

    Aluko fires Fulham to victory

    Nigeria international Sone Aluko was on target as Fulham secured a 3-1 home triumph over Preston North End to continue their Premier League promotion charge on Saturday.

    The Cottagers – who are yet to lose a league game since their 1-0 defeat to Birmingham City on February 4, were in fine form as they gained the upper hand against Simon Grayson at Craven Cottage.

    Aluko put his team ahead with a 22nd minute strike before Chris Martin doubled the lead. In the 68th minute, Tom Barkhuizen reduced the deficit for the visitors, while the Nigerian provided an assist for Neeskens Kebano for the winning goal.

    However, the 28-year-old former Hull City midfielder was replaced in the 88th minute by Denis Odoi. With this victory, Fulham are seventh on the Championship log with 61 points from 34 games.

    They host Leeds United in their next game on Tuesday. A win for them would brighten their chances of a return to the English topflight.

  • EFL Cup: Man United beat Hull City to setup Southampton final

    EFL Cup: Man United beat Hull City to setup Southampton final

    Manchester United have qualified for the final of the EFL Cup final despite falling to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Hull City in the second leg of their semi-final at the KC Stadium.

    Goals from Tom Huddlestone and Oumar Niasse either side of a Paul Pogba strike saw the Tigers pick up their first win over United since 1974, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the 2-0 deficit from the first leg at Old Trafford as Jose Mourinho’s side won 3-2 on aggregate.

    The opener came from the spot after Jonathan Moss controversially adjudged Rojo to have tugged the shirt of Maguire from a corner, allowing Huddlestone to step up and bury his inch-perfect penalty into the bottom corner.

    However, the Red Devils equaliser came from nothing as Huddlestone’s attempts to track Marcus Rashford down the left channel only saw him divert the ball into a dangerous area, and Pogba reacted quickest to poke his finish into the bottom corner.

    With five minutes remaining the hosts cut the aggregate deficit back to just one goal with a simple finish from Baye Oumar Niasse at the back post after David Meyler had turned Markovic’s diagonal ball back across the six-yard box.

    The game ended with Hull City beating Manchester United 2-1 on the night but they qualified on a 3-2 aggregate and will play Southampton in the final at Wembley.

  • Hull City secures promotion to Premiership

    Hull City secures promotion to Premiership

    A Mohamed Diame wonder strike was enough for Hull City to secure victory in the Championship play-off final against Sheffield Wednesday at Wembley yesterday.

    The midfielder’s curling right-footed shot from 25 yards sealed Hull’s immediate return to the Premier League.

    Steve Bruce’s side dominated what was a tense affair at times, with Diame striking a post in the first half. The Owls struggled to impose themselves as their 16-year exile from the top flight was prolonged. They had a late handball shout turned down when Jeremy Helan’s stoppage-time shot appeared to be blocked by Michael Dawson’s arms.

    Senegal midfielder Diame’s 10th goal of the season was his most important to date in a Hull shirt, with promotion to the Premier League estimated to be worth at least £170m.

  • Hull City boss praises Akpom

    Hull City boss praises Akpom

    Hull City manager Steve Bruce has showered encomiums on Nigerian youngster Chuba Akpom for a wonderful start in the English Championship, saying the Arsenal loanee will get better as the season progresses.

    Bruce has seen Akpom net his first senior goals with sumptuous finishes against Huddersfield and Accrington and he said he can only get better.

    “He has a lot to do and a lot to learn. But, in terms of raw talent, you don’t have to watch him long to realise the natural ability that he has. Only a few are blessed with that,” said the Hull City manager.

    “He has to learn and this league will teach him that. Had he scored (against Wolves), that would have been three in three for him. It’s been a wonderful start.

    “He turns round and runs at defenders, that is when it is tough for the opposition. He has an outstanding chance because of his ability.”

  • Akpom on song for Hull City

    Akpom on song for Hull City

    Nigerian youngster Chuba Akpom opened his goals’ account in the English Championship with Hull City in a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town Saturday.

    The Arsenal loanee scored for Hull City in the 72nd minute to seal his team’s victory.

    Fellow Nigeria star Sone Aluko was a 65th minute sub for Hull as he replaced Ryan Taylor.

    Nigeria’s Adedeji Oshilaja and Emmanuel Osadebe hit target for Gillingham as they pummeled Sheffield Wednesday 4-0.

    Osadebe, who joined the League One team from Tottenham Hotspur Foundation College programme, opened the scoring for his side in the seventh minute, before Adedeji scored in the 44th minute to end the first half 2-0.

    Jonathan Chiedozie Obika was on the scorers’ sheet for Swindon Town in a 4-1 win over Brandford City.

    The 24-year-old forward scored the fouth goal.

  • Hull City earns vital win against Liverpool

    Hull City earns vital win against Liverpool

    Hull City earned a vital win in their battle against relegation from the Premier League by beating Liverpool 1-0 last night.

    Michael Dawson’s goal was enough to lift the Tigers four points clear of the relegation zone and inflict a damaging blow to Liverpool’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

    Mario Balotelli had an early chance for the Reds after winning a free kick in the opening minutes, but his attempt from the resulting set piece deflected wide of the post.

    The visitors then came close to breaking the deadlock as Dame N’Doye met Sone Aluko’s cross, but Simon Mignolet got down to beat his header to safety.

    Liverpool began to take control of the match and Philippe Coutinho forced a save from Steve Harper after meeting Jordan Henderson’s low corner.

    The Reds continued to press and midway through the first half Balotelli was picked out inside the box by Raheem Sterling, before attempting to score from a back heel, but his effort was straight at the keeper.

    Moments later Hull almost caught the visitors out on the break, as Robbie Brady burst down the left before driving in a low cross that was beaten away by Mignolet. The ball then dropped kindly to Jake Livermore, but his header was clawed away by the keeper.

    The Tigers did manage to punish their opponents by taking the lead in the 37th minute, as Michael Dawson found himself free inside the box to head Tom Huddlestone’s cross into the far corner.

    Liverpool looked for a quick response and Henderson saw his hooked attempt from Jordon Ibe’s delivery palmed away by Harper.

    On the stroke of half time, the Reds created another decent opportunity to score when Glen Johnson raced to the byline and pulled the ball across the face of goal.

     

     

    but none of his teammates were able to get a touch as Hull took their lead into the break.

    After the break, Henderson was denied by Harper again, as his stinging volley from the edge

     

    of the box was tipped behind by the keeper.

    Henderson looked to be his side’s best hope of grabbing an equaliser and he fired in a

     

    powerful drive from range that required Harper to make another stop.

    Adam Lallana was next to threaten for the Reds, but after cutting inside from the right, his

     

    curling effort edged narrowly wide of the far post.

    Despite a barrage of late pressure from the visitors, they were unable to find a way past the

     

    Hull defence, as the home side held on to claim the three points.

  • FA Cup: Can Arsenal end nine-year trophy drought?

    FA Cup: Can Arsenal end nine-year trophy drought?

    Can Arsenal end a nine-year trophy drought in Saturday’s English FA Cup final against Hull City?

    The match starts at 5pm Nigerian time in Wembley.

    The pressure is on Arsenal ahead of the game because of its clear favourites tag and the quality of players expected to be on duty for the Arsene Wenger side on Saturday evening.

    Interestingly, it was in this tournament back in 2005 that the north London club secured their last piece of silverware, when they beat Manchester United on penalties.

    The win against the Tigers today could bring back Arsenal’s lost glory.

    The “Gunners” have since lost two League Cup finals (in 2007 and 2011) and were beaten by Barcelona in the 2006 Champions League final.

    Probably, the most painful defeat was in the 2007 Carling Cup final when Wenger‘s men surprisingly lost to Birmingham City. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and centre-half Laurent Koscielny howler gave Alex McLeish’s side their first piece of silverware since 1963. Substitute Obafemi Martins’ 89th minute strike separated the two sides.

    Arsenal started the season on a bright note, raising hope of the club’s supporters that they could challenge for the English Premier League title, but floundered as the season entered home stretch. But as usual, the club secured Champions League football for a 17th consecutive season.

    Wenger is quite aware of the fans’ expectation on Saturday and has expressed confidence that the pressure of the club’s nine-year trophy drought will not derail his side against Hull City.

    “No matter what the result is, this club — and this is always most important — can deal with the consequences of any game,” Wenger said.

    “What is important is that we come out of the game and have the feeling that we gave absolutely our best, our total energy to play at our best, and then you always accept the consequences.

    “No matter how much we talk about it, you can win and lose, but you want to come out of the game feeling you have done the maximum to win and that is what we want to achieve.”
    Should Arsenal leave Wembley without the FA Cup, the questions will rise again about whether he can ever regain the touch of a decade ago, and whether he has lost the ability that came as second nature after he arrived at Highbury in September 1996.

    Wenger has shown every indication of extending his stay as Arsenal manager, dismissing rumoured interest from former club Monaco. But how would such disappointment sit with him and a passionate fan base desperate for trophies rather than the consolation of a top-four place in the Premier League?

    If Arsenal wins, however, Wenger has every right to paint the season as a successful one.

    20 years to the week since lifting the FA Cup as captain of Manchester United, memories of that illustrious day still burns as intensely as ever for Hull’s boss Steve Bruce.

    In an illustrious playing career which also yielded three Premier League titles, European Cup Winners’ Cup and Super Cup honours, Bruce admits his three FA Cup winners’ medals – the latter as a non-playing squad member in 1996 – have an extra-special place.

    During his nine years as a player with Manchester United he prepared for the FA Cup final on no fewer than four occasions in six years. Wins came in 1990 and 1994 before defeat followed in 1995. A year later he failed to make the cut as United beat Liverpool.

    Bruce relishes the role of underdog against ‘mighty Arsenal’ ahead of the encounter and an FA Cup final against Arsenal, the biggest fixture of his managerial career.
    “It’s just dawned on me that we’re here,” said Bruce, surveying the room.

    “I’ve been fortunate enough to win it before but to go as a manager I never thought that would be possible. I’m going to enjoy the occasion and take a deep breath. There can’t be anything better than what we’re about to go through.”

    “It can be over in a blur,” said Bruce, offering early words of advice. “Not many of them are married but I told the players it’s a bit like your wedding day. Before you know it, you’re married and before you know it, the FA Cup final’s gone.

    “That’s what it was like for me. You’ve got to try to grasp the occasion and enjoy it. If you’re not careful, it just goes past you.

    “The memories of the FA Cup are the ones you cherish, when you’ve finished your playing career. The ones you really remember are your FA Cup days and believe me, it’s far better when you’ve won one than when you’ve lost one.

    “I’ve experienced losing but more importantly I’ve experienced winning, so let’s hope it’s our day.”

    Arsenal finished the season fourth on the table while Hull City ended 16th in the Premiership table.

     

  • Aluko in Palace radar

    Aluko in Palace radar

    Hull City attacker, Sone Aluko, may join English Premier League struggler Crystal Palace during the winter transfer window, MTNFootball.com reports.

    MTNFootball.com says Hull City wants to cash in on him rather than let him go for free in the summer.

    The injured Nigeria star turned down the Hull City contract extension offer recently and the Achilles injury he sustained during an EPL match has halted further talks and that may be counterproductive for City.

    Palace is relegation-threatened and need goal getters like Aluko to strengthen its attack force, the report says.

    Aluko has scored one goal in eight appearances for Hull City this season in the EPL before he got injured.

     

  • Aluko moves closer to new deal at Hull

    Aluko moves closer to new deal at Hull

    Sone Aluko is reportedly closing in on a new deal with his current employers Hull City.

    The 24-year old midfielder has been impressive for the Tigers opening five Premier League fixtures this season, scoring a superb winner at Newcastle United last Saturday, futaa.com reports.

    The Nigeria international is reportedly eager to sign on for longer spell even though his current contract has another 12 months to run.

    “We have just started talking. The focus is on games and getting fit again. I am sure it will get done.

    “No doubt it will drag on, as negotiations do, but I am relaxed about it. It’s football so nothing would surprise you but I am sure it will get done, “futaa.com quoted Aluko as saying on express.co.uk

    City boss, Steve Bruce, who gave Aluko his debut at Birmingham aged 16, is also eager to tie the Nigerian down to a new deal in a bid to replace the current one which runs out by the end of the current season.