TheNewsGuru

Tag: football

  • Just in: Leverkusen fires Erik ten Hag after three games

    Just in: Leverkusen fires Erik ten Hag after three games

    Erik ten Hag’s time at Bayer Leverkusen has come to a swift end. Appointed as Xabi Alonso’s replacement earlier this summer, Ten Hag has lasted just three games in charge.

    He won his opening match in the DFB-Pokal, but Leverkusen then lost their first Bundesliga game to Hoffenheim before most recently drawing 3-3 with 10-man Werder Bremen despite being 3-1 ahead at one stage.

    The former Manchester United boss was appointed as Xabi Alonso’s replacement ahead of the 2025/26 season.

    Leverkusen won their first match of the season in the DFB-Pokal but then lost their Bundesliga opener at home against Hoffenheim.

    They then blew a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 against 10-man Werder Bremen on Saturday.

    Leverkusen have undergone major upheaval over the summer, not only losing head coach Alonso but also several key players.

  • Just in: Ruud Van Nistelrooy finally quits Leicester

    Just in: Ruud Van Nistelrooy finally quits Leicester

    Leicester City Football Club have announced the immediate departure of First Team Manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract.

    The Dutchman, who took over managerial duties at the King Power Stadium in November 2024, exits after a challenging period for the club.

    In an official statement, Leicester praised Van Nistelrooy’s professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the club’s long-term goals, including his role in integrating academy players into the first team.

    “Ruud moves on with the respect and thanks of everyone at the Football Club for his dedication and hard work,” the statement read.

    Van Nistelrooy also expressed gratitude for his time at the club, saying: “I would like to personally thank the Leicester City players, coaches, academy and all the staff I have worked with for their professionalism and dedication during my time at the Club and to thank the fans for their support. I wish the Club well for the future.”

    The club’s statement stressed that preparations for the upcoming EFL Championship season will continue as scheduled, with pre-season set to begin on Monday, June 30. The club’s current coaching staff will oversee training until a new manager is appointed.

    Leicester City stated that there will be no further comment until the recruitment process is complete.

  • NFF unveils official Bank of national teams

    NFF unveils official Bank of national teams

    The Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday onboarded Premium Trust Bank as the Official Bank of the NFF and the National Teams, at a colourful signing ceremony in the Federal Capital, Abuja.

    President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON, who revealed that the agreement will be four years during which the leading financial institution will pay the football-ruling body the sum of N300 Million annually (with a built-in clause for 10% increase every year), thanked the organization for its significant support and encouragement of Nigeria sports in less than three years of its existence.

    “We are excited to be associated with Premium Trust Bank because of its credible, close relationship with sports over its less-than-three-years life in the financial sector. During our interactions leading to the signing of this agreement, I was moved by the palpable enthusiasm and commitment of the organization to supporting and encouraging Nigerian youth all the way from the grassroots to stardom.”

    Managing Director/CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim CON, enumerated the corporate entity’s support for sports since its birth, including partnership with the Athletic Federation of Nigeria; support for Nigeria’s world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles Tobi Amusan; sponsorship of the 2022 National Sports Festival in Delta State; support for Bayelsa Queens in its CAF Women Champions League campaign in Morocco and; sponsorship of the 2024 Abuja Half Marathon, among others. The bank, which prides itself as “a leading 21st century financial institution providing innovative solutions, which impacts its customers and communities to make a positive difference in their world,” is also billed as official sponsor of this year’s National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

    “We have been very deliberate in our support for sports, because we are deliberate when it comes to impacting lives. Our belief is that the private sector has a role to play in providing the platform for the youth to showcase their positive talents and be useful to themselves and the nation, thereby supporting the efforts of the government.

    “We recognize football as a strong unifying factor in a highly diversified nation like ours. Supporting the NFF and football to identify talents from the grassroots and nurturing them to stardom, and thus contributing to national development, is a clarion call that we have heeded and are stoutly committed to. I believe our coming into this space will definitely take Nigeria Football to new heights of excellence.”

    Gusau used the opportunity to assure Nigerians that his administration is wholly committed to improving Nigeria Football in all facets, and stated that “while celebrating the coming of Premium Trust Bank which is the first huge partnership that we are signing, we call on credible corporate entities like the bank to come forward and support the Nigeria game.”

    Also present at the occasion were Chairman of NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa; Chairman of NFF Security Sub-Committee, Alhaji Babagana Kalli; NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi MON; PTB’s Executive Director, Mr. Shina Atilola; NFF Director of Finance & Admin, Paulinus Anameje; NFF Head of Audit, Mathew Iyere; NFF Head of Marketing and Sponsorship, Alizor Chuks; PTB’s Chief Business Officer, Uloma Chukwueke; PTB’s Chief Legal Officer, Chukwuemeka Nwaogu; NFF Head of Protocol, Barnabas Joro; NFF Chief Legal Officer, Barr. Queen Otarakpo; SA to NFF President, Danladi Umar; Peter Tade Adekunle and; Dennis Olorungbemi.

  • Burna Boy delves into football, launches academy

    Burna Boy delves into football, launches academy

    Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, has launched the “Burna Boy Football Academy,” with training centers in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. The academy aims to create an environment where the next generation of African players can learn football fundamentals alongside education, discipline, and technique, preparing them for success beyond the sport.

    The academy’s website states that the program is open to players aged 4-15 and 16-21, with training sessions held three times a week for two hours each session. The academy has partnered with several top-tier football clubs, including Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City, and Brighton from the English Premier League, as well as Watford from the Championship and Scottish clubs Hearts and Hamilton.

    “We strive to engage parents in sports education, emphasizing its importance alongside academic pursuits,” the academy said on its website.

  • Check out eight uncommon standard rules in football

    Check out eight uncommon standard rules in football

    There are many football rules relatively strange to many football fans out there, Whenever, they stumble on such uncommon rules they marvel and sometimes question referee’s decision, acceptance or players’ application of such rules.
    These are rules that do not form the day to day football rules but can sometimes pop up in the game of football.
    TheNewsGuru.com  takes readers on a familiarization route of such uncommon rules in football.
    The Coach Can Play For The Team If He Wants To: Many might not know this but a coach is part of the team and can sub a player and step on the pitch to play. A typical example is with Gianluca Vialli who used to play for Juventus and later coached Chelsea, he was still capable of playing and so usually subbed himself when the need arises for him to step in. So don’t be surprised when one day a coach decides to play for his team.
     Referees Can Be Substituted: For most of our lives that we’ve watched football, it is not common to see a referee being subbed but in the Fifa soccer rules, this is accepted. If a referee is unable to continue with the match, he can be subbed with an assistant referee to take over the match.
     Linesmen Can Issue Cards: The assistant coach is supposed to inform the referee of offenses which happened on his blind side and decide whether to give a card. If the referee gives the mandate to the linesman, he can issue a card based on what he saw, but the responsibility lies on the referee to give the assistant referee the go ahead according to the Fifa Rule 6.
     A player cannot be offside from a goal kick, corner or throw-in: During goal kick, corner or throw-in, even if the player is in an off-side position, it is not counted. This has caused many teams goals when they assume it is an off-side and it takes them by surprise.
     A substitute cannot take a corner or a throw-in to restart the match: When a ball goes out for a throw-in and the team decides to sub a player, the new player who just stepped in cannot take the throw to restart the match. You probably never knew this right?
     It is illegal for a goalkeeper to roll his sleeves up: A goalkeeper is allowed to wear long sleeves due to their role but one thing they cannot do is to roll the sleeves up to form a short sleeve, they can be given a card for that.
    A goalkeeper can’t pick the ball once he has let it out of his possession until another player has touched it. After catching a ball, a goalkeeper can’t pick up the ball again if he decide to drop it until another player has touched it. If he disobeys, he will receive a card it is either for him to kick it or allow another player to pass it back to him before he can pick it up.
    A linesman can officiate a match: itis absolutely legal for an assistant referee to take over the match and officiate if the referee can’t continue with the match, so basically a linesman is also a referee who can do everything a ref does.
  • My countrymen abandoned me when I needed them most – Samson Siasia laments

    My countrymen abandoned me when I needed them most – Samson Siasia laments

    Ex-Super Eagles international, Samson Siasia has said Nigeria abandoned him at a critical point of his life.

    He told a foreign sports journal: “Nigeria abandoned me at that time of need, that’s my own take on how this thing played out,” .

    “It’s an allegation, they said bribery. What is bribery? Is it not when money changes hands? was there any proof of that? There was none.

    “I spoke with someone that was trying to hire me as a coach in Australia. I didn’t know the guy was a match-fixer, but FIFA knew this guy. Why would they allow him to be around any FIFA tournament?

    “So when they found out through emails, our correspondence about how this guy would take me to Australia. I played in Australia, so I felt it would be nice to go back there.

    “We talked about how much salaries, transfers, bonuses, sign-on fees, and that was all.

    “When FIFA was looking for me, I didn’t even know. I am not affiliated to FIFA, their affiliation is with the NFF. So they went to the NFF and told them not to let me know that they were investigating me. But if they didn’t tell me, how was I supposed to defend myself?

    “Then they sent me a letter, but it went to my spam. It was two days before the ban that I found out that FIFA was looking for me. Then we started to see how we could communicate with them to see how I could have a hearing. But they said the time had elapsed and I should go to CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sports).

    “For me to do that was like two days. To find a sports lawyer in this country is not easy. You can hardly find one. So we struggled and managed. I can tell you that the boy we took to write the appeal brief for me to get that hearing is suing me up till today.

    “It has been dragging because he said I have to pay €300,000 even though our initial agreement was in euros. I’m still struggling with that one just because Nigerians couldn’t stand up on their feet and check what was going on.”

  • Croatian police arrest 50 persons after football violence erupted in Split

    Croatian police arrest 50 persons after football violence erupted in Split

    The Croatian football semi-final clash that left 17 police officers injured after football fans clashed with authorities have landed about fifty persons involved in the crisis  in police net.

    The violence kicked off late Wednesday when fans of Hajduk Split rushed the field following their team’s 0-1 loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the national cup semi-finals.

    Hundreds of Hajduk Split’s ultra fan base, known as the Torcida, tried to repel attack from the visiting team and its supporters.

    A police source said that the 17 officers got injured trying to intervene in the crisis.

    After being pushed back into the stands, where the fans were ripping off the seats and throwing them along with flares at the officers, violence later spilled in the streets surrounding the stadium.

    “Large groups of people on several occasions attacked police throwing flares, bottles, stones and other objects at them”, the statement said.

    The officers got  injured, mostly by objects thrown at them, and three were hospitalised, one with serious injuries, the statement said.

    One police vehicle was also damaged and 54 people were arrested, and firefighters were called to the scene to extinguish several blazes started in nearby dumpsters.

    The violence was condemned by officials including Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who said there was no “place for violence in sports”.

  • SAD! Nigeria’s football icon, mathematical Segun Odegbami loses son, Gbemi

    SAD! Nigeria’s football icon, mathematical Segun Odegbami loses son, Gbemi

    Oluwagbeminiyi, son of Nigeria’s most popular ex-international, Patrick Olusegun Odegbami, Oluwagbeminiyi is dead.

    The 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner with the then Green Eagles, disclosed this in a tribute he wrote in his memory.

    Odegbami, popularly known in his hey days as: “Mathematical Segun Odegbami,” wrote: “Oluwagbeminiyi Omo Odegbami – the simple pilgrim returns home!

    “It is completely impossible to think that I am writing about Oluwagbeminiyi Omo Odegbami in the past tense.

    “One day to Good Friday, his message woke me up whilst I was in Accra, Ghana. He wanted my summary of the synopsis of the documentary project we were working on.

    “I told him not to wait for me but to go ahead and apply his abundant creativity to the project. I was not exaggerating. Gbemi was an unknown and unappreciated G. He was a highly gifted, multi-talented young man. His writing skills, poetic literature in musical lyrics, rapping, elocution when he reads, and unique culinary skills, were all in this laid back young man whose life is simple, spartan and secluded, with no intention whatsoever to disturb the equilibrium of the chaotic world around him.

    “Four hours after our exchange, I receive the first of endless phone calls that eventful day, last Thursday: Gbemi is not feeling well; Gbemi is being taken to a hospital; the hospital has referred Gbemi to another hospital.

    “I direct that he be taken to a specialist hospital. His situation is critical. The hospital works on him for hours. Twelve hours after our first communication, and exactly 5 minutes past midnight, at the birth of Good Friday (a significant day in Christendom), the doctors call me for the umpteenth time that day to break my heart with the news that haunts me till now – Gbemi has passed on!

    “Would it have happened had I not travelled? Would I have handled his situation better? It was a shocking, devastating, painful and incomprehensible news. Good people should not die! Why should this young man, at the start of a new exciting chapter of his life, die so suddenly? Except, of course, (and I now believe so) that it is part of a divine plot that his spirit catches up with that of the ‘dead’ on Good Friday, his sins and transgressions wiped away on the cross of Calvary through Grace at Easter. His soul must be resting peacefully now with the Creator of the Universe.

    “This ‘sermon’ has become my consolation. This kind, gentle and simple heart, must no longer be tortured by the difficult challenges of his life in his world over which he had little control.

    “Gbemi, until his death, was unfamiliar with world’s complex ways. His easy going life was totally harmless to anyone. His love riveted on his little son, his mother, his sisters, his music, his cooking, his song-writing, his friends and his current work in the radio station – probably in that order.

    “He finally found peace, plus the space and opportunity to express his multiple skills without the pressure of any external scrutiny, enjoying his productions in sights, performances and sounds.

    “Then death comes like a thief in the night to steal all of that, snatch him away and leave us with a yawning space in the puzzle of life. Personally, this hurts real bad.

    “I miss Oluwagbeminiyi Omo Odegbami, an absolutely brilliant mind that is encapsulated in the frail body of a simple and gentle pilgrim. He came to the world, played his part quietly amidst unbelievable challenges, and now departs leaving a legacy of love and kindness to all those he encountered on his journey.

    “He told me some weeks ago that what he had missed the most in his life were the love, guidance and friendship of a father, but that he was happy to have finally found them in a relationship with me.

    “Adieu Son, as you return (on the 4th day) to our Creator this morning!”

  • From Tackles to Transformation: How Football is Scoring Social Goals in Nigeria

    From Tackles to Transformation: How Football is Scoring Social Goals in Nigeria

    From fostering peace to empowering youth, football is driving social change in Nigeria. Discover the inspiring initiatives and individuals using the beautiful game for a greater purpose.

    Beyond the Pitch: How Football is Transforming Communities in Nigeria

    Nigeria, a nation where football ignites passion and fuels national pride, is witnessing the beautiful game’s power to transcend the pitch. Football is increasingly becoming a catalyst for social change, tackling complex issues and empowering communities across the country. Follow football livescore and yesterday livescore and learn how this beloved sport is impacting lives and driving positive transformation in Nigeria.

    A Unifying Force: Football Fostering Peace and Reconciliation

    · Breaking Down Barriers: In conflict zones, football tournaments bring together communities divided by ethnicity or religion, promoting dialogue and understanding.

    · Promoting Peace Education: Initiatives like “Goals for Peace” use football to teach conflict resolution skills and peaceful coexistence to young people.

    · Rebuilding Communities: After disasters, football projects help rebuild damaged infrastructure and provide a sense of normalcy and hope for affected communities.

    Empowering Youth: Education, Skills, and Opportunity

    · Bridging the Gap: Football academies offer scholarships and combine sporting training with academic education, improving life chances for underprivileged youth.

    · Developing Life Skills: Through football, young people learn teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills that benefit them on and off the field.

    · Creating Career Paths: Football provides a platform for talented individuals to pursue professional careers, escaping poverty and inspiring others.

    Championing Gender Equality: Breaking Stereotypes and Empowering Girls

    · Girls Take the Pitch: Initiatives like “Girls Can Play” encourage girls to participate in football, challenging cultural norms and promoting gender equality.

    · Role Models Emerge: Female football stars like Asisat Oshoala inspire young girls to dream big and defy societal expectations.

    · Building Confidence and Leadership: Football empowers girls to develop their voices and become active participants in their communities.

    Promoting Health and Well-being: Addressing Social Issues

    · Fighting HIV/AIDS: Football campaigns raise awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention and encourage responsible behaviour, particularly among young people.

    · Combating Substance Abuse: Football programs provide alternative activities and positive role models to help youth avoid substance abuse.

    · Promoting Mental Health: Initiatives use football to address mental health issues and provide support to individuals struggling with anxiety or depression.

    Challenges and Opportunities: Building a Sustainable Future

    · Funding and Resources: Ensuring long-term sustainability requires continued investment in infrastructure, training programs, and community support.

    · Preventing Exploitation: Safeguarding young athletes from abuse and guaranteeing their security and welfare in football initiatives.

    · Scaling Up Impact: Expanding successful initiatives and partnerships to reach wider communities and maximize their positive impact.

    Join the Movement: Be a Part of the Change

    · Support Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations using football for social change in Nigeria.

    · Spread Awareness: Share stories and information about these initiatives to inspire others and encourage support.

    · Champion Change: Leverage your voice to spotlight social challenges and push for policies that enhance football’s beneficial influence.

    Beyond the Game: How Football in Nigeria Champions Social Change, Unity, and Empowerment

    Football in Nigeria is more than just a game – it’s a powerful force for social change, uniting communities, empowering individuals, and creating a brighter future. By recognizing its potential, supporting existing initiatives, and advocating for progress, we can ensure that the beautiful game continues to score goals for social good in Nigeria and beyond.

  • What is the role of fourth officials in football?

    What is the role of fourth officials in football?

    Many people see the 4th officials as the unsung heroes of football. Right now you can go to 1xbet.co.ke – betting login now and make a wager on all actions where they are involved.

    They have plenty of tasks, with the 4 most important of them being:

    • being timekeepers;
    • calming down coaches;
    • taking charge of substitutions;
    • and being the substitute referee in case the main official is unable to continue performing in a match.

    You can always login at 1xBet now to start betting on anything that is related to the job of the 4th officials.

    Performing some important duties

    In 1st place, and as already introduced, 4th officials are timekeepers. When you see that board showing added minutes, it’s the 4th official announcing how much time was lost, and therefore, how much extra time must be played. Feel free to try 1xBetmobi and wager on things that may happen during added time.

    Sometimes it can happen that coaches can be too vehement when disagreeing with a decision from the main referee. Here the 4th official can also intervene on behalf of the main referee and calm things down a bit. If you think that a coach will be sent off from a match, you may want to try the 1xBet mobi options and wager on such occurrences.

    They are also quite visible during substitutions. 4th officials not only show the numbers in that big board. They also ensure that the player is allowed to play.

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    Some numbers regarding their tasks

    Let’s talk about numbers. On average, a fourth official oversees around 25 games a season. You can try betting football online on 1xBet on all the games where they participate. That’s 25 times they’re on the sidelines, making split-second decisions and keeping the touchline in check.

    And don’t forget injury time. The 4th official is the one keeping track. In a study of Premier League matches, they recorded about 7 minutes of added time in the 2019/2020 season. That’s 7 minutes of nail-biting action, thanks to the 4th official’s timekeeping skills.

    But it’s not all glory. Sometimes, they get an earful from frustrated coaches or players. For this reason, it is important they keep their cool. There is online football betting on 1xBet that can be tried, and here you can also place wagers on what is likely to happen during the added time period too.

    Finally, sometimes it may happen that the main referee gets injured. Although rare, football organizations must be ready for such an occurrence, and in this case, of course, the 4th official can replace the main official if needed.