Football
NPFL declares Lekan Salami Stadium unfit for matches (DETAILS)
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has declared the Lekan Salami Stadium, home of Shooting Stars Sporting Club (3SC), unfit for hosting matches due to the poor condition of its playing surface, according to TheAthletic.
This decision comes less than three years after the stadium underwent a significant rehabilitation project in September 2021.
The Oyo State Government invested approximately N5.5 billion in the stadium’s renovation, but the quality of the refurbishment has come into question.
The NPFL has now issued an ultimatum to 3SC and six other affected clubs, including Sunshine Stars, Plateau United, and Kwara United, to repair their stadiums ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Davidson Owumi, the NPFL’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized that clubs failing to meet the required standards will be required to play their home games at alternative venues.
Additionally, the league has raised concerns about the lack of essential broadcast support facilities, such as elevated camera stands, which are crucial for modern sports broadcasting.
The upcoming NPFL season is scheduled to kick off on August 31, 2024, and the league has planned its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for July 15 and 16 in Lagos. The AGM will review the previous season and outline plans for the forthcoming one.
This situation has cast a spotlight on the quality of the renovation work carried out by Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd, the contractors responsible for the stadium’s upgrade.
The NPFL’s directive is seen as a positive move towards ensuring that stadiums adhere to the necessary standards for safety and a better viewing experience for fans.
The affected clubs have been notified, and the pressure is on to comply with the NPFL’s directive promptly. The resolution of this issue is critical as it could impact the start of the new season, and fans are keenly awaiting updates on the stadium rehabilitations.
Despite the stadium issues, Shooting Stars had a strong home performance in the recently concluded NPFL season, securing 18 wins, 8 draws, and 12 losses, and finishing 4th on the NPFL table.
Football
Lookman Returns To Training Following Departure From Super Eagles Camp
Ademola Lookman has resumed light training with Atalanta, just days after leaving the Super Eagles camp due to an injury concern.
The winger featured for Nigeria in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny.
Despite his efforts, he did not find the back of the net as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Lookman left the camp before Nigeria’s subsequent 2-1 defeat to Rwanda on Sunday, missing the encounter entirely.
Now, the 27-year-old appears to be on the road to recovery.
Reports from Calcio News24 confirm that Lookman returned to light training on Wednesday, a positive step toward regaining full fitness.
BUNDESLIGA
Leroy Sane Breaks Silence On Arsenal Transfer Rumors
Leroy Sane has revealed ongoing talks with Bayern Munich about extending his contract at the Allianz Arena, signaling his reluctance to consider a return to the Premier League.
The German winger, who joined Bayern from Manchester City in 2020, is now in the final year of his current deal.
This situation has sparked interest from Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool, especially after Sane’s hesitation to commit to an extension last year.
From January, clubs outside Germany can legally initiate discussions with Sane regarding a potential transfer. However, the 28-year-old has delivered a significant setback to his suitors, expressing his preference to remain at Bayern if terms can be agreed.
Since arriving in Munich, Sane has made a strong impact, contributing 51 goals and 50 assists across 186 appearances.
Despite featuring mostly from the bench this season under Vincent Kompany, Sane has reiterated his commitment to Bayern. In an interview with BILD, he stated: “We are in talks. I feel comfortable in Munich. I feel really comfortable. Talks are very good. My focus is currently only on Bayern.”
Addressing the possibility of a Premier League return, Sane was clear about his priorities. “I follow Premier League football, but the attraction for me lies in the club where I can show my best performance, develop, and win titles. I have that at Bayern,” he said.
Although Sane has seen limited starts this season, Kompany—his former Manchester City teammate—has acknowledged the winger’s influence. Speaking after Bayern’s recent win against Benfica, Kompany praised Sane’s contribution: “Leroy changed the game, you could say that. Leroy did very well after he was subbed on.
“I’m very happy to have the quality of Leroy Sane and Michael Olise in the same position, not to forget Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry. They have all scored goals and contributed well so far this season.”
Manchester United and Arsenal, who were reportedly preparing to battle for Sane’s signature, may now be forced to reconsider their plans.
Both clubs were eager to secure the services of a player with proven Premier League credentials, including two league titles and a PFA Young Player of the Year award from his time at Manchester City.
EPL
Real Madrid Star Endrick Could Make Shock EPL Move After Transfer Talk
Southampton, currently rooted at the bottom of the Premier League table, are eyeing an ambitious January transfer window with a potential move for Real Madrid’s young talent, Endrick. However, the Saints may face stiff competition for his signature.
The 18-year-old Brazilian joined Real Madrid in the summer from Palmeiras in a £60m deal but has struggled for regular playing time. This season, Endrick has made ten appearances across all competitions, scoring twice. Despite these contributions, he has yet to start a game, with his league minutes limited to brief late appearances.
Reports suggest that Real Madrid might consider loaning him out to gain more experience, and Southampton are reportedly interested. According to Sport, the Saints have initiated discussions with Real Madrid about a possible deal.
However, they are not alone in their pursuit. Serie A club Roma and La Liga side Real Valladolid are also said to have expressed interest in the talented forward.
The decision on Endrick’s future is expected to take shape as the January transfer window approaches. Meanwhile, speculation surrounds another Real Madrid youngster, Arda Güler. The Turkish starlet has attracted interest from clubs like Arsenal, who have reportedly opened talks with Real Madrid about a potential move.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti recently addressed the situation regarding both players. He emphasized their quality and readiness to contribute but maintained that the team’s immediate focus is on improving collective results.
He acknowledged that Endrick and Güler could play key roles, saying, “They are ready to play and showing a lot of quality in training. They can help us in the next games, but the priority is to turn things around as a team.”
For Southampton, the stakes are high. With just one win in their first 11 games of the season and only seven goals scored, the Saints find themselves four points adrift of safety.
Manager Russell Martin will be desperate for reinforcements in January to boost their survival hopes and avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
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