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Niger Tornadoes’ coach blames pressure for the Nasarawa United draw

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Niger Tornadoes' coach blames pressure for the Nasarawa United draw

Niger Tornadoes head coach, Majin Mohammed, has attributed his team’s goalless draw against Nasarawa United in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday two fixture to the pressure of returning to their home ground.

This match marked the Ikon Allah Boys’ long-awaited return to the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium in Minna, where they last played in 2020. Despite dominating several moments during the game, they couldn’t break through Nasarawa United’s solid defense.

In a post-match interview, Majin explained the impact of playing at home after a lengthy absence: “The pressure of returning home after four years affected them. They haven’t been used to this kind of crowd at a home game for quite a while, and maybe that’s the cause.”

Despite the draw, Niger Tornadoes have earned four points from their first two fixtures of the 2024-25 season, thanks to their victory on matchday one.

Looking ahead, Majin’s squad will take on Plateau United in their matchday three fixture next weekend as they aim to build on their promising start to the season.

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EPL

Ruben Amorim Reveals How Man Utd Will Play Under His Management

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Ruben Amorim Reveals How Man Utd Will Play Under His Management

Ruben Amorim has vowed to revolutionize Manchester United with a bold, no-fear approach, promising to bring back the dominance of the Premier League’s “engine.”

The 39-year-old Portuguese tactician, who signed a contract running until June 2027, will make his managerial debut for the Red Devils against Ipswich Town on November 24. Despite inheriting a team currently languishing in 13th place, Amorim is undeterred, insisting that his fearless philosophy will take effect immediately.

“We know rebuilding takes time,” Amorim admitted. “But from day one, we’ll play without fear. There’s no space for hesitation or thinking about what they’re used to. We start with our vision immediately—no compromises.”

Amorim becomes the sixth manager tasked with reviving Manchester United since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013. Notable predecessors like Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal fell short of restoring the club’s glory, while Erik ten Hag’s tenure left fans longing for flair over fear.

Yet, Amorim remains unfazed by the immense expectations.
“It’s a great responsibility, but also an honour,” he said. “If the team performs well and wins, the entire atmosphere transforms. Manchester United is the engine of football, the heartbeat of the Premier League. While we haven’t won the league in a long time, this is the biggest club in England, and it’s time to reclaim that status.”

Amorim’s arrival marks a new chapter not only for the club but also for his personal career. He leaves Sporting Lisbon as a two-time league champion, ending their 19-year title drought and cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young managers. This season, Sporting boasted a flawless record of 11 wins from 11 league games under his guidance.

Despite interest from Liverpool and Chelsea, Amorim revealed that only Manchester United could tempt him away from Portugal.

“This was my only choice because of what this club represents,” he said. “I’m honoured to be here and will do everything for the team. I’ll stand by my players and fight to restore United to its rightful place.”

Amorim believes the hunger for success at Old Trafford sets the stage for something extraordinary.
“Everyone here craves success, and that’s what makes this club so special,” he explained. “This is where I want to be—leading a team that’s ready to make history. I believe we will succeed.”

With his fearless attitude and proven track record, Amorim is determined to steer Manchester United into a new era of success, reigniting the passion of fans and players alike. The journey begins now.

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AFCON

Super Eagles Face Player Shortages Ahead Of AFCON Qualifier Against Rwanda

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Super Eagles Face Player Shortages Ahead Of AFCON Qualifier Against Rwanda

Nigeria’s Super Eagles may be without two key players as they prepare to face Rwanda in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Monday.

The team returned to Nigeria on Friday after securing a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic. Their qualification for the AFCON tournament had already been confirmed earlier in the week, following Libya’s 1-0 win over Twanda, which guaranteed Nigeria’s spot before the match in Abidjan.

Defender Ola Aina has left the team and flown back to the United Kingdom. While the reason for his departure remains unclear, his absence leaves a gap in the squad for their upcoming match. Aina’s contributions have been pivotal in Nigeria’s defense, and his unavailability is a setback for head coach Augustine Eguavoen.

First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is also set to miss the Rwanda clash. The shot-stopper is grieving the loss of his father, who passed away on Thursday. Nwabali shared the heartbreaking news on his Instagram page, prompting the team to excuse him from the fixture to be with his family during this difficult time.

With qualification secured, the Super Eagles may opt to rotate their squad and provide opportunities for other players in their final qualifying match.

However, the absence of key players like Aina and Nwabali underscores the challenges faced by the team heading into the encounter against Rwanda.

Despite these setbacks, Nigeria remains determined to end its qualifying campaign on a high note, showcasing the depth and talent in its squad.

Fans will be eager to see how the team adapts to these challenges as it looks ahead to the 2025 AFCON tournament.

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Football

Endrick’s Real Madrid Story Takes Yet Another Wrong Turn

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Endrick’s Real Madrid Story Takes Yet Another Wrong Turn

Endrick’s journey at Real Madrid has been anything but smooth, marked by highs and lows that have tested the young Brazilian star’s resolve.

Once celebrated as a prodigious talent with a bright future, his current struggles have cast a shadow over the early promise he showed.

A Star in the Making

Endrick’s rise to fame was meteoric. He dazzled with early debuts in La Liga (against Valladolid) and the Champions League (against Stuttgart), where he broke records as one of the youngest scorers.

These performances cemented his reputation as a global sensation, and his ability to deliver under pressure was heralded as extraordinary for someone so young.

However, his progress hit a snag after his first start against Lille, a match that inadvertently marked the start of a slump.

Since then, Endrick has seen limited game time, with only 15 minutes played in his last six matches and a stretch of five games where he remained unused.

Resilience Beyond His Years

Despite his current challenges, Endrick is no stranger to overcoming adversity. At Palmeiras, he endured a 12-match goalless streak—a significant hurdle for a player known for his scoring prowess. But under Abel Ferreira’s guidance, he bounced back, scoring a decisive goal in the Paulistão final and proving his mental fortitude.

Endrick’s resilience is evident in his words. In an interview with GQ Brazil, he reflected on the pressures of being in the spotlight:
> “Sometimes I wonder why so many media outlets focus on me.

I never asked for this. Some things go too far—‘Oh, he’s the new Pelé.’ No one will ever be Pelé; he’s the king of football. But I can’t control what people say. Critics will always be there.”

Competing in a Star-Studded Squad

Joining Real Madrid has intensified the pressure on Endrick. Competing against established stars like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz, and Arda Güler, Endrick’s opportunities have been limited.

However, coach Carlo Ancelotti remains impressed with his attitude and training efforts.

“He’s doing very well and showing great potential,” Ancelotti noted, highlighting Endrick’s professionalism. However, the coach also emphasized that playing time must be earned:
> “There will be no gifts—only merit.”

Impact on His Brazil Career

The lack of game time at Madrid has also affected Endrick’s international standing.

Brazil coach Dorival Júnior excluded him from the latest squad, even after Rodrygo’s injury. Instead, Gabriel Martinelli was called up.

Endrick’s omission marks the first time he will watch Brazil’s matches from the sidelines since his debut last November. While he was initially impressed on the international stage with three goals in his first five appearances, including a standout performance at Wembley, he has yet to score.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) views his current situation as part of a natural developmental process, linked closely to his limited minutes at Madrid.

A New Chapter Ahead

Now 18, Endrick remains focused on training and regaining his form.

During the international break, he’ll work at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training centre to prepare for upcoming matches. With two weeks to reset, Endrick is determined to overcome the challenges and reclaim his brilliance, both for his club and his country.

While the road has been tough, Endrick’s story is far from over. His resilience and determination could very well pave the way for a resurgence that reminds the world why he was once hailed as the next big thing.

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