Sports

FG scraps NPFL’s League Management Company

The Federal Government on Friday scrapped the League Management Company (LMC) managing the Nigeria Professional Football League.

To this end, the federal government also ordered the Nigeria Football Federation to withdraw the LMC license and set up an Interim Management Committee to oversee the league.

The directive was contained in a press statement issued on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ismaila Abubakar.

According to the federal government, the decision became imperative after a competent court of jurisdiction declared the League Management Company an illegal body.

The statement read, “In view of the several unpleasant incidents regarding the management of the Football League, specifically, the declaration of the National Football League (NFL) as an illegal body by the Court; the status of the League Management Company (LMC), the NFL’s successor-in-title being outside the purview of the Statutes of the NFF; the Federal Government is constrained to withdraw its recognition of the LMC as the operator of the Nigeria Professional Football League, with immediate effect.

Sports

Newcastle seals place in league cup final with resounding win over Arsenal

Newcastle player celebrating their victory (photo credit: PM )

Newcastle United delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday night, sealing their place in the League Cup final with a resounding 2-0 victory over Arsenal at St. James’ Park.

The Magpies, who had already stunned Mikel Arteta’s men with a 2-0 triumph in the first leg at the Emirates, completed a ruthless 4-0 aggregate demolition to book their spot in the final.

From the first whistle, Newcastle exuded confidence, while Arsenal—desperate to overturn their deficit—struggled to find rhythm.

The Gunners’ early attempts to impose themselves faltered against Newcastle’s well-drilled defence, with Martin Dubravka standing as an impenetrable wall between the posts.

The home side wasted no time in asserting their dominance. In the 19th minute, Jacob Murphy sent the St. James’ Park faithful into raptures with a clinical finish, capitalising on Arsenal’s defensive lapses.

The Gunners, already teetering, saw their hopes shattered early in the second half when Anthony Gordon pounced on a horrendous error from goalkeeper David Raya, slotting home Newcastle’s second goal in the 52nd minute.

As frustration mounted, Arsenal’s attacking forays lacked conviction. Declan Rice came closest to breaking the deadlock for the visitors in the 89th minute, but Dubravka produced a stunning reflex save to deny him.

Kai Havertz and Myles Lewis-Skelly both had late chances, but Newcastle’s defence remained resolute.

Tempers flared in the closing moments, with Arsenal players collecting bookings as their desperation turned into frustration.

Raheem Sterling, introduced as a substitute, found himself in the referee’s book, while Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes also picked up cautions for Newcastle.

Sports

Napoli reject €65m Galatasaray’s permanent deal for Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen

Italian club, Napoli has rejected Galatasaray’s €65 million bid for a permanent transfer of Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen.

Osihmen joined the Turkish club on loan for a season last September after the last-minute attempt to join Chelsea in the Premier League failed.

According to Italian sports news outlet, Corriere dello Sport, Napoli rejected the €65 million offer and wanted the release clause of €75 million.

While the newspaper pointed out that Galatasaray wanted to keep Osimhen in the team, it was noted that Napoli did not want a discount and demanded the full release fee.

It was further reported that Galatasaray could complete the transfer for 75 million euros for the Nigerian, who was on the radar of many teams in Europe in the interim transfer, while other clubs had to pay a compensation of six million euros in addition to the release fee.

Osimhen’s release clause was initially set at €130m but was reduced last summer when he signed a new deal with Napoli before joining Galatasaray.

The Nigeria international has been in top form for the Turkish leaders, netting 16 goals and providing five assists in 20 appearances since his loan move.