Category: Sport News

Categories
Sport News

Manuel Neuer rules out German national team return

German veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has poured cold water on speculation linking him with a return to the national team.

The 39-year-old made it clear after Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga clash on Saturday night that his international career is over.

Rumours had gathered earlier last week following comments attributed to his agent, who hinted Neuer would “not say no” if head coach Julian Nagelsmann opted for a recall.

The veteran had already been quizzed about the possibility during a Bayern media session three days ago.

Neuer, however, has now closed the door emphatically, insisting his focus lies solely with Bayern Munich.

‘A conscious decision to step away’

“It was a conscious decision for me to step down from the German national team,” Neuer said post-match.

“Accordingly, that’s not something that’s an option for me. I’m concentrating on my club. I was with the national team since 2009.

“I think the European Championship [in 2024] was a nice conclusion, though it wasn’t the best way to end things, losing against Spain in my own country.”

Looking back with pride

Neuer stressed he has no regrets about his international journey, which included lifting the 2014 World Cup. “I think I gained a lot from German football and hopefully gave enough back.

“I had a very successful and nice time. I’m not thinking about returning at all. I can’t visualize Manuel Neuer returning to the German national team.”

Final word on the matter

Addressing media speculation, Neuer added: “I haven’t talked about it with my agent. But the fact remains that I have decided not to return to the German national team. That is my final decision.”

Categories
Sport News

2025 World Championships: Tobi Amusan Cruises Into 100m Hurdles Semi-Finals

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan has advanced to the semifinals of the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

The defending champion, who won gold at the 2022 edition in Oregon and finished sixth at Budapest 2023, looked in sharp form as she dominated heat six with a time of 12.53 seconds to advance comfortably on Sunday, September 14..

Bahamas’ Devynne Charlton, the world indoor champion and one of Amusan’s main rivals, came second in 12.69s, while Italy’s Elena Carraro placed third in 12.86s to also secure qualification.

Amusan, who holds the world record of 12.12s set in 2022, is aiming to reclaim her world title after losing it last year. Her progression to the semis keeps Nigeria’s medal hopes alive in Tokyo.

Elsewhere, Nigeria’s Kanyinsola Ajayi and Israel Okon will feature in the men’s 100m semi-finals later today (Sunday), as the country continues its push for podium finishes at the Championships.

Categories
Sport News

Victor Osimhen Is Still In Pain — Galatasaray Manager Reveals

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has disclosed that Victor Osimhen is still struggling with pain from an injury picked up during international duty with Nigeria but is expected to make a return to action soon.

The 26-year-old striker picked up the knock last week while representing the Super Eagles and immediately returned to Turkey for treatment. Galatasaray confirmed his situation in a statement on their official website.

Osimhen was unavailable for the Yellow and Reds’ 2-0 victory over Eyupspor on Saturday, but Buruk remains optimistic about his recovery ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League opener.

“Osimhen’s condition will be determined within a few days. We’re hopeful he’ll play. We think he will, but of course, he’s in pain,” Buruk told the club’s official media.

Galatasaray face Eintracht Frankfurt away on Thursday in their first Champions League group stage match of the season, and Buruk will be eager to have his star forward available.

Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray from Napoli this summer in a high-profile transfer, is seen as central to the Turkish champions’ European ambitions. He arrived after a successful spell in Serie A, where he fired Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years in 2023 and won the African Footballer of the Year award.

His fitness will be closely monitored in the coming days, with Nigerian fans also anxious about his availability ahead of next month’s World Cup qualifiers.

Categories
Sport News

La Liga: Barcelona thrash Valencia 6-0

Barcelona returned from the international break in style with a 6-0 demolition of Valencia in La Liga on Sunday, delivering a statement performance under Hansi Flick at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.

Forced to continue away from the Camp Nou due to ongoing renovation delays, the Catalan giants showed no signs of discomfort as they overwhelmed Los Che with a dominant second-half display.

Lopez sets the tone

Fermin Lopez gave Barça the perfect start, finding the net in the opening period to settle any early nerves.

The midfielder’s energy in attack proved crucial, with Flick’s side dictating the game throughout the first half despite Valencia holding firm for long spells.

Second-half rout

After the break, Flick’s substitutions turned the contest into a rout.

Raphinha doubled the lead shortly after coming on, before Lopez struck again to make it 3-0. Valencia, unable to contain the waves of pressure, collapsed further as Raphinha added his second.

Robert Lewandowski, gradually working back to full fitness after injury setbacks, entered the fray late on and showed his clinical edge with a quick-fire brace that sealed the 6-0 result.

Champions League focus next

The emphatic win lifts Barcelona’s spirits after a frustrating 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano prior to the international break and keeps the pressure on leaders Real Madrid, who have won all four of their opening matches.

Attention now shifts to Europe, with Barça set to open their Champions League campaign away at Newcastle United on September 18.

Meanwhile, club officials remain hopeful of completing their Camp Nou return in time to host Getafe on September 21, though uncertainty lingers.

Categories
Sport News

Andre Onana Joins Trabzponspor

Andre Onana has signed for Turkish side Trabzonspor for the entire 2025/26 season.

He signed a loan deal pending international clearance and registration.

The 29-year-old Cameroon international has featured 102 times for United since joining from Inter Milan in July 2023.

During his debut season, he was part of the squad that lifted the Emirates FA Cup with a 2-1 win over Manchester City at Wembley. Onana went on to make 50 appearances in his second season before agreeing to the move.
The deal was finalised just before the close of the Turkish transfer window on Friday. Manchester United wished him the best of luck for his time in Turkey.
Categories
Sport News

My Ballon d’Or Nomination Is A Miracle – Super Falcons Star, Nnadozie

Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Super Falcons goalkeeper, has stated that her nomination for the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or is a miracle.

The 24-year-old is the first African shot stopper to be nominated for the prestigious award.

Nnadozie earns the nomination on the back of her impressive outings for her former club, Paris FC, and Nigeria.

She helped Paris FC win the Coupe de France Feminine before leaving the club in May.

The former Rivers Angels goal tender then played a crucial role as Nigeria won a record-extending 10th title at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Nnadozie won the best goalkeeper award at the tournament.

“It is a miracle for me. It shows that all the hard work, dedication and everything I’ve been doing in the past, has been worth it,” Nnadozie told BBC Sport.

Categories
Sport News

NFF Denies Knowledge Of Press Statement Criticizing Dessers And Troost-Ekong After Bafana vs Super Eagles

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has disowned a post-match statement that criticized Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and striker Cyriel Dessers after Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in the Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The statement, purportedly issued under the name of NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, accused Dessers of being sluggish and faulted Troost-Ekong for the own goal that gave Bafana Bafana the lead.

It read in part: “Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he was a substitute that was substituted, did not have a better game as he was too slow to latch onto passes, could not win aerial balls and did little in bringing alive the Nigerian attack.”

On Troost-Ekong, it added: “The Super Eagles’ fighting spirit was diminished for a period after team captain William Ekong inadvertently swept the ball into his own net in the 25th minute, wrong-footing Stanley Nwabali to give the Bafana the lead and great impetus.”

However, NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, has stated that the statement did not represent the official position of the Federation.

“I saw the release just like everyone else did. Nobody in the Federation is happy with it; the NFF did not authorise that statement. We have great respect for all the players. Blaming an individual for a team result is unfair.

“When we win, it’s a team victory. When we lose, it’s also collective. No player should be singled out. Ekong’s own goal was unfortunate—his intention was to clear the ball. Anyone who knows football understands that such things happen,” Sanusi said.

He further assured that the Federation remains united and focused on the remaining qualifiers and the upcoming AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

“Our house is in order. We’re preparing for the rest of the qualifiers and the AFCON in Morocco. There’s no problem with our players or coaching crew. The government and the NFF are proud of the players’ efforts,” he added.

Sanusi confirmed that internal disciplinary action would be taken over the unauthorised release.

“I can assure you the NFF will take action on the matter,” he stated.

The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, while South Africa lead with 17 points. Nigeria must win their remaining fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic in October and hope other results go in their favour to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Categories
Sport News

Why We Got A Draw Against Super Eagles – Bafana Bafana Coach

Hugo Broos, the Bafana Bafana head coach, has commended his players for matching Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash was fiercely contested, with William Troost-Ekong inadvertently turning the ball into his own net in the 25th minute to hand South Africa the lead. Nigeria responded just before half-time through a powerful header from Calvin Bassey.

Broos revealed he had warned his players ahead of the encounter to prepare for a physically demanding contest against the Nigerians.

“It was a match like I expected—very physical, much harder from the opponent. In the second half they tried to win with power football, but we did a very good job also,” Broos told SABC Sport.

“We had the power in our team as well. We fought for it. I told the players before the game, if you can’t win with good football, you have to do it with fighting. That’s exactly what they did. In the second half, they fought for every ball, every metre. Some players were completely exhausted but still sprinted. That shows their determination.”

The Belgian tactician emphasised the importance of the result in their qualification bid.

“This is a group that wants to go to the World Cup. Today was a crucial game. It was a draw—Nigeria stay on six points. Now it’s up to us to win one more game and then we have qualified.”

Broos also highlighted the team’s growth and maturity, contrasting it with their struggles in past years.

“Three, four years ago, when we played this kind of match, we always lost it. But today, we showed maturity. Our football was less, but the team spirit and fighting spirit were there. We were ready for the physical battle, and you can see what you can achieve when you fight together.”

Categories
Sport News

2026 WCQ: Nigeria’s 1-1 Draw With South Africa Good Result – Super Eagles Coach, Chelle

Eric Chelle, Super Eagles coach has reacted to Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier 1-1 draw with South Africa.
Recall that the game was played on Tuesday.
Chelle spoke to reporters at his post-match interview after the game at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Recall that William Troost-Ekong’s own-goal gave Bafana Bafana the lead in the 22nd minute.
But Calvin Bassey equalized for the Super Eagles before half time.
Both teams failed to score in the second half as the match ended in a draw after normal time.
 
“At the beginning in the second half we put alot of pressure on South Africa but missing something maybe the last technical skills, maybe the last pass,” Chelle said.
“So the draw with a good result, to get a draw in South Africa, it’s a good result but for us we wanted to win, so we are a little dissapointed but this is football.”
Chelle’s side are in their position with 11 points with two games left, while South Africa and Benin Republic have 17 and 16 points, respectively.
Categories
Sport News

FIFA Speaks On South Africa’s Qualification For 2026 World Cup After Ahead of Nigeria Game

FIFA has reacted to Nigeria’s world cup qualifying game against South Africa.
The match will be played today in South Africa.
FIFA said South Africa could qualify for the 2026 World Cup, if they defeat Nigeria in a qualifying game today.
The world football governing stated this in a post on X.
It read: “Two more teams could secure @fifaworldcup 26 qualification today!
 
“Egypt will qualify if they beat Burkina Faso, while South Africa will qualify if they beat Nigeria, and Benin fail to beat Lesotho.”
Bayana Bayana currently lead Group C with 16 points, six more than the Super Eagles have recorded so far.
FIFA are, however, yet to announce a verdict on South Africa fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in March.
Teboho Mokoena should have served a suspension after picking up two yellow cards, but he was still fielded.
Lesotho have since filed a protest, demanding South Africa be docked three points and the result overturned to a 3-0 defeat.

About Us

626blaze is an entertainment and lifestyle website that brings you latest gist and scoops from the world of music, fashion, movies, sports and social commentary.

Categories

Subscribe to our Newsletters