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Bundesliga: Nigerian Football Star, Victor Boniface Faces Sanction For Reckless Driving

Xabi Alonso, the Bayer Leverkusen manager, is expected to sanction forward Victor Boniface for reckless driving.

Boniface is under scrutiny for using his mobile phone while driving recklessly on a highway in Germany.

The Nigeria international posted a picture of himself scrolling his phone while driving his Mercedes Benz.

The 23-year-old has come under intense criticism for his actions.

“I don’t like it, it’s obviously not good, and of course, it’s not allowed to happen. I haven’t seen Boni, but he knows it’s not allowed,”Alonso told BeIN Sports.

“We have to tell him he’s not allowed to do something like this.”

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Super Eagles Drop Eight Places In Latest FIFA Ranking

According to latest men’s ranking by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), Nigeria’s Super Eagles has dropped eight places.
This was made public FIFA’s website on Thursday.
The three-time African champions, who were previously ranked 36th, now occupy 44th position.
The Super Eagles also dropped from fourth to fifth position in Africa.
The West Africans drew one and lost one of their two outings in the month of November.
Morocco maintained top position in Africa, with Senegal, Algeria and Egypt in second, third and fourth positions, respectively.
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Lookman, Ekong, Oshoala, Onuachu Make Shortlist For FIFA Best Awards 2024 (Full List)

Nigerian footballers like Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, Asisat Oshoala, and Paul Onuachu have made the list of the FIFA Best Awards for 2024.
The list was released on Friday by the World Football governing body.
It shows that Lookman, who plays for Atalanta in the Italian Serie A, was nominated in the Best Attacker category. He will battle it out with the impressive Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal, Bukayo Saka, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo among other high-profile players.
The Nigerian who had an impeccable showing last season, leading Atalanta to the Europa League crown, has also started this season’s campaign in fine form. He helped the Super Eagles reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) where they lost narrowly to hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
Lookman is also in pole position to be crowned the CAF Player of the Year for 2024 when the awards ceremony takes place next month.
Nigeria’s stand-in captain Troost-Ekong was named in the Best Defender category alongside Arsenal’s William Saliba, Manuel Akanji, Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, and others.
Oshoala, who has won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year crown for a record number of times was listed in the newly-introduced Marta Award. The prize is for the best goal in women’s football. She got into contention for that category for her acrobatic goal (while in Barcelona Femeni) against Benfica in the Women’s Champions League in November 2024.
Her compatriot and Southampton forward Onuachu earned a place for the male version – the Puskas. His deft flick in Trabzonspor’s 2-1 win over Konyaspor on November 10, 2023, was enough to put him in contention for the best goal gong in men’s football.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi headlined the men’s best player nominees. The Inter Miami forward’s inclusion has sparked debates among football fans. The Argentine will vie for the prize alongside Ballon d’Or winner Rodri; Vinicius Junior; Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Toni Kroos, and Federico Valverde.
Fans and an expert panel are expected to vote for the 2024 FIFA Best Awards. Fans can vote on the FIFA website up until December 2024.
FIFA Best Awards Nominees
The Best FIFA Men’s Player nominees
Dani Carvajal (Spain), Real Madrid
Erling Haaland (Norway), Manchester City
Federico Valverde (Uruguay), Real Madrid
Florian Wirtz (Germany), Bayer Leverkusen
Jude Bellingham (England), Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe (France), Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid
Lamine Yamal (Spain), Barcelona
Lionel Messi (Argentina), Inter Miami
Rodri (Spain), Manchester City
Toni Kroos (Germany), Real Madrid (now retired)
Vinicius Jr (Brazil), Real Madrid
The Best FIFA Women’s Player nominees
Aitana Bonmati (Spain), Barcelona
Barbra Banda (Zambia), Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride
Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway), Barcelona
Keira Walsh (England), Barcelona
Khadija Shaw (Jamaica), Manchester City
Lauren Hemp (England), Manchester City
Lindsey Horan (USA), Olympique Lyonnais
Lucy Bronze (England), Barcelona/Chelsea
Mallory Swanson (USA), Chicago Red Stars
Mariona Caldentey (Spain), Barcelona/Arsenal
Naomi Girma (USA), San Diego Wave
Ona Batlle (Spain), Barcelona
Salma Paralluelo (Spain), Barcelona
Sophia Smith (USA), Portland Thorns
Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi), Paris Saint-Germain/Olympique Lyonnais
Trinity Rodman (USA), Washington Spirit
The Best FIFA Women’s Coach nominees
Arthur Elias (Brazil), Brazil
Elena Sadiku (Sweden), Celtic
Emma Hayes (England), Chelsea/USA
Futoshi Ikeda (Japan), Japan
Gareth Taylor (England), Manchester City
Jonatan Giraldez (Spain), Barcelona/Washington Spirit
Sandrine Soubeyrand (France), Paris FC
Sonia Bompastor (France), Olympique Lyonnais/Chelsea
The Best FIFA Men’s Coach nominees
Carlo Ancelotti (Italy), Real Madrid
Lionel Scaloni (Argentina), Argentina
Luis de la Fuente (Spain), Spain
Pep Guardiola (Spain), Manchester City
Xabi Alonso (Spain), Bayer Leverkusen
The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper nominees
Alyssa Naeher (USA), Chicago Red Stars
Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany), Chelsea/NJ/NY Gotham
Ayaka Yamashita (Japan), INAC Kobe Leonessa/Manchester City
Cata Coll (Spain), Barcelona
Mary Earps (England), Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain
The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper nominees
Andriy Lunin (Ukraine), Real Madrid
David Raya (Spain), Arsenal
Ederson (Brazil), Manchester City
Emiliano Martinez (Argentina), Aston Villa
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy), Paris Saint-Germain
Mike Maignan (France), AC Milan
Unai Simon (Spain), Athletic Club
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Pride of Africa: Who Will Win The CAF Awards?

On December 16, the best African footballers of 2024 will be announced at the CAF Awards ceremony in Morocco. The best sports betting site 1xBet discusses the prestigious award and those who may make their mark in the history of African football.

African Player of the Year

The award for the best footballer on the continent has existed since 1970, when it was first presented by France Football magazine. Since 1992, the Confederation of
African Football, an official partner of global betting company 1xBet, has organized the ceremony. The record holders for the most awards are Cameroonian forward Samuel Eto’o and Ivorian midfielder Yaya Touré, both of whom have won the title 4 times.
In 2024, five footballers will compete for the CAF African Player of the Year title: Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria/Atalanta), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast/Brighton), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns).

African Goalkeeper of the Year

The Best Goalkeeper Award was introduced in 2002 but was given for only 4 years. Last year, the Confederation of African Football brought back the award to highlight the key role goalkeepers play in their teams’ successes.
This year, the candidates for the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award are André Onana (Cameroon/Manchester United), Yahia Fofana (Ivory Coast/Angers), Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir (Egypt/Al Ahly Cairo), Stanley Nwabali (Nigeria/Chippa United), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns).

Analysis of nominees and prediction

In May, Ademola Lookman scored 3 goals against Bayer in the Europa League final and had previously helped the Nigeria national team reach the Africa Cup of Nations final. The forward has been in excellent shape in the new season, scoring 9 goals and providing 5 assists in 13 matches. Lookman’s performances for Atalanta in 2024 earned him a spot in the list of 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or.
Serhou Guirassy also had an outstanding season last year. Scoring 30 goals in 30 matches for Stuttgart helped him secure a move to Borussia Dortmund, who were finalists in the previous Champions League edition. In his new team, he has already scored 10 goals.
Achraf Hakimi helped the Morocco national team win its first Olympic medal and secured 3 trophies with Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, Simon Adingra of Brighton deserves praise for his outstanding role in leading the Ivory Coast national team to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations.
South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is the only keeper among the nominees for the African Player of the Year award. He earned his spot in the list thanks to his consistent performances throughout the year and his heroic display in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal. Williams saved four penalties in the post-match shootout of the South Africa vs Cape Verde game, helping Bafana Bafana reach the tournament’s semifinals for the first time since 2000.
Ronwen Williams is also competing for the Goalkeeper of the Year award. His main rival is Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana. The past season was challenging for the Cameroonian, but in the new campaign, he has consistently showcased his quality with incredible saves.
According to our experts, the CAF African Player of the Year award should go to Ademola Lookman, while the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award should be given to Ronwen Williams.
Follow the performances of the best African footballers, make predictions on the best sports betting site 1xBet, and win alongside your idols!
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Elon Musk Sends Message to Cristiano Ronaldo After Champions League Win

Football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo has been congratulated by Tesla and social media platform, X owner, Elon Musk.
Musk congratulated Ronaldo, after the Portuguese netted twice in A-Nassr’s 3-1 victory over Al-Gharafa in the AFC Champions League on Monday.

Al-Nassr traveled to the Al Bayt Stadium on Monday for their fifth group game of the AFC Champions League.

Ronaldo and Co were third in the Group B prior to the clash.
After a goalless first half, Ronaldo put the visitors ahead in the 46th minute, powering home a cross from Sultan Al-Ghannam.
Angelo Gabriel made it 2 for Al-Nassr in the 58th minute after a neat one-two exchange with Otavio.
Ronaldo got himself on the scoresheet again in the 64th minute to extend his side’s lead.
Ex-Real Madrid striker, Joselu pulled one back for the hosts in the 75th minute.
After the match, Ronaldo took to his X account to post images of his goal celebration during the game and captioned it with:
‘’Big win tonight!’’
Elon Musk replied:
 
”Congrats!”
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Ballon d’Or: Real Madrid President, Perez Names People Who Didn’t Vote For Vinicius

Florentino Perez, the Real Madrid president, has hit out at journalists from four countries who ignored Vinicius Junior during the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting.

Rodri was named winner of this year’s prize ahead of Vinicius at an event in Paris in October.

The development divided opinions in world football as controversy trailed the announcement.

Perez has now slammed journalists from four countries who completely ignored Vinicius during the voting process.

He said, “If the journalists from Namibia, Uganda, Albania and Finland had not voted, Vinicius would be the Ballon d’Or [winner].

“These countries did not give Vinicius a single vote. Not one! The Finn, at least, has resigned. And he has said that he will not be part of the jury again. Look, I appreciate it.”

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EPL: I’m Disappointed – Salah Set to Leave Liverpool

Liverpool winger, Mohamed Salah is on the verge of leaving the club.
He gave the hint during a recent interview.
Salah’s current deal with the Reds expires in June 2025.
The 32-year-old has now revealed that the Premier League club is yet to begin talks over fresh terms.
“I’m probably more out than in! I didn’t receive any proposal,” Salah said.


“We’re almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club.

 
“I’m probably more out than in.”
Salah will be free to talk to foreign clubs in January.
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Pep Guardiola Signs New Two-Year Contract at Manchester City Until 2027

Pep Guardiola will be incharge of Manchester City till 2027.
This comes after he signed a new two-year contract to extend his stay as Manchester City coach, the club announced Thursday.

The Spaniard manager, 53, agreed to a deal that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2027. His contract was due to expire at the end of the current campaign but he decided to extend his contract.
The extension means Guardiola will celebrate 10 years at City in the summer of 2026, having arrived from Bayern Munich in 2016.
Guardiola, who has won 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League while at the Etihad, admitted that while he had been thinking of leaving at the end of the season, City’s recent four-game losing run was partly a factor in his decision to extend his stay at the club.
“Since the beginning of the season, I was thinking a lot, there were some moments, I have to be honest, I thought this should be the last one because every one is…” he told the club’s website.
 
“But at the same time, when the situation comes and the problems we had in the last month, I felt now is not the time to leave, I would let the club down and I had the feeling I had to do it.
 
“Don’t ask me the reason why. Maybe the four defeats were the reason why and I felt I cannot leave. I felt the club still want me or had the fact that we were together and that’s the reason why we sign.
 
“Manchester City means so much to me. This is my ninth season here; we have experienced so many amazing times together. I have a really special feeling for this football club.
 
“That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two more seasons.
 
“Thank you to everyone for continuing to trust and support me – The Owner, The Chairman Khaldoon, Ferran, Txiki, the players and of course the fans… everyone connected to Manchester City. It has always been an honour, a pleasure and a privilege to be here.
 
“I have said this many times before, but I have everything a manager could ever wish for, and I appreciate that so much. Hopefully now we can add more trophies to the ones we have already won. That will be my focus.”

 
“Thank you to everyone for continuing to trust and support me – The Owner, The Chairman Khaldoon, Ferran, Txiki, the players and of course the fans… everyone connected to Manchester City. It has always been an honour, a pleasure and a privilege to be here.
 
“I have said this many times before, but I have everything a manager could ever wish for, and I appreciate that so much. Hopefully now we can add more trophies to the ones we have already won. That will be my focus.”
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Barcelona Manager, Flick Names Greatest Footballer Of All Time

Hansi Flick, the Barcelona boss, has named Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami forward, as the greatest footballer of all time.

Flick said this in reaction to Messi’s nice comments about Barcelona team.

Messi had recently branded the current Barcelona team under Flick as ‘spectacular’.

The former Barcelona captain said he was hugely ‘proud’ to see how the first team is representing the club at the moment.

Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s LaLiga clash with Celta Vigo on Saturday night, Flick said the Blaugrana love the fact that Messi, who left Camp Nou few years ago for Paris Saint-Germain, still follows the team.

“It’s an honor that Leo Messi, the greatest player of all time, says good things about Barça,” Flick said (via Fabrizio Romano).

“We love that he follows the team. It means a lot to us that he holds ​​the youngsters in the squad in such high regard.”

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They Say I’m Finished – Cristiano Ronaldo Gives Reason For Joining Al Nassr

World-famous football superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo has hit back at his critics who say he is finished.

The Portuguese said he still feels the passion to win silverwares despite moving to Saudi Arabia.

The former Real Madrid and Juventus star joined Al Nassr in November 2022 after leaving Manchester United.

The 39-year-old has helped Al Nassr win one trophy, namely Arab Champions Cup, so far.

Speaking in a video for the new Netflix documentary named Saudi Pro League: Kick Off, the Portugal national team captain clarified his intentions at his current Saudi Arabian side.

He said via GOAL, “I came here to win, to make the league better. I want to leave a legacy. That’s what I want.

“They say I’m finished, that I’m only here for the money… I still feel the passion. They don’t believe it, but I’m here to win.”

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