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As Europian Football Comes to Conclusion

As a passionate lover and follower of football across Europe, weekends were no longer perceived as weekends due to lack of football-related activities.

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By Abubakar Sadiq Dauda
It has been more than a month since the resumption of football activities especially in various countries around the world, especially in Europe. As a passionate lover and follower of football across Europe, weekends were no longer perceived as weekends due to lack of football-related activities.
2019/2020 football schedules experienced a sudden halt in the month of March. French league and Dutch league were cancelled by their respective authorities. Although the french league adopted the point per game average and awarded the title to Paris Saint-German. On the other hand, dutch league cancelled their league without adopting any method to finalise who gets what and who doesn’t, which means no trophy was awarded and no teams were relegated neither was any team promoted to the major league. It is worthy to note that the sudden halt and the sudden cancellation of various leagues across Europe were as a result of the covid-19 pandemic. Since its pandemic in nature, the world had to re-align to control its spread.
The world was filled with excitement when announcements were made regarding the resumption of this session’s football activities. The sad aspect was that every match will be played inside a closed door, a condition that is not familiar with most players and coaching staffs. It is important to note that the presence of supporters in a stadium adds a very unique taste to each and every match, but the authorities in concern had no choice but to take this drastic step for the safety of all parties involved.
A lot has happened since the resumption of football matches in Europe. My favourite team (globally) won the la Liga title beating Messi’s Barcelona for the title. Consequently, my favourite team in England won the premier league title, bringing an end to a 30 years league title drought. Incidentally, two out of my three favourite coaches are in charge of the two teams (in the person of Zidane and Klopp). In another team is my third favourite coach (Mourinho) who was victorious in a North-London derby match. Mourinho not only won his match against Arsenal, but his team is also positioned in the league where it has been adjudged that they will finish above Arsenal who happens to be his arch-rival.
Talking about Arsenal, they did remarkably well by beating Liverpool and Man City in the same weak, quite unthinkable. It was quite unthinkable for spectators to predict a loss for them (in their next match) after that wonderful feat, behold they lost to a relegation-threatened team. Such is football though!
Another league that is worthy of recognition is the Italian league, also known as Serie A. So far, it has been the best league to watch since the resumption of football leagues in Europe. Most of the matches were highly competitive, well played, and beautiful goals were produced in the process. Teams were resilient towards their opponents which led to positive aggression in almost all the matches that were played soo far. Juventus needs just one win out of three matches left to retain the title for a successive record of nine times.
Some of the players that brought light to the league are; Cristiano Ronaldo, Lukaku, Ibrahimovic, Immobile, Rebic, Dybala, Calhanoglu, Caputo, Alexis Sanchez and some fantastic players from Atlanta FC. The Italian league can be as competitive as the premier league if they sustain the tempo, skills and teamwork they are currently displaying.
While we are anticipating for the return of UEFA Champions League and Europa
League, I will conclude by wishing Man United, Chelsea and Leicester best of luck as they go into their final match this Sunday battling for the league’s final two spots to qualify for next season Champions League.
Sadiq is a Realmadiridsta, writes from Kano, Nigeria.

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Barau fc new stadium takes shape ahead of NNL season

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By Abdulgafar Oladimeji

Nigeria National League, NNL debutants, Barau fc have concluded plans to stage their upcoming NNL debut campaign at the newly constructed Maliya stadium in Dambatta located in Kano north senatorial district.

Barau fc had gained promotion ticket from the Nationwide League One, NLO, to the second most prestigious club football competition in Nigeria.

Kano state Football Association, KSFA, Kano north representative , Hassan Abdullahi Garo confirmed that major requirements have been fulfilled to bring NNL actions to the district.

Garo in his words said “I am happy to confirm to you that, Barau fc are set to play their NNL matches at the new stadium in Dambatta, let me inform football fans all over that the new stadium was constructed by the deputy senate president, Barau Jubrin.
“I can further confirm to you that works on the playground has been completed, the dressing rooms are ready, security post, media gallery, medical rooms, rest rooms, parking lots , all the pavilion sections are in shape.

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Garo further said “ even before the kick off of the season, hundreds of Kano football fans, pay daily visits to the stadium , to take selfie photographs , I can say that, they the fans can no longer wait to wet their football appetite by surging out in mass to watch NNL matches , when the season finally kicks off.

“anyone would be hundred percent right to say that Barau fc will be playing their matches in Dambatta, because the facility in Kano north is in shape, let me add that this move will no doubt help promote the motive behind the decentralization of the game to other parts of Kano.
“ so that they can also enjoy the economic, social and pride dividends , in the axis of promotion and development that is associated with building such big football facility in the area and also enjoy the benefits of bringing a big league like NNL competition to Kano north district.”
When contacted, Media Officer, Barau fc, Hamisu Gwale affirmed that the club is roaring for an NNL campaign on their new ground in Dambatta.
According to him, all laid down regulations stipulated in NNL regulations have been complied with by the club, all leisure and safety measures have been accorded top priority attention by the club to ensure that the club play it home matches in the ancient town of Dambatta, north of the state capital.

He explained that, all paper works notifying the relevant football authorities about their planned move to their new home at the Maliya stadium have been completed.

“we are now expecting the inspection team to come and do their routine work in compliance with NNL regulations.” Gwale said.

It would be recalled that the NNL debutants as part of its preparations for their league debut, had secured the services of former Nigeria’s senior men’s national team coach Salisu Yusuf to superintend over its technical crew .
Our correspondent , who visited the new football facility in Dambatta reports that the club have also recruited fresh legs from across Nigeria and neighboring west African countries to fortify the squad that would be unleashed on their league foes.

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Football: US based Ineh brothers eyes Nigerian national team call up

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The duo men’s football players , namely Joel and Aaron Ineh have expressed their choice dream to appear in the green white green national colours of Nigeria, when opportune.

The two brothers have continued to exhibit football bravery, courage and brilliance , they have continued to catch attention of coaches, scouts and agents with their shown potentials of being exceptional football players, which has earn them a top place in all stages at this their earlier football career stages with clubs in the US.

The young Ineh’s started playing football in the early ages with Nazerene United a recreational club in Illinois.

Joel Ineh born February 21, 2006, in Lagos Nigeria, and Aaron Ineh was born on July 4, 2008 , they grew up with the  deep passion for soccer, their early years were driven by the dreams of playing professional football .

Their journey to their now blossoming growth to stardom began with an MLS academy side named, Chicago Fire Academy, where they were on parade as RW, LW, F, deploying their impressive speed, intelligence, skills and in-depth tactical knowledge of the game.

Joel 6’1 in height, 18 years old , joined Chicago Fire Academy from Nazerene United, when he was 12 years old , at the age of 14, he was promoted to the U-17s,, he then moved to Colorado Rapids, where he gained fame for scoring brilliant goals in the GA qualifiers.
He was named amongst the top three prospects in Colorado Rapids, he joined FC Cincinnati U19 and made his debut with Cincinnati.

Joel won the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) title, crowning his efforts at been considered as the fastest player in both Colorado Rapid and Cincinnati FC.

According to Top Drawer Prep Soccer, Aaron Ineh, Age 16 with 5’11 in height was amongst the top three prospect players in Illinois, he emerged as the crowned top goal scorer in the U15 season with 25 goals in 18 games .

His exceptional qualities came to the fore, on duty with the U-19s against USL teams scoring a hat trick against U-19 Vardar.

His goal poaching skills in the GA Cup qualifiers has remained a marvelous tale .
In the history of Chicago Fire Academy , Aaron is adjudged to be on the  top 10 best-talented players .

He is currently playing for the New England Revolution in Boston.

The Ineh brothers as they are fondly called said , they are driven by their dreams to play professional football in the MLS or either of the top European football leagues , couple with their strong desire to represent Nigeria at the youth and senior national teams .

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FIFA stands still over Israel football association, Palestine football federation face off, calls for peace

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By Abdulgafar Oladimeji

World football governing body FIFA is in a stalemate in finding solutions to the lingering crisis between Israel Football Association , IFA versus Palestine Football Federation . PFF.

IFA was affiliated to FIFA in 1948.

PFF had a Provisional affiliation to FIFA in 31 May 1995, became full member in 1998

FIFA has continued to hold its breath from taking a definite decision on the matter involving both football governing bodies.

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Palestine Football Federation had asked FIFA to suspend or expel of Israel FA over the allegations bordering on the restrictions of the movement of players between Gaza and the West Bank.

PFF also alleged that Israel was hindering the Palestine federation from gaining access to the importation of football equipments.

Sepp Blatter and Jacques Rogge, then presidents of FIFA and the International Olympic Committee had travelled to the region in efforts to find solutions to the dispute, this moves failed to yield the much anticipated solutions to the dispute.

In May 2024 at the FIFA Congress, meeting held in Bangkok, PFF asked for a vote on a proposal to exclude Israel, the congress then referred the matter to FIFA Council.

FIFA has continued to hope and search for mechanism through which the dispute could be resolved, considering that both federations are its affiliate that are entitled to enjoy equal treatments in all football matters.

The autumn council meeting, in Zurich, resorted to the implementation of an “independent legal analysis” by allowing for the governance, audit and compliance committee for an investigations into PFF’s allegations of discrimination in breach of FIFA regulations.

Also there were claims on the alleged participation by clubs from Palestinian territories in competitions organized by Israel.

Speaking on the dispute , Infantino said: “The FIFA Council has implemented due diligence on this very sensitive matter and, based on a thorough assessment, we have followed the advice of the independent experts.

“The ongoing violence in the region confirms that, above all considerations, and as stated at the 74th FIFA Congress, we need peace. As we remain extremely shocked by what is happening, and our thoughts are with those who are suffering, we urge all parties to restore peace to the region with immediate effect.” Infantino said .

 

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