Omar is INEOS first signing

Sir Jim Ratcliff era begins with the signing of former Barcelona and Manchester City CEO. The new shareholders made a very bold move, wasting no time on weeks of speculations, they quietly secured a new CEO, successfully stealing him away from their city rivals. 

A lot of fans ad doubts about Jim and INEOS capabilities, given that Glazers are still in control. However, this is precisely the kind of message United fans needed from INEOS. Bringing in a sought-after former Barcelona and Manchester City CEO without the media frenzy is a significant statement to make. 

It is an amazing news to the hears of United fans as they look to a better structure in their team. The arrival of Omar will do nothing less than boost and fast-track the restructure and development of the club. He is a great professional and someone who knows what he's doing, someone who understands dynamics and big teams considering his time at the Camp Nou and Etihad stadiums respectively. 

Sadiq Umar explains early AFCON exit

 

Super Eagles and Real Sociedad, Sadiq Umar discussed his and exit from the Super Eagles of Nigeria camp days before the commencement of the AFCON competition in Ivory Coast as revealed by PUNCH Sports Extra. 

The striker was immediately replaced by Paul Onuachu after the Nigerian squad medical team confirm he suffered a meniscus injury in their 2-0 loss to Guinea in a friendly match in Abu Dhabi before the AFCON tournament.

The Real Sociedad striker, 28, left the Eagles camp for his club last Saturday, two days after, his club posted a video of him undergoing training to boost his recoveries. He then featured for the side in a cup game in Spain which caught the attention of Super Eagles fans and raises questions on why the striker left the Eagles camp if he can actually recover that fast. 

Sadiq congratulates the Eagles after their win over the host nation which ended 1-0 on Thursday, he then deem it fit to address the questions raised by his home fans on social media as to why he left the camp early. The striker said; "Its important for me to address the messages I have received from fellow Nigerians, accusing me of pretending to be injured to leave the national team just before the start of the AFCON and return to my club. 

"I love my country so much and nothing would change that, "I experienced a significant impact from two Guinea defenders leading to a penalty in favour of our team, the medical team recommended substitution for preventive measures, which I insisted that I would like to play on in the game. The following day, I had a swollen knee and the team medical staff conducted thorough examination revealing and confirming that I have meniscus injury.

The manager immediately decides to have me replaced, considering the uncertainties about my fitness for the tournament in Ivory Coast."

On my return to the club, I underwent another scan and medical examinations, the club medical staff found out it was just a bruise and that I could return to training after little rest. It is an honour to get the call up for the tournament in Ivory Coast and I give thanks to Allah and my club, Real Sociedad for supporting my swift recovery and trusting me to resume training earlier than expected. 

Playing for my country is my priority always and I cannot take it for granted, I would gladly accept if I could return to the national team, I feel bad that I am not with the team right now but was happy for the winning against Ivory Coast. 

I wish the team all the best as the tournament progresses. 

Chelsea makes it three in a row

The blues makes it three wins in a row in the premier league after their 1-0 win at home to their London rivals Fulham. It was a close game today at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea were made to play the majorities of second 45 minutes in their own half.

The North London club hung on to beat their rivals in what looks like a challenging match for them following their disappointing defeat in midweek in their Carabao Cup against Middlesbrough and the in-form Fulham comes into the game full of confidence after their 2-1 win against Arsenal at Craven Cottage. They came from behind to beat the gunners after Bukayo Saka had put Arsenal ahead five minutes into the game, Raul Jimenez leveled the scores at the 29th minutes of the game before Bobby De-Cordova Reid completed the come back for Marco Silva side.

The blues were lucky to go into the second half of the game with 11 men following a bad tackle from Gusto Malo against Willian, the Chelsea fullback had caught the shin of his Brazilian counterpart with his stud, it was a tackle that looked bad as the Fulham winger was seen in a bad shape, although only a yellow card was given to the Chelsea fullback.

Fulham Coach, Marco Silva said after the game; "It is clearly a red card, it is difficult or the referee to see if its a red card. We have to be fair with him because the moment is really quick. In the Premier League, 10 moments like that one, nine have been a red card."

Pochettino have a contrary opinion though as he claims; "I remember the game against Aston Villa, it was a red card and I didn't complain about that, but today it was a yellow card," I have a very good relationship with Marco Silver, he is a great person and a great coach, and of course, if I'm in his place, I would tell you it's a red card. 

But sometimes, this type of situation is against you and the view of the referee is different. They though it was a yellow card and its good for us."

Chelsea put in not so convincing performance today at Stamford bridge but the penalty from Cole Palmer in the 45 minutes was enough to seal all three points when Diop brought down Raheem Sterling in his own box as the Englishman dive in and drive past him, his sliding tackle brought down the winger and Anthony Taylor wasted no time in awarding an obvious penalty. 

Cole Palmer as usual stepped up and send Leno the wrong way to seal the three points for Chelsea. Maurucio Pochettino will be hoping his side can keep up the consistency as it will be needed in their returning leg of the EFL Cup Semi final, welcoming Micheal Carrick's Middlesbrough to Stamford Bride before hosting Unai Emery's Aston Villa in the FA Cup 4th Round on 26th, and then visiting Liverpool at the hostile Anfield on the last day of January. 

Spurs brings Timo

 

The former Chelsea man is a target has signed with Tottenham on a loan deal until the end of season. The Germany International makes his return to the Premier League with an option to buy for an undisclosed fee.

The English team lost their captain, Son to South Korea on the event of their soon to commence Asian Cup and that informs a need to bring in a firepower to booster their attacking line. 

A player of Timo Werner caliber perfectly fits Spurs pattern of playing as they are offensive team who always attacks the opposition defenses and with the wing players constantly running in behind opponent defenses, this is Timo Werner's strength. 

Timo Werner who scores 23 goals in 89 games for Chelsea Fc will be looking to increase his goals in English football, as this is another opportunity to prove his worth in the English Leage after an almost disappointing period in North London with Chelsea. 

Reports suggests that Tottenham will cover the Leipzig man's full salary until the remainder of the season. He scored 16 goals with the German outfit last season but struggling to replicate that feat this season as he's been struggling with consistency. 

Ange Posectcoglou was an important factor in Timo Werner's decision to join Spurs, as the German said: "Yes, he was the reason I joined, Tottenham is a big club and I would love to be part of the history." "I love the way the manager wants to play as it suits my way of playing." 

Tottenham manager also said; "We are happy to have brought Timo here, he will be a great addition to our squad". We cannot wait to integrate him into the team as he is a great player.

Many Spurs fans and English football lovers would be looking forward to welcome the German back to the EPL as he will further improve the quality of players already in the EPL. 

SuperSports to Broadcast AFCON

SuperSport TV has decided against not broadcasting the soon-to-commence AFCON Tournament in Ivory Coast. 

West Africans can be happy they can comfortably see all matches live on SuperSports from the Kick-off to the finals. There were concerns initially that the South Africa TV Station will be not broadcasting the tournament on any of their channels, but earlier today, news reaches us that there is U-turn and that they now have broadcasting rights for the event in Ivory Coast. 

SuperSport came under fire for failing to secure broadcasting rights in South Africa, where it enjoys a substantial and meaningful audience, the general public shows concerns and dissatisfactions as to why such a prestigious tournament in Africa will not be broadcasted on their most-sought-after broadcasting station. 

Now, people of Africa, especially Nigerians can be rest assured that the African Cup of Nation will be broadcasted Live on SuperSports Channels, MultiChoice-Owned SuperSport Tv will broadcast the 2023 AFCON in Nigeria, confirmed GOtv.

South Africa, meanwhile will watch the African Cup of Nation on the country's National Broadcaster, the SABC, who sub-leased the rights from Togolese network "New World TV. Be reminded that New World TV owns the rights for the tournament in Ivory Coast.

United Boost for Spurs

ETH and Manchester United are expecting to have several absentees back for their clash against Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday encounter at Old Trafford. 

Since the beginning of the 2023/2024 EPL Season, United were without a dozen of their first teamers, including Monday's victory over Wigan Athletic in the Emirate FA Cup, Amad Dialo who just returned to action on their last EPL loss to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground Stadium since their pre-season and Christian Erikson also missed the game through illness.

The Red Devils have faced serious injury problems throughout the campaign, with Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount and Tyrel Malacia, they latter who is yet to feature for United in 2023/24 are all in the last stages of their full recovery from injury problems. 

United will be hoping that their worries days are almost over, with Eriksen, Harry Maguire and Shaw expected to be involved at some stage in their match against Tottenham Hotspur if not as a starter. The Red Devils will be hoping they could close the gap between them and Spurs to six points. 

Another notable absentee is Mason Mount who requires more time according to ETH. 

"Yeah, I feel there will be some players, hopefully they can be back at the weekend," The Dutchman told reporters. "So, I'm talking about Christian Eriksen, potentially Luke Shaw too, Harry Maguire maybe, while Mason, I think he needs some days or a week more. 

Erik Ten Hag has been with youthful bench for the Reds for a couple of weeks now and with Willy Kambwala now looking promising with the minutes he's got under his belt, United now have another option in their defense line. Alejandro Garnacho has been a revelation and has also stepped up in compensation for the out-of-form Marcus Rashford, the availability of Kobbie Mainoo and Hannibal Mejbir has further helped united in Midfield this term, especially since the midfield duo of Casemiro and Eriksen has been missed due to injuries.

When asked about the availability of his promising homegrown players, and if he would prefer to go into January windows rather than wait for his senior players to get back from injury, the United manager Said: 

"We consider everything, so what is the best interests of the player and what is the best interest of us, for our team and for Manchester United," ETH added. "We will see how it progresses during the window."

Before deadline day of the transfer window, Erik's United have three fixtures to play, against Spurs, Eastleigh or Newport in the FA Cup and lastly, Wolves in the EPL. 

Chelsea Slips at The Riverside Stadium

 

Chelsea FC shows again their lack of clinical edge at the front of goal. The London club came into the match at the back of their 4 - 0 win against Preston North End. 

Their attacking players were in the good spirits after putting in outstanding display on the night. In the 58th minutes, Armando Broja put the host in front, followed by 66th minutes effort from their experienced Brazilian defender, Thiago Silva, in the 68th minute of the game, Raheem Sterling wonder freekick seal the victory for the blues and to make it a perfect night, Enzo Fernandez completed the wonderful second half performance with his 85th minute effort. 

The blues came into Tuesday night encounter with Middlesbrough at The Riverside Stadium, which currently sits at 34,742 in capacity with confidence after their hauling of Preston North End but were frustrated all night.

The visitors had started the game so well through their wing-flares of Raheem Sterling and Madueke Noni, posing regular threats across both wings. Giving the host so much to worry about defensively. The host were forced into defensive actions on the average of 2minutes until the 30th minute of the game. 

The 2017 EPL Champions failed to capitalize on their chances and forced the Boros into actions. On the 37th minutes, a counter attack from the Boros through Isiah Jones, charging from the right wing made a tight cut-back cross to found arriving Hayden Hackney to drive in a left footed effort into the bottom right angle of Chelsea's goal post. It was a man of the match display from Jones at The Riverside Stadium. 

Summing up a shocking night for the blues was a 1v1 chances missed by Cole Palmer, the former Manchester City player who has been a revelation signing for the blues so far in 2023/2024 campaign, the Englishman went clear on goal twice but failed to convert those chances. 

The blues boss, M. Pochetino admited after the game; "It was a frustrating night for the team, it is difficult to explain our performance tonight; we had a couple of good chances but failed to take any; this happens in football but we have to move on. We put our focus now on the Fulham game and then thing about a chance to correct our mistakes in two weeks when Middlesbrough return to Stamford Brigde". 

"There are alot of positives to be taken from the game today. 

Middlesbrough manager, Micheal Carrick said; This is a good performance from the team, the guys put in a lot of effort and the result was very excellent; we scored a goal but this is only half time as we still have a return leg to play in their home". I am so happy for the team. 

The blues will now hope they can give a better performance when the Boros returns to Stamford Brigde for the returned fixture.