Sports
Ex-Sheffield United Star, George Baldock Found Dead In His Home
George Baldock, former Sheffield United defender and current Panathinaikos player, has been found dead at his home in Greece.
Local media reported that Baldock, aged 31 was discovered in his swimming pool after his wife was unable to contact him for several hours.
Read Also: Hurricane Milton: Florida Braces For Catastrophic Impact As Evacuations Soar
Emergency services were called to the scene, but the footballer was pronounced dead upon their arrival.
The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Baldock had a notable career, spending seven years at Sheffield United between 2017 and 2024.
He was a key player during the club’s rise to the Premier League and played over 170 games for the Blades.
Before his time at Sheffield, he represented MK Dons, Northampton Town, and Oxford United.
Baldock, who qualified to play for Greece through his grandmother, made 12 appearances for the Greek national team.
Despite recently moving to Panathinaikos in the summer, where he had made four appearances this season, Baldock was not named in the squad for Greece’s upcoming match against England at Wembley due to an injury.
Panathinaikos, who blacked out their social media profile pictures in tribute to the player, expressed their shock and sadness.
The football world has since united in mourning the unexpected death of the defender, with tributes flooding in from fans, former teammates, and clubs alike.
Baldock’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the football community, with many remembering him as a dedicated and respected figure both on and off the pitch.
Sports
Paul Pogba’s Juventus Career Ends As Club Terminates Contract
Paul Pogba’s second spell at Juventus has officially ended after the club announced on Friday that they had mutually agreed to terminate his contract, effective November 30, 2024.
The decision comes after a series of setbacks, including a doping suspension that was recently reduced.
Pogba, 31, had been handed a four-year suspension by the Italian anti-doping authority (NADO) after testing positive for testosterone in August 2023, following Juventus’ opening Serie A match of the season.
RELATED NEWS: Paul Pogba’s Suspension Reduced, Set To Return To Football In 2025
However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced his ban to 18 months last month, accepting his claim that the failed test was caused by an incorrectly prescribed supplement.
CAS also stated that Pogba was not without fault, as a professional footballer, he should have been more careful in managing his supplements.
Despite the reduced ban, Juventus confirmed that they would part ways with the French midfielder, whose return to Turin in 2022 from Manchester United had been plagued by injuries and off-field issues.
In a statement, the club announced that Pogba’s contract, originally set to expire in 2026, would be terminated early.
In an emotional message to fans on social media, Pogba thanked Juventus, saying, “You gave me a lot, more than what I could ever say, and I’ll always keep with me the love you showed me. You’ll always be in my heart. Good luck.”
Pogba’s time at Juventus was short-lived. After rejoining the club in 2022, he made only 10 appearances due to injury and his doping ban.
He also missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to a knee issue.
Additionally, Pogba was the victim of an extortion scheme involving his brother, Mathias, and five others, all of whom are set to stand trial.
Juventus have since revamped their squad, investing over €120 million in midfielders Teun Koopmeiners, Douglas Luiz, and Khephren Thuram.
The club is currently sixth in Serie A, two points behind leaders Napoli.
Sports
Super Eagles’ Stanley Nwabali Loses Father
Stanley Nwabali, goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has been plunged into mourning following the death of his father.
The footballer broke the news on his Instagram page on Friday, sharing a brief yet emotional tribute.
READ ALSO: Moses Korede Are, Gospel Film Legend Passes Away
“Rest in peace, dad,” Nwabali wrote in the post, accompanied by a tearful emoji.
While the cause of death was not disclosed, the announcement has sparked an outpouring of condolences from fans, teammates, and members of the football community.
More to follow……….
Sports
Super Eagles Secure Spot In AFCON 2025 After Rwanda’s Loss
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially booked their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
This achievement follows Libya’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali, a result that has effectively ended Rwanda’s chances of progressing to the tournament.
READ ALSO: Ademola Lookman Joins Elite Nominees For 2024 Globe Soccer Awards
With Rwanda stuck at five points from five matches, even a victory in their upcoming game against Nigeria in Uyo won’t be enough to overtake the Super Eagles in the Group D standings.
Nigeria currently sits atop the group with 10 points, followed by Benin with six, Rwanda with five, and Libya at the bottom with four.
Nigeria’s qualification marks a significant milestone as they aim for their fourth AFCON title, last winning the prestigious tournament in 2013.
The Super Eagles, led by head coach Jose Peseiro, have shown consistent form throughout the qualifiers and will be looking to maintain their momentum heading into the tournament.
Meanwhile, Benin remains in contention for the group’s second qualification spot.
They face a crucial match against Nigeria tonight, needing a positive result to stay in the running.
The race for qualification will conclude on Monday, with Libya hosting Benin in the final Group D game.