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.
Sports
Ademola Lookman Joins Elite Nominees For 2024 Globe Soccer Awards
Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman has earned a spot among football’s elite, being nominated for the prestigious 2024 Globe Soccer Awards Men’s Best Player prize.
The Atalanta forward joins a distinguished list of players including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Erling Haaland, as revealed by the award organisers on Thursday.
READ ALSO: Court Pushes Falana, Falz’s Case Against VDM To January
Lookman, who finished 14th in this year’s Ballon d’Or rankings, has enjoyed a standout year with both Atalanta and the Nigerian national team.
His impressive performances at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he scored three goals in seven matches, were a highlight, despite Nigeria’s narrow defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in the final.
Further solidifying his case, Lookman scored a historic hat trick in the UEFA Europa League final, helping Atalanta to victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
This remarkable form has also earned him a place among the candidates for the CAF Player of the Year award.
The winner of the Globe Soccer Awards Men’s Best Player will be announced on December 27, 2024, in Dubai, UAE.
The full list of nominees for the award is as follows:
1. Nicolò Barella
2. Jude Bellingham
3. Hakan Çalhanoğlu
4. Dani Carvajal
5. Artem Dovbyk
6. Phil Foden
7. Antoine Griezmann
8. Alejandro Grimaldo
9. Viktor Gyökeres
10. Erling Haaland
11. Harry Kane
12. Toni Kroos
13. Robert Lewandowski
14. Ademola Lookman
15. Emiliano Martínez
16. Lautaro Martínez
17. Kylian Mbappé
18. Lionel Messi
19. Dani Olmo
20. Cole Palmer
21. Rodrigo
22. Rodrygo
23. Cristiano Ronaldo
24. Bukayo Saka
25. Mohamed Salah
26. William Saliba
27. Federico Valverde
28. Vinícius Júnior
29. Vitinha
30. Nico Williams
31. Florian Wirtz
32. Granit Xhaka
33. Lamine Yamal