Sports
‘Shut Your Mouth’, Jackson Fires Back At Mikel
Chelsea forward, Nicolas Jackson has hit back at former Blues midfielder Mikel Obi, who recently criticised his performance.
Jackson bluntly told the ex-Chelsea star to “shut his mouth” after Mikel suggested the striker wasted too many chances during last Sunday’s match against Manchester City.
Mikel also hinted that Chelsea might want to consider signing Victor Osimhen as a potential alternative.
In response, the Senegalese forward highlighted his form by sharing an image from the popular football page #433, celebrating his opening goal in Chelsea’s 6-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The post read: “Jackson answered his critics on the pitch by scoring Chelsea’s opening goal in their 6-2 win over Wolves, marking the club’s fastest Premier League goal since 2017.”
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Jackson, who scored inside the opening two minutes against Wolves, took to social media to address Mikel’s comments directly.
“Mikel Obi, shut your mouth, don’t talk nonsense. We are killing ourselves for Africa,” Jackson wrote on Instagram, clearly expressing his displeasure with the criticism.
Mikel, 37, had targeted Jackson’s goal-scoring ability on beIN Sport following Chelsea’s 2-0 loss to Manchester City last weekend.
He remarked, “We created chances but didn’t take them. Just look at Jackson’s finishing. Even though he was offside, he dribbles past one or two or three players, but his shooting needs to improve.
“We need a striker who can consistently put the ball in the back of the net, which we currently lack. I know I sound critical, but I’m not trying to disrespect him. Chelsea needs a top striker, similar to Haaland, who has scored an unbelievable 91 goals for City.”
Chelsea will host fellow London club Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, September 1, in the third week of the Premier League.
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.
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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.
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“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.
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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.