Sports

Fans Criticise Lukaku over Poor Performance Against Man City

Published

4 years ago

January 16, 2022

Eric

Chelsea attacker, Romelu Lukaku, has been heavily criticised by fans after the Belgian squandered a glorious opportunity to put the Blues ahead against Manchester City by attempting to set up Hakim Ziyech.

With just over nine minutes gone in the first half at the Etihad, Lukaku found himself in space after spinning away from John Stones and galloping towards City’s goal.

However, rather than entering the box at pace and looking to test Ederson, Lukaku attempted to play Ziyech in with a through ball to his right.

Also, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel voiced his frustration at Romelu Lukaku after Kevin De Bruyne’s brilliant strike beat the Blues 1-0 to open up a 13-point lead at the top of the table.

A tale of two Belgian internationals saw Lukaku spurn a chance to silence his critics early in the second half before De Bruyne produced the one outstanding moment of quality in the game by curling home from outside the box.

A 12th consecutive league win for the champions strengthens City’s grip on the title race as they streak towards a fourth league crown in five seasons.

Chelsea got the better of Pep Guardiola’s men in last season’s Champions League final, but securing their place in Europe’s top club competition next season now looks like the height of their ambitions for the rest of the Premier League season.

The Blues remain second but have won just one of their last six league games.

“Our offensive players need to show up more. We need consistency. Chelsea is not a place to hide,” said Tuchel.

Lukaku was supposed to be the final piece required to turn the European champions into challengers for City’s title over the long haul.

But he has scored just twice in his last 11 league appearances either side of being dropped for voicing his unhappiness at how the season has gone since a club-record £98 million move from Inter Milan to Italian media.

And Tuchel rejected suggestions the striker is starved of service.

“Sometimes he needs to do the service,” added the German. “He had many ball losses without any pressure. He had a big chance.

“Of course we want to serve him but the performance up front, we have to do much better.”

“We cannot forget who we played, they are European champions, and how incredible a side they are,” said Guardiola. “They defended well, they waited for transition to punish us and we won from one transition.”

Sports

Tinubu Hails Rangers Int’l After 9th NPFL Title Win

Published

3 weeks ago

May 26, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Rangers International FC on winning the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, describing the club’s triumph as a remarkable achievement and a testament to its enduring football legacy.

Rangers secured the league crown for a record ninth time after finishing the season with 68 points from 38 matches, ahead of closest rivals Rivers United.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu congratulated the management, players and supporters of the Enugu-based side for their successful campaign.

The President recalled the club’s dominance in Nigerian football during the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting its historic exploits on the continental stage.

He specifically referenced Rangers’ run to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1975 and their triumph in the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977.

President Tinubu also commended Governor Peter Mbah for supporting youth and sports development in the State, saying the club’s success reflected the impact of such investments.

“I must also congratulate Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on the victory of Rangers International FC. This victory is an obvious fruit of his administration’s investments in youth and sports in the state. I commend him,” the President said.

He further noted that Rangers, as one of Nigeria’s oldest football clubs, has produced several players who brought honour to the country on the global stage.

The President equally commended Rivers United for their impressive performance throughout the season and for displaying sportsmanship during the competition.

Tinubu wished both Rangers International FC and Rivers United success as they prepare to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League.

Sports

Ronaldo Celebrates Saudi Pro League Win with Al-Nassr

Published

3 weeks ago

May 22, 2026

Eric

Al Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has finally won the Saudi Pro League title.

They were confirmed champions on Thursday, thanks to a 4-2 drubbing of relegation battlers, Damac.

The title race had gone down to the final day after Al-Nassr dramatically dropped points against Al-Hilal the previous week.

Jorge Jesus’ side knew there could be no mistakes against a Damac side fighting for survival at the other end of the table.

Ronaldo was on the scoresheet, as his brace helped Al Nassr secure the title ahead of rivals Al Hilal.

Sports

FIFA Lists Six Females Among 52 Referees for 2026 World Cup

Published

2 months ago

April 10, 2026

Eric

FIFA on Thursday unveiled its list of match officials for the June 11-July 19 World Cup, including 52 referees, six of whom are women.

Football’s governing body will also take 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials, who hail from all six confederations and 50 member associations.

“The selected match officials are the very best in the world,” said Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s chief refereeing officer.

“They were part of a wider pool of officials that was identified and monitored over the past three years. They have attended seminars and officiated at FIFA tournaments.

“In addition, their performances in domestic and international matches were regularly assessed.”

The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be the biggest in history, with a 48-team line-up and 104 matches to be played.

There are 41 more match officials than at Qatar four years ago, where 32 teams played 64 matches.

“The fact that six women match officials have been selected continues a trend that was started four years ago in Qatar as we aim to further develop women’s refereeing,” Collina said, with six women having already refereed in 2022.

AFP