Sports
LaLiga Santander enters 2019 with leaders Barcelona looking to stay ahead
The first weekend of LaLiga Santander in 2019 will see leaders Barcelona looking to stay ahead at the top but also potential opportunities for a chasing pack including Sevilla, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid to make up ground.
Barça ended 2018 three points clear after captain Lionel Messi starred in four straight LaLiga victories. However, the Catalans’ first game of the New Year on Sunday evening brings a tough challenge against a Getafe team who have conceded just once in their last four games at their Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
Earlier on Sunday afternoon third-placed Sevilla host second placed Atletico Madrid in what will be a real test of both teams’ title credentials. Ex-Sevilla midfielder Diego Simeone masterminded a 5-2 victory on his return to the Sanchez-Pizjuán with his current side last season and will be keen to repeat but the Andalusians ended 2018 with six straight LaLiga wins in front of their own fans. This should be a good one.
Real Madrid’s bid to get back into the title race continues on Sunday against Real Sociedad. Facing Club World Cup 2018 Golden Ball winner Gareth Bale and company is undoubtedly a tough start for the Basque side’s new coach, Imanol Alguacil, but one the club from San Sebastian will relish.
The weekend’s action begins early Friday evening with Levante hosting Girona at the Ciutat de Valencia with both teams, who spent the winter break in the top half, aiming to ensure the holidays have not stalled their fine early season momentum.
Later on Friday, Espanyol host Leganes at the RCDE Stadium with the home fans hoping their team has used the break to regroup and begin again, while the visitors from the capital will aim to keep up the form which saw them unbeaten in their last seven LaLiga games of 2018.
Saturday’s programme begins at the Estadio Jose Zorilla with two teams promoted to LaLiga Santander last year. Hosts Real Valladolid have settled in to their top-flight status quicker than visitors Rayo Vallecano, but both teams will start 2019 knowing they must keep picking up points to ensure safety.
Next up are Alaves, still unbeaten in front of their own supporters at Mendizorrotza this season, who host a Valencia side whose impressive improvement late last year included just one defeat in five on the road.
The day’s action ends at El Alcoraz, where bottom team Huesca will be aiming to begin the year with a badly needed win against a Real Betis side who went into the winter break in sixth but will surely be aiming even higher in 2019.
Sunday starts with Eibar against Villarreal where one of LaLiga Santander’s longest serving coaches in Jose Luis Mendilibar will welcome Luis Garcia, who returned to Spanish football late last year after adventures in the UAE [Baniyas] and China [Beijing Renhe], to replace Javi Calleja at the helm at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
To close out the matchday, the first Monday game of 2019 sees RC Celta and Athletic Club looking to continue upswings in form started late last year under their respective new managers, Miguel Cardoso and Gaizka Garitano.
MTN Nigeria, the official sponsor of the English Premier League (EPL) on SuperSport, successfully hosted an electrifying Manchester Derby watch party at Bay Lounge, Lekki, on April 6, 2025. Football fans gathered for a superb night of live-action football, engaging discussions, and exciting giveaways.
Building on the success of its previous Arsenal vs. Manchester United watch party, MTN Nigeria once again provided a premium viewing experience that brought fans together to celebrate their shared passion for football.
These fans enjoyed their match on a big screen among other football lovers. The Derby ended in a tense goalless draw that, while lacking in goals, was full of drama.
Fans erupted at every near-miss, debated tactical battles, and rode the emotional rollercoaster of a match that left City’s Champions League hopes hanging and reflected Manchester United’s season frustrations.
Looking ahead, this draw presents an opportunity for Newcastle United, as they could overtake City for fifth place if they secure a victory against Leicester City, who are battling relegation, on Monday; highlighting the competitive nature of the league and the dynamic possibilities for all teams involved.
Nwadinma Gregory, one lucky attendee who walked away with an MTN broadband MiFi, said “The energy at the MTN Nigeria watch party was absolutely incredible! Watching the Manchester Derby with fellow fans, experiencing every goal, every near miss and every thrilling moment together made it unforgettable. MTN really knows how to bring football lovers together for an amazing experience!”
One of the biggest talking points was Kevin De Bruyne, who recently announced this would be his final season at Manchester City.
Fans took the opportunity to reflect on his remarkable legacy. Mickhael Ehi, an attendee, shared his thoughts on De Bruyne’s impact and contribution to the team, highlighting the significance of his career at the club: “Seeing De Bruyne in what might be his last Manchester Derby was bittersweet. He’s been a Premier League legend: the assists, the vision, the leadership. Even if he wasn’t at his peak today, you could feel the respect from the crowd. Players like him don’t come around often.”
Lakinbofa Goodluck, MTN Nigeria’s PR Manager, highlighted the brand’s dedication to enhancing football experiences:
“At MTN Nigeria, we are committed to enriching the experiences of our customers and football lovers. The Premier League is more than just football; it’s about community, passion, and unforgettable moments, and we are proud to bring that to our fans.”
With the EPL season still in full swing, MTN Nigeria will continue to create unique engagement opportunities for fans, ensuring they stay connected to the game they love.
…reaffirms MTN Nigeria’s support following ‘draw’ with Zimbabwe.
MTN Nigeria, the official telecommunications partner of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), has reiterated its unwavering support for the Super Eagles following their spirited draw with Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifier match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Building on the momentum from their recent victory against Rwanda, MTN Nigeria had expressed strong backing for the national team ahead of the crucial fixture. Tobe Okigbo, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, stated before the game, “We are confident in the team’s ability to make Nigeria proud and qualify for the World Cup.”
Despite the draw, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, maintained a positive outlook. “While tonight’s outcome wasn’t what we hoped for, we remain steadfast in our support for the Super Eagles. This result is just part of the journey towards World Cup qualification, and we believe in the team’s resilience and ability to succeed,” Toriola said.
The match showcased the Super Eagles’ grit and determination as they found their rhythm against the Zimbabwean side. Nigeria scored the first goal, demonstrating their prowess and fighting spirit, although the match ultimately ended in a draw. This result has added to the excitement of Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
MTN Nigeria, which signed a deal with the NFF in 2021 as the Official Telecoms Partner, has been a constant pillar of support for Nigerian football for over two decades. The company’s commitment extends from grassroots to national levels, investing significantly in the development of local football.
“Our support for the Super Eagles and all national teams is part of our long-standing tradition,” Toriola added. “We are building a sustainable legacy of collaboration, growth, and development in the football space. Tonight’s result doesn’t change our belief in the team’s potential to make all Nigerians proud on the global stage. We believe in our Eagles.”
As the Super Eagles regroup and prepare for their next qualifier, MTN Nigeria has called on all Nigerians to rally behind the team. The company emphasized that this is a crucial time for unity and continued support, expressing confidence that the Super Eagles will overcome this challenge and strive towards securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sports
Portugal Football Club Signs on 19-Year-Old Nigerian- born Footballer, Yaqub Usman-Malah
Reporter: Sandra Ani
Brito Sporting Club of Portugal, a football club founded in 1956, has signed an official contract with a United Kingdom-based highly-talented, young Nigeria-born footballer, Yaqub Usman-Malah.
The official unveiling of the young promising footballer was carried out on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
Yaqub, born in Nigeria in 2006, is a budding Nigerian talent with unquantifiable promise and potential.
Prior to his official contract with Brito Sporting Club of Portugal, he was a student and a trainee player with the Brooke College Football Academy in the United Kingdom.
At Brooke College Football Academy, Yaqub had an impressive goal average of 17 goals in 32 matches with no injuries in 116 training days, cumulating into 2, 270 minutes of on-field action.
A clear testimony of his outstanding performance at the Academy was provided by the lead coach of the Under-17B team Yaqub played with.
The lead coach, Tomasz Wasylik, described Yaqub as a ‘well-liked person’ and a role model to his teammates due to his professionalism and unmatched work rate.
The Lead Coach further stated that Yaqub has played in National School Cup competitions against other colleges and programmes in the 2023/2024 session and is a good ‘tactical player’, ‘technically good” and can ‘play in multiple positions on the field’.
It is expected that Yaqub will live to the potential and promise identified by Coach Tomasz Wasylik of the Brooke College Football Academy and achieve greatness in his new club.
“While looking forward to the display of his unarguable skills and boundless stamina, we wish Yaqub a successful career and a place in the halls of football greatness across the globe,” Yaqub’s father, Mr Usman Malah said in a statement issued to the media, on Wednesday 8, 2025.
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