Sports
“El Clasico, Round 2”: Changes abound eith Real Madrid and Barcelona set for their second bout of the LaLiga Season
BY: Nmerichukwu Igweamaka
The first LaLiga Santander El Clasico of 2018/19 was a hugely significant moment for both clubs involved, but a lot has changed since Barcelona’s 5-1 victory over Real Madrid last October.
The Catalans were bang on form that day at the Camp Nou even without Lionel Messi, with Luis Suarez hitting an impressive hat-trick and Philippe Coutinho and Arturo Vidal also scoring their first El Clasico goals.
Real Madrid did not enjoy the experience at all. Coach Julen Lopetegui was dismissed just a few days later, and replacement Santi Solari has since instigated a general shake-up of the team which means at least four of the XI from the season’s first El Clasico are unlikely to start the return.
Solari’s biggest decision has been to promote Brazilian teenager Vinícius Junior, with the 18-year-old settling quickly into the Los Blancos first team and becoming one of their most important forward attacking players.
A former Real Madrid player and coach of the club’s Castilla youth side, Solari has also introduced home-grown Sergio Reguilon, 22, into the team at left-back. Reguilon’s strong form has meant a reduced role for club vice-captain and icon Marcelo, who scored his team’s goal at the Camp Nou in October and, if past selections are anything to go by, Marcelo might not make the XI on Saturday.
Others to have made an excellent contribution as Madrid’s results and performances have improved over recent months have been tactically intelligent winger Lucas Vazquez and fit again right-back Dani Carvajal, neither of whom started at the Camp Nou earlier in the season. Senior Los Blancos stars including Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric have also returned to better form as the campaign has progressed.
The last four months have also brought plenty of changes at the Camp Nou. Barça moved in the January transfer window to sign Ghanaian international Kevin-Prince Boateng and Colombian defender Jeison Murillo, who could both potentially make their El Clasico debuts on Saturday.
Other younger players have also established themselves as really important members of Ernesto Valverde’s team as the season has progressed. Ousmane Dembele and Nelson Semedo were substitutes in October but will be hopeful that their good recent form will merit and starting spot at the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend.
Less happily for Barça, emerging midfield star Arthur, so impressive in his first El Clasico, will be missing this weekend due to a hamstring injury. But fellow Brazilian Malcom showed in February’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg Clasico that he can make a big impression against Madrid.
One significant feature of October’s match was that blaugrana talisman Lionel Messi missed a El Clasico for the first time in 11 years. The Argentine has long since recovered from that unfortunately-timed arm injury, with his goals and performances having fired Barça into a lead at the top of the LaLiga Santander table.
The current standings mean Real Madrid go into Saturday’s game really needing to reverse October’s result and take the three points. A lot has changed over the intervening months, but more drama is all but guaranteed at the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend. With El Clasico it couldn’t be any other way!
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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