Connect with us

Sports

Solskjaer still resembles an interim manager’ – Man Utd boss will be replaced regardless, says Carragher

Published

on

A former fan favourite is tied to a long-term deal at Old Trafford, but is considered to be merely paving the way for an “elite” coach to take charge 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still “resembles an interim manager” at Manchester United, says Jamie Carragher, with the Norwegian warned that he is keeping the hot seat warm for an “elite coach”.

A former fans’ favourite at Old Trafford returned to familiar surroundings in December 2018 on the back of Jose Mourinho’s dismissal.

He was charged with the task of steadying a sinking ship and putting new foundations in place for future success.

Having fared admirably across the opening weeks of that process, Solskjaer was subsequently handed a three-year contract.

Performances towards the end of the 2018-19 campaign, and early weeks of the current season however, are considered to have done little to inspire confidence or justify the faith shown in him.

Carragher is among those buying into that way of thinking, with it his opinion that Solskjaer is merely filling a spot in the dugout until a more experienced tactician can be found.

“Solskjaer’s record since taking the job permanently is poor. He has won just six of his 18 games in charge since being appointed full-time, losing eight,” Carragher said in The Telegraph.

“Since knocking out Paris Saint-Germain in last year’s Champions League – the match which sealed Solskjaer’s position – United are averaging less than a goal a game, scoring 18 in their last 20 fixtures.

“They have not won away in seven games.

“Let’s be honest. There is an understandable reluctance from United supporters, ex-players or anyone with a love or affiliation to the club to admit the coach is not performing at the required level for a club of such stature. 

“Solskjaer is not liked by United fans. He is loved. It is too difficult for many to bring themselves to point the finger at him in the way they did David Moyes, Louis van Gaal or Jose Mourinho, who were detached emotionally as they had no previous links to Old Trafford. When results were poor under them they were held accountable and there was little sympathy.

“To me, Solskjaer still resembles an interim manager – in place to clear the dressing room of expensive, underperforming names and put the spine of a team together for his successor.

“In my view he will never lead United to a Premier League title or win the Champions League because even if he achieves the goal of restoring stability, I believe he will be replaced by an established, elite coach.

“It may not be in his nature, but that is why it has reached the stage where it would be wise of Solskjaer to help himself more by putting pressure on those above to make more signings during the January transfer window as he may not be in charge for another one.

“He should also take a firm decision by immediately appointing Harry Maguire captain.”

Solskjaer has offered no indication that he is feeling the strain at United and continues to work his way towards long-term goals.

It does, however, remain to be seen whether he gets the support and time he requires to complete that job in what is a result business and one where patience is often in short supply.

Continue Reading

Sports

Nwosu hails Super Falcons: You’ve shown the Nigeria spirit

By Our Correspondent

Published

on

Super Falcons are 10th time WAFCON Champions
Super Falcons are 10th time WAFCON Champions

John C. Nwosu, governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has hailed the Super Falcons for lifting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s African Cup of Nations (WACON) held in Morocco for the 10th time, after a dramatic outing in Rabat, capital of the North African nation.

The Nigerian female team came from behind after a 2:0 lead they were handed down by the Atlas Lionesses at half time to turn the tide in a dramatic fashion, marked by energy, resilience, determination and skill, slotting in three goals in less than 30 minutes.

A totally enthralled Nwosu declared that feat clearly showed how with determination and focus, the most difficult tasks could be achieved and toughest challenges could be surmounted, adding that the feat embodied a lot of life’s lessons.

“What we saw today is the can-do spirit of that Nigerians are known for. It is a spirit that has broken many barriers and achieved great things. I particularly noticed the teamwork and synergy among the girls and their determination not to give up. It shows the reward of unity of purpose.

“As I watched our girls lift this beautiful trophy up, my spirit was also lifted. I am sure I am not alone. This spectacular achievement today shows how much we can achieve in Nigeria when we de-emphasise those things that divide the nation and emphasise the things that unite us.

“This is the focus of the ADC. We take it as a task to unite Nigeria by promoting unity, equity, justice and fair play in all facets of the society, knowing that together, working individually and collectively, we wake the sleeping giant.

“It is particularly so as we make deliberate moves to recreate a new Anambra where the government and the people will form an environment of common vision and move in the same direction, achieve a common goal. That vision has gained a strong fillip by this wonderful feat in Morocco.”

Well done girls. Once again, you have put smiles on millions of Nigerians, both home and abroad. May this joy continue to resonate everywhere in the life of our dear nation, now and in future.

Continue Reading

Sports

Gov Mbah Congratulates Super Falcons on Historic 10th WAFCON Title

Report by Ikenna Oluka

Published

on

WAFCON
Super Falcon players after winning 10th WAFCON

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria on their 10th Women African Cup of Nations, WAFCON, title, saying that they demonstrated the resilience of the Nigerian spirit.

The Super Falcons, who fell behind by two goals in the first half, staged a memorable comeback in Rabat in the second half, beating their Moroccan counterparts before their huge crowd of home fans to lift the WAFCON 2025 trophy courtesy of goals delivered by Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini.

Mbah, who took to his verified social media handle, @PNMbah, to celebrate the impressive Nigerian side wrote, “Congratulations, Super Falcons, on your well-deserved WAFCON 2025 triumph.

“Coming from two goals down to beat the Moroccans to the trophy underscores the resilience and invincibility of the Nigerian spirit and what we can achieve as a people by working together in oneness of mind.

“We are super proud of you.

“Again, congratulations, girls, and keep flying higher.”

Continue Reading

Sports

Mbah Receives EPL Trophy, Seeks Guinness’ Partnership to Grow Sports in Enugu

…Why we choose Enugu- Guinness, reports SANDRA ANI

Published

on

EPL trophy display in Enugu
EPL DISPLAYS TROPHY IN ENUGU L-R: Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Enugu State, Dame Ugochi Madueke; Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu; Director, Marketing and Innovations, Guinness Nigeria, Yinka Bakare; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; Director, Corporate Relations, Guinness Nigeria, Rotimi Odusola; Head of Marketing, Guinness Nigeria, Ramanathan Sollayepan; Head of Division, South-East Region, Guinness Nigeria, Adesoji Opeyemi; General Manager, Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku; and the Chairman, Enugu State Football Association, Barr. Tony Ugwu, during the showcase of the English Premier League trophy to Governor Mbah by Guiness Nigeria at Government House, Enugu, Friday

The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed his eagerness to partner with Guinness Nigeria PLC to accelerate his administration’s sports development effort, describing the state as the home of sporting legends, who have ruled the world of sports as well as home of abundant talents for the future.

Mbah spoke when a team of Guinness Nigeria’s management showcased the English Premier League, EPL, trophy, to him at Government House, Enugu, on Friday.

It is recalled that Guinness Nigeria and the Premier League partnered to bring the iconic silverware for display in Enugu on Friday, May 16 and in Lagos on Saturday May 17 and Sunday, 18 to give EPL’s teeming fans in Nigeria the rare opportunity to experience the trophy.

Speaking during the presentation of the trophy at the Lion Building, Enugu State Government House, Mbah noted that beside putting in place legislative frameworks for sports development, his administration was also embarking on a massive reconstruction of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and Awgu Games Village preparatory to hosting the 2026 edition of the National Sports Festival.

“Like Guinness, we regard sports as a positive force in Enugu. We are not surprised that the Guinness flagship event is being held here in Enugu. Just like Guinness, we also see sports as a platform to foster social cohesion. We are not just paying lip service to sports; we actually have our skin in the game.

“We believe that the EPL is quite a spectacle with audiences across the world and you couldn’t have chosen a better city for the flagship event than Enugu.

“Again, since here is the home of Rangers and since we have also recognised that this is where it all happens, let us begin to think about more collaboration with Guinness to see how we can secure endorsement with the Guinness corporate brand. This should be on the table because Rangers also won the 2023/2024 Nigerian Premier League title.

“We are just about giving the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and Awgu Games Village a new lease of life, making sure they meet FIFA and World Athletics standards ahead of the National Sports Festival. So, we look forward to more strategic collaboration with Guinness. We are quite a business-friendly state,” he stated.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and the Corporate Relations Director at Guinness Nigeria PLC, Rotimi Odusola, described Enugu State as the spiritual home of sports in Nigeria, noting the exploits of Rangers.

He said it was only natural to choose Enugu for the display of the EPL silverware, given its history and the great job Governor Mbah had done in repositioning the state.

“Some may wonder why Enugu. There is a reason for us to choose Enugu as the first place in Nigeria since this trophy arrived yesterday. It is because we know that Enugu State is the spiritual home of football in Nigeria. As a young football lover, I can’t forget all of the stories around Enugu Rangers football team.

“I want to also appreciate you for the work you are doing. The last time I was in Enugu was in 2022 and I have seen remarkable improvements in Enugu State since my last visit.

“This presentation of the EPL trophy is an opportunity for us to reinforce Guinness Nigeria being a business that has been intricate in the fabric of Nigeria for 75 years. We also want to use this opportunity to create magical moments for our consumers and members of the public through the collaboration between Guinness globally and the English Premier League,” he added.

The event was witnessed by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Enugu State, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke; Director, Marketing and Innovations, Guinness Nigeria, Yinka Bakare; Director, Corporate Relations, Guinness Nigeria, Rotimi Odusola; Head of Marketing, Guinness Nigeria, Ramanathan Sollayepan; Head of Division, South-East Region, Guinness Nigeria, Adesoji Opeyemi; General Manager, Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku; and the Chairman, Enugu State Football Association, Barr. Tony Ugwu, among others.

Continue Reading

Trending