Sports

Join Manchester United Or Stay Away From Premier League

Published

5 years ago

August 26, 2020

Justice-godfrey Okamgba

FC Barcelona demigod, Leo Messi, has generated over 10 million tweets in 12 hours without any tweet. The GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) doesn’t even have an official account on Twitter.

On Tuesday, he had a closed-door meeting with Ronald Koeman, the new Barcelona coach, and revealed his intentions to leave the club. But here is the problem – Messi’s Contract Release Clause amounts to €700 million. This simply means, any club that wants to sign Messi will have to pay €700 million.

Obviously, no club in Europe would want to spend such a huge amount of money on a thirty-three years old player. The highest transfer fee in the history of football is £200 million. Yes, PSG – Paris Saint-Germain paid that amount to sign Neymar Jr. in 2017.

The contract binding Messi and FC Barcelona is quite understandable. However, both parties may likely end up in court should Messi insists on leaving the club. Unless he changes his mind, at least, now that the situation has gathered massive attention.

Since yesterday, many clubs such as Juventus, PSG, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City were reported to have in the race to sign Messi. Those reports are mere speculations and unfounded. The circumstances look dicey, no club has made any bid. Absolutely, none!

Interesting, Messi’s current valuation is around £150 million. Now, let’s look at possible destinations should Barcelona shuns that release clause which seems to be the stumbling block ahead of Messi’s possible move.

Rio Ferdinand confirmed in a tweet on Tuesday that Chelsea’s boss, Frank Lampard was also interested in having him at the Stamford Bridge. Lampard has already spent over £200 million on 5 players. He is still rebuilding and the team will have years ahead to become competitive again.

You look at Manchester United, there is a zero chance for similar reasons. It just goes beyond the financial muscle of United. They can afford his wages, however, Ole Gunnar Solskjær would prefer to have a team of young stars like Kylian Mbappé, Jadon Sancho.

How about PSG? The manager already said last week that it would be nice to have Messi. However, doesn’t see him leaving the club. PSG can afford his wages as well. Messi has a good relationship and admires Neymar. In fact, the Barcelona demigod had wanted the club to buy-back the Brazilian superstar. Now, are these reasons enough for him to join PSG despite the French League been described as a farmers league?

The club that comes so close is City. Manchester City appears to be the most certain destination if Messi eventually leaves. Joseph Pep Guardiola has been a great admirer of Messi, even as a Manchester City Manager. In February 2020, during a press conference, he was asked if he would like him to play for him. Guardiola’s reaction as he responded was crystal clear.

Will Pep Guardiola’s Man City dominate England if Messi joins? Maybe, yes. Aside from that massive deals for the club. But would they dominate Europe? No. FC Bayern München just won the treble, they don’t have Messi. Real Madrid C.F. C.F. dominated Europe, they didn’t have him. Liverpool FC also did without him.

Honestly, no United fan would want Messi to move to Manchester City.

Sports

South Africa Book Spot at 2026 World Cup After Crucial Win Over Rwanda

Report by ISRAEL ORJI

Published

6 days ago

October 14, 2025

grassroots

South Africa beat Rwanda to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

South Africa has officially secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, following a commanding 3-0 victory over Rwanda in their final Group C fixture.

This marks Bafana Bafana’s return to the World Cup finals through qualification for the first time since they hosted in 2010.

Decisive Victory, Turbulent Qualifying Run

South Africa’s qualification was not without controversy. Earlier in the campaign, FIFA stripped Bafana Bafana of a 2-0 win over Lesotho, converting it into a 3-0 loss after ruling that midfielder Teboho Mokoena was ineligible to play.
Despite this setback, the team showed resilience and integrity, clinching the win over Rwanda to seal their place in the World Cup.

Aftermath & Implications in Group C

The sanctions imposed earlier reshaped the dynamics of Group C, opening paths for Nigeria and other teams to capitalize.
With the point deduction applied, South Africa’s qualification became even more critical.

What’s Next

South Africa will now prepare for the global stage, while other teams in Group C aim to finish their qualifying campaigns on a high note. Nigeria, the Super Eagles, now have renewed hope after the point deduction. If they win their remaining matches and favorable results fall their way, they could advance either via group positioning or through the playoffs.

Sports

Breaking: Osimhen Runs Riot as Super Eagles Crush Benin in Crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Report By ORJI ISRAEL

Published

6 days ago

October 14, 2025

grassroots

Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen lit up the pitch as Nigeria’s Super Eagles recorded a commanding victory over the Benin Republic in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, asserting their intent on the road to Qatar.

In a match full of attacking brilliance and clinical finishing, Osimhen’s performance stood out. He terrorized the Beninese defence and played a central role in Nigeria’s dominant display.

The exact scoreline and minute-by-minute details are still being confirmed, but his influence on the match was unmistakable.

Match Highlights & Tactical Notes

Osimhen spearheaded Nigeria’s attack, combining pace, power, and clinical finishing to keep the Benin defenders on edge throughout the night.
The Super Eagles maintained control in midfield and launched persistent pressure, cutting off Benin’s attempts to build meaningful attacks.
Nigeria’s defensive line held firm, shutting down Benin’s key outlets and limiting their opportunities to break forward.

Implications & What Next

This victory significantly boosts Nigeria’s chances in the World Cup qualification race, providing momentum and confidence as they push toward automatic qualification.
Osimhen’s form will be a key focal point for opposing teams going forward—his form is proving vital for Nigeria’s attacking threat.
With this kind of win, the squad’s morale and belief are likely to grow stronger, especially in high‐pressure, knockout style matches.

The Super Eagles are now looking ahead to their next fixture with renewed optimism and a sharpened competitive edge.

Sports

Disney+ unveils new channels in South Africa

Published

4 weeks ago

September 23, 2025

Ani Sandra

Disney+ - ESPN Africa linear channels

Disney+ today announced that, from 02 October 2025, the ESPN Africa linear channels will be available to South African customers at no extra cost.

Fans will have access to the two 24-hour linear ESPN channels that showcase the very best live and studio sports programming from the US and around the world, spanning major leagues and iconic competitions.

On ESPN, a world of sport awaits Disney+ customers with the National Rugby League in Australia (Aussie Rules) and Japan’s Rugby League, plus top European football action including the Scottish Professional Football League, English Football League, Dutch Eredivisie, German Football Association Cup and Turkey’s SüperLig, along with the Saudi Pro League.

ESPN 2 brings the biggest American sports, showcasing the NBA (National Basketball Association), NFL (National Football League), MLB (Major League Baseball) and NHL (National Hockey League), along with women’s and college competitions such as the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League), NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and ESPN College Football.

Both ESPN channels also broadcast studio shows capturing the latest news and analysis from across American sport and football including “ESPN FC”, “First Take”, “The Pat McAfee” Show” and “SportsCenter”. Critically acclaimed and celebrated documentaries and original programming are also available, including ESPN’s award-winning library of 30 for 30 films.

Says Diego Londono, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Networks & Sports, The Walt Disney Company EMEA: “At Disney, we are committed to delivering world-class sports and entertainment to customers across the region. The launch of the ESPN Africa linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa reflects our strategy to reach sports fans across multiple platforms and connect with new audiences, bringing iconic sporting moments together with the expansive and much-loved entertainment already available.”

Adds Kyle de Klerk, Director: Sports for The Walt Disney Company Africa: “ESPN’s unparalleled content offering will provide Disney+ customers with access to the greatest historic and live sports programming from some of the most iconic leagues and events in the world. Fans will be able to enjoy thrilling action right away as the European Football season and the NFL (National Football League), have just launched, with existing milestones to look forward to in 2025 including the start of the NBA (National Basketball Association), NHL (National Hockey League) as well as NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) football and basketball leagues.”

Disney+ has something for everyone — from blockbuster movies and hit series to much-loved Originals. Customers can enjoy FX’s “The Bear”, “The Kardashians”, “Only Murders in the Building”, “The Simpsons” and much more. The ESPN Africa linear channels will join a vast content catalogue from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and general entertainment, which also features content from Hulu, FX, Searchlight Pictures and 20th Century Studios.

All Disney+ Premium and Mobile plan customers with an 18+ content rating in South Africa will have access to the linear channels.

In addition to Disney+ in South Africa, ESPN is available on MultiChoice’s DStv and StarTimes across Africa.