Author: Xoxo

 Anybody who loved Pop music back in the day could remember the American group The Whispers.

They had this popular track, ‘The beat goes on’, which made young people dance like there won’t be tomorrow.

Some line of the song goes this way, “Do you ever wonder, that to win, somebody’s got to lose, .. And the beat goes on Still moving strong on and on. The beat goes on, the beat goes on.”

This song played on my lips last Friday after the Super Eagles perked the Palancras Negras of Angola 1-0 to land in the semi-finals of the 2023 African Nations Cup, AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

The beat is really going on for the Super Eagles written off after they crashed out of the last edition of the same competition hosted by Cameroon at the round of 16 stage.

Nigerian fans had their hopes shattered after the Super Eagles raised it so high after posting a 100 percent performance at the group stage.

With Austin Eguavoen as caretaker manager, Nigerians began to think that sacked manager, Gernot Rohr was the problem and a Messiah has been found. How wrong they were.

The team’s rating further sunk after the AFCON disaster in Cameroon even with the hiring of a new coach in Jose Peseiro. He flunked match upon match, including friendly matches.

Despite qualifying for the 2023 AFCON with Victor Osimhen emerging top scorer with 10 goals, Nigerians were sad because of the 1-0 dent inflicted on the team by Guinea-Bissau in the process. 

Their lackluster performance in the two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe was the last straw that turned off the pessimists completely.

When the draws for the AFCON was eventually done, the pessimists doubted the team’s ability to qualify from the group which had host, Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and their nemesis, Guinea-Bissau.

In their opening group game against Equatorial Guinea, they conceded a goal before Victor Osimhen headed in the equaliser to earn the Jose Peseiro lads their first point of the competition.

The second game against host, Cote d’Ivoire was considered a very difficult task and the doubting Thomases gave it to the Elephants even before the start. The end result, a 1-0 victory for the Super Eagles was however, a surprise to them.

When the Eagles were pitched against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the round of 16, the argument was again brought to the fore, that the Osimhen propelled side may just kiss the competition goodbye.

The anxiety among Nigerians was palpable. 

Even when the Eagles led by a goal, fans, the ones who still had some hope, had their hearts in their mouth and prayed that the team should score what they termed ‘security’ goal to make victory doubly sure, in case the Cameroonians pulled one back.

The pessimists were however, relaxed waiting for the equaliser to confirm their “I told you so” boast.

Again, the Super Eagles won and qualified for the quarter-finals, against a rejuvenated Angolan side that were motivated with various promises by their home government and individuals alike.

The injury sustained by the goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali was another concern for fans. They feared that if Nwabali was not fit enough to return for the Angola tie, then the dream of making it to the semi finals may not be realised with the unpredictability of Francis Uzoho.

There was a flicker of hope for the optimists when it was announced that Nwabali was fit for the encounter. The same couldn’t be said of those, who because of their poor rating of the Portuguese coach, Peseiro, still believed that Angola could carry the day.

Surprisingly, as was the case in other encounters when one player raised his game, Moses Simon, a player that could have been a very good 100m sprinter, outpaced an Angolan defender and cleverly pulled a cross to the Atalanta of Italy forward, Ademola Lookman who fired a blinder for the lone goal that eventually sealed victory for the 16th AFCON semi final match for the Super Eagles.

Angola’s Portuguese coach Pedro Goncalves was full of praises for the Nigerians who he described as a powerful team.

“We like to dream, but you also need to be realistic. The reality is that we were up against a very powerful side with players who play at the very highest level,” he said.

The Super Eagles are happy to have reached the semi final because not many gave them any chance, especially after their unimpressive  draws in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. They have said they are taking it one game at a time.

And like the Whispers sang, the beat goes on. 

They seem to be adopting different strategies for each game, depending on the pattern of play their opponents confront them with.

At the time this piece was being written yesterday, they were definitely awaiting the second quarter-finals game between South Africa and Cape Verde, as the winner will be their next hurdle for an attempt for a fourth AFCON title.

If they succeed to conquer either South Africa or Cape Verde in Wednesday’s semi-finals, then the Whispers song, The Beat Goes On, will be on their lips for the final match on Sunday against any team that comes up.

So for the Super Eagles, the beat goes on and they are “still moving strong on and on”.

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 Alireza Jahanbakhsh scored a 96th-minute penalty to give Iran a dramatic 2-1 win over Japan on Saturday and set up an Asian Cup semi-final against holders Qatar or Uzbekistan.

It capped a stunning comeback from Iran, who were behind at the break but roared back to dump out the pre-tournament favourites and keep alive their dream of a first Asian title since 1976.

Hidemasa Morita gave Japan, who were looking to lift the trophy for a record-extending fifth time, the lead midway through the first half in front of 36,000 at Education City Stadium in Doha.

Mohammad Mohebi drew Iran — themselves champions three times — level 10 minutes after half time and they dominated the remainder of the game.

But just when it looked like extra time, Kou Itakura brought Hossein Kanaanizadegan down in the box and skipper Jahanbakhsh held his nerve to spark delirium on the pitch and in the stands.

Coach Amir Ghalenoei said his players were “fantastic” in the second half.

“They gave everything for the Iranian people,” he said.

“This can be a turning point for Iranian football.”

Ghalenoei, whose side squeezed through on penalties over Syria in the last 16, took a potshot at critics of him and his side back home.

“I am not saying criticism is not good, but some people in the last 11 months tried to ruin the national team,” he said.

– Under pressure –

Iran, missing the suspended Porto forward Mehdi Taremi, had the first sight of goal on 13 minutes when Feyenoord winger Jahanbakhsh fizzed the ball over goalkeeper Zion Suzuki’s crossbar.

Japan seemed flustered initially by their opponents’ physical approach, but they were able to give as good as they got and Itakura picked up a yellow card for cynically stopping an Iran attack.

On 28 minutes Hajime Moriyasu’s side went ahead when Morita bustled his way through a weak challenge and with Iran’s defence AWOL, the midfielder was all alone with only Alireza Beiranvand to beat.

He did not strike the ball convincingly but the goalkeeper tried to save with his legs instead of his hands and the ball hit an outstretched limb before looping into the net.

Japan, beaten by Qatar in the 2019 final, went to the break in the lead but there was little in it.

In the 55th minute Iran pulled level when Sardar Azmoun slipped in Mohebi and he beat an exposed Suzuki with a smart first-time finish.

It was all Iran now. Mohebi headed just wide at the far post and then an Azmoun header flashed narrowly past Suzuki’s post with the goalkeeper beaten, before the drama at the death.

“They put us under a lot of pressure and we could not resist their pressure,” said Moriyasu, whose side were beaten 2-1 by Iraq in the group phase and conceded eight goals during the tournament.

“Against strong opponents we cannot concede goals like we did today.

“We should have scored a second, and if we had, the game would have been different.”

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 Lewis Hamilton said his “childhood dream” to race for Ferrari fuelled his bombshell decision to agree to join the team next year.

Hamilton, a seven-time Formula One world champion, will leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season in a stunning switch to Ferrari.

The 39-year-old had signed a new two-year deal with Mercedes worth £100 million ($126 million) in August.

But Hamilton this week activated a break clause to seal his move to the Italian team after admitting the prospect of “driving in Ferrari red” was too hard to turn down.

“It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions,” Hamilton said in a statement posted on his social media channels.

“But as you all now know, after an incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.

“I feel incredibly fortunate, after achieving things with Mercedes that I could only have dreamed of as a kid, that I now have the chance to fulfil another childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari red.

“Mercedes has been a huge part of my life since I was 13 years old, so this decision has been the hardest I’ve ever had to make.”

– ‘Leap of faith’ –

Hamilton won six of his world titles during a seven-year period between 2014 and 2020.

But the British driver has struggled to match Red Bull rival Max Verstappen since he missed out on what would have been a record world championship in 2021 in controversial fashion.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff insisted on Friday he had no concerns over Hamilton’s integrity ahead of his final season.

And Hamilton made clear his respect for Wolff and the Mercedes organisation as he said: 

“I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve achieved together and I’m very grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone I have worked with over the years and of course Toto, for his friendship, guidance and leadership.

“Together we have won titles, broken records and become the most successful Driver-Team partnership in F1 history.

“But the time is right to make a change and take on a new challenge. I still remember the feeling of taking a leap of faith into the unknown when I first joined Mercedes in 2013.

“I know some people didn’t understand it at the time but I was right to make the move then and it’s the feeling I have again now. I’m excited to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can do together.”

Pledging to bow out on a high note with Mercedes, Hamilton added: “I am more driven than ever, I am fitter and more focused than ever and I want to help Mercedes win once again.

“I am 100 percent committed to the job I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high.”

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 Belgium international Marouane Fellaini announced Saturday he was retiring three months after the end of his contract with Chinese club Shandong Taishan.

“I am writing this post to announce that after a career of 18 years, I am retiring from professional football,” the 36-year-old wrote on Instagram.

The midfielder made his professional debut for Standard Liege in 2006 before moving two years later to Everton for 20 million euros ($21 million), becoming at the time the most expensive player in the history of Belgian soccer.

A cult hero with Toffees fans due to his aerial prowess and eye-catching afro haircut, Fellaini followed David Moyes to United when the former Everton boss took charge at Old Trafford in 2013.

He won the 2016 FA Cup and Europa League and League Cup — both in 2017 — during his time with United, which included 177 appearances and 22 goals.

In 2019, Fellaini signed for Shandong Taishan in China, but did not extend his contract last November. His last match was the Chinese Cup final which Shandong lost to Shanghai Shenhua.

Fellaini won 87 caps for Belgium, scoring 18 goals, and helping them finish third at the 2018 World Cup before enjoying league and cup success with Shandong.

“What an incredible journey it has been! I am so grateful to have played the sport I love at the highest level,” said Fellaini, who also featured at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.

“I am proud to have represented Standard in Belgium, Everton and Manchester United in the UK, and Shandong Taishan in China.

“I have played in front of the best fans in the world, and I want to take this moment to thank all of them for their unwavering support throughout my career.

“As I embark on this new chapter in my life, I look forward to new challenges, but be assured, I will continue to support the beautiful game in any way I can,” he wrote.

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 A set of trainers worn by American basketball legend, Michael Jordan has been sold for $8 million which is approximately £6.3 million.

Sotheby’s, auction house disclosed that the sale of the shoes set a world record for Jordan.

The six single Nike Air Jordans Jordan wore during his six NBA championship wins in the 1990s were sold on Friday.

Jordan gave the individual shoes to Chicago Bulls communications executive Tim Hallam, after decisive games that helped the club win six NBA championships from 1991 to 1993 and 1996 to 1998. 

The purchase price achieved at auction at Sotheby’s in New York is a record for such an unusual offering — and the second highest ever for Michael Jordan collectibles. 

The prices reached for the “Dynasty Collection” “will likely never be replicated”, Sotheby’s boasted in a statement that did not disclose the buyer’s identity. 

“Today’s record-breaking price is a testament to the GOAT,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectibles, using a popular acronym for “greatest of all time.”

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 Kylian Mbappe had a penalty brilliantly saved but was gifted the opening goal as champions Paris Saint-Germain edged energetic Strasbourg 2-1 away in Ligue 1 on Friday.

PSG now have 47 points from 20 games with second placed Nice taking on third placed Brest Sunday on 38 and 35 points respectively.

“They pressed us high, we weren’t always precise enough, but we had a good match against an opponent who had a good dynamic and nothing to lose,” said PSG coach Luis Enrique.

Patrick Vieira’s Alsace club flew out of the blocks and Gianluigi Donnarumma stopped a shot with his shoulder inside the first minute.

And on his Ligue 1 debut for Strasbourg 22-year-old goalkeeper Alaa Bellaarouch saved Mbappe’s well-struck penalty in the fifth minute to leave the superstar striker holding his head.

Mbappe however took his 20th league goal of the campaign slamming the ball into a gaping goal after a panicked clearance from the rookie ‘keeper.

Mbappe then turned provider early in the second half with a deft centre clinically finished by Marco Asensio.

A youthful Strasbourg struck back when a cross found Dilane Bakwa alone at the far post and the 21-year-old forward’s cool flick left Donnarumma no chance.

Bakwa blazed a shot over the bar from a similar position ten minutes from time with PSG coach Luis Enrique looking concerned from the sidelines.

Former France captain Vieira revealed his “frustration” and was booked for arguing with the referee.

“But I’m satisfied with the performance, we gave them a lot of problems, we played with character,” he said.

We created some interesting situations but we narrowly missed the few chances we had.”

There was no repeat of PSG blowing a two-goal lead in their home draw with Brest last Sunday, despite the home fans urging their side on in a noisy Stade de la Meinau.

Strasbourg sit mid-table with 25 points from 20 games after a match in which the visitors eventually dominated.

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 La Liga are using a lip-reader to investigate Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham allegedly insulting Getafe forward Mason Greenwood, the Spanish top flight told AFP Saturday.

Bellingham appeared to say something to his fellow Englishman during Real Madrid’s 2-0 win at Getafe on Thursday.

Getafe filed a complaint to the La Liga match director and, as is normal on these occasions, (the league) has asked for an expert lip-reading report to investigate the matter and act on the basis of what is proven,” a La Liga spokesman said.

Greenwood, 22, is on loan until the end of the season from Manchester United.

The striker was suspended by the Premier League club in January 2022 after allegations emerged of him abusing a woman.

Manchester United decided Greenwood should continue his career elsewhere following an internal investigation after charges against him, including rape and assault, were dropped in February 2023.

Greenwood — capped once by England — has scored four goals in 18 league appearances for Getafe this season.

Bellingham, 20, has taken La Liga by storm since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in the summer and is the division’s joint top scorer with 14 goals.

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