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EPL: Fight for five Champions League spots go down to the wire

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On Friday night, the two Premier League fixtures had a huge bearing on the race to finish in Champions League places.

Aston Villa beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at Villa Park and Chelsea edged Manchester United 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.

There will be six English teams in the competition next season – the clubs that finish in top five and one of Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur (who face each other in the Europa League final).

Villa’s win initially took them into the top five, until Marc Cucurella headed in the winner against United.

“It’s a very crucial three points for Villa,” Adava Oluwagbenga, a broadcaster with Midas Radio 90.5 FM tells Ekwutosblog.

“As it stands, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Chelsea all stand on 66 points, with Newcastle playing a game less.

“Man City is behind with 65 with a game less too – they have been undone by the draw at Southampton last week.

“But then, as it stands, every team in the top five stands a chance to qualify for the next season’s Champions League.

“So I’m not entirely sure much will change if they maintain the status quo.”

At the end of the night, second to fifth places are Arsenal, Newcastle United, Chelsea and Aston Villa.

Manchester City, who host Bournemouth next week, have dropped out for now.

Interestingly, on Sunday evening, Arsenal welcome Newcastle to the Emirates in their last home fixture of the campaign.

“Two points separates Arsenal and Newcastle – 68 and 66 points respectively,” Adava points out.

“Arsenal have faltered recently and lost ground from a seemingly unattainable position. But now, they stand a chance of losing that and I’m sure the players realized that.

“The loss to Bournemouth was unnecessary and while the comeback against champions Liverpool was somewhat heroic, they wouldn’t have needed to do that if they had done their homework.

“Against Newcastle, they will be playing in front of their fans and they are pretty solid at home while Newcastle aren’t exactly fabulous travellers.

“Arsenal knows what is at stake and I think they are going to win.”

As it stands, only Liverpool are guaranteed to play in the Champions League. Arsenal look like they will make it, along with Newcastle.

This means a top team will lose out.

“One of Aston Villa or Chelsea – if the former counts as a big team – maybe it would have been better to have said which of the teams in the top six,” Adava adds.

 

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HEARTLAND FOOTBALL CLUB ISSUES DISCLAIMER ON FORMER GENERAL MANAGER, MR. PROMISE NWACHUKWU.

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By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
8- OCT- 2025

The management of Heartland Football Club, Owerri, has officially released a public statement clarifying the status of its former General Manager, Mr. Promise Uchenna Nwachukwu, who, according to the club, no longer has any form of affiliation, representation, or authorization to act on behalf of the team.

In the statement signed by the Technical Manager of Heartland FC, Mr. Emmanuel Amuneke, the club made it clear that Mr. Nwachukwu ceased to be part of the management structure of the Naze Millionaires as far back as July 2024. However, due to recent developments and the need to protect the integrity of the club, the management deemed it necessary to publicly restate the facts.

The release explicitly warns the general public, football stakeholders, and governing institutions such as the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) that Mr. Nwachukwu is not authorized to engage in any official or unofficial transaction, correspondence, or representation involving Heartland FC.

According to the statement, any individual, body, or organization that enters into agreements or discussions with Mr. Nwachukwu while assuming he represents Heartland FC does so at their own risk, as the club will not take responsibility for any such dealings.

> “Mr. Nwachukwu is not authorized to represent Heartland FC in any official or unofficial matters, nor is he permitted to act, speak, or transact on behalf of the club,” the management emphasized.

The release further reaffirmed the club’s commitment to transparency, professionalism, and accountability, stating that measures are being put in place to ensure that all communications, partnerships, and engagements involving Heartland FC follow proper procedures and are conducted through duly recognized officials.

Heartland FC also expressed appreciation to its supporters, partners, and football stakeholders for their continuous cooperation as the club undergoes strategic reforms aimed at restoring its glory, reputation, and competitive strength within Nigerian and African football.

 

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2025 U-20 W/Cup: Flying Eagles not scared of Argentina – Zubairu

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Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu says his team is ready for battle against Argentina, Ekwutosblog  reports.

 

The seven-time African champions will take on Argentina in a Round of 16 fixture at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Santiago on Wednesday.

The South Americans have an hundred percent record in the competition, having won all their three group games.

Nigeria, on the other hand, managed to escape to the knockout round as one of the best third-placed nations.

Despite the enormity of the task before his team, Zubairu is optimistic they will scale through the hurdle.

“Every game is a new challenge, and we’ll prepare with the same mentality — focus, discipline, and teamwork,” Zubairu said after Nigeria’s qualification was confirmed.

“We respect Argentina, but it’s a challenge that must be overcome.”

Ekwutosblog recalls the Flying Eagles eliminated Argentina in the Round of 16 at the last edition of the competition.

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Steven Gerrard set to return to former club as manager

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Steven Gerrard

Former Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, is set for a return to Rangers.

The Scottish Premiership giants are looking to hire a new coach after sacking Russell Martin.

Martin’s miserable reign ended after just 17 games, following a 1-1 draw with Falkirk.

The result sees Rangers sit in eighth position, with eight points from seven fixtures so far.

Goal reports that Gers could now turn to a familiar face in a bid to get the club back on track.

Gerrard cut his coaching teeth with Rangers in 2018 and led them to the Premiership title in 2020-21 – their only championship win since 2011.

He left in 2021 for Aston Villa. But Gerrard is available now, as he also leave Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in January.

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