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Friendly: Russia deserved more in draw with Super Eagles – Karpin

Published

4 weeks ago

June 7, 2025

Russia head coach, Valery Karpin has hailed his team’s display in the stalemate against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Karpin’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Nigeria in their international friendly at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow on Friday night.

Semi Ajayi diverted the ball into his own net for Russia’s only goal, while Tolu Arokodare equalised f

Russia thrilled the fans with their high pressing and direct play.

The hosts were also resolute at the back limiting the Super Eagles to few shots on target.

Goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye was the hero, making a number of vital saves in the game.

Karpin stated that his players played well aside from the cheap goal they conceded.

“Absolutely everything: from pressure to… I can’t remember a single moment except a mistake when playing an out. You remember? Maybe I just forgot,” he said after the game.

“They didn’t create threats for us, but we created chances. Melekhin has — after a free kick, Barinov has — after leaving defense. The goal we missed can hardly be called created by Nigeria — there wasn’t even pressure there,” he said.

Russia defeated another African side, Zambia 5-0 in their previous friendly.

The gaffer admitted that the Super Eagles were more superior to the Zambians.

“They are all – very athletic, powerful, strong teams. Cameroon and Nigeria are noticeably higher in level than Zambia and Kenya. Even the FIFA rating confirms this. They cannot be compared. Nigeria and Cameroon – more interesting,” he added.

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SportsNews

Transfer: Fulham reject Atletico Madrid bid for Iwobi

Published

17 hours ago

July 4, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Fulham have rejected Spanish Atletico Madrid bid for Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi, Ekwutosblog reports.

Atletico Madrid, according to Africa Foot, submitted a $21.5m.bid for Iwobi this week.

Diego Simeone’s side offered him a four-year contract with a salary worth €7m per year.

The 29-year-old was reportedly open to the idea of playing in Spain, but Fulham are not willing to sell one of their best players.

Atletico Madrid have lined him up as a replacement for Belgium international Yannick Carrasco.

Iwobi was in excellent form for Fulham last season, registering 10 goals, and six assists in 38 appearances.

The versatile midfielder made history as the first Nigerian to play all 38 games in the Premier League in two different seasons.

He came second in Fulham’s Player of the Season award, which was won by his international teammate, Calvin Bassey.

SportsNews

Liverpool manager, Slot reveals last conversation with Diogo Jota before death

Published

20 hours ago

July 4, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Liverpool manager, Arne Slot has revealed his last conversation with forward, Diogo Jota before his death.

Recall that Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car accident in Spain died on Thursday.

Speaking on the development, Slot revealed that he wished Jota all the best on his wedding in their final-ever conversation together.

“The last time we spoke, I congratulated Diogo [Jota] on winning the [UEFA] Nations League [with Portugal] and I wished him luck for his forthcoming wedding.

“In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo Jota and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this,” Slot lamented as he told Liverpool’s website.

Jota played a vital role for Slot’s team as they won the English Premier League title last term.

The 28-year-old has won several trophies at Anfield since joining the Reds from Wolves five years ago.

SportsNews

UEFA announce moment of silence for Diogo Jota, André Silva

Published

1 day ago

July 3, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

UEFA have announced a moment of silence in memory of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who sadly passed away on Thursday.

In the early hours of Thursday, both football stars died as a result of a car crash in Zamora, Spain.

In a post on their website, UEFA said a moment of silence will be observed at all UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 games taking place today and tomorrow in memory of the late players.

Reacting to the tragic news, President of UEFA, Aleksander Čeferin, said: “Just three weeks ago, I had the honour of presenting Diogo Jota with a medal after the UEFA Nations League final, a moment of joy, pride, and celebration that’ll now forever be burned in memory with sorrow.

“Rest in peace, dear Diogo. You’ll not be forgotten.”

Just last month, Jota got married to his long-time girlfriend, Rute Cardoso, in Porto.