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Serie A provides drama in title race as EPL clubs scramble for Champions League spots

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On Friday night, a thrilling Serie A title race came to an end.

Ahead of the final fixtures, Napoli held a one-point lead over champions, Inter Milan.

Both teams ended up winning 2-0 and Antonio Conte’s men were crowned Scudetto champions in front of their fans.

With most of the top leagues in Europe concluded before the last Match Day, it was good to see a proper title race with jeopardy.

“Yes. That was a dramatic finale,” Adava Oluwagbenga, a broadcaster with Midas Radio 90.5 FM tells Ekwutosblog.

“Last week’s match was especially nerve-bending. Lazio played out a 2-2 draw with Inter Milan, while Parma forced a 0-0 draw with Napoli.

 

“The top two teams had a goal and a penalty chalked off by VAR at different points in the game.

“But ultimately, the most consistent team won it and they were deserving.

“Unbelievable achievement. Kudos to Antonio Conte and his coaching crew.

“Winning the league title after losing two of their most important players who won them the last league title is the stuff of genius. Especially when you realize they were 10th last season. Coaching matters a lot.

“Everyone felt Inter Milan and Juventus would be challenging for the title. But Napoli rose from the ashes and produced a photo finish.”

Everywhere else, the title was wrapped up weeks ago. Whether it’s Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich.

“I’m very indifferent to it, especially for a 38-league season,” Adava states

“Like in the Premier League, everyone started at the same time.

“Everyone had to face the same challenges – the teams, the officials, which includes VAR, then extenuating circumstances like injuries, loss of form and fitness and having to navigate other domestic competitions.

“You can’t fluke a league title. You have to show up every week for it. So if any league is concluded before the final match days, it is because the winner did their homework. Simple as.”

The Premier League, however, is determined not to be outdone.

Although the champions have been confirmed alongside the three relegated teams, the drama will be five clubs fighting for three Champions League spots.

Liverpool and Arsenal are booked their places as the top two on the table, while Newcastle United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest will scramble for theirs.

“For neutrals, we genuinely hope it does give us something to talk about,” Adava says.

“We have interesting fixtures that could be very decisive. But the most important is Nottingham Forest on 65 points facing Chelsea on 66 points.

“A win for Forest will catapult them into Champions League positions with 68 points.

“Aston Villa, who are also in the running, face Manchester United, who have nothing to play for.

“I’m sure core United fans may not care what happens and with Aston Villa on the same point as Chelsea (66), a win over United and Forrest beating Chelsea could effectively push Chelsea outside of the champions league place, the possibility of that happening remains to be seen.”

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2026 World Cup: Super Eagles waiting for FIFA’s decision – Iwobi

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Super Eagles playmaker, Alex Iwobi, has admitted they are waiting to see if the team would still play at the 2026 World Cup.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, is optimistic of a potential lifeline from FIFA, after it submitted a petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Iwobi was asked by SuperSport if he would rather lift the AFCON 2025 trophy or qualify for the World Cup?

The 29-year-old, who played at the 2018 of the World Cup, replied: “I mean we’re still waiting, well hopefully we can go to the World Cup, but I feel it’s a tough one.

“It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is like… It’s a great legacy, it’s a great thing to have like in your career, a memorable moment.

“But then at the same time, because I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of the players haven’t been. They would like to say ‘I want to go to the World Cup,’ so I can’t be selfish and say win the AFCON and for my teammates to not go to the World Cup. So it’s a tough one. I don’t know. I don’t know.”

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE OF THE SUPER EAGLES ON THE PASSING OF HIS MOTHER

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President Bola Tinubu sends his condolences

to Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze on the passing of his mother.

The President also extends his sympathies to the family and friends of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, who passed away on Thursday.

President Tinubu mourns with the Chukwueze family and encourages them to find solace in the memory and legacy of their late matriarch.

“The passing of Mrs Chukwueze, the mother of one of our bright football stars, just a few days after the passing of Super Eagles’ captain Wilfred Ndidi’s father, is deeply saddening.

I mourn with them, and I am with them in prayers during this difficult time,” the President says.

President Tinubu prays that God Almighty will grant the departed eternal rest.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)

 

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EPL: Arsenal’s starting XI against Man Utd unveiled

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Arsenal’s starting XI to face Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday evening has been unveiled.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta opted to start Gabriel Jesus ahead of Viktor Gyokeres to lead the Gunners’ attack against the Red Devils.

This comes after Jesus scored a brace against Inter Milan in the Champions League in midweek.

The Brazilian will be assisted by Bukayo Saka and Leandro on the wings.

In midfield, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard return to join Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal’s starting XI: Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Jesus.

Substitutes:  Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, White, Lewis-Skelly, Merino, Eze, Martinelli, Madueke, Gyokeres.

The kick-off time for the match is 5.30 pm.

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