Napoli Sets Sights on Nigerian Star Ademola Lookman

Atalanta Winger Emerges as Prime Target

Under the guidance of boss Antonio Conte, Napoli is looking to bolster their attacking options, and Lookman has emerged as a top target. The 27-year-old winger, crowned African Footballer of the Year in 2024, is seen as an ideal replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in January.

€50 Million Offer on the Table

Napoli is reportedly preparing a €50 million offer for Lookman, although Atalanta is holding out for €60 million. The Nigerian star is attracting interest from Premier League clubs and La Liga sides, but Conte’s tactical vision and the prospect of partnering with Romelu Lukaku in attack could tip the scales in Napoli’s favor.

Osimhen’s Future Holds the Key

However, Napoli’s ability to fund a move for Lookman hinges on the future of Victor Osimhen. The Super Eagles striker is expected to leave the club permanently this summer, with Juventus, Liverpool, and Manchester United reportedly interested in signing him. A potential move to the Premier League seems increasingly likely, especially after Osimhen rejected a €75 million offer from Saudi club Al-Hilal.

Lookman’s Decision

For Lookman, the decision comes down to whether he wants to stay in Italy or return to English football. The former Charlton, Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City star had a standout season at Atalanta and appears poised for a major move. Whether his next chapter unfolds in Naples or across the Channel remains to be seen.

The post Napoli Sets Sights on Nigerian Star Ademola Lookman appeared first on PURE ENTERTAINMENT.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President hailed the team’s achievement as a significant milestone that shines a spotlight on Ikenne and Ogun State nationwide.

Tinubu commended the players, coaches, and management for their dedication, discipline, and unwavering team spirit, praising their resilience and perseverance in overcoming past setbacks.

“Their courage in pursuing success despite three previous near-misses in the race for the league title is admirable.

“I hope their example will inspire other Nigerian clubs to pursue their dreams continuously with tenacity and optimism,” Tinubu said.

The President also singled out the club’s owner and chairman, Mr. Kunle Soname, for special recognition, lauding his dedication to nurturing grassroots football. He acknowledged Soname’s significant investment, including the development of a cutting-edge stadium in Ikenne, as a crucial catalyst for sports growth in Nigeria.

With the NPFL title in hand, Remo Stars will now represent Nigeria in the prestigious CAF Champions League. President Tinubu encouraged the team to sustain their unwavering spirit and focus as they pursue continental glory.

He also rallied football enthusiasts nationwide to rally behind the team as they take on the challenge of competing on the African stage.

The post Remo Stars Make History: Tinubu Congratulates Team on League Triumph appeared first on PURE ENTERTAINMENT.

The draw, scheduled for 5 p.m. UK time today, will introduce a revamped format, expanding the competition from 125 to 189 matches.

Major Changes to the Champions League Format

The 2024/25 season marks a significant overhaul in the Champions League structure. The competition now includes 36 teams, replacing the traditional group stage with a single league phase. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of eight matches against different opponents, four at home and four away. The league phase will extend to the end of January, with dedicated weeks solely for Champions League matches.

How the New Format Works

Teams will be drawn into four pots, with no club facing another from the same league during the league phase. The top eight teams will automatically advance to the knockout stages, while those ranked 9th to 24th will enter a two-legged playoff to secure a spot in the last 16. Teams finishing 25th to 36th will be eliminated.

The Draw Process and Safety Measures

The draw will begin with Pot 1, featuring the strongest teams and current Champions League holders, and will proceed through the remaining pots. The draw will involve a combination of manual and automated processes, with software developed by UK IT company AE Live ensuring fairness and security. The entire process, including fixture details, will be completed in around 35 minutes.

Fixture Dates and Knockout Stages

The fixture list will be released on Saturday, August 31. The league-stage matches are scheduled between September 17, 2024, and January 29, 2025. The knockout rounds will commence in February 2025, leading up to the final at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31, 2025.

Similar Changes in Europa and Conference Leagues

The Europa League and Europa Conference League will also adopt the new format, with 36 teams participating in each competition. The Europa League will mirror the Champions League with eight matches in the league phase, while the Europa Conference League, renamed the UEFA Conference League, will have six matches in its league phase. These competitions will conclude in their knockout stages, similar to the current format.

The explanation of the new format for the draw of the Champions Leagues pic.twitter.com/66QxyKnwbc

— The Story (@Herstory104) August 28, 2024

The post Champions League 2024/25 Group Stage Draw: New Format and Fixtures Unveiled appeared first on PURE ENTERTAINMENT.

The deal was confirmed by Curry’s agent, Jeff Austin of Octagon, and first reported by ESPN.

With this extension, Curry is now guaranteed approximately $178 million over the next three seasons. This includes around $55.8 million for the current season, approximately $59.6 million for 2025-26, and about $62.6 million for the 2026-27 season, which is the maximum allowed under league rules. By the end of this contract, Curry’s total earnings from his NBA career will approach $532 million, making him the second-highest earner in NBA history, trailing only LeBron James, who has earned $580 million.

At 36 years old, Curry is entering his 16th season with the Warriors, having spent his entire career with the franchise. He is a ten-time All-Star and has been named to the All-NBA team ten times, contributing to four NBA championships and winning two MVP awards. This summer, he also played for Team USA, helping them secure a gold medal at the Paris Olympics with a standout performance in the final against France.

Last season, Curry averaged 26.4 points per game, bringing his career scoring average to 24.8 points. His decision to extend his contract reflects his commitment to the Warriors and his desire to continue competing at a high level as he aims for additional championships before retiring.

The post Stephen Curry Signs One-Year, $63 Million Extension with Golden State Warriors appeared first on PURE ENTERTAINMENT.

The 33-year-old has been a key player for England over the past seven years, having made his debut for the Three Lions in 2017 under Gareth Southgate.

Although Trippier was not always a guaranteed starter, he played in four major tournaments and earned 54 caps. He significantly contributed to England’s run to the final of Euro 2024, showcasing his value to Southgate’s squad. In an Instagram post, Trippier expressed his gratitude and bid an emotional farewell to the national team.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kieran Trippier (@ktrippier2)

“I never thought as a young lad from Bury that I would play for my country, let alone achieve 54 caps,” Trippier wrote. “It’s been one of the biggest honors of my life to represent my country at four major tournaments.” He thanked Southgate and the coaching staff for their trust and support over the years.

Trippier also expressed deep appreciation for his teammates, with whom he shared “very special moments” in reaching two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final. He confidently predicted that the current group of players would win a major tournament in the future.

Trippier’s retirement comes just hours before England interim manager Lee Carsley was set to announce his squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Ireland and Finland. The new head coach will now need to explore alternative options at full-back to replace the departing Trippier.

Now turning his full attention to his club career, Trippier will compete with Tino Livramento for the starting right-back position under Eddie Howe at Newcastle United. His contributions to the England national team will be fondly remembered by fans, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service and memorable moments on the international stage.

54 caps, one very special goal and countless memories @trippier2 has announced his retirement from international football. Thank you for everything, Tripps! pic.twitter.com/9Bhqvi0jvs

— England (@England) August 29, 2024

The post Kieran Trippier Announces Retirement from England After 54 Caps appeared first on PURE ENTERTAINMENT.

The Serie A club agreed to a fixed fee of £25.2 million (€30 million) for Lukaku after resolving image rights issues last week, facilitating his return to Italy.

The 31-year-old forward has not played for Chelsea in over two years, having spent the last two seasons on loan at Inter Milan and Roma. During his tenure at Inter, Lukaku flourished under Conte, scoring 64 goals in 95 appearances. His performance at Inter led Chelsea to re-sign him for a club-record fee of £97.5 million in 2021. However, Lukaku’s second stint at Stamford Bridge was underwhelming, as he managed only eight goals in 26 Premier League appearances.

Last season, Lukaku found success at Roma, netting 21 goals in 47 matches and helping the team reach the Europa League semi-finals. With his contract at Juventus set to expire at the end of the season, Lukaku was informed by new coach Thiago Motta that he was free to leave earlier in the transfer window, as he was not part of the plans for the upcoming season.

Lukaku’s transfer to Napoli marks the second signing for Liverpool under manager Arne Slot, following the acquisition of goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia for €40 million. Mamardashvili will remain with Valencia until the end of the current season before moving to Anfield next summer.

Chelsea’s Search for a New Striker

In the wake of Lukaku’s departure, Chelsea is now actively seeking a new striker ahead of the transfer deadline. The club is reportedly in discussions to sign Victor Osimhen, with sources indicating that “everybody is talking to everybody,” as Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli also expresses interest in the Nigerian international.

Al Ahli has offered Osimhen a lucrative four-year contract worth €120 million (£101 million), but he has yet to decide on his future. Chelsea, initially preferring a loan arrangement, is now open to a temporary deal with an obligation to buy.

Additionally, Chelsea is considering a move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney. The England international has not featured in Brentford’s first three matches this season and is seen as a viable option due to his impressive goal-scoring record, relatively low wages, and the fact that he has only one year left on his contract.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has declined to comment on Toney’s future following their recent victory, maintaining a consistent stance on the matter. As the transfer window draws to a close, Chelsea’s pursuit of a new striker is intensifying.

Romelu is proud to be one of us!

#ProudToBeNapoli | #ForzaNapoliSempre | #WelcomeLukaku pic.twitter.com/Z4R4x4LVkz

— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) August 29, 2024

The post Romelu Lukaku Joins Napoli from Chelsea, Reuniting with Antonio Conte appeared first on PURE ENTERTAINMENT.

The transfer is valued at €12 million ($13.3 million) plus an additional €3 million in performance-related bonuses.

Chiesa, 26, expressed his excitement about joining Liverpool, stating, “I’m so happy to be a Liverpool player.” He recounted how quickly he agreed to the move after discussions with sporting director Richard Hughes and the head coach. “I know the history of this club and what it represents to the fans. I can’t wait to get started.”

‘It was an easy decision to join Liverpool’

Read Federico Chiesa’s first interview in full

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 29, 2024

The Italian international was previously close to a transfer to Barcelona for a similar fee earlier this month, but the La Liga club struggled to finalize the deal due to strict salary cap regulations.

Chiesa’s contract with Juventus is set to expire at the end of the season, and he has faced a series of injuries, including a significant 10-month recovery from an ACL injury. New Juventus coach Thiago Motta had informed Chiesa that he was free to leave as he was not part of the club’s plans for the upcoming season.

Chiesa becomes the second signing for Liverpool under manager Arne Slot, following the acquisition of goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia for €40 million. Mamardashvili will remain with Valencia until the end of the current season before joining Liverpool next summer.

Chiesa’s arrival adds depth to Liverpool’s already talented attacking lineup, which includes stars like Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Díaz. With his speed and skill, Chiesa is expected to be a valuable asset for the team as they aim for success in the Premier League and beyond.

Slot on Chiesa #BenvenutoFederico

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 29, 2024

The post Chiesa Signs with Liverpool: Juventus Winger Becomes Latest Addition to Squad appeared first on PURE ENTERTAINMENT.

Maskill, 19, set a new world record of 1:03.00 to win the women’s 100m butterfly S14 title, while Kearney upgraded her Tokyo 2020 silver to gold in the S5 200m freestyle with a time of 2:46.50.

Maskill’s success at La Defense Arena followed a silver medal for fellow British teenager William Ellard in the men’s equivalent event. Ellard touched the line in 54.86 seconds, narrowly missing out on gold to Danish athlete Alexander Hillside.

“It feels so weird to be the first gold medallist for ParalympicsGB,” Maskill expressed, still processing her record-breaking performance. Olivia Newman-Baronius, the previous joint world record holder, finished fourth behind Maskill, China’s Yui Lam Chan, and Russian Valeriia Shabalina.

Kearney, who was born with cerebral palsy and developed generalized dystonia as a teenager, held off challenges from Ukraine’s Iryna Poida and Italy’s Monica Boggioni to win the final race of the opening day. The 27-year-old, who is the reigning S5 100m freestyle champion, secured her second career Paralympic gold.

“I really wanted redemption for Tokyo,” Kearney said, referring to her silver medal in the 2020 Games. “It’s been really hard with the concussion and then the last three, four months, really hard with mental health issues. Even a few weeks ago, we weren’t sure whether I was going to come out and compete or how many events I’d be able to do. I’m just absolutely ecstatic. A bit speechless.”

IT’S GOLD FOR POPPY MASKILL

A new World Record and a massive PB! Our first gold medal of these games in the 100m butterfly S14.

Yes, Poppy!#ParalympicsGB pic.twitter.com/IhA2gKKROb

— ParalympicsGB (@ParalympicsGB) August 29, 2024

The two gold medals mark a strong start for ParalympicsGB in Paris, with Maskill and Kearney setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting and successful Paralympic Games for the British team.

GOLD FOR TULLY KEARNEY

The perfect race. The perfect upgrade from Tokyo.

YIIIIIIRRRRRRRS!#ParalympicsGB pic.twitter.com/rnXWZxeaTq

— ParalympicsGB (@ParalympicsGB) August 29, 2024

The post Poppy Maskill and Tully Kearney Secure ParalympicsGB’s First Golds in Paris appeared first on PURE ENTERTAINMENT.

After double-faulting and falling behind two sets to none—a deficit he has never overcome—Alcaraz left the court visibly frustrated, signaling to his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, that he was struggling mentally.

“It was a battle against myself throughout the match,” Alcaraz reflected. “In tennis, you’re competing against someone who wants to win just as much as you do, and you need to stay as calm as possible to think clearly and perform well. Today, I was not only facing my opponent but also battling my own emotions, which I couldn’t control.”

The loss marked the end of Alcaraz’s impressive 15-match Grand Slam winning streak and was unexpected given his status as the tournament’s third seed and recent successes, including titles at the French Open and Wimbledon.

In a parallel match, former US Open champion Naomi Osaka also exited the tournament, losing to Karolina Muchova in straight sets, but Alcaraz’s defeat was particularly surprising given his strong track record at Flushing Meadows, where he had never lost before the quarterfinals in his previous three appearances.

Alcaraz acknowledged that his rigorous schedule, which included winning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, may have left him fatigued. “I probably arrived here with less energy than I expected,” he admitted, refraining from using that as an excuse.

Throughout the match, Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm, making numerous uncharacteristic errors. He entered the game with a 16-2 record at the US Open and had never lost in the first round of a Grand Slam event.

History made for at the US Open pic.twitter.com/pSjrlbcR6k

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 30, 2024

Van de Zandschulp, ranked 74th, delivered an impressive performance, winning 28 out of 35 points at the net. Alcaraz found himself in a lopsided first set, failing to register a single winner and losing nearly twice as many total points, 24-13. Although he showed some improvement in the second set, a double fault led to a crucial service break that allowed Van de Zandschulp to take a 6-5 lead, ultimately winning the set.

In the third set, Alcaraz initially fell behind again but managed to break back to level the score at 3-3. However, his errors continued to mount, and Van de Zandschulp maintained his composure to secure the victory.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by US Open (@usopen)

“This is a huge moment for me,” Van de Zandschulp said, expressing disbelief at his win. “I’m still processing everything. I felt confident from the start.”

Alcaraz’s defeat marks a significant upset in the tournament’s history, as he is the first top-three men’s seed to exit in the first two rounds since 2006. The early exit leaves the draw wide open for other competitors, including Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev, who are now among the favorites to advance.

The post Carlos Alcaraz Shocked by Botic van de Zandschulp at US Open appeared first on PURE ENTERTAINMENT.

This marks Labbadia’s first squad selection since taking charge of the Nigerian national team.

The lineup includes prominent players like Victor Osimhen, who returns to the squad despite past issues with former head coach Finidi George. Other key inclusions are Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, and Kelechi Iheanacho.

For these players, the qualifiers present a vital chance to impress the new coach, while offering Labbadia the opportunity to evaluate his squad’s potential ahead of the AFCON 2025 tournament.

Selected Players:

• Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC, Nigeria).
• Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England).
• Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England).
• Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England).

The post Bruno Labbadia Announces Super Eagles Squad for AFCON 2025 Qualifiers appeared first on PURE ENTERTAINMENT.