Juventus delivered an efficient performance as they moved back to provisional top spot in Serie A on Friday, securing a 1-0 home win against a wasteful Napoli thanks to a header from Federico Gatti.

Six minutes into the second half, Juve broke the deadlock when Gatti collected an Andrea Cambiaso cross at the back post, outjumping his marker to head it into the back of the net.

Napoli had numerous opportunities but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia missed a huge chance, while Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made several saves to thwart the visitors’ clear scoring chances.

Juve top the standings with 36 points, one ahead of Inter Milan who host lowly Udinese on Saturday.

“We did well in the first half, moving the ball side to side, then in difficult moments the team becomes a block of granite,” Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri told DAZN.

“I have a group of players who work hard. We need to slow things down, not always try to make it one-touch football. We should control the ball better in some moments of the match.”

Asked about Juve’s stated hopes of a top-four finish, Allegri said: “We can even say in the dressing room that we have the ambition to win the Scudetto but you need to get results. There’s no point talking about what might be, we need to focus on what is.”

NAPOLI MISS CHANCES

For Napoli, the match highlighted their struggling form, marking three consecutive defeats across all competitions for the first time since October 2016. They are fifth with 24 points.

“Anyone who knows football realises there are moments. The guys played a great game, I think they dominated the match and forced Juventus to defend in their own area for almost the entire second half,” manager Walter Mazzarri said.

Napoli’s intense start saw them creating several early chances, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo denied by Szczesny’s goal-line save and Matteo Politano narrowly missing the post moments later.

Juve had their best chance of the first half when Dusan Vlahovic’s close-range attempt was blocked by Natan, and Weston McKennie’s subsequent rebound with an overhead kick was denied by Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret.

Just before the half-hour mark, Kvaratskhelia found himself alone with Szczesny inside the box after being set free by Victor Osimhen. However, the Georgian winger sent the ball over the bar, much to the surprise and relief of the home fans, and causing visible frustration for Mazzarri.

“I have seen a team that always played good football, better than the opposition, but we don’t seem to be able to score goals. If we do not score that Kvara chance, it is a clear sign we are in a negative period. Bad luck happens too,” Mazzarri said.

“I am convinced that if we play like this, we will have a run of positive results and really climb the table.”

Napoli’s difficulties in front of the goal continued when Di Lorenzo struck a powerful shot from close range just before the break, only to be denied by Szczesny’s exceptional diving save.

After Gatti’s goal, Napoli’s momentum dropped and they struggled to create chances or mount an offensive to equalise.

Osimhen put the ball into the net for Napoli after Szczesny’s pass was intercepted and knocked back to the Nigerian, but the offside flag was raised.

Napoli host Braga in their last Champions League group-stage match on Tuesday and need at least a draw to qualify for the knockout stage. Juve travel to Genoa on Friday for their next Serie A match.

Quantity-wise, Nigeria may not weigh much in this year’s CAF Awards which hold in the next few hours in the Atlas Mountain city of Marrakech in Morocco on Monday.

But the country has quality representatives who are most likely to win the prime awards for the African Footballer of the Year – Men and Women – in addition to possibly winning the Goalkeeper of the Year in the Women’s category.

Besides that, Nigeria, with seven, has the highest number of legends invited for the ceremony which will hold at the at the Palais des Congrès, Movenpick, Marrakech.

Headlining the seven Nigerian legends expected at the ceremony is Austin Jay Jay Okocha, who inspite of his stellar performances, agonisingly missed out in 1998 and 2003.

Also invited is Mikel Obi who also missed out in 2013, 10 years after that of Okocha. He will be joined by another Nigerian legend, Emmanuel Amuneke, winner of the award in 1994.

Other Nigerian legends expected to grace this year’s CAF Awards are: Mercy Akide, Onome Ebi, Perpetua Nkwocha and Precious Dede.

Among the prestigious guests from other countries who have confirmed their presence are football legends, music and art celebrities and prestigious names from other sporting disciplines, including Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Abedi Pele (Ghana), El Hadji Diouf (Senegal), Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo),  Jonathan Pitroipa (Burkina Faso), Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia), Ahmed Hassan (Egypt), and Patrick Mboma (Cameroon),  among others.

The United States and Mexico submitted a joint bid on Friday to co-host the 2027 women’s World Cup that, if successful, would see the North American neighbours stage global soccer’s two showcase events in back-to-back years.

Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands earlier on Friday put in a joint bid to be the 2027 hosts, while Brazil put forward their bid to world soccer governing body FIFA last month.  

U.S. Soccer said in a statement that bringing the women’s World Cup to North America would capitalise on a moment of extraordinary growth in women’s sports to deliver a tournament of unprecedented success.

The United States and Mexico, along with Canada, are set to co-host the 2026 men’s World Cup but rather than viewing that as negative U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone described it as a huge plus.

“This is a pivotal time for women’s soccer,” said Parlow Cone. “The U.S. and Mexico are in a unique position to host a World Cup that will leverage the same venues, infrastructure, and protocols used for the Men’s World Cup just a year prior.

“This will not only unlock the economic potential of women’s soccer, it will send a message to young players around the world that there is no limit to what they can achieve.”

Member associations had until Friday to submit their bids to FIFA. South Africa had also submitted a bid but withdrew last month, saying they felt it was better to present a “well-prepared bid” for the 2031 edition.

“Extensive and detailed consultations between the three federations along with key stakeholders including central governments dates back to 2021,” the Dutch football federation (KNVB) said in a statement accompanying the European nations’ bid.

“This has led to alignment around the belief that our three countries are well placed to stage a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 of unparalleled quality and impact.”

FIFA will organise on-site inspection visits to bidding countries in February before the hosts are appointed in May by the FIFA Congress.

The 2023 tournament was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand this year, with Spain beating England in the final.

Iwobi, who didn’t score on the day, provided an assist for one of the goals at Craven Cottage.

Alex Iwobiplayed a key role in Fulham’s 5-0 demolition of West Ham United on Sunday, helping Marco Silva’s side to their second five-goal victory in five days.

Iwobi, who didn’t score on the day, provided an assist for one of the goals at Craven Cottage.

The win was Fulham’s fourth consecutive league game with 3+ goals, the first time they’ve achieved this feat in 62 years.

Raul Jimenez continued his impressive return to form, scoring the opening goal with a header from Joao Palhinha’s cross. The Mexican forward, who suffered a life-threatening skull fracture three years ago, has now scored four goals in his last five league games.

Fulham were in complete control by half-time, with Willian adding a second before Tosin Adarabioyo headed in the third from a corner.

Substitute Harry Wilson scored a stunning left-footed curler from the edge of the penalty area before Carlos Vinicius sealed the win late on after being teed up by Wilson.

The victory lifted Fulham into the top half of the table, three points behind ninth-placed West Ham.

While the Sky Blue Stars are on 26 points after 13 games, the Savannah Tigers have 25 points from the same number of games. Interestingly, the top two teams currently dictating the pace on the NPFL log are privately owned.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) witnessed another exciting weekend of action, with key clashes shaping the league table.

Remo Stars continued their impressive run as they returned the top of the table, defeating Kwara United 2-0 at their home ground in Ikenne, Ogun State.

Adedayo Olamilekan opened the scoring in the 25th minute, finishing a well-worked move with Dayo Ojo.

Samad Kadiri, who haunted his former club Enyimba last week, secured the victory with a close-range tap-in in the 69th minute.

This win sees Remo Stars open a solitary point lead at the top of the table ahead of second-placed Doma United who on Saturday piped Kano Pillars 1-0 at the Pamtani Stadium in Gombe.

While the Sky Blue Stars are on 26 points after 13 games, the Savannah Tigers have 25 points from the same number of games.

Interestingly, the top two teams presently dictating the pace on the NPFL log are privately owned.

Enyimba Win Derby Battle in Aba

In a thrilling encounter, Enyimba emerged victorious in the Aba derby against Abia Warriors.

The People’s Elephant scored a goal in each half to claim all three points.

E. Eze broke the deadlock in the 39th minute before D. Nnachi doubled the lead just before the hour-mark.

While it appeared Finidi George’s men had done enough for a flawless victory over their city rivals, Abia Warriors pulled a goal back in stoppage time through A.’ C Njoku.

Unfortunately, the goal by the Warriors was a little too late as Enyimba held on for the maximum points on offer

With Sunday’s bragging right from the Oriental Derby, Enyimba have to the fourth on the log with 22 points from 12 matches.

Other Notable Results

Akwa United secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars, moving them further away from the relegation zone.

Bayelsa United picked up a comfortable 2-0 win against Enugu Rangers, to kickstart what many terms a resurgent.

In Benin City, Bendel Insurance continued their impressive form with a 1-0 victory over Sunshine Stars.
Niger Tornadoes were however not that lucky as they succumbed to a 3-2 defeat against Plateau United despite a spirited performance.

Shooting Stars and Katsina United played out a 1-1 draw in a closely contested match.
Gombe United secured a much-needed 2-0 victory over Heartland FC, boosting their survival hopes.

Beyond Osimhen and Oshoala, two other Nigerian stars earned recognition in the women’s categories.

Nigerian stars Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala have made the final shortlist for the 2023 CAF African Player of the Year Awards after showcasing their incredible talents on the international stage.

With just days remaining until the 2023 CAF Awards ceremony on 11 December, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the final three nominees for each category.

Osimhen seeks to break jinx

In the Men’s Player of the Year race, Osimhen faces fierce competition from Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, who was part of the historic Morocco team that made it to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals.

Many predict Osimhen will be a frontrunner for the coveted award because of his exceptional performance throughout the period under review.

If the 24-year-old Nigerian emerges victorious, he will become the first Nigerian player to win the award since KWomen’s category

In the women’s category, Oshoala sets her sights on extending her record-breaking reign as Player of the Year.

Having previously won the award in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022, Oshoala is aiming for a historic sixth title. However, her path to claiming the continent’s highest individual honour is challenging, as South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Zambian Barbara Banda boast excellent credentials to challenge the prestigious accolade.

Others

Beyond Osimhen and Oshoala, two additional Nigerian stars have earned recognition in the women’s categories.

Kanu Nwankwo’s remarkable achievement in 1999.

CAF shortlisted Deborah Abiodun for Young Player of the Year, while Chiamaka Nnadozie is in contention for the Goalkeeper of the Year award.

The 2023 CAF Awards ceremony will be held at the Palais des Congres in Movenpick, Marrakech, Morocco, on 11 December at 18:00 GMT.

The ultimate winner of each category will be determined by a panel comprising the CAF Technical Committee, media professionals from member associations, head coaches and captains of member associations, and clubs involved in the group stages of the inter-club competitions.

Full List of Nominees (in alphabetic order by Member Association):

Player of the Year (Men)

Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool)

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain)

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Napoli)

Player of the Year (Women)

Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria, Barcelona)

Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa, Racing Louisville)

Barbara Banda (Zambia, Shanghai Shengli)

Interclub Player of the Year (Men)

Fiston Mayele (DR Congo, Pyramids)

Peter Shalulile (Namibia, Mamelodi Sundowns)

Percy Tau (South Africa, Al Ahly)

Interclub Player of the Year (Women)

Refilwe Tholakele (Botswana, Mamelodi Sundowns)

Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco, AS FAR)

Lebohang Ramalepe (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)

Coach of the Year (Men)

Abdelhak Benchika (Algeria, Simba SC)

Walid Regragui (Morocco)

Aliou Cisse (Senegal)

鈸

Coach of the Year (Women)

Reynald Pedros (Morocco)

Desiree Ellis (South Africa)

Jerry Tshabalala (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)

Goalkeeper of the Year (Men)

Andre Onana (Cameroon, Manchester United)

Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt, Al Ahly)

Yassine Bounou (Morocco, Al Hilal)

Goalkeeper of the Year (Women)

Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco, AS FAR)

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC)

Andile Dlamini (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)

Young Player of the Year (Men)

Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Morocco, Real Betis)

Lamine Camara (Senegal, Metz)

Amara Diouf (Senegal, Metz)

Young Player of the Year (Women)

Comfort Yeboah (Ghana, Ampem Darkoa)

Nesryne El Chad (Morocco, Lille)

Deborah Abiodun (Nigeria, Pittsburgh Panthers)

National Team of the Year (Men)

Gambia

Morocco

Senegal

National Team of the Year (Women)

Morocco

Nigeria

South Africa

Club of the Year (Men)

Al Ahly (Egypt)

Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)

Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

Club of the Year (Women)

AS FAR (Morocco)

Sporting Casablanca (Morocco)

Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

Super Eagles Manager, Jose Peseiro, yesterday, reiterated his determination to win the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

He said everybody involved in the preparations for Nigeria’s participation at the championship are working to ensure that the Super Eagles got all they need to excel at the event.

Speaking at a meeting convened by Sports Minister, John Owan Enoh, in his Abuja office, Peseiro conveyed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts and reiterated his commitment to steer the national team towards excellence.

Peseiro highlighted the significance of robust preparation and emphasised that the technical crew would work with the players to sort out grey areas and bring joy to Nigerians.

Earlier, the minister commended the dedication and professionalism exhibited by Peseiro and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), stating that necessary efforts were ongoing to settle the coach’s salary and assured him of an enabling environment to help the team thrive.

The minister reiterated the country’s commitment to winning the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, saying that 10 years is a long time to wait for the crown.

At the meeting, which the minister said was aimed at fostering synergy and solidifying a comprehensive roadmap to ensure Super Eagles’ optimal preparations and success at the tournament, he emphasised the significance of meticulous planning and cohesive strategies to propel the national team to victory at the AFCON.

He said: “Our country is so passionate about football, such that amidst all other sports, football is about the only sport that has an entry in the nation’s national budget. That is how important football is, because whatever happens to it happens to us as a country.”

“After 10 years, the country is thirsty to win the AFCON. It will matter a great deal to the Nigerian people, and to the government of President Bola Tinubu. It is important to not just leave the task to the NFF alone, but the government is also interested in being able to tell the Nigerian people what is being done in that regard.”

Also speaking at the meeting, NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, assured Nigerians that there is no need to panic, saying that all hands are on deck, working round the clock to ensure the country flies high in Cote d’Ivoire.

Côte d’Ivoire 2024 Africa Cup of Nations will hold from January 13 to February 11, with Nigeria in the same group with hosts, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.