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Women’s World Cup: Spain Vs England – All Set For Grande Finale In Australia

By
Emenike Agu
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The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 final on Sunday will see a new name etched on to the tournament trophy, as European duo Spain and England meet – for the first time in the competition – to do battle for the coveted crown.

The sides’ most recent meeting was in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 quarter-finals, when England edged through in a 2-1 extra-time victory en route to winning the tournament.

After eliminating Switzerland, the Netherlands and Sweden to get to the final, Spain will not be daunted by the task and will look to assert their trademark passing game on this showpiece encounter.

England have overcome Nigeria, Colombia and Australia to reach the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ final for the first time and will be going all out to follow up on their Women’s EURO triumph and lift the trophy at Stadium Australia.

Both teams have grown stronger by the round, and it now all boils down to this one-off match, which promises to be a classic and the perfect way to round off what has been an exceptional tournament.

Last meeting:

  • 20/07/2022, England 2-1 Spain, UEFA European Women’s Championship England 2022, American Express Community Stadium, Falmer (England)

Key facts

  • The fact that both Spain and England will feature in the final for the first time brings the number of nations to have reached the FIFA Women’s World Cup showpiece to 10.
  • This will be the third all-European FIFA Women’s World Cup final, after the showpieces at the 1995 (Norway 2-0 Germany) and 2003 (Germany 2-1 Sweden – aet) editions.
  • The FIFA Women’s World Cup will be lifted by a European team for the first time since 2007, when Germany defeated Brazil 2-0 to clinch their second title following their triumph at the 2003 finals. Norway are the only other European side to have won the competition (1995).
  • Germany are the only nation to have won both the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and Spain or England will match that achievement.
  • This will be the first time since the inaugural instalment in 1991 that the FIFA Women’s World Cup final will be contested by two teams that have never previously featured in the tournament decider.
  • Three of the nine FIFA Women’s World Cup finals have required extra time, with two of those being decided by a penalty shoot-out:

– 1999 – USA 0-0 China PR (aet) 5-4 PSO

– 2003 – Germany 2-1 Sweden (aet)

– 2011 – Japan 2-2 USA (aet) 3-1 PSO.

  • Spain’sLa Roja are the leading goalscorers at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 with 17 goals – the most they have ever scored in a single edition of the tournament.
  • Spain have emerged victorious in five of their six matches at this year’s finals (W5 L1). They had only won one of their seven FIFA Women’s World Cup encounters prior to this edition of the tournament.
  • Spain have defeated European opposition in each of their knockout-stage matches en route to the final:Won  5-1 v. Switzerland (round of 16) Won 2-1 v. Netherlands (aet) (quarter-finals) Won 2-1 v. Sweden (semi-finals).
  • Spain could become only the second team to secure the FIFA Women’s World Cup crown after suffering defeat en route to glory. Japan did so at the 2011 edition after slipping to a 2-0 group-stage defeat to England.
  • Spain are the current FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup champions, having won both competitions in 2022. They could become the first country to hold all three titles at the same time. Japan are the only nation to have triumphed at all three tournaments: the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2011, the 2018 edition of the U-20 competition and the 2014 instalment of the U-17 tournament, but they did not hold all three titles at the same time.
  • Spain’s Salma Paralluelo could become the first player to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup and FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup – she tasted glory at the U-17 competition in 2018 and the 2022 edition of the U-20 tournament.
  • Her strike against Sweden saw Salma Paralluelo become the first Spanish player to have scored in successive FIFA Women’s World Cup matches.
  • Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes have featured in each of Spain’s 13 FIFA Women’s World Cup encounters since the nation’s maiden outing at the 2015 finals.
  • England have won 11 and drawn one of their last 14 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches (Won 11, Drew 1, Lost 2).
  • England have won five of their last six FIFA Women’s World Cup matches against European teams (Won 5, Lost 1).
  • England’s 13-goal haul at this year’s finals has seen them equal their record tally in the competition, which they achieved at the 2019 tournament.
  • England have only failed to score in one of their last 19 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches.
  • The Lionesses’ Lucy Bronze has lined up in 19 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches and is set to become only the second England player to have made 20 appearances in the competition, after Jill Scott (21).
  • Sarina Wiegman has now reached the showpiece at each of the last four FIFA Women’s World Cup and UEFA Women’s EURO final competitions:Netherlands (UEFA Women’s EURO 2017, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™), England (UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™).
  • Sarina Wiegman is the first coach to have led two different nations to the FIFA Women’s World Cup final.

SPAIN TEAM FACTS

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TEAM RECORDS

  • Overall record: Played : 13,Won: 6,  Drew: 2,  Lost: 5,  Goals For: 23, Goals Against: 15,  Goal Difference: 8
  • Biggest win: 5-0 Spain v. Zambia (26/07/2023)
  • Biggest defeat: 0-4Spain v. Japan (31/07/2023)
  • Highest scoring match: 6 goals – Spain 5-1 Switzerland (05/08/2023)
  • Most goals scored in a match: 5 – Spain 5-0 Zambia (26/07/2023)/Spain 5-1 Switzerland (05/08/2023)
  • Most goals conceded in a match: 4 – Spain 0-4 Japan (31/07/2023)
  • Most goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 17 – 2023 (6 matches)
  • Fewest goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 2 – 2015 (3 matches)
  • Most goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 7 – 2023 (6 matches)
  • Fewest goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 4 – 2015 (3 matches)/2019 (4 matches)

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP STREAKS

  • Successive wins: 3 (2023-present)
  • Successive defeats: 2 (2015)
  • Successive draws: 1 (2015 and 2019)
  • Successive matches without a defeat: 3 (2023-present)
  • Successive matches without a win: 3 (2015 and 2019)
  • Successive matches with a goal scored: 3 (2019-2023 and 2023-present)
  • Successive matches without scoring: 2 (2019)
  • Successive clean sheets: 2 (2023)

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP EXTRA-TIME MATCHES

  • 11/08/2023 Spain 2-1 Netherlands (quarter-finals)

ENGLAND TEAM FACTS

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP™ TEAM RECORDS

  • Overall record: Played: 32,Won: 20,  Drawn: 5,  Lost: 7, Goals For: 56, Goals Against: 33,  Goals Difference: 23
  • Biggest win: England 6-1 Argentina, 17/09/2007), England 6-1 China PR (01/08/2023)
  • Biggest defeat: 0-3 England 0-3Germany  13/06/1995), England 0-3 USA (22/09/2007)
  • Highest scoring match: 7 goals – England 6-1 Argentina (17/09/2007)and England 6-1 China PR (01/08/2023)
  • Most goals scored in a match: 6 – England 6-1 Argentina (17/09/2007)and England 6-1 China PR (01/08/2023)
  • Most goals conceded in a match: 3 – England 0-3 Germany (13/06/1995)and England 0-3 USA (22/09/2007)
  • Most goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 13 – 2019 (7 matches) and 2023 (6 matches)
  • Fewest goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 6 – 1995 and 2011 (4 matches)
  • Most goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 9 – 1995 (4 matches)
  • Fewest goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 3 – 2011 (3 matches) and 2023 (6 matches)

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP STREAKS

  • Successive wins: 6 (2015-2019)
  • Successive defeats: 2 (2019)
  • Successive draws: 2 (2007)
  • Successive matches without a defeat: 6 (2015-2019 and 2023-present)
  • Successive matches without a win: 3 (1995-2007)
  • Successive matches with a goal scored: 16 (2015-2023)
  • Successive matches without scoring: 1 (six times, the last of which was 2023-present) Successive clean sheets: 4 (2019)

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP™ EXTRA-TIME MATCHES

  • 09/07/2011 England 1-1 France (3-4 PSO) (quarter-finals)
  • 04/07/2015 England 1-0 Germany (match for third place)
  • 07/08/2023 England 0-0 Nigeria (4-2 PSO) (round of 16)

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP™ PENALTY SHOOT-OUTS (Won 1,  Lost 1)

  • 09/07/2011 England 3-4 France (PSO) (quarter-finals)
  • 07/08/2023 England 4-2 Nigeria (PSO) (round of 16)

Los Angeles Refineries Prepare For Hurricane Hilary

By
Angel Gimalo
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Los Angeles-area refineries, with a combined crude oil processing capacity of 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd), are preparing for the approach of Hurricane Hilary, the first such storm to menace southern California since 1939, the companies said.

The five refineries were operating as planned on Friday as a tropical storm warning was issued for the region.

Phillips 66 (PSX.N) said operations at its 139,000-bpd Los Angeles refinery were unaffected by the storm.

Refiners Chevron (CVX.N), Valero (VLO.N), PBF (PBF.N) and Marathon Petroleum (MPC.N) declined to discuss operations at their refineries.

Local and state regulators did not report any changes in operations at Los Angeles refineries on Friday and West Coast refined market traders said they did not know of any cut backs in production.

California-blend gasoline rose 20 cents on Thursday to 60 cents a gallon over September New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) gasoline futures as the likelihood of Hilary moving over California became more apparent, traders said.

With the forecast path of the storm moving further east of Los Angeles on Friday, August California gasoline traded down 14.5 cents a gallon at 45.5 cents a gallon over NYMEX September gasoline futures, traders said.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Hilary is forecast to be at tropical storm strength when it moves east of Los Angeles on Monday. But, the city and its suburbs remain in areas where the storm could go on Monday if its path changes.

Heavy rain, possible flash flooding and winds at 40 miles per hour (64 kph) or stronger are forecast for Los Angeles on Sunday and Monday.

The U.S. West Coast is dependent on the region’s refineries and imports from Asia and the Middle East for motor fuel supplies. There are no pipelines connecting California with refining complexes along the U.S. Gulf Coast and in the Middle West.

Space Agency Says Russia’s Luna-25 Spacecraft Suffered Technical Glitch

By
Angel Gimalo
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0

An “abnormal situation” occurred at Russia’s Luna-25 spacecraft on Saturday as it was preparing to transfer to its pre-landing orbit, Russia’s national space agency Roskosmos said.

The Russian spacecraft is scheduled to land on the south pole of the moon on Monday, part of a big power race to explore a part of the moon which scientists think may hold frozen water and precious elements.

“During the operation, an abnormal situation occurred on board the automatic station, which did not allow the manoeuvre to be performed with the specified parameters,” Roskosmos said in a short statement.

Specialists are analysing the situation, it said, without providing further details.

Earlier, Roskosmos said it had received the first results from the Luna-25 mission and that they were being analysed.

The agency also posted images of the moon’s Zeeman crater taken from the spacecraft. The crater is the third deepest in the moon’s southern hemisphere, it said, measuring 190 km (118 miles) in diameter and eight km (five miles) in depth.

Roskosmos said data it had received so far had provided information about the chemical elements in the lunar soil and would also facilitate the operation of devices designed to study the near-surface of the moon.

It added that its equipment had registered “the event of a micrometeorite impact”.

The Luna-25 entered the moon’s orbit on Wednesday, the first Russian spacecraft to do so since 1976.

Roughly the size of a small car, it will aim to operate for a year on the south pole, where scientists at NASA and other space agencies in recent years have detected traces of frozen water in the craters.

The presence of water has implications for major space powers, potentially allowing longer human sojourns on the moon that would enable the mining of lunar resources.

Nigerian Navy Sets Up Operations Base To Protect Lagos Free Zone Investement

By
Angel Gimalo
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The Nigerian Navy is making fresh moves to establish a Forward Operations Base (FOB) at Epe for the purpose of protecting the over $35 billion (N19 trillion) worth of investment at the Lagos Free Zone.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had described the Lagos Free Zone as investors’ destination during the commissioning of the Lekki Deep Seaport.

But responding to questions during an inspection tour of the Western Fleets at the Nigerian Navy Town, Lagos, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, said the navy is setting up a new operational base at Epe to protect the investment at the Lagos free Zone at Epe.

The Chief of the Naval Staff said the new base would complement the existing naval units such as NNS BEECROFT and others in the Lagos area.

Vice Admiral Ogalla said given the huge investment in the maritime section and Lagos being strategic to the economy of the nation and the Sub region, the navy deemed it necessary to establish the FOB.

He said the deployment and the establishment of new operational bases are part of the navy’s strategic guidelines to protect the economy of the nation.

“We are also starting up new bases at Epe to take care of the free zone. All these things are in view to improve the ease of doing business in Lagos, by ensuring the aspect of security in maritime domain is taken care of,” he said.

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Jonathan, Osinbajo, Others Named As Peace Icons In Africa

By
Angel Gimalo
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0

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, former vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwanda President, Paul Kagame, have been named peace icons in Africa by an international peace-based organisation, Peace Ambassador Agency Worldwide.

Others on the list include Kenyan President, William Ruto, President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adeshina; Chairman of United Bank of Africa Group, Tony Elumelu; Chairman Geregu Power PLC, Mr. Femi Otedola; President of LoveWorld Incorporated, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome; and the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammadu Abubakar, among others.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Abuja during the unveiling of 100 personalities as “100 Most Notable Peace Icons In Africa,” the Project Director of the group, Ambassador Kingsley Amafibe, said the peace icons were being recognised due to their dedication to promoting peace and calm in the continent.

He said the beneficiaries have laboured continuously to reduce conflicts, advance social bonds, and establish connections amidst diverse communities in Africa.

Amafibe explained that among the notable peace icons in Africa, are economists, financial experts, sports personalities, religious leaders, industrialists, entertainment entrepreneurs, traditional rulers, activists, thinkers, and creators who have transcended boundaries and overcome challenges to leave in-erasable legacies.

“By sharing their narratives, we intend to amplify the ripples of their endeavours, and produce a collective resolve to foster a more calm and prosperous Africa,” Amafibe stated.

He added, “Within this illustrious roster of 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa, we encounter a rich shade of leaders, economists, financial experts, sports personalities, religious leaders, industrialists, entertainment entrepreneurs, traditional rulers, activists, thinkers, and creators who have transcended boundaries and overcome challenges to leave in-erasable legacies.

“Each narrative stands as a tribute to perseverance and determination, enclosing the cherished values of Africa: unity, harmony, and progress.”

He also announced plans by the organisation to provide scholarships to 20,000 indigent students across the continent.

He said the group will rely on the contributions and support of the peace icons to make it easier for it to achieve its aims and objectives.

He said, “This scholarship programme is designed to empower and nurture the forthcoming generation of African leaders, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to propel the growth and stability of their respective nations.

“Acknowledging the youth as the vanguards of transformation, we are unwavering in our commitment to empower them through comprehensive training and skill enrichment initiatives.

“We will furnish the youth with the tools of success, we invest not only in their course but also in the collective ascension of Africa.

“These programme encompasses a diverse array of domains, spanning from entrepreneurship to technology, enabling the youth to steer innovation and constructive change.

“Additionally, we recognise the profound import of access to clean water in rural communities. Addressing this critical imperative, we are inaugurating the Pipe Borne Water Project, ‘CleanAqua4All.’

“It is an initiative aimed at ensuring clean and safe drinking water for underserved rural regions.

“By guaranteeing access to this foundational resource, we enhance the quality of life, bolster health and well-being, and engender progress in these communities,” he stated.

Federal Govt. Inaugurates Enugu Solar-Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station

By
Angel Gimalo
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The Federal Government has inaugurated a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) as part of efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuel vehicles that pollute the environment and contribute to global warming.

Speaking at the event, yesterday, the Director General, National Automative Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Jelani Aliyu, stated that the idea was to deepen technological advancement in Nigeria’s automotive industry.

He stated that with the effects of global warming and climate change on the environment, many countries are now moving away from fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles

“This informs the reason the NADDC, an agency in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, is sponsored by the government to build electric vehicle charging stations powered by solar across the country.

“The aim is to ensure zero per cent carbon emission in our environment as well as reduce health problems associated with it,” he said.

Represented by the Director, Infrastructure in the Council, Olarawaju Omusanya, he explained that Usman Danfodo University, Sokoto, University of Lagos and UNN were three universities selected for the pilot project of solar powered charging electric vehicle stations.

“The Usman Danfodo University, Sokoto and University of Lagos were inaugurated in 2021. NADDC encourages universities in the country to utilise this opportunity by stimulating further research and development of this project,” he said.

The DG added that the council would continue to promote advanced technology transfer and development of human capital.

He commended the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Charles Igwe, and the management for the maximum cooperation to see that the project was completed and inaugurated.

In his remarks, Igwe expressed appreciation to NADDC for choosing UNN as one of the pilot universities for the project.

He promised that the university would continue to do its best, urging the institution’s Faculty of Engineering to ensure the conversion of vehicles in the university to electric vehicles.

The UNN Coordinator of the project, Prof. Ozomena Ani, commended the vice chancellor for approving the project as well as allowing him to coordinate the project in the university.

Ani, an engineer and lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering, said his research team would ensure the maintenance of the project.

Earlier, the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Emenike Ejiogu, who was represented by Associate Professor, Sunday Ezeoha, said the faculty would continue to provide the required manpower in engineering.

South Africa Face Heavy Battle In 2027 Women’s World Cup Hosting

By
Emenike Agu
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0

South Africa will be contending with three other strong bids as FIFA unfolded the four bidders to host the next Women’s World Cup in 2027. South Africa, the only African country to have hosted the flagship FIFA World Cup,  remains firmly in the running to host the Women’s edition.

The winning candidate will be announced in May 2024 as the 74th FIFA Congress. The four bids representing the same number of confederations are: the joint candidacy of Belgium and Germany,  Brazil, South Africa and another joint bid of US and Mexico who a year before the 2027 edition would have co-hosted the FIFA World Cup along with Canada.

South Africa formally submitted its bid back in May 2023, as required by FIFA regulations.

The final bids must be presented to FIFA by December 2023, followed by inspection visits in early 2024.

The 2027 hosts will then be revealed during May’s 74th FIFA Congress next year.

The 2027 tournament will be the 10th edition of the global showpiece event, which occurs every four years.

John Enoh Becomes Nigeria’s 36th Sports Minister

By
Emenike Agu
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0

John Owan Enoh, known with the acronym JOE, is the new ‘Games-master-General of the federation, having on Wednesday been named as the Sports Minister of Nigeria.

He becomes the 36th person to supervise Nigeria Sports since Chief Joseph Module Johnson (JMJ) in 1960.

The new sports minister was a senator representing the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State in the 8th assembly that ran from 2015 to 2019.

He was a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) until May 2017 when he decamped to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

He contested the governorship position but lost to Ben Ayade.

Apart  from politics, Enoh own numerous farms where he conducts arable and livestock production.

Farming venture he started 2000 has as at 2021 since cultivated about 2000 hectares of cultivated lands.

Enoh’s farm spreads across various parts of Cross River State. About 150 hectares of planted palms in his native Agbokim Waterfalls; and expanding to about 100 hectares of planted palms, and counting, at Etara-Ekuri. All communities in Etung LGA of Cross River State, where the politician hails.

Enoh is said to operate an out-grower scheme in communities where his farms are located. The out-grower scheme is a corporate social responsibility scheme that empowers local small scale farmers with arable and livestock to grow in their farms and later provides them with the market to sell these products.

John Enoh’s Predecessors

  • Sunday Dare (2019 – 2023)
  • Solomon Dalung            (2015 – 2019)
  • Tamuno Danagogo         (2014 – 2015
  • Bolaji Abdulahi             (2011-2014)
  • Yusuf Suleiman            (2011-2011)
  • Taoheed Adedoja           (2010 – 2011)
  • Ibrahim Isa Bio             (2010- 2010)
  • Sani Ndanusa               (2008-2010)
  • Abdurahaman Gimba     (2007 -2008)
  • Bala Bawa Ka’oje           (2006 -2007)
  • Saidu Sambawa             (2005-2006)
  • Musa Mohammed          (2003-2005)
  • Stephen Akiga               (2002-2003)
  • Ishaya Mark Aku           (2001-2002)
  • Damishi Sango             (1999-2001)
  • Emeka Omeruah           (1997 –1999)* 2ndtenure
  • Jim Nwobodo (1995 – 1997)
  • Shola Rhodes               (1994- 1995)
  • Sylvanus Akinwunmi (1993 – 1994)
  • Alex Akinyele                 (1992 -1993)
  • Yohana Kure                 1991-1992)
  • Anthony Ikazoboh         (1990-1991)
  • Alabo Graham (1989 – 1990)
  • Bayo Lawal                   (1986-1988)
  • Ahmed  Abdulahi           (1985-1986)
  • Emeka Omeruah           (1984-1985)
  • Bennett Birabi              (1983-1983)
  • Buba Ahmed                (1983-1983)
  • Adebisi Ogedengbe       (1982-1983
  • Paulinus Amadike (1979 -1981)
  • Dan Isokrari                 (1977-1978)
  • Olufemi Olutoye            (1975-1977)
  • Henry Adefope              (1971-1975)
  • J.C. Obande                 (1965-1971)
  • Joseph Module Johnson (1960 1964)

Spalletti Agrees Terms To Take Over As Italy Manager

By
Emenike Agu
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0

Italian Football Federation has come to an agreement with Luciano Spalletti to take over as coach of the national team, succeeding Roberto Mancini.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Spalletti, the federation’s top choice, will sign a three-year contract until September 2026.

The former Napoli boss has held several telephone conversations with federation president Gabriele Gravina and has now agreed to take over from Mancini.

Spalletti and Gravina are due to meet on Friday to finalise the contract.

Following his appointment, which could be made official on Saturday, Spalletti is expected to hold his first press conference as coach on Monday, the sports daily reports.

Spalletti, 64, was crowned Italian champion with Napoli in May, before stepping down as coach.

He will be in charge of reviving the national team which, despite winning the European title in 2021, failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He will have just a few days to prepare for two matches that are already crucial if they are to defend their title at Euro 2024. They travel to Northern Macedonia on September 9 and host Ukraine in Milan three days later.

READ ALSO: Luton sign Dutch keeper Krul from Norwich

Negotiations with Spalletti have been complicated by the fact that his contract with Napoli, which runs until June 2024, includes a clause requiring him to pay compensation of 3 million euros ($3.3 million) if he takes up a new position.

The federation is looking at legal options but Napoli president and owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has said he will not waive the payment, which decreases by 250,000 euros each month, “as a matter of principle”.

Chelsea Sign Lavia As Summer Spending Hits Whopping $380m

By
Emenike Agu
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2

Romeo Lavia has been confirmed as Chelsea’s latest big-money transfer.

The Blues have paid an initial £53million to land the one-cap Belgian international from Championship side Southampton, with a further £5m agreed in add-ons.

Liverpool saw multiple bids rejected for the 19-year-old earlier in the summer and have now lost out to Chelsea again, having also seen their late approach for Moises Caicedo turned down before their rivals wrapped up a British record deal worth £115m with Brighton earlier this week.

Lavia completed his medical at Chelsea on Thursday and has penned a seven-year contract through 2030 ahead of competing with Caicedo for a spot in Mauricio Pochettino’s expensively-assembled new-look midfield, potentially making a quick debut in Sunday’s London derby away at West Ham in the Premier League. He will wear the no45 shirt in west London, the same number as he had at St Mary’s.

“I’m really happy join Chelsea and be a part of this exciting project. It’s an amazing football club with a great history and I’m really excited to get started,” said former Anderlecht youngster Lavia, who joined Southampton from Manchester City last summer and made 34 appearances across all competitions.

“I can’t wait to meet all my new team-mates and build a chemistry together to achieve great things together.”

This deal has pushed Chelsea’s transfer spending this summer to around £380m, a sum which includes the imminent arrival of teenage Brazilian striker Deivid Washington from Santos. They are nearing the £1billion mark in total in just three transfer windows under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake ownership.

Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “We are very pleased to welcome Romeo to Chelsea. He demonstrated his quality in the Premier League last season at Southampton, showing maturity despite his young age, and is a player we have monitored for some time.

“We believe he is ready to make an impact at Chelsea throughout the current campaign, and in the coming years.”

Chelsea will not be signing Michael Olise as had been expected. The Blues triggered his £35m release clause earlier this week, only for the France Under-21 winger to then agree a bumper new four-year contract at Crystal Palace on Thursday.

Instead Chelsea have now held talks with Nottingham Forest over £50m-rated forward Brennan Johnson, but face potential competition for the Welsh international from Tottenham and Brentford, with Forest keen on a deal for Trevoh Chalobah.

Chelsea also sounded out Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus – now set for West Ham – and Celta Vigo playmaker Gabri Veiga earlier in the summer window.

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