Sports
Odion Ighalo to remain in Saudi Arabia after signing a deal with Al Wehda
Nigerian forward, Odion Jude Ighalo, is set to prolong his stay in the lucrative Saudi Pro League after agreeing to a deal with another club, Al Wehda, in the oil-rich country.
Ighalo has been playing in Saudi Arabia since February 2021, when he joined Al-Shabab in a sensational move before later making a switch to Al-Hilal.
The Nigerian striker, who netted an impressive 52 goals in 71 games in the Saudi Pro League for both Al-Shabab and Al-Hilal, is now ready to continue his good run with Al Wehda.
We understand Ighalo, 34, has signed a two-year deal after undergoing a successful medical at Al Wehda.
Before choosing to continue his career in the oil-rich kingdom, Ighalo established himself in the mainstream European leagues with successful periods at clubs such as Granada in Spain, Udinese in Italy, and Manchester United and Watford in England’s Premier League.
For many, Ighalo is a proven goalscorer of international repute at the highest level, and he will be a valuable asset for Al Wehda.
Presently languishing in the relegation zone, Al Wehda finished 13th in the Saudi Pro League last season.
The club will hope Ighalo can help them improve their position on the table and the former Super Eagles forward is the first major signing of the summer for Al Wehda-a sign the club is ambitious.
They are looking to challenge for a good finish in the Saudi Pro League this term, and Ighalo will be a key part of their plans.
Since Ighalo is already a popular figure in Saudi Arabia; especially with his trademark eagle celebration each time he scores, Al Wehda fans will surely welcome his arrival.
With the influx of many players from mainstream Europe to Saudi Arabia this season, it will be interesting to see how Ighalo performs with the increased intensity that is anticipated.
Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili made a spectacular debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics, delivering an impressive performance in the women’s 200m event.
After a disappointing setback in the women’s 100m, Ofili showcased her resilience by clinching victory in her heat with a new season’s best time of 22.24 seconds on Sunday, August 4. The victory has qualified her for the 2024 Olympics 200m women’s semi-finals which will take place this evening.
Argentine football icon, Lionel Messi, has stressed that he doesn’t care how much movement he makes in a game as people continue to take note of his walking technique.
In recent times, videos of Lionel Messi practically walking while his team are off the ball have kept many football enthusiasts talking. Many believe that it is a technique to prevent being injured, some say he does that because other players are doing the hard work for him.
But in an interview with Clank Media, Lionel Messi who turned 37-year-old earlier today, June 24, 2024, said not running when he is off the ball has been a part of his game from his days at his boyhood club, Newell, in his native country, Argentina.
“When I was at Newell’s, there were two or three times a week we were sent to run around the grounds. I used to hide behind a tree. Running without a ball was never my thing. Heh”, Lionel Messi said.
“I have always been very self-critical. I am the first to know what I do right and what I do wrong. When I walk, I analyse the opponent’s positioning, how we stand when we don’t have the ball, get away from the marker and be able to initiate a counterattack.
“I don’t pay much attention to GPS, statistics or data. I never cared how much I ran in a match.”
Note that Lionel Messi had used his walking technique while off the ball to win virtually everything in world football including 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League, one FIFA World Cup, and a record 8 Ballon d’Or.
In just two matchdays in the ongoing European Championship (Euro 2024), three countries have secured their place in the tournament’s round of 16.
Interestingly, the Three Lions of England and France, seen as the Super favourites to win the Euro 2024, will have to wait until the last day of the group stage to confirm their place.
Earlier today, June 22, 2024, Portugal’s national team, ably led by five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, defeated Turkey 3-0 to book themselves a place in the round of 16.
Goals from Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and an own goal from Samet Akaydin made all the difference.
Ronaldo provided an assist for Portugal’s third goal, which was his 7th in the history of the tournament, and the all-time highest in the European Championship.
Recall that Portugal defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening game in Group F. Hence, the Portuguese side now have 6 points in two games.
Whether or not they beat Georgia in their last group stage game on Wednesday, June 26, the Portuguese side will play in the round of 16. However, they need to win the game to ensure they finish top of Group F.
Other two teams that have already booked themselves a place in the Euro 2024 round of 16 with a game in hand are the hosts, Germany, and Spain.
Germany are topping Group A with 6 points in 2 games, while Spain are topping Group B with 6 points in two games.
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