Pep Guardiola insists chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak is happy with Manchester City’s season — as he promised Sam Allardyce a hug. City go to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, with Guardiola aiming to keep his hopes for a first trophy in England alive on two fronts. Besides the FA Cup, Guardiola’s side have the round of 16 Champions League tie against Monaco on February 21 to look forward to after the City manager ruled his side out of winning the Premier League when they were thrashed 4-0 at Everton earlier this month. But according to…
Author: David Folami
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has criticized Governor Rochas Okorocha over the recent launch of state airline, “Imo Air.” The Imo PDP also said that Okorocha should be praying for President Muhammadu Buhari instead of chasing the 2019 presidency. The party made the comments via a statement released by spokesman, Ray Emeana. The statement reads: “This is just another fraud that will not in any way address the dwindling fortunes of the good people of Imo state but will rather serve the bogus 2019 political ambition of Governor Okorocha.” “While records show that Governor Okorocha has received…
In news that could send shockwaves through the next transfer window, Arsenal appear ready to fight Manchester United for the signature of Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann. The Mail reports that Arsene Wenger will sanction an £85 million bid on the France international, thus triggering the player’s release clause. It has been revealed that the Gunners made an optimistic move last summer, which stumbled when the 25-year-old penned a new deal until 2021 with Los Colchoneros. Paul Pogba is thought to be campaigning on behalf of the Red Devils and while Griezmann can expect greater wages at Old Trafford, the…
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was unimpressed with his fringe players in Saturday’s dramatic 4-3 win against Wycombe Wanderers in the FA Cup and warned: “If you cannot play in this type of game, we will have a problem.” Before the game, Pochettino told his second string they were playing for their “long-term futures” at the club and made nine changes from the side that drew 2-2 at Manchester City last weekend, with only Eric Dier and Kevin Wimmer keeping their places. But Pochettino was forced to make three substitutions before the 60th-minute and it took a goal from Son Heung-Min…
Jurgen Klopp took full responsibility after a much-changed Liverpool side crashed out of the FA Cup fourth round following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield. The Reds were convincingly beaten by Paul Lambert’s side and were knocked out of a cup competition for the second time within the space of a week, having been eliminated in the EFL Cup semifinal by Southampton on Wednesday. Richard Stearman’s header gave the Championship outfit the lead after 52 seconds and Andreas Weimann made it 2-0 off a rapid counterattack in 41st minute, before Divock Origi netted a consolation goal late on.…
<img src="https://www.theinfostride.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/David-BManchester United defender Phil Jones insists that "winning the FA Cup is not enough" and that his side should be looking to be victorious in every match. Jose Mourinho's side snuck through to the EFL Cup final in midweek despite losing 2-1 to Hull, thanks to a two-goal buffer from the first leg. Now, as Man United prepare to face Wigan Athletic as part of their FA Cup defence, Jones has called on his teammates to get past the disappointment of Hull snapping their 17-game unbeaten run and get back to winning ways. "It's not enough just to win…
Burkina Faso and Cameroon advanced to the African Nations Cup semifinals after getting through quarterfinal matches on Saturday. Cameroon needed penalties to get past Senegal, winning the shootout 5-4 after a goalless 120 minutes. After both teams were perfect through four rounds of spot kicks, Senegal’s Sadio Mane saw his attempt saved by Cameroon keeper Fabrice Ondoa, the Liverpool star then turning and muttering something under his breath. “We have been studying this Senegal team for a long time,” Ondoa said. “I knew that Mane is a great player, he has a lot of great qualities. He is a big…
Ten changes and a five-goal stroll: as comfortable an evening excursion as touchline-banned Arsene Wenger could have hoped for. Young players were given vital experience and though Theo Walcott grabbed a hat trick, the most heartening news was Danny Welbeck making an eye-catching, two-goal comeback. Welbeck was making his first start since injuring his knee in May, but there was little rustiness in the calm finish that set Arsenal into a 15th-minute lead. The former Manchester United forward began his night on the flank, with Lucas Perez in the centre-forward role, and surged onto the Spaniard’s impressive angled flick from…
Southampton boss Claude Puel made no apologies for making 10 changes to his starting lineup as Saints crashed to earth with a 5-0 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal on Saturday. The midweek heroics of seeing off Liverpool to reach the EFL Cup final seemed distant as Saints’ second-string were no match for Arsenal’s reserves. But Puel said he would not change his decision despite the lopsided result. “I decided to make changes, but if I had the moment again to make the selection I would do the same again,” said Puel. “It’s a difficult moment for us with recovery. “Before…
Victory over Mainz on Sunday will see Borussia Dortmund claim third place — the minimum they want to achieve in the Bundesliga this season. It could even be the maximum, with Red Bull Leipzig keeping pace with leaders Bayern Munich. Dortmund are still trying to find their groove in 2017. Last week, they had phases of domination in their 2-1 win against Werder Bremen, but also looked disorganised toward the end of the game against decimated hosts. BVB’s struggles in Bremen were put into perspective by Bayern Munich, finding it hard themselves during their 2-1 win against the same opponents…
Out of sorts Bayern Munich maintained their three-point lead atop the Bundesliga with a jittery 2-1 win at Werder Bremen. It all looked plain sailing when quality strikes from Arjen Robben and David Alaba gave the Bavarians a two-goal advantage at the break. But German international Max Kruse reduced the arrears on 53 minutes to give the home side hope. Seeking a fifth Bundesliga title on the trot, Bayern’s second half performance was more perspiration rather than inspiration but they held on to their narrow lead to seal a record 13th win in a row against beleaguered Bremen. Aided by…
Paris Saint-Germain’s preparations for Sunday’s huge Ligue 1 clash with AS Monaco were dealt a blow on Friday when it emerged that midfielder Marco Verratti is suffering from a calf injury. The issue has ruled the Italy international out of the mammoth encounter in Paris and coach Unai Emery must now cope without him for what is undoubtedly the biggest domestic match of the season for both sides. Even with the pugnacious Verratti in the squad, Monaco were always going to be a tough challenge for the capital outfit. After all, the last time any PSG side beat their principality…
Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a sleeping lion. Fayose made the comment on Sunday, January 22, during a visit to the Lagos home of former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. “Falling is not unusual, but remaining in the fallen state is an admittance of perpetual defeat, which the PDP must not submit itself to,” Fayose said according to a statement released by media aide, Lere Olayinka. “With the unleashing of hunger and suffering on Nigerians, the PDP stands to gain electorally ahead of the 2019 election if the party put its…
Harrysong have gotten a lot of support from colleagues and fans following his legal battle with former record label, Five Star Music. The singer is demanding credit for the huge favour he rendered in ‘transforming’ Kcee’s career and other artistes during his time with the record label, BUT he also failed to meet his targets. In the statement released by Five Star Music this morning, we learned that Harry was supposed to release three albums under the record label in three years, but the conditions were never met. ‘That he must deliver at least, three (3) full music albums on…
The 19-year-old last born of the Kardashian/Jenner clan has been showing off her best assets while on vacation with the rest of the family, including boyfriend Tyga and his son King. The family left LA on their annual vacay, this time to Costa Rica, but Kylie seems to be having all the fun. She’s been posting snap after snap of herself clad in nothing but itty bitty bikinis that show off her generous curves. Her ample bosom, as always is generously displayed in all shots, as she is seen on some occasions taking in the sun and another time, posing…
Just a few days after joining thousands of American women to march in a protest against discrimination and defend their rights, pop star, Rihanna was spotted in a school in Malawi in another charitable act. The last few years have seen her become quite the philanthropist, launching her charity foundation, Clara Lionel Foundation to help the impoverished across the globe, as her trip to Malawi would explain. In 2016, she started the Clara Lionel Foundation’s Global Scholarship Program, which is dedicated to giving less-privileged people in countries like Cuba, Haiti and her home country, Barbados, the chance to study at…
Laura Ikeji exchanged vows with Ogbonna Kanu in a traditional wedding that took place in Nkwerre, Imo State today, January 28, 2017. Linda Ikeji was missing, but ex-Super Eagles skipper, Kanu Nwankwo and singer MC Galaxy, who has a close friendship with the bride, were present at the ceremony.
The former Governor of Kaduna state, in the Second Republic, Balarabe Musa has said that President Buhari is not radical enough to handle Nigeria. Musa also said Buhari has not done anything different from his predecessor, former President Goodluck Jonathan. The elder-statesman called on the Federal Government to take the leading role in the economy. Musa also said “The President is just like his predecessor. I ask you what is the remarkable difference between him and his predecessor. No fundamental difference. “They all believe in the system based on self interest first, while public interest comes after their own interest…
His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, has called on Christians to be more generous to God, saying this could help the nation out of its current economic recession . Onaiyekan said this in an interview with newsmen during the Foundation Laying of the Cathedral of the Twelve Apostles Cathedral, held at Papal Ground, Kubwa, Abuja on Saturday. He advised Christians to contribute to projects, especially those that have to do with God and the church, as this would reaffirm their faith in Christ. He prayed that the nation would continue to grow in peace, prosperity, and harmony…
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has refuted claims by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), that the two helicopters which they handed over to the Nigerian Airforce, were seized. According to Daily Post, Wike also said the armoured helicopters were bought by the Rotimi Amaechi administration. The NCS, recently handed over two bell helicopters worth $19million to the Airforce, saying it was seized because the importers failed to comply with importation requirements. Wike however said that he wrote to President Buhari to hand the helicopters over to the Airforce, but he did not get any response from the Presidency. The…