Sports
FA Identify ‘Number Of Candidates’ To Replace Southgate As England Boss
The Football Association have identified a “number of candidates” to replace Gareth Southgate as they search for an England manager capable of “winning a major tournament”.
Southgate resigned on Tuesday in the aftermath of England’s Euro 2024 final defeat against Spain.
The end of Southgate’s eight-year reign forced the FA into a selection search that saw them linked with a host of candidates.
Among the bookmakers’ favourites are Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, former Chelsea bosses Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel, and Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou.
However, the FA insists that the process is open to anyone who meets the criteria published on Friday in a job profile detailing the qualities required of the next England manager.
The text of the role profile stated: “Our succession planning process has already identified a number of candidates; in addition to this we are committed to open recruitment processes in the football industry.
”While Southgate earned plaudits for restoring England’s tarnished reputation, he failed to end the country’s wait for a first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
After successive European Championship final defeats and a 2018 World Cup semi-final loss, finally winning a major prize with a squad packed with world-class talent is clearly the top priority for Southgate’s successor.
The FA said they are looking for a manager able to “lead and develop the England senior men’s team to win a major tournament and be consistently ranked as one of the top teams in the world”.
The right person would also provide “inspiring leadership” to the FA’s technical team and develop and maintain strong relationships with clubs that employ English-qualified players.
The successful candidate would need to hold a UEFA Pro Licence, possess “significant experience” of English football and have “a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions”.
In a pointed reference to the criticism Southgate endured during his time in a role once dubbed the “impossible job” by then England boss Graham Taylor, the FA highlighted the need for an “exceptional leader”, “highly resilient” and “comfortable in a very high-profile role with intense public scrutiny”.
Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, the FA welcomed applications from everyone who meets the criteria.
England Women’s coach Sarina Wiegman, who led the team to victory at the Women’s European Championship in 2022, has been linked with replacing Southgate.
The profile includes an email address for interested applicants, potentially opening the way for the FA to be deluged with offers from fans rather than genuine candidates.
The governing body has set August 2 as the closing date for applications.
England’s first match of the new season is a Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland on September 7.
Sports
Standard-Times Newspaper Publisher, Ayo Fadimu Sets for Induction into Abeokuta Sports Club
Established in 1904, Abeokuta Sports Club is recognized as the oldest social club in West Africa, originally founded as a relaxation hub for members of the West African Command Headquarters.
The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Standard-Times Newspaper, Mr. Ayo Fadimu, is set to be inducted into the prestigious Abeokuta Sports Club on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Established in 1904, Abeokuta Sports Club is recognized as the oldest social club in West Africa, originally founded as a relaxation hub for members of the West African Command Headquarters.
The club has evolved into a gathering place for elites in the region, while its membership comprises prominent public figures, including influential politicians, business moguls, and respected professionals from various sectors.
Mr. Fadimu’s upcoming induction is a testament to his significant impact in the field of journalism and media in Nigeria, as Standard-Times Newspaper has been lauded for its commitment to ethical journalism, factual reporting, and public enlightenment.
The induction ceremony is anticipated to be a high-profile event, attracting dignitaries, club members, media personalities, and well-wishers from various sectors across the country.
In anticipation of the ceremony, Mr. Fadimu expressed his gratitude thus: “Being recognized and considered for membership in such a historic and respected institution is truly an honor.
The Abeokuta Sports Club represents a legacy of excellence and service and I look forward to joining hands with other esteemed members in promoting the club’s legacy and social impact”.
Beyond inducting and celebrating Mr. Fadimu’s personal accomplishments, the event also highlights the Abeokuta Sports Club’s enduring commitment to excellence, community leadership, and recognition of individuals who have made notable contributions to society.
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has announced venues and dates for the quater-final of the President Federation Cup.
Plateau United and Rangers will clash at the Area 3 Stadium in Abuja.
The encounter between Akwa United and Kwara United will be played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
Abakaliki FC abd Nasarawa United will lock horns at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, while Wikki Tourists and Ikorodu City clash is billed for the Bwari Stadium in Abuja.
All the matches will kick-off at 4pm on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025.
The winner of the competition will represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup next year.
Sports
U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Coach Unveils 24- Man Squad
The team is scheduled to play a series of warm-up matches in Egypt before their group opener against Tunisia on May 1.
Head coach of the U-20 national team, Flying Eagles, Aliy Zubairu, has unveiled a 24-man squad for the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 2025 U-20 AFCON will take place from April 27 to May 18.
Zubairu named first-choice goalkeeper, Ifeanyi Harcourt, defender and captain, Daniel Bameyi, midfielder Sulaiman Alabi, and forward Kparobo Arierhi in the squad.
The squad is a blend of home-based and foreign players who have intensified training in Abuja ahead of the tournament.
Some of the top foreign-based players invited include: Emmanuel Chukwu, Precious Benjamin, all of German outfit TSG Hoffenheim and Kparobo Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway).
The Flying Eagles, who are seven-time African champions and two-time FIFA Under-20 World Cup runners-up, will depart Nigeria on Sunday for Cairo in a bid to clinch an eighth continental title.
The team is scheduled to play a series of warm-up matches in Egypt before their group opener against Tunisia on May 1.
They will then face Morocco on May 4, followed by a clash against Kenya on May 7 to wrap up the group games.
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