Sports
France striker, Giroud hints at retirement from Les Bleus
Olivier Giroud has announced that he will retire from international football after next month’s European Championship. In an interview with L’Equipe, the 37-year-old French striker emphasized his desire to avoid overstaying his welcome on the international stage, saying he does not want to play “one season too many.”
Giroud recently transferred from AC Milan to Major League Soccer side LAFC. He has had a distinguished international career with France, making 131 appearances and scoring more goals for Les Bleus than any other player, surpassing Thierry Henry’s record. A key highlight of his career was winning the World Cup in 2018.
Reflecting on his decision, Giroud expressed a sense of fulfillment and readiness to step aside for the next generation of players. He acknowledged that he will miss playing for the national team but believes it is the right time to retire from international football.
“To be honest, this will be my last competition with Les Bleus. Obviously, I’m going to miss it a lot. But I think the French team will be over after the Euros. We need to make way for the youngsters. You also have to be careful not to have too many. You have to find the right balance. I’ve always said that I was going to stop when my body asked me to,” Giroud stated.
Sports
AFCON 2025: Super Eagles threaten to boycott Algeria match over unpaid win bonuses
It was gathered that win bonuses for the four matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique have yet to be settled.
• Super Eagles win against Mozambique
Super Eagles players have threatened to boycott their quarter final match against Algeria unless all outstanding winning bonuses are paid by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
A highly reliable source within the team disclosed to Vanguard that the team have resolved not to travel to Marrakech for their next match on Thursday this week.
According to the source, players and officials are reportedly still awaiting their bonus payments from the tournament.
It was gathered that win bonuses for the four matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique have yet to be settled.
While the team remains committed to the competition, they have made it clear that they will not train or travel to Marrakech for the next match unless the outstanding payments are resolved, our source confirmed.
Recall that in November, the team also threatened to boycott their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Gabon, citing unpaid entitlements.
In a joint statement signed by players and staff, the squad said, “The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments.
The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparations for Thursday’s game with Gabon.”
Sports
Fenerbahçe wants to buy Ademola Lookman from Atlanta for €42m
Lookman is currently with the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where he has been one of the tournament’s standout performers.
Photo: Ademola Lookman, in action
Turkish giants Fenerbahçe are preparing a January move for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman as the Yellow Canaries look to strengthen their attacking options with the Nigerian winger.
Sport Mediaset journalist Orazio Accomando, hinted that Fenerbahçe are ready to submit an offer structured as a €5 million paid loan, with a right, or potential obligation, to buy set at €37 million, taking the total package to €42 million.
Discussions are still at an early stage, but Lookman has been identified as a priority target as the Istanbul club seeks to reinforce its squad.
Atalanta, however, value the Nigerian international highly following his impressive performances in Serie A and European competition and are reluctant to approve any deal that delays a permanent sale unless the conditions are particularly favourable.
Lookman is currently with the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where he has been one of the tournament’s standout performers.
The former African Player of the Year has recorded three goals and four assists in just three matches, performances that have significantly boosted his market value.
Sports
Nigeria Pummels Mozambique 4-0 to reach AFCON quarterfinals
The Super Eagles will now await the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Algeria and DR Congo as they prepare for a crucial quarterfinal showdown.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 4-0 victory over Mozambique, booking their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria were rampant from start to finish, asserting their dominance with pace, precision and ruthless finishing.
Ademola Lookman opened the scoring with a well-taken effort to set the tone, before Victor Osimhen struck twice to put the contest beyond Mozambique’s reach.
A late goal from Adams capped a flawless display by the Eagles.
The result underlined Nigeria’s growing confidence and attacking depth as they continue their quest for continental glory, shutting out Mozambique with a disciplined defensive display and relentless pressure going forward.
The Super Eagles will now await the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Algeria and DR Congo as they prepare for a crucial quarterfinal showdown.
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