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Nigeria: Finidi George new coach (official)

It's now official. Finidi George is the new coach of the Nigerian national team. “The Board of Directors of the Nigeria Football Federation on Monday approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Committee to appoint former elite winger Finidi George as head coach of the men's national soccer team, the Super Eagles,” informs a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday, April 29. He replaces José Peseiro, who left after the 2023 African Cup of Nations.

Finidi George has been interim coach since then. He was in charge of the March friendlies, with a 2-1 win over Ghana and a 0-2 loss to Mali. A former Nigerian international, George will have two decisive matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June 2024. “George's immediate task will be to lead the Super Eagles to victory in two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Republic of Benin, in Uyo and Abidjan respectively, in just over five weeks' time,” adds the NFF.

 

Cercle Brugge: Sevilla close to acquiring Kevin Denkey

On fire this season (25 goals in 32 games), Kevin Denkey is leading Cercle Brugge. His performances have not gone unnoticed by other European clubs and one of them is ready to make a move. According to TodoFichajes, Sevilla have already begun talks with the Togolese striker's entourage. The two parties are close to a contractual agreement,” continues the media outlet, adding that the Spanish club is ready to put €10 million on the table. Cercle Brugge, for their part, would expect at least 13 million euros to let their jewel go.

Marseille: Big blow for Chancel Mbemba

Chancel Mbemba is expected to miss the match against RC Lens on Sunday April 28.According to L'Équipe, the Congolese international should be spared for the Europa League semi-final against Atalanta Bergamo. The Leopards' captain is still nursing a meniscus injury. “It's a bit complicated for Mbemba. It's the meniscus that moves in the knee. He had an infiltration the day after the injury. It's getting better but we're still on alert,” Jean-Louis Gasset told a press conference on Friday April 26.

The French media outlet also reveals that Olympique de Marseille are planning to operate on him at the end of the season to try and resolve the problem once and for all.

Algeria: Jerôme Rothen sees Djamel Belmadi to a top French club

At the end of the season, Olympique de Marseille will have to find a new coach. In fact, the French press has thrown up a number of names, including Habib Beye, as potential candidates.But for Jérôme Rothen, there is one ideal candidate: Djamel Belmadi. According to the RMC Sport consultant, the former Fennecs coach can do the job.

“We need a strong coach with personality, who can stand up to the media and the fans when they put pressure on him. When you talk to me about Conceição, yes, he's not afraid of anyone, but there's another one: Belmadi, who did great things with Algeria. He played at OM and is attached to the club. He was criticized for the African Cup, but maybe he wants to take over a club. In a project like this, there's perhaps no need to sell him a major shake-up of the squad,” says the former Monaco player. Djamel Belmadi knows the Marseille club well, having played there between 1997/1998 and then from 2000 to 2003.

Marseille: Pape Gueye agrees with his future club

At the end of his contract in June 2024, Pape Gueye is set to leave Olympique de Marseille. The Senegalese midfielder has already identified his future club.According to Futbol Fantasy, the Le Havre-trained player has decided to sign for Villarreal on a four-year contract, plus an optional season.

NBA - Play-offs: Pascal Siakam and the Pacers get the better of the Bucks

Magnificent operation for Indiana! Facing Milwaukee last night in Game 3 of the 1st round of the play-offs, the Pacers beat the Bucks 121-118 after overtime. Pascal Siakam's team-mates now lead the series 2-1. The Cameroonian was decisive with 17 points, 09 rebounds and 04 assists. The two teams meet again this Sunday, April 28, for Game 4, also in Indiana, which will provide an opportunity to take a major step towards qualification.

 

 CAF CL: Al Ahly vs Espérance Tunis in the final

Al Ahly will once again be in the final of the CAF CL after their 3-0 victory in the second leg of the semi-final in Cairo on Friday April 26. The Egyptians hosted and beat TP Mazembe. Although the Congolese held out for an hour, they finally succumbed in the 68th minute when Mohamed Abdelmonem opened the scoring with an assist from Tunisian international Ali Maaloul. Denmark's Wessam Abou Ali struck in the 84th minute to put an end to TPM's dreams. Even so, Akram Tawfik added a third goal (90+13). With this new qualification, Al Ahly set a new record in this competition with their fifth consecutive final.

In the other semi-final of the African Champions League, Esperance Tunis managed to beat Mamelodi Sundowns on home soil. Raed Bouchniba's sole goal (54th) was enough for the Esperantists, who had beaten the South Africans by the same scoreline in the first leg.

The first leg of the final is scheduled for May 19. Esperance Tunis will host first. The return leg will be played in Cairo on May 26.

 

Bournemouth: Antoine Semenyo punishes Wolverhampton

Antoine Semenyo has just scored his 8th goal of the season for Bournemouth. The Ghanaian striker scored the only goal of the match between Wolverhampton and the Cherries (0-1). The Black Star has only been involved in 10 goals (8 goals, 2 assists) this season. Bournemouth (45 points) are currently 10th in the English league.

Lorient: Mohamed Bamba scores against PSG

FC Lorient lost heavily at home to Paris Saint-Germain (1-4) on Wednesday April 24. Mohamed Bamba scored the only goal for Les Merlus. It was the 7th for the Ivorian striker in just 12 games with the French club. He arrived in January from Wolfsberger AC in Austria.

 

Marseille vs Nice: Aubameyang and Moffi score, Moumbagna excluded

Olympique de Marseille and OGC Nice played out a 2-2 draw on Wednesday April 24. Les Aiglons opened the scoring in the 13th minute thanks to Terem Moffi. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave his side the lead (56th) after Jonathan Clauss had equalized in the 31st minute. Nice equalized in the 72nd minute. Marseille played with 10 men throughout the second half. Faris Moumbagna was sent off at the end of the first half (45+2) for a second yellow card.