Category: Sport News

Nigeria make Bruno Labbadia U-turn over tax issues
by FSL News

Nigeria make Bruno Labbadia U-turn over tax issues

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has revealed that the deal with Bruno Labbadia to become the new head coach of the Super Eagles has fallen through.

The NFF stated that the appointment could not proceed due to “tax details.” The NFF president, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, explained that the tax issue was not discussed during the initial negotiations, and Labbadia had agreed to all terms before the tax matter came up.

The NFF expressed disappointment that Labbadia insisted on the full tax amount being paid by the federation, which they deemed unfeasible.

As a result, NFF’s technical director Augustine Eguavoen will take charge of the 2025 Nations Cup qualifiers, starting with a home game against Benin on 7 September and an away game in Rwanda on 10 September.

This will be Eguavoen’s fourth stint as the temporary head coach of the Super Eagles. Following the departure of the previous coach, Jose Peseiro, and Finidi George, fans are eager for the team to find stability once again.

Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah has signed a loan deal with Crystal Palace from Chelsea until the end of the season.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Trevoh Chalobah delighted to join Crystal Palace

Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah has signed a loan deal with Crystal Palace from Chelsea until the end of the season. The 25-year-old defender, who can also play in midfield, is set to stay with the Eagles until the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.

Chalobah becomes Palace’s seventh signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Chadi Riad, Daichi Kamada, Ismaila Sarr, Maxence Lacroix, Eddie Nketiah, and Matt Turner.

Chalobah expressed his delight at joining Crystal Palace, saying, “I’m delighted to join an ambitious club like Crystal Palace. I know some of the boys in the squad well, and I’m looking forward to playing alongside them in front of the amazing support at Selhurst Park.”

He has been with Chelsea since he was nine and has gained experience through successful loan spells at Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town, and Lorient.

He broke into the Chelsea first-team squad at the start of the 2021/22 season, playing 80 games for Chelsea over the past three seasons and scoring five times.

He has also played for England Under-21s three times. Chairman Steve Parish is excited about the signing, stating, “Trevoh is a talented young man. We were determined to bring him to Palace for the season, and we believe he will be a great addition.”

Crystal Palace's young midfielder gets first Sierra Leone call-up
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Crystal Palace’s young midfielder gets first Sierra Leone call-up

Crystal Palace Academy midfielder Hindolo Mustapha, who signed his first professional contract in January, has been selected to play in the opening qualifying matches for the African Cup of Nations representing Sierra Leone.

The Leone Stars will host Chad on September 6th in Liberia and play against Zambia away on September 10th, 2024.

The 18-year-old is a strong midfielder with good ball control and the ability to score from long distances. He progressed through the ranks at the Academy after joining at the Under-9 level.

Mustapha has consistently played above his age group during his time at the Academy and has also appeared for the Under-21s this season.

The player participated in six games for Darren Powell’s U21s, scoring once. He was a key player for the Under-18s side in the 2023/24 season, contributing four goals and seven assists in 16 appearances.

In January 2024, Mustapha signed his first professional contract with the club. He ended the 23/24 campaign with 25 appearances, scoring six goals and providing nine assists.

Only the top two teams from each group in the Cup Nations 2025 qualifiers will secure a spot in the final tournament. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is set to take place in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026.

Coach Amidu Karim names Sierra Leone team for Chad and Zambia
by @football_sierra

Coach Amidu Karim names squad for Chad and Zambia

Sierra Leone has announced a 25-man squad for African Cup of Nations matches against Chad and Zambia next month. The Leone Stars will host Chad on September 6th in Liberia and play against Zambia away on September 10th, 2024.

Coach Karim’s side is gearing up for Morocco 2025 with an exciting opening match against Les Sao of Chad, set to take place in Liberia.

The Leone Stars ranked 56 places higher than their opponents, will face off against Les Sao of CHAD at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium on September 6th. Following this, they will confront Zambia’s Chipolopolo on the 9th for the second match-day at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Only the top two teams from each group in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers will secure a spot in the final tournament.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is set to take place in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026.

Ghanaian defender Derrick Köhn pleased to join Werder Bremen
by FSL News

Defender Derrick Köhn pleased to join Werder Bremen

German team Werder Bremen has signed defender Derrick Köhn on loan from Turkish club Galatasaray Istanbul for a year. Both clubs agreed on an option to buy him permanently after the loan deal.

Born in Germany, Köhn is of Ghanaian descent and said he is excited to join Werder Bremen, a club he admires, and looks forward to playing for them. He described himself as a fast and athletic player who enjoys defending – as well as making offensive moves such as scoring goals and providing assists.

Werder Bremen’s head coach, Ole Werner, is pleased with the signing and believes Köhn will bring valuable qualities to the team. The 25-year-old defender has previously played for Hamburger SV, FC Bayern’s youth team, and Willem II in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Before joining Galatasaray, Köhn played for Hannover 96 in the German 2nd division, where he made 56 competitive appearances and – scored 8 goals. Since moving to the Turkish Süper Lig in February 2024, he has played 14 games and scored 1 goal for Galatasaray.