Anfield will be the epicentre of the Premier League this weekend as Liverpool clash with arch-rivals Manchester United in a titanic showdown. Ahead of the game on Sunday, which will be shown live on Showmax Premier League at 18:30, Showmax caught up with the man of the moment, Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah, to chat about his incredible season so far. Salah is currently the Premier Leagues top scorer (17), and has the most assists  (13) in the league.

You’ve had an amazing season so far, scoring 20 goals and getting 17 assists. Do you agree that if the season ended right now you would be favourite to be crowned player of the year and to win the Ballon d’Or?

I don’t know. People see it in different ways, some people prefer me, others prefer other players. So far, I’ve had a good season. But again, the most important thing is to win the Premier League and for me to play a big part in doing so.

Combining goals and assists, you have reached the same number already as Vinícius Júnior did last season. You voted for Vini Jr  for the FIFA Best Player award. Firstly, why did you vote for him and secondly is it amazing that you have his numbers and we are only half way through this season?

Of course it’s very good to have those numbers in January. It’s something incredible. I voted for Vini Jr because I like him, and he was great last season. I think it was between him and Rodri last season. Some people preferred Rodri and some preferred Vini Jr so I voted for him and Rodri. Vini had a good season and ended it in a very good way, scoring in the final. They both deserved it, to be honest. I see Vini Jr as a great player. He’s doing good, he just needs to keep going. We text sometimes and I wish him the best. He needs to keep going and enjoy his football.

You scored 44 goals and created 14 assists in your debut Liverpool season. How did you do it? And do you think you can beat it this season?

Hopefully. The plan is to beat those numbers. So far, my numbers are good, so hopefully I can beat it. But again, I don’t want to beat those numbers and not win a trophy. I just want to have a trophy, even if my numbers are a little less.

You have been crowned top scorer in the Premier League three times already. Do you think you can make it number four this season?

 The fourth would be quite tricky. We have many good strikers that are scoring lots of goals this season, so it won’t be easy. Winning it three times is something incredible because usually wingers win it once, maximum. I don’t take it for granted. I am humble and privileged to have won it.

Who has been your favourite attacker to play alongside at Liverpool so far?

I like all the guys, to be fair. But Roberto Firmino will stand out as the best. I think myself and Sadio Mane could have been better, but it wasn’t the way I wanted it to end. I like Darwin Nunez a lot. He lights up something in me that no attacker has ever done. He is always running, making those moves for the pass and to receive the ball. He is a different kind of footballer. His movement is amazing, so he may be my favourite.

What is the toughest moment you have endured in a Liverpool shirt?

It has to be the Champions League final against Real Madrid when I got injured. Only footballers will understand just how tough it is to work your hardest the whole season only to get injured in the most important moment of the season, so it was tough.

You won everything you could with Liverpool. How do you feel about the journey and the club?

It’s been an incredible journey. I have enjoyed every moment at this football club, even when we struggled. I have enjoyed the good and bad moments. Some people run away from the bad moments. I don’t. I take in every moment, because I know once I am no longer a footballer, I will never experience these moments again. Also, there are lessons to be learnt in both good and bad moments. So, I take it all in.

Do you feel like you are still improving as player at 32?

I think so. To this day, I still ask players, the young and the more experienced players, which areas I can improve in. This is part of me. Some people see the things you can’t and so I am always asking where I can improve.  I always feel like there’s improvements in many things in my game.

How has new Liverpool manager Arne Slot been for you and the team as a whole?

The team is really good, and I think we have all improved. We all needed a fresh approach after seven years with Jürgen Klopp where we achieved everything. Hopefully with the new manager, we will win everything too. I am very happy for the team because we are doing so well.

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Sign up for the Showmax Premier League mobile plan for Sign up for the Showmax Premier League mobile plan for N3,200 monthly at www.showmax.com  for all the Premier League action.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Alagura Football Club has again emerged as the winner of the 2024 Community Football Competition organised by Egbin Power Plc to foster unity and youth development in its host communities.

The tournament recorded an impressive turnout of supporters and a display of football skills by players of the 16 participating teams drawn from Egbin, Ijede, and Ipakan in Ikorodu, Lagos.

The 16 football clubs were Alagura, Sterling Ipakan, Dragon Ipakan, Ebute Olowo, Abule-Eko II, Alaanu-Omo, Igbe-Ogunro, Egbin Classical, Egbin Diamond, Abule-Eko, Estate Boys, Alajede, Oko-Ope, Ajeri, Igbopa, Oke-Eletu.

At the finals held at Ipakan Community Stadium, Ikorodu, the defending champions, Alagura FC, retained the title after defeating Oke-Eletu FC 5-3 in a penalty shootout. The match had ended in a 1-1 draw. In the third-place encounter, Ajeri FC won against Igbe FC by 2 – 1 to clinch the 2nd position.

The winning team went home with a cash prize of N1 million, while the first and second runners-up received N700,000 and N500,000, respectively, with the Best Goalkeeper award going to Yusuf of Sterling Ipakan FC and Usman Multala winning the Highest Goal Scorer Award.

Speaking on the competition, the Head of Corporate Communication and Branding at Egbin Power, Mr Felix Ofulue, said, “As a responsible organization, we are proud to provide a platform that fosters unity, promotes sports development, and showcases the talents of our youth. This competition is a testament to our commitment to investing in the future of our host communities.”

“The football competition is eagerly anticipated by the youth every year, as it fosters sportsmanship among communities and provides a reputable platform for them to showcase their talents.

“We are thrilled by the resounding success we are witnessing annually and will continue to make it better for the growth and development of our host communities,” Mr Ofulue noted.

Nigeria’s ex-international player and Atlanta ’96 Olympic Gold Medallist, Mr Abiodun Obafemi, who was the special guest at the finals, applauded Egbin Power Plc for creating a strong platform for the development of sport and fostering unity among youths in the host communities.

“This is a high-level football exhibition sponsored by Egbin Power. Two years ago, I was here, and it shows that the competition is growing bigger every year. What I saw here today gladdens my heart, seeing the progressive development. I saw some players that have a bright future in football.

“Kudos to the company for the wonderful work they are doing for these communities. This is another way of engaging the youth. It’s a platform that will prepare a majority of them for a football career. My advice to the players is for them to embrace this gesture, to be serious about it and build on it. Congratulations to the winners and Egbin Power for putting up a top-class competition,” Obafemi said.

Egbin Power’s Head of Maintenance, Felix Ebiware, and the Head, of Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE), Julius Akpong, including community leaders such as the Olisa of Ijede, High Chief Musediq Aliu and Baale of Ipakan, High Chief Mustapha Lasisi were among those in attendance at the occasion.

The Olisa of Ijede, Mr Musediq Aliu, commended Egbin Power for contributing to youth and sports development in the host communities.

“Egbin Power has consistently demonstrated its interest in promoting unity, growth, and development of our communities. We are grateful for the success of this competition, and we urge the company to keep investing and promoting youth and sports development,” he stated.

The year 2024 was a thrilling one for sports fans worldwide, with athletes delivering historic moments that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Millions of GOtv customers had the privilege of experiencing these unforgettable events live, sharing the excitement with family and friends. Here’s our pick of the top sporting moments on GOtv in 2024:

Super Eagles’ AFCON Heroics

The Super Eagles exceeded expectations at the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), reaching the final in an inspiring campaign. Although they narrowly lost the trophy to hosts Ivory Coast, the team gave Nigerians plenty to cheer about. Memorable victories over Cameroon and South Africa en route to the final gave Nigerians sweet memories, with every moment broadcast live on GOtv.

Raheem “Baddo” Animashaun Makes Boxing History

On May 1, 2024, millions of GOtv customers witnessed history at GOtv Boxing Night 31 as 17-year-old Raheem “Baddo” Animashaun became the youngest boxer to win the prestigious Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy and Best Boxer prize of N 1 million.  He repeated the feat at the festive editon on December 26, claiming the prize again with an impressive TKO win against “Ese” Hammed in the sith round. The talented teenager’s electrifying victory solidified his place as one to watch.

Jurgen Klopp’s Emotional Farewell at Anfield

May 19 marked an emotional day for Liverpool fans worldwide as Jurgen Klopp managed his final game at Anfield. The charismatic manager’s post-match farewell ceremony stole the spotlight from Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Wolves. Interestingly, the farewell event drew 70% more viewers than Manchester City’s Premier League title celebrations on the same day. GOtv customers joined millions globally in experiencing this poignant moment live.

Ademola Lookman’s Europa League Triumph

On May 22, GOtv viewers witnessed history as Nigerian international Ademola Lookman delivered a stunning performance in the UEFA Europa League final. Lookman scored a remarkable hat-trick, leading Atalanta FC to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. This achievement marked Atalanta’s first European trophy and their second-ever title, with Lookman etching his name in the history books as the first player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final.

The 8th UEFA Champions League Final At Wembley

The UEFA Champions League final returned to Wembley Stadium for a record eighth time in 2024, providing a fitting stage for another historic moment. Real Madrid secured their 15th Champions League title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund. The match captivated millions of football fans worldwide and was live on GOtv.

La Roja Rules Europe Again

GOtv viewers enjoyed every moment of the 2024 Euro Championship, culminating in Spain’s historic fourth European title. The tournament also introduced the world to two rising stars—Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams—who dazzled fans with their exceptional performances and signaled a bright future for Spanish football.

Lookman Wins CAF POTY 

On December 16, Africa watched live from Marrakesh, Morrocco as CAF celebrated outstanding football stars from the continent for the year. At the climax of the event, Super Eagles and Atalanta winger, Ademola Lookman was crowned Player of the Year. Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie won the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, while the Super Falcons won the CAF National Team of the Year Women on the night. The ceremony was broadcast live to millions of homes across Africa on GOtv.

GOtv has once again proven its commitment to delivering the very best in sports entertainment, ensuring customers don’t miss out on iconic moments. As 2024 comes to an end, fans can look forward to more unforgettable sporting experiences in the year ahead with an active GOtv subscription.