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Interesting Facts about the 2023/24 EPL, Laliga, Serie A Season

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English Premier League EPL

The 2023/24 club football season promises to produce another ten months of thrilling football action around Europe. The top football players and coaches will entertain the fans with their techniques, skills, and tactical acumen in their pursuit of silverware across different competitions. The new season rave will see football fans eager to watch all the action and share in the joy of victory of their favourite clubs.

As we usher in the new football season, here are some interesting facts to know before the action starts:

Full-blown football fest on DStv and GOtv: MultiChoice is making the season a special one for GOtv customers, as they can now access all Premier League matches on their decoder. Customers can now upgrade to the new GOtv package, GOtv Supa+ to enjoy EPL, La Liga, Serie A, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, CAF Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup matches, just like DStv Compact, Compact Plus, and Premium subscribers do.

The rise of Guardiola’s mentees: Arguably the best football manager in the world, Pep Guardiola has owned the Premier League since he joined Manchester City seven seasons ago. He has won five of the last seven league titles, breaking almost all the records in English football. Having worked with several talents, some of his prodigies have taken to coaching and will lead teams against him in the Premier League this season. Arsenal’s coach, Mikel Arteta was Guardiola’s righthand man at City for four years; Burnley’s coach, Vincent Kompany captained Guadiola’s City team to two Premier League titles, while Brighton’s coach, Roberto De Zerbi said Guardiola inspired him to become a coach. Guardiola will face Kompany in the 2023/24 opening match on August 11th, available to DStv and GOtv Supa+ customers.

Barcelona’s temporary home: This is definitely a good one for all opponents that will be facing Barcelona this season. They won’t have to worry about the home advantage that over 100,000 fans provide at Camp Nou every matchday.  The famous stadium is under reconstruction, so Barcelona will play all their home matches for the 2023/24 season at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis, which is more like a neutral ground. This temporary home will host the first El Clasico of the season (Barcelona vs Real Madrid) on 29th October, live on DStv and GOtv.

No to Referee harassment: The Premier League has a cult followership in Nigeria. As the new season rolls in, it’s important that fans are abreast of the new rules and changes effected by the Premier League management. English football’s authorities aim to reset the attitude of players and managers towards officials this season. Referees will be encouraged to issue at least a yellow card if they are surrounded by two or more players. Managers will also be punished if they step out of their technical area on the touchline into the pitch to confront any match official at half-time or full-time.

First Belgian Manager In EPL: Former Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany, will become the first Belgian coach to manage a team in the Premier League when he leads his Burnley team out against Man City on Friday.

Goal celebrations timing: As part of the effort to reduce time-wasting by players during goal celebrations, referees have been asked to give additional time at their discretion at the end of each half. So, get ready for lengthy Premier League, Serie A, Laliga, and Champions League matches that could last over 100 minutes, all available on DStv Compact, Compact Plus, and GOtv Supa+.

Napoli vs Millan: While the likes of Ademola Lookman, Isaac Success, and Tyronne Ebuehi will also feature prominently in the Serie A this new season,  matches involving AC Millan and Napoli will get more attention from Nigerians, with Samuel  Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen featuring for the respective clubs. Nigerian football fans will be keen to see who gets the better of the other when both sides take to the field in what is usually one of the big fixtures of every Serie A season. The first leg of their Serie A encounter will be at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on 29th October, live on DStv Compact, Compact Plus, and GOtv Supa+

Influence of Spanish managers: The Exploits of Guardiola appears to be luring more Spanish coaches to England. Four Premier League teams will start the season with Spaniards as their managers. This is the joint most by any country at the start of the 2023/24 EPL season (England and Spain). The Spanish managerial contingent comprises Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, Pep Guardiola at Man City, Unai Emery at Aston Villa, and Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth.

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Easter Weekend Football Feast Takes Centre Stage on SuperSport

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Easter Weekend on SuperSport

The international break gives way to a packed Easter weekend of football across Europe, headlined by FA Cup quarter-final drama in England and high-stakes league action in Spain, Italy and France. With titles, European places and silverware all on the line, the margin for error is rapidly disappearing.

FA Cup: Heavyweights Collide in Quarter Finals

Saturday’s action is headlined by a blockbuster at 1:45 PM as Man City face Liverpool in a clash between two of England’s dominant forces. City arrive with momentum after their Carabao Cup triumph, while Liverpool will be eager to respond after a recent dip in form.

At 6:15 PM, Chelsea host Port Vale in a tie that carries enormous pressure for the Blues. Chelsea’s season has unravelled in recent weeks, while Port Vale continue to embrace their giant-killing run.

The quarter-finals continue at 8:00 PM as Southampton face Arsenal under the lights. Arsenal will be desperate to respond after their cup final disappointment, while Southampton will look to capitalise on home advantage.

Sunday rounds off the action at 5:30 PM with West Ham vs Leeds in an all-Premier League encounter, with both sides seeking momentum in an evenly matched contest.

 All FA matches air live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).

La Liga: Title Race Intensifies, Madrid Derby Looms

Saturday begins at 3:15 PM with Real Madrid travelling to Mallorca, aiming to maintain pressure at the top. The headline fixture follows at 8:00 PM as Atletico Madrid host Barcelona in a crucial meeting that could shape both the title race and the battle for the top four.

Sunday’s action features Getafe vs Athletic Club at 1:00 PM and Valencia vs Celta Vigo at 3:15 PM, before Monday night sees Girona take on Villarreal at 8:00 PM, with Villarreal looking to protect their position in third.  La Liga matches air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).

Serie A: Pressure Mounts on Inter as Rivals Close In

Sunday night’s standout fixture comes at 7:45 PM as Inter host Roma, with the league leaders seeking to halt a dip in form.

Monday delivers a full schedule, beginning at 11:30 AM with Udinese vs Como, as the in-form visitors look to extend their remarkable run. Juventus face Genoa at 5:00 PM under mounting pressure, before Napoli host AC Milan at 7:45 PM in a decisive clash between Inter’s closest challengers.  Serie A fixtures will be shown on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).

Ligue 1: Title Chase Heats Up Across France

Friday night opens at 7:45 PM with PSG hosting Toulouse, as the leaders balance domestic priorities with looming European commitments.

Saturday’s headline fixture at 8:05 PM sees Lille take on Lens in a high-stakes northern derby with title implications.

Sunday features Angers vs Lyon at 2:00 PM, before Monaco host Marseille at 7:45 PM in a crucial encounter that could reshape the race for Champions League qualification.

Ligue 1 matches air on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61), with selected fixtures on SS Africa 1 (DStv Ch. 207, GOtv Ch. 63).

Weekend Highlights

FA Cup

  • Man City vs Liverpool — Sat, 1:45 PM

  • Chelsea vs Port Vale — Sat, 6:15 PM

  • Southampton vs Arsenal — Sat, 8:00 PM

  • West Ham vs Leeds — Sun, 5:30 PM

La Liga

  • Mallorca vs Real Madrid — Sat, 3:15 PM

  • Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona — Sat, 8:00 PM

  • Getafe vs Athletic Club — Sun, 1:00 PM

  • Valencia vs Celta Vigo — Sun, 3:15 PM

  • Girona vs Villarreal — Mon, 8:00 PM

Serie A

  • Inter vs Roma — Sun, 7:45 PM

  • Udinese vs Como — Mon, 11:30 AM

  • Juventus vs Genoa — Mon, 5:00 PM

  • Napoli vs AC Milan — Mon, 7:45 PM

Ligue 1

  • PSG vs Toulouse — Fri, 7:45 PM

  • Lille vs Lens — Sat, 8:05 PM

  • Angers vs Lyon — Sun, 2:00 PM

  • Monaco vs Marseille — Sun, 7:45 PM

Watch Every Game

Catch all the action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream.

Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.

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World Cup 2026 African Players Watchlist

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Easywin Nigeria

As anticipation builds toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, African football continues to command global attention with a new generation of stars and established leaders ready to shine on the biggest stage. The World Cup 2026 African Players Watchlist highlights a blend of elite talent and rising influence, with key players expected to carry their nations deep into the tournament.

Leading the spotlight is Mohamed Salah, whose consistency, speed, and goal-scoring ability remain crucial for Egypt’s ambitions. Salah’s experience in high-pressure matches and his leadership role make him one of Africa’s most dependable performers heading into the tournament.

Nigeria’s hopes will heavily rely on Victor Osimhen, a striker known for his explosive pace, aerial strength, and clinical finishing. Osimhen has developed into one of Europe’s most feared forwards, and his ability to deliver in decisive moments could be key for the Super Eagles on the global stage. From Cameroon, Bryan Mbeumo brings versatility and attacking intelligence. His ability to operate across the front line, combined with his creativity and work rate, makes him a valuable asset in breaking down organized defenses.

Meanwhile, Hannibal Mejbri represents the new wave of African midfield talent. Known for his energy, technical skill, and vision, Mejbri adds dynamism and unpredictability to Tunisia’s setup, especially in high-tempo matches. These players reflect the tactical diversity and growing strength of African football. From attacking firepower to midfield creativity, their performances will shape not only their national teams’ success but also the overall competitiveness of African nations at the World Cup.

Tracking top-performing players and key moments gives you a sharper edge when breaking down fixtures and spotting winning opportunities. Easywin Nigeria makes it simple to turn that insight into real value, offering competitive odds, live match updates, fast payout systems, instant withdrawal options, cashback rewards, and a rewarding double deposit offer that keeps you in control.

Step into the excitement of World Cup 2026 with Easywin Nigeria. Stay ahead with smart predictions, explore upcoming matches, and unlock cashback benefits alongside the double deposit offer, all on a secure and seamless platform built for a winning experience. The World Cup 2026 African Players Watchlist showcases the continent’s growing influence in global football. With stars like Salah, Osimhen, Mbeumo, and Mejbri leading the charge, Africa is set to deliver excitement, quality, and unforgettable moments on football’s biggest stage.

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Roberto De Zerbi Joins Tottenham as New Head Coach

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Roberto De Zerbi

By Dipo Olowookere

Italian professional manager and former player, Roberto De Zerbi, has returned to England to serve as the new Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur’s football team.

He will fight to ensure the London team does not play in the Championship next season, as the team currently sits one point from relegation.

The former Brighton manager is taking over from Igor Tudor, who parted ways with Tottenham a few days ago.

In a statement, Spurs said the appointment of De Zerbi is subject to a work permit.

The club’s Sporting Director, Mr Johan Lange, said, “Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now.

“He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League.”

Reacting to his choice for the job, De Zerbi said, “I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world.

“In all my discussions with the club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.

“Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”

De Zerbi earned almost 300 appearances in his playing career across 15 years. He began coaching in his native Italy and in June 2018, joined Serie A side Sassuolo, earning recognition for his exciting, attack-minded and possession-based approach.

He took charge of Shakhtar Donetsk in May 2021, leading them to the UEFA Champions League group stage and the Ukrainian Super Cup – his first piece of silverware as a coach.

Heading to East Sussex to join Brighton & Hove Albion in September 2022, De Zerbi helped secure the Seagulls’ highest-ever Premier League finish in his debut season, earning European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.

In his most recent role at Marseille, the Ligue 1 side finished as runners-up in 2024/25, earning a spot in the UEFA Champions League.

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