Connect with us

Sports

Winning Premier League Title More Important Than Personal Accolades—Salah

Published

on

Mo Salah

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.

How can fans get Showmax Premier League on their phones?

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.

Sports

Easter Weekend Football Feast Takes Centre Stage on SuperSport

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Sports

World Cup 2026 African Players Watchlist

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Sports

Roberto De Zerbi Joins Tottenham as New Head Coach

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending