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Rooney Ends Playing Career to Become Derby County Manager

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Wayne Rooney Derby County

By Adedapo Adesanya

Former Manchester United Football Club legend, Wayne Rooney, has retired from playing football to become the full-time manager of Derby County FC.

The Championship club confirmed the appointment of the former Everton FC and England international in a statement issued on Friday.

Derby confirmed the 35-year-old former United and England forward has agreed to a permanent deal until 2023, having succeeded Phillip Cocu on an interim basis last November.

“We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Wayne Rooney as our new manager,” Derby County’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Stephen Pearce said in a statement on the club’s website.

“Our recent upturn in results under Wayne was married together with some positive performances, notably the 2-0 home win over Swansea City and the 4-0 victory at Birmingham City.

“During that nine-game run we also dramatically improved their defensive record and registered five clean sheets in the process, while in the attacking third we became more effective and ruthless too.

“Those foundations have provided a platform for the club to build on in the second half of the season under Wayne’s guidance.”

The club statement confirmed that in accepting the manager’s role, Rooney had “elected to call time on his illustrious playing career to fully focus on his job”.

The former United player himself admitted that he was blown away by the potential in the Derby County side.

“When I first arrived back in the United Kingdom I was completely blown away by the potential of Derby County Football Club,” he added. “The Stadium, Training Ground, the quality of the playing staff and the young players coming through and of course the fan base that has remained loyal and supportive.”

He was supported by fellow coaches Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker, who will retain their positions on Rooney’s staff moving forward.

Rosenior takes up the role of assistant manager, while Given will move to the position of the first-team coach. Walker will remain as a first-team development coach, while Academy goalkeeping coach Jason Pearcey has been appointed as the club’s first-team goalkeeping coach.

Steve McClaren will continue to assume the duties of technical director and advisor to the board of directors.

Rooney oversaw nine matches in total, recording a return of three victories and four draws along the way, between the end of November and early January.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Top 5 Practical Ways to Use AI to Better Understand Betting on 1xBet

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1xbet 1xbalance

AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming part of everyday life. In betting, AI can also be useful, especially for users who want to understand markets, rules, and terminology more clearly before placing a wager.

At 1xBet, player education remains an important part of the overall experience. That approach is also reflected in 1xBalance, a project focused on responsible betting, self-awareness, and practical learning tools for players. Alongside educational content, the project includes a self-assessment test and a calculator, helping users better understand their habits and make more structured decisions. In this context, AI becomes another useful modern tool: not for chasing unrealistic outcomes, but for learning how betting works more clearly and responsibly.

1. Use AI to explain betting terms in simple language

One of the most practical uses of AI is turning betting vocabulary into plain language. Many users see terms like Asian Handicap, Double Chance, Both Teams to Score, or Accumulator without fully understanding what they mean.

Instead of guessing, they can ask AI for a short explanation.

Example prompt:
Explain the betting term “Asian Handicap” in simple words for a beginner.

This is especially useful for newer players on 1xBet who want to understand the logic behind a market before making a decision.

2. Ask AI to compare similar bet types

Some markets look similar, but work differently. That is where mistakes often happen. A user may confuse Draw No Bet with Double Chance, or Over 2.5 with Team Total Over 2.5.

AI can help compare these options side by side.

Example prompt:
What is the difference between Draw No Bet and Double Chance?

This kind of clarification supports smarter, more informed use of the platform and fits naturally with the educational purpose of 1xBalance.

3. Use AI together with the 1xBalance calculator

AI can explain concepts, but practical planning also matters. That is where the 1xBalance calculator becomes especially useful. Once a player understands a market, the calculator can help them think more carefully about stake sizing and structure.

AI can be used to understand the logic of bankroll management, while the calculator helps apply that thinking in a more practical way.

Example prompt:
Explain bankroll management in simple terms and how a calculator can help me plan my bets more carefully.

Used together, these tools support a more disciplined betting approach and reduce the chance of impulsive decisions.

4. Use AI to understand rules and support responsible betting

Promotional terms, market rules, and betting conditions can sometimes feel technical or too long. AI can help summarize key points in simpler language.

Example prompt:
Summarize these betting rules in plain language and tell me the key conditions.

At the same time, 1xBet encourages players to combine tools like AI with official resources such as 1xBalance, where the focus is not only on betting mechanics, but also on awareness, balance, and informed play. AI can simplify information, but the final reference point should always remain the official platform rules.

5. Use AI together with the 1xBalance test to reflect on habits

AI can also support self-reflection. Players can ask it to help organize a betting journal, review decision-making patterns, or think more clearly about their habits over time.

That connects well with the 1xBalance self-assessment test, which gives users a chance to reflect on how they approach betting and whether their habits remain balanced.

Example prompt:
Help me create a simple betting journal to track my stake, market, result, and reason for the bet.

In this way, AI, the 1xBalance test, and the calculator all serve the same broader purpose: helping players stay informed, structured, and more conscious of their decisions.

Final thought

AI can make betting on 1xBet easier to understand, especially for users who want more clarity around terms, rules, and market logic. At the same time, 1xBet continues to invest in player education through 1xBalance, a project built around responsible betting and practical support tools.

The 1xBet platform offers many useful features, including access to detailed statistics, generous bonuses, and other activities. With AI tools, you can quickly learn about all the available functions and better understand how the website and mobile apps work.

Used together, AI, the 1xBalance test, and the calculator help create a more informed experience. The strongest approach is simple: use modern tools to learn, use official 1xBet information to verify, and treat understanding as the foundation of responsible betting.

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2026 Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship Starts May 7

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2026 Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

About 1,500 pupils and students from 300 schools nationwide will participate in the 2026 Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship.

The event will be held from May 7–8, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Lagos, according to a statement from the financial institution, which also assured that all arrangements have been concluded to make the contest memorable.

The Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship is organised in partnership with the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) and SchoolMate.

The 2025 edition, its third, witnessed a significant growth in participation, with over 2,500 students from 450 schools participating.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Ecobank’s Segment Head for Education, Faith and Social Services, Mr Adekunle Adewuyi, said the bank remains committed to scaling the championship as a pathway for developing Nigeria’s next generation of intellectual and strategic leaders.

According to him, the championship has evolved into a strong national platform for nurturing talent and promoting critical thinking among young Nigerians.

“This championship has become a leading national platform for identifying and nurturing emerging chess talents.

“Chess is a powerful educational tool; it sharpens critical thinking, problem-solving and discipline. Through this initiative, we are preparing young Nigerians not just for competition, but for leadership roles in the future,” Mr Adewuyi said.

He described the tournament as a rapidly growing, award-winning scholastic competition that attracts thousands of students annually and promotes intellectual development while fostering future chess grandmasters.

Also speaking, the Vice President of NCF, Mr Adeyinka Adewole Samuel, said the championship aligns with global standards set by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), which encourages countries to organise structured school-level competitions.

According to him, the tournament targets primary and secondary school students aged 7–18, as part of a deliberate strategy to build a sustainable pipeline of future grandmasters.

Mr Adeyinka disclosed that about 150 primary schools and 150 secondary schools are expected to participate this year, with each school fielding five players, bringing the total number of participants to approximately 1,500 students from about 15 states, adding that the competition will feature a N20 million prize pool.

He also revealed that enhanced measures have been introduced to improve event delivery, including strict player eligibility checks, enhanced crowd control, and the deployment of 50 trained arbiters to guarantee fairness and transparency.

Highlighting the impact of the initiative, Mr Adeyinka noted that Nigerian students who emerged from the Ecobank championship have excelled at continental competitions.

“The growth has been phenomenal. When Nigeria competes at continental tournaments, many of the standout players are alumni of the Ecobank championship. We won a gold medal last year in Uganda, and that success is strongly linked to what Ecobank has done,” he said.

On his part, the Marketing Head of SchoolMate Nigeria, Mr Ambesh Kumar, said the company partnered with the initiative to support youth development through education and sport, noting that chess helps children build discipline, focus and strategic thinking.

“We are passionate about quality education for children, and we see this tournament as a veritable means of advancing that cause. Last year, we distributed books to the children, and this year marks our first involvement as a co-sponsor.

“SchoolMate has operated in Nigeria for several years, and we see this chess championship as a meaningful way of giving back to society,” Mr Kumar stated.

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European League Weekend Delivers High-Stakes Clashes Live on SuperSport

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League football across Europe enters a defining stretch, with title races tightening and battles for European places and survival intensifying. From England to Spain, Italy and France, key fixtures could shape the final weeks of the season. Watch it all live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.

Premier League: Title Pressure, Derby Spotlight, Survival Fight

The title race remains finely poised, with Arsenal narrowly ahead of Man City, while the relegation battle continues to tighten.

Saturday’s fixtures see Brentford host West Ham at 3:00 p.m., with the visitors looking to build on a vital win that kept them above the drop zone. At the same time, Newcastle face Brighton, live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205), as both sides chase momentum in a congested mid-table. Arsenal then take on Fulham at 5:30 p.m., with the leaders aiming to maintain their advantage despite midweek exertions.

Sunday is headlined by the North-West Derby at 3:30 p.m. as Man United host Liverpool, with both sides looking to  secure their Champions League spot. Later, Aston Villa meet Tottenham at 7:00 p.m., with Villa chasing a top-four return after their recent slip and Spurs fighting to get out of the relegation zone.

On Monday, Chelsea face Nottingham Forest at 3:00 p.m., seeking to arrest a poor league run of five straight defeats, before Man City visit Everton at 8:00 p.m., where victory is essential in the title chase.

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

La Liga: Title Within Reach, Top-Four Race Tightens

Barcelona’s lead leaves them on the brink of another league title, but the race for Champions League places remains open below them.

On Saturday, Villarreal host Levante at 1:00 p.m. looking to secure their third position before Atletico Madrid visit Valencia at 3:15 p.m., balancing league priorities with European commitments. Barcelona travel to Osasuna at 8:00 p.m., aiming to extend their winning run.

Sunday features Real Betis against Real Oviedo at 5:30 p.m., with Betis targeting the top four, while Real Madrid face Espanyol at 8:00 p.m. looking to restore confidence. Sevilla and Real Sociedad conclude the round on Monday at 8:00 p.m.

La Liga matches air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).

Serie A: Champions League Race Intensifies

Inter remain in control at the top, but the battle for European places is tightening.

Saturday sees Como host Napoli at 5:00 p.m. in a key clash for the last Champions League spot, while Atalanta face Genoa at 7:45 p.m. needing a response from their inconsistent form.

On Sunday, AC Milan travel to Sassuolo at 2:00 p.m., Juventus meet Verona at 5:00 p.m., and Inter host Parma at 7:45 p.m. Roma round off the fixtures against Fiorentina on Monday at 7:45 p.m., with top-four implications.

Serie A matches are broadcast live on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).

Ligue 1: Podium Battle Takes Focus

PSG remain favourites for the title, but the race for Champions League places is wide open.

Marseille face Nantes at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, before PSG host Lorient at 4:00 p.m. Nice take on RC Lens at 8:05 p.m., with Lens needing a strong result to stay in contention.

On Sunday, Lille host Le Havre at 2:00 p.m. before the standout fixture sees Lyon meet Rennes at 7:45 p.m., with both sides in strong form and separated by minimal margins in the race for a top-three finish.

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

Weekend Highlights

Premier League

  • Brentford vs West Ham – Sat, 3:00 PM

  • Newcastle vs Brighton – Sat, 3:00 PM (SS Football)

  • Arsenal vs Fulham – Sat, 5:30 PM

  • Man United vs Liverpool – Sun, 3:30 PM

  • Aston Villa vs Spurs – Sun, 7:00 PM

  • Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest – Mon, 3:00 PM

  • Everton vs Man City – Mon, 8:00 PM

La Liga

  • Villarreal vs Levante – Sat, 1:00 PM

  • Valencia vs Atletico Madrid – Sat, 3:15 PM

  • Osasuna vs Barcelona – Sat, 8:00 PM

  • Real Betis vs Real Oviedo – Sun, 5:30 PM

  • Espanyol vs Real Madrid – Sun, 8:00 PM

  • Sevilla vs Real Sociedad – Mon, 8:00 PM

Serie A

  • Como vs Napoli – Sat, 5:00 PM

  • Atalanta vs Genoa – Sat, 7:45 PM

  • Sassuolo vs AC Milan – Sun, 2:00 PM

  • Juventus vs Verona – Sun, 5:00 PM

  • Inter vs Parma – Sun, 7:45 PM

  • Roma vs Fiorentina – Mon, 7:45 PM

Ligue 1

  • Nantes vs Marseille – Sat, 2:00 PM

  • PSG vs Lorient – Sat, 4:00 PM

  • Nice vs RC Lens – Sat, 8:05 PM

  • Lille vs Le Havre – Sun, 2:00 PM

  • Lyon vs Rennes – Sun, 7:45 PM

Catch Every Moment

As part of the Canal+ family, SuperSport remains committed to delivering world-class football coverage year-round from Europe’s biggest leagues to global showpieces such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Catch all the action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv, with matches 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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