Sports

Virgil van Dijk Pulls Out of Euro 2020 – Is the Netherlands’ Loss Liverpool’s Gain?

Published

5 years ago

16/05/2021

It is the biggest fear for a professional footballer – suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury, which typically heralds an extended period on the sidelines if not, in the worst of cases, the end of their career.

For Virgil van Dijk, the injured knee he suffered in a game for Liverpool against Everton back in October ended his 2020/21 season – surgery was necessary to repair the damage.

Today, the Dutchman has returned to light training, and there was joy unbounded among Netherlands supporters when Van Dijk was pictured kicking a ball at Liverpool’s Melwood facility. Would the defender make a return for his country’s Euro 2020 campaign? Sadly not, with the 29-year-old later revealing that he had ruled himself out of the running for a spot in the Dutch squad.

Instead, Van Dijk will focus on upping his rehabilitation in a bid to be fit for the start of the 2021/22 season. “I will train every day, keep training until pre-season starts,” he confirmed, “obviously there will be a couple of days of sort of rest, but I want to be ready and I will do everything that is possible to get ready.”

Never have Liverpool needed their defensive lynchpin more. They have already conceded six more league goals this season than last when they had the Dutchman in their side, and there are still two games to go.

His injury, and that of Joe Gomez, have completely derailed the Reds’ campaign, and such is their fall from grace they are now second-favourites in the Premier League outright winner betting odds for 2021/22 behind Manchester City.

The return of a fully fit Van Dijk will surely be needed if Liverpool are to return to the top of the tree in English football.

Can Super Eagles Help the Reds Fly?

According to reports, Jurgen Klopp attempted to sign not one but two Nigerian stars in 2020. The flying winger Samuel Chukwueze was targeted as an understudy to Mo Salah on the right flank. However, Liverpool’s £29.5 million bid was rejected by the 20-year-old’s current employer Villarreal.

And one of the hottest properties in European football, Victor Osimhen, was also in Klopp’s crosshairs but the 21-year-old instead chose to sign for Italian outfit Napoli instead. They say that time is a great healer, but Klopp will still be feeling unfulfilled after watching his side struggle at times from an attacking perspective this term.

Chukwueze, while far from being the finished article, really is an intriguing talent. Left-footed but operating from the right-hand side, he shares some traits with Salah if not the Egyptian’s craft and composure in the final third. Being able to express himself fully in Klopp’s tactical plans would suit the Super Eagles star down to the ground.

And as for Osimhen, he is fast becoming one of the most prolific frontmen in football. After a goal-laden spell at Lille, he headed to Naples and has currently served up ten Serie A goals in just fourteen starts.

Both, or either for that matter, would greatly boost Liverpool’s chances of success next season. Allied to Van Dijk’s return, the Reds would no longer need to sing the blues.

Sports

Super Falcons in Group C for WAFCON

Published

7 hours ago

16/01/2026

Adedapo Adesanya

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been drawn in Group C with Egypt, Zambia and Malawi for the defence of their Women’s’ Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in March, which will be hosted again in Morocco.

Last year, the Nigerian team won the record 10th tournament after defeating the host nation, Morocco, 3-2 in a spectacular final after going down 2-0.

The 2026 edition will be played in Morocco from March 17-April 3, eight months after the last tournament.

The last edition slated for 2024 was postponed by a year for logistical reasons as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) could not get interested hosts.

The next edition which will be the 14th edition and Nigeria will be hoping to win the women’s tournament for the 11th time.

Nigeria’s dominance is only rivalled by Equatorial Guinea which won as hosts of the 2008 and 2012 editions. South Africa won the 2022 edition to become the third African nation to ever win the tournament.

The next edition carries added importance because it serves as qualifying for next year’s Women’s World Cup, with the top four finishers taking up Africa’s slots in the global tournament to be hosted by Brazil.

GROUPS

Group A (Rabat Moulay Hassan Stadium): Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya,

Group B (Rabat Al Madina Stadium): South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania

Group C (Casablanca): Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi

Group D (Fes): Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde.

Sports

AFCON: BUA Chair to Redeem Super Eagles $500,000 Pledge Despite Loss

Published

1 day ago

15/01/2026

Adedapo Adesanya

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Chairman of BUA Group, Mr Abdul Samad Rabiu, has reaffirmed his commitment to reward the Super Eagles with the promised $500,000 despite losing the semi-final match against Morocco in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday night.

The Nigerian senior national football team lost the tie against Morocco 4-2 on penalties after both sides failed to break the deadlock after 120 minutes.

In a post on his official Instagram on Thursday, the billionaire industrialist commended the football team for their determination and unity throughout the competition.

Mr Rabiu said the players displayed admirable grit and commitment on the field, adding that although the trophy eluded them, their performance inspired pride and admiration among Nigerians at home and abroad.

“To our brave Super Eagles, You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud.

“Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion, and unity you displayed are what truly matter. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration.

“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfill the pledge of $500,000. This is in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you have brought to our nation.

“Keep your heads high, Super Eagles – the experience, lessons, and spirit will fuel even greater success next time. Nigeria will always be proud of you, and we believe in your future victories!” the statement read.

Nigeria failed to advance to the final of the 2025 AFCON yesterday after losing to Morocco’s Atlas Lions in a tense penalty shootout, a result that sent the North African side through to the final.

Moroccan goalkeeper, Yacine Bounou saved kicks from both Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Nigeria will play Egypt in the bronze medal match on Sunday, January 18 while Morocco will face 2021 winners, Senegal for the chance to win the trophy for the first time in 50 years.

Sports

Carabao Cup, AFCON Semi-Finals Take Centre Stage Live on SuperSport

Published

3 days ago

13/01/2026

Business Post Contributor

Midweek football delivers decisive moments across three competitions as the Carabao Cup reaches the semi-final in England, Serie A’s title contenders play their games in hand, and the Africa Cup of Nations narrows down to its final two. Fans can follow every fixture live on SuperSport across DStv and GOtv.

Carabao Cup: Semi-Final Second Legs Decide Wembley Places

The Carabao Cup semi-finals conclude with two heavyweight fixtures as clubs push for a place in the final at Wembley.

On Tuesday at 9:00 p.m., Newcastle host Man City at St James’ Park. Newcastle enter the second leg as defending Carabao Cup champions and come into the tie in strong domestic form, having recorded three straight league wins and progressed in the FA Cup after a penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth.

City arrive after a heavy FA Cup win against Exeter City but are still searching for consistency in the league following a run of draws. Both sides have navigated the competition efficiently so far, setting up a finely balanced contest.

Wednesday’s second semi-final sees Chelsea host Arsenal at 9:00 p.m. Chelsea begin the second leg under new manager Liam Rosenior after a convincing FA Cup victory over Charlton, though league form has been less consistent following a recent defeat to Fulham.

Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive as Premier League leaders and remain active in all major competitions this season. Their FA Cup win over Portsmouth maintained momentum as they look to secure a return to Wembley.

Both Carabao Cup semi-final matches air live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).

Serie A: Games in Hand Shape the Title Race

Serie A’s midweek programme features three fixtures involving clubs playing their game in hand, with implications at both ends of the table.

On Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., Napoli host Parma. Napoli were held to a draw by Inter Milan in their previous outing and sit fourth, level on points with Juventus. With other contenders also in action, a win could lift them further up the standings. Parma arrive after a narrow victory over Lecce and continue to look upward from mid-table.

Later on Wednesday at 8:45 p.m., leaders Inter Milan face Lecce at the San Siro. Inter saw their winning run halted by Napoli but remain three points clear at the top. Lecce arrive having suffered consecutive defeats and will be aiming to secure a positive result in a difficult away fixture.

Thursday’s action concludes at 8:45 p.m. as AC Milan travel to face Como. Milan sit second but have been held to back-to-back draws and will be seeking a return to winning form. Como, coached by Cesc Fàbregas, have impressed this season and sit sixth, boasting one of the league’s strongest defensive records.

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

AFCON 2025: Semi-Finals Decide Finalists

The Africa Cup of Nations reaches its penultimate stage with two semi-final clashes scheduled for Wednesday.

Senegal face Egypt at 6:00 p.m. in Tangier in a renewal of a recent AFCON rivalry. Senegal, winners of the 2021 edition, have progressed with control and balance, while Egypt have relied on resilience and decisive moments in the knockout rounds. The matchup once again brings together key figures from both sides as a place in the final is at stake.

Later at 9:00 p.m., Nigeria meet hosts Morocco in Rabat. Nigeria advanced after a disciplined quarter-final performance, while Morocco continue to combine defensive organisation with efficiency in attack. With home support behind them, Morocco face a Nigerian side that has shown attacking consistency throughout the tournament.

Both AFCON semi-finals air live on SS AFCON (GOtv Ch. 59, DStv Ch. 202).