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Virgil van Dijk appointed as new Liverpool captain

Liverpool has announced Virgil van Dijk as their new captain, with Trent Alexander-Arnold taking up the role of vice-captain.

This decision follows the departure of former captain Jordan Henderson from the team.

Van Dijk, who also captains his national team, the Netherlands, expressed his pride at being given this responsibility.

Speaking in Singapore, the centre-back stated, “It’s a really proud day for me, for my wife, for my kids, my family. But also to be the captain of Liverpool Football Club is something that I can’t describe at this point.”

Since his transfer from Southampton to Anfield in January 2018, Van Dijk has made 222 appearances for Liverpool, collecting seven winners’ medals in the process.

These include the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and the FA Community Shield.

Regarding the upcoming 2023-24 season, Van Dijk acknowledged the disappointment of the previous campaign, stating, “It was actually not a bad run-in. Obviously in the end we didn’t achieve anything we hoped to achieve and that was very disappointing.”

Expressing determination to improve, Van Dijk added, “I think that was a big thing that was missing: the consistent level that we showed over the last couple of years was missing. And obviously everyone wants to make this right. We all feel we have to do this together again each and every day, each and every game, with the fans as well.

“Obviously it has been quite an interesting summer with players obviously leaving and new players coming in, this little transition that is going on. We also have to be a bit patient but we want to be there and we want to show what we’re capable of.

“But we can be up there again. It’s all about doing it together with the consistency and hopefully we can show it.”

The newly appointed vice-captain, Alexander-Arnold, steps into the role previously held by James Milner.

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Super Falcons Defender Chidimma Ogbuchi Signs 2 years Management Deal With TopPro

Super Falcons and Robo Queens defender Chidimma Ogbuchi has signed a 2-year deal with TopPro Sports Management Company.

While speaking during the sign-on event, the Chief Executive Officer of TopPro Management Company, Ms. Ojuolape Kosoko, welcome the hard-tackling defender to the stable of TopPro, who are renowned for their astuteness, professionalism and reputable global football networks, that has seen several players on his stable including Super Falcons Striker Folashade Ijamilusi, earning lucrative football deals across the globe.

Kosoko, in her address to Chidimma Ogbuchi and her team of minders led by Coach Emmanuel Osahon, advised the player to remain focused, disciplined and of course, passionate about the game, while adding that her company would give the player all the necessary supports for further growth and development.

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Cote d’Ivoire 2025: Zubairu bravely accepts the challenge of North Africans, South Africa

head coach of Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu

 

The head coach of Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu, has voiced his optimism following Thursday’s group stage draw for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which will take place in Cote d’Ivoire, 26th April – 18th May.

The Nigerian team finds itself in a demanding group alongside traditional powerhouses Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa, all of whom have a rich history in African youth football.

In his reaction to the draw, Coach Zubairu remarked: “It’s a very good draw. If a team truly aspires to reach the FIFA World Cup, there is no need to shy away from any opponent. Facing Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa at this stage presents a tremendous opportunity. I believe it’s a blessing.” This perspective not only highlights Zubairu’s confidence in his squad’s capabilities but also underscores his commitment to challenging his players against formidable rivals, which can ultimately foster their development and resilience.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Coach Zubairu stressed the necessity of mental preparation as his team gears up for these high-stakes matches. He is keen on instilling a robust sense of self-belief within his players, emphasizing that they should approach every opponent with respect and seriousness.

 

“We need to dispel the notion that this is a ‘group of death,’” he said. “In African football, there are no small teams anymore. The key is to prepare very well. A lesser-known nation can surprise everyone if they come prepared.”

 

To ensure the team is adequately prepared for the task, the NFF has not only put the Flying Eagles in camp to resume training, with a 30-man squad, but has also organised a two-match tour of Cairo for the team to play the Egyptian U20 team at the end of this month. The friendly matches in Cairo have been scheduled for 25th and 27th February

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Cote d’Ivoire 2025: Flying Eagles up against Egypt, South Africa and Morocco

 

Seven-time champions Nigeria will battle it out with tough customers Egypt, South Africa and Morocco in the group phase of this year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations, scheduled for Cote d’Ivoire 26th April – 18th May.

 

The Flying Eagles pipped host nation Egypt 1-0 in a group phase match at the last edition of the competition and must ensure a great start to their campaign in Cote d’Ivoire in order to build confidence for a gritty tournament. Nigeria finished third in Egypt two years ago.

 

Former Malian player Adama Coulibaly, who was an assistant at the draw conducted inside the CAF headquarters in Egypt on Thursday, said: “There is no doubt that the toughest group is the group B that has Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Morocco.”

 

Hosts Cote d’Ivoire will have to contend with DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania and the yet-to-emerge representative team of Central Africa zone, in a five-team group A.

 

Cup-holders Senegal head group C, which also has Zambia and two debutants Kenya and Sierra Leone.

 

The two top-placed teams in each group, alongside the best two third-placed finishers in the three groups, will advance to the championship’s quarter finals.  

 

GROUP A: Cote d’Ivoire, UNNIFAC, DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania

 

GROUP B: Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco

 

 

GROUP C: Senegal, Zambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone

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