Nigeria Premier League

Bertolini steps down as Italy coach after World Cup exit

Milena Bertolini said she has left her role as Italy head coach after their group stage exit from the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Italy began with a 1-0 win over Argentina but were thrashed 5-0 by Sweden before being eliminated in dramatic fashion on Wednesday, when South Africa scored a stoppage-time winner to win 3-2 and leave Bertolini’s team third in Group G.

Bertolini, 57, took charge in 2017 and oversaw Italy’s stunning run to the 2019 World Cup quarter-finals. Their early exit this year was another disappointment after the Euro 2022, where they finished bottom of their group with one point.

“I leave the national team after so many beautiful and very intense years, which I will always carry with me,” Bertolini said on Sunday in a lengthy statement posted on her Instagram.

“It is not always possible to achieve positive results, but I have no doubts about everyone’s commitment and good intentions.”

A day after Italy’s exit, a statement on Instagram signed by “players of the national team” said the team were “not put in the condition” to succeed. The statement was shared by veteran forwards Cristiana Girelli and Barbara Bonansea, among others.

“Too naive and obvious is the search for a scapegoat,” Bertolini said. “I do not feel any resentment and I have no reason to feel or look for a culprit.”

Bertolini had said earlier Italy’s dented confidence after the 5-0 defeat to Sweden likely played a major part in their loss to South Africa.

“We were never afraid. But we didn’t feel there was a lot of confidence in us either,” the players’ statement read.

“The national team is made up of a core of 16 Roma and Juventus players. We think it’s fair to ask how come a national team made up of this group of players … struggles a lot first at the Euros and now a World Cup.

“The feeling of regret is still strong because we came to this World Cup wanting redemption … We’re sure we could have got different results if only we’d been put in the condition to do so.”

Nigeria Premier League

Rangers’ Coach Rues Defeat At El-Kanemi, Says My Boys Lost Concentration When It Mattered

Rangers International FC’s coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, attributed his team’s 2-1 defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors FC in Maiduguri on Wednesday to lapses in concentration within his defence.

The NPFL matchday 21 clash saw El-Kanemi secured the win at the El-Kanemi Stadium, Maiduguri.

Ilechukwu, who also serves as an assistant coach for the Nigerian national team, acknowledged his players’ overall performance but highlighted two critical moments of defensive inattentiveness that allowed El-Kanemi to score.

He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on future achievements.

He described the current situation as a temporary setback and reassured fans that Rangers would soon return to winning form while urging his players to remain confident as they prepare for their next game against the high-scoring Ikorodu City.

El-Kanemi’s goals came from Nasiru Salihu, who scored in the 18th and 73rd minutes. Isaac Saviour scored the lone goal for Rangers in the 63rd minute.

Despite Rangers’ efforts to equalize, including the introduction of former World Cup star Michael Uchebo, El-Kanemi’s goalkeeper, Abine George, made crucial saves in extra time to secure the victory.

The win moved El-Kanemi Warriors into 4th place on the league table, while Rangers dropped to 6th.

Rangers will face Ikorodu City, who are currently 5th with the same number of points, at home on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 4:00 pm at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

Nigeria Premier League

Ogunmodede reflects on Emo Stars’ win over Abia Warriors

Emo Stars technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede admitted his side was fortunate to secure a 3-2 victory over Abia Warriors in Ikenne on Wednesday.

Abia Warriors took a 2-0 lead in the first half, with goals from Ayodele Eziekel and Anthony Ijoma. However, Emo Stars responded with three goals from Olamilekan Adebayo, Jabbar Malik, and Franck Mawuena to clinch the win.

Ogunmodede acknowledged that his team had underestimated their opponents but managed to turn things around. “The game was tense and shocking in the first half on our home ground. Not every time you will be lucky against a great team we played against,” he said in the post-match interview.

“We underestimated the qualities of our opponent, and we were punished for it. But luckily, we identified the problem and readjusted to get the victory.”

Emo Stars will now aim to build on this win as they continue their campaign

Nigeria Premier League

Kano Pillars eye maximum points in midweek showdown with Ikorodu City

Kano Pillars are determined to secure all three points in their upcoming fixture against Ikorodu City in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The Sai Masu Gida will face Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Wednesday.

Usman Abdallah’s side is upbeat and focused ahead of the match, with the players in high spirits.

“Done and dusted with the shake-ups ahead of our NPFL25 Matchday 21 clash against Ikorodu City this Wednesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos,” Kano Pillars wrote on X.

“The boys are in high spirits and determined to secure maximum points as we aim to continue our impressive run this season.”

Kano Pillars currently sit in eighth place on the league table with 28 points.