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Saudi Pro League ‘in talks’ with UEFA for Champions League inclusion

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Discussions are said to be taking place between the Saudi Arabian FA and UEFA in relation to Saudi clubs entering the Champions League.

Talks between the two powerful organisations are reportedly taking place on the possibility of some Saudi Pro League clubs playing in Europe.

The idea is one which on the surface sounds completely ludicrous, however seemingly due to the number of high-level players moving, it could happen.

Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to move to Al-Nassr, various big names have also made the move, including Karim Benzema and Neymar.

With all these expensive players arriving, UEFA are likely concerned over the allure of the Champions League with so many big names now gone from Europe, including Lionel Messi who joined Inter Miami.

Saudi Pro League clubs in the Champions League
Logically speaking, this shouldn’t happen, given Saudi Arabia isn’t within UEFA’s jurisdiction, but rather the AFC.

But due to the rest of the clubs in the Asian Champions League not having the resources of Saudi, it could make for some easy tournaments.

Therefore according to Calcio Finanza, the Saudi FA have been ‘in talks’ with UEFA over taking a Champions League place from 2025.

It is added that this wouldn’t impact their standing in the Asian Champions League nor the annual Arab Cup which Al-Nassr won last week.

Rather they would prefer the winners of the Saudi Pro League each year to enter the illustrious UEFA Champions League as a ‘wildcard’.

This makes it more likely that if they were to switch confederations, which would also impact the National Team.

Could they actually join the Champions League?
If you asked this question a year ago, the answer would be a clear and obvious no which would be clear.

But now following how rapidly the Saudi Pro League has developed, nothing would be surprising to us anymore.

This agreement while potentially still unlikely, would be a massive boost for the clubs involved, such as Al-Nassr.

With prize money and the eyes on the Champions League substantial in comparison to any other competition.

It would go a long way in helping Al-Nassr to become self-sufficient financially.

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Nigeria Premier League

Lobi Stars Face Sunshine in Ijebu Ode in NPFL Matchday 12 Clash

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Lobi Stars Face Sunshine in Ijebu Ode in NPFL Matchday 12 Clash

Following the team’s recent victory over Abia Warriors, Lobi Stars’ head coach, Mika Lönnström, has urged his team to maintain momentum as they aim to exit the relegation zone against Sunshine Stars.

A full-strength squad, including Ossy Martins, and Emmanuel Nnaji, will travel to Ijebu Ode, while Moses Tsehuan, Itodo Akor, and Samuel Tiza remain sidelined due to injury.

The two teams have a history of home wins, with Lobi Stars securing a 3-2 home victory in their previous encounter in Lafia, while Sunshine Stars won 2-0 in a reverse in Akure.

Key players to watch include Ossy Martins, Segun Olorintoba, and Sunshine Stars’ trio of David Obiazo, Seth Mayi, and Tunde Sodiq.

Dipo Dino International Stadium will host the highly anticipated match.

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Nigeria Premier League

Lagos FA Ready For Super Falcons, Algeria Friendly

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Lagos State Football Association has reiterated its readiness to host the second leg of the friendly matches between the Super Falcons and the Green Ladies of Algeria.

The match is slated to hold at the prestigious Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos. And towards a successful hosting, the Lagos FA, was today represented by Hon. Damilare Orimoloye, the SSA On Sports to His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who hosted both teams to a reception Monday, at the State House.

Hon. Orimoloye, who is also a board member of the LSFA, speaking on behalf of FA Chairman Hajji Gafar Liameed, who travelled outside the country, enthused that Lagos FA, would as usual, put in its best efforts to ensure a seamless organisation of the international match.

The Super Falcons on Saturday defeated their Algerian counterparts 2-0, courtesy of a brace by Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, in the first leg played at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.

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Nigeria Premier League

1472 FC Unveils New Jerseys For 2024/ 2025 Season

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Lagos based NNL side, 1472 Football Club last Saturday at the high-brow HEREL Play, Ikoyi, Lagos, unveiled it’s new sets of playing kits for the 2024/2025 NNL season.

The fast-growing football club owned by UK-based successful businessman and entrepreneur, Dozy Mmobuosi, is set to take the Nigerian football scene by the storm.

The well-attended and glamorous event attracted top football personalities and people from different walks of life that included Hon. Desmond Elliott, Gliffeth Wonuigwe, CEO of GAS Group International and the Secretary of Lagos State Football Association, Akeem Rabiu-Okikiopusu.

Speaking during event, the Chief Executive Officer of the team, Seyi Jones remarked, “If you recall, last season we started on a bright note by winning all our matches. And suddenly, distractions caused us to lose focus. But now, I make bold to say, we are back on our feet much stronger.”

Jones noted that the drive and passion of Dozy Mmobuosi, to use football as a catalyst for social change, is a strong force. Adding that the team aims to develop global football stars. And towards achieving that, the management of the team are working on some synergies that would give the desired results.

The experienced football administrator continued, “My plan is to see our team join the elite clubs in the NPFL and move players to some of our partnered clubs abroad.

On the uniqueness of the team, he said, “We came about the name 1472 FC, because that was the century, Lagos was discovered by the Portuguese explorers. The club belongs to Lagosians.”

He called on well-placed individuals, investors and corporate bodies to come forward to support the team, as it plans to make the state and Nigeria proud.

“1472 FC is your team, especially the Surulere axis where we pitch our tent. Let them take ownership by coming all out to support their darling team,” he added.

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