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Roger Federer reveals dream Laver Cup doubles pairing for 2024

Roger Federer was a shining star at the 2024 Laver Cup even though he never hit a ball in anger and now he has picked out the two players he would like to see in Team Europe for next year’s competition in Berlin.

Team World clinched a one-sided competition as their star turns Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe won a doubles match against Hubert Hurkacz and Andrey Rublev, sealing a 13-2 win in a match that lacked the drama of previous Laver Cup contests.

Federer’s presence and on-court interview was a highlight of the weekend, but there were some suggestions that the Laver Cup may struggle to maintain its place in tennis without players of his ilk taking part.

With Team Europe lacking star names like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas, captain Bjorn Borg has a tough task to field a competitive team against a strong Team World side led by captain John McEnroe.

There may now be some questions over what comes next for the Laver Cup after a one-side contest in Vancouver, with Federer certain to play a central role in what comes next.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion has been a key figure in the organisation of the Laver Cup over the first six editions of the event and he confirmed how much the event meant to him as he opted to bring down the curtain on his career at the 2022 edition in London last September.

Speaking after Team World’s dominant win in Vancouver, Federer admitted Team Europe need more of their star names to shine and he suggested he wants to see Djokovic and Alcaraz play on the same team in Berlin next year.

“I think we will have a much better team as Team Europe and I think the energy will come back to our side,” Federer told Eurosport.

“I would like to see Novak coming back into the team and Alcaraz. To have Alcaraz and Novak on the same team, I’d love to see that.

“Sasha Zvereva has been such a big supporter of the Laver Cup so hopefully he can play in Germany.

“Tsitsipas and Rune will be big players for Team Europe if they play and hopefully someone else breaks through and gets a chance to be a pick for for Bjorn Borg.”

Federer went on to admit he misses elements of tennis since his retirement, even though he is enjoying a different pace of life with his wife and four children.

“Secretly, I miss it,” he continued. “I miss seeing the happy faces of people that hopefully I was able to entertain.

“I guess you like to be the centre of attention at times, but on the other hand, it doesn’t matter that I’m not any more.

“It’s good with the way my life is right now. The Tour was good to me. I loved every moment, but I am happy with my life now.”

Federer also defended the event in Vancouver, as he insisted the fans who packed the stands enjoyed the three days of competition.

“I thought it was a success,” he added. “A lot of people came, it was pretty much a sell-out.

“A great stadium, an unbelievable city and no hiccups along the way. I thought it was perfect.

“It’s great to be back and in the tennis family again.

“I watched every match, I was very busy around the event and it has been a lot of fun.

“Now I can’t want to bring tennis back to Germany. We had big events there in the past and I’m looking forward to going there.”

The Laver Cup needs an injection of inspiration after an uninspiring few days in Canada and the return of Europe’s big hitters on German soil a year from now could be the tonic it requires.

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Nigeria Premier League

NPFL: No Respite For Abdallah Yet As Kano Pillars Extend Suspension Of Technical Adviser

 

The Management of Kano Pillars FC, under the leadership of Chairman Alhaji Ali Muhammad Umar, has extended the suspension of its Technical Adviser, Usman Abdallah, until after the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 28 fixture against Kwara United.

This decision was reached during a management meeting held on Sunday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata.

 

The extension follows a request from the committee set up to investigate the matter, chaired by the club’s Disciplinary Committee Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Danjuma Gwarzo, which is yet to conclude its findings.

As a result, Chief Coach Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro will continue to lead the team in the upcoming fixtures against Akwa United on Wednesday, Rangers International at the weekend, and Kwara United on Match Day 28, pending further decisions regarding Abdallah’s return.

The club remains committed to upholding professionalism and discipline as it continues its campaign in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

 

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Nigeria Premier League

Rangers Edge Remo Stars, Heartland Pip Shooting Stars in Dramatic Ties

Rangers Edge Remo Stars, Heartland Pip Shooting Stars in Dramatic Ties

Despite the loss, Remo Stars maintained their lead on the log with 48 points, while Rangers moved up to fourth position with 38 points.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 24 fixtures were concluded on Sunday with three games spread across the country.

The ties produced some thrilling encounters, with Rangers International FC and Heartland FC securing crucial victories over Remo Stars FC and Shooting Stars Sports Club respectively.

Rangers edge Remo Stars

Rangers International FC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Remo Stars FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday.

Midfielder Saviour Isaac opened the scoring for Rangers in the 30th minute, expertly converting a free kick from outside the 18-yard box.

Rangers doubled their lead in the 48th minute, courtesy of a well-crafted goal involving CHAN Eagles’ Kenneth Igboke and Kingsley Maduforo.

Remo Stars reduced the deficit in the 85th minute, through Sikiru Alimi but it was too little too late to salvage the outcome of the match.

Despite the loss, Remo Stars maintained their lead on the log with 48 points, while Rangers moved up to fourth position with 38 points.

Late Drama in Owerri

Heartland FC of Owerri secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan at the Dan Anyiam Stadium on Sunday.

Chukwuma Agor had opened the scoring for Heartland in the 31st minute, but the Oluyole Warriors equalised through a penalty kick in the 81st minute.

However, Heartland were awarded another penalty kick in the dying minutes of the game, which John Bassey successfully converted, despite initial controversy surrounding the referee’s decision.

Despite suffering back-to-back losses, Shooting Stars remained second on the log with 40 points from 24 matches.

Other result

In another match played on Sunday, Bendel Insurance secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes.

The concluding results of the matchday 24 encounters have shuffled the NPFL standings, setting the stage for more thrilling encounters in the coming weeks.

Premium Times

 

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Nigeria Premier League

Nasarawa United Appoints Ex-Super Eagles Coach Yusuf

Nasarawa United Appoints Ex-Super Eagles Coach Yusuf

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) strugglers, Nasarawa United have announced the appointment of former Super Eagles Chief Coach, Salisu Yusuf, as their new Technical Adviser.

He replaces the erstwhile manager, Kabiru Dogo, whose second stint at the club has been anything but successful.

The club in a statement released yesterday said: “We wish to announce that we have mutually agreed to part ways with Technical Director, Kabiru Dogo, effective immediately.

“This decision has been made following a thorough review of the club’s performance in the 2024/25 NPFL season, where we have fallen short of our expectations.

“Due to the precarious situation of the club, we have decided to appoint former Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Salisu Yusuf to take charge of the team immediately.”

On his part, Dogo, appreciated the management for the opportunity to serve and wished the club the best in the tasks ahead.

Speaking to Daily Trust, the newly appointed CAF ‘A’ licenced coach expressed his readiness for the rescue mission at Nasarawa United.

He said: “I am aware of the precarious position of the club but I am ready for the challenge.

“It is not going to be easy but having been around for some time, I believe I can help Nasarawa United to navigate their way out of the red zone.

“I call on the teeming fans of the club to continue to remain unwavering in their support. By the special grace of God, Nasarawa United won’t be relegated.”

Nasarawa United presently 18th position on the NPFL table with 26 points from 24 matches.

 

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