Local News
Roy Hodgson expected to step down as Crystal Palace wait to appoint Glasner
Roy Hodgson is expected to step down as Crystal Palace manager after being taken to hospital on Thursday, with Oliver Glasner ready to succeed him.
The 76-year-old required medical treatment after feeling unwell during a training session and underwent tests in hospital after Palace were forced to cancel a press conference.
It is understood Hodgson remains in a stable condition but has been ruled out of Palace’s game at Everton on Monday, with his assistants Ray Lewington and Paddy McCarthy likely to prepare the players.
Palace, whose chairman, Steve Parish, accompanied Hodgson to hospital, are expected to confirm that Hodgson will stand down from his post for the last four months of his contract and be replaced by Glasner.
There is a possibility Glasner will be appointed before Monday’s game, although the 49-year-old, who managed Eintracht Frankfurt to their Europa League triumph in 2022, is unlikely to take charge at Everton.
Glasner emerged as Parish’s preferred candidate to replace Hodgson after the former England manager’s position came under intense scrutiny after the defeat by Chelsea on Monday night. It is understood Parish decided a change was needed after a run of four wins in 18 league games dragged the club into a relegation battle.
An attempt to persuade Kieran McKenna to leave Ipswich failed but Glasner – who was trumpeted by Palace’s biggest shareholder, John Textor, after the American tried to appoint him to replace Laurent Blanc at Lyon, another of his clubs – was always a viable option given that he has been out of work since leaving Frankfurt at the end of last season. He has agreed a contract worth about £4.5m a season until 2026, with the option of a further year.
It is not the first time this season that Hodgson’s health has suffered. In September, the 76-year-old – the Premier League’s oldest-ever manager – missed Palace’s match at Aston Villa after being taken to hospital on the morning of the game.
Local News
Fikayo Tomori Explains Why He Chose England Over Nigeria
AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori has opened up on his decision to represent England on the international stage, explaining that the Nigerian Football Federation never officially contacted him.
Tomori, who initially represented Canada at youth level, later switched allegiance to England, earning five senior caps to date. While several English youth internationals with Nigerian heritage, including Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman, have opted for the Super Eagles, Tomori’s path led him to the Three Lions.
Tomori On His Decision
Speaking on the Filthy Fellas Podcast, Tomori outlined how England reached out after his stint with Canada’s youth team:
“I was playing for the Canada youth team, but about four months later, the England Academy manager reached out about the possibility of switching over. The next international break, England called me, and I knew I had to go. I thought if I said no, would I ever get a call-up again?”
He added that the transition felt natural because many of his Chelsea teammates, like Tammy Abraham, were already in the England setup.
“It didn’t feel different [from Canada] because all my friends were in there… it felt like Chelsea again,” Tomori said.
Nigeria’s Missed Opportunity
Tomori admitted that if Nigeria had made an approach, he might have considered playing for the Super Eagles.
“If it was Nigeria, I’d have gone,” he stated.
However, he clarified that no official call ever came, leaving him with no real choice.
“Would I have changed to Nigeria from England? I don’t know because at the time, I was playing for Chelsea, so I thought I would play for England. It’s not like I wouldn’t have played there, but they never called me, so I never had a choice to make.”
As Tomori continues to establish himself in Serie A with Milan, he now focuses on securing a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, hoping to make his mark on football’s biggest stage.
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Local News
Wilfred Ndidi Backed By Sunday Oliseh As The Next Super Eagles Captain
Local News
William Troost-Ekong Bows Out: An Emotional Farewell That Shakes Up The Super Eagles Camp
William Troost-Ekong Bows Out In Emotional Goodbye
Super Eagles fans woke up to unexpected news as captain William Troost-Ekong officially announced his retirement from international football. Despite being listed in Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad for AFCON 2025, the 2023 AFCON MVP revealed via a heartfelt video on X (formerly Twitter) that his journey with Nigeria had reached its final chapter.
The announcement came with a touching message:
“HONOURED. GRATEFUL. FOREVER A SUPER EAGLE. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”
With 83 caps in 10 years, Ekong leaves behind a legacy of leadership, consistency, and unmatched patriotism. He was instrumental in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final and became one of the most respected voices in the national team.
Why Now? A Transition Already In Motion
In recent months, Troost-Ekong’s role had gradually shifted. The impressive rise of 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick pushed him out of the starting XI, reducing the captain to a bench role. One of the most emotional revelations was his admission that he was supposed to take a penalty in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier shootout against DR Congo—but being benched meant he couldn’t step up.
Still, Ekong showed class:
“I wasn’t frustrated; I just wanted to win this game… My role is to support the team as much as possible, both on and off the pitch.”
He had also hinted earlier this year that AFCON 2025 might be his final tournament, showing that this transition wasn’t entirely sudden—it was coming.
Ndidi Tipped To Take The Captain’s Armband
The big question now is: who leads the Super Eagles?
Former coach Sunday Oliseh believes the answer is simple—Wilfred Ndidi.
Ndidi has captained the team in recent matches and commands full respect in the squad. According to Oliseh:
“Nobody doubts the respect the players have for Ndidi. And he’s a player that plays every game.”
With AFCON 2025 approaching quickly, stability is crucial—and Ndidi might be the perfect bridge into Nigeria’s next era.
A Legacy Forever Etched In Nigerian Football
Troost-Ekong leaves as a true patriot: admired, respected, and loved. His leadership transcended the pitch—he was the voice of calm, the anchor in tough moments, and the embodiment of commitment.
For the Super Eagles, a new chapter begins.
But for fans, William Troost-Ekong will always remain a Super Eagle—forever.
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