News

Pochettino Named United States Head Coach

Former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has been named as the new manager of the United States men’s team.

The Argentine replaces Gregg Berhalter, who was sacked in July following the USA’s group-stage elimination from the Copa America.

The announcement came before the US drew 1-1 with New Zealand in an international friendly game in Cincinnati.

Pochettino, 52, said it was an opportunity “I couldn’t pass up”.

“The decision to join US Soccer wasn’t just about football for me; it’s about the journey that this team and this country are on,” he added.

“The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here – those are the things that inspired me.

“I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together we’re going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of.”

US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker led the search for Berhalter’s successor and spent time at Southampton when Pochettino was in charge at St Mary’s.

“Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams,” said Crocker.

“His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad.”

Pochettino joined Southampton after a stint at Espanyol before moving on to take charge of Tottenham, leading Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final.

He went on to manage Paris St-Germain and Chelsea, leaving the Blues in May after one season in charge in which they finished sixth in the Premier League.

The United States will co-host the 2026 World Cup along with Canada and Mexico.

They are ranked 16th in the world by Fifa, one place below Euro 2024 quarter-finalists Switzerland.

Pochettino’s appointment means the US men’s and women’s teams are both now managed by former Chelsea bosses, after Emma Hayes took charge of the women’s team earlier this year.

Great opportunity for Pochettino – analysis
Guillem Balague, European football expert and Pochettino biographer

This is a coveted job which has been pursued by big names – with Rafael Benitez among those who saw it as a great opportunity.

The USA national side has talent in some departments – not so much in others – and needs better organisation, which Mauricio Pochettino will be able to put in place.

The Argentine was interviewed in Barcelona by members of USA Soccer including sporting director Matt Crocker, who led the academy at Southampton when Pochettino was first-team boss.

The role was seen as a great opportunity not just because the next World Cup is in the USA, but also because the US manager will help improve processes within the federation to make things run more smoothly.

Pochettino will meet up again with US women’s team boss Emma Hayes, who he enjoyed a good working relationship while they were both at Chelsea – and they will certainly sit down and exchange information in their respective roles.

Pochettino did not want to leave the Blues, but it became clear the club had other ideas. He has rejected other offers since leaving Stamford Bridge in May, but this move felt like the right step to take.

Players at Chelsea were sorry to see him go but the USA job is the perfect vehicle for him to apply his talent in a project that can make him as happy as he was for most of the time at Espanyol, Southampton and Tottenham – and where he can hopefully take the team to the next level.

In my book on Pochettino and his time at Spurs he mentioned the possibility of one day taking charge of an international side, going as far as to say he would relish the chance to coach England one day.

BBC

News

Southwest Zonal Eliminations: Lagos Records Big Wins In Handball, Hockey, Football, Basketball

Lagos handball teams delivered impressive wins against Oyo State on day one of the South-West Zonal Eliminations of the National Sports Festival, holding in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The men’s team eased to a commanding 40-14 victory before the women’s team secured 23-15 victory at the handball court of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Akanran.

In Basketball, Lagos women’s team defeated Ondo 47-39 after a show of resilience, commitment and determination in their first match. Their second match is against Oyo State on Wednesday (today).

Lagos hockey team also recorded wins in their games. The women’s team thrashed Oyo 3-0, while the men’s team lone goal was enough to secure three points against Ekiti.

In beach volleyball, Lagos proved the level of their performance and conveniently dispatched Oyo 2-0. In football, Lagos female team defeated Oyo 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Bada Mistura in a game played inside the main bowl of the Liberty Stadium. The male team were later forced to a 1-1 draw against Ekiti

Speaking on the first day of the South-West Zonal Elimination Ball Games, the Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu noted that the athletes have demonstrated exceptional capacity and dominance over their opponents.

“So, I think it’s a good one for Lagos state.It is the first day of the zonal elimination qualifiers. With what we have experienced today in terms of the outcomes from the different Games. We are very optimistic and positive that at the end of the day we’re going to come victorious overall.”

Fatodu added that the performance of the state athletes in their different games has been thrilling and exciting, especially with the presence of personnel of the Lagos State Sports Commission, serving as a morale booster and source of encouragement to keep soaring high.

“With what is playing out, it’s going to yield a positive results. From what we have gathered today, they are particularly appreciative and they have confide that our presence means so much to them in terms of their mental positivity, approach towards the Games and in terms of their attitude on the field of play. It is expected that it will yield positive results for us”, Fatodu submitted.

The Director General further reiterated that, “We are not in any way in doubt that our athletes will show very, very well. Because of the fact that all the necessary things that they need to do well have been provided by Mr.Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. We need to thank Mr. Governor for his commitment and always supporting sports in terms of logistics, welfare, transportation, feeding, and security. Everything is top-notch”.

Team Lagos will continue to bank on the records of dominance at the South-West as the qualifiers inch towards its conclusion, with the chance to secure slots for all ball games at the 22nd National Sports Festival – the ‘Gateway Games’ billed for Abeokuta, Ogun State in May.

News

Elo Akose, NDSF logo designer celebrates his emergence

Elo Akose, the winner of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) logo design competition, has expressed delight to see his work gaining national traction through extensive media campaign as preparations for the festival heightens.

Akose, who received a reward of N250,000 prize money, commended the organisers of the contest for providing a platform for youths to showcase their artistic talents in design.

Akose’s entry emerged the best from over 300 others that were submitted to a panel of judges set up by the project consultants, Dunamis Icon, weeks ago. The design has since been officially put to use.

“I counted myself lucky to have had my entry selected from the over 300 submitted by other contestants and would like to thank the organisers of the Niger Delta Sports Festival for the opportunity given to all of us, the contestants to be part of this project,” Akose told NDSF Media.

Akose works with Smax Digital Prints and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education (Economics) from the Delta State University.

The NDSF, the first intervention of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as part of its 25th anniversary, will hold in Akwa Ibom State from April 1 to 9. Over 3,000 athletes are expected to participate in 17 sports.