Mario Balotelli set to join Genoa after four months in free agency.
Ex Manchester City and Liverpool striker, Mario Balotelli is set for a return to Italy, nearing a free transfer to Genoa after four months as a free agent. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Italian striker will join Genoa until the end of the season, with a reduced salary compared to his recent earnings in Turkey. Balotelli, 34, has reportedly spoken multiple times with Genoa head coach Alberto Gilardino. Gianluca Di Marzio adds that medical tests are scheduled for Monday, and the contract includes bonuses based on appearances and performance, with a pre-tax salary between €400,000 and €500,000. After his last Italian stint with Monza in 2020-21 and recent spells in Turkey and Switzerland, Balotelli aims to prove his fitness and impact as Genoa struggle in Serie A, sitting in the relegation zone with only six points and a scoring average under one goal per game.
🚨🔴🔵 Mario Balotelli to Genoa, here we go! Deal in place to sign Italian striker on contract valid until June 2025.
Balotelli has been waiting for 20 days as he only wanted Genoa, he spoke several times to Alberto Gilardino…
…and now joins as free agent on reduced salary. pic.twitter.com/y5aZnMYmzH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 26, 2024
CAF awards 3 points to the Super Eagles for the abandoned Libya game.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Nigeria three points and three goals after their match against Libya was abandoned due to alleged mistreatment by the host nation. The Super Eagles’ team reportedly spent nearly a day stranded at an abandoned airport, prompting them to withdraw from the game. CAF’s Disciplinary Board chair, Ousmane Kanethe, announced on Saturday that Libya was found in violation of Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. In addition to forfeiting the match, Libya’s Football Federation faces a $50,000 fine, payable within 60 days, as a consequence for their actions. With this decision, Nigeria now holds 10 points from four games, strengthening their standing in the tournament as CAF emphasizes its commitment to discipline and fair play.
CAF rules the abandoned match between Nigeria and Libya in favour of Nigeria.
3 points and 3 goals go to Nigeria 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/vP4DzWcxdn
— 49th. (@the49thstreet) October 26, 2024
Kennedy Nzechukwu secured a First-round TKO win in his UFC Heavyweight debut.
Nigeria’s Kennedy Nzechukwu had a successful heavyweight debut in MMA, defeating Spain’s Chris Barnett via TKO at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. Nzechukwu’s patient approach and steady striking proved effective in the first round, with Barnett swinging back but appearing to injure his leg in the process. Sensing the advantage, Nzechukwu increased his intensity, bringing the fight to the mat, where he unleashed a series of unanswered strikes. Referee Jason Herzog stopped the bout at the 4:27 mark, giving Nzechukwu the victory. With this win, the former light heavyweight fighter improves his record to 13-5, while Barnett’s record falls to 23-9.
Nigeria's Kennedy Nzechukwu secured a first-round TKO win in his UFC heavyweight debut 🤯 pic.twitter.com/WKCTr3fJxc
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) October 26, 2024
4-0 loss for Real Madrid; Barcelona moves 6 points clear on the La Liga table.
Barcelona triumphed over Real Madrid with a 4-0 win in El Clasico at the Bernabéu, thanks to goals from Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha. Lewandowski netted twice in the second half within three minutes, breaking the deadlock and then scoring a looping header, demonstrating his skill and experience. Real Madrid, who came into the match unbeaten in 42 La Liga games and close to Barcelona’s record, missed early chances, with Kylian Mbappé flagged offside six times and having a goal disallowed. Lewandowski had opportunities to secure the match but missed twice, briefly giving Madrid hope. However, Yamal and Raphinha capitalized on defensive gaps to secure a commanding Barcelona victory. The win places Barcelona six points clear at the top of La Liga, marking a memorable milestone in their campaign.
FT: Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona.
BARCELONA WITH A HISTORICAL VICTORY IN SANTIAGO BERNABEU! ✨✨✨✨✨ pic.twitter.com/YxVzJpzHJV
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) October 26, 2024
Team USA defeats Nigeria in the U-17 Women’s World Cup quarter final.
Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s World Cup journey ended in a 2-0 quarter final defeat to the United States at CFC Stadium, Santiago de los Caballeros, on Saturday. Goals from Katharine Fuller and Kimball Ascanio secured the American victory, avenging their 2022 loss to Nigeria in the same stage of the tournament. Fuller opened the scoring with a penalty in the 43rd minute, while Ascanio, a second-half substitute, doubled the lead in the 74th minute. Despite making two first-half substitutions, Coach Bankole Olowookere’s efforts to shift the game’s momentum were unsuccessful. Nigeria had entered the match confidently after winning all their group games against New Zealand, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic, scoring nine goals and conceding only one. However, the Americans maintained control throughout, ultimately ending Nigeria’s campaign and hopes of repeating their previous triumph over the U.S.
🏁 FULL TIME! in Santiago 📍
Nigeria 🇳🇬 0-2 United States 🇺🇲
The journey of our sisters, the Flamingos, in the Dominican Republic may have ended, but we trust they will gain valuable lessons and return stronger for the tasks ahead in Morocco next year.#SoarFlamingos #NGAUSA pic.twitter.com/aoupTTYHgx
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) October 26, 2024