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By Timothy Akintola

New stories on Erik ten Hag, Lookman, Starting 5, Luke Shaw and Super Falcons.

Erik ten Hag dismissed by Manchester United after over two years in charge.

Manchester United dismissed Erik ten Hag on Monday, just one day after their damaging 2-1 loss to struggling West Ham. This decision, reportedly “difficult and finely balanced,” came despite ten Hag’s recent contract extension in July and over £600 million spent on transfers during his tenure. His sudden exit is expected to cost United around £13.5 million, with an estimated £7 million in compensation. United’s board reached a unanimous decision to part ways with Ten Hag, following their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, which sees them 14th in the table after nine games. Their Europa League performance has also been disappointing, with draws against Twente, Porto, and Fenerbahçe. While Sporting Lisbon’s Rúben Amorim has been linked as a possible replacement, club legend, Ruud van Nistelrooy will serve as interim manager, leading the team against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

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Ademola Lookman crowns a superb year with Ballon d’Or recognition.

Super Eagles and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has achieved a major career milestone, ranking 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings, as announced Monday in Paris. This marks Lookman’s first nomination for the prestigious award, recognizing his outstanding performances for both club and country. At 27, the Nigerian international has impressed with his contributions in Serie A and Europe, establishing himself as one of 2024’s top football talents. Lookman is also a strong contender for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year title, thanks to his Europa League heroics and Ballon d’Or recognition. Last season, he made history by scoring a hat-trick in Atalanta’s European final win over Bayer Leverkusen. His 11 goals and seven assists in 31 Serie A games reflect an exceptional year, making him the only African player nominated in 2024. Previously, Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen ranked eighth in the 2023 Ballon d’Or.


New Starting 5 series set to feature Harden, Durant, Shai, Brown and Haliburton.

Netflix’s popular NBA docuseries Starting 5 is set to return for a new season with an updated lineup of stars. According to Shams Charania, this season will feature Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns, James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, and Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers. Produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter through Uninterrupted, Starting 5 follows five NBA stars across the ups and downs of a season. Last season highlighted LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, and Domantas Sabonis, with Tatum’s Celtics ultimately winning the championship. Gilgeous-Alexander, leading the Thunder to a top playoff seed last season, and Durant, Harden, Brown, and Haliburton each bring unique stories of resilience and growth. This season promises an inside look at their journeys as they chase team and personal success.

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Shaw suffers another injury blow as his wait for Man United return continues.

Manchester United’s injury struggles continue as Luke Shaw faces a setback in his recovery from a calf injury. Shaw, who hasn’t played for United since February, featured in three games for England at Euro 2024 but was sidelined at the start of the Premier League season due to his calf issue. Initially expected to return in October, Shaw is now further delayed, with his comeback still uncertain. Before his recent dismissal, manager Erik ten Hag acknowledged Shaw’s prolonged absence, adding to United’s ongoing injury woes. Fans have expressed frustration, with some even calling for the termination of Shaw’s contract back in August. Club legend Peter Schmeichel also criticized Shaw’s commitment, noting his availability for the Euros but not for United. Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, and Lisandro Martínez have stepped in at left-back as Shaw aims to impress United’s next manager under interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy.


Monday scores a brace as the Super Falcons defeat Algeria 4-1.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons dominated Algeria with a 4-1 victory in a friendly match at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Tuesday. Folashade Ijamilusi stole the spotlight, netting a hat-trick for the nine-time African champions. Gift Monday, who plays for Tenerife in Spain, scored Nigeria’s other goal. The Super Falcons took an early lead in the 12th minute with Ijamilusi’s first goal, which she followed up just seven minutes later. Algeria had an opportunity to narrow the gap with a penalty in the 39th minute but failed to convert. They eventually scored three minutes before halftime through Alouache Ouassila. However, Monday restored Nigeria’s two-goal lead just before the break. Ijamilusi then sealed the win in the 86th minute, giving Nigeria a decisive win over their North African opponents.

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