Advertisement
Ask Nigeria Header Logo

Latest stories across the world football

Photo of author

By Timothy Akintola

Check out bits on Arnold, Monaco, Sergej Jakirović, Vince Carter and Raya.

Trent Alexander-Arnold to reportedly buy French club, FC Nantes.

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly in talks to take over Ligue 1 club FC Nantes. According to “L’Equipe” via “Get Football News France”, the England international is eyeing ownership through an English Investment fund managed by his father. With his Liverpool contract expiring at the end of the season, speculation has linked him to Real Madrid, but Alexander-Arnold seems to have business ambitions of his own. Inspired by Kylian Mbappe’s recent acquisition of an 80% stake in Ligue 2 side Caen, the Liverpool star has made a €100m (£80m) bid for Nantes. Current owner Waldemar Kita, who has been in charge since 2007, is reportedly open to selling after growing frustrated with the club’s financial and sporting challenges. Alexander-Arnold is also a minority shareholder in the Alpine F1 Team.

Advertisement


Monaco starts the new Champions League season with a win over 10-man Barcelona.

Barcelona began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 defeat to AS Monaco, hampered by Eric Garcia’s early red card. The defender was sent off just 11 minutes in after fouling Monaco’s Takumi Minamino, who was through on goal following a misplaced pass from Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Monaco capitalized on the dismissal with Maghnes Akliouche scoring the opener. Barcelona’s 17-year-old sensation, Lamine Yamal, netted a superb equalizer, but George Ilenikhena secured the win for Monaco in the 71st minute. Despite their reduced numbers, Barcelona fought hard but were ultimately unable to salvage a point. Ter Stegen expressed regret over the miscommunication that led to Garcia’s red card, acknowledging it hurt the team. The Catalans, five-time European champions, have struggled in Europe in recent years and were once again undone on the road at the Stade Louis II.


Sergej Jakirović sacked as Dinamo Zagreb’s coach after Bayern’s 9-2 defeat.

Dinamo Zagreb has fired coach Sergej Jakirović just two days after a 9-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The Croatian champions announced that Jakirović’s assistant, Sandro Perkovic, will step in as interim coach. Dinamo’s next Champions League match is at home against Monaco in two weeks. Bayern’s nine-goal haul was the highest in the competition’s 32-year history since it was rebranded from the European Cup. Harry Kane scored four goals, including three penalties, in the rout. Despite trailing 3-0 at halftime, Dinamo briefly rallied with two quick goals early in the second half, before their defense collapsed again. Jakirović, a former Bosnia-Herzegovina international, had coached Dinamo for 13 months, winning a domestic league and cup double last season. Several teams scored 10+ goals in a game during the old European Cup era.

Advertisement


Vince Carter’s Jersey no.15 to be retired by the Brooklyn Nets.

The Brooklyn Nets will retire Vince Carter’s No. 15 jersey on Jan. 25, 2025, ahead of their home game against the Miami Heat. Carter’s jersey will be the seventh retired by the franchise, joining legends like Drazen Petrovic and Jason Kidd. Nets governor Joe Tsai praised Carter’s contributions on and off the court, calling him a vital part of the team’s history. A Hall of Fame inductee in 2024, Carter averaged 23.6 points during his time with the Nets from 2004-09, setting the franchise’s NBA-era single-season scoring record with 2,070 points in 2006-07. The eight-time All-Star and 1998-99 Rookie of the Year is the only player in NBA history to compete in four decades. Carter retired in 2020 after scoring 25,728 points in 1,541 games across eight NBA teams.

Advertisement


David Raya the hero as Arsenal settles for a draw against Atalanta.

Arsenal began their Champions League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo. The first half offered few clear chances, with Bukayo Saka’s free-kick and Gabriel Martinelli’s shot over the bar being Arsenal’s best opportunities. Atalanta nearly took the lead early in the second half when Thomas Partey conceded a penalty, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced a brilliant double save to deny Mateo Retegui. Juan Cuadrado then tested Raya with two long-range efforts, but Arsenal’s defense held firm. The Gunners’ best chance in the second half came when substitute Raheem Sterling set up Martinelli, who missed the target. After that, Arsenal appeared content with a point, securing a solid clean sheet thanks to a disciplined defensive display. The draw earned Arsenal a well-deserved point to start their European campaign.


Disclaimer

The content on AskNigeria.com is given for general information only and does not constitute a professional opinion, and users should seek their own legal/professional advice. There is data available online that lists details, facts and further information not listed in this post, please complete your own investigation into these matters and reach your own conclusion. Images included with this information are not real, they are AI generated and are used for decorative purposes only. Our images are not depicting actual events unless otherwise specified. AskNigeria.com accepts no responsibility for losses from any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of content contained in this website and/or other websites which may be linked to this website.

Advertisement