In a surprising turn of events, former football star Frank Lampard has joined Steven Gerrard in reevaluating his stance on the perennial Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) debate.
Frederick Akinola
Frederick Akinola
I'm a writer, researcher and entrepreneur. A communication studies graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. I love to read and write. I believe stories are a sneak peak into the past and an unraveling of the future.
In the lead-up to Chelsea’s clash with Newcastle, the Blues receive a defensive boost with the return of Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia. The duo, spotted in training, signals hope for their involvement in the upcoming Premier League match.
In a candid revelation, former Leicester City star and Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, voiced his apprehensions about a rising trend of betting distractions among Nigerian football enthusiasts. Musa expressed his concerns, as reported by Soccernet, during the unveiling of the national team’s ‘Let’s Do It Again’ mantra, focusing on securing a fourth AFCON title in Ivory Coast next year.
Musa highlighted a worrying fixation among a segment of Nigerian fans on betting rather than wholeheartedly supporting the Super Eagles. He stressed that genuine passion for the game seemed to be overshadowed by vested interests in betting activities.
Addressing the impact on players and their families, Musa revealed the emotional toll experienced by his own family during defeats, citing the pressure to shield them from insults and criticism. Furthermore, he lamented the financial challenges faced by players due to Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, acknowledging the efforts of former NFF boss Amaju Pinnick in the qualification bid.
The football veteran shed light on the changing fan sentiment, attributing criticisms directed at the team to disgruntled bettors whose wagers were affected by match outcomes. Musa concluded by expressing his hope for a return to genuine love and passion for the Super Eagles, free from the overshadowing influence of betting.