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Libyan official in CAF raises alarm ahead of judgment on botched AFCON qualifier vs Nigeria

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A Libyan official has lamented over 20 Nigerians at the CAF hearing. Photo: Ahmed HASAN. Source: UGC
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  • Libya vs Nigeria saga continues as both countries await CAF’s verdict on the botched 2025 AFCON qualifier
  • CAF Executive committee member Abdul Hakim Al-Shalmani has lamented that Libya did not present strong evidence during the hearing
  • According to him, more than 20 people represented Nigeria in the case as he lamented that he was alone for his country

Ahead of CAF’s verdict over the botched 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Libya and Nigeria, an official from the North African country has raised the alarm.

Libyan member in the CAF Executive Committee, Abdul Hakim Al-Shalmani, lamented that his countrymen did not present strong evidence at the CAF hearing on the controversy-ridden match.

Al-Shalmani disclosed that over 20 people represented Nigeria in the case, with the Sports Minister and members of the parliament present at the hearing.

He decried Libyan officials’ lack of proper representation as he found himself alone standing for his country in this case, Sports Village Square reports.

The administrator believes it is a national situation and that more individuals should be there to represent them.

Al-Shamani said:

“While I was representing Libya alone, this issue was supposed to be an opportunity to unite ranks and support the homeland.

“It is unreasonable for me to address the responsible authorities individually without having an official position that would enable me to do so.

“This is an issue that affects Libya’s dignity and sporting reputation and requires everyone’s intervention.”

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When will CAF decide Libya vs Nigeria’s fate?

Meanwhile, former president of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick disclosed that CAF will decide the Libya vs. Nigeria case by Friday.

The FIFA Council member told Arise TV that CAF takes the matter very seriously and a decision will be made.

Turkish journalist speaks on potential verdict

Ekwutosblog  earlier reported that Turkish journalist Muhammet Duman suggested that CAF would likely reschedule the botched 2025 AFCON qualifier between Libya and Nigeria.

After waiting for more than 16 hours at the airport, the Nigerian team returned to their country, prompting CAF to launch an immediate investigation, Sports Ration reports.

The continental football body has set Wednesday, October 23 for the final verdict, but Hurriyet Newspaper Spor Arena writer Muhammed Duman says he does not expect any punishment for Libya.

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Mohamed Salah Hints At Liverpool Exit Amid Uncertain Contract Future

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Mohamed Salah Hints At Liverpool Exit Amid Uncertain Contract Future
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Mohamed Salah Hints At Liverpool Exit Amid Uncertain Contract Future

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has sparked fresh speculation over his future at the club with a cryptic social media message, hinting at a possible departure.

The Egyptian star, who scored the decisive goal in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Brighton on Saturday, took to X (formerly Twitter) to reflect on his connection with the club and Anfield fans.

“Top of the table is where this club belongs. Nothing less. All teams win matches, but there’s only one champion in the end. That’s what we want,” Salah posted.

He added, “Thank you for your support last night. No matter what happens, I will never forget what scoring at Anfield feels like.”

With his contract set to expire at the end of this season, the 32-year-old’s future remains uncertain.

Salah, who is currently on a reported £350,000-per-week deal, will be able to negotiate with clubs outside England starting in January if no extension is agreed upon.

Despite the concerns of fans, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has downplayed the contract situation, choosing instead to focus on the strong form of Salah and his teammates, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contracts also expire this season.

As Liverpool pursues its first Premier League title since 2020, Salah’s future will remain a closely watched storyline among fans eager to see the Egyptian icon stay at Anfield.

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Ranked: 5 players in Europe who have outscored Cristiano Ronaldo in 2024

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Ranked: 5 players in Europe who have outscored Cristiano Ronaldo in 2024

 

  • Cristiano Ronaldo has been in fine goalscoring form since joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in 2023
  • Ronaldo is waiting for his first official trophy with the club, with rivals Al-Hilal dominating since his arrival
  • Despite his goalscoring exploits, five strikers playing in European leagues have outscored him in 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best goalscorers that football has ever seen, lighting up every club he has played for with goals from Madeira to Manchester to Madrid and beyond.

In the final years of his career, he is the pacesetter in the lucrative Saudi Pro League and has not stopped scoring, even though he has yet to taste a major trophy with Al-Nassr.

According to Planet Football, only five players in the European leagues have outscored his 29 goals in 2024 this season, proving how great of a finisher he still is at 39.

TUKO.co.ke looks at the five players who have netted more than 29 goals in European leagues in 2024.

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European players who have outscored Ronaldo

1. Viktor Gyokeres

Gyokeres has been the hottest striker in Europe since last season, and it’s no surprise that he has netted 43 goals in the calendar year, including five in the last two games. According to Sky Germany, he is a target for top European clubs, and his move will come soon, with manager Ruben Amorim leaving for Manchester United.

2. Harry Kane

Kane would be at the top of this list with 37 goals if only the top five European leagues were considered. He continues to be a free-scoring striker at Bayern Munich and could finally get his hands on a trophy this season with the Bavarians racing to an early lead on the German Bundesliga table.

3. Robert Lewandowski

Lewandowski had a mixed season for Barcelona in 2023/24 but picked up his goalscoring boots in the second half of the season. He has been on fire under new boss Hansi Flick, whom he played under at Bayern. He has 34 goals this year, half of which have come this season.

4. Erling Haaland

Haaland has been one of Europe’s best goalscorers in Europe since he broke onto the scene at RB Salzburg and has remained consistent. He has 33 goals in 2024, 19 of which came last season to wrap up his second consecutive Premier League Golden Boot. He has 14 already this season.

5. Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe played the first half of 2024 as a Paris Saint-Germain player, scoring 23 goals despite issues with the club surrounding his intention to leave the club as a free agent. He has netted eight times for Real Madrid, including six in the Spanish La Liga.

Osimhen rated above Haaland

Ekwutosblog reported that Victor Osimhen was rated above Haaland on the list of the most marketable athletes in 2024 based on three criteria from a US website.

The Nigerian masked man narrowly edged the Norwegian goal machine as one of the footballers in the top 50, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Heartland FC of Owerri beat Abia Warriors 2:0 away from home in oriental derby.

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Heartland FC of Owerri beat Abia Warriors 2:0 away from home in oriental derby.

Heartland FC of Owerri has just secured a thrilling 2-0 win over Abia Warriors in the Oriental Derby. This victory is a huge boost for the team, and  fans are over the moon!

Ekwutosblog gathered that according  to the latest match statistics, Heartland FC’s coach, Christian Obi, has finally broken the winless streak, securing his first victory in 17 attempts. This win is a testament to the team’s hard work and determination. As Obi said, “The jinx has been broken. I am excited and I want to use this opportunity to all those that have contributed your support. We are climbing the ladder and climbing the ladder has a process. It is one after the other.”

In terms of the match itself, Heartland FC dominated the game, with Abia Warriors struggling to find their footing. The statistics show that Heartland FC had a total of 9 goals in the last 6 matches, with an average of 1.5 goals per game. On the other hand, Abia Warriors had only 4 goals in the same period, with an average of 0.67 goals per game.

As for the head-to-head match statistics, Heartland FC has won 9 matches out of 16 against Abia Warriors, with 4 draws and 3 losses. The most recent match between the two teams ended in a 2-0 win for Heartland FC, with a total of 2 goals scored by Heartland FC and 0 goals scored by Abia Warriors.

 

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