Football

France and Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has revealed what team mate, Alexis Sanchez told him before he scored his second goal against Manchester City in the Premier League at the weekend. The Playmaker, who had a disappointing opening 45 minutes, was in inspired form after the break as he converted Ander Herrera’s chested pass to pull one goal back for the Red Devils, before leveling minutes after.

The United Nations’ World Tourism Organization said Monday it has appointed FC Barcelona’s Argentine star Lionel Messi as an ambassador to promote responsible tourism. “During my travels, I have had the opportunity to know other cultures and societies as well as other ways to see the world and this is very enriching,” Messi said in a statement released by the Madrid-based United Nations body announcing his nomination.

If you were a fan of Nigerian football in the early 1980s, you would remember Tunji Banjo, John Chidozie and John Orlando.

They were among the first generation of “professionals” — as foreign-based players were called at the time — to play for the national team, then called the “Green Eagles” before they were rechristened “Super Eagles” by the military government in 1988.

Banjo, now 58, played nine international games for the Green Eagles, his debut coming on July 12, 1980 in a World Cup qualifying match against Tunisia.

Former Super Eagles’ winger, Emmanuel Amuneke has disclosed the reason why he was not voted World Footballer of the year, despite enjoying an eventful career in Africa and Europe. Amuneke who is famous for his goal scoring prowess said he was denied the Ballon d’Or award because he plied his soccer trade as a Nigerian. He stressed that if he were to be a European, he would have been considered for the award.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed midfielder Emre Can will miss the rest of the 2017-18 season. The Germany international has been sidelined with a back problem recently. Amid rumours he was set to miss the rest of the campaign, Klopp was asked by Sky Sports whether Can's term was over.

Lagos-based MFM FC suffered a shock defeat in the hands of visiting Djoliba FC of Mali and they will face an uphill task overturning the 0-1 defeat in the elimination match when they lock horns in the weeks to come. The Olukoya Boys tasted the first home defeat this season and also became the first to lose at home to the visitors.