Sports

Liverpool’s Slot urges patience with ‘best striker’ Isak after record move

Published

8 months ago

September 12, 2025

Arne Slot on Friday described new signing Alexander Isak as “maybe the best striker in the world” but warned he would be eased into action gradually after a disrupted pre-season.

The Premier League champions signed the Sweden forward from Newcastle on transfer deadline day for a British-record fee of £125 million ($169 million), adding further firepower to their impressive squad.

Isak’s arrival after a protracted chase was part of an eye-catching splurge of more than £400 million in the summer transfer window, though a deadline-day move to sign Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi collapsed.

“A lot of things happened on the last day (of the transfer window), which is not always the situation, because last season we hardly did anything during the whole window,” Slot said on Friday.

“But the thing that pleases me most, of course, is us getting the deal for Alex over the line.”

The Dutchman praised Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson for the way he handled Isak’s workload during the international break.

The 25-year-old, who has not played any club football this season, was on the bench for Sweden’s 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw against Slovenia and was brought on as a late substitute in the 2-0 defeat against Kosovo.

“He gets one of the best, maybe the best striker in the world, and needs to play two very important games for his country, but understands that if he would play him twice for 90 minutes, then probably the player would have been injured,” Slot said.

“And that’s not always easy for a manager, that he takes care of the interest of a player, so he deserves a big compliment for that. And we will treat Alex the same as they did, so don’t expect him to be every single game 90 minutes on the pitch.

“That’s definitely not going to happen in the upcoming weeks. He missed a proper pre-season, I think he missed three or four months of team sessions, so now we have to build him up gradually, with us playing so many games, hardly any training time.”

– Isak criticism –

Slot, speaking ahead of Sunday’s match against Burnley, brushed off criticism that Isak received after he agitated to leave Newcastle, where he still had three more years to run on his contract.

“Sometimes people cheer for you, so I think after he won the League Cup (trophy last season), everyone was really happy with him,” he said.

“And in other moments you get criticised — this is part of his life, my life, our jobs. Now he’s a player for us and I’m really happy with that.”

Slot, whose team have won all three of their Premier League matches so far this season, admitted he had been keen to sign Guehi but would not be drawn about any future bid.

“I think it would be a bit ridiculous if I’m going to deny that we were close to signing him,” he said. “That’s so out in the open, that would be ridiculous.

“These things happen in football, it happened to our players maybe in the past as well, that they thought they were so close on signing somewhere else, and then in the last moment things changed.”

Slot, who is eyeing a record 21st English league title with Liverpool, said he had options in defence.

“It’s a pity, not only for us but also for the player, I think,” he said. “But he’s in a good place playing at Palace, where he won the Community Shield and the FA Cup, with a very good manager as well. So let’s see what the future brings for him and for us.”

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Sports

President Tinubu Hails Ejimofor Anosike After NBL Title Win

Published

13 minutes ago

April 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian-American basketball star, Ejimofor Anosike, for leading the Hong Kong Bulls to the 2026 National Basketball League championship.

Ejimofor Anosike powered the Bulls to the title and swept three individual honours, winning the Finals Most Valuable Player award, Best International Player award and Slam Dunk Champion title.

In a statement issued on Saturday, April 25, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the achievement as a source of pride for Nigeria and an inspiration to young athletes across Africa.

Tinubu praised the forward’s continued commitment to the national side, D’Tigers, despite his success abroad.

“I commend him for not allowing his successes on the international stage to overshadow his sense of patriotism, as evidenced by the passion he exhibits as a member of Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers,” Tinubu said.

“Anosike’s accomplishments reflect the growing global impact of Nigerians in sports and underscore the importance of continued investment in youth development and sporting excellence.”

The President added that the player’s exploits on the global stage have brought pride to the country and wished him even greater milestones in the years ahead.

Anosike, who holds dual Nigerian and American citizenship, remains a regular feature for the national basketball team.

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Sports

Ademola Lookman Ruled Out Of Bilbao Clash As Barcelona Eye Big LaLiga Gap

Published

21 minutes ago

April 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, has confirmed that Nigerian winger, Ademola Lookman, will miss the home meeting with Athletic Bilbao at 8 p.m. later tonight, April 25.

Ademola Lookman picked up an adductor injury in last weekend’s Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad.

The 28-year-old Nigerian striker also sat out Tuesday’s loss to Elche CF. Hopes of a quick return have now been dashed.

“Ademola Lookman is not ready for tomorrow yet, it’s a good thing we took him off in the Copa final,” Simeone said.

Lookman is targeting a comeback for the first leg of Atletico’s UEFA Champions League semi-final against Arsenal on Wednesday, April 29.

In LaLiga, leaders Barcelona can move 11 points clear when they visit Getafe CF after Real Madrid were held 1-1 by Real Betis on Friday night, April 24.

Madrid looked set for victory after Vinicius Junior pounced on the rebound from Federico Valverde’s effort. But Hector Bellerin struck late to dent their title hopes, leaving them eight points adrift with five matches left.

Manager Alvaro Arbeloa also addressed the withdrawal of Kylian Mbappe during the match. The forward was replaced by Gonzalo Garcia in the 82nd minute while Madrid were still ahead.

“I don’t know. He had some discomfort, and we will see how he progresses in the coming days,” Arbeloa said.

Madrid now turn their attention to a meeting with Espanyol.

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Sports

Football World Mourns Demise Of Super Eagles Striker, Michael Eneramo

Published

26 minutes ago

April 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The football world is in mourning following the death of former Nigeria international Michael Eneramo, who collapsed during a local friendly match in Kaduna.

It was reports that Michael Eneramo fell on the pitch in Ungwan Yelwa on Friday morning, April 24, after playing the first half of the game. Early reports suggest the 40-year-old ex-Super Eagles forward suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after the restart.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the news, with general secretary Mohammed Sanusi expressing shock and sympathy.

“This is devastating. I am short of words at this moment. I can only pray that God will grant him eternal rest and also grant his loved ones and the Nigerian football family the fortitude to bear the loss,” Sanusi said.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) also paid tribute, stating, “A respected figure in Nigerian football, his impact on the game will not be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace.”

Eneramo built a strong reputation across Tunisia and Turkey, where he was widely admired for his power and finishing. He enjoyed legendary status at Espérance Sportive de Tunis, who led tributes on social media.

“It is with deep sadness that Espérance Sportive de Tunis bids farewell to one of its legends, Nigerian striker Michael Eneramo, who has just passed away,” the club wrote.

“Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return. May God grant him eternal rest.”

Algerian side USM Alger added, “Farewell, Eneramo, and thank you for everything you gave to the club.”

Tributes also poured in from Turkey, where Eneramo played for Sivasspor, Beşiktaş, Galatasaray, Istanbul Başakşehir, Karabükspor and Istanbulspor.

Sivasspor said, “We have learned with profound sorrow of the passing of our former footballer Michael Eneramo.”

“He will always be remembered for the battles he fought under our red-and-white jersey. May our late player find mercy from God; we extend our condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Beşiktaş wrote, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Eneramo. We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Michael.”

Galatasaray added, “We are saddened to hear the passing of Michael Eneramo who played for multiple clubs in the Turkish Süper Lig.”

“Everyone at Galatasaray SK extends their condolences to his family, friends and the federation of Nigeria.”

Istanbulspor said, “We have learned with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Michael Eneramo, who previously wore the jersey of our national team. We wish him God’s mercy; and offer our condolences to his family, loved ones, and the football community.”

Turkish outlet Haber61 described him as a key figure in the country’s football history, noting he died following a heart attack.

Eneramo earned 10 caps for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, making his debut against Jamaica in London in 2009 and scoring his first international goal against the Republic of Ireland later that year. He also featured in World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Tunisia, scoring a memorable goal in a 2-2 draw in Abuja.

At the club level, he remains the only Nigerian to score four goals in a single Algerian league match, a feat achieved against OMR El Annasser in 2005.

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