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Naija Super 8: Play-off finalists to get N2m each

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Naija Super 8 organisers, Flykite Productions, have announced that the 12 clubs that have qualified for tournament’s zonal play-offs will be given the sum of N2 million each to assist them in their travel and logistical plans.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the organisers on Friday. The statement quoted Jenkins Alumona, Managing Director of Flykite Productions, as saying that the N2 million is in fulfilment of the organisers’ promise to subsidise the travel of the participating clubs to Eket, where the play-offs are scheduled to be held from 23-25 June.

Flykite Productions, the statement added, will be responsible for feeding and accommodation of players and officials of every team.

“Each of the 12 clubs participating in the Naija Super 8 zonal play-offs will be given the sum of N2 million as travel and logistic subsidy,” Alumona stated.

Last Friday, teams for the play-offs were unveiled at a ceremony in Lagos. This followed the release of the results of the fan voting exercise, which was authenticated by Deloitte, the globally-renowned firm of auditors. The voting phase delivered 1, 926, 495.

Two teams with the highest vote tallies in each geo-political zone qualified for the play-offs, where they will play knockout games to determine six qualifiers for the finals. They will be joined by two wildcard entries, determined by the organisers, at the finals scheduled for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos from 7-16 July.

Also at the ceremony, mentors for the eventual eight finalists were unveiled. They are ex-internationals Augustine Eguavoen, Mutiu Adepoju, Garba Lawal, Ike Shorunmu, Julius Aghahowa, Tijani Babangida and Victor Ezeji.

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SuperSport Weekend Football Guide: Heavyweight Clashes Across Europe

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European league football continues this weekend with key fixtures across the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1, as title contenders and European hopefuls take to the pitch. The round is headlined by Arsenal vs Man United in England, Roma vs AC Milan in Italy and Marseille vs Lens in France. All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv., SuperSport will broadcast all the key clashes live on DStv and GOtv.Premier League: Arsenal vs United Tops the BillPremier League action resumes on Saturday with Manchester City hosting Wolves at 4:00 p.m. City are enduring a difficult spell, winless in four league games and coming off back-to-back defeats across competitions. Wolves, despite sitting bottom, are unbeaten in four and will look to capitalise on City’s defensive absences.Also at 4:00 p.m., Burnley welcome Spurs, with both sides desperate to reset their league form. Spurs continue to struggle domestically, while Burnley have picked up valuable draws against top opposition in recent weeks.Saturday concludes at 6:30 p.m. as Bournemouth face Liverpool. The Reds arrive on the back of four consecutive league draws but were emphatic in Europe midweek, offering hope of a return to winning ways.On Sunday, Crystal Palace host Chelsea at 3:00 p.m., with Palace winless in eight and Chelsea buoyed by renewed momentum under Liam Rosenior. Newcastle then face Aston Villa at the same time in a crucial meeting between two European hopefuls.The standout fixture comes at 5:30 p.m. as leaders Arsenal host Man United. Arsenal remain clear at the top despite recent draws, while United arrive rejuvenated after a derby win over City under new boss Michael Carrick.All Premier League action airs on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).La Liga: Title Pressure Builds in SpainSaturday night sees Villarreal host Real Madrid at 9:00 p.m. in a major clash with title implications. Madrid are in ruthless form and sit just one point off the summit, while Villarreal look to respond after slipping from second place.Sunday’s action includes Atletico Madrid hosting Real Mallorca at 2:00 p.m., before Barcelona welcome bottom-side Real Oviedo at 4:15 p.m. Barcelona remain top despite last weekend’s defeat and will be keen to avoid further pressure from Madrid.The round concludes at 6:30 p.m. with Real Sociedad facing in-form Celta Vigo in a key battle for European places.La Liga matches are live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).Serie A: Milan and Roma Collide as Inter Look to Extend LeadSerie A action begins on Friday night with leaders Inter hosting Pisa at 8:45 p.m., a fixture that presents an opportunity to extend their advantage with title rivals facing tougher tests.Sunday delivers two blockbusters, with Juventus hosting Napoli at 6:00 p.m. before Roma face AC Milan at 8:45 p.m. With minimal separation among the chasing pack, both fixtures could significantly shape the Scudetto race.Serie A games are on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).Ligue 1: Marseille vs Lens Headlines French ActionLigue 1 action opens on Friday as PSG travel to Auxerre at 8:00 p.m., seeking a response after midweek disappointment in Europe.Saturday’s highlight comes at 9:05 p.m. when Marseille host league leaders Lens in a heavyweight clash that could define the title race. Sunday rounds off the weekend with Lyon visiting Metz and Lille hosting Strasbourg as the battle for European places intensifies.Ligue 1 fixtures air on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61), with selected matches on SS Africa 1 (DStv Ch. 207, GOtv Ch. 63).Weekend HighlightsPremier LeagueMan City vs Wolves — Saturday, 4:00 p.m.Burnley vs Spurs — Saturday, 4:00 p.m.Bournemouth vs Liverpool — Saturday, 6:30 p.m.Crystal Palace vs Chelsea — Sunday, 3:00 p.m.Newcastle vs Aston Villa — Sunday, 3:00 p.m.Arsenal vs Man United — Sunday, 5:30 p.m.La LigaVillarreal vs Real Madrid — Saturday, 9:00 p.m.Atletico Madrid vs Mallorca — Sunday, 2:00 p.m.Barcelona vs Real Oviedo — Sunday, 4:15 p.m.Real Sociedad vs Celta Vigo — Sunday, 6:30 p.m.Serie AInter vs Pisa — Friday, 8:45 p.m.Juventus vs Napoli — Sunday, 6:00 p.m.Roma vs AC Milan — Sunday, 8:45 p.m.Ligue 1Auxerre vs PSG — Friday, 8:00 p.m.Marseille vs Lens — Saturday, 9:05 p.m.Metz vs Lyon — Sunday, 5:15 p.m.Lille vs Strasbourg — Sunday, 8:45 p.m.Where to WatchCatch all League Action on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv All matches are also available to stream live on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. SuperSport is also running an Open Access and upgrade period. Subscribers on DStv and GOtv subscribers can watch all matches without upgrading. In fact, if you just reconnect, you’ll be given the next higher package. Just subscribe and stay connected to enjoy.

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Managerial Pressure Surrounds Arsenal–Liverpool Midweek Tie  on SuperSport

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Midweek football returns with decisive fixtures across the Premier League and Serie A, as managerial uncertainty and title pressure shape a demanding round of matches. Ruben Amorim’s dismissal at Man United sets the tone for a volatile week and Liverpool’s Arne Slot continues to face growing scrutiny ahead of a trip to league leaders Arsenal. Fans can watch every key fixture live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv.Premier League: Pressure Mounts EverywhereOn Wednesday at 8:30 p.m., Man City host Brighton at the Etihad, live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). City have now dropped points in consecutive draws against Sunderland and Chelsea, leaving them six points adrift of Arsenal and level with Aston Villa. They will also be without key defenders, Dias and Gvardiol. Guardiola’s side face a Brighton team boosted by a clean-sheet win over Burnley, though the visitors are still seeking their first league victory at the Etihad.Also at 8:30 p.m., Fulham welcome Chelsea in a West London derby, airing live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205). Fulham remain unbeaten in five matches and rescued a late draw against Liverpool last time out. Chelsea, under interim coach Calum McFarlane, continue to search for stability after drawing at Man City, with attention still focused on developments in the dugout.At the same time, Crystal Palace host Aston Villa live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204). Villa returned to third place after a commanding win over Nottingham Forest and continue to position themselves as outside title contenders. Palace, however, are winless in seven across all competitions and under pressure to halt a worrying run of results.Wednesday night continues at 9:15 p.m. as Burnley face Man United, live on SS Action (GOtv Ch. 66, DStv Ch. 206). United begin life after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, with Darren Fletcher stepping in as interim manager. Burnley, without a league win since October, will view the fixture as an opportunity against a United side still searching for identity.Thursday’s headline fixture sees Arsenal host Liverpool at 9:00 p.m., live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Arsenal extended their winning run with a late victory at Bournemouth and remain firmly in control at the top of the table. Liverpool arrive under mounting pressure, winless in the new year and increasingly scrutinised following Amorim’s exit elsewhere in the league. A defeat at the Emirates would deepen the gap at the summit and intensify questions around Arne Slot’s position.Serie A: Title Race Remains on a Knife EdgeSerie A’s midweek “Epiphany” round begins on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. as Lecce host Roma, live on SS Africa 1 (GOtv Ch. 63, DStv Ch. 207). Roma slipped out of the top four following defeat to Atalanta and face a Lecce side encouraged by a resilient draw against Juventus. The visitors will need greater efficiency in front of goal to avoid losing further ground.Later on Tuesday at 8:45 p.m., Juventus travel to Sassuolo, live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208). Juventus were held at home by Lecce last time out and remain under pressure to stay in the title conversation. Sassuolo, settled in mid-table, will look to capitalise on Juve’s recent defensive lapses.Wednesday sees Napoli host Verona at 6:30 p.m., live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208). Napoli arrive with momentum after a controlled away win at Lazio and continue to boast one of the league’s most disciplined defences. Verona, struggling near the bottom, face a difficult test in Naples.At 8:45 p.m., leaders Inter Milan visit Parma, also live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208). Inter extended their winning run against Bologna and remain the form side in Italy. Parma, though difficult to break down at home, will need a near-perfect performance to disrupt the league leaders.Thursday closes the Serie A round as AC Milan host Genoa at 8:45 p.m., live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208). Milan’s victory at Cagliari stretched their unbeaten run to sixteen matches, keeping them firmly in contention. Genoa, battling relegation, will aim to frustrate the hosts at San Siro.Midweek HighlightsPremier LeagueMan City vs Brighton — Wed, 8:30 p.m.Fulham vs Chelsea — Wed, 8:30 p.m.Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa — Wed, 8:30 p.m.Burnley vs Man United — Wed, 9:15 p.m.Arsenal vs Liverpool — Thu, 9:00 p.m.Serie ALecce vs Roma — Tue, 6:00 p.m.Sassuolo vs Juventus — Tue, 8:45 p.m.Napoli vs Verona — Wed, 6:30 p.m.Parma vs Inter Milan — Wed, 8:45 p.m.AC Milan vs Genoa — Thu, 8:45 p.m.Catch Every GameStream every match live on select SuperSport channels or on the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, or visit www.dstv.com and www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.

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5 Players to Watch as AFCON Family Meeting Kicks Off on GOtv

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AFCON is here, and the biggest family meeting in Africa is set to light up Morocco. Countries from across the continent will come together, each bringing pride, passion, and their best players to the pitch. Here are five star players to keep an eye on during the tournament and you can catch every match live on GOtv.Victor Osimhen — Nigeriaimage.jpegVictor Osimhen is Nigeria’s main striker and one of the most talked-about players in the Super Eagles. Known for his incredible speed, strength, and sharp finishing, Osimhen is expected to lead Nigeria’s attack, score crucial goals, and make dangerous runs that defenders will struggle to stop. Nigerian fans are especially watching him, knowing that his performance could make a big difference in the team’s journey through the tournament. Nigerians will also be keeping an eye on other Super Eagles stars such as Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze, who have been in good form for their PL teams and are all expected to play key roles in the team’s campaign.Mohamed Salah — Egyptimage.jpegMohamed Salah is a skilled attacker with quick feet and a knack for finding the back of the net. He is also under a lot of scrutiny at Liverpool and was iced out of the team which suggests more eyes will be on his performance at AFCON. Salah is expected to be central to Egypt’s attacking play, creating chances and leading key moves in tight matches. His experience and ability to perform in big moments make him a player to watch throughout the tournament, amidst his recent club controversy as well.Bryan Mbeumo — Cameroonimage.jpegMan United’s Bryan Mbeumo is a versatile forward who can play on the wing or as a striker. He is fast, agile, and able to make clever runs that open up the defence. He’s also arguably been Man United’s best player this season. At AFCON, Mbeumo will help Cameroon move the ball quickly, link up with other attackers, and create scoring opportunities. His energy and ability to react quickly to changes on the pitch make him a constant threat in every game and an exciting prospect to watchWilfried Zaha — Côte d’Ivoireimage.jpegWilfried Zaha has recently been called back to the Côte d’Ivoire squad after some time out due to his club football struggles. He is known for his explosive dribbling, pace, and creativity on the wing. He can take on defenders, make smart runs, and create space for teammates. At AFCON, Zaha is expected to be one of Côte d’Ivoire’s key attacking players, stretching defences, producing exciting plays, and helping the team break through tough opposition. His skill and unpredictability make him one of the most entertaining players to watch.Achraf Hakimi — Moroccoimage.jpegAchraf Hakimi is a fast and versatile defender who can also attack and is an exciting player for the host nation. He is known for making overlapping runs, providing accurate crosses, and helping his team move from defence to attack quickly. In AFCON, Hakimi is expected to lead Morocco’s efforts both at the back and in attack, giving his team balance and energy. His speed and ability to join attacks make him an important player to keep an eye on.The Family Meets! image.pngThese players represent some of the top talent in African football, each expected to influence their teams’ performance on the biggest stage. From fast-paced attacking moves to solid defensive contributions, AFCON promises plenty of moments to watch closely. Make sure you don’t miss a single match.Catch all the AFCON games on GOtv from December 21st. Simply download the MyGOtv app or dial *288# to subscribe, or reconnect. For on-the-go viewing, use the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite festive shows anytime, anywhere.

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