football Archives

Super Eagles Soaring at AFCON

On Wednesday night, we got to witness the Super Eagles of Nigeria soar to a 2 – 0 win against Guinea Bissau in their third game of the group stages of the AFCON. The eagles in doing so, became the only side at this year’s AFCON to record a 100% record in the group stages. The only side. That’s some feat!

Nigeria had already won the group before kick-off, reward for victories recorded against Mohamed Salah’s Egypt and Sudan. It’s the first time that the super eagles of Nigeria have won all three AFCON group matches since 2006. Champions in 1980, 1984 and 2013, is it too early to start dreaming of a fourth?

Time will tell. Nigeria is definitely up there though with the likes of Cameroon and Senegal as one of the tournament favourites. And with their record, many sides will be looking to avoid them when the last 16 draw is done.

Hope or Not?

While there are still some good teams in the competition, the Super Eagles go into the draw full of confidence. This team has done well for themselves. Considering the fact that they have played 3, scored 6, and gotten 9 points out of a possible 9, they have done well indeed. What more? They are actually playing good football. This actually looks like a team, rather than the usual composition of individuals we are used to getting.

Truth is, many of us wrote them off before they even kicked a ball. We have had our hearts broken too many times that optimism was on very short supply. However, this current crop have us believing again.

Whichever way it goes, don’t miss out on any of the action at this year’s AFCON. You can easily make your Cable TV payments, pay electricity bills, buy airtime and data with VTpass. It’s as easy as click, pay and go to pay your bills, stay connected, and enjoy the 2021 AFCON action live!

Premier League Week 9: What Went Down

In many ways, this was the perfect weekend; we witnessed the bulk of the Premier League Week 9 round of matches and in many ways, it was a glorious weekend. Some clubs won. Some clubs lost. As always. However, things didn’t go exactly the way some would have planned. Anyway, here are our thoughts on how the weekend went.

Liverpool 5 Steps Ahead of United.

Manchester United looked anything but united on the day. Defence utterly in shambles, midfield non-existent and overrun, attack under supplied. It was the little boys against the big men. This was supposed to be a firecracker of a match but ended up being a walk in the park for the Liverpool team, who at half time were already running away with a 4-0 lead. In all honesty, at that point, Liverpool didn’t even need to be playing spectacularly well, Manchester United were playing spectacularly terrible as it were. United had zero synergy, looked devoid of a game plan, were tactically naïve.

If not for De Gea, the final scoreline should have read something more like 8-0. This was a day to forget for United, and it’s back to the drawing board, if they even have one. Any defeat against Liverpool is hard to take for United fans on a normal day. One so humiliating as this and at home is on a whole different level. United’s next run of matches look very grim. It’s hard times for United fans, check up on them.

Chelsea Thrashes Norwich

Firstly, the major talk had been about how Tuchel was going to manage with his star strikers out due to injuries. On evidence of this though, no problem. Following their win in the Champions League, the Champions proceeded to dismantle Norwich at Stamford Bridge, with Mason Mount scoring an hat trick. Subsequently, Mount and Callum-Hudson Odoi became the 16th and 17th different players to score for Chelsea in all competitions this season, more than any other Premier League side. A team on a mission.

That ability to spread the goals around the side is the mark of champions. For instance, it’s Premier League Week 9, but surely an encouraging sign for Thomas Tuchel as he looks to juggle five competitions this winter, including the rearranged World Cup in early 2022. Chelsea won’t have an easier afternoon this season.

Mancity Pass Brighton Test

Firstly, Brighton have been nothing short of impressive this season. For them to still be 5th on the Premier League table even after defeat here is a testament of just that. Pep had tasted rare defeat here in the final game of last season. In this match, he sent out his team with instruction to secure victory early. City’s first half performance was exquisite. They were smooth, efficient, unbreeched. But they will rarely face an examination like the one they experienced in the second half at the Amex.

Even as they led 3-0, Graham Potter’s Brighton tested everything about City. Their game management, their resilience, their defensive capabilities. And City’s manager Pep Guardiola was delighted they passed the test. He recognised few teams in the Premier League could have emerged from this with three points, despite being 3 goals up at halftime. At fulltime, it was kudos to City, but Brighton also gave a good account of themselves, despite the scoreline.

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Premier League Week 8: What We Learnt

As the premier league week 8 kicked off on Saturday, the energy that club rivalry brings came back, and fans absolutely loved it. Country football is great. But club level is where we get to see footballers star, week in, week out. Here are the major talking points.

Leicester Down United

The International break was filled with the buzz around Cristiano Ronaldo and his record breaking 10th hat trick for Portugal. The Manchester United star however, cannot seem to be able to transfer his good fortune to the club. Leicester’s victory was no smash and grab. They beat United, fair and square. Had a better game plan, were hungrier, played better. Overall, they deserved to win here, and win they did. The 4-2 score line is sure to bruise some of the big egos in the United dressing room, but, the earlier the better. United’s upcoming fixtures till November 30th is nothing to be excited about, with Atalanta, Liverpool, Tottenham, Mancity, Villareal, Watford, Chelsea and Arsenal all lying in wait. United is the cherry right now, and everyone wants a bite.

Salah’s The Man

Firmino might have grabbed headlines with his hat trick this weekend, but the name on everyone’s lips on Merseyside is Salah. Mo has his imprint firmly as a club legend already. What a pass for Sadio Mane’s goal! It was a lovely ball he bent around the Watford defence for Mane’s opener. It’s called the pass of a master. A masterpiece of a performance it was, as he went on to score himself at Vicarage Road, courtesy of another mesmeric dribble. 4 years ago, he started his career at Liverpool with a goal at Watford. That season, he went on to rack up 44 goals. Many said he would be a 1-season wonder. 4 years after, however, he only seems to get better and better.

Elsewhere, there were wins for Man city over Burnley, Tottenham away at Newcastle, and Chelsea away at Brentford. Chelsea are sitting pretty at the top of the standings. It’s just Premier League Week 8, but, you know, League titles are won in bits.

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How To Enjoy This September

The firstborn of the “ember” months is here. Very soon, we’ll begin to spot harmattan and jingle the bells that herald Christmas but just before then, here’s what you can expect to enjoy this September…

1. BBNaija Season 6

Big Brother Naija is that show that some of us love to watch, some hate it but watch it, and, in the end, almost everyone keeps up with. The fact is this, Nigerians love drama, and the show has it in loads. Season 6 continues to unravel shocks and drama, and we’re here for it this September. More please!

2. Champions League Football Is Back!

Arguably the biggest tournament in club football, the UEFA Champions League is back this month! The fight to make it to the last 16 begins. And there’s quite a number of mouth watering clashes to look forward to, with Group A pitting Lionel Messi-led PSG against Man City in the battle for superiority. Atletico, Liverpool, Porto and Ac Milan will fight to the death in Group B. Similarly, Barca will discover what it means to play without Messi when they face Bayern, Benfica and Kiev. In conclusion, let the games begin!

3. Football Leagues Are Back!

Firstly, the fans are back! When Covid19 struck, football returned after a while but the fans were banned from the stadiums. Although it was better than watching nothing, nothing compares to watching a stadium alive, the screams, the moments we catch in the rafts, etc. Secondly, we get to watch players who have just completed transferred to new clubs begin to find their feet. The prospect of having Cristiano back in the English Premier League for one, or Messi in a terrifying PSG team. How will the LaLiga be without Messi and Ronaldo? Who will be winners across respective leagues? The race starts now!

4. Movies, Movies and more Movies!

Need we say more? Cable TV brings more movies than you can watch, allowing you binge watch old classics or catch new sitcoms and series across your screen. If you’re a movie lover, then DStv, GOtv and Startimes have you well covered to enjoy this September.

So you know it’s time to pay your DStv, GOtv and Startimes subscription, get your electricity bills out of the way so you can have uninterrupted fun and of course, top up airtime and data so you can share your experience with family and friends.

The good thing is that with VTpass, it’s super easy to take care of these bills so that you can focus on all the fun. Simply pay bills conveniently and seamlessly on VTpass now.

EPL Week 3: 3 Season-Defining Talking Points

Another footballing weekend has gone by and we had some heavyweight clashes in the EPL Week 3. Throw in the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo is possibly making a return to the Premier League with Manchester United, there’s quite a number of things to talk about.

Arsenal Is Breakfast And Everyone Is Having A Bite

Arsenal was completely annihilated by Mancity when both clubs played on Saturday. Following their defeat to Chelsea in the previous game, they needed a response. However, we got none. Completely outplayed, outclassed and outnumbered, they simply didn’t show up. Arsenal shouldn’t be losing by 5 goals to any club, and have now failed to score in the opening 3 games of the EPL for the first time. They also have failed to gather any points so far and now lay bottom of the table. For a club that started the season top of the table, they shouldn’t be at rock bottom after three games.

Chelsea Produce Defensive Masterclass To Foil Liverpool

If “Attacks win games but defences win titles” were a football club, it would be Chelsea. The London club had to fight for their lives when they played Liverpool at Anfield, with a ten-man team. Kai Havertz’s 22nd minute opener had given them the lead, but the game was turned on its head when James Reece handled the ball on the stroke of halftime. Salah restored parity for Liverpool from the resulting penalty, game on! Liverpool came out in the second half like the big bad wolf. They huffed. They puffed. But, they couldn’t break down a resilient Chelsea team who produced a defensive masterclass to hold on to a point. For Chelsea, this point would feel like a win. Liverpool though were left rueing an opportunity missed.

Manchester United Set Premier League Away Record And Ronaldo Is Coming

United set a new Premier League record as they achieved the longest run of away games without tasting defeat, spanning over an impressive 28 games. The performance here, however wasn’t impressive. United fans have been ecstatic over the idea of club legend, Ronaldo, returning home. This is set to be announced officially in the coming days but if Ronaldo was watching this game before United scored, he might have changed his mind. This United team look like they need a defensive midfielder if they are to ever reach their potential. Varane on the other hand looks ready to settle in perfectly into the defence though, but will it be enough? Pogba said it best last week, records are nice but trophies are better!

The EPL week 3 is over, next up is the International break, but why miss out on any of the action when you can easily make your Cable TV payments, pay electricity bills, buy airtime and data? With VTpass, it’s as easy as click, pay and go to see all the goals as they go in.

Inside The English Premier League Week 2

It’s back and we’ve all missed it, yes, we’re talking about the English Premier League! Another season is underway and we’re already in week 2. It’s another shot at glory for some, while for others, it’s a battle to remain in the top flight. Messi may not be here, but no one can argue that the EPL is still the most entertaining league in European football. Missing out on the action? Say no more! Just visit vtpass.com now to renew your Cable TV subscription and get plugged in to your world of sporting action. Meanwhile, here’s what happened in week 2.

Men Against Boys As Chelsea Schools Arsenal At Home.

One thing was glaring, Chelsea is not Arsenal’s mate. Firstly, Chelsea has 2 Champion’s League trophies over Arsenal who have none. Secondly, Arsenal were completely played off the field here, with Lukaku playing like a man on a mission, bringing back memories of Didier Drogba against Arsenal. The sad thing is that we all saw this coming, despite Arsenal’s bright start to the game. It was the same old story, with the Arsenal team starting off sharp but unable to maintain their intensity. This Blues are a team on a mission while Arsenal faces the possibility of going into the international break bottom of the table as they face last season’s champions, Manchester City next.

United Equals Away Unbeaten Record But Silverware Is Always Better

It was mixed feelings for Manchester United as they came from behind to claim a point against The Saints. It extended their away unbeaten run to 27 games (a joint record) but also scuppered the start to the season they would have wanted following their 4 – 0 win in the opening game. The draw also doesn’t help their bid to keep Paul Pogba. Pogba has started the season in record breaking form, bagging 5 assists in 2 games. United’s star man is yet to extend his contract beyond 2022 and has stated he prefers trophies to records. Ouch. Shots fired, United. Point taken (pun intended)

5-star City Bounce Back In Style

City fans got their smile back as they bounced back from an opening day defeat at Tottenham. They trounced newly promoted Norwich City 5 – 0, with record signing Grealish also getting off the mark. This is how we are used to seeing Guardiola’s Manchester City, winning, with huge score lines.

It’s just week 2 but this English Premier League season already promises loads of entertainment as there were wins for Liverpool and Tottenham also. That is where VTpass comes in. Make your Cable TV payments, pay electricity bills and buy airtime and data so you can pepper your friends as your team performs well, or be peppered if you’re on the receiving end. Whatever your payment needs, VTpass has you covered!

When Messi Will Play For PSG?

If you’re a football enthusiast, then you will have no doubt been caught up in what is definitely the biggest move of the season as Messi transfers to PSG. Arguably, it is even the biggest move of this generation. Every club secretly wishes they were PSG right now. Imagine it. Having Lionel Messi play for your club, run at defences, play defence-splitting passes, ETC.

The news of Messi’s move is one that has rippled across the footballing world. Certainly, PSG this season will be a force no team will want to go up against, considering the fact that they were already a fearsome team before the 6-time Ballon d’or winner joined them.

There are those who believe that he would flop at PSG. In the same vein, others think that the PSG team would lose balance because they have too many attack-minded players. On the other hand, others say nothing can stand in the way of a football god.

Whichever side you stand on, one thing is for certain. We all cannot wait to see Messi hit the field in PSG strips as the jury is out, and this is where VTpass comes in. To stream football matches online, you definitely need data. To watch via DSTV, GOTV or Startimes, you need an active tv subscription. In addition, you need to pay your electricity bills.

VTpass is an online bills payment platform where you can easily make payment for services like Phone Airtime Recharge, Data bundles, Cable TV subscriptions, Electricity bills, Insurance, Education and many more.

As at now, Messi is officially a PSG player. However, due to the fact that he has not had a preseason, he will likely be needing 2-3 weeks to get back into shape. We most probably will see him in September.

In conclusion, one thing is for sure. All eyes will be on PSG this season.

Euro 2020 (2021): Watch Live On Startimes

It’s time for the Euro 2020, and these are peculiar times. Nothing probably underlines the peculiarity of the times more than the fact that we are about to experience it in 2021.

It’s been a year where ‘normal’ was redefined. Arsenal winning the Champions League would have been the only thing that could have been more shocking. Forgive us, we just love to pick on Arsenal. Everyone does actually. Except their fans.

Well, here’s a cool fact for you. You can watch the all the matches showing from 11 June – 11 July on Startimes across its five Sports Channels in HD picture format.

Catch all the action starting tomorrow live via ST World Football HD, Sports Premium, ST Sports Focus, ST Sports Arena and ST Sports Life. Just like there have been so many things most of us couldn’t have seen coming. This could possibly be a tournament of upsets.

For instance, could this be the year England finally takes it home? The final will after all be played at the famed Wembley stadium. It would be a nice touch to have England in the final. And possibly win, if that’s a possibility.

Whatever will come this tournament, you need to renew your TV subscription, pay your electricity bills to keep the lights on, and get ready for an unusual tournament in an unusual year.

Frank Lampard “SACKED” by Chelsea

BIG news making headlines on top English sports papers is; Frank Lampard sacked by Chelsea.

The Chelsea legend that took over managerial duties at the club in 2019 has been relieved of his duties just after 18 months.

In a statement following the sack, Chelsea said, “results and performances have not met the club’s expectations, leaving the club mid-table without any clear path to sustained improvement”.

After enjoying a successful spell in his first season as manager, Lampard’s Chelsea has underperformed this season. They sit 9th on the EPL table following 5 defeat out of their last 8 matches.

Lampard, who remains Chelsea’s all-time highest goalscorer led the London club to FA Cup glory in his first season as well as securing them a Champions League spot.

Expectation rose high this season after Chelsea spent over $292 million on signings the likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech, and Édouard Mendy; but the big names signings have been unable to link well on the pitch.

Who’s next in for the Hot Seat?

Chelsea is known to fire managers in split-seconds show of underperformance. The BIG question after Frank Lampard’s sack remains, “who’s next in line to take the hot seat at the Blues?”

Rumors have it that formal PSG and Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel is the only candidate on Chelsea’s list to take over from Lampard. While the German is yet to be contacted hours after the sack, papers report that his appointment is a strong possibility.

Discussions are all over the internet regarding the sack. Some fans had called for Chelsea to be patient and give managers time to build teams. Others seem to agree with the sack and Chelsea’s underperformance under Lampard.

What do you think? Has Chelsea been unfair to a legend in his right, and an all-time goalscorer for this club? Has Lampard truly shown his lack of top football managerial experience?

2021 AFCON Qualifiers Predictions

2020 has certainly not been the best year for football lovers as tournaments and fixtures had to be shifted. Nevertheless, the return of AFCON Qualifiers is enough to lift spirits, especially in African football where fans relish the sport.

AFCON Qualifiers began on 11th November 2020 with Guinea beating Chad in the opening match and Senegal punching a 2-0 blow on Guinea-Bissau.

Yesterday, 12th November was a goal feast for AFCON fans as Cameroon chunked out 4 goals against Mozambique’s 1. Current reigning champions, Algeria, walked over Zimbabwe easily with a 3-1 victory.

Nigeria takes the pitch today, 13th November 2020 against Sierra Leone by 17:00 CAT; and at 20:00 CAT, bafana bafana of South Africa would clash with Sao Tome and Principe. But the most exciting clash of the week rests on the match between Egypt and Togo, Saturday 14th November!

That said, here are our AFCON Qualifiers predictions. Prediction of teams who would make it to AFCON 2021.

2021 AFCON Qualifiers Predictions | Teams to Qualify

A tournament graced by 24 teams all competing for Africa’s Champions Crown would definitely be fierce, but you can expect to see these 12 juggernauts on the pitch come 2021:

Algeria: The current Champions are fast and deadly, recently taking the throne, and wouldn’t be giving it anytime soon.
Egypt: The Pharaohs are AFCON’s most successful champions with 7 titles to their name. Of course, they would make a show.
Senegal: With players like Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy, and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, Senegal is expected to make it.
Nigeria: Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for AFCON year-on-year, 2021 shouldn’t be different. Among them, a gang of young stars.
South Africa: Africa’s most exciting flags to watch wouldn’t miss it. The bafanas are composed of bright players home and away.
Cameroon: Not very consistent over the last few years, Cameroon is yet deadly enough to secure a spot.

Ghana: Nothing short of strength is to be expected of the Black Stars of Ghana.
Morrocco: Another brilliant team from northern Africa. Last competition, they put up a fight. 2021 shouldn’t be any different.
Rwanda: This might come as a surprise to many but Rwanda has been undergoing major sporting changes. Experts predict the result of their sporting project to show in AFCON 2021.
Ivory Coast: They are not called Elephants for nothing! Besides, the orange shirts make a colorful divergence from all the greens and yellows.
Kenya: When a squad of strong legs is on the ship, you just know they would roll through. Kenya would make 2021 AFCON.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, there is still the qualifiers to play after all. So put on your football socks, subscribe your GOtv, DStv, or Startimes, relax into the games, and enjoy the matches!