Super Eagles Destroy Sao Tome and Principe

Nigeria’s Super Eagles destroy Sao Tome and Principe 10-0 on Monday afternoon. This massive win increases our chances of qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 10-0! Most of us couldn’t believe our eyes. Lol. It was a match most didn’t even watch. Many didn’t even know there was a match to begin with. Imagine the shock to see the news of a 10-0 victory. Well, it really happened!

Firstly, you wouldn’t blame supporters of the Super Eagles. Football is a game of passion, and it does affect people. It is why Arsenal fans who are Nigerian should be national treasures. Those guys are trying please. Anyway, as a result, Victor Osimhen’s four goals, Terem Moffi’s brace and goals from Moses Simon, Peter Etebo, Ademola Lookman, and Emmanuel Dennis completed the obliteration at the Stade Adrar in Morocco.

Subsequently, by the time the dust settled, it was a whooping 10-0 demolition. This scoreline is Nigeria’s biggest win ever in a competitive game, beating the previous record of a 10-1 win over Dahomey (Benin) recorded in 1959. Victor Osimhen also bagged four goals and his first ever hat-trick in a Nigeria shirt. The Napoli striker has bagged five goals in two games of the AFCON 2023 Group A qualifiers after his goal saw Nigeria secure all points against Sierra Leone along with his four tonight in Agadir as the Super Eagles destroy Sao Tome and Principe.

Consequently, there are already strong comparisons between Victor Osimhen and Rasheed Yekini. To clarify, Victor Osimhen has now scored 15 goals in just 22 games for the Super Eagles. Who knows, he may be the one who will break Rasheed Yekini’s record of 37 goals for Nigeria with the way he’s going.

What Does This Mean?

As a result, it’s a solid start for the Jose Peseiro era on the Nigeria bench as the Portuguese racks up two wins and 12 goals in his first two competitive matches in charge of the Super Eagles.

Nigeria now lead Group A with six points from two matches, while the Central Africans remain at the base of the log with no points. The Super Eagles continue their campaign against Guinea-Bissau in September.

We know you can’t wait. This is where we come in. Pay your TV Subscriptionbuy electricity units now with VTpass so you do not miss out on any of the qualifying matches for AFCON 2023.

Liverpool Shine, Bayern Held

Matchday 2 of the Champions League round of 16 matches saw Liverpool, Inter, Bayern and Salzburg lock horns. Champions League nights are the best. Tuesday night had seen PSG, Real Madrid, Man City and Sporting battle. Or at least try, as Sporting were swept away. Matchday 2 brought more excitement. Liverpool shine, Bayern held. And we loved it.

Salzburg vs Bayern

We didn’t expect this result. Bayern, six time winners were held to a 1-1 draw with Salzburg on the night. We are used to seeing Bayern run roughshod over lesser teams in the competition. Even elite teams are usually not spared. Such is their efficiency. That deserted them on the night however.

Substitute Chukwubuike Adamu put the Austrian underdogs ahead after 21 minutes and it looked for a while like Bayern would see their record unbeaten away run in the competition end at 21 games. Bayern were shocked. They tried to restore parity but, in all honesty, Salzburg looked like the more dangerous side, coming close to adding another. Subsequently, Bayern got their equaliser. Kingsley Coman, their brightest player on the night, latched onto Thomas Muller’s flick on to drill home at the far post and score a last minute equaliser. This sets the tone for the second leg nicely now. Subsequently, will we see an upset, or will Bayern come back strongly? Tuesday March 8 is the date.

Inter vs Liverpool

Liverpool defeated Inter Milan at the San Siro to go one step closer to progressing to the quarter final. Firstly, we all expected it to be honest. Consequently, Inter’s display was noteworthy however. Initially, the game started evenly, with both sides applying pressure high up the pitch. Inter almost took the lead through Hakan Calhanoglu, but his thumping strike from close-range struck the bar after 16 minutes. Inter looked dangerous.

Subsequently, the home side began the second half on the front foot but couldn’t take advantage of their dominance. Eventually, they were made to rue this. Liverpool took the lead against the run of play 15 minutes from time. Andy Robertson’s corner was met by the head of substitute Roberto Firmino, who glanced the ball in with a well-timed header. That goal proved to be the turning point, as Liverpool doubled their lead eight minutes later, Mohamed Salah’s deflected shot found the back of the net. Jurgen Klopp’s side will now go into the second leg at Anfield in a fortnight confident of progressing.

So Liverpool shine and Bayern are held. The Champions League continues next week, with Chelsea, Juventus, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid yet to play.. This is where we come in. Make your Cable TV paymentspay electricity billsbuy airtime and data easily with VTpass so you don’t miss out on any of the beautiful action.

Senegal Crowned African Champions

Senegal have been crowned African Champions. After one month of enthralling football. What an amazing night it was. Senegal beat Egypt to win what has been a thrilling tournament and be crowned African Champions in Cameroon. Four weeks of competition down, the final saw the continent’s two best players in Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah compete for a first international honour, with both star forwards having played integral roles in their respective nation’s run to the final.

Firstly, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah proved their worth as Africa’s two best forwards. Secondly, it was impressive for Egypt to make it to the final. This team was beaten in their opening group match. This feat is amazing. On the other hand, Nigeria were group leaders but tumbled out immediately after winning the group. Egypt went on to book a final with Senegal. And they set the stage for the battle of the Liverpool forwards.

How it happened

It was always going to be about them. Written in the stars. They knew it. Their countries knew it. The entire African continent knew it. The rivalry between Liverpool’s duo dominated the build-up to the final, and came to the fore within six minutes.

Firstly, Senegal got a penalty. Consequently, two minutes elapsed during which Mo Salah briefed his goalie where Mane would most likely dispatch. Most importantly, it worked. As a result, Mane blasted directly at the keeper. In other words, Egypt’s game plan would have been ripped up had Mané scored.

However, over the course of 120 minutes, no one could find the breakthrough. Not Egypt, with their rugged and brave defending. Likewise Senegal, adventurous but without imagination.

Egypt had been the penalty masters defeating Ivory Coast and Cameroon earlier in the tournament. However, their luck ran out when it mattered. First Abdelmoneim struck the post, and although Senegal’s Bouna Sarr shot was also saved, Mendy facilitated Mané’s shot at redemption. This time the Liverpool man took no chances, striking low and fiercely to Abdelmoneom’s right to spark joyous scenes in the stadium and his home country.

Egypt’s Mo Salah was left in tears. He had teed himself up for the 5th penalty, which he never got to take. The penalty shootout had already been over by then. Game over. The victory was no more than Senegal deserved after dominating for long periods only to be denied repeatedly by Egypt goalkeeper Gabaski (Man of the match) as the game finished goalless after 120 gruelling minutes. Mane’s winning kick sparked jubilant scenes for Senegal and deep disappointment for Egypt.

What’s Next?

AFCON is over, but you can still keep up with other amazing content on your TV. Just make your Cable TV paymentspay electricity billsbuy airtime and data easily with VTpass. It’s as easy as click, pay and go to experience a world of endless entertainment.

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.

Don’t miss out on any of the action when you can easily make your Cable TV paymentspay electricity billsbuy airtime and data with VTpass. It’s as easy as click, pay and go to be plugged in to your world of entertainment.

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 ppp.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.

Euro 2020

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”.

frank lampard sack

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.

frank lampard sack

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.

frank lampard sack
Source: Emirates FA Cup

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.

afcon qualifiers predictions

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!

Subscribe GOtv, DStv, or Startimes with VTpass
Subscribe your GOtv, DStv, or Startimes easily with VTpass

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.
afcon qualifiers predictions
  • 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!