Sport
Ferdinand Tells Arteta to Attack Real Madrid Instead of Defending in Second Leg
Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has shared his thoughts with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on how best to face Real Madrid in their upcoming Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday.
Arsenal heads into the clash with confidence after a dominant 3-0 win in the first leg at the Emirates. Goals from Declan Rice, who bagged a brace, and Mikel Merino gave the Gunners a solid lead over Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Speaking on his podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents, the ex-England defender urged Arteta not to sit back when they step onto the pitch at the Santiago Bernabeu. Instead, he believes the team should maintain an attacking mindset.
“How’s Arteta going to set up for this one? That’s the big question,” Ferdinand said. “Does he go defensive and try to hold on to the lead, or does he take the game to Madrid? If they score even once, Madrid would need four. And how often have Arsenal conceded five?”
He added, “If it were me, I’d tell the players to go for it. Let’s go toe to toe.” The second leg is set to kick off at 8 pm Nigerian time.
Major League Soccer has handed one-game suspensions to Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba after they skipped this week’s All-Star events.
Despite being voted into the MLS All-Star Game, both players were absent from the All-Star skills challenge on Tuesday and the match against Mexico’s Liga MX select side on Wednesday. Under league rules, players who miss the All-Star match without prior approval face an automatic suspension.
As a result, Messi and Alba will sit out Inter Miami’s upcoming league clash against Cincinnati. Inter Miami’s managing owner, Jorge Mas, shared that Messi is “extremely upset” about the suspension, adding, “I don’t agree with the rule, and I’ve made that very clear to the commissioner.”
Ghana’s Black Queens head coach, Kim Lars Björkegren, believes Nigeria’s Super Falcons have what it takes to overcome hosts Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria holds a strong legacy in the tournament, having won it nine times, and they continue to dominate with some of the finest talents in African women’s football.
Björkegren, whose team fell 3-1 to the Super Falcons in a friendly ahead of the tournament, says he sees more depth in the Nigerian squad. “It should be a great match. Both sides have their strengths, but I think Nigeria has more quality overall,” he said.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged the Super Falcons to give their all and bring home victory as they face hosts Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. With just 90 minutes standing between them and a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, the First Lady praised the team for their performance so far and encouraged them to finish strong.
In a video message shared on the Super Falcons’ official X account, she said, “My beautiful Super Falcons, congratulations on reaching the final. Your team spirit, dedication, and professionalism have been remarkable. You’ve become shining examples for young girls across Nigeria and Africa.”
She added, “As you take the field, may God grant you victory. Go and make us proud. Nigerians, including myself, are waiting to welcome you back with the trophy in your hands.”
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