Sport
Onana Left Out as Bayindir Gets First Premier League Start Against Newcastle
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has chosen to leave Andre Onana out of the squad heading to face Newcastle in Sunday’s Premier League clash.
The decision comes just days after Onana’s costly mistake in their 2-2 Europa League draw against Lyon, where he let in a stoppage-time equaliser. Amorim has opted to give his first-choice keeper a breather, allowing him to reset mentally after recent struggles.
Stepping up in his place is Altay Bayindir, who’s now set to make his Premier League debut at St James’ Park. The Turkish shot-stopper will be looking to impress, with the return leg against Lyon at Old Trafford just around the corner. If he performs well, there’s a chance he might hold on to the gloves a little longer.
Though Amorim publicly backed Onana after the Lyon game, his decision to rest him this weekend suggests a need to ease the pressure. With United currently 13th and just seven games left, every decision counts as they push for a stronger finish.
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has opened up about a difficult period in his career, revealing that he almost stepped away from football.
Speaking during a recent interview, Bassey shared that he once made a personal promise to himself to quit pursuing football professionally if he failed to secure a spot at a professional club.
“I remember being 15 and going into my final year, and I told myself that if I didn’t get into a professional club, I would quit football. It was that simple,” he said.
“I would just stop pursuing it seriously and only play for fun. Thank God I eventually got a club, because I honestly don’t know where I would be otherwise.”
It has been reported that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) fined Egypt $5,000 following their clash with Zimbabwe for failing to manage post-match media obligations.
It was noted that after the match, the Egyptian players ignored the media. This action was said to be a violation of CAF’s media regulations, which led to the fine being imposed.
Head of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, shared that the big-name players on the team are not happy about being benched.
He recalled when he took out Samuel Chukwueze during the match against Tanzania.
“Yes, of course, we’ve in this team a lot of big names. They are competitors; they aren’t happy when they go to the bench,” Chelle said at his post-match interview.”
“My job is to make choices, and we’re playing a 4-4-2 diamond, and at this moment I feel we have to protect the wing.”
Davido Fulfils ₦20 Million Promise to Carter Efe After Record-Breaking Stream
Super Eagles Star Calvin Bassey Opens Up on Nearly Walking Away from Football
