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Juventus President Gets A Year Ban For Selling Tickets to ‘Ultra’ Fans

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Juventus president gets one-year ban for selling tickets to 'ultra' fans

Juventus president, Andrea Agnelli, has been banned for a year for his role in the sale of tickets to fan groups, the Italian Football Federation said on Monday.

Agnelli was also fined 20,000 euros ($23,770) while champions Juventus copped a fine of 300,000 euros ($356,000).

Agnelli was accused of helping sell tickets to ultras fans, several of whom have links with organised crime. The tickets were then resold for a huge profit.

Three other club officials were also banned for a year and fined 20,000 euros by the FIGC who “partially accepted” the demands of prosecutor Giuseppe Pecoraro.

Pecoraro had requested a 30-month suspension and 50,000 euro ($59,000) fine against Agnelli. He had also demanded two Juventus matches be played behind closed doors and a European extension of the ban.

Agnelli — who was recently appointed president of the European Club Association (ECA) — has denied dealing with Rocco Dominello, a supporter very close to the Calabria-based N’drangheta mafia who was sentenced to more than seven years in prison in this case, but had recalled meeting him.

Juventus is accused of having ceded blocks of tickets to ultras group when it is not allowed to sell more than four at a time.

The six-time defending Serie A champions had said that they would not request Agnelli to step down if he were found guilty.

-AFP

SPORTS

Nigeria Aims To Extend Unbeaten Streak Against Libya In AFCON Qualifier

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2025 AFCON: Nigeria Aims To Win | fab.ng

Nigeria will seek to extend their unbeaten run in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification as they take on Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. The Super Eagles are in a strong position to secure a spot in the biennial tournament after a commanding victory over the Benin Republic and a hard-fought draw with Rwanda. Meanwhile, Libya faces a different challenge.

The recent appointment of Nasser Al-Hadhiri as Libya’s head coach, following the sacking of Serbian Milutin Sredojevic, could give the Mediterranean Knights a much-needed boost. Libya last competed in AFCON when it was co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

As all eyes turn to this showdown in Akwa Ibom, key factors will determine which team comes out on top.

2025 AFCON: Maximizing Victor Boniface’s Potential

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has been in incredible form, scoring five goals in his last six appearances for the Bundesliga champions. However, his performances with the Super Eagles haven’t matched his club form, as he has yet to score in eight matches, a stat that doesn’t reflect his true ability.

Boniface has been in fabulous goalscoring form for Leverkusen

With African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen sidelined due to fitness issues, the responsibility to score falls squarely on Boniface. While the former Bodo/Glimt star has the potential to be a lethal threat, coach Augustine Eguavoen and his staff must develop a strategy that creates clear chances for the Germany-based striker to thrive.

Prevent Libya from Scoring First

Libya has scored first in their last two matches, highlighting the offensive threat they could pose in Uyo. In contrast, Nigeria hasn’t had to come from behind in their recent fixtures, a situation the Libyans will aim to change.

Statistically, the Super Eagles struggle when they concede first. To avoid a setback, Nigeria’s defence must remain solid and focused, ensuring they convert the chances they create.

Leveraging Offensive Strategies

With Osimhen out, Nigeria still has 23 fit players available, while Libya brings 28 to the contest. Coach Augustine Eguavoen has plenty of attacking options, with seven strikers at his disposal as they face the 1982 AFCON runners-up.

Despite Osimhen’s absence, the Super Eagles have enough firepower to minimize his impact. Eguavoen should capitalize on this depth to secure a result, ideally before the 60-minute mark.

Handling Set-Pieces, Crosses, and Counterattacks

Nigeria’s recent matches have seen opponents attempt long balls behind their defence, though these efforts were largely contained. This tactic is likely to be used again by the Libyans, known for their direct style of play.

The Super Eagles must avoid conceding fouls in dangerous areas, as Libya has skilled set-piece takers. William Troost-Ekong and the defence need to stay alert throughout the match to prevent any costly errors.

2025 AFCON: Neutralizing Al-Musrati

Al-Musrati will be key in midfield for Libya

Al-Musrati will be key in midfield for Libya

At his best, 28-year-old Moatasem Al-Musrati is a dominant force in midfield. His physicality and ball distribution skills have been on full display this season for Turkish giants Besiktas.

While Nigeria has a strong midfield lineup, Al-Musrati remains a significant threat. Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka will need to use their experience to keep the Vitória Guimarães midfielder in check and prevent him from dictating the flow of the game.

For more sports updates, check here.

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Nigeria Vs Libya: When Is The AFCON Qualifier & Where Can You Watch?

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2025 AFCON qualifier between Nigeria and Libya | fab.ng

Libya will look to revive their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). They will take on three-time African champions, Nigeria away from home in the 2025 AFCON qualifier.

The Mediterranean Knights started their campaign with a shaky performance, managing only a 1-1 draw against Rwanda after taking an early lead at Tripoli Stadium. They then suffered a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in Abidjan, where, like the match against Rwanda, they scored first but couldn’t hold their advantage.

Now, with a new coach at the helm, Libya will aim to stop the Super Eagles, who currently top Group D. Augustine Eguavoen’s squad remains unbeaten, having secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Gernot Rohr’s Cheetahs and a goalless draw with Rwanda.

Nigeria heads into this fixture with confidence, having won all four of their previous encounters against Libya. Their last clash was a thrilling 3-2 victory on October 16, 2018, in Sfax, Tunisia.

Fab.ng has all the key details about the 2025 AFCON qualifier, including how to watch the match and information on the referees.

When is the AFCON qualifier?

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will clash with Rwanda’s national women’s team in a highly anticipated football match on Friday, October 11, with kickoff set precisely for 18:00 Central European Time.

Where to Watch the Game

Date: October 11, 2024

Time: 6 PM Central European Time

Channels: SuperSport, AfroSport

Nigeria Squad

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie

Defenders: William Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, Benjamin Tanimu

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke, Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Moses Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi

Libya Squad

Goalkeepers: Murad Al-Wuheeshi, Abdeljawad Hameida, Mohamed Ayad, Mohamed Darebi

Defenders: Ahmed El Trbi, Ali Yousef, Subhi Al-Dhawi, Mehdi Al-Kout, Majdi Erteiba, Sanad Bin Ali, Ahmed Saleh, Mohammed Al-Shiteewi, Al Bahlul Bousahmin

Midfielders: Faisal Al Badri, Abdussalam Tubal, Omar Al Khouja, Suhaib Shafshuf, Bader Hassan, Muhanad Madyen, Osamah Al-Shuraimi, Nouraldin Al-Qulaib, Ahmed Saad

Strikers: Ahmed Krawa’a, Mouath Eissa, Fadel Ali Salama, Abdulmuyassir Boushibah, Ezzeddin El Maremi, Ahmed Elmsmari

Match Venue

Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo (Akwa Ibom International Stadium)

What has been said?

Semi Ajayi stressed the need for a win against Libya, saying the Super Eagles are determined to prevail.

“We know how important the match is for us, and we’ve worked hard to expect a win. Yes, we’re prepared, we’re determined, and we’re looking forward to getting the three points on Friday,” he told the media.

William Troost-Ekong, the MVP of the 2023 AFCON held in Cote d’Ivoire, has expressed a similar sentiment to Semi Ajayi, emphasizing the Super Eagles’ determination to win against Libya.

He said, We want to be at the AFCON next year. We cannot afford to miss the tournament in Morocco. 

“We’re working hard – players, coaches, officials, everyone – and we hope to achieve our dream.”

Match Officials

Referee: Godfrey Philip Nkhakananga (Malawi)

Assistant Referees: Mahmoud Abouelregal (Malawi), Ahmad Hossam Taha (Malawi)

Fourth Official: Keabetswe Dintwa (Botswana)

Match Commissioner: Munkaila Nassam Adam (Ghana)

Referee Assessor: Issaka Boubacar (Niger Republic)

For more sports updates, check here.

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SPORTS

Liverpool Goalkeeper, Alisson Becker Out For Six Weeks With Hamstring Injury

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Alisson Becker out for six weeks with hamstring injury | fab.ng

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker (32) is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks due to a hamstring injury. This injury will, unfortunately, rule him out of the upcoming matches against Chelsea and Arsenal.

The Brazilian international sustained the injury during last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, being forced to leave the field late in the second half. Reports in the British press indicate that tests have revealed Alisson is unlikely to be fit to play until after the upcoming international break.

This means the earliest match he could potentially participate in would be the trip to Southampton on November 24th. Arne Slot’s Premier League leaders are set to face Chelsea on October 20th and Arsenal a week later. Additionally, their next two Champions League fixtures will pit them against RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen.

Caoimhin Kelleher, who missed the Palace match due to illness, is expected to fill in for Alisson, similar to his role last season when Alisson Becker was sidelined with another hamstring injury. Speaking after the victory at Crystal Palace, Slot predicted a lengthy absence for his number-one goalkeeper.

“We have to wait and see but it will be a few weeks for him to be back. I think it is, yes (his hamstring),” he said.

“He’s clearly our number one, he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. It’s always a blow when he gets injured, not only for him but us as a team.”

Liverpool currently has 18 points from seven Premier League matches. With this, they surpass both the defending champions Manchester City and Arsenal by one point each.

Check out more sports news here.

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