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5 Football Stories That Would Make Good Movies

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We sit in front of our screens every week end for just watching them playing the beautiful game. They are our everyday life heroes. But, do we know the story behind their lives?

Football is an emotion filled sports. You get different varieties of emotions from just watching a game. It brings you joy, sadness, disappointments and sometimes crazy emotions that lingers in your mind for a long time. That been said, lets see 5 football stories that would make a great movie any day; any time.

The African who conquered Europe: Didier Drogba

The Chelsea legend relocated from Ivory Coast to France at a very young age to live with his uncle who was a professional footballer. A young Drogba had trouble adjusting to new surroundings and he only played football part time and didn’t attend any football academy like most players today.

When he joined Ligue 2 club Le Mans, he struggled to cope with the strict practice regimens and suffered various injuries because his body was not used to training every day. In the end, Drogba would make his professional debut only at the age of 21.

With a lot of hard work and effort, he finally moved up in the football world and eventually played for French giants Olympique de Marseille. A terrific season for Marseille gave him a move to Chelsea and that is where the whole world would come to know about the Ivorian.

There were several questions raised about paying a huge fee for a 26-year-old, who didn’t do anything to warrant such a hefty fee. To this Jose Mourinho replied: Judge him when he leaves the club.

Drogba earned praise for his knack to perform in high profile games and cup finals. But he was sent off in the final of the 2008 Champions League and this forced John Terry to take the decisive penalty kick, which if Drogba was on the pitch, was his to take. Terry missed and Drogba’s absence somehow cost them the title.

He made up for his mistake four years later by inspiring Chelsea to come back against Napoli in the first knockout round and following this up with goals in the semi-final and final against Barcelona and Bayern Munich respectively. He also took the fifth and decisive penalty kick in 2012 final and won Chelsea their first Champions League title.

In addition to his on-field performances, Drogba played a huge role in ending the civil war and bringing peace to his nation. Such was the charisma he possessed.

The Prince of Barcelona: Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Argentina to parents Jorge Horacio Messi, a factory steel worker and Celia Maria Cuccittini, a part-time cleaner. He started playing football at the age of five for a local club coached by his father.

In 1995, he moved to Newell’s Old Boys and was part of the youth team that lost just one game in four years. But at the age of 11, he was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency. Argentine club River Plate were interested in signing Messi but they were unwilling to pay for his treatment which cost $900 a month.

Messi had relatives in Catalonia and, through them, his talents were made known to Barcelona’s sporting director Carles Rexach. Messi was given a chance to arrange a trial for Rexach and after seeing the little boy perform, Rexach was impressed and offered Messi a contract written on a napkin.

Barcelona asked young Messi to move to Spain and he duly obliged. He joined the club’s youth academy in 2000 and after just over four years after joining Barcelona, Lionel Messi made his debut for Barcelona against Espanyol.

Today, years after Messi made his debut for Barcelona as a teenager, he owns numerous footballing records to his name. Messi has achieved so much in his career that writing them down here won’t be enough.

The achievements of one of the greatest footballers of our generation deserve to be documented on reel for future generations to see and admire in awe.

In search of love: Luis Suarez

The highlight of Luis Suarez’s childhood was his poverty. His mother scrubbed floors and his father abandoned them. Suarez, who was entering his teenage years, started skipping practice, drinking and staying out late and his coach had to often drag him from his home for practice.

Then at the age of 15, he met a girl. Her name was Sofia Balbi. Her family lived a comfortable life while Suarez worked as a street sweeper and during his shift he would pick up coins to take her out.

Sofia’s family took Luis into their home. She made Suarez work harder; she made him realise that his laziness was the reason why he was struggling. In her family, Suarez finally found something he had never felt before: a sense of belonging.

In 2003, Sofia’s family moved to Spain. This broke Suarez’ heart; he lost his family, he lost Sofia and he lost the hope for the future.

The only thing that would help him to see Sophia again was to play football till he joins an European club.

He worked hard and in 2006, a small first division club from Netherlands gave him a chance and from there he moved to Ajax, then to Liverpool and now to Barcelona. In 2009, he married the woman who gave him everything when was nothing. Today, they have two kids together.

The Miracle of Istanbul: Liverpools Champions League triumph in 2005

Liverpool came into the 2004/05 season having lost their star striker Michael Owen to Real Madrid and having appointed a new manager in Rafael Benitez.

The Reds didn’t have an easy road to the final of the Champions League that season. On the day of the final group stage game against Olympiakos, the Reds needed to win by a margin of two goals or more to progress to the knockout stage.

Liverpool went behind in the first half and then struggled to take the lead in the game but, eventually, they took a 2-1 lead in the 81st minute. However, they still needed another goal to qualify. With just minutes left on the clock, Steven Gerrard scored a spectacular goal to seal the deal.

Liverpool played AC Milan in the final and the Milan team that played the game was one of the best teams Europe has seen. Their starting eleven consisted of the following players: Dida, Cafu, Nesta, Stam, Maldini, Pirlo, Gattuso, Seedorf, Kaka, Shevchenko and Crespo.

In comparison to this team of legends, Liverpool looked a very weak side. The gulf in quality was visible on the pitch and Milan took a comfortable 3-0 lead in the first half. At this point, it looked certain that the game was beyond Liverpool’s reach.

In the second half, a period of six crazy minutes saw one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the game. Liverpool scored thrice in that period through Steven Gerrard, Vladamir Smicer and Xabi Alonso. After they drew level, the Reds kept out wave after wave of Milan attacks while fighting with injuries and fatigue.

The game eventually went to penalties and the heroics of Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek.  Liverpool won their fifth Champions League title on that night.

The Odin of football: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Odin is a hero from Scandinavian mythology and Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently called himself a ‘god’. There is no better name befitting the Swedish striker. Ibrahimovic is one of the most iconic footballers in the modern game. The flamboyant striker is known for his out of the world goals and egoistic character, and his past explains his rough and tough attitude.

The Swede was born to a Croat mother and an alcoholic Bosnian father. He was brought up in a place which, in his own words, is a ‘ghetto’ in Malmo, a place in Rosengard. Things were difficult for him at a very young age as his parents broke up when he was just two years old.

Ibrahimovic confessed that he was a frequent thief during his childhood days in the ghetto he was from. But it was the same ghetto that taught him the game he loved. He also revealed that he had never seen a man in a collar until he joined secondary school. Such was the difficult conditions in which he was raised.

Even though he was a regular at Malmo, he nearly quit football to work at the docks when he was 15. But his manager convinced him to pursue a career in football. Ibrahimovic joined Ajax at the age of 20 and it is here that he met his best friend – Maxwell.  When Ibrahimovic joined Ajax, he didn’t have money or friends and it was Maxwell who helped him out during a very difficult time of his career.

Maxwell and Ibrahimovic would play together again at Barcelona and even at Paris Saint-Germain. But the striker, now at La Galaxy, has had a decorated career and still scores goals for fun in his mid-30s.

Ibrahimovic once said, “Who would’ve thought the guy from Rosengard would become the captain of Sweden?”

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ENTERTAINMENT

Something About Nigeria Drains Your Excellence – Adekunle Gold

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Adekunle Gold on how Nigeria drains your excellence | fab.ng

Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold ignited widespread discussions online after openly expressing his frustrations with life in Nigeria.

On December 17, 2024, he took to X to share his thoughts, urging Nigerians to safeguard their passions. He emphasised that the challenges of living in Nigeria often leave people feeling emotionally and mentally drained.

He wrote,

There’s just something about this place that drains your excellence. Striving for it here feels futile, as the environment pulls you down until you become just like everyone else. Whatever you do, guard your passion fiercely, be firm and never settle for less.”

The post resonated deeply with many Nigerians, prompting them to flood Adekunle Gold’s comment section with their opinions.

They shared personal stories and experiences, highlighting the challenges of living and pursuing success in Nigeria.

Read some of the comments below:

“Nigeria on a daily basis”

“They’ll tell you , speak positive things about Nigeria What is positive that I can’t enjoy as a citizen too? Is this the way we get treated outside? The place we call home isn’t feeling like home at all? Nothing works.”

“Well it’s the place we tap initial energy and renew strength. Diamond doesn’t do get excited in the fire. But it’s at best and it’s excellent on a pretty lady’s ring finger. That’s how I like to see this place. It’s not the best place to be but we’re usually better for it.”

“If AG with all his influence and connections dey feel am, no hope for you wey be regular man on the streets. You go kpai”

“If you way don attain some stage day complain,Wetin make we way never even know Wetin we wan do for our life day say. Just doing THIS and THAT,hopping from THIS to THAT, talent too choke confuse on what to base on while trying to ride safe. Omoooo”

“Naija tough gan and draining. Good things are happening for those who can’t but to join them.”

“AG, you gat the money, every available resources to leave the country. This country no be life we dey live inside so. Even rich people dey complain.. wetin person like me wan come talk? Naija failed US”

Check out more entertainment updates here.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Toyosi Etim-Effiong Says She Doesn’t Trust Her Husband 100%

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Toyosi Etim-Effiong says she doesn't trust her husband 100 | fab.ng

Toyosi Etim-Effiong, the wife of Nigerian actor Daniel Etim-Effiong, recently stirred reactions by admitting that she does not completely trust her husband, even after seven years of marriage.

During the latest episode of her podcast, The Toyosi Podcast, where Daniel was invited as a guest, he directly asked her, “Do you trust me 100 percent after seven years of marriage?”

After carefully considering the question, Toyosi responded with a firm “No.” She emphasised that, although she trusts Daniel to remain committed to his vows, she also acknowledges that life is full of uncertainties and unpredictable circumstances.

Toyosi Etim-Effiong explained,

“Do I trust you a hundred percent? No, but I trust that you will always keep me in the loop. Maybe not ‘keep me in the loop. I’ve spent these years with you, I know you to a large extent and I’m getting to know you better. I think that you will do your absolute best to honour your vows and honour what we have. But I’m also aware that, I don’t want to say anything can happen, but things happen more or less. And I feel like if anything ever happens, I would know.”

The clip from the episode quickly went viral, sparking diverse reactions from social media users. Some viewers agreed, saying they understood Toyosi’s perspective, while others criticised the couple for sharing such a private moment online.

An Instagram user voiced her understanding, saying, “Her response in the interview is deep. Her emotions, facial expressions, and thoughtful pauses, coupled with her careful choice of words, speak volumes. I sincerely wish them all the best.”

“You can never trust someone 💯, you can lie to yourself that you do but it’s not possible, if 💯 trust is attainable, there won’t be jealousy, there won’t be fear of losing that person… as long as you married someone with value, someone you know that other people would do anything to have because they are good both financially and character wise, you will always have that fear of losing them and that fear is as a result of lacking trust and it’s normal… you just have to control your fear and trust them at least 75% for the sake of your inner peace,” said another person.

Another person voiced their disapproval of the content: “There’s no reason why this should be content. I’m very much against this sort of marital content. You’ll harm yourselves but to each their own.” 

“U want to make content and hustle with sensitive private content creation that could spin off and probably mess you up if care is not taken..a good discussion but strictly away from public eye….lets be calming down,” another person warned.

Check out more updates here.

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LIFESTYLE

How To Avoid Billing This December

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How To Avoid Billing In December | fab.ng

As a Nigerian adult, you understand that December isn’t merely a festive season—it’s the ultimate billing battlefield. In this case, knowing how to avoid billing this December can be your financial lifeline.

The month transforms into an elaborate financial obstacle course where every social engagement becomes a potential wallet-draining experience.

Picture this: you’re suddenly expected to match expensive aso-ebi for your partner’s distant cousin’s wedding, shell out cash for elaborate office hangout festivities, purchase thoughtful gifts for an extensive network of friends and family, grab concert tickets for the hottest “detty December” events, and somehow maintain some semblance of financial sanity.

Each commitment is strategically designed to empty your bank account, with Sapa waiting eagerly in the wings to completely demolish your January savings.

The universe seems to have conspired with social expectations to orchestrate a complex financial challenge, transforming December into an unofficial billing Olympics where your wallet is the primary competitor.

But here’s the good news: you can become a strategic “shege survivor” by mastering how to avoid billing this December with calculated precision and smart financial manoeuvres.

In this comprehensive survival guide, we’ll explore tactical approaches to navigate the treacherous December spending landscape, ensuring you emerge victorious without sacrificing your financial stability or social reputation. Prepare to become the ultimate December financial ninja!

1. Always Complain Like It’s Your Birthright

Nobody wants to bill someone who complains every five minutes. If you consistently make a point of complaining about your financial situation whenever you get the chance, the likelihood of being asked for money will drop drastically.

The only exception is if you have people around you who are heartless and completely audacious—if that’s the case, there’s a solution in step two.

2. Trade Your Flashy Phone for a ‘Torchlight’

Do you see that iPhone 14 Pro Max of yours? That big phone that attracts unnecessary attention? It’s essentially a billboard screaming, “I’m open for billing!”

To avoid billing, sell it and invest the money in preparing for next year’s challenges. No one will suspect you of being a “billionaire in transit” if you’re using a humble Nokia torchlight or an old-school TECNO phone.

Picture this: someone asking you for money while you’re holding a phone that looks like it belongs in 2003. They might even feel sorry for you and give you some spare change.

The goal here is to avoid billing by making it clear you’re not the person with deep pockets.

3. Buy Okrika Clothes

As the saying goes at the “Okrika” stores, “na mumu dey go boutique.” Avoid billing by steering clear of designer clothes that scream wealth and immediately mark you as a target for requests.

Instead, buy “Okrika” (secondhand) clothes and proudly share how much you paid when people compliment you. Tell them, “You won’t believe how much this outfit cost; it was just 500 Naira!” and make sure to add, “I’m making do with the little I have…”

This strategy helps position you as the king or queen of thrift, ensuring that nobody dares to ask you for money or extravagant contributions.

4. Avoid Calls Like a Pro

Screen all your calls, and be strategic about who you answer. The call from your cousin in the village? We both know it’s not “Merry Christmas” they’re about to say—it’s more likely “I need money for the New Year.”

To avoid billing, activate your Do Not Disturb (DND) mode and only return calls from people who won’t ask for a handout.

If you must respond, use WhatsApp messages so you can carefully craft your excuses without feeling pressured.

5. Go Solo: Break Up With Your Partner

Let’s be real—being in a relationship is one of the major sources of billing in December. To avoid billing and enjoy some peace of mind, consider going solo this season.

Enjoy your money without worrying about shared expenses, and enter the New Year without emotional or financial baggage. You deserve it!

When you want to avoid billing in December, it isn’t just about saving money—it’s about preserving your sanity and entering January without the financial hangover.

These strategies will help you avoid billing and ensure a peaceful, financially secure holiday season. When you’re sipping zobo in the comfort of your home instead of crying over debt recovery meetings, remember to thank me.

If you found these tips helpful and want more, visit here. And remember not to fall in love this December!

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