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Category: Sport
Qatar’s Boost For Braga: How The Next Portuguese Football Giant Is Taking Shape
SC Braga: A Revolution in Portuguese Football Under QSI. SC Braga is like that guest who shows up late to a party but still manages to outshine the stars. In Portuguese football, it’s often dubbed the “fourth big club,” but such a label fails to capture the ambitions of a team breathing down the necks of Benfica, Porto, and Sporting. Over recent years, the club has confidently proven that its place in football’s hierarchy is earned not just through history but also with a bold vision for the future. When Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) entered the scene in 2022, it became clear: this club is aiming for the next level. Let’s break down how Braga has built its story, why QSI chose them, and what this partnership could mean.. Table of Contents. Toggle. SC Braga’s Performance Over the Last Three Seasons. 2020–2021 Season. In the 2020–2021 season, SC Braga once again proved that their place in the top four is no coincidence but rather a consistent achievement. The team finished fourth, comfortably ahead of mid-table sides but still far from challenging Benfica, Porto, and Sporting’s dominance. Nevertheless, the Arsenalistas left their mark: a stunning home win against Benfica (3-2) served as a statement of intent. In the Europa League, the team advanced from the group stage but faced a formidable Roma in the Round of 32. Despite elimination, Braga put up a fight against the Italian giants. These performances began to solidify their reputation beyond Portugal, steadily climbing the European football club rankings. Among the standout players was Ricardo Horta, the soul of the team’s attack. On the sidelines, manager Carlos Carvalhal brought fresh tactical ideas and resilience to the squad.. 2021–2022 Season. The following season showed that Braga was capable of more. Once again finishing fourth, the team notably closed the gap with the top three. In the domestic cup, SC Braga reached the semifinals of the Taça de Portugal, narrowly losing on penalties. The youth academy shone once more: Vítor Oliveira, known as Vitinha, emerged as a revelation, scoring critical goals and cementing his place in the lineup. Braga demonstrated its knack not only for nurturing talent but also for retaining it – making the club a hot topic among experts providing football predictions.. 2022–2023 Season. By 2022–2023, the Minho-based team had firmly established itself as a top-tier Portuguese club. Securing another fourth-place finish might not seem groundbreaking, but the team’s growing confidence was evident. While domestic league standings don’t guarantee European success, Braga kept refining its ambitions on the international stage. With each passing year, the club has become an increasingly fierce competitor for Porto and Sporting, with its young stars eyeing participation in major tournaments.. QSI Investments in SC Braga. Timeline of Acquisition. October 2022 marked a turning point as Qatar Sports Investments entered Portuguese football. What initially seemed like an understated move turned out to have profound implications. QSI’s purchase of a 21.67% stake in SC Braga raised eyebrows: why would Middle Eastern moguls invest in a club long overshadowed by the “Big Three”? The answer is straightforward: access to one of Europe’s most promising markets. Despite its modest scale, the Primeira Liga is a breeding ground for world-class talent. By October 2023, QSI had increased its stake to 29.6%. This wasn’t an aggressive takeover but a calculated strategy. UEFA’s strict rules on multi-club ownership require careful navigation, and QSI—already in control of PSG – has adopted a “cautious but confident” approach, maintaining transparency while strengthening its position.. Strategic Vision. For Nasser Al-Khelaifi, SC Braga is more than just another club – it’s a long-term project. The QSI chairman stated:. “We see SC Braga as a project with immense potential. We’re ready to work with the club to create something special while preserving its uniqueness and respecting its traditions.”. But why isn’t QSI aiming for full control? The answer lies in UEFA regulations, which mandate that Braga must remain independent of PSG’s influence. Holding a minority stake ensures a balance of interests while respecting the club’s heritage. Under the leadership of António Salvador, Braga retains its cultural identity rooted in the Minho region. QSI complements this with thoughtful investments – honoring traditions while paving the way for the future. This creates a unique synergy, blending history with modernization to carve a new name in European football.. Potential Impact on SC Braga’s Performance. Financial and Resource Investments. The most obvious advantage of partnering with QSI is the expanded transfer budget. For years, Braga relied on selling its talent, but now the club can focus on retaining key players and strengthening its squad. This financial backing could elevate the team to new heights, offering stability and long-term growth.. Infrastructure Improvements. As the team gains momentum on the pitch, it’s time to raise the bar for training facilities. QSI’s investment program includes upgrading infrastructure – a critical step in turning Braga into a true academy for football stars. This not only enhances player development but also improves the fan experience with modern facilities and services.. Marketing and Global Reach. QSI’s marketing expertise is undeniable. New sponsors, broadcasting rights, and an international audience can transform Braga from a local club into a global brand. Improved scouting networks will attract young talent eager to join an ambitious project.. Read Also: EPL: It’s Always Difficult Playing Against Nottingham Forest –Konate. Prospects and Expectations. Domestic Competition. Braga is no longer just an audacious challenger but a near-full member of Portuguese football’s elite. Competing with the “Big Three” requires more than ambition, and QSI’s investments provide the means to narrow the gap by attracting top talent and specialists. Tactical evolution, innovative defensive setups, and dominant ball control could turn Braga into a trendsetter on the field.. European Aspirations. For years, the Arsenalistas were a team capable of surprises but failed to make a lasting impact in Europe. With QSI’s backing, consistent Champions League participation is becoming a realistic goal. Deep runs in the Europa League or solid performances in the Champions League group stage will showcase Braga’s academy and bolster its status on the European stage.. Balancing Tradition and Modernization. Money drives success, but respecting traditions makes a club truly great. António Salvador and QSI seem to understand this. Braga has the chance to remain true to its roots while embracing a sustainable model that resists market volatility. A new horizon awaits, and the club seems ready to seize it.. Conclusion. The Gladiators of Braga are no longer just a solid mid-table side dreaming of glory—they’re a team that, over the past three seasons, has laid a strong foundation for transformation. Consistent league performances, standout moments in Europe, and a thriving academy make the club ready for its next step.. QSI’s investment is not just about finances – it brings global marketing opportunities, enhanced scouting, and improved infrastructure. However, Braga’s challenge lies in leveraging these advantages while preserving the local identity that makes the club unique.. If Braga can strike the right balance between tradition and modernization, these Portuguese fighters have the potential to move beyond being the “fourth club” and become a force to be reckoned with – not just in Portugal but across Europe.. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now
Rivers Angels Congratulate Okwuchukwu On San Diego Wave Move
Rivers Angels have sent congratulatory message to their former player Chiamaka Okwuchukwu who recently joined San Diego Wave in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the US.. Okwuchukwu was announced as a new player of San Diego after signing a one-year contract.. “Congratulations to our former striker, Chiamaka Okwuchuckwu, who has officially signed for the San Diego women’s team in the USA,” Rivers Angels wrote on X.. “We wish her the best of luck and a successful career in the United States of America.”. Okwuchukwu was one of the standout performer for the Falconets at the 2024 FIFA U-20 women’s World Cup.. Her impressive showing earned her a nomination for the 2024 CAF Women’s Young Player of the Year award.. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now
Over 100 Athletes Return Paris 2024 Olympic Medals Due to Damage and Rust
A growing controversy surrounding the quality of the Paris 2024 Olympic medals has led more than 100 athletes to return their awards just five months after the games. The issue, which initially emerged during the event last year, has been linked to rust and significant damage to the medals.
Concerns about the quality of the medals were first raised when American skateboarder Nyjah Houston went viral after revealing the poor condition of the bronze medal he received. Houston shared that the medal began to show signs of deterioration after just a short period of wear. “Alright, so these Olympic medals look great when they’re brand new, but after letting it sit on my skin with some sweat for a little bit and letting my friends wear it over the weekend, they’re apparently not as high quality as you would think,” he said. “I mean, look at that thing. It’s looking rough. Even the front. It’s starting to chip off a little. So yeah, I don’t know, Olympic medals, you maybe gotta step up the quality a little bit.”
Following Houston’s viral post, several other athletes, including Team USA’s Nick Itkin and Ilona Maher, shared images of their own damaged medals. In addition, two French Olympians, Clément Secchi and Yohann Ndoye-Brouard, who won bronze together in the 4×100-meter medley relay, publicly complained about the state of their medals last month.
According to a recent report from La Lettre, over 100 athletes have now returned their medals to the Paris 2024 organizers due to similar damage. The publication also revealed that the management of Monnaie de Paris, the company responsible for producing the medals, has been dismissed in the wake of the issue. Problems reportedly arose from a ban on certain components used in the medals and insufficient testing time before production.
The medals were designed by French luxury jeweler Chaumet and include a piece of iron sourced from the Eiffel Tower during renovations in the 20th century. However, the quality of the final product has sparked outrage among athletes.
In response to the report, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) assured AFP that defective medals would be replaced with identical models. The IOC explained, “The Paris 2024 Olympic Games Organizing Committee is working closely with Monnaie de Paris, the institution responsible for the manufacture and quality control of the medals, to assess any complaints about the medals and understand the circumstances and cause of any damage.”
The IOC added that all defective medals would be systematically replaced, engraved identically, and that the replacement process would begin in the coming weeks.
Done Deal: Falconets Forward Joins NWSL Club San Diego Wave
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Inter Milan’s Nigerian Midfielder Racially Abused
A Serie B match between Brescia and Sampdoria on Sunday evening was marred by another ugly incident after Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro was racially abused.. Akinsanmiro, who is on loan to Sampdoria from Inter Milan became the target of racist chants and monkey noises from a section of Brescia supporters at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti.. The racist abuse began almost immediately after kick-off, with audible ‘boos’ directed at Akinsanmiro throughout the early stages of the game.. The situation became so severe that the stadium announcer had to repeatedly call for the home fans to cease their behavior, warning that the match could be suspended if the racist chants continued.. The tension reached its peak around the 30-minute mark when Sampdoria took the lead through a goal by Coda.. Reacting to the opening goal the 21-year-old Nigerian, celebrated by mimicking a monkey gesture towards the offending section of the crowd.. This action led to his booking by the referee and further intensified the hostile atmosphere in the stadium.. As the match progressed, the situation on the field became increasingly heated, with several rough challenges directed at Akinsanmiro.. Sampdoria’s coach, Leonardo Semplici, made the decision to substitute the young player around the 40-minute mark to protect him from potential further incidents or disciplinary action.. As Akinsanmiro left the pitch, he sarcastically applauded towards the stands, a final act of defiance against the abuse he had endured.. In the aftermath of the match, Brescia’s coach Pierpaolo Bisoli made controversial comments that have further fuelled the debate.. Bisoli claimed he “hadn’t heard anything” regarding the racist chants, despite the stadium announcer’s repeated interventions, and criticized Akinsanmiro’s reaction, stating, “You can’t provoke the public like that. Regardless, you must show respect.”. Sampdoria coach Semplici, in contrast, defended his player vigorously in his post-match comments, praising Akinsanmiro’s performance, describing him as the best player on the field before the incident.. He expressed regret over the situation and questioned Bisoli’s claim of not hearing the racist chants, pointing out that even the referee had previously addressed the issue.. In a show of solidarity, Sampdoria has since posted a supportive message on their official Instagram account, featuring a photo of Akinsanmiro with his fist raised, accompanied by the caption “With you.”. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now
FC Basel Agree Deal To Sign Nigerian Winger Otele From Al Wahda.
FC Basel of Switzerland have agreed a deal with Saudi Arabia club Al Wahda for their Nigerian winger Philip Otele.. This was revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano in a post on his X handle.. ” Excl: FC Basel have agreed deal to sign 25-year-old Nigerian winger Philip Otele from Al Wahda,” Romano wrote.. “Loan with option to buy for €3m plus sell-on clause, medical on Tuesday.”. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now. Al Wahda FC Basel Philip Otele. Share. Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
West Ham United In Talks With Forest For Awoniyi
West Ham United are interested in Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi, reports Completesports.com.. The Hammers are in need of reinforcements up front following injuries to some of their forwards including Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen and Niclas Fullkrug.. According to reports, West Ham want to sign Awoniyi on loan for the remainder of the season.. A permanent transfer has also been discussed but Nottingham Forest’s £20m valuation could be a stumbling block.. Read Also:FC Basel Agree Deal To Sign Nigerian Winger Otele From Al Wahda.. The Tricky Trees would also need to bring in a replacement before allowing the striker to leave.. The Nigeria international has played second fiddle to Chris Wood this season as he worked his way back to full fitness.. The 27-year-old scored his first league goal of the season in the 3-0 win at Wolves last week.. It would be recalled that Awoniyi was linked with a move to West Ham last summer.. By Adeboye Amosu. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now
Nottingham Vs Liverpool: Stop Your Mind Games –Nuno Warns Slot
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo has warned Liverpool manager Arne Slot that his mind games won’t have any effect on his players ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash at the City Ground.. In a chat with the club’s website, Nuno stated that his players are focused on getting the maximum points at home.. “We have to play the games. We are here to compete against all of the teams and I think we are doing well, but nothing changes in our approach, which stays the same.. “We know what we can do and how we want to do things. We know each other, our strengths and weaknesses. So let’s play the game.”. Read Also: West Ham United In Talks With Forest For Awoniyi. On whether Slot was playing mind games, he continued: “I don’t know but we try as much as possible to ignore what’s around. We never change. It is the way we see things, the way we see the competition. I would say it is the way we see life. It’s day-by-day, focus on our tasks and tomorrow is another tough one.. “When we do things good we should be pleased, but too much compliments can distract us so we don’t pay too much attention.. “Salah, Diaz, Gakpo, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Van Dijk, Konate, Trent…quality all over the place. A fantastic team. They have shown not only in the Premier League but in Europe how good they are. It is about us realising this and facing the game with the true respect it is necessary to play against Liverpool. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now
Guardiola Splits From Wife After 30 Years Together
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Dikko Pledges NSC’s Support For NFF, Chelle
In consonance with its promise to the various Sports Federations, the National Sports Commission (NSC) will support the Nigeria Football Federation to succeed in the quest for World Cup qualification and beyond. NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko made this pledge during the ceremony unveiling new Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekou Chelle.. His words, “If the NFF succeeds, we (NSC) succeed. If the NFF fails, we fail. So we will do all we can to support them to succeed. This is what I have been telling all the other Sports Federations and I am telling NFF the same thing now. Our destinies are sort of tied together.”. To this end, the idea of Presidential Support Group (PSG) was mooted to complement NFF and Nigeria’s quest to qualify for the World Cup.. “The Presidential Support Group is not taking over the work of the NFF. NFF will do their work, PSG will only support the NFF to achieve the same goal and it is for this reason we are not calling it a task force but support group”, he added.. He lent his voice to the process that produced Chelle as the 37th Super Eagles chief coach.. “The process to select Eric was thorough. At the NSC we followed all the processes and all the details and we are happy with the process that produced Eric. I must congratulate Eric for being part of this great opportunity to be part of Nigeria’s journey in football”, he said.. In his opinion, Chelle’s selection should strengthen brotherly bonds across the West African subregion.. “People are saying that this process negates the plans of the National Sports Commission to take our football from competition-driven to development-driven industry. It has not. It has actually advanced that course. People have forgotten that we are all in ECOWAS and ECOWAS is supposed to be one united family. And our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Chairman of ECOWAS. So to have a Franco-Malian here is another opportunity for bonding in ECOWAS and expanding our influence as leaders in the ECOWAS region and beyond”, he pointed out.. The NSC Chairman solicited support for the new national team helmsman.. “All of us are committed to support the NFF to get us to the World Cup. We need to look at the records of Chelle in the Malian national team. Twenty-two games with Mali, 14 wins, 5 draws and only 3 losses. Over 40 goals scored and just 13 goal conceded. We are looking for someone to get us through this qualification process and we are going to play against African teams”, he added.. Mallam Dikko shed more light on the rationale behind the choice of Chelle.. “There is no time for any friendly match. We are going straight to the qualifiers to get the results. So we want someone who understands African football. He has coached Mali and even a top football club in Africa, so he understands the terrain and his record with Mali is impeccable. We could have brought the best coach in the world but before he settles down to understand the African environment, the World Cup qualifiers are over.. “We are looking for someone to get down to work straight away and qualify us for the World Cup and Eric comes highly motivated, recommended and qualified. If he reenacts his winning ratio at Mali, I am sure we will qualify. Eric is quite motivated and determined to get this job done, reason he took a huge pay cut to be here with us. This clearly shows the mindset and ambition of Eric which clearly aligns with our ambition for the Super Eagles.. “So I will enjoin all stakeholders to stop all these negativity and support Eric. We on our part will do all we can to get the desired results”, he concluded.. Earlier, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau had pointed out that the choice of Chelle was geared towards having a smoother ride in the remaining World Cup qualifiers. On his part, Chelle promised to unleash the inherent attacking potentials of the Super Eagles.. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now