Weekly Football News Catch-Up: October 24th: Why I Don’t Celebrate Goals Taiwo Awoniyi; Why Declan Rice Choose Arteta Over Guardiola; Sancho To Leave United; Others

Why I Don’t Celebrate Goals – Taiwo Awoniyi

Taiwo Awoniyi, a Nottingham Forest and Super Eagles forward, has revealed why he does not celebrate after scoring goals.

He stated that he did not celebrate his goals because he knew they would come.

“To be honest, it’s not intentional. But I was having a conversation with a brother of mine and he made me understand why I don’t celebrate scoring goals.

“He is someone that knows me; the secret part of me. I think the truth is, it’s just a script you know.

“Sometimes when you understand this is meant to happen, and it happens. It’s just more of a thing you’ve seen happening, so it’s just like what is supposed to be.

“Even when people don’t see it happening, you’ve already known. You’ve seen it ahead. So, when it happens, that calmness is just there,” he told Fans Tribe in an interview.

Awoniyi is currently in Uyo with the Super Eagles ahead of Nigeria’s final AFCON qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe on Sunday.

Sancho Ready To Leave Manchester United In January

Jadon Sancho, the Manchester United winger, will try to leave the Premier League club in January after crisis talks with manager Erik ten Hag failed to resolve the situation.

Both men’s relationship ended after a public spat before the international break.

Ten Hag benched Sancho for their 3-1 loss at Arsenal, and when asked why, the former Ajax manager said it was due to the player’s poor attitude in training.

Ten Hag and Sancho met on Monday to clear the air. However, it is believed that no agreement was reached.

Sancho will look to leave when the transfer window reopens, possibly on loan, before committing to a permanent move next summer.

Declan Rice Reveals Why He Chose Arteta Over Guardiola

Declan Rice, an Arsenal midfielder, has admitted that manager Mikel Arteta played a significant role in his decision to join the club over Manchester City and Chelsea.

The Gunners outbid their Premier League rivals in a £105 million deal to sign Rice from West Ham.

Manchester City were thought to be favourites to sign Rice during the summer, especially given that they had just won the treble under Pep Guardiola.

However, the 24-year-old has revealed that the chance to play under Arteta was a major factor in his decision to relocate to north London.

Rice told Channel 4: “I have to say the manager, Mikel. I think just from the moment that I met him, I knew he was the one I wanted to take on the next part of my career.

“Just the way he spoke, his aura, the way he sees the game, the way he wants to play football, and I think we’ve seen Arsenal the way they’ve played the last two years, the way they’ve played as a team, I really see myself fitting in.”

CAF Unveils Official Match Ball For AFCON 2023

The official match ball for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has been unveiled by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Laurent Pokou, a legendary Ivorian forward, is honoured with the official match ball.

The unveiling is yet another milestone on the road to the competition’s official start.

POKOU, the official ball, incorporates the three main colours of the Cote d’Ivoire flag—white, orange, and green—while also incorporating cutting-edge technology that will transform the game on the continent and beyond.

The 2023 AFCON will be held in Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro, and Yamoussoukro from January 13 to February 11, 2024.

On January 13, host Cote d’Ivoire will face the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau at the Alhassan Quattara Stadium in Ebimpe.