Jose Mourinho  has identified the following as the three strongest national teams ahead of UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany:

Euro 2024: Jose Mourinho Names His Three Strongest Teams

Portugal
France
England

He believes that one of these teams will win the tournament. However, Mourinho also mentioned that other strong teams like Belgium, Spain, Netherlands, and Italy could potentially win the competition, indicating that an unexpected country might emerge victorious.

“For me, it’s one of the three strongest teams – Portugal, France and England”, Jose Mourinho told Vila do Conde on Wednesday, May 1, when asked to predict the forthcoming European Championship.

“Surprises can happen, yes. But looking at the quality and quantity of players, I think Portugal has to go there to win.”

The UEFA Euro 2024 will start on June 14, 2024, at the Allianz Arena in Munich and will conclude on July 14, 2024. Italy is the current reigning champion of the tournament after defeating England in 2021 at Wembley Stadium.

England is considered one of the favorites to win the tournament due to their star-studded team. However, they face tough competition from France, who finished second in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Former Nigeria football captain, John Mikel Obi has talked up his successful spell at Premier League giants, Chelsea

Mikel spent 11 years at Stamford Bridge winning multiple titles, including two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one Champions League and one UEFA Europa League.

Prior to his arrival at Chelsea, the former midfielder was inactive for around a year due to the transfer struggle between the Blues and Manchester United.The midfielder later moved to Chelsea on June 2, 2006.

“It was a massive relief. Obviously, it was going on for a year almost, I couldn’t play for any club because of the whole saga,” he told the obionepodcast.

“But after that was settled, it was a massive relief for me and I joined the club that I really wanted to play for, which was Chelsea. And I just couldn’t wait to be unveiled as a Chelsea player, because it was taking such a long time to get settled.

“But after that was done, you know, I was happy to be here. Amazing career. Had won everything to be to be won. And my memory here is absolutely fantastic. I will never, never trade it for anything.”

Borussia Dortmund from the German Bundesliga triumphed over Paris Saint-Germain from the French Ligue 1 in both legs of the UEFA Champions League semi-final.

UEFA Champions League Semi-Final: Borussia Dortmund Knock Out PSG

During the first leg in Germany on Wednesday, May 1, Borussia Dortmund secured a victory with a 36th-minute goal from 31-year-old German forward, Niclas Füllkrug.

In the 1-0 defeat, Kylian Mbappe’s absence was notable, leading many to believe it was a stroke of luck. This trend continued in the return match at Parc des Princes on May 7, as Mbappe couldn’t prevent Borussia Dortmund from advancing to the Champions League final. Despite a goalless first half, Borussia Dortmund scored in the 50th minute through Mats Hummels, securing their victory.

The game ended with Borussia Dortmund defeating PSG 2-0, crushing PSG’s dream of winning the Champions League title. Dortmund will now face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the Champions League final on June 1, 2024. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, currently tied 2-2 on aggregate, will play in Spain on Wednesday, May 8 at 8 p.m.

The Minister for Sports Development, John Enoh, has expressed his disappointment with Team Nigeria’s performance at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Sports Minister John Enoh Criticizes Nigeria’s 2024 Olympics Performance as a ‘Disaster’

In a statement posted on his X page earlier today, 10th August, John Enoh emphasised that the failure to secure any medals reflects underlying issues that require immediate attention.

He emphasised the importance of careful consideration in the forthcoming sports federation elections to ensure that the most qualified individuals are elected to lead the various sports federations.

John Enoh wrote, “Yesterday, I met with gentlemen of the press at the Nigerian Embassy in Paris for a press briefing following the country’s participation in the 2024 Olympics. As we go back home, we must do everything to prevent future occurrences of the Paris disaster and if this will entail the review of how people are elected to lead our sporting federations, it will be done.

“The elections for the federations are around the corner, and it will be the perfect platform to get only those who are most eligible to lead the various sports federations.

“Team Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the country did not secure any medals does not entail being addressed just by our participation at the Olympics, but it is a product of very many other things that need immediate attention.”

Despite claims that the ministry adequately supported the athletes both financially and otherwise, Senator Enoh emphasised the importance of addressing systemic issues beyond just participation in the Olympics.

“We did everything as a ministry to prepare the athletes adequately and provide them with every financial support, but unfortunately, the performance did not produce any podium finish,” he said.

Looking ahead to the federation elections, he emphasised the need for rigorous scrutiny of the candidates to elevate the standards of leadership within Nigeria’s sports federations.

He wrote: “I am aware that the sports federations elections in Nigeria are even tougher than our national elections. We must set our standards to scrutinize what motivates those vying to run the federations and get only the best hands.

“This call for reform aims to enhance the leadership and effectiveness of Nigeria’s sports federations, paving the way for improved performance on the global stage.”

Former Super Eagles star,Tijani Babangida, tragically passed away in a car accident.

Former Super Eagles Player, Ibrahim Babangida Passes Away

Reports indicate that the accident occurred on Zaria road and also involved his brother, Tijani, along with Tijani’s wife, son, and maid.

• Babangida was the only one who died in the auto accident. The others who were with him were taken to the hospital and are currently receiving treatment.

• Tijani serves as the president of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN).

• A statement from the General Secretary of PFAN, Emmanuel Babayaro, confirmed that Ibrahim passed away in the accident.

– Further details will be provided later.