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Alex Iwobi Victor Osimhen Beast Mode On podcast

‘Cheating just to win’ - Iwobi on why Osimhen is world-class

Alex Iwobi has explained what makes Nigeria international team-mate Victor Osimhen special, with the Galatasaray striker so determined to be a world-class operator that he is “cheating just to win” in training. Speaking on the Beast Mode On Podcast, Fulham playmaker Iwobi has also revealed what it is like having legendary ex-Paris Saint-Germain, Bolton and Super Eagles star Jay-Jay Okocha as an uncle.

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🎥 | Iwobi on leaving Arsenal, facing Messi & more

Abebayo Akinfenwa is joined by Alex Iwobi on the Beast Mode On Podcast as the Fulham winger discusses his journey from the Arsenal academy to becoming a regular in the Premier League and making his mark on the international stage with Nigeria. The 29-year-old also talks about his duels with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as well as a host of other compelling topics.

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Egypt and Iran reveal alternative World Cup participation plan With the final whistle on their group stage fortunes blowing, both Egypt and Iran have unveiled a contingency bluepri

Doubts surround the Iranian national team ahead of the World Cup. As the final whistle approaches for football’s showpiece event, observers in Tehran and beyond sense a palpable unease about the team’s readiness. Concerns range from the squad’s defensive fragility to the lingering effects of domestic political pressures that have shadowed its preparations. Analysts point out that the side has struggled to find consistency in high-profile friendlies, and the coaching staff’s public silence only amplifies the uncertainty. Fans, who have seen their team qualify for a record sixth consecutive tournament, now wonder whether the squad can silence the sceptics when the first match kicks off.

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Biggest stars who failed to qualify for World Cup 2026

We are now just over two months out from the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with all 48 teams now locked in following the culmination of the various play-offs during the March international break. All of the pre-tournament favourites made it safely through qualifying, including Spain, Brazil, England, France and defending champions Argentina.

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Mane, Salah & AFCON's biggest winners and losers

There are only three certainties in life: death, taxes and a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations. However, even by the tournament's extraordinary standards, the final of the 2025 edition was like nothing we've ever seen before - albeit not in a good way. In the 93rd minute of a tense but largely uneventful encounter in Rabat, Senegal had a goal from Ismaila Sarr very harshly disallowed for a perceived foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi beforehand. Just moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after an invention by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), who had spotted a minor tug on Brahim Diaz's shirt by El Hadji Malick Diouf.

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How Burna Boy is spotlighting African culture ahead of AFCON final

Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy is shouldering the responsibility of championing African culture and heritage by launching a landmark new campaign ahead of Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco. The initiative comprises music, fashion, sport, film and storytelling, aiming to assert ownership of African narratives. To mark the occasion, Burna Boy has dropped a new music video featuring a host of influential figures from the football world.

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Disaster for Salah! Liverpool star misses penalty in AFCON shootout

There was heartache for Mohamed Salah who missed his shootout penalty as Egypt finished fourth at the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday. The Egyptian icon’s spot kick was saved after his side drew 0-0 draw in the third-place play-off against Nigeria, which the Super Eagles won 4-2 on penalties. Salah was one of two Egyptian players to miss his penalty alongside Omar Marmoush.

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Will self-destructive Osimhen ever achieve full potential?

Back in the summer of 2023, Victor Osimhen was the most in-demand striker in world football. He'd just spearheaded Napoli's run to their first Scudetto in 33 years, netting 26 goals in 32 games to become the first African player ever to finish as Serie A top scorer, and had pretty much every elite club in Europe knocking on his door. For a 24-year-old with talent and drive, it seemed like the start of something truly special.

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Mikel exclusive: BlueCo must 'take responsibility' at Chelsea

You will struggle to come across anyone in football more obsessed with Chelsea than their former midfielder and cult hero, John Obi Mikel. The Nigerian played 372 times for the club over an 11-year stint, helping them win 10 trophies, including their first ever Champions League in 2012. Though he retired in 2022, Mikel is still a prominent voice in the Chelsea sphere, regularly discussing their exploits on 'The Obi One Podcast'. Mikel sat down with GOAL to chat about the modern-day Blues, how they compare to his generation, new head coach Liam Rosenior, the club's BlueCo owners, his failed move to Manchester United and his recent transfer to Google Pixel.

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Investigation launched into 'unacceptable behaviour' in AFCON quarter-finals

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has formally opened disciplinary proceedings following a series of ugly incidents that marred the quarter-final stages of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Officials have confirmed that investigations are underway regarding "unacceptable behaviour" from players and staff during the high-profile clashes involving the hosts, Cameroon, Algeria and Nigeria.

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📽️ | Zidane's son at centre of wild AFCON brawl

Zinedine Zidane's son Luca was involved in a brawl at full-time after his Algeria side were defeated in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Saturday. The 27-year-old Granada goalkeeper clashed with Nigeria ace Fisayo Dele-Bashiru following a 2-0 victory for the Super Eagles, who will meet hosts Morocco in the last four. But the incident after the full-time whistle saw a sour end to proceedings as Zidane's side were eliminated.

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🎥 | 'Sh*t, it's Ronaldo!' - Beast Mode On Podcast with Ola Aina

Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina is the latest big-name guest to join Adebayo Akinfenwa on the Beast Mode On Podcast. The talented Nigeria international, who left Chelsea in a permanent move to join Serie A side Torino in 2019, discusses life under Jose Mourinho with the Blues, his decision to return to the Premier League, the challenge of taking on Cristiano Ronaldo and much, much more

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Nigeria vs USMNT: Dike explains international allegiance pick

Daryl Dike has explained why he pledged international allegiance to the USMNT over Nigeria. The powerful striker, who is of African heritage, has seen his brother Bright and sister Courtney commit to the Super Eagles. Dike opted to tread a different path, with 10 caps being earned for the United States. He has discussed that decision with the ‘Beast Mode On’ podcast.

Frequently asked questions

Nel 1903, in primavera, nasce il Verona. A fondarlo è un gruppo di studenti del liceo classico cittadino "Scipione Maffei", chiamandlo Hellas in virtù della proposta del professor Decio Corubolo, il loro insegnante di greco.

Il professore di greco degli studenti fondatori del Verona, Decio Corubolo, consigliò di chiamare il club Hellas in onore dell'antica Ellade, ovvero l'attuale Grecia. Il primo presidente fu il conte Fratta Pasini.

Maurizio Setti, ex vice-presidente e comproprietario del Bologna, è il numero uno dell'Hellas Verona. Dopo essere entrato in società come socio di maggioranza con l'80% delle quote, nel marzo del 2013 ha acquistato l'intero pacchetto azionario del club gialloblù.

Il Verona ha scelto il giallo e blu per la propria squadra in virtù dei colori oro e azzurro preseneti nello stemma di Verona. Inizialmente, però, l'Hellas indossava una maglia a quarti bianca e nera. Dal 1909 si scelsero gli attuali colori del club.

L'Hellas Verona gioca allo Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi le proprie partite casalinghe. L'impianto è dedicato alla memoria di Bentegodi, benefattore dello sport cittadino alla fine dell'800.

Lo Stadio del Verona (in passato anche del Chievo) può ospitare 31.045 spettatori. Inaugurato nel 1963, ha ospitato i Mondiali del 1990. I posti complessivi sono in realtà 39 211, ma più di 8.000 non sono omologati.

L'Hellas Verona ha vinto un solo Scudetto durante la sua storia. Nel 1984/1985, quattro punti di vantaggio sul Torino e cinque sull'Inter, la squadra veneta si è laureata Campione d'Italia per la prima, storica, volta.

Arnaldo Porta, storico giocatore del Verona dei primi decenni del '900, è il massimo marcatore all-time del club giallobù. Nessuno, in cento anni di Hellas, è riuscito a superare le sue 74 reti segnate tra il 1914 e il 1930.

Il Verona ha vinto un solo trofeo nella sua storia, ovvero lo Scudetto 1984/1985. Per il resto i gialloblù hanno al massimo tornei giovanili, anche Primavera. e la Serie B.

Il Verona ha giocato solo una volta in Champions League, all'epoca Coppa dei Campioni: nel 1985/1986, però, il viaggio dell'Hellas si è fermato agli ottavi del torneo. In Coppa UEFA/Europa League, invece, i gialloblù hanno raggiunto i quarti nel 1987/1988.

Alla pari di Porta, anche il record di partite giocate con il Verona è vecchio di quasi cent'annii. Luigi Bernardi, in maglia gialloblù tra il 1927 e il 1939, ha disputato ben 337 gare. Eugenio Mascetti, in squadra tra gli anni '60 e '80, si fermato a 328.

Osvaldo Bagnoli, storico allenatore dello Scudetto, ha guidato il Verona tra 1981 e il 1990. In un decenio come mister dell'Hellas ha messo insieme 384 partite, con 144 vittori, 138 pareggi e 102 sconfitte.

Il Verona ha partecipato a tornei di seconda serie in 54 occasioni, l'ultima volta nel 2018/2019. Appena dietro i campionati di Serie A/prima divisione, in 49 annate. 6, infine, le stagioni in terza serie, l'ultima volta nel 2010/2011.

I tifosi del Verona sono i 'Mastini' in virtù dei Della Scala, famiglia che goverò Verona e da cui deriva anche l'altro soprannome degli 'scaligeri'. Il figlio del capostipite Giacomino si chiamava proprio Mastino. Il marchio del club è un'immagine stilizzata di due mastini rivolti in direzioni opposte.

A differenza di altri club italiani, il Verona non è retrocesso in Serie C recentemente per fallimenti o questioni finanziarie. L'Hellas, infatti, dovette fare i conti con un periodo deludente dal punto di vista sportivo, con la caduta in Serie B nel 2002 e dunque quella in C nel 2007 dopo sessantaquattro anni.