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Vardy Leads Leicester To Championship Title

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ENGLAND —Jamie Vardy scored twice as Leicester celebrated their promotion to the Premier League in style on Monday with a 3-0 win at Preston that secured the Championship title.

The Foxes’ return to the top flight was sealed after Leeds’ shock 4-0 capitulation at QPR on Friday.

Enzo Maresca’s men needed victory at Deepdale to guarantee beating Ipswich to top spot with a game to spare and did so with ease, thanks in large part to their 37-year-old captain.

Vardy was one of the heroes of Leicester’s memorable Premier League triumph in 2016 and part of the side that also lifted the club’s first FA Cup just three years ago.

He played a central role in another night to savour for the travelling fans as he took his tally for the season to 20 goals.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game but we got the job done. Celebrating with the fans is great,” said Vardy.

“How could you not love scoring goals? Especially the second one, scoring in front of the fans – you can’t get a better feeling than that.”

Vardy opened the scoring when his mishit effort found the far corner on 36 minutes before smashing into an unguarded net after Wout Faes’ shot came back off the post.

Kasey McAteer set the seal on the title party when he headed in Abdul Fatawu’s cross 23 minutes from time.

After retaining much of the squad that were surprisingly relegated last season, Leicester desperately needed to return to the riches of the Premier League at the first attempt with the club running up huge losses.

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They were charged in March by the Premier League for alleged breaches of profit and sustainability rules (PSR) relating to their last three years in the top flight.

If found guilty, Leicester could start life back in the top flight with a points deduction.

The battle to join them in the Premier League next season is set to go to the final day of the Championship season on Saturday.

Leeds sit second on goal difference ahead of Ipswich, who have a game in hand away at Coventry on Tuesday.

Ipswich then host Huddersfield, who are practically relegated, on the final day while Leeds face Southampton at Elland Road.

Only the top two are automatically promoted, while teams that finish from third to sixth go into the playoffs to determine the third promotion spot.

AFP

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Virgil van Dijk signs new two-year deal with Liverpool

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has committed his future to the Premier League club by signing a new two-year contract on Thursday.

The Dutch centre-back follows Mohamed Salah in ending months of speculation by extending his stay at Anfield.

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NPFL: Kano Pillars beat Lobi Stars 2-0 in Kano

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Kano Pillars Football Club on Sunday defeated visiting Lobi Stars of Makurdi 2-0 in the ongoing 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The match day 33 which was played at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata was watched by a large number of spectators.

Ahmed Musa opened scoring for the hosts in the 55th minute, sending the home fans into wild jubilation.

Naziru Ibrahim sealed the victory with a stoppage-time penalty, after a Lobi defender was penalised for a handball in the box.

The result boosts Pillars chances of finishing at the top of the table, while Lobi Stars continued to struggle with inconsistent away form.

Speaking after the match, Pillars coach, Usman Abdullah, commended his team’s performance and urged them to be focused in their remaining fixtures.

Abdullah said he was pleased with the result, especially the two goals, which he described as vital in the club’s push for a top-of-the-table finish.

“We are happy with the win and the two goals. This victory will go a long way in helping us achieve our target of finishing at the top,” he said.

Looking ahead to their next fixture, the coach said his side would intensify preparations for their clash against Enyimba in Aba.

According to him, the team hope to secure at least a point, citing Enyimba’s recent struggles at home as a possible advantage.

“Enyimba are not playing very well this season, and their loss at home gives us hope. We will prepare well and aim to get something from that game,” Abdullah added.

Also speaking, Lobi Stars Head Coach, Tope Bulus, commended his players for their performance in spite of their loss.

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Bulus, who recently took charge of the team, said he was impressed with the level of improvement and commitment shown by the players.

“I am satisfied with the way the boys played today. This is just my fourth game in charge, and I can see that they are beginning to blend well and understand the system,” he explained.

The coach noted that although the result was not favourable, the performance gave him hope for better outcomes in future fixtures.(NAN)

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‘He Brought Joy To Millions,’ Tinubu, NFF Pay Tribute To Late Christian Chukwu

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President Bola Tinubu and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have joined the long list of people, especially in the football family, in paying tribute to late Super Eagles hero Christian Chukwu, who died on Saturday.

“Chairman,” as the late Nigerian football icon was called, died at 74, throwing family, friends, and the entire nation into mourning.

In his tribute to the former centre defender, Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman Bayo Onanuga, hailed the patriotism of Chukwu.

“Christian Chukwu was more than a footballer and coach. He was a symbol of excellence and patriotism. He brought joy to millions, mentored a generation of footballers, and stood as a pillar of Nigerian brand and sportsmanship on and off the pitch,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.

“His legacies will continue to live on in the trophies he won, the lives he touched, and the exciting moments he provided to football fans and spectators on the field and in the technical area. We are forever grateful for his contributions to the sport we all love, and we will always remember him with great respect and admiration.”

President Tinubu eugolised the former Rangers defender as a trailblazer whose career was defined by passion, discipline, and commitment to national pride.

He consoled the family of the bereaved, praying for the repose of his soul and comfort for those Chukwu left behind.

NFF mourns as ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, 1980 AFCON-winning captain, dies at 74

The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed deep sorrow after it was confirmed that Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, who captained Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad pic.twitter.com/8UMRatCivF

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On its part, the NFF, in a statement on its official X handle, said Chukwu’s death is a big loss to the country’s football fraternity.

“We have lost a good and great man. Chukwu was the definition of a strong, dedicated, and disciplined leader on and off the field. He was not nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for nothing. He embodied strength, vision, and consistency,” the General Secretary of the football body said.

“We pray that the Almighty will grant his soul eternal rest, and also grant the family and friends he has left behind, and Nigeria football’s fraternity the fortitude to bear this big loss.”

Chukwu captained Nigeria to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in 1980 and was also a former coach of the side between 2002 and 2005. He led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2004 edition of the continental competition in Tunisia.

He devoted his club career to Enugu Rangers, where he won multiple national titles and led the club to continental glory with their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.

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