Latest News |

January 25, 2022

January 25, 2022 IFMSPORTS

Mario Balotelli Called Up To Italy Squad For First Time Since 2018

Mario Balotelli has been named in the Italy squad for the first time since 2018 as the European champions plan for their World Cup play-off semi-final.

The former Manchester City and Liverpool forward, 31, has not featured for his country since September 2018.

Balotelli is one of 35 players named for a three-day training camp after scoring eight goals in 18 league games for Turkish side Adana Demirspor.

Italy face North Macedonia on 24 March in a World Cup play-off semi-final.

Balotelli has a record of 14 goals in 36 games for his country, but has earned only three caps since the 2014 World Cup.

This week’s training camp is one of Roberto Mancini’s final opportunities to get his players together before the North Macedonia match.

Balotelli worked under Mancini earlier in his career at Inter Milan and Manchester City.

Kano Government Suspends All Private Schools

The Kano State Government has suspended the operational licenses of all private schools in the state.

The State Commissioner for Education, Sanusi Kiru, stated this at a press conference in Kano on Monday.

The decision was sequel to the murder of a five-year old school pupil, Hanifa Abubakar, by her teacher a proprietor of private school she attended, Abdulmalik Tanko.

On the suspension of the operational licences for private schools in the State, Kiru said the state government will set up a special committee for guidance on the next course of action.

Watford Sack Manager Claudio Ranieri

Watford have sacked boss Claudio Ranieri after 14 games and less than four months in charge.

The Italian, 70, was appointed on 4 October but managed only seven points from 13 Premier League games.

Last Friday’s 3-0 home defeat to Norwich saw Watford drop into the bottom three with 18 matches left and prompted Ranieri’s departure.

A club statement said a change was needed to give a new appointment time to lift Watford out of trouble.

“The Hornets’ board recognizes Claudio as a man of great integrity and honour, who will always be respected here at Vicarage Road for his efforts in leading the team with dignity,” added the statement.

“However the board feels that, with nearly half of the Premier League campaign remaining, a change in the head coach position now will give a new appointment sufficient time to work with a talented squad to achieve the immediate goal of retaining Premier League status.”

It means Watford are looking for their 15th manager since the Pozzo family took over in 2012.

Senate President Lawan Begs NLC, TUC To Abort Nationwide Protest

Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to abort the planned protests against the Federal Government’s proposed removal of fuel subsidy.

Making the appeal when he met with the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, Senator Lawan, while faulting the timing for the planned removal of subsidy on petroleum products by the federal government, said the planned nationwide protest by the NLC and TUC was no longer tenable, even as he urged members of the organized labour not to go ahead with their planned action across the country.

On Air Now:

Category: Latest News

Mario Balotelli Called Up To Italy Squad For First Time Since 2018

MORE STORIES

Kano Government Suspends All Private Schools

MORE STORIES

Watford Sack Manager Claudio Ranieri

MORE STORIES

Senate President Lawan Begs NLC, TUC To Abort Nationwide Protest

MORE STORIES

USEFUL LINKS

DOWNLOAD OUR APP

FOLLOW US

queue

Watch Live