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We have motivation to conquer Leopards, says Ekong

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Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, has admitted that the Democratic Republic of Congo will be a mountain to climb in Sunday’s final of the FIFA World Cup Africa Playoff Tournament, but assured that the Super Eagles have the ammunition to prevail at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan.

Both countries, who share five African titles between them, clash in a high-stakes game that will produce Africa’s representative at the Intercontinental Playoffs for two more slots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. That tournament will take place in Mexico in four months.

“There is no doubt that the Congolese will be a big challenge. They got here because they are tough and ambitious, and also want to go to the World Cup,” Ekong said on Saturday afternoon.

“However, we have a large group of players here, 24 of them, out of which only about four of us have been to the World Cup (in 2018). There is that adrenaline flowing in their system to go to the World Cup, and I see it as a big motivation for us to conquer on Sunday.”

Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Chidozie Awaziem are the only members of the present squad who were part of the squad to Russia 2018.

Coach Éric Chelle’s ensemble must beware of a number of predators in the Congo squad, including Spain-based Cédric Bakambu, France-based Nathaniel Mbuku, former Russia U21 star Theo Bongonda and Pyramid of Egypt’s Fiston Mayele.

English Premiership’s Noah Sadiki and Spain-based Charles Pickel are to hold in midfield, whilst the attack-minded Aaron Wan-Bissaka leads a compact defence that also includes captain Chancel Mbemba, who is looking forward to his 101st cap.

Chelle has all his 24 players available for selection, including Iwobi, who will be winning his 91st cap and Moses Simon, who will collect his 87th, and Ekong said the entire group is focused on emerging victorious on Sunday evening.

“We would have preferred to have taken the automatic ticket, but it didn’t work out. Now, we are here and we have a second chance and we do not intend to bungle it.”

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De Jong: Barcelona just need some luck to win Champions League

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Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong insists “luck” wasn’t with them for last night’s Champions League elimination at Atletico Madrid.

Barca won 2-1 on the night at the Metropolitano, but lost the quarterfinal tie 3-2 on aggregate.

De Jong told Movistar afterwards: “We played a very good game. We have left our lives there. I have the feeling that luck was not on our side.

“I think we are growing, that we have a young, talented team that can compete for everything. Let’s continue like this.

“We are left with one less, which is always more difficult. Each one has left what he could give. It hasn’t been enough.”

He also said: “It’s never good to fall in the quarterfinals. We want to win it (the Champions League). That doesn’t mean we don’t play well or we’re not on the right path. In the Champions League, there are details and you have to have a little luck.

“At some point, it has to fall on our side if it continues like this.”

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Carragher stunned by Slot benching Salah

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Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has ripped into Arne Slot after his tactics against Paris Saint-Germain.

Liverpool’s top goalscorer in the Champions League Mohamed Salah waved goodbye to European football with the side who lost 2-0 to PSG on Tuesday night.

The 33-year-old was left looking dejected as he clapped the Anfield crowd after full-time, in what is sad ending for the Egyptian who scored 53 times in Europe for Liverpool.

Salah was benched for the start of the clash as Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak started up top for the side who looked toothless going forward.

Speaking after the game, Carragher revealed that he was shocked to see the winger fail to start the game especially when he believes Isak was not ready to make a real impact.

“The manager will have his reasons, but Isak is nowhere near fit.

“Mohamed Salah didn’t play the first leg so he’s not like some of the players who played last week and then played at the weekend in the Premier League.

“He played in the Premier League and scored a goal. He’s still one of Liverpool’s best goalscorers. He’s used to this system. Isak’s never even played with (Hugo) Ekitike before.

“Is it because he’s already announced he’s leaving? It’s something like ‘I’m going with the players who are going to be here next year.’ That’s the only thing I can think of. Even that doesn’t make sense. It’s about the here and now. I’m flabbergasted.”

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“Next step is to win La Liga” – Barca boss Flick eyes domestic prize after UCL elimination

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Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has already turned his attention back to winning La Liga after their Champions League elimination on Tuesday (April 14).

The Catalan giants managed to level their quarter-final tie against Atletico Madrid within 30 minutes thanks to goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres.

Unfortunately for them, Ademola Lookman managed to pull a goal back in the 31st minute, and it was enough to send Atletico Madrid through.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Flick admitted he was disappointing but has now turned his attention back to La Liga.

“We played a fantastic first half. We had to score more goals. It was really possible. At the end we conceded the goal. In the end, it’s football. But the attitude, I am really proud of that,” he said.

“The next step is to win La Liga. We have to show the attitude, the mentality. We are all disappointed. For everyone, it’s a big dream to win the Champions League. Of course we have to learn but we also have a young team. We have to improve and we will improve next season.

“Today, it’s also good to speak about how the players are doing. Every day we have to learn more, we have to be better and this is what we want to do.

“I know it’s very disappointing for everyone but it’s football, it’s life and we have to come back.

“For me, I don’t care about when we win La Liga. I want to win La Liga. It doesn’t matter what day we win La Liga. Now we can focus on La Liga. It’s tough because everyone believed that we could make it happen today but we have to accept it and we will come back.”

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