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Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, says the first thing he will do if he acquires Arsenal football club is to fire Arsene Wenger, the coach.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Dangote said his desire to own the club dates back to the mid-1980s.

Dangote said he’d consider making an offer once the construction of his $11 billion oil refinery in Lagos is completed.

“The first thing I would change is the coach. He has done a good job, but someone else should also try his luck,” he said.

Stan Kroenke, American billionaire, is Arsenal’s biggest shareholder, controlling 67 percent of the company.

Earlier in the year, Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, who holds a 30 percent stake, sought to buy out Kroenke in an offer that valued Arsenal at an estimated $2.6 billion.

Dangote says he’s optimistic that the right offer will persuade Kroenke and Usmanov to sell their shares to him.

“If they get the right offer, I’m sure they would walk away. Someone will give them an offer that will make them seriously consider walking away. And when we finish the refinery, I think we will be in a position to do that,” said Dangote.

Since his appointment to the north London club in 1996, Wenger has won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cup trophies.

In May, he agreed to a new two-year deal despite calls by fans for him to step down.

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JUST IN: Super Eagles Qualify For 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles have officially qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with two games remaining in the qualification series.

With 10 points, the Super Eagles have secured a top-two finish in their group, especially after Libya’s unexpected 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali.

The team will next face Benin Republic’s Cheetahs in Abidjan on Thursday, before concluding their campaign against Rwanda at home.

Neither Rwanda (5 points) nor Libya (4 points) can surpass Nigeria in the standings, ensuring their qualification.

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, reached the final in the last edition hosted in Côte d’Ivoire.

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SPORT: Madrid Eye Ademola Lookman As Vinicius’ Replacement

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Spanish giants Real Madrid have entered the race for in-form Ademola Lookman, with the UEFA Champions League holders keen to bring the Nigerian to Santiago Bernabéu as a potential replacement for “Vinicius Junior.”

Lookman has been in scintillating form since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 for €9.35m plus bonuses, netting 39 goals and providing 23 assists in 90 competitive appearances for the Italian side, and has attracted the interest of several top European clubs.

The 27-year-old came close to joining Paris Saint-Germain in August, with “Sports Zone” reporting that he had reached a personal agreement with the French giants.

Last season, Lookman played 45 matches, scoring 17 goals and recording 10 assists. His standout moment came in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, where he netted a brilliant hat-trick to secure the trophy for Atalanta.

He has shown no signs of slowing down this season, contributing seven goals and five assists from 12 appearances.

Though Atalanta managed to retain the Nigerian during the summer transfer window, they could soon be forced to cash in on him, with several top clubs competing for his signature following another stellar season.

Madrid are preparing for the possible departure of their star forward “Vinicius,” with Al-Hilal reportedly planning a record-breaking €300m bid for the Brazilian, a transfer fee that could surpass Neymar’s €222m move to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in 2017.

According to Spanish outlet “Fichajes” via “El Futbolero,” the Saudi Pro League club are eyeing “Vinicius” as a marquee signing and potential replacement for Neymar, who could depart Al-Hilal by season’s end.

Los Blancos have turned their attention to Lookman as a strong candidate to fill the void should the deal for the Brazilian go through.

“Faced with uncertainty over ‘Vinícius Jr.’s’ contract renewal, the Merengues have set their sights on a promising Serie A talent. Ademola Lookman, a winger for Atalanta, has emerged as one of the main options to take the Brazilian’s place should he decide to leave the Santiago Bernabéu,” the website wrote.

“Lookman’s qualities make him an ideal candidate to strengthen Real Madrid’s attack. His versatility to play on both wings, his speed, and his dribbling ability make him an extremely dangerous player in one-on-one situations. In addition, his ability to link up with his teammates and create dangerous plays makes him a perfect complement to Carlo Ancelotti’s style of play.”

According to Transfermarkt, the Nigerian is valued at €60m, a fee Madrid will have no problem paying.

At the recent Ballon d’Or Ceremony in Paris, Lookman was ranked 14th best player in the world and is also considered the favourite for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.

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BREAKING: CAF Slams Libya $50,000 Fine, Awards Super Eagles 3 Points

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a $50,000 fine on Libya over the “inhumane treatment” inflicted on the Nigerian national team, while awarding the Super Eagles three points and three goals.

This was revealed by Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, in a post on his X handle on Saturday.

The decision follows CAF’s investigation into Libya’s maltreatment of the Super Eagles upon their arrival in the North African nation for the return leg of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“CAF awards three points and three goals to Nigeria. Libya fined $50,000.

“Plane was diverted 300km from scheduled airport even when the pilot told them he was low on fuel.

“One step closer to our target AFCON 2025,” Troost-Ekong wrote.

 

More to come…

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