90 Minutes Plus

Manchester City - at the time of recording this podcast episode - have the best defense in the league. Who would have thought a day would come when we will say that about a side managed by Pep Guardiola. Well, the change is here. The clean sheets are here. And it may make all the difference in their journey this season. On the flip side, Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds are shipping in the goals. But there...

The football season in Europe has barely reached the half-way mark. But fans already have two question that are rife in the minds of fans. One is about New Winners. The other is about Usual Suspects. Have you been asking these questions too? What's your take? Share your thoughts with me on Twitter @Papi_theGreat

In this episode of the podcast, Victor Opone ( @VictorMcEpha ) shares an insight into what exactly is going on at Arsenal and Sheffield United. Different problems. Different solutions. He also finds time to touch on why Bruno Fernandes has been on everyone's lips.

In this episode of the podcast, I'm joined by Samuel Areo ( @Undisputed_JSam ) to talk about the new identity that Nigerian football brands can focus on in order to make the most of their funds and fan base. There was also plenty of time to talk about South America's now dethroned kings of football, Flamengo of Brazil. Listen and don't forget to leave a review wherever you get your podcast episode...

There's been a lot of talk about the nomination of Leeds' Marcelo Bielsa in the five-man shortlist for The Best FIFA Men's Coach Awards. 'Did he do enough to make this shortlist?' In this podcast, I share three reasons why the Argentine deserves this nomination. Listen, subscribe and follow me on Twitter @Papi_TheGreat

There are certain teams in Europe that are super hard to look past this young season. They're gathering momentum, like a snow-ball, pushing aside all in their sights, like a locomotive. Can they maintain this or are they elephants at the top of a tree?

Club football is back. Bidding goodbye to the last international break of the year, my friends and I discussed why fans prefer club football to international football. And this question popped. What do you think? Say hey on Twitter @Papi_theGreat

It's all over. There'll be no more international break until March 2021. Good news for fans who now get to enjoy more club football action. Coincidentally, this is bad news for the players, who will play more games with little next to no rest. As we move on, my friends join me on this episode to hand awards to the biggest losers and winners of this just-concluded international break. Meet & Follow...

The quality of international football profuced by the African continent has always been bashed. The pitches don't make the football aesthetically pleasing. But the continent is revered for producing talent. So, where's the lacuna, why does it exist and how can it be abridged? Share your thoughts with me on Twitter @Papi_theGreat

Mitrovic's penalty loss handed Scotland another triumph via penalties in their journey through the Euro Championship Qualifiers playoffs. Kevin de Bruyne's miss cost Man. City a win. Ademola Lookman and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were guilty too. But should players be sorry for failing to achieve success in an event whose probability of success is just 25%? Follow me on on Twitter @Papi_theGreat

Antonio Conte's facial expression against Atalanta was enough statement. He was disappointed his side could not get one over a top-four-position rival. He wasn't smiling; a feature common to most managers just after games, whether they win or draw. In this podcast, I'm just wondering why this is a trend in football. Follow me on Twitter @Papi_theGreat

Nigerian clubs are turning a blind eye to all the money that can be made with their inconsistent and ineffective social media marketing strategies. In this episode, I share four reasons why Nigerian clubs are bleeding cash and becoming less relevant to the average Nigerian football fan. When you're done listening, say hey on Twitter @Papi_theGreat

14 of the 16 games played in the UCL Round 3 games produced at least three goals. It's been one of the most exciting starts to a Champions League season. While sides like Bayern Munich and Manchester City are thriving on momentum, others like Rb Salzburg and Manchester United are lacking it. And if allowed to linger, it will hurt their ambitions.

The group stage of the UEFA Champions League has come alive with goals. A lot of it! And there's a trend of some goals being scored late into games. MatchDay 2 of the UCL had 10 goal scorers score really late goals. Listen to know who they are and share your thoughts with me on Twitter @Papi_theGreat

It's been a goal fest in Italy this season. While Juventus have drawn their last two games, AC Milan remain unbeaten, at sit at the top of the log. Are we in for an unusual season in the Serie A this season? Say hey on Twitter @Papi_theGreat

The past weeks have served up some exciting games and results in Europe. Juventus have been dropping points while Sassuolo have been serving goals. Pep's City is struggling while Koeman's Catalans are still trying to get it right. In all, it has been fun. But is the fun about to stop no thanks to the increasing amount of COVID-19 cases in Europe? With the new emergency measures being taken by gove...

In this episode of the podcast, Samuel Obiora (@UncleSamad_) joins me to discuss a new season of UEFA Champions League football. We also find time to talk about a very strange weekend of club football in Europe. He also thinks Manchester United will not qualify for the knockout stages of the UCL this season? Do you agree with him? Send me your comments on Twitter @Papi_theGreat and let's talk foot...

Club football makes a return with a big bang this weekend. Three derby games (all on Saturday), CAF Champions League semi-finals and a major game in France. But the return, as juicy as it sounds, meets an existing clamour among its Nigerian fans. How busy a weekend will it be for you? Share your thoughts with me on Twitter @Papi_theGreat

One of the foundations for the success of an effective system in a football club is relationships. But, what happens when what was once love turns sour? What bad blood does it leave in the mouths? Share your thoughts with me on Twitter @Papi_theGreat

Looking at it from the financial aspect, it makes sense. Arsenal letting go of their club mascot, Gunnersaurus, looks like a healthy move. But, have they set off a ripple effect that will influence other Premier League clubs? Should sacking something that is a club identity even be an option? Share your thoughts with me on Twitter @Papi_theGreat

Goals everywhere. Unusual occupants at the top of the table in Europe's top football leagues. It may be too early to start making claims. But is it really too early to think it will be an unusual football season?

Is there a one-size-fits-all metric when it comes sizing up a football club? Why do we think one club is bigger than the other? How well will Pitso fare in Egypt? Send me your comments on Twitter @Papi_theGreat

What's one football club to a league? Depends largely on the usuals - superstars, spending power, etc. But Atalanta seems to be attracting attention with their in-field action and their audacity to outscore their opponents. And it doesn't seem they will stop anytime soon. Follow me on Twitter @Papi_theGreat.

Can a team that has Zlatan Ibrahimovic in it still be described as a young team? Yes, if the numbers are anything to go by. And speaking of numbers, this is a team riding on its momentum, raring to go this season, and looking to ruffle the feathers of Serie A's big wigs. Follow me on Twitter @Papi_theGreat

I can't be the only one who is surprised that Kevin de Bruyne made final shortlist of the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award. In this podcast, I predicted how the final three would be ranked and had enough time to still talk about Bayern Munich vs. Sevilla and the question every Arsenal fan is asking. Follow me on Twitter @Papi_theGreat.