Pepe named as world’s best defender of 2016

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Real Madrid and Portugal ace Pepe is the highest-ranked defender in the 2016 Goal 50.
The 33-year-old centre-half is coming off the back of the most successful summer of his career, helping los Blancos win the Champions League in May before playing a pivotal part in his country's surprise Euro 2016 triumph, turning in a man of the match-winning performance in the final against France.

As a result, the former Porto man was rewarded with a 12th-placed ranking in the Goal 50, with Pepe's central defensive partner at the Santiago Bernabeu, Spain's Sergio Ramos, finishing just seven places further back.
Ramos' hopes of winning Euro 2016 were dashed by Italy in round of 16 but he enjoyed another fantastic year with Madrid, even netting in both the Champions League final and August's UEFA Super Cup success.

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Gbenga Ogunbote is new Enyimba coach

The veteran tactician has been appointed as the People’s Elephants’ boss following the dismissal of Paul Aigbogun

Gbenga Ogunbote has been named the new coach of Nigeria Professional Football League outfit, Enyimba.
Ogunbote takes over from Paul Aigbogun who led the former African champions to a disastrous outing last season – finishing 12th in the NPFL and crashing out of the Caf Champions League group stage.
“We are delighted to announce that Gbenga Ogunbote has joined us ahead of the new season,” Enyimba tweeted.
Having helped Shooting Stars escape relegation last season, the seasoned tactician who be hoping to help the Aba based outfit regain their lost title.

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Aluko applauds team-mates for English Championship award

The Nigeria international paid tribute to his Fulham colleagues after winning the English Championship Player of the Month award

Sone Aluko has paid tribute to his team-mates after winning the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month for October.
Fulham's Aluko claimed the prize ahead of Ali Al-Habsi, Lewis Dunk and Dwight Gayle following his impressive performance that saw him score once and three assists.
“Personally it’s a great feeling to be recognised with this award. It’s a nice feeling to be publicly rewarded for your efforts,” Aluko told EFL website.
“Ultimately I think it’s a team award. I wouldn’t get this award if the team weren’t winning and it’s a credit to my team-mates and all the staff who have provided me with a platform to play well on.

“The results have gone our way recently and because of this I’ve been able to show my best form.”

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Ex-Liverpool flop replaces Costa in Spain squad

Spain’s Football Federation have announced Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas has replaced Chelsea star Diego Costa for upcoming matches against Macedonia and England.

Costa, 28, was made to train alone from the rest of the Spain squad after picking up a groin injury, but the Chelsea frontman has failed to shake off the knock and has now been replaced in the team.

Aspas, who has received recognition from the Spanish national team for the first time, has been in fine form for Celta Vigo since returning to the club from Sevilla in 2015.

The 29-year-old isn’t expected to feature in their World Cup qualifier against Macedonia but could make his debut against England, in which he will be most fondly remembered for his failed two-year stint at Liverpool.

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