₦airaland Forum

Former Super Eagles hard-as-nails defender Taribo West has sensationally revealed how he and his national teammates sneaked women – both local and foreign – into camp during national assignments.

The former AC Milan centre-back turned pastor on retirement from football said it was rampant during his era as a footballer but added he could only talk about it because he was now a born-again Christian.

“Sometimes we (the players) will import ladies from other countries and keep them in different hotels. As the competition progressed, more ladies would keep coming and going. It’s something we all did but my teammates won’t talk about it. I can talk about it now because I’ve given my life to Christ,” Taribo told Sports Extra.

“We normally kept the girls in different locations, but once everyone was asleep, around 2am, we would bring them into our hotel rooms. It happened in every tournament we competed in, from the Africa Cup of Nations to the World Cup.

“We had a teammate who the other players waited for to bring in his girl first, because he always had fine women. Once we saw the shape and height of his girl, we would call our own boys to go out and negotiate for girls more beautiful than this player’s own. It was more like a competition for women amongst us then.

“We had crazy guys in the team but there was discipline, that’s why we had to sneak the ladies into camp.”

Globally-acclaimed for his various unusual and colourful hairstyles during his playing days, Taribo featured for French side Auxerre before going on to play for both Milan clubs, Inter and AC.

He also appeared in the top leagues of England (Derby County) and Germany (Kaiserslautern).

Internationally, Taribo won gold at the 1996 Olympic Games with the U-23 side. At senior level, he had 42 caps for Nigeria between 1994 and 2005, played at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups and the 2000 and 2002 Africa Cup of Nations.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/pastor-taribo-confesses-we-sneaked.html

Bad news for Hazard ahead of Real Madrid’s first 2019/20 La Liga match

Real Madrid have suffered a setback ahead of the club’s first La Liga match of the 2019/20 season this weekend after confirming on its official website that new signing, Eden Hazard, has picked up a muscular injury to his right thigh.


Hazard was assessed by the club’s medical team after a training session on Friday August 16, with the diagnosis confirming that the former Chelsea star suffered the injury to the anterior part of his right thigh.


“After the tests carried out after training today on our player Eden Hazard by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscular injury to the anterior part of his right thigh. His recovery will continue to be assessed,” wrote the club in the statement.

It remains to be seen if the 28-year-old Belgium international will be available to be selected by Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane in order to make his La Liga debut against Celta Vigo at the Balaidos on Saturday evening.

The Belgian forward scored one goal for Real Madrid in a 1-0 pre-season win over Austrian giants, RB Salzburg, and would have been looking forward to get going in competitive action for the club.


Hazard is the most expensive of the six signings made by Real Madrid in the summer transfer window so far after the Spanish giants paid £88 million to get him from Chelsea in a deal which could see the fee rise to £130 million.

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/eden-hazard-injured-ahead-of-real.html

Cc lalasticlala mynd44 missyb3 fynestboi Seun

Real Madrid star Eden Hazard has a stunning new house in the Spanish capital after his summer transfer from Chelsea.
According to the Sun , the Belgium international’s new property is worth around £10million, has six bedrooms, ten bathrooms, a swimming pool, and a cinema room.


Pictures available here http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/hazard-acquires-new-mansion-worth-10.html?m=1

Cc lalasticlala mynd44 missyb3 fynestboi Seun

Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian slept with the Super Cup trophy after his penalty heroics against Chelsea on Wednesday .

The former West Ham shot-stopper posted a photo on Instagram of the trophy resting on a Spanish flag on his bed with the caption 'good night!!!'.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/liverpool-keeper-adrian-sleeps-with.html

Samuel Chukwueze and Santi Cazorla on the pitch together, will be looking to achieve great things this season with Villarreal, spotting new jersey numbers.


Chukwueze, who starred last season with the Yellow Submarines, wore the number 30 in his breakout season at the club, but is opting for something that fits better in the new term.

Like Cazorla and three other old teammates, the young Nigerian is looking to familiarize the fans with something cultural and unique.

In a statement on the club’s website, Chukwueze will now wear the jersey number 11, while the 34 year-old Spaniard drops the number 19 and “will wear the No.8, which he wore during his previous spell with the Yellow Submarine.”

The jersey number 11 was famously worn by former Danish star Jon Dahl Tomasson, in the 2007/08 La Liga season when the club finished as runner up.

The official shirt numbers are as follows (as well as the number, this is how their name will appear on the shirt):

1. S. Asenjo

2. Mario Gaspar

3. Albiol

4. Pau

5. S. Cáseres

6. Funes Mori

7. Gerard

8. S. Cazorla

9. Bacca

10. Iborra

11. Chukwueze

13. Andrés Fdez.

14. M. Trigueros

15. Morlanes

16. Quintillà

17. Toko Ekambi

18. A. Moreno

19. Anguissa

20. R. Peña

21. Bruno

22. Leo Suárez

23. Moi Gómez

25. Barbosa

26. Ramiro Guerra

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/chukwueze-cazorla-pick-new-numbers-for.html

Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Liverpool beat Chelsea to the 2019 UEFA Super Cup.
Frank Lampard held the game at 2 vs 2 following Saido Mane brace which canceled Oliver Giroud opener. Before Jorginho converted from the spot at the game was stretched to penalty.


Fabinho, Salah, Frimino, Origi Matip all converted for Liverpool. While Mount, Barkley, Emerson and Jorginho scored for Chelsea but Tammy Abraham missed the last kick for the Blues.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/the-moment-liverpool-lifts-2019-uefa.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, has admitted it will be “pretty much impossible”, to replace Eden Hazard with another individual.

Hazard spent seven seasons at Stamford Bridge, before leaving for Real Madrid in a reported €100million deal.

The Belgium international was directly involved in 31 Premier League goals (16 goals and 15 assists) during the 2018/2019 season and his departure leaves a huge hole for Chelsea to fill.

Lampard, speaking to the media at his side’s UEFA Super Cup clash against Liverpool on Wednesday, made it clear that Hazard could not be replaced by just one player.

“I was a huge fan of Eden Hazard as a Chelsea fan, I played with him.

“For me, clearly one of the best players in world football and last season, but not just last season, over his time at Chelsea he was the most productive player in the team generally, in terms of assists and goals and a leader.

“You cannot replace him individually, I think it’s pretty much impossible because of the high, high level he is at now in his career.

“But the good news and the positive news for us and we must stay calm and be patient with this [is] we have a group of players, some younger players, some experienced players, that now have the opportunity to show that collectively and individually they can step up because yes, you are missing a huge amount of assists and goals, that’s clear.

“The answer is as a team, we have to find a way to carry on because a football club like Chelsea will always carry on. Eden Hazard, John Terry, Didier Drogba, players improve on and it’s down to the next players, the next manager. That’s our big challenge now, to say good luck to Eden Hazard and to carry on as Chelsea,” Lampard said.

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/how-i-will-replace-hazard-lampard.html

UEFA Super Cup: Klopp Announce 23 man squad to face Chelsea as Alisson misses out

http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/uefa-super-cup-klopp-announce-23-man.html

Cc lalasticlala mynd44 missyb3 fynestboi Seun

Abraham, Tomori Named In Chelsea Match Day Squad To Face Liverpool In UEFA Super Cup
Two players of Nigerian descent, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori, are in line to feature for Chelsea against Liverpool in Wednesday evening's UEFA Super Cup at Vodafone Park in İstanbul.

The England U21 internationals were among the 23 players who boarded the plane to Turkey on Monday evening.

UEFA permits clubs to name 23 players (instead of 18) on the match sheet for the UEFA Super Cup, meaning Abraham and Tomori are certain to be included in Chelsea's match day squad, barring an injury in their final training session on Tuesday evening.

This is the fourth time Chelsea have qualified for the Super Cup but they have won only once against Real Madrid in 1998, while they lost to Atlético Madrid and Bayern Munich in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

Blues icon Obi Mikel went the distance against the Spanish opponents at Stade Louis-II in 2012 and was a second half substitute vs Bayern Munich the following year.

Tammy Abraham played 66 minutes of Chelsea's 4-0 loss to Manchester United on Sunday while Tomori was an unused substitute.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/abraham-tomori-named-in-chelsea-match.html

Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Alex Iwobi, Super Eagles’ forward, left Arsenal for Everton because of his desire to play his preferred position of central midfield.

TheCable reports that a member of Iwobi’s family revealed that Iwobi also had no choice but to leave the north London club so as to get a regular playing time with the Toffees.

“He left because of his desire to play in his preferred position in the centre of the midfield,” the family member said.

“And also to play regular football at Everton.”

“Everton is an ambitious club with a long tradition and he desires to be part of the history going forward.”

The relative further revealed that Alex’s humility and respect for his coaches is unequalled.


Iwobi joined Arsenal when he was eight years old
“He [Alex Iwobi] spoke with the manager before signing and he [Unai Emery] informed him that the club had been following his progress for quite some time now and his style of play suited the team,” he said.

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medallist has desire to learn and to keep improving his performances for club and country, the source said.

“Alex is looking forward to the challenge and as usual will give his best. He is also looking to meeting his new team mates while calling on Everton fans to stand behind the team in their efforts to have a successful season,” he said.

Everton completed a post-deadline deal to sign the 23-year old on a five-year deal on Thursday night.

He made 149 appearances for Arsenal and scoring 15 goals since his senior career in 2015.

He played 35 league games, including 22 starts, for Arsenal last season — his highest — and scored three goals.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/revealed-real-reason-iwobi-left-arsenal.html

Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Goodluck to you in future - Lukaku thanks Man United
http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/goodluck-to-you-in-future-lukaku-thanks.html
Cc lalasticlala mynd44 missyb3 fynestboi Seun

Trent Alexander-Arnold has began the season with his blistering form for the Reds in the 4 vs 1 win against Norwich City.
The youngster provided the assist for Virgil van Dijk to scored the third goal for Jurgen Klopp team before Divock Origi added they fourth.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/meet-first-player-to-provide-assist-in.html?m=1

Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expects winger Leroy Sane to miss “six or seven months” with a knee injury.

The Germany international, 23, tore his anterior cruciate ligament in Sunday’s Community Shield win over Liverpool.

Sane, who had been linked with a summer move to Bayern Munich, went off after just 13 minutes at Wembley.

“It is incredibly bad news,” said Guardiola before the champions’ Premier League opener at West Ham on Saturday (12:30 BST kick-off).

“I don’t know how long he will be out. Normally this kind of injury is six or seven months – hopefully February or March.”

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/pep-guardiola-sane-out-for-six-or-seven.html

Cc

The friendly will be Nigeria's first game after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).


The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have confirmed that the Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on Ukraine in a friendly game in September.

According to NFF boss Amaju Pinnick, the friendly game will take place on Tuesday, September 10 in Kyiv.

In a series of tweets, Pinnick said the friendly game is part of his administration’s initiative to expose more players to international football.

“We have secured a Grade A international friendly match for the Super Eagles against Ukraine in Kyiv, on the 10th of September,” Pinnick said on Twitter.

“It is part of our on-going drive to expose as many players as we can to global football, so this should be another springboard for our young stars.”

Nigeria and Ukraine have never met on the senior level.

The friendly will be Super Eagles’ first game since they won bronze at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

The Super Eagles won five games at AFCON 2019 as they went all the way to win a record eight bronze medal.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/nff-confirm-nigeria-vs-ukraine-friendly.html

Alex Iwobi has become the costliest Nigerian footballer in history, following his transfer deadline-day move from Arsenal to Everton.

Iwobi has agreed a five-year contract with Marco Silva’s men, in a deal worth €43million on Thursday.

The 23-year-old overtakes Super Eagles team-mate, Kelechi Iheanacho, who cost Leicester City 25million when he arrive from Manchester City.

The list features some of Nigeria’s present and past players, with names like Odion Ighalo, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Austin Jay Jay Okocha.

Top 12 most expensive Nigerian players:

1. Alex Iwobi, Arsenal to Everton: €43million
2. Kelechi Iheanacho, Manchester City to Leicester City: €27.7million
3. Odion Ighalo, Watford to Changchun Yatai: €23.3million
4. John Obi Mikel, Lyn Oslo to Chelsea: €20million
5. Ahmed Musa, CSKA Moscow to Leicester: €19.5million
6. Wilfred Ndidi, RC Genk to Leicester: €17.6million
7. Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Middlesborough to Everton: €16.5million
8. Obafemi Martins, Inter Milan to Newcastle: €16million
9. Emmanuel Emenike, Spartak Moscow to Fenerbahce: €13million
10. Austin Okocha, Fenerbache to PSG: €12.4million
11. Victor Osimhen, Charleroi to OSC Lille: €12million
12. Victor Moses, Wigan to Chelsea:€11.5million


Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/transfer-deadline-alex-iwobi-becomes.html

​Omeruo wants Leganes stay
Super Eagles’ defender, Kenneth Omeruo has confirmed signing a five-year deal with Spanish Laliga side, CD Leganes, AOIFootball.com can authoritatively report.

Omeruo put up a stellar display last season on loan from Chelsea, with his name mentioned every week in the team of the week.

The former Kasimpasa of Turkey player featured 29 times in all competitions for Leganes.

Omeruo also stood out for the Super Eagles at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria won the bronze medal and narrowly missed out of the team of the tournament, but was one of the most impressive defenders at the biennial competition.

The former Middlesbrough of England rock defender, yesterday, confirmed he has put pen to paper with CD Leganes and will be unveiled immediately he wraps up his extended holiday in Nigeria and return to Spain.

“I’m delighted to have put pen to paper for CD Leganes. I will be unveiled when I resume soon,” he said.

With the signing of Omeruo, Leganes certainly will have a good cover for the new season, as he brings a wealth of experience to their defense. The widely traveled defender has played in England, Turkey and Holland.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/omeruo-seals-5-year-leganes-deal.html

Cc lalasticlala mynd44 missyb3 fynestboi Seun

David Luiz who happened to have switched camp from Chelsea to Arsenal on deadline day transfer in England was asked question about the Gunners blistering attack.

Arsenal have already added Nicolas Pepe who signed from Lille for a club record fee of £72m to their attack.

Unai Emery will have Alexander Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Pepe at his disposal in attack for the North London side this coming campaign.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/it-easier-to-play-with-aubameyang.html

Cc lalasticlala mynd44 missyb3 fynestboi Seun

AC Milan have announced the signing of AFCON winner and Man of the Tournament Ismael Bennacer from Empoli.


The 21-year-old Algeria international underwent his medical on July 23 and signed the five-year contract, with a salary of €1.5m per season.

It was only officially confirmed this morning, though, as he went on an extended vacation following the Africa Cup of Nations triumph.

Bennacer had impressed at Empoli last season, with three assists in 37 Serie A games.

His profile rose sharply during the Africa Cup of Nations, where he was named Player of the Tournament, but he had already pledged himself to Milan by that stage.

Other offers came in, most notably from the Premier League, but Bennacer kept his word.

He spent time at the Arsenal youth academy and they had the opportunity to match Milan’s offer as part of the deal with Empoli, but declined.

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/milan-sign-afcon-mvp-ismael-bennacer.html

Cc lalasticlala mynd44 missyb3 fynestboi Seun

Ogenyi Onazi, a Super Eagles midfield player, has explained how he was able to get his club side to bring former Chelsea player, Mikel Obi, on board.

The 26-year-old talented footballer, who narrated the part he took during an interview with JONNY EDWARD, also revealed how he has been able to remain optimistic after spending 8 months on the sidelines due to injury.

Speaking on how he influenced the decision of his club, Onazi stated, “The club had several options and he was just one among them. So, the club president asked about him from me and I told them all they needed to know and how good he can be for the team.

“I pushed it to them to get him at any cost because I know what he can bring to the team. I have played with him and so I should be in the best position to know. Just like I did when Anthony Nwakaeme was on the club’s radar last season, I had to also convince Mikel to choose Trabzonspor well ahead of other Turkish teams who were on his trail.

“Now, I can’t wait to continue that wonderful partnership we had playing for the Super Eagles at Trabzonspor. I played some of my best games with Eagles alongside him. We won the AFCON together when I was relatively young. He’s one calm guy you need around you always.

“His experience will come very handy for us as a team and the fact that Trabzonspor will be in four competitions this season also means he will be of help immensely. I’m so excited that he’s here with us and I cannot wait to join the main squad in training. He has been my football idol since I started playing football and the fact that we hail from the same place makes it more good.”

Eagles player reveals how he convinced Trabzonspor to sign Mikel

On his road to recovery after losing out on participating at the just concluded African Cup of Nations, Onazi revealed, “I’m making good progress and I am coping very well mentally from the setback. As you know, injuries are part of football and sometimes it’s inevitable.

“It is sad that it ruled me out of action this long but then, it is getting okay as I’m recovering very fast. I believe by the end of August, I should resume training with the rest of the squad. In fact, I should have resumed earlier with the squad but I had infection on my tendon which delayed my comeback a bit.

“It was strange again wearing shoes because that part of the leg became very sensitive due to the injury. These past eight months have been the hardest part of my football career so far.”

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/onazi-reveals-how-he-convinced.html

Cc lalasticlala mynd44 missyb3 fynestboi Seun

Nicolas Pepe spotted at London Coloney at the training ground.

He has taken to his social media space to react to his announcement as Arsenal latest signing.

He shared a picture calling out his new striking team mate Alexander Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.




Recall that days ago, both forwards posted picture with the caption calling out the forward.

Read more

http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/check-out-nicolas-pepe-first-tweet.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Lille have this morning confirmed the arrival of Nigerian attacker Victor Osimhen from Belgian side Charleroi.
Osimhen was acquired by the Ligue Un side for a reported €12m plus €3m in bonuses per GFFN.

Official | Lille announce the signing of 20-year-old Nigerian attacker Victor Osimhen from Charleroi for a reported initial €12m https:///4PtOYorgGW

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) August 1, 2019

The 20-year-old has signed a 5-year contract with Les Dogues and replaces Rafael Leão in LOSC’s squad, the the Portuguese on his way to completing a €35m move to AC Milan.

Speaking after penning the deal Osimhen said he was ready to follow in the steps of “Great Nigerian players” who have donned the colors of Lille.

“Lille is a very good club that has a high quality project and attracts players with great class, even more so than ever before in recent years.

“Great Nigerian players have also played here. I want to commit myself to following in their footsteps. I am therefore very happy to be here and to join this great club called Lille.

“I am still very young, I am learning and I think that this project suits me perfectly to continue to progress.”

The forward scored 12 goals in 25 league appearances for Sporting Charleroi last season.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/lille-completes-15m-deal-for-super.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Arsenal record signing Nicolas Pepe has been pictured in Gunners kit for the first time after a leaked video showed him posing for pictures ahead of the imminent official announcement of his £72m move from Lille.



With the summer headlines dominated by claims of the Gunners operating on a minimal budget, Arsenal are believed to have structured payment of the fee over a multi-year period and fans will expect a swift return on the investment after Pepe starred in Ligue 1 last season.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/leaked-video-of-arsenals-new-72m-record.html
lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

AFCON coach, others make FIFA ten-man shortlist for 2019 coach of the year award
FIFA released a ten-man shortlist for the coach of the year award with Algeria National team coach Djamel Belmadi making the list for winning the AFCON 2019.

Image result for Djamel Belmadi AFCON trophy
Algeria won their second AFCON title in history in Egypt without losing any game. Belmadi joins the likes of Didier Deschamps, Marcelo Gallardo, Ricardo Gareca, Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, Fernando Santos, Erik ten Hag, and Tite.



According to FIFA, the ten-man shortlist for The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2019 award – based on their respective achievements during the period from 16 July 2018 to 19 July 2019 inclusive and the list was compiled by a panel of experts in men’s football.


FIFA also released an official statement revealing how the winner will be determined with the fans also having a chance to vote for their choice.

“You, the fans, now have a say and can vote for your personal top three (First choice: 5 points, second choice: 3 points and third choice: 1 point). “The fan vote will be equally weighted alongside the votes of other key members of the footballing community – namely journalists, national team coaches and captains.

“The three finalists for each award will be revealed at a later date, with all award winners revealed at The Best FIFA Football Awards show in Milan on 23 September.”


Here are the achievements of all the nominees

Djamel Belmadi (ALGERIA NATIONAL TEAM)



Led country to second ever CAF Africa Cup of Nations title
Side conceded just two goals en route to title
Team lost just one game under him in period under consideration for award

Didier Deschamps (FRANCE NATIONAL TEAM)


Guided side to top of UEFA EURO 2020 qualifying group
Oversaw impressive wins against Netherlands and Germany
Les Bleus currently second in FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking

Marcelo Gallardo (RIVER PLATE)


Won the 2018 Copa Libertadores
Guided side to Copa Argentina semi-finals, third in FIFA Club World Cup
Led team to fourth in Argentinian top flight

Ricardo Gareca (PERU NATIONAL TEAM)



Guided Peru to Copa America final
Silver medal best continental performance since 1975
Masterminded impressive Copa America victories against Bolivia and Chile

Pep Guardiola (MANCHESTER CITY)


Won domestic treble of Premier League, League Cup and FA Cup
Became first manager to achieve this feat
Reached UEFA Champions League quarter-finals

Jurgen Klopp (LIVERPOOL)



Won UEFA Champions League title
Guided side to second in Premier League, with remarkable 97 points
Side lost just once in the league all season

Mauricio Pochettino (TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR)


Guided his side to first ever UEFA Champions League final
Finished fourth in the Premier League
Reached League Cup semi-finals

Fernando Santos (PORTUGAL NATIONAL TEAM)



Guided side to UEFA Nations League title
Saw off Switzerland and Netherlands in inaugural Nations League semi-final and final
His team went unbeaten in all ten games in 2018/19 (period of 16 July 2018 up to 19 July 2019)

Erik ten Hag (AJAX)


Led side to domestic league and cup double
Reached semi-finals of UEFA Champions League
Club’s first double since 2002, first Champions League semi-final since 1997

Tite (BRAZIL NATIONAL TEAM)



Won 2019 Copa America title
His side conceded just once in entire tournament, in the final
Team scored 15 goals in six games en route to victory

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/belmadi-deschamps-guardiola-klopp-and.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been drawn bye for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers which was conducted in Cairo.

The Eagles will open their campaign from the second round.

The draw for the first round of African qualifiers will be played over two legs in September.

14 winners from the first round will join the 26 top ranked teams which includes Nigeria in the second round and will be split into 10 groups of four.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/super-eagles-to-commence-2022-world-cup.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Odion Ighalo has left Eagles fans guessing if he has made a u-turn on his international retirement after a cryptic tweet early morning Wednesday.
Ighalo, who is currently injured, posted pictures of himself in the national colors with the caption:

Coming back stronger"

It will be recalled the forward announced his international retirement after Nigeria’s campaign at the AFCON 2019.

At the time Ighalo’s decision left many disappointed and there has been efforts by the NFF leadership and the Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr, to reconsider his position.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/ighalo-hints-at-u-turn-on-his.html

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has agreed a partnership with the club's new kit suppliers Puma.
City have just started a 10-year contract with Puma that is worth up to £650million.

Guardiola's individual deal will see the 48-year-old endorse Puma products both on and off the pitch.


The deal will see the Man City manager endorse Puma products both on and off the pitch
Guardiola stated that he took inspiration from legendary former Holland star Johan Cruyff, who was sponsored by Puma.

Speaking to City's official website , Guardiola said: 'I'm delighted to join the Puma brand.

'So much of my footballing philosophy and understanding of the game was influenced by Johan Cruyff, who was sponsored by Puma, and I am proud to follow in his footsteps.'

His deal with Puma may mean that we have seen the last of Guardiola's £1,200 Herno hoodie.

Guardiola wore the iconic hoodie on 30 occasions last season, but it was auctioned off earlier this summer, fetching £6,000.

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/puma-announce-long-term-partnership.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Paris Saint-Germain is pleased to announce the signing of Idrissa Gueye. The midfielder has signed a four-year deal until 30 June 2023, becoming the 8th Senegalese player in the club's history, the 53rd from an African country.

The 29-year-old African Cup of Nations finalist returns to France four years after leaving Lille Olympic Sporting Club, where he played from 2010 to 2015 (176 appearances, 6 goals and 5 assists), winning the French League and Cup double in 2010-2011.

A Senegalese international since 2011, Idrissa Gueye has won 69 caps (4 goals) for the Teranga Lions now managed by former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Aliou Cissé.

"I’m immensely proud to sign for Paris Saint-Germain,"said Idrissa Gueye on signing his contract. “After focussing on the AFCON with Senegal, I wanted to give a new boost to my club career by joining Paris Saint-Germain, one of the most structured and ambitious sports projects in Europe. I’d like to thank the directors, the coach and his staff for the confidence they have shown in me. I will do everything to justify the faith they have shown in me and to integrate into this talented squad. And of course I can’t wait to take in the amazing atmosphere of the Parc des Princes, which impressed me during my first seasons in France!”

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/idrissa-gueye-signs-for-paris-saint.html

Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Lille winger, Nicolas Pepe, will fly in for his medical checks with Arsenal today, after both clubs agreed a £72million deal, Le10Sport reports.

The Ivorian will sign a five-year deal with the Gunners and becomes the most expensive African football ever.


Arsenal will pay £20million upon the deal being completed, with the following £52million being split over the next four years.

Pepe overtakes ex-Villareal striker Bakambu, 27, who cost Chinese Super League club, Beijing Guoan, a £65million fee.

Here are the top 11 most expensive African footballers currently:


1. Nicolas Pepe (Lille > Arsenal) – £72 million

2. Cedric Bakambu (Villarreal > Beijing Guoan) – £65 million

3. Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City > Manchester City) – £60 million


4. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund > Arsenal) – £56 million

5. Naby Keita (RasenBallsport Leipzig > Liverpool) – £52.75 million

6. Mohamed Salah (AS Roma > Liverpool) – £36.9 million


7. Sadio Mane (Southampton > Liverpool) – £35 million

8. Eric Bailly (Villarreal > Manchester United) – £30 million

9. Islam Slimani (Sporting Lisbon > Leicester City) – £29.5 million including add-ons


10. Wilfried Bony (Swansea City > Manchester City) – £28 million

11. Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal > Manchester City) – £25 million

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/pepe-flies-in-for-arsenal-medicals.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Man United legend Patrice Evra retires from football and reveals coaching plan


Patrice Evra officially hangs up boots as he announced in the columns of the Gazzetta dello Sport on Monday: 'My career as a player is officially finished.

'I started learning for the UEFA B Coaching License in 2013, now I want to finish it and go on to get the UEFA A license. In a year and a half, if everything goes well, I'll be ready to lead a team ."


Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/man-utd-legend-patrice-evra-retires.html

Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has included Nacho Monreal in his group of players who will act as captain in the upcoming season.

Emery implemented five players who he decided were going to lead the squad at the beginning of last season: Laurent Koscielny, Petr Cech, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil and Granit Xhaka.

While Cech has retired and Ramsey has moved to Juventus , Koscielny is unlikely to play for the club again after he refused to travel on the club's pre-season tour of the USA, with the 33-year-old pushing for a move back to his native France.

Xhaka and Ozil will remain as captains and Emery has also clearly seen enough for him to believe his fellow Spaniard Monreal can make the step up.

Nacho Monreal will become one of Arsenal's leaders next season
He also announced he will also choose two more players to complete the group.

Emery said: "We are working now with the captains. They are Xhaka, Ozil and Nacho Monreal. I want to add two more and then I am going to decide the number one, two, three, four and five in the next weeks."

Emery was speaking following Arsenal's disappointing 2-1 defeat at home to Lyon in the Emirates Cup, and he also hinted a £72m deal for Lille winger Nicolas Pepe is nearing completion.


He said: "Pepe is a very good player and also we are thinking only of players who can really, really improve this squad and also give us some different conditions to improve.

"The same, we are working for the last few weeks and before starting the season in the first match in Newcastle , our aim is to get the best team with the best players in our squad."

Arsenal will play French side Angers on Wednesday and Barcelona on Sunday ahead of their first game of the Premier League season against Newcastle on August 11.

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/unai-emery-appoints-new-captain-after.html

New signing was on the bench for the Emirates Cup clash


Arsenal fans were desperate to get a glimpse of their new loan signing from Real Madrid on Sunday.

The Gunners took on Lyon in the Emirates Cup, although it was the French side who went home with the trophy, after coming from behind to win 2-1.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the Arsenal goal, while teenager Gabriel Martinelli, another new signing this summer, had a second half effort ruled out for offside.

But having made two signings in one day this week - William Saliba joining from Saint Etienne, but going straight back there on loan - Ceballos was the player the supporters wanted to see for the first time.


The 22-year-old is highly-rated at the Bernabeu, having starred for the Spain U21s at the European Championships this summer.

Real Madrid were happy to let him leave the club, but after his performances for Spain, decided against allowing him to go permanently, instead opting for a season-long load deal, with the Gunners winning the race for his signature.




Ceballos was named on the bench for the clash at the Emirates Stadium, arriving late in the second half for a cameo appearance, showing neat control, dribbling and distribution.

But while it was a big occasion for the young man on loan from Madrid, the Arsenal media team made a bit of a gaffe when it came to Ceballos.

As the team lineups were announced, with the teamsheets coming in to the media present at the Emirates, there was something glaringly wrong - Ceballos' name was spelt wrong.

The teamsheet that was handed out to the members of the media named number 8 Dani Cabellos, rather than Ceballos, on the substitutes' bench for the clash with Lyon.

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/arsenal-wrongly-misspell-new-signing.html

Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Arsenal have reached an agreement with Lille to sign Nicolas Pepe in a club-record deal to leave Wilfried Zaha in transfer limbo, the UK Mirror reports.

The Ivorian winger is set to head to the Emirates in a £72m transfer.

However, the staggering fee will be paid in installments.

The Gunners had made his compatriot, Wilfried Zaha, their primary transfer target, but had an initial bid rejected by Crystal Palace, who are holding out for close to £80m.

The Gunners only wanted to pay a small sum up front and have now switched their attention to 24-year-old Pepe with the Ligue 1 willing to accept their staggered payments.
Zaha has made no secret of his desire to leave Crystal Palace this summer and had his heart set on a move to boyhood club, Arsenal.

But it now appears he will stay at Selhurst Park next season except Everton firm up interest in him.

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/reasons-arsenal-dumped-zaha-to-sign.html

Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44