₦airaland Forum

Maurizio Sarri needed to defend himself against accusations of homophobia and sexism while interviewing for the Chelsea job.

Maurizio Sarri has been no stranger to controversy in his managerial career and the 59-year-old needed to offer Chelsea assurances with regards to his viewpoint and future behaviour before they agreed to make him Antonio Conte’s successor, according to a report in the Telegraph.

While managing Napoli in 2016, Maurizio Sarri was accused of calling Roberto Mancini “a f****t” and was given a two-match ban and a €20,000 fine for the homophobic slur aimed at the then-Inter Milan manager.

“I was just irritable,” Maurizio Sarri mentioned at the time. “I was not discriminating against anyone. If I did indeed use those words, then I apologise to the gay community.”

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/07/14/maurizio-sarri-had-to-address-accusations-of-homophobia-and-sexism-in-chelsea-talks/#ixzz5LB8sP0qn

The only identifying feature which remains is the number 7 squad number, which is waiting for a new owner. Cristiano Ronaldo’s photograph has been removed.



The was something different about the home changing rooms at the Santiago Bernabéu today – Real Madrid have now taken down the photograph of Cristiano Ronaldo which had adorned his personal locker for the last nine years. In its place, between the areas assigned to Nacho and Toni Kroos, the club logo has been stamped onto Cristiano’s old locker. Only the No.7 remains – until Madrid find a new owner for the player who will take the Portuguese star’s old place in the changing rooms and squad number

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/07/12/cristianos-photograph-taken-down-from-bernabeu-dressing-room/#ixzz5L3z2t0Jx

Juventus are selling an average of one Cristiano Ronaldo jersey every minute from their store in Milan.

The transfer cost over €100m and he’ll be paid €30m per year net, but is also set to bring in massive revenue streams.

According to TuttoJuve, there are huge queues outside the Juventus Store in Milan, especially as the online site crashed once the shirt first went on sale yesterday and has barely recovered.

Photos:>>>SPORTBLITZZ

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/07/12/juventus-are-selling-one-cr7-jersey-every-minute-from-their-store-in-milan/#ixzz5L092ztZI

Spurs players have been important for numerous teams in Russia, with 9 having qualified for the semis.

In Gareth Southgate’s squad, 5 of Mauricio Pochettino’s men feature and the club’s fans consider they’re propelling the country towards World Cup glory.

Three Tottenham men started England’s quarter-final


Dele Alli, Kieran Trippier, Eric Dier, Danny Rose and captain Harry Kane have all had an affect, causing supporters to react as below.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/07/07/tottenham-are-bringing-the-world-cup-home/#ixzz5Kb9L118H

Chelsea star N’Golo Kante is a top target for Paris Saint-Germain, who’re ready to pay over £100million to land Chelsea star.

‘Goal‘ has also claimed that the deal could include a swap deal with Adrien Rabiot.

stated by the ‘Daily Mail’ PSG would be able to offer a long-term contract which would be worth £220,000-a-week, around double what he presently receives at Chelsea.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/07/06/psg-prepared-to-pay-over-100m-for-ngolo-kante/#ixzz5KRnD88jf

Real Madrid have omitted Cristiano Ronaldo entirely from their new kit campaign, giving a major hint that the Portuguese star is nearing a transfer away from the Bernabeu this summer.

The 33-year-old is believed to be pushing for an exit after being made to feel undervalued by Real, with Juventus the leading candidates to prise him away in an £88million deal.

And now they have fanned the rumours even further by leaving Ronaldo off the promotion material for their new kit.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/07/05/real-madrid-omit-cristiano-ronaldo-from-new-kit-campaign-as-he-seeks-transfer/#ixzz5KPXeue9K

As stated by La República the Italian giants are prepared to offer the player’s buy-out clause.



Paulinho could possibly be leaving Barcelona. That was one of the big transfer market rumours of yesterday, but although the player’s agent had apparently presented a serious offer to Camp Nou bosses, what wasn’t clear was where the offer had come from. Right now, La República say it’s Juventus who are ready to do what it takes to prise the Brazilian midfielder away from Barça,

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/07/04/juventus-ready-to-pay-paulinhos-buy-out-clause/#ixzz5KBjSIt1B

Super Eagles’ Captain, Mikel Obi, revealed that his father, Pa Michael Obi, was kidnapped right before Nigeria played against Argentina at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Obi also made it known that he chose to not inform @thenffofficial concerning the incident.

According to Obi, he got the telephone call informing him of the incident while on a bus to St Petersburg. Obi’s father was taken on his way to a funeral.

Here’s what he mentioned concerning the incident:

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/07/03/i-paid-10m-for-my-fathers-freedom-mikel-obi/#ixzz5KAv5hvRU

Chelsea are reportedly closing in on the signing of World Cup star Aleksandr Golovin after Juventus pulled out of the race.

Golovin has been a stand-out figure in Russia’s superb World Cup campaign which saw the hosts knock out European giants Spain in the last-16.

Russia dumped Spain out thanks to a disciplined defensive display and Golovin scored for his country in a tense penalty shoot-out after extra-time.

Golovin’s performances has attracted the attention of Manchester United, Arsenal and a host of other big clubs across Europe, but the 22-year-old is under contract at CSKA Moscow until 2021.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/07/02/chelsea-are-reportedly-closing-in-on-the-signing-of-world-cup-star-aleksandr-golovin/#ixzz5K6E4oaiH

Click to keep updated with the latest transfer news and rumours of the day.

19:10 Man Utd want to sign Nabil Fekir

19:00 Atletico Madrid interested in signing Florenzi from Roma.

18:00: Paulinho’s future at Barcelona has been thrown into doubt by a big-money bid from an unknown facet.

16:00: Steven N’Zonzi has submitted a transfer request to Sevilla, with an offer from Arsenal reportedly on the table.

14:20: Juventus have turned down a proposal from Lazio, which would see them part ways with £89m plus Rodrigo Bentancur in exchange for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

13:25: Real Betis have activated an option to buy Antonio Barragan. The defender has made his move from Middlesborough permanent.

13:15: Thibaut Courtois has hinted towards a transfer to Real Madrid, saying that he has a destination in mind for a transfer away from Chelsea.

12:45: Both Liverpool and Arsenal are keen on Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez, in line with reports in Spain.

12:00: The 1st of July is the day that the transfer window officially opens, which implies that the likes of Stephan Lichtsteiner are linking up with their new clubs. Kylian Mbappe, for instance, is now a permanent signing for PSG.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/07/01/summer-transfer-window-updates-july-1/#ixzz5K2yvcK7J

Antonio Conte, who won the Premier League and FA Cup at Chelsea, has been preparing for pre-season but will finally be put out of his misery.

The Italian Coach was widely expected to be sacked following Chelsea’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester United last month.

However he’s unwilling to leave on his own accord, understanding he will be in line for a big pay-off should the Premier League club appoint a new manager.

Chelsea risk being left behind in the transfer window until they resolve the situation quickly and club chiefs now accept they must replace Conte with Sarri as quickly as possible.

According to The Guardian, Chelsea’s non-World Cup players have been told to report back to training on 9 July, by which time they hope Sarri will be in charge.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/07/01/maurizio-sarri-set-to-be-announced-as-new-chelsea-manager-early-next-week/#ixzz5JzzbZqqK

Argentina: Armani; Mercado, Otamendi, Rojo, Tagliafico; Mascherano, Banega, Perez; Di Maria, Messi, Pavon.
Prev.
No real surprises from Didier Deschamps as Olivier Giroud continues to lead the line, supported by Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe. Blaise Matuidi is given the nod on the left, despite Nabil Fekir's eyecatching cameos so far in the competition.
Prev.
France: Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez; Kante, Pogba; Mbappe, Griezmann, Matuidi; Giroud.

Antonio Conte’s request for €2.5m extra to remain with Italy was turned down, and ex-FIGC president Carlo Tavecchio still rues it.



Former Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Carlo Tavecchio thinks Italy would be at the World Cup if he had agreed to Antonio Conte’s request for a €2.5million pay rise.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/30/if-we-had-given-conte-a-pay-rise-italy-would-be-at-the-world-cup/#ixzz5JscAIrr4

The second round of group stage fixtures is already over and boy, has the tournament created drama.

Russia set the pace of the 2018 World Cup when it wowed crowds with a 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the curtain-raising game on June 14, and there has been no shortage of thrills (Portugal 3-3 Spain), spills (Germany’s shock 0-1 loss to Mexico), and chills (Luka Modrić’s performances are a thing to behold).

But who are the key players after round two?

SportBLITZZ has put together a power ranking of the 23 best soccer players in Russia so far, using statistical data from number-crunching soccer site whoscored.com. The website grades players based on how the individual performs relative to his position, and ranks each player out of a maximum score of 10.

Keep scrolling to see who made the list, ranked by score in ascending order.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/27/the-23-best-world-cup-players-after-the-second-round-of-action/#ixzz5Jf3uQtAo

There were some curious images captured by the television cameras towards the end of Argentina’s clash with Nigeria, with it looking as if Jorge Sampaoli was asking Messi if he could bring on Sergio Aguero

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/27/jorge-sampaoli-ask-for-messis-permission-to-make-a-substitution/#ixzz5JTIVFnKW

League supporters have voted for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to be included in the MLS All-Star Fan XI.



The selection, made up largely by Atlanta United players, will be part of the 2018 MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday, August 1, when they will take on Juventus.

Sweden’s all-time top goalscorer and LA Galaxy striker will be joined in the all-star team by Belgium defender Laurent Ciman, United States international and Kansas City goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/25/mls-all-star-fan-xi-zlatan-ibrahimovic-makes-the-cut/#ixzz5JStwvX13

English publication ‘The Daily Mail’ claims that Wayne Rooney has finally decided on his Everton future, with the former England international set to complete his move to DC United in the coming hours.

The rest of the move is known thought to be a formality, with the Manchester United and England legend expected to make his debut on July 14



Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/25/rooney-set-to-complete-his-move-to-dc-united-in-the-coming-hours/#ixzz5JSoAe5gX

Join us for live text updates of the World Cup Group B clash between Spain and Morocco from Kaliningrad Stadium.

It’s not the first time Salah has clashed with the Egyptian FA and the forward is now concerned the breakdown in relationship is irreparable.

Salah went to war with the Egyptian FA when they used his image rights without his permission, and put him at risk of a massive financial loss.

Vodafone has a sponsorship deal with Salah, however his image was plastered on Egypt’s World Cup plane which was sponsored by WE, a rival telecommunications company.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/24/mohamed-salah-considers-retirement-from-international-football/#ixzz5JNJpfUxb

Ahmed Musa wins Man of the Match award after a great performance today

Today’s attendance is 40904

https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/22/world-cup-live-nigeria-0-0-iceland/

The nation’s football federation has confirmed that the squad emerged unscathed after seeing a wing ignite on their way to Rostov-on-Don

The Saudi Arabia World Cup squad were left shaken up after seeing their plane‘s wing catch fire during a flight in Russia.

The airplane was headed to the city of Rostov-on-Don, the place Saudi Arabia will play their second Group A clash against Uruguay.

But those on board have been alarmed to see flames spout from the wing due to what was termed a “minor technical malfunction”.

Fortunately the problem didn’t trigger major damage to the airplane, which made a routine landing in Rostov-on-Don on Monday with no harm caused to the squad.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/19/russia-2018-saudi-arabia-players-plane-catches-fire/#ixzz5IpHan5s9

Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel’s Russian wife has reacted to Nigeria’s 0-2 loss to Croatia in their opening game of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The Russian magnificence Olga Diyachenko took to her social media page to console and encourage her husband after the disappointing start to the tournament.

She wrote through her Instagram page; “You win some, you lose some, my love… you’re all the time a winner in my eyes. Love you. Go Nigeria.”

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/18/mikel-obis-wife-reacts-to-nigerias-croatia-defeat/#ixzz5IjTfXfYc

Following France’s disappointing display in their opening match against Australia, Paul Pogba has said that he believes he is the most criticised player in the world.

Despite scoring a goal in France’s narrow 2-1 victory against Australia yesterday, Paul Pogba came under criticism for his performance against the ‘Socceroos’.

The Manchester United midfielder scored a deflected shot, which was confirmed by goal-line technology, in the 80th minute of the match to give ‘Les Bleus’ the three points against an Australian team who fought onerous in the match.

Chatting with ‘Telefoot’ on Sunday, Pogba admitted that the side needed to do better as the match progresses, but that the outcome was the most important thing. He additionally revealed that he feels unfairly targeted for his performances.

“I am given less room to make mistakes than others. I’ve gone from the most expensive player in the world to the most criticised,” the midfielder argued.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/17/pogba-im-the-most-criticised-player-in-the-world/#ixzz5IaevVMFF

90+5'
Croatia with a deserved victory after a fine display
90+5'
That's it! The referee blows the final whistle
90+4'
Simy hand-balls
90+4'
Nigeria take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in their own half of the field
90+3'
Goal kick for Nigeria

90'
Victor Moses from Nigeria tries to pick out a team-mate in the area but his cross is blocked by an opponent.
90'
Ivan Rakitic relieves the pressure with a clearance
90'
Victor Moses crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
89'
Yellow card for Marcelo Brozovic
89'
Marcelo Brozovic from Croatia goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Oghenekaro Etebo
89'
Today's attendance is 32000
89'
The referee signals a free kick as Luka Modric from Croatia trips Kelechi Iheanacho
88'
The captain is forced to give away his armband, because he is leaving the field.
88'
John Obi Mikel is leaving the field to be replaced by Simy in a tactical substitution.
88'
A shot by Victor Moses is blocked
87'
Ahmed Musa from Nigeria directs a ball squarely in the box.
87'
Goal kick for Croatia
87'
Oghenekaro Etebo fails to find the target with a shot from outside the box
86'
Nigeria take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent's half of the field

86'
Nigeria take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent's half of the field
86'
Nigeria is trying to create something here.
86'
Mario Mandzukic is leaving the field to be replaced by Marko Pjaca in a tactical substitution.
85'
Mario Mandzukic hand-balls
85'
The game is restarted
85'
Ball possession: Croatia: 53%, Nigeria: 47%.

84'
Ivan Perisic is down injured and receives medical treatment on the field.
84'
Play has been stopped because there is a player lying on the pitch.
84'
Abdullahi Shehu from Nigeria commits a foul by elbowing Ivan Perisic
84'
Nigeria is in control of the ball.
83'
Ahmed Musa comes back onto the field.
83'
Ivan Strinic comes back onto the field.
83'
Kelechi Iheanacho from Nigeria is ruled offside
82'
Leon Balogun sends a header towards goal, but Danijel Subasic is there to comfortably save it
82'
Victor Moses delivers a teasing cross into the box...
82'
Sime Vrsaljko relieves the pressure with a clearance
82'
A player from Nigeria takes a long throw from left side of the pitch into the opponent's box
82'
The game is restarted
82'
It doesn't look good here as Ivan Strinic is injured and is taken off the field to receive medical treatment.
82'
It doesn't look good here as Ahmed Musa is injured and is taken off the field to receive medical treatment.
81'
Ahmed Musa is down injured and receives medical treatment on the field.

81'
Play has been stopped because there is a player lying on the pitch.
81'
Ivan Strinic relieves the pressure with a clearance
81'
Kelechi Iheanacho from Nigeria directs a ball squarely in the box, but it's intercepted by an opponent player.
80'
Ball possession: Croatia: 54%, Nigeria: 46%.


78'
Nigeria is in control of the ball.
77'
Goal kick for Croatia
77'
Space opens up for Kelechi Iheanacho but his finish goes wide of the target. Could have done better there.
77'
A chance opens up as John Obi Mikel from Nigeria successfully finds a team mate in the area...
77'
Nigeria is in control of the ball.
76'
Ante Rebic from Croatia passes the ball in the box, but it's intercepted by an opponent player.
76'
Croatia is in control of the ball.
75'
Ball possession: Croatia: 54%, Nigeria: 46%.
75'
Safe hands from Francis Uzoho as he comes out and claims the ball
75'
Ivan Perisic delivers a teasing cross into the box...
74'
William Troost-Ekong relieves the pressure with a clearance
74'
Ivan Rakitic delivers a teasing cross into the box...
74'
Leon Balogun relieves the pressure with a clearance
74'
Ivan Rakitic from Croatia swings in the corner from the right.

73'
Danger averted there as William Troost-Ekong from Nigeria clears the danger with a good tackle
73'
Croatia start a counter attack
73'
Dejan Lovren relieves the pressure with a clearance
73'
A player from Nigeria takes a long throw from right side of the pitch into the opponent's box

71'
G O O O A A A L - Luka Modric from Croatia puts it away from the penalty spot!
70'
Ball possession: Croatia: 52%, Nigeria: 48%.

70'
Yellow card for William Troost-Ekong
70'
PENALTY! - A player from Nigeria concedes a penalty for a shirt-pull on an opponent
69'
Luka Modric from Croatia swings in the corner from the left.

66'
That's a great ball by John Obi Mikel from Nigeria. He directs the ball behind the defence, but the chance eventually goes begging
65'
Ball possession: Croatia: 52%, Nigeria: 48%.
65'
The referee signals a free kick as Marcelo Brozovic from Croatia trips Oghenekaro Etebo
65'
Croatia take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in the opponent's half of the field
64'
Abdullahi Shehu relieves the pressure with a clearance
64'
Ivan Rakitic delivers a teasing cross into the box...
64'
Ahmed Musa is penalised for pushing Luka Modric
64'
Goal kick for Nigeria
63'
A chance presents itself to Mario Mandzukic from Croatia but his header goes wide
63'
Ivan Rakitic from Croatia swings in the corner from the right.
63'
William Troost-Ekong clears the danger but is forced to give away a corner...
63'
Luka Modric crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
62'
Victor Moses hand-balls

62'
Alex Iwobi is leaving the field to be replaced by Ahmed Musa in a tactical substitution.
61'
Victor Moses relieves the pressure with a clearance
61'
Ante Rebic delivers a teasing cross into the box...
60'
Andrej Kramaric is leaving the field to be replaced by Marcelo Brozovic in a tactical substitution.
60'
Ball possession: Croatia: 49%, Nigeria: 51%.
58'
Safe hands from Danijel Subasic as he comes out and claims the ball
58'
Victor Moses delivers a teasing cross into the box...
58'
Nigeria start a counter attack
58'
Croatia take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent's half of the field
57'
Luka Modric from Croatia directs the ball behind the defence, but the keeper reads the play well and comes to claim it
57'
Mario Mandzukic from Croatia goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Onyinye Ndidi

56'
Goal kick for Croatia
55'
Ivan Perisic from Croatia is ruled offside
55'
Ball possession: Croatia: 50%, Nigeria: 50%
55'
Ante Rebic from Croatia is ruled offside
55'
Ivan Perisic delivers a teasing cross into the box...
55'
Ball possession: Croatia: 50%, Nigeria: 50%.
55'
Andrej Kramaric relieves the pressure with a clearance
54'
Alex Iwobi delivers a teasing cross into the box...
54'
Victor Moses from Nigeria swings in the corner from the right.
54'
Ivan Perisic clears the danger but is forced to give away a corner...
54'
A player from Nigeria takes a long throw from right side of the pitch into the opponent's box
54'
Victor Moses from Nigeria tries to pick out a team-mate in the area but his cross is blocked by an opponent.

53'
Nigeria take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent's half of the field
53'
Nigeria is in control of the ball.
52'
Odion Ighalo from Nigeria commits a foul by elbowing Ivan Strinic
52'
A shot by Alex Iwobi is blocked
52'
Dejan Lovren relieves the pressure with a clearance
51'
Victor Moses crosses the ball into the box from the free kick


51'
The ref blows his whistle. Mario Mandzukic charged Oghenekaro Etebo from behind and it's a free-kick
51'
Goal kick for Nigeria
50'
Ivan Rakitic fails to find the target with a shot from outside the box
50'
Poor play by Victor Moses as his weak attempt to clear the ball puts his side under pressure
50'
Sime Vrsaljko delivers a teasing cross into the box...

50'
Ball possession: Croatia: 52%, Nigeria: 48%.
50'
Victor Moses from Nigeria goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Ivan Strinic
50'
Nigeria take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in their own half of the field
49'
Goal kick for Croatia

47'
Mario Mandzukic clears the danger but is forced to give away a corner...
47'
Victor Moses from Nigeria swings in the corner from the right.
47'
Mario Mandzukic clears the danger but is forced to give away a corner...
47'
Victor Moses from Nigeria swings in the corner from the right.
47'
Ivan Strinic clears the danger but is forced to give away a corner...
46'
Nigeria take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent's half of the field
46'
Ivan Perisic relieves the pressure with a clearance
46'
A player from Nigeria takes a long throw from right side of the pitch into the opponent's box
46'
The second half is underway

45+2'
It's over! The referee blows for half time
45+2'
Nigeria is in control of the ball.
45+2'
Goal kick for Croatia

45+1'
Victor Moses fails to find the target with a shot from outside the box
45+1'
The fourth official shows there are 2 minute(s) of time to be added
45+1'
Safe hands from Danijel Subasic as he comes out and claims the ball
45+1'
A shot by Alex Iwobi is blocked
45+1'
Sime Vrsaljko relieves the pressure with a clearance
45'
Victor Moses crosses the ball into the box from the free kick

44'
Nigeria take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent's half of the field
44'
John Obi Mikel sends a long ball upfield.

43'
Goal kick for Nigeria
43'
Space opens up for Sime Vrsaljko but his finish goes wide of the target. Could have done better there.
42'
A chance opens up as Mario Mandzukic from Croatia successfully finds a team mate in the area...
42'
Croatia is in control of the ball.
42'
Ante Rebic comes back onto the field.

41'
Ante Rebic is down injured and receives medical treatment on the field.
40'
Play has been stopped because there is a player lying on the pitch.
40'
Ball possession: Croatia: 58%, Nigeria: 42%.
40'
Goal kick for Nigeria
40'
A chance presents itself to Andrej Kramaric from Croatia but his header goes wide
39'
Ivan Rakitic delivers a teasing cross into the box...
39'
Luka Modric sends a long ball upfield.
39'
Oghenekaro Etebo relieves the pressure with a clearance

38'
Nigeria take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in their own half of the field
37'
Sime Vrsaljko from Croatia crosses the ball but it is nowhere near the intended target.
37'
Croatia start a counter attack
37'
Odion Ighalo from Nigeria tries to head the ball to a team mate, but it's intercepted by an opponent player.
37'
Victor Moses crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
37'
Luka Modric from Croatia goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Oghenekaro Etebo

37'
Luka Modric from Croatia goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Oghenekaro Etebo
36'
Croatia is in control of the ball.
36'
Croatia is in control of the ball.
35'
John Obi Mikel sends a long ball upfield.
35'
Croatia take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in their own half of the field
35'
Ball possession: Croatia: 55%, Nigeria: 45%.
34'
A shot by Odion Ighalo is blocked

32'
OWN GOAL - Oghenekaro Etebo sends the ball into his own net!
32'
Ante Rebic from Croatia successfully heads the ball to a team mate

30'
Ball possession: Croatia: 57%, Nigeria: 43%.

29'
Nigeria is in control of the ball.
29'
Nigeria take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in their own half of the field
28'
Croatia take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent's half of the field
28'
William Troost-Ekong relieves the pressure with a clearance
28'
Ante Rebic delivers a teasing cross into the box...
28'
Alex Iwobi is penalised for pushing Sime Vrsaljko

27'
Ivan Perisic delivers a teasing cross into the box...
27'
Croatia take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in the opponent's half of the field
26'
Croatia is in control of the ball.
26'
Croatia take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in their own half of the field
25'
Luka Modric sends a long ball upfield.
25'
Croatia is in control of the ball.

25'
Croatia is in control of the ball.
25'
Ball possession: Croatia: 58%, Nigeria: 42%
24'
Onyinye Ndidi relieves the pressure with a clearance
24'
Ante Rebic delivers a teasing cross into the box...
24'
Goal kick for Croatia
24'
The game is restarted
23'
It doesn't look good here as Leon Balogun is injured and is taken off the field to receive medical treatment.
23'
Play has been stopped because there is a player lying on the pitch.
23'
Onyinye Ndidi from Nigeria fails to connect properly on the volley and sends the ball wide of target
22'
Domagoj Vida relieves the pressure with a clearance
22'
John Obi Mikel from Nigeria chips the ball into the penalty box.
22'
Dejan Lovren relieves the pressure with a clearance
22'
Alex Iwobi delivers a teasing cross into the box...
22'
Sime Vrsaljko relieves the pressure with a clearance
22'
Victor Moses from Nigeria swings in the corner from the right.
22'
Dejan Lovren clears the danger but is forced to give away a corner...
22'
Odion Ighalo from Nigeria tries to pick out a team-mate in the area but his cross is blocked by an opponent.
21'
Nigeria is in control of the ball.
21'
Nigeria is in control of the ball.
20'
Danger averted there as Ivan Strinic from Croatia clears the danger with a good tackle
20'
Ball possession: Croatia: 66%, Nigeria: 34%.
20'
Safe hands from Francis Uzoho as he comes out and claims the ball
20'
Luka Modric crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
19'
Leon Balogun is penalised for pushing Andrej Kramaric
18'
Croatia is in control of the ball.
18'
Croatia take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in the opponent's half of the field
18'
Odion Ighalo relieves the pressure with a clearance
18'
Luka Modric from Croatia swings in the corner from the left.
17'
Victor Moses clears the danger but is forced to give away a corner...
17'
Could be a good chance here as Andrej Kramaric from Croatia cuts the opponents defense open with a through ball...
17'
Luka Modric sends a long ball upfield.
16'
Goal kick for Nigeria
16'
Andrej Kramaric fails to find the target with a shot from outside the box
16'
Croatia is trying to create something here.
15'
Odion Ighalo hand-balls
15'
Croatia take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in their own half of the field
15'
Ball possession: Croatia: 64%, Nigeria: 36%.
14'
Goal kick for Nigeria
14'
Space opens up for Ivan Perisic but his finish goes wide of the target. Could have done better there.
14'
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia passes the ball to a team mate.
14'
A chance opens up as Ante Rebic from Croatia successfully finds a team mate in the area...
13'
Brian Idowu from Nigeria tries to pick out a team-mate in the area but his cross is blocked by an opponent.
13'
A shot by Alex Iwobi is blocked
10′
Ball possession: Croatia: 74%, Nigeria: 26%.
9′
The referee signals a free kick as Ivan Rakitic from Croatia trips Victor Moses
9′
Odion Ighalo relieves the pressure with a clearance
9′
Luka Modric delivers a teasing cross into the box…
9′
Luka Modric from Croatia takes a short corner kick from the left.
8′
That’s a great ball by Alex Iwobi from Nigeria. He directs the ball behind the defence, but the chance eventually goes begging
7′
Croatia is in control of the ball.
7′
Croatia take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
6′
Ante Rebic is penalised for pushing Victor Moses
6’Ante Rebic is penalised for pushing Victor Moses
6’Dejan Lovren relieves the pressure with a clearance
6’Victor Moses crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
5’Mario Mandzukic from Croatia goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Oghenekaro Etebo
5′
Ball possession: Croatia: 70%, Nigeria: 30%.
5′
Nigeria take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in their own half of the field
4′
Croatia is in control of the ball.
4′
Nigeria take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in their own half of the field
3′
Leon Balogun relieves the pressure with a clearance
3′
Ivan Perisic delivers a teasing cross into the box…
3′
Onyinye Ndidi from Nigeria goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Andrej Kramaric
2′
Andrej Kramaric from Croatia is ruled offside
2′
Nigeria is in control of the ball.
2′
Croatia is in control of the ball.
2′
Ante Rebic relieves the pressure with a clearance
1′
Victor Moses crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
1′
The pitch is in good condition today allowing for more technical play
1′
Dejan Lovren from Croatia commits a foul by elbowing Odion Ighalo
1′
It’s a nice warm day for playing football.
1′
Nigeria kick-off, and the game is underway.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/16/live-croatia-0-0-nigeria/#ixzz5IZbnhSAo

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is set to name at least eight World Cup debutants in his starting line-up to face Croatia in their opening Russia 2018 Group D fixture in Kaliningrad on Saturday, reports sportblitzz.com

Nigeria, who are making their sixth appearance at the World Cup, will have 19-year-old Deportive La Coruna goalkeeper Francis Uzoho in goal.

The right full-back position will be between Shehu Abdullahi and Tyronne Ebuehi. Both players have not played at the World Cup before.

Byran Idowu could get the nod ahead of Elderson Echiejile in the left full-back position due to form. The Amkar Perm defender has featured in all Nigeria’s pre-World Cup friendlies but has never played in the tournament proper.

The injury doubts over Leon Balogun could see Rohr deploy a 3-5-2 formation with John Ogu deployed to play on the left of a back three on his debut appearance for Nigeria at the World Cup alongside another debutant William Troost-Ekong in defence.

Ogu has played in the position in his last two games for Nigeria. He has also been playing as a centre-back in training.

In midfield, fit-again Wilfred Ndidi is set to make his first World Cup appearance alongside captain Mikel Obi while in attack Changchun Yatai striker Odion Ighalo and Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi are also expected to make their first Mundial appearances.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/16/rohr-set-to-start-eight-super-eagles-world-cup-debutants-vs-croatia/#ixzz5IXwKH2jh

Manchester United ($4.12 billion) was declared by Forbes as the most valuable footballing club in the world. The English Premier League (EPL) giants bettered both La Liga rivals Real Madrid ($4.08 billion) and Barcelona ($4.06 billion) to become the most valuable club for the second time in a row. A total of six EPL teams grace this list with Bayern Munich and Juventus the only teams representing their respective leagues.

Manchester United are the world’s most valuable soccer club for a second consecutive year, according to the annual list published by Forbes on Tuesday.

The English Premier League runners-up, who last year ended European champions Real Madrid’s four-year stint at the top of the list, were valued at $4.12 billion, up 12 per cent from a year ago, Forbes said in a statement.

The average value of the top 20, which relates to the 2016-17 season, rose by 14 per cent over the period.

Real Madrid, who last month won a third straight Champions League title, was second, with a value of $4.08 billion, up 14 per cent from the previous year.

Barcelona ($4.06 billion), Bayern Munich ($3.06 billion) and United’s neighbours Manchester City ($2.47 billion) rounded off the top five.

Six English clubs feature in the top 10.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/13/manchester-united-4-12-billion-was-declared-by-forbes-as-the-most-valuable-footballing-club-in-the-world/#ixzz5IGcl1CH8

Jose Mourinho wants Manchester United to finalize a 3rd summer signing before the World Cup begins, in response to reports.

United have already secured a £52 million deal to sign Brazilian midfielder Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk.

And Jose Mourinho’s side quickly followed that up with a £19m move for Porto full-back Diogo Dalot.

According to The Sun,Jose Mourinho wants United to finalise negotiations for a 3rd signing before the World Cup begins on Thursday evening.

The report claims that the United manager is ‘determined’ to land Toby Alderweireld from Tottenham, with the Belgian set to cost £50m.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/12/jose-mourinho-is-keen-for-a-third-manchester-united-arrival-before-the-world-cup-begins/#ixzz5IFNzCNjW

Reigning Ballon d’Or holder Cristiano Ronaldo believes that Liverpool’s Mo Salah might be the man to break his and Lionel Messi’s decade of dominance of the award.

Not since Kaka in 2007 has someone other than Messi or Ronaldo claimed victory, though that record could be under threat following Salah’s outstanding debut season at Anfield.

Having plundered 44 goals in all competitions, Mo Salah has proven himself to be up there with the elite attacking players in Europe, with Ronaldo now admitting that the Egyptian might push him and Messi close in the Ballon d’Or race.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/12/cristiano-ronaldo-backs-salah-for-ballon-dor/#ixzz5I7MJZTBF

The Super Eagles had the rare opportunity of eating Nigerian food for dinner yesterday.



Members of the squad especially the ones who grew up in Nigeria have been yearning for local Nigerian delicacies at their Avita Resort camp in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Austria and their wishes were granted.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/11/super-eagles-swallow-eba-and-egusi-for-dinner/#ixzz5I6a005X0

The Lyon captain Nabil Fekir had been heavily tipped with a transfer to Liverpool, has reportedly undergone a medical, however, negotiations between the two clubs have collapsed.



Heavy speculation, together with a press release from the president of the French Football Federation, had already put the forward at Anfield next season, but Lyon will be able to count on the services of their captain after discussions fell through on Saturday evening.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/09/breaking-fekir-to-liverpool-have-collapsed/#ixzz5HtRgEAMB

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has rejected a £2 billion offer for the club from the richest individual in the UK and has no plans to sell, in line with reports.

Jim Ratcliffe, who has an estimated net worth of £21bn, in line with the Sunday Times, made an offer amid the Russian billionaire’s difficulties in renewing his UK working visa.

However Abramovich turned down the offer for Chelsea, who he has owned since 2003, regardless of recently delaying plans for a redevelopment of Stamford Bridge.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/09/chelsea-owner-roman-abramovich-has-rejected-a-2-billion-offer-for-the-club-from-the-richest-person-in-the-uk/#ixzz5HtFAaw5P