₦airaland Forum

Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr who is under-fire by the media for calling up CSKA Sofia of Bulgaria winger Viv Solomon-Otabor as replacement for ‎injured Samuel Kalu has explained the reason behind his decision.


The call up to Solomon-Otabor came as a surprise to many considering that the former Birmingham City teenager hasn’t done as much as other Nigerian players plying their trade in leagues higher than that of Bulgaria, Where Solomon-Otabor plays.

Defending his choice in a chat with Owngoalnigeria.com, the Franco-German coach said Solomon-Otabor will surprise many if he gets to play against Brazil and that he called him up as replacement for Kalu because they play same position.

He said he monitored the player for a year before deciding to call him up when the opportunity came following the withdrawal of Kalu. Rohr advised Club Brugge David Okereke and Heerenveen Chidera Ejuke to continue with their impressive form as he will call them up soonest.

” I like what I saw in him when I watched him. He is like Kalu on the wings and we have been monitoring him for some time now. The other players like Okereke, Ejuke will get their chance soon. Solomon got the nod because the vacancy is for a winger. Players doing well need to continue working hard”, the coach explained.

https://www.reportminds.com/2019/10/why-i-called-up-viv-solomon-otabor-as.html?m=1

Paul Pogba looks certain to miss next Sunday's crunch clash against Liverpool, with Manchester United medics fearing he could be sidelined until at least the end of October, reports Mail.




Sportsmail revealed earlier this week that the France midfielder had arrived in Dubai to complete a warm weather rehabilitation programme at the state-of-the-art Transform Altitude Performance Center in hope of accelerating his recovery from a foot injury.

Pogba, though, is almost sure of missing the visit of league leaders Liverpool in a game that could have a significant bearing on United boss Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer's future.

The 26-year-old posted a video of himself in Dubai on Friday completing a battle rope session with the message: 'Almost there'.


https://www.reportminds.com/2019/10/pogba-to-miss-liverpool-showdown-and.html


lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Barcelona and Carles Pérez have reached an agreement to extend the player's contract for two seasons until June 30th, 2022.


Carles Perez made his debut with the first team in the final week of the league last season against Eibar in Ipurua.

The player from Granollers, came on to replace Malcolm in the 73rd minute to become the eighth player from the youth teams to make his debut with the first team that season.

Carles Perez has featured in five of Barca's six league games and he has also scored his first goal for the team, finding the net in the 5-2 win over Betis at Camp Nou.


http://www.reportminds.com/2019/09/official-barcelona-sign-new-contract.html


lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

FIFA FIFPro Men's World11:

Gk: Alisson

Defenders, Ramos, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Marcelo

Midfielders: Modric, De Jong, Hazard

Forwards: Mbappe, Messi, Ronaldo

https://www.reportminds.com/2019/09/fifa-fifpro-men-world11-messi-ronaldo.html

Messi refuses to be interviewed during FIFA best green carpet.


Leo Messi, who aspires to win the 'The Best' award, and Puskas award for the best goal of the season, just snubbed the interview during FIFA best green carpet.

https://www.reportminds.com/2019/09/messi-snubs-interview-during-fifa-best.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Daniel Zsori has beat Messi & Quintero to win FIFA Puskas Award.


Former Debrecen man Daniel Zsori has scooped the Puskas Award for the most beautiful goal scored in 2019, the 18-year-old striker beating off competition from Barcelona's Lionel Messi and River Plate's Juan Fernando Quintero.

Messi's goal against Betis makes him in the list but finally gets snubbed again this year after his goal against Bilbao in 2015 failed to give him the Puskas award.

https://www.reportminds.com/2019/09/breaking-messi-misses-out-on-puskas.html

We take a look back to 2007 - the first year Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were nominated for FIFA's top award.

https://www.reportminds.com/2019/09/the-first-year-messi-and-ronaldo-were.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Ronaldo will not attend the FIFA Best award ceremony in Milan tonight, reports Goal Italia.


Ronaldo is one of the final three candidates for the FIFA Best Men's Player award, but it is understood his chance to win it is much smaller than that of Messi or Van Dijk.

https://www.reportminds.com/2019/09/ronaldo-misses-out-on-juventus-squad.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

The top three winners of the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) are yet to get their money over the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) broke state.



It was expected that $14.2m will be shared between the best eight teams at the 2019 AFCON but the continental football body is yet to pay out the sum. Algeria was expected to get $4.5m for winning the football tournament. Senegal and Nigeria on the other hand were expected to go home with $2.5m and $2m respectively for coming second and third.



However extracts from the minutes of CAF’s Executive Committee meeting in Cairo on Tuesday September 10, which was obtained Sports Extra, revealed that the continental football body's present income does not match expenditure and its officials are dipping into its cash reserves to meet recurrent expenditure.



“It appears, from the analysis of the Finance Committee, that CAF has entered a cycle of structural deficit that will reach about six $6m at the end of this year if it is not reversed immediately,” CAF’s Finance Committee chairman, Fouzi Lekjaa was quoted as saying.

“There is a need to reverse this deficit trend by rationalising spending and making use of better revenue potential for CAF.”



Brila FM reported days ago that the Nigeria Football Federation only received $600 000 from CAF back in August, from the total sum for finishing third in the competition. Winners of the competition Algeria and runners up, Teranga Lions of Senegal, and fourth-placed Carthage Eagles of Tunisia are also yet to receive the full payment.



It was also learnt that CAF Champions League winners, Esperance of Tunisia are also caught up in the mess as they are still being owed $2.5m prize money.

https://www.reportminds.com/2019/09/caf-yet-to-pay-2019-afcon-winners.html

Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Legendary ex-Super Eagles footballer and former Assistant Manager of the Nigeria National Football Team Daniel Amokachi A.K.A “The Bull” was on Thursday unveiled as the Ambassador of a new sports betting brand called betBonanza in Lagos.

Amokachi was introduced at the official Press Conference to launch the brand in Lagos. Daniel Amokachi enjoyed a tremendous footballing career; he was the first Nigerian player to score in the UEFA Champions League. He has contributed significantly to the Super Eagles top three tournaments in the 1990s including winning the Olympic Gold Medal in ’96.

The new Brand Ambassador, Daniel Amokachi, said, “I am glad to join a company that believes in getting better. This is because getting better at whatever one does is a continuous process. My career has been a constant learning curve and road to becoming better. There are lessons and opportunities for growth with every “ups and downs” one encounters. Honestly, there are great moments that I can never forget, but being better than I was yesterday has always been my watchword”, the former Olympic Gold Medalist said.

I believe that if you are ready to take that one step, you can always become a better person. This is the value that I passionately share with betBonanza. I am thrilled to be part of betBonanza, and I believe in what they represent”, the African legend concluded.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/betbonanza-unveil-daniel-amokachi-as.html?m=1

Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Everton completed the five years deal of Alex Iwobi from Arsenal.
According to reports gathered, the Super Eagles attacker joined the Toffees for a fee of £35m.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/iwobi-was-everton-main-target-silva.html

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Arsenal have confirmed the signing of David Luiz from Chelsea on a two years deal.

Source

http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/arsenal-completes-swoop-of-david-luiz.html

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Although, the transfer window has closed in England, but there are reports that some deals could still be done.
One of the deals it that David Luiz is set to be annouced as an Arsenal player while Alex Iwobi is set to join Everton.
Although, Leicester City have announced signing of Dennis Prate.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/deadlineday-everton-agree-to-sign-alex.html

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Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk are both in the running for UEFA awards.

Liverpool dominate the Champions League positional awards shortlist following their stunning triumph in the competition last season.

UEFA unveiled its three-man shortlists for each position, with at least one Liverpool player vying for an award in each category, with two Tottenham players also in the running.

Alisson Becker will compete for the goalkeeper award with Spurs captain Hugo Lloris and Barcelona stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Both Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are in the frame for the defender award, alongside Juventus new boy Matthijs de Ligt.


De Ligt's former Ajax team-mate Frenkie de Jong is up against Tottenham's Christian Eriksen and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson for the midfielder award.

Sadio Mane will compete with Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo for the forwards' prize.

Meanwhile, Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has been shortlisted for the Europa League Player of the Season award alongside Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic.

Giroud played a key role in helping Chelsea win the competition last season, scoring 11 goals in 14 Europa league matches.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/liverpool-dominate-uefa-award-shortlist.html

L

Emmanuel Frimpong Has Retired From Football, Aged 27
At the age of 27, former Arsenal youth product Emmanuel Frimpong has decided to retire from professional football after an eight year career in the game.

Frimpong, who made just six appearances under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, spent time at Wolves, Charlton and MK Dons before joining Championship side Barnsley in 2014.

Spells in Russia with UFA and Arsenal Tula followed after failing to make an impact at Oakwell but injuries plagued his career.

He finished his career in the Cypriot First Division side Ermis Aradippou FC before announcing his retirement on Thursday night.


Here's his statement in full, written on the classic iPhone Notes app, of course:

"It is with great sadness I have decided to retire from professional football. I have had problems with my knee for the last five years or so and have got back to playing at a professional level.

"But since November 2017 I haven't been in action as I had a tear in my knee ligament. I decided with my own will that I will not opt for the operation since I was not enjoying football playing through pain.

"I would love to thank all the clubs I have represented, Arsenal, Charlton, Barnsley, Fulham, UFA, AFC Eskilstuna and Ermis for the love and support they have given and to the fans who always supported me. Thank you and let's see what the future holds.

"Spending time with my daughter and family the last year has made me realise I'm blessed."

Frimpong was certainly a character.

He was infamously sent off against Liverpool, scrapped with teammate Samir Nasri in the tunnel and was then loaned out to Wolves shortly after the incident.

"I believe he (Frimpong) has done really well. He is a bit less of a dribbler but he is a fighter and he is a winner." - Arsene Wenger said after the 2010 Emirates Cup.

Nine years later, the 27-year-old has announced his retirement from football.


Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/ex-arsenal-youngster-emmanuel-frimpong.html

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Everton have submitted a £30m bid to sign Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi, according to reports.

Marco Silva’s side had prioritised a move for Wilfried Zaha, but Crystal Palace are demanding £100m for their star player.

Palace had received an offer from Everton of £70m plus James McCarthy and a season-long loan deal for Cenk Tosun, but that was rejected.

Everton are now seeking alternatives and Metro UK claims that Iwobi has been targeted by the Toffees.

The report claims that Arsenal have been offered £25m upfront with a further £5m in add-ons.

But Everton’s bid has been rejected by Arsenal.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/arsenal-reject-evertons-30m-bid-for.html

Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Jenkinson leaves Arsenal to join Nottingham In Championship
http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/jenkinson-leaves-arsenal-to-join.html
Cc lalasticlala mynd44 missyb3 fynestboi Seun

Manchester United have confirm that their new signing Harry Maguire will wear the no.5 shirt for Manchester United this season.


The defender was announced as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer third summer signing on Monday, joining the club from Premier League side Leicester City.


Maguire wore the no.15 shirt during his two-year stint at the King Power Stadium, when the no.5 shirt was unavailable due to captain Wes Morgan occupying it.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/man-united-reveals-most-expensive.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Chelsea have rejected a bid from French Ligue 1 club, Amiens, for Nigeria international Kenneth Omeruo, Sports Extra can report.

According a report on Get French Football News, the Blues will only listen to offers 25-year-old defender if a bid in the region of £6m is made.

The Nigeria international has been attracting interests from several clubs with Leganes – where he played on loan last season still in talks with Chelsea over a move.

The Spanish La Liga club have seen an offer of €4.5m for the former ADO Den Haag and Kasimpasa defender rejected.

Omeruo has 12 months remaining on his current deal with the Blues. The Madrid club are also keen on securing a permanent move to Spain.

source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/chelsea-reject-amiens-bid-for-omeruo.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Organisers of NPFL have sent the timetable for the new seasons to the 20 participating clubs.


The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has gone back to its 38-match format with the 2019/2020 season set to kick off on September 20.

After the 2017/2018 season ended abruptly due to chaos in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the new 2019 NPFL season featured 28 teams in an abridged format of two conferences/groups.

The League Management Company (LMC) who are the organisers of the NPFL have however announced that the league will return to 38-match format with the new season kicking off on September 20.

In a circular sent to the 20 clubs, the LMC announced that the league season is expected to run from September 2019 to May 2020 in conformity with the new CAF calendar.

In the calendar sent to the clubs, orientation and induction of new teams will kick off later in August before the Super Cup in the first week of September.

Last season League winners Enyimba and Federation Cup champions Kano Pillars will square up in the Super Cup in a yet to be announced venue.


The draws for the new season will hold during the Super Cup game before the NPFL Annual General Meeting (AGM) that will be held on Tuesday, September 17.

The season will begin Sunday, September 22 before the mid-season break from Monday, December 30 to Friday, January 10.

2019/20 season

1. Orientation and Induction of new clubs – August 20-21, 2019

2. Super Cup – September 7/8, 2019

3. 2019/2020 NPFL Draws – September 7/8, 2019

4. NPFL Annual General Meeting (AGM) – September 17, 2019

5. Season kickoff– September 22, 2019

6. Mid-season break – December 30, 2019 – January 10, 2020)

7. End of Season – May 17, 2020

source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/npfl-goes-back-to-38-match-format-as.html

Manchester United hero Wayne Rooney has agreed a move to Derby County.

The Daily Mail reports DC United striker Rooney's January move to Derby has been partially funded by gambling firm 32Red.

The Championship side confirmed on Tuesday the ex-Everton and Manchester United striker will be joining the club on a player-coach capacity for 18 months.

After the announcement of Rooney's move, the Rams revealed they signed a new club-record sponsorship deal with shirt sponsors 32Red.

It's understood the deal will cost around £100,000 a week and will be supported by commercial sponsors as Derby work to comply with financial fair play guidelines.

The average wage for Championship players is £20,000-a-week which is significantly less than Rooney's future salary.

Rooney will also wear the number 32 shirt, despite the number seven, 12, 13, 15 and 18 (the number he wore at his first spell at Everton) being vacant.

http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/derby-county-agrees-to-sign-former.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Arsenal have completed the signing of attacking midfielder, Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona.

According to L’Equipe, Coutinho joined the Premier League giants on a season-long loan.


Speaking on Coutinho recently, Arsenal manager, Unai Emery told SER: “We’ve never talked about Coutinho.

“He’s a splendid player, but we haven’t talked about Coutinho at any time.”

Coutinho joined Barcelona from Liverpool in a £142million deal in January 2018.


He has failed to impress since arriving from the UEFA Champions League winners despite playing his part in two La Liga title wins.

The 27-year-old was expected to replace Barcelona legend, Andres Iniesta, but hasn’t made the desired impact.

source
http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/arsenal-finally-sign-coutinho-from.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Since Roman Abramovic took over Chelsea ownership, the Blues have been doing well in terms of weekly pay packages.

French midfielder, Ngolo Kante has emerged the club’s highest earning player going into the 2019/20 season.

Here is the full list of the team with their weekly wages.

Jorginho £102,000 (26)

Kepa Arrizabalaga (23) £192,000

Willy Caballero (35) £40,000

Robert Green (38) £20,000

Emerson Palmieri (23) £75,000

Olivier Giroud (31) £120,000

Ross Barkley (24) £90,000

Andreas Christensen (21) £35,000

David Luiz (30) £120,000

Antonio Rüdiger (24) £90,000

Marcos Alonso (26) £90,000

César Azpilicueta (27) £100,000

Davide Zappacosta (25) £45,000

Kenedy (21) £25,000

Victor Moses (26) £75,000 Loaned out

Danny Drinkwater (26) £120,000

Mateo Kovacic (24) £75,000

N’Golo Kanté (26) £290,000

Willian (29) £120,000

Pedro (30) £100,000

Michy Batshuayi (23) £90,000

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/weekly-payroll-of-chelsea-players.html

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Must Read... #BBNaija: I feel guilty for nominating Seyi for eviction - Mike
https://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/bbnaija-i-feel-guilty-for-nominating.html
Cc lalasticlala mynd44 missyb3

Seyi who won the "Veto Power of Chance" challenge had the option of "Save and Replace".

Seyi decided to decline and stand instead for nomination for the possible Eviction on Sunday.

Five Housemates are up for possible Eviction coming Sunday.
Frodd, Tacha, Tuoyo, Mike and Seyi

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/bbnaija-seyi-reacts-after-he-refused-to.html?m=1

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

After revealing she has left Ibadan, she went on to post pictures of her new office.

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/kemi-olunloyo-shares-photos-of-her-new.html

Supporter groups have united to express their dismay at the way Stan Kroenke is running Arsenal and urged the American owner to make “new and dynamic appointments” to reinvigorate a club that “feels like an investment vehicle”.

In a combined statement on behalf of 14 separate supporter groups the signatories said Arsenal fans have “never felt more marginalised”, questioned whether the board is fit for purpose and called on Kroenke to explain how he intends to get the club in a position where it is capable of winning major trophies again.


The statement, which reflects the growing sense of exasperation among Arsenal supporters about the way the club is going about its business on and off the field, read: “As Arsenal fans we have watched with frustration as the team’s football performances have declined over the past decade. When Stan Kroenke began buying Arsenal shares the club had just competed in a first Champions League final.

Twelve years on Arsenal are about to play in the Europa League for the third year running.
“Off the pitch fans have never felt more marginalised, less listened to or valued. This was sadly illustrated when Stan Kroenke forcibly bought out the last remaining supporter-shareholders without even a word of appreciation for their custodianship role in the club. It feels as though Arsenal is at a crossroads. Things need to change. What all of us as signatories to this statement want to see is meaningful action by Stan Kroenke to reinvigorate our football club.”

It is 15 years since Arsenal last won the Premier League title – they finished fifth last season – and hard to see them mounting a serious challenge any time soon. The absence of Champions League football for a third successive season has damaging financial ramifications for a club whose only signing so far this summer is the 18-year Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli.


“Change needs to start with better leadership,” continued the statement. “In his takeover document Stan Kroenke said: ‘KSE’s [Kroenke’s investment holding] ambitions for the club are to see it competing consistently to win the Premier League and the Champions League.’ We see little evidence of how this is to be achieved. Instead our club feels like an investment vehicle, personified by the owner’s statement that he didn’t buy Arsenal to win trophies.


“It is sad that an institution like Arsenal FC has such passive ownership. All of us want to see a clear sense of purpose and direction. KSE should start by being more open and accountable and explain how they intend to achieve the goal of winning the game’s major trophies. If Stan Kroenke is going to be absent from London he needs to make sure the board he delegates to is fit for purpose. There is a desperate need for some new and dynamic appointments.”


In the eyes of the supporter groups, Arsenal need independently minded directors to “act as a genuine check and balance” on Kroenke, who has total control of the club, and football and commercial expertise to improve not only the way the club operates in the transfer market but also to address the reasons behind why the Emirates has become a “soulless” place to watch football at times.


Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/arsenal-fans-protest-against-kroenke.html

Riyad Mahrez has been named the man of the match award after winning the semi final clash against Nigeria.

The Manchester City winger provided the first assist for Troost-Ekong to tap home into his own net.
He went on to curl a free-kick in the 90th minutes for the Algerian side to book final against Senegal.

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/mahrez-named-motm-as-algeria-beat.html?m=1

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

According to former El Pais reporter Alvaro Levrero, Brazilian right-back Dani Alves will join Arsenal on a free transfer 'shortly' and play under Emery again.
Emery needs a strong option to start in right-back position until Bellerin's plenty recovering.

The Gunners have already released Lichtsteiner who joined on free from Juventus. While Carl Jenkinson, Callum Chambers are placed on transfer list.


Ainsley Maitland-Niles is only available option in the right position for the North London side, while Bellerin is still recovering from injury which ruled him out in the entire last season.

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/dani-alves-join-arsenal-as-free-transfer.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

In this exclusive interview, Super Eagles’ rave of the moment, Samuel Chukwueze revealed his idol is not FC Barcelona and Argentina’s talisman, Lionel Messi, but Dutch and Bayern Munich of Germany legend, Arjen Robben.

Read full excerpt from THE SUN....

How do you feel winning the man-of-the-match in the game against South Africa?

I’m so happy to win the award, it wasn’t an easy task for me and my teammates. This is my first major competition for the Super Eagles and I’m very happy to score my first goal. I really appreciate everybody who made it happen for me to play for the team. And thank God I did well.

Before the game, were you confident of having a good outing or did anybody tell you something that inspired you?

Yes, Mikel and Ahmed Musa gingered me with words of encouragement. They told me, ‘Hey! Samuel, you know how to play; you just need to enter the field and do what you know how to do best’. I wasn’t under any of pressure because I had been under this kind of situation before. So, I said to myself, let me just enter the field and enjoy myself. I hadn’t it in mind that I would emerge the best. It’s natural, when you enter the field and it’s your day, you’re going to do well.

Your dribbling runs are just like those of Messi; are we right to say that Messi is your inspiration?

Not at all. I don’t see Messi as my idol, I only see Arjen Robben of Holland as my idol. Every time I watch his video clips. Although he has retired, but I still watch his clips to learn from him. Almost every pattern he plays I replicate. When you are learning from an idol, you need to copy everything he does. Although he has retired, I still watch his clips to learn so many other things. I believe one day I will meet him. I was praying to play with him, but he has retired.

Do you think the Super Eagles can actually win the tournament?

I think so, if we keep our heads down and concentrate.

How do you feel, being the youngest playing among the big boys in the Super Eagles?

I feel happy to play among the stars, it’s a dream come true. Before I used to watch them on TV, and I said one day, I would like to be like them, play alongside with them, even if they are no longer playing for the Super Eagles. But, today, look at me, I’m living my dreams. Sometimes, in training, I watch them and forget I’m part of them. When I later get myself, I would just smile, saying ‘is it me’. It’s actually a dream come true for me.

You played five games in this tournament, which one will you say is the toughest?

The most difficult game, so far, in the tournament is the South Africa match. Because they played as a team; they were very good and tactically sound. It wasn’t easy playing them.

You started the first game against Burundi and we expected you to play in subsequent matches, but we didn’t see you play. Did you feel bad?

No, I didn’t feel bad because we are many in the team. We have about four players playing in the same position. Maybe, the coach is changing the players to get his preferred team. If I don’t play today, I will play tomorrow. Everybody who plays in the same position needs to do well. Everybody came to the same competition, and it’s not compulsory that because you did well the last match, you have to continue. The opposition determines the formation of the coach. So, the coach needs to test everybody.

Some of you who won the U17 World Cup, including Osimhen and the likes couldn’t do much in the U20 category; you didn’t even qualify for the African championship. Despite the set back, how were you able to break into the Super Eagles?

You know when you are in this kind of situation and you believe in yourself, anything can happen. I never let that set back affect me because I believe in myself. I keep on working hard, training hard and also praying.

What kind of relationship exists between you and other members of your set of U17 national team?

It’s a very great family because we stayed together like almost four years from the U-17 to the U-20. So, it’s a great family. We even created a Whatsapp forum to chat and have fun amongst ourselves. It’s not about the team, it’s just the spirit of oneness, a family.

Since the retirement of Okocha, Nigerians have been looking for a playmaker that would turn things around for the team. Can we clearly say we’ve found one in you?

I can’t say that, at least, on my part. Nigeria has so many players, so many talented players who can even play better than me; it’s just the opportunity that they need. Jay Jay Okocha is a legend and I’m learning from him, but I don’t play his pattern. He was a midfielder, and I’m an attacker. You can’t compare me with Okocha because we play different roles.

You played against Messi in the La Liga, can you share the experience?

You know how it feels playing against the greatest of all time! It was a great feeling, a dream come true for me. I couldn’t even imagine playing against somebody I’d been watching on TV for how many years in the Champions League, World Cup etc. It was great feeling for me.

You even scored in that game, and you must be feeling bad you lost the match.

Yes, that’s football for you. Although we needed the win, but in football it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, but your performance. And thank God we were not relegated at the end.

You’re linked with several offers, are we likely to see a move?

No, for now I’m still a Villarreal player, and I’m just focussing on this tournament to do my work here, for the team to do well.


Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/arjen-robben-is-my-idol-not-messi.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Every Premier League club will have two weeks off in Matchweek 26 this season after a deal was reached in June 2018.

Ahead of the 2019/20 season, we look at the new things to keep an eye out for in the Premier League.
The 2019/20 campaign will be the first to feature a mid-season player break, following an agreement made by The Football Association, the Premier League and the EFL in June 2018.


It means the Premier League will split one round of matches in February over two weekends, with five matches taking place on the weekend commencing 8 February 2020 and the other five on the weekend commencing 15 February.


All five matches on each weekend will be broadcast live in the UK.


The announcement detailing which fixtures will be played on which of these two weekends will be made on or near to 13 December 2019 on premierleague.com.


European exertions


With every club getting a two-week break from the Premier League, players will have time to recharge ahead of the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) and the UEFA Europa League (UEL).


That means should Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur make it out of their respective groups, they will be fresher for their UCL last-16 first-leg matches.


Arsenal and Manchester United, and potentially Wolverhampton Wanderers, would also be better prepared if they qualify for the last 32 in the UEL.
UCL and UEL fixtures will both take place in the week commencing 17 February

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/premier-league-to-give-players-mid.html

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