₦airaland Forum

Juventus must talk to Chelsea if they want to sign Jorginho, according to the Italy star's agent Joao Santos.
Serie A champions Juve are reportedly interested in reuniting head coach Maurizio Sarri with Jorginho in Turin – the pair having worked together at Chelsea and Napoli...https://naijaodds.com/2020/06/03/juventus-need-to-contact-chelsea-if-they-want-jorginho-agent/

Former Nigeria international and La Liga legend Mutiu Adepoju says the level of African football has gone up significantly in the recent past.
Using the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations as a yardstick for his assessment, the ex-Racing Santander man disclosed that football on the continent has come of age, although there is still room for improvement...https://naijaodds.com/2020/06/02/ex-real-madrid-star-adepoju-rates-level-of-african-football-high/

Fans may not be allowed to support their club at stadiums when Denmark's Superliga season resumes amid the Covid-19 pandemic but AGF Aarhus will allow them to be present at Ceres Park to cheer their team on, albeit virtually...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/22/danish-club-opens-first-ever-virtual-grandstand-for-fans/

Gareth Bale is being tipped to remain in his current surroundings despite the transfer talk that continues to swirl around him, with Dimitar Berbatov admitting “you cannot compare Newcastle with Real Madrid”...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/22/bale-will-stay-you-cant-compare-newcastle-with-real-madrid-berbatov-expects-ex-spurs-team-mate-to-remain-in-spain/

N'Golo Kante has been allowed to stay away from Chelsea's return to training due to his coronavirus fears.
The French World Cup winner joined up with Frank Lampard's squad on Tuesday as Chelsea resumed training following the Premier League's decision to allow socially distanced sessions...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/21/kante-stays-away-from-chelsea-training-over-virus-fears/

It did not come as a surprise to learn that Giorgio Chiellini was engrossed by 'The Last Dance', the recently released Netflix documentary on Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls.
Of Juventus' current crop of players, it is their captain who arguably best personifies the club's ethos: "Winning is not important – it's the only thing that counts..."https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/21/barcelona-juventus-join-forces-to-get-lautaro-out-of-inter/

Getafe president Angel Torres says the club came close to signing Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi on loan as well as having a verbal agreement to appoint Pep Guardiola as manager.
Torres has a close relationship with former Barca president Joan Laporta and was hopeful of luring two of world football’s biggest names to the club...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/20/we-came-really-close-to-signing-messi-getafe-president-makes-transfer-claim/

Montreal Impact midfielder Victor Wanyama has revealed Sadio Mane felt Southampton players did not want to pass to him during their time at the club.
The two African footballers were part of Mauricio Pochettino's side at St Mary's Stadium and the Kenyan skipper has revealed how the Senegalese forward approached him for a deal that would have helped him score more goals...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/20/wanyama-mane-believed-southampton-players-didnt-want-to-pass-to-him/

Nigeria legends Emmanuel Amuneke and Mutiu Adepoju have expressed their pleasure with the progress of Villarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze.
The 20-year-old winger broke into the limelight at the 2015 U17 World Cup tournament in Chile under the guidance of Amuneke...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/19/nigeria-legends-amuneke-and-adepoju-impressed-with-chukwuezes-progress-at-villarreal/

Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi has been arrested on suspicion of rape following an alleged incident at his west London apartment.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement that both they and the London Ambulance Service were called in the early hours of Sunday, May 17 to a report of an unwell woman...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/19/chelsea-star-hudson-odoi-arrested-on-suspicion-of-rape/

Nigeria striker, Taiwo Awoniyi says he is delighted to find the back of the net for Mainz 05 in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Cologne.
Awoniyi came off the bench to reduce the deficit for his side in four goals thriller game played behind a closed door at the Rein Energie Stadion...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/18/awoniyi-delighted-to-score-first-bundesliga-goal/

Antonio Di Natale has revealed that Liverpool wanted to sign him “at all costs” when he was at the peak of his powers with Udinese.
The former Italy international established a reputation as one of the most consistent goalscorers in Serie A during a 12-year spell in Udine. Across 446 appearances, the two-time Capocannoniere winner netted on 227 occasions...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/18/liverpool-wanted-me-at-all-costs-claims-di-natale-but-prolific-udinese-legend-snubbed-their-advances/

The former Red Devils star admits the England international would be a “guarantee” to succeed at Old Trafford, but he may not want to make the move
Manchester United would be “daft” not to ask the transfer question on Harry Kane, says Paul Ince, but the Red Devils should not expect to get the answer they are hoping for from the Tottenham striker...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/15/manchester-united-would-be-daft-not-to-ask-the-kane-question-ince-urges-enquiry-for-spurs-striker/

The teenage striker has taken Europe by storm and has been linked with a transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu
Erling Haaland would not be guaranteed a starting spot at Real Madrid and would be better off staying at Borussia Dortmund for the experience, according to Lothar Matthaus.
The 19-year-old Norwegian striker has taken Europe by storm this season, scoring for fun at Red Bull Salzburg before moving to the Bundesliga in January and continuing his hot streak in Germany...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/15/he-needs-to-play-haaland-should-stay-at-dortmund-for-now-and-resist-real-madrid-move-says-matthaus/

The former Blaugrana star believes a deal to take the forward away from Camp Nou could still happen, but staying put is also an option
Chelsea will not have been put off Philippe Coutinho by the Brazilian’s recent injury issues, says Rivaldo, but there remains no guarantee that he will be on the move in the next transfer window...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/14/chelsea-wont-be-put-off-coutinho-by-injury-brazilians-barcelona-future-remains-uncertain-admits-rivaldo/

The Red Devils defender admits the World Cup-winning midfielder is the toughest player to get the ball off in training due to his technical ability
Paul Pogba has “everything to be the best midfielder in the world”, according to Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw.
The ability possessed by a France international has never been in doubt, but the 27-year-old has struggled to showcase that talent on a consistent basis down the years...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/14/pogba-has-everything-to-be-best-in-the-world-shaw-salutes-quality-of-man-utd-team-mate/

While the Portugal international is close to perfection, the Reds manager prefers the Barcelona magician
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp prefers Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo, even though he said the Juventus star was close to a "perfect player".
Barcelona great Messi and Ronaldo are widely considered two of the greatest players of all-time, although just who is better continues to be debated ...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/13/messi-or-ronaldo-klopp-picks-barcelona-star-ahead-of-perfect-rival/

Joan Laporta has said he will seek to bring former manager Pep Guardiola back to Barcelona if his bid to return as president of the La Liga club in 2021 is successful, Spanish media reported.
Laporta was Barcelona president from 2003 to 2010 and was at the helm when Guardiola was promoted from the youth team to manager of the senior team in 2008.
Guardiola is under contract at Manchester City until June 2021 but his future is in doubt after Uefa handed the club a two-year ban from European competition for breaching Financial Fair Play rules, a ruling City have appealed...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/13/laporta-eyes-guardiola-return-if-elected-barca-president/

The Super Eagles coach believes the new amendments to the laws of the game will give teams and coaches more room for tactical adjustments
Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has applauded the new rule which allows teams to make five substitutions in a game after the coronavirus crisis is over.
On Friday, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced the changes to law three of the game, which involves the players, in order to protect their welfare...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/12/it-is-important-for-the-spirit-of-a-group-nigeria-coach-rohr-welcomes-five-substitutes-per-match/

The Spain international, who is now at Celta Vigo, believes he could have earned a role at the Etihad but opted to head home in the summer of 2013.
Denis Suarez believes he could have earned a regular role had he stayed at Manchester City, but has no regrets at having taken the decision to head for Barcelona in 2013 and take in “brutal” training sessions alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/12/training-with-messi-iniesta-was-brutal-denis-suarez-has-no-regrets-over-trading-man-city-for-barcelona/

The teenager, who had been on loan at Legnano in Serie D, suffered an aneurysm while training at home during the coronavirus lockdown
Atalanta midfielder Andrea Rinaldi has died three days after suffering a brain aneurysm at home, aged just 19. The teenager, who was on loan at Serie D club Legnano, had fallen ill on Friday and was taken to hospital in Varese, where he passed away.
Fourth-tier club Legnano confirmed the news on their club website, which described Rinaldi as "a golden boy, exemplary in life and play"...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/11/atalanta-midfielder-andrea-rinaldi-dies-aged-19-after-suffering-brain-aneurysm/

The Osasuna forward was linked with the Blaugrana prior to picking up an unfortunate injury and admits he is hoping to link up with an Argentina icon
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is “the only person you can’t compare”, says Chimy Avila, with the Osasuna forward still hoping to be given the chance to link up with a fellow Argentine at some stage...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/11/messi-is-the-only-person-you-cant-compare-avila-would-welcome-future-barcelona-move/

The Dutchman was forced out of Old Trafford despite delivering the FA Cup back in 2016, with Jose Mourinho being ushered in as his replacement
Louis van Gaal blames Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward for his departure from the club in 2016, describing him as "the evil genius" behind his sacking...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/08/van-gaal-blames-evil-genius-woodward-for-man-utd-sacking/

Four players from Italian side Sampdoria have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, including one for the second time, the Serie club said.
"Currently asymptomatic, they have been placed in quarantine and will be constantly monitored as per protocol," the club said in a statement.
Fiorentina said three players and three staff members tested positive while a day earlier Torino said one player had contracted the new coronavirus....https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/08/four-sampdoria-players-test-positive-for-coronavirus/

The Argentina international forward wants to once again "share great things" with the Manchester United midfielder, his former team mate in Turin
Paulo Dybala hopes to again play with former Juventus team-mate Paul Pogba in the future.

Argentina forward Dybala starred alongside Pogba for a single season before the midfielder departed the Bianconeri to return to Manchester United in 2016...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/07/juventus-star-dybala-hopes-to-play-with-pogba-again/

Professional football is nearing a return in Germany but fans won't be returning to the stands anytime soon
Resuming the Bundesliga with games behind closed doors was the only way to save endangered clubs and preserve the format of the top two tiers, according to German Football League (DFL) chief executive Christian Seifert...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/07/bundesliga-resumption-without-fans-not-ideal-but-necessary-dfl-chief/

The Nigerian forward has been impressive for the Red Devils since his loan signing from Shanghai Shenhua in January
Odion Ighalo has chosen his maiden start and goal for Manchester United against Club Brugge as one game he will always cherish in his life. The 30-year-old made his way into the starting XI in a Europa League match against the Belgian side at Old Trafford after playing as a second-half substitute in his first two outings for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/06/the-atmosphere-was-mad-ighalo-picks-his-favourite-manchester-united-match/

The Blades' shot-stopper is making waves with his performances at Bramall Lane and many are backing the 23-year-old to make it to the very top
Sheffield United's on-loan goalkeeper Dean Henderson has been backed by team-mate John Fleck to realise his dreams of becoming Manchester United and England's first-choice between the sticks...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/06/henderson-not-too-far-away-from-being-man-utd-englands-no-1-says-sheffield-united-team-mate-fleck/

Germany's Bundesliga is set to be given the green light for a restart, probably from May 15, as part of measures to further ease the country's coronavirus regulations, two people familiar with the preparations told Reuters.

The Bundesliga would be the first of the five major European domestic soccer leagues to resume play after a stoppage which has seen almost all football put on hold around the world since mid-March...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/05/bundesliga-set-to-be-given-green-light-for-restart-sources/

The Nigerian frontman can see the benefits of having a former striker as his manager and expects his game to benefit considerably from that
Odion Ighalo believes working with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United will add even more goals to his game, with there obvious benefits to be found in being coached by a former striker...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/05/ighalo-sees-solskjaers-wisdom-getting-him-more-goals-at-biggest-team-in-the-world-man-utd/

The German goalkeeper, on loan in Turkey from Liverpool, was reported to be suing the Super Lig club for repeatedly failing to pay his wages
Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius says he has ended his loan contract with Turkish club Besiktas following a pay dispute.

The German is suing the Super Lig outfit for repeatedly failing to pay his wages during his loan spell at Vodafone Park, with his agent, Florian Goll, saying they had not paid Karius his full contracted amount between October 2019 and March this year...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/04/karius-terminates-loan-deal-with-besiktas-following-pay-dispute/

The Gunners legend has opened up on the differences between the two clubs he played for at the height of his playing career
Thierry Henry has admitted that he found it easier to play for Arsenal than Barcelona, due to the fact he was able to adopt a free role under Arsene Wenger.

Henry earned legendary status among Gunners supporters during a hugely successful eight-year spell in north London. The Frenchman notched 226 goals in 369 appearances across all competitions, becoming the club's all-time record scorer while also establishing himself as one of the worlds best players...https://naijaodds.com/2020/05/04/henry-i-found-it-easier-to-play-for-arsenal-than-barcelona/