₦airaland Forum

Roma have unveiled Chris Smalling today. The Manchester United defender will spend the entire season with the Serie A side.
He's expected to wear jersey no 6.

http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/photos-roma-unveils-man-united-player.html



lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Neymar's picture in Barcelona kit accidentally leaked by sponsor.

The latest update to Neymar’s transfer saga is finally here – as the Brazilian star’s sponsors accidentally leak his picture in a Barcelona shirt.
According to Mundo Deportivo, it is Neymar’s watch sponsors Gaga Milano who accidentally leaked the photo on their Instagram account before deleting it a few minutes later. Check out the leaked image right here:


http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/reports-neymar-picture-in-barcelona-kit.html?m=1

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Super Falcons return to Nigeria on Friday
The delegation of Super Falcons to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics women’s football qualifying match against Algeria in Blida on Wednesday will return to Nigeria on Friday.

African champions Nigeria took a comfortable 2-0 lead into the return leg scheduled for the Agege Stadium, Lagos on Tuesday, 3rd September. An own goal by the Algerians in the 14th minute was increased by Amarachi Okoronkwo in the 53rd minute, earning the Falcons a handsome win.

On Thursday evening, the Embassy of Nigeria in Algeria hosted the delegation to a dinner where the Charge d’Affaires, Mr. Muritala Jimoh applauded the efforts of the ladies.

“You played very well and made us proud. The 2-0 victory made us walk very tall and will give us bragging right for some time to come,” he said, noting that the Algerians made heavy capital of their 2-1 defeat of the Super Eagles in the semi finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt last month.

Leader of delegation, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh thanked the Embassy chieftains and other officials for the hosting while assuring that the Super Falcons will swiftly complete the job in Lagos on Tuesday.

“The 2-0 win here stands us in very good stead to reach the next round. But the Falcons will not under-rate the Algerians. They will be business-like and aim to conclude the fixture quickly so they can focus on the next round in the qualifying series,” said Fresh.

The Falcons will fly direct into Lagos on Friday and immediately begin preparations for the return leg.

Meanwhile, the Algerian delegation to the match will also land in Lagos on Friday.

http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/super-falcons-return-to-nigeria-on.html

Nigeria-born English forward Tammy Abraham has been overlooked by England coach Gareth Southgate ahead of their upcoming UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers against Kosovo.


The 21-year-old is still eligible to represent Nigeria Super Eagles, in spite of playing for the Three Lions against Germany and Brazil in friendly outings.

Abraham has expressed his interest in represented Nigeria, but the striker is keeping his option open and Southgate has assured that the striker of a place in the team later in future.

“Tammy is one of a number of players who have either started the season well or we know well from our junior teams. This squad can look different over the next months,” Southgate said.

Abraham has excel in his loan spell at Bristol City, Swansea City, and Aston Villa, and is gradually establishing himself at Chelsea.

http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/england-coach-gareth-southgate-snubs.html

Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi may quit Trabzonspor just two months after joining the club, reportsfrom Turkey have revealed.

The 32-year-old signed a two-year deal with an option of another year at the club in July, but has found it difficult adjusting to life in Trabzon, according to a source close to the player.

“There’s a lot of expectation from the club with regards to Mikel,” the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Sports Extra.

“And he is ready to play for the team despite the early pressure, but he wants his family around him,which he can’t do at the moment.”

Mikel, who has made four appearances since joining the club (two starts and two substitute appearances), is also unsettled following the decision of his partner, Olga Diyachenko, to stop visiting him in Turkey.

“Olga doesn’t like the city. She came visiting with the kids and they do not also like Turkey, which could now be a problem for Mikel,” the source further revealed.

Mikel, capped 89 times by Nigeria, helped the Eagles win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. He also featured in two World Cups.

He made 249 Premier League appearances for Chelsea in an 11-year spell, which ended when he left Stamford Bridge two years ago winning two league titles, three FA Cups, the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League.

He was also one of Nigeria’s three over-age players as the African side won a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.


http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/mikel-set-to-quit-trabzonspor.html

Awards were also dished out at the event with Alisson Becker winning the Best goalkeeper, Virgil Van Dijk was given the Best defender award, the best midfielder was given to Frenkie de Jong, while the best forward was given to who else but Lionel Messi.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/2019-uefa-awards-messi-van-dijk-and.html

Cc Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze won Villarreal’s revelation player award for the 2018-2019 season at the Club awards.

The revelation of the year award is created by the Spanish club to celebrate the Club’s break out player of the season.

However, Chukwueze’s excellent performance for the Yellow Submarine in his first senior season with the Club didn’t not go unnoticed, as he was presented with his first senior career award on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old winger scored five goals in 26 La Liga appearance last season and helped the Club to retain their top division elite status.

The 2019 African Cup of Nations bronze medalist collected his award alongside former Arsenal captain Santi Carzola who picked up the player of the season award and Toko Ekambi who was the club’s top scorer during the campaign.

Chukwueze was on the score sheet for Villarreal in their first Spanish La Liga game of 2019-2020 season against Granada at the Weekend.


read more http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/nigerian-star-chukwueze-wins-individual.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

The executive committee of the Cameroon football federation has suspended the Cameroon Professional Football League with immediate effect, www.reportminds.com

The decision signed by the president of the Cameroon football federation Seidou Mbombo Njoya states that the League management body and its league has been suspended till further notice going by resolutions 3 of today’s executive committee meeting.

The release signs by the FA boss states that the League has been suspended because the league management body violated its own statutes.

Another executive committee meeting has been scheduled for the 3rd of September to discuss the way forward about the League 1 and 2 championships in Cameroon.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/cameroon-fa-suspends-cameroon.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Oshoala, Ordega, Okobi 3 others pull out
Super Falcons’ head coach Thomas Dennerby has stated that six players invited for the first leg of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Women Football qualifier bill for August 28th in Blida, Algeria, will not be available due to club duties.

The players who opted out of the match and have duly informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are Asisat Oshoala, Fracisca Ordega, Ngozi Okobi, Ngozi Ebere, Rashidat Ajibade and Osinachi Ohale.

Dennerby disclosed that the players have club matches on 25th and 26th and it will be difficult for them to arrive in Nigeria a day after their engagements to secure visas as Algeria doesn’t issue a visa at the point of entry.

“I know I will miss them but the players I picked for the qualifier are equally good to win the match.

Algeria Women Football Team is not a threat to our girls. I will not underrate them but they will not beat us in Algeria,” Dennerby boasted.

He also revealed that the six players will be available for the return leg scheduled for October 3rd, at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/tokyo-2020-olympics-oshoala-ordega.html?m=1

Cc Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Iwobi makes Everton debut today
Everton’s manager, Marco Silva, has confirmed that Alex Iwobi will make his debut for the club in today’s English Premier League fixture against Aston Villa.

Silva yesterday has provided an update on the fitness of Iwobi ahead of today’s clash against at Villa Park.

The Portuguese manager suggested that the Nigeria international is not in tiptop condition as he didn’t take part in pre-season training before his move to The Toffees on deadline day. Iwobi was a non-playing substitute as Everton registered their first win of the new season against Watford and Silva has hinted that the Super Eagles star won’t go the distance if he is given a run-out against Villa today.

When asked if Iwobi is looking forward to making his debut Silva said to reporters, yesterday: ‘’Yes of course! For sure he’s looking forward to it, and we all are.

“But he started really late, just now it’s his second week working with the team and he didn’t have a pre-season. We have to take care about the situation giving him enough time to get fitter.


Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/alex-iwobi-set-to-make-everton-debut.html

Cc lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

BARCELONA are trying to sign PSG striker Neymar before the end of the transfer window, after selling him to Paris for £200million two years ago. Here’s how Ernesto Valverde could line up his Catalans in a 3-3-1-3 formation.

Barcelona are in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over the return of Brazilian Neymar to the Nou Camp.
The forward is desperate to leave the Parcs des Princes this summer, and is in favour of a move back to Barcelona.

Barcelona predicted line-up with Neymar
(3-3-1-3) Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet; Roberto, De Jong, Alba; Messi; Griezmann, Suarez, Neymar

http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/how-barcelona-could-line-up-with-neymar.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Former Ghanaian international striker, Manuel “Junior” Agogo is reported to have passed on at the age of 40 in England.


According to media reports, the unfortunate death of Junior Manuel occurred on Thursday morning.
Agogo was hospitalized in 2015 after suffering stroke which debilitated him.


In April 2019, the striker revealed that he can no longer write with his right hand after suffering a stroke over four years ago.


He was remembered for his eye-catching performances for the Black Stars during the 2008 Nations Cup on home soil.


The 40-year-old played for the likes of Nottingham Forest, Zamalek Sheffield Wednesday, Queens Park Ranger, Chicago Fire among other clubs.
Agogo made 27 appearances for Ghana and scored 12 goals.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/ex-ghana-striker-agogo-dies-at-40.html?m=1

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Zinedine Zidane is considering his future at Real Madrid as it becomes clear a deal for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is off.

The failure to sign Pogba has pushed the Frenchman towards replicating the shock departure he made a year ago.

Spanish journalist Diego Torres has told The Independent: “Not signing Pogba puts Zidane on the brink of resigning.

“Zidane personally promised Pogba he would bring him to Madrid, and now he is left looking bad.

"This has only increased the lack of confidence between Zidane and Florentino [Perez, Madrid club president]."

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/zidane-may-quit-real-madrid-over-pogba.html

Osimhen’s Ligue 1 debut goals set twitter on fire
Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen has been rewarded for his blistering start to the French Ligue 1 after he was named in the opening day team of the week by statistical giants SofaScore

The 20-year-old, who recently arrived the French League from Belgian outfit Charleroi, scored in either half of the game to propel last season’s runners up, Lille, to a 2-1 victory over FC Nantes, to begin their season on a blistering note.

The 2015 FIFA U-17 golden boot winner leads the front line in a 3-4-3 formation alongside PSG Kylian Mbappe, who scored once and assisted another in PSG’s 3-0 win over Nimes, whilst Reims Boulaye Dia completed the front line pairing.

Osimhen, however, lost the player of the week rating to goalkeeper Romain Salin who finished with a rating of 8.6 compared to Osimhen’s 8.2, with the Nigerian, however, walking home with the man-of-the-match award.

Osimhen made 26 touches of the ball and scored from his two shots on target whilst also completing 73 percent of his passes.

Talking to the media after the encounter, Osimhen disclosed that his desire not to let scoring chances pass him by gives him an edge in front of goal.

“When I have opportunities, I don’t want to miss them. I’m not yet 100 percent, but I’m training hard and I know that with time I’ll be in top shape physically,” the Lille star said.

Meanwhile, Osimhen has said he wants to do more to the glory of his ailing father.

“It’s an unforgettable moment for me and I’m really happy.”

The 20-year-old striker added: “The goals have given me more confidence. I was so pleased to see the crowd chanting my name. This will spur me to do more.”

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/osimhen-beats-mbappe-to-ligue-1-player.html

Former Nigeria international defender Michael Emenalo has left his role as Monaco sporting director by mutual consent.

The 54-year-old joined the French Ligue 1 outfit in November 2017 after quitting similar role at English side Chelsea.

Monaco only avoided relegation from the top flight on the final day last season and the Principality side suffered a 2-0 home loss to Reims on the opening day of the current season.

“I want to thank AS Monaco for giving me the opportunity to discover the French championship and wish the Club and supporters a great season 2019/2020,” Emenalo said.

He joined Chelsea in 2007 under Avram Grant, for whom he played at Maccabi Tel Aviv and spent a decade in West London.

Emenalo worked in both the scouting and coaching departments at Chelsea before being promoted to technical director in 2011.

During his time at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea won the Champions League in 2012, plus three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, the League Cup and Europa League. Emenalo, who played for Notts County in the 1990s and for the San Jose Clash in the first MLS game, represented Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/ex-nigerian-player-emenalo-quits-monaco.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Onyekuru lands in Monaco for 5-year deal
HENRY Onyekuru has finally arrived in France to sign a five-year contract with AS Monaco subject to passing a routine medical.

Onyekuru whose arrival in France was delayed by a visa hitch will be presented to the media today.

Reportminds.com first reported that Monaco and Onyekuru’s parent club Everton has agreed a 15 million Euros transfer for the Super Eagles’ winger.

This was after Everton’s application for a work permit for the player was not granted by the British Home Office.

‘Prince of Monaco’ Victor Ikpeba was the most successful Nigerian star at the Principality club where he won the French Ligue 1 and was crowned CAF African Player of the Year in 1997.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/onyekuru-lands-in-monaco-for-5-year-deal.htmllalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Lille’s new signing Victor Osimhen, has reacted to his side’s 2-1 victory over Nantes on Sunday.

A brace from Osimhen gave Lille all three points against Nantes at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Speaking after the League match, Osimhen told reporters: “When I have opportunities, I don’t want to miss them.

“I’m not yet 100 percent but I’m training hard and I know that with time I’ll be in top shape physically.”

DAILY POST had reported that the Super Eagles striker joined Lille on a five-year deal from Sporting Charleroi during the summer transfer window.

Osimhen was signed by Lille as a replacement for Nicolas Pepe who joined Arsenal.

The 20-year-old is now the third Nigerian player to be signed by Lille after Enyeama and Odemwingie.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/what-victor-osimhen-said-after-scoring.html

Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United has been voted the king of the match of match day one.

The English striker netted a brace in Manchester United 4 vs 0 win against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Anthony Martial and Daniel James were also on target as the Reds thrashed Frank Lampard side.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/rashford-becomes-first-player-to-win-of.html

Former Manchester United and Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho will work as a pundit on Sunday when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side tackle Frank Lampard’s men in the Premier League fixture at Old Trafford, according to Sky Sports.

The Portuguese, who was sacked by Man United last December, will join Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Graeme Souness and Jamie Redknapp on Sunday and Monday Night Football.

Mourinho will offer his “forthright opinions” on the Premier League match between his two former clubs.

Speaking after being offered the job, the 56-year-old said: “The Premier League is a special competition for me, one that takes so much hard work to win and you just can’t take your eyes off the matches every week.”

“Football is a huge passion, it means so much to the fans, and I look forward to being part of the Premier League with them until I return to my place on the touchline,” he added.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/jose-mourinho-gets-new-job-on-premier.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Manchester City fans were left incensed after the first ever Premier League goal to be ruled out by VAR occurred during their season opener against West Ham, in a game which did not reflect too well for the new technology.

It was only the second Premier League game in which the new system came into play, having been used but not required during Liverpool's opening 4-1 victory against Norwich.

Here at the London Stadium however VAR took centre stage, playing a role in several key moments and gaining both fans and critics in equal measure.

Read more http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/var-ruled-out-first-goal-in-history-of.html

Alex Iwobi misses out in Everton opening game against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
Recall that the Gunners sold the Nigerian youngster for £35m on Thursday night.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/iwobi-missing-in-everton-squad-to-face.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, has hinted that new signing Nicolas Pepe and striker Alexandre Lacazette, are unlikely to start their Premier League opener against Newcastle United on Sunday.

Pepe arrived from Lille in the close season, after the Gunners paid a reported £72million fee for the winger.

However, fans might have to wait a week or two, before they see him in the starting XI, while Lacazette is struggling with an ankle injury.

“We played progressively in pre-season, including some players later.

“We are going to start on Sunday with the players I am very, very convinced are 100 per cent [fit].

“For some players, it’s impossible to achieve that performance for us because they arrived later, they’re starting training with us after one injury. Lacazette, for example, he started training with us yesterday [Thursday].

“For Sunday, I don’t know now [whether Lacazette will be fit], tomorrow [Saturday] we will check.

“The same with Pepe, he is working and training with us for a week. Progressively I want them to feel good with their partners, with their coaches, with us.

“It’s different to how he was training in Lille. I want to give him the best moment to make his debut with us. Maybe it can be Sunday, I will decide [on Saturday],” Emery told reporters in his pre-match news conference today.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/newcastle-vs-arsenal-why-lacazette-pepe.html

Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Simon Mignolet has left Liverpool to sign for Belgian side Club Brugge on a five-year deal.


The 31-year-old joins Club Brugge for a fee of between £6m and £8m plus bonuses.

Mignolet had flown out to Brussels on Sunday to finalise his five-year deal and complete his medical.

The Belgian has been allowed to leave Liverpool this summer after being refused a loan to Napoli last season following Loris Karius' departure to Besiktas.

Mignolet, who had also been a target for Benfica, wanted to be closer to his family back in Belgium.

The 31-year-old signed a five-year deal with Liverpool in 2016 and is understood to have left Anfield on very good terms, with Liverpool satisfied with the fee and happy to fulfil the player's wish to leave.

Mignolet, capped 21 times by Belgium, joined Liverpool from Sunderland six years ago and made 204 appearances for the club, winning the Champions League in 2019.

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/liverpool-keeper-simon-mignolet-returns.html

Cc lalasticlala mynd44 missyb3 fynestboi Seun

Premier League club, Everton has completed the signing of Moise Kean from Juventus for an initial €32m (£29m) on a five-year deal.


The 19-year-old Italy international forward who becomes Everton's fifth summer signing could end up costing €40m (£37m) with add-ons, which will be paid over a three-year basis.

"I am very proud and honoured to wear the Everton shirt. I will give my best to this team," said Kean.

"I was convinced to sign because Everton is a club looking to the future and so am I. I know about the size of the club. It has big ambition and I will work very hard to help us fulfil what we want to achieve.


"I am used to winning and I want to bring this winning attitude to the team."

On signing Kean, Everton manager Marco Silva said: "A striker was one of our priority signings this summer.


"Moise is strong, fast, with many good qualities as a striker and he is just 19 years old. He has talent and he is ready to work, ready to improve our squad and gives us different solutions."

Last season, Moise Kean scored six Serie A goals in 13 appearances for Juventus.

Pictures available here http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/everton-confirm-signing-of-19-year-old.html

Cc lalasticlala mynd44 missyb3 fynestboi

Manchester City manager, Guardiola has become the first Premier League manager to be shown a yellow card.

Guardiola was booked by Referee Martin Atkinson in the 41st minute of the Community Shield against Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday.

He was left furious after a high challenge from Joe Gomez left City skipper, David Silva, in a crumpled heap.

The Liverpool defender won a bouncing ball ahead of Silva but Guardiola was unhappy with the manner of the challenge and vented at fourth official, Stuart Atwell.

Referee Atkinson approached the technical area and proceeded to show the yellow card to Guardiola, making him the first manager ever to be shown a yellow in the EPL.

Rules to show managers yellow cards were brought in by the FA in 2018 to clean up touchline behaviour.

But the rules only applied in the Football League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, EFL Trophy and National League while Premier League managers continued to receive verbal cautions for “irresponsible behaviour” from referees.

However, following the updating of the Laws of the Game last month by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the situation has now changed for the Premier League. Starting from 2019/20 season, managers will now be issued yellow cards.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/guardiola-becomes-first-premier-league.html

Cc lalasticlala mynd44 missyb3 fynestboi Seun

Manchester City have released their squad that will tackle Liverpool in today’s FA Community Shield clash at the Wembley Stadium.

According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has released a list of 21 players against the UEFA Champions League holders.

Guardiola’s men head to the game after a 3-1 victory over Yokohama FM last weekend in a pre-season friendly encounter.

Below is Man City’s squad against Liverpool:

Goalkeepers: Ederson, Claudio Bravo, Daniel Grimshaw

Defenders: John Stones, Kyle Walker, Nicolas Otamendi, Oleks Zinchenko, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Angelino, Eric Garcia

Midfielders: Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Rodri, Kevin de Bruyne, David Silva, Bernardo Silva

Forwards: Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, Sergio Aguero.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/community-shield-manchester-citys-squad.html

Cc lalasticlala mynd44 missyb3 fynestboi Seun

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Ashley Young, will be Manchester United’s captain whenever he is on the pitch in the new season.

Solskjaer stated this while speaking to reporters, after their pre-season friendly against AC Milan on Saturday.

The position of United’s club captain has been vacant, ever since Antonio Valencia left this summer.

David de Gea, Victor Lindelof and Paul Pogba have all been mentioned as potential successors to Valencia, but Solskjaer says the honour will go to Young.

“David’s obviously in contention, [but] Ash when he’s on the pitch will carry the armband. When Ash starts he’ll be carrying the armband,” the Norwegian said.

Solskjaer was then asked whether this meant Young could be considered the club captain, and he replied: “You can probably call it that.”

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/solskjaer-names-ashley-young-as-new-man.html

Cc lalasticlala mynd44 missyb3 fynestboi Seun

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is angry kicking off the Premier League season on Friday against Norwich City.

He is upset his stars have been ordered to play promoted Norwich at Anfield next Friday night - after playing their last game of the season in the Champions League Final on June 1.

Klopp is already facing a UEFA Super Cup clash with Chelsea in Istanbul on August 14.

And there is an even bigger nightmare fixture pile up later this year, as the Reds also compete in the FIFA World Club Cup in Qatar in December.

That leaves Klopp's men facing a potential 11 games in just 29 days.

“I would much prefer to have had the Sunday game because that would have given us two more days of preparation" slammed Klopp, who takes his European Champions to Wembley to face Manchester City in the Community Shield.

“We had the last game in the Champions League Final on June 1 and now the first game of the new Premier League season against Norwich.

“That doesn't sound it's exactly like it should be to me. Who can have this idea? It's crazy.

“I see people are excited and looking forward to the new season - but no one worries about the problems.

“That's why I have to mention them because no one else sees it," says Klopp

“Our last game against Tottenham in the Champions league Final was three weeks after everybody played their last game in the Premier League.

“And I have a pre-season of problems with big tournaments in Brazil and Egypt which means Sadio Mane comes back to us after 16 days holiday."

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/liverpool-boss-klopp-angry-kicking-off.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Chelsea have revealed new squad numbers for players ahead of the 2019-20 league opener against Manchester United.

A release on the club’s official Twitter handle revealed that Willian will dump his previous No.22 shirt for No.10 following Eden Hazard’s switch to Real Madrid.

A further breakdown shows that Christian Pulisic, who has used No.24 during pre-season, will now take the No.22 shirt vacated by Willian, the same number he wore while with Dortmund.

On the other hand, Tammy Abraham, who returned from a successful long loan at Aston Villa, gets the club's new No.9 for the campaign, with Mason Mount taking on No.19.

Defender Andreas Christensen was handed Cesc Fabregas' No.4 jersey, with returning Frenchman Kurt Zouma get No.15.


The trio of Tiemoue Bakayoko, Kenedy and Michy Batshuayi will keep their previous the squad numbers before heading on loan spells last season.

Below is the full list of Chelsea shirt numbers for the 2019-20 season:

1 Kepa Arrizabalaga

2 Antonio Rudiger

3 Marcos Alonso

4 Andreas Christensen

5 Jorginho

6 Danny Drinkwater

7 N’Golo Kante

8 Ross Barkley

9 Tammy Abraham

10 Willian

11 Pedro

12 Ruben Loftus-Cheek

13 Willy Caballero

14 Tiemoue Bakayoko

15 Kurt Zouma

16 Kenedy

17 Mateo Kovacic

18 Olivier Giroud

19 Mason Mount

20 Callum Hudson-Odoi

21 Davide Zappacosta

22 Christian Pulisic

23 Michy Batshuayi

24 Reece James

28 Cesar Azpilicueta

29 Fikayo Tomori

30 David Luiz

31 Jamie Cummiing

33 Emerson

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/willian-and-tammy-abraham-handed-jersey.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has had it’s fair share of ups and downs in recent times but most interestingly since the arrival of Ahmad Ahmad as President.

Unprecedented events that make news for the wrong reasons as many pundits will put it. Fifa’s secretary general Fatma Samoura takes charge on a temporal basis at the helm of CAF, undermining Ahmad.

For the next six months at least, CAF will be under her management as president Ahmad has been under scrutiny on several fronts including being questioned by French authorities in Paris in early June before being released without charges.

The most recent will be CAF’s decision to replay the 2019 Champions League finals on a neutral pitch following the shameful incident on May 31st in Tunis. The court of Arbitration for sports this week dismissed Caf’s decision to replay the final, saying the body’s Executive Committee was not competent to take such a decision.

Assisted by several experts, Samoura is set :

To oversee operational management of Caf, including governance and administrative procedures
To ensure the efficient and professional organization of all Caf competitions
To support the growth and development of football in all countries and regions of Caf.

A developing story on the continent as many question the actual role of CAF’s president Ahmad Ahmad.


Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/fifa-secretary-fatman-samoura-general.html

lalasticlala, seun, mynd44, dominique

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi still feels the impact and sacrifices his mother made towards the success of his football career.

Akpeyi kept five out of seven matches for the Super Eagles at the recently concluded Egypt 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), emerging victorious in four and losing one.

Before the team departed Cairo for Abuja after beating Tunisia in their third-place match, Akpeyi took time to reflect on his past, particularly the death of his mother who sacrificed so much for his football career to flourish.

“It pains me so much that my mother is no longer alive to see me in full colours of the Super Eagles,” Akpeyi told The Guardian at the team’s Le Meridian hotel in Cairo. “She made it possible for me to become the footballer I am today.”

Akpeyi’s journey into the national team started at the U-20 World Cup in 2005 under Coach Samson Siasia. He, alongside goalkeeper Ambrose Vanzekin, made the trip to The Netherlands, where Nigeria lost to Argentina 2-1 in the final.

He was also part of Siasia’s squad to the Beijing 2008 Olympics Games, which also got to the finals and lost to Argentina. Those were his days in the junior team.

Akpeyi, who currently plies his soccer trade with Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa, fought his way into the senior national team during the era of late Stephen Keshi. He was part of the Super Eagles team to the camp in Faro, Portugal in preparation for the South Africa 2013 African Nations Cup.

Painfully for the young lad, his name was dropped from the final list on the eve of the tournament.

The impact of Akpeyi’s last-minute removal from the squad to the Rainbow Nation was felt by virtually all members of his family, particularly his mother. Some of his friends also cried foul, accusing Keshi of trying to frustrate Akpeyi’s football career.

The Guardian recalls how Akpeyi’s mother felt after her son was dropped from the squad to South Africa 2013. The mother, Mrs. Caroline Aimakhu Akpeyi, an Esan speaking tribe from Iruwa, Edo State, was residing at Jakande Estate in Ikorodu area of Lagos at that time.

In a chat with The Guardian then, the woman narrated how she fasted for days, crying to God to intervene in her son’s football career. “I find it difficult to eat and sleep whenever I see the team play on television. I don’t really know who is working against Daniel’s football career, but I believe God will come to his rescue,” she said.

With a feeling of nostalgia, Akpeyi said: “My mother was a prayer warrior, and she laid the foundation for my football career, Akpeyi recalled emotionally, using his right hand to wipe away tears from his face. “I remember how my mother stood her ground when my father wanted to stop me from playing football at an early stage. She insisted on several occasions arguing with my dad to allow me to choose a career for myself. It is really unfortunate my mum couldn’t wait to reap from my football career.

Some months after the Super Eagles won the Nations Cup title in South Africa in 2013, Akpeyi’s mother died, probably from the effects of the shock she received when her son was removed from the team on the eve of the tournament.

“We tried everything humanly possible to save her, but she left us at a time we needed her most. I didn’t get to know of her condition early because my brothers and sisters did not want her sickness to distract my football career. Each time I called, they will say mama is fine. I became curious. When I got to know of her situation, we took her to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where she spent some months before she gave up,” he stated.

While the mother hailed from Iruwa in Edo State, his father, Mr. Diamond Akpeyi is of the Itsekiri tribe from the popular Ode Itsekiri in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

At Egypt 2019 AFCON, Akpeyi was in action in the first game against Burundi, and the team triumphed 1-0 in Alexandria with China-based Odion Ighalo accounting for the goal. Akpeyi also had a clean sheet in the second group match against the Syli Nationale of Guinea, which saw the Super Eagles picking the ticket to the Round of 16 with a game in hand.

After being rested in the last group match against debutants, Madagascar, which Nigeria lost 0-2, Akpeyi returned to action in the round of 16 match against the defending champions, Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, leading Nigeria to a 3-2 victory to hit the quarterfinal. He was also called to duty in the cracker against a resilient Bafana Bafana of South Africa, and the Super Eagles won 2-1 to hit the semifinal stage of the competition.

The former Warri Wolves goalkeeper was, however, unlucky to concede a dying minute goal in the semifinal against the Desert Foxes of Algeria, which ended 2-1 for the North Africans.

He was rested in the third-place match against Tunisia, which the Super Eagles won 1-0.

After being dropped on the eve of South Africa 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa, Akpeyi was invited yet again to the Super Eagles in 2014, this time he had a superlative performance in the match against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

That opened the doors for his contract with Chippa United Football Club in South Africa in 2015.

Akpeyi began his career with Gabros International FC and was promoted to the first team in 2005. He moved to Nasarawa United FC in January 2007. He was a starter for both clubs.

In 2010, Akpeyi shifted his base to Owerri, where he joined Hartland FC for their CAF Champions League campaign and was again first-choice. In February 2014, it was announced that he had left Heartland to join league rivals, Warri Wolves, but a few days later, Heartland denied the move by an official statement, stating that they had no intention to sell their first-choice goalkeeper.

In the following month, however, the deal was confirmed again and Akpeyi joined the Seasiders (Warri Wolves).
He signed a two-year deal with Chippa in 2015, a club he served for four years before pitching his tent with Kaizer Chiefs, another South African club earlier this year.

The 2-1 victory by the Super Eagles against the Bafana Bafana in the quarterfinal in Cairo may have erased the memories of the 0-2 defeat, which Nigeria suffered in the hands of the South Africans in the first leg of the 2019 AFCON qualifier in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Akpeyi was in goal for the Super Eagles in 2017, when the South Africans won.

Akpeyi left Lagos to his base in South Africa last week with a promise to help his club, Kaizer Chiefs to a glorious outing in the South Africa Football league.

Before his departure, the Super Eagles goalkeeper lashed out at football fans calling for Coach Gernot Rohr’s sack, saying those criticising the Franco-German don’t mean well for the nation’s football.

Akpeyi said it was disturbing that some Nigerians would call for the head of Gernot Rohr despite his good records with the Eagles since he assumed duty in 2017. He asked: “Calling for Rohr’s sack, who do you think will be the messiah that other groups will not also call for his sack? Even those who have won trophies for Nigeria at a point had some other groups calling for their sack. Nobody will be good enough for Nigeria until we come together and stand for one interest.

“Generally, every sector in Nigeria is a race for personal interest and when you win, enjoy it for the time until another party reinforces and comes back for a fight. Your records don’t count for many Nigerians,” Akpeyi stated.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2019/08/its-sad-my-mother-couldnt-witness-my.html