Aston Villa vs Liverpool – The Reds legend, Steven Gerrard, will seek to put another dent in his former club’s Premier League title hopes when Liverpool travels to Aston Villa on Tuesday evening.

The Lions eased to a 3-1 success at Burnley at the weekend, while Jurgen Klopp’s side were forced to accept a point in a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. While Gerrard is yet to prove that he can go toe-to-toe with the big boys with his Aston Villa side, the Lions have welcomed back-to-back wins over two basement sides in Norwich City and Burnley to end their miserable patch of form over the Easter period. After confirming the Canaries’ demotion, Villa made Burnley’s survival task that little bit more difficult by storming to a 3-1 success at Turf Moor on Saturday, as Danny Ings, Emiliano Buendia, and Ollie Watkins were all on target before Maxwel Cornet’s consolation for the Clarets.

Taking seven points from the last nine on offer in the Premier League and conceding just once in that stretch sees Villa threatening to break into the top half as they lie in the 11th spot in the table, with Newcastle United and Leicester City both failing to usurp them on Sunday. Gerrard never collected a Premier League title with Liverpool as a player and certainly cannot afford to let sentimentality creep in before Tuesday’s game, with the 41-year-old – and the Anfield faithful – fully aware of his task at hand at Villa Park.

The ex-midfielder’s legacy with Liverpool should not be shattered even if he does oversee a result that all but ends the Reds’ Premier League dream, but Villa have won just two of their last eight home games in the top flight, and a wounded Liverpool are a force to be reckoned with. Jurgen Klopp had plenty to say about Tottenham Hotspur’s tactics following the full-time whistle at Anfield – much to the amusement of the traveling crowd – and the Reds’ quadruple hopes suffered a major blow at the hands of Antonio Conte’s men during a 1-1 draw on Merseyside.

Left in acres of space at the back post, Ryan Sessegnon had all the time in the world to pick out Son Heung-min for his 20th goal of the season, but the little magician Luis Diaz saw his effort take a nick off Rodrigo Bentancur and wrong foot Hugo Lloris to steal a point for Liverpool. Cross after cross after cross led to nothing for Liverpool against a steadfast Lilywhites defense, and while Klopp’s side temporarily went back to the summit on goal difference, Manchester City are now three points clear after beating Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.

Aston Villa vs Liverpool – Betting Analysis

A six-game winning run in all competitions and 12-game winning run at Anfield in the Premier League came to an end for Liverpool at the weekend, but their unbeaten run domestically now stands at 16 matches, and they have kept clean sheets in four of their last five away from home in the top flight. Flashbacks of the 7-2 humbling will inevitably cross the minds of Klopp and the Kop ahead of Tuesday’s journey to Villa Park, but they have since won three in a row against Villa in all competitions and will be in no charitable mood towards Gerrard while the quadruple dream remains alive.
Villa needs no lessons in carving their way through the Liverpool high line, and the Lions’ recent upturn in form and numerous ex-Reds aiming to get one over their former club could make this a banana skin for Klopp’s side.

Also Read: Mane Holds Talks With Bayern Munich Over Summer Move

The Reds boss is likely to tinker with his side ahead of the weekend’s FA Cup final but will be aware that any more dropped points effectively end their Premier League title hopes, and we have faith in Liverpool to eke out a narrow win against a Villa side whose defense is still far from watertight

Aston Villa vs Liverpool: Head-to-Head

aston-villa-vs-liverpool-villa-park-premier-league-betting-steven-gerrard-jurgen-klopp
Our Predictions: Away To Win
For more of our Preview and Prediction, Go here.

Data Analysis

With a probability of 68.52 percent, our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player metrics, says that Liverpool will win this match. A draw has a 17.7% chance of happening, while Aston Villa winning has a 13.77 percent chance of happening.

Aston Villa 0-2 Liverpool is the most likely scoreline, with a chance of 9.91 percent. 1-2 (9.65 percent), 0-1 (8.33 percent), and 1-1 are the next most frequent scorelines (8.11 percent ).

Source: https://www.completesports.com/aston-villa-vs-liverpool-preview-predictions/

Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp, has told Man City manager, Pep Guardiola the they are not giving up the race for the Premier League title.

He made this known in a chat with TribalFootball, where he warned that Liverpool will continue to fight for the title till the last game.
With three fixtures left in the season, Klopp told a press conference on Monday that it is not done and dusted.

A 1-1 draw at home against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday set Liverpool back before City hammered Newcastle United 5-0 on Sunday.

Klopp was asked if he told his players the title race was over and he replied: “I’m not sure I said that because I think it’s obvious.

“It’s clear it is not over, whatever happened.

“We have three games to play and my concern is how we can win our three games and I have no say in how City can win theirs. We don’t stop believing, that’s what we do.”

Liverpool travels to Aston Villa on Tuesday, while City is away at Wolves on Wednesday.

If Villa do spring a surprise and win or even hold Liverpool to a draw, two consecutive wins for City away at Wolves on Wednesday and at West Ham on the Sunday would seal their status as champions.

If the race is to go to the wire, the final day fixtures are kind to both sides given both Liverpool and City play at home against Wolves and Aston Villa respectively. While there could still be plenty of twists and turns yet – it is very much advantage City at this late stage.



REMAINING FIXTURES



Man City | Points: 86

May 11 – Wolves (A)

May 15 – West Ham (A)

May 22 – Aston Villa (H)

Liverpool | Points: 83

May 10 – Aston Villa (A)

May 17 – Southampton (A)

May 22 – Wolves (H)
Source" https://www.completesports.com/epl-title-race-not-yet-over-for-liverpool-klopp-warns-guardiola/

Serie A giants Juventus are interested in signing Arsenal Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey and could offer Arthur in exchange, the Sun reports.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is eager to bolster his side’s midfield, having failed to seriously contest the Serie A title race this term.

Allegri is reshaping Juve’s squad ahead of another push next season.

And according to AS, he sees Partey as a “strong” option to improve his side.

The Ghanaian has been in excellent form for the Gunners this term.

The 28-year-old is reportedly valued at around £30million – a drop on the £45m they paid Atletico Madrid for him in 2020 and the Old Lady are willing to sweeten the deal by throwing in midfielder Arthur.
Arsenal were strongly linked with the Brazilian in January, although a move failed to materialise.

Juventus chiefs believe that the former Barcelona ace could be the key to getting a deal done for Partey.

Arthur has started just 11 Serie A matches this season.

The Gunners are interested in a number of midfielders as they aim to bolster that position ahead of next season.

SunSport revealed that club bosses are confident of signing Youri Tielemans from Leicester for £40m.

While Monaco starlet Aurelien Tchouameni has also been linked.

Partey skippered the Black Stars of Ghana to qualify for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

After struggling in his first season in the English topflight, Partey has been impressive so far this term.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/juventus-to-offer-arthur-in-exchange-for-arsenal-midfielder-partey/

Nigeria winger Moses Simon is in buoyant mood after helping his club, Nantes win the French Cup, reports Completesports.com.

The Canaries ended their 22-year trophy drought by lifting the French Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 win against Nice at the Stade de France on Saturday night.

Ludovic Blas scored the all important goal from the penalty spot two minutes after the break.

It was Blas’ fifth goal for Antoine Kombouare’s men in the competition.

Simon, who came close to scoring for Nantes in the first half was on for 68 minutes in the thrilling encounter.

The 27-year-old took to the social media to celebrate his team’s historic win.

“Na God�always put your trust in him.
Champ �� merci à vous @FCNantes ����,”Simon wrote on his verified Twitter handle.

Nantes will compete in the UEFA Europa Europa League next season following the win.

Simon has now won his third major trophy at club level. He won the Belgian Pro League title with Nantes in the 2014/15 season and followed up with Super Cup the following campaign.

He first linked up with Nantes from Spanish side Levante on loan on August 15, 2019. At the end of the season, Nantes triggered the option to buy in Simon’s loan, with the player signing a four-year contract

Simon has been an important part of the Nantes squad over the time he’s been there, netting a late winner against PSG in the 20/21 season as Nantes narrowly escaped relegation.

source: https://www.completesports.com/simon-celebrates-french-cup-win-with-nantes/

Flying Eagles forward Ibrahim Muhammad was named Man of the Match following the team’s 2-0 win against the Black Satellites of Ghana in their opening game at the WAFU B U-20 Championship on Sunday.

Muhammad scored Flying Eagles opening game in the fifth minute. The striker received a long Adams Olubi pass from the middle before rounding up goalkeeper Gregory Obeng Sekyere.

Substitute Ahmad Abdullahi scored the second goal 12 minutes from time.

Muhammad, who was a thorn in the flesh of the Ghanaian defenders will be key for the Flying Eagles when they take on Burkina Faso in their next game on Wednesday.

The victory in the three-team group takes the Flying Eagles to the top of the table and a draw in their next game will confirm their place in the semi-finals.

Muhammad, who is a product of Tempo Academy in Nigeria must have impressesd a number of scouts in attendance at the Stade Seyni Kountche in Niamey.

Ghana’s Black Satellites will have to wait until Saturday to play Burkina Faso.

The defending champions will have to raise their game against Burkinabes if they are to have any chance of advancing after the defeat left them with no points.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/flying-eagles-forward-muhammad-voted-motm-in-win-vs-ghana/

Karim Zito the head coach of Ghana U-20 men’s team, Black Satellites, has attributed his team’s defeat to the Flying Eagles of Nigeria to bad weather.

Ghana got their 2022 WAFU Zone B qualifiers in Niger Republic, off to a poor start after losing 2-0 to the Flying Eagles in their Group B opener on Sunday.

A goal in each half from Aminu Muhammad and Ahmed Abdullahi, sealed the win for Ladan Bosso’s men.

Muhammad broke the deadlock in the 5th minute after running on to a through pass, rounded the keeper before firing into the net.

And in the 78th minute, Abdullahi doubled their lead as he went past a couple of Ghanaian markers before hitting a superb volley into the net.

And speaking after the defeat, Zito posited that his players could not perform to their best as they struggled to cope with the weather.

However, Zito praised the Flying Eagles for arriving Niger Republic early and played some friendly games which contributed to their win against Ghana.

“There were some factors that affected us, one of them is the weather,” Zito said on Brila FM.

“Look at the atmosphere here, what is happening here and in Ghana, here it is hell. That is why I commended Nigeria by coming early and playing some friendly matches.

“For you to acquire the necessary energy you need to do what you have to do, so we will use the Nigerian game to prepare ourselves for our next game against Burkina Faso. We are going to use the next match to make amendments.

“Before coming to Niger in Ghana we all so the players they were very mobile but they couldn’t run here which was down to the issue of the climate because there are factors that affect performance and one of it is weather.”

Zito, who led Ghana to win the 2020 WAFU Zone B tournament in Benin Republic, will hope to bounce back when they take on Burkina Faso in their next Group B game.

Two teams will advance into the semi-finals from each group, with the two finalists qualifying to represent the WAFU Zone B at the 2023 U-20 AFCON in Egypt.

The 2023 U-20 AFCON will serve as the qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 World Cup billed for Indonesia also to hold next year.

All four semi-finalists from the tournament in Egypt will qualify to represent Africa in Indonesia.And speaking after the defeat, Zito posited that his players could not perform to their best as they struggled to cope with the weather.

However, Zito praised the Flying Eagles for arriving Niger Republic early and played some friendly games which contributed to their win against Ghana.

“There were some factors that affected us, one of them is the weather,” Zito said on Brila FM.

“Look at the atmosphere here, what is happening here and in Ghana, here it is hell. That is why I commended Nigeria by coming early and playing some friendly matches.

“For you to acquire the necessary energy you need to do what you have to do, so we will use the Nigerian game to prepare ourselves for our next game against Burkina Faso. We are going to use the next match to make amendments.

“Before coming to Niger in Ghana we all so the players they were very mobile but they couldn’t run here which was down to the issue of the climate because there are factors that affect performance and one of it is weather.”

Zito, who led Ghana to win the 2020 WAFU Zone B tournament in Benin Republic, will hope to bounce back when they take on Burkina Faso in their next Group B game.

Two teams will advance into the semi-finals from each group, with the two finalists qualifying to represent the WAFU Zone B at the 2023 U-20 AFCON in Egypt.

The 2023 U-20 AFCON will serve as the qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 World Cup billed for Indonesia also to hold next year.

All four semi-finalists from the tournament in Egypt will qualify to represent Africa in Indonesia.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-u-20-wafu-zone-b-ghana-coach-zito-blames-bad-weather-for-defeat-to-flying-eagles/

Real Madrid hero Rodrygo says God’s face was upon him after his late brace fired them into the Champions League final.

An injury-time double from Rodrygo saw Real defeat Manchester City 3-1 and reach the final 6-5 on aggregate.


He said, “We were losing the match, we were dead and what happened, happened. With this shirt, we learn to always fight to the end. We were almost dead, but with my first goal we started to believe.


“I can’t explain it. I don’t have words for what happened today. God looked at me and said, “Today is your day.”

Real teammate Casemiro also said: “We had two years without the crowd. You have to enjoy them. The great virtue of this club is never giving in, fighting to the end. We have to congratulate everyone. Rodrygo made a spectacular entrance. The key phrase is ‘never give up’. We go to the end.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ucl-god-was-behind-my-goals-against-man-city-rodrygo/

Premier League side Newcastle United are said to be ready to offer Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen up to N4 billion (€9million) in salary per year, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.

Osimhen has been linked with a move to Premier League clubs; Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle, but the Magpies have again emerged as the major contender to land the star, who Napoli have valued at €100million.

Newcastle had already made an attempt to sign the 23-year-old in January, and are determined to sign the target in the summer, and double his current wage at the Serie A side.

The Nigeria is said to be ‘tempted’ by the offer, and there are suggestions that Newcastle’s guaranteed status in the topflight for next season will be another factor the attacker will consider.

The club, which was bought over by a Saudi-led consortium in October 2021, are reportedly aware that that the former Lille star will cost them a fortune, as it has been said that Napoli will not ask for less than €100million to let Osimhen go at the end of the current campaign.

The striker, who has scored 17 goals in 29 matches for the Naples club in all competitions this campaign, is also a subject of interest from United.

Osimhen scored four times and registered one assist in five Europa League appearances for Napoli this term, while he has struck 13 times and provided five assists in 24 Serie A outings.

Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are also rumoured to be interested in the forward.

According to a report in Getfootballnewsfrance, the Parisians want him to replace Kylian Mbappe, who could join newly crowned LaLiga champions Real Madrid this summer.

Napoli signed the Nigerian in the summer of 2020 for a reported €71.3m but LOSC only received €36m of the €71.3m baseline fee.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/newcastle-ready-to-offer-osimhen-n4bn-per-year-salary/

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has pointed out where he feels his players must improve as they look ahead to their Champions League second leg semi-final at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid and City clashed at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday evening and treated fans to a seven-goal thriller.

City got off to a positive start and got early goals by Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus before Karim Benzema pulled a goal back for Madrid.

Phil Foden scored early in the second half but Vinicius Junior replied almost immediately, with Bernardo Silva striking home a thunderous effort to make it 4-2.

But Madrid again reduced the deficit when Benzema scored an outrageous dinked penalty to leave the score at 4-3.

And speaking after the game, Ancelotti explained where his side must improve to reach the Champions League.
“It is a defeat that leaves us alive in the second leg,” the Italian said.

“We have to be better in our defensive aspect but I believe we are able to create problems for them also. Similar game? It’s really difficult to have and to see this open game as it was tonight. It will be a different game.

“Of course Manchester City has the advantage, we have to consider this. Not a big advantage. We hope that our supporters can help us to play better and try to go to the final.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ucl-ancelotti-points-out-where-madrid-must-improve-ahead-second-leg-clash-with-city/

Jurgen Klopp has pledged that Liverpool will not underestimate Samuel Chukwueze and his Villarreal teammates in the Champions League semi-finals.

Chukwueze’s Villarreal will be guests to Klopp’s side in the first leg of the last-four clash at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The Spanish outfit ousted heavyweights like Juventus and Bayern Munich to reach this stage of the competition.

And Klopp has insisted that Liverpool will not take them lightly.

“There might have been a slight advantage [for Villarreal] where Juve or Bayern might have underestimated them but that won’t happen with us. They want to be part of the final but it’s the same importance for us,” he said on Tuesday.

“They’re seventh in LaLiga. After they won the quarter-final with Bayern, in between they played Bilbao and Unai changed 11 times. Spain is obviously competitive.

“It’s a difficult league to be successful in but Unai shows he has a plan for each result 1-0 up, 1-0 down etc.

“We have properly analysed Villarreal. I have proper respect for Unai and them. I watched them properly and wow! Impressive.

“He is a detail-obsessed manager. Different ways to press and react to different results. A world-class coach doing an incredible job.”

Klopp added that he will be at the ‘top of his game’ on the touchline on Wednesday night as he called on fans to create a ‘similar atmosphere’ to that memorable night three years ago against Barcelona.

“We need a similar atmosphere and a big performance. I need to be on top of my game, so do the boys, that is fine,” he added.

“If a semi-final in this competition would be easy, something would be really wrong. I can’t wait for it, to be honest.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ucl-klopp-vows-not-to-underestimate-chukwueze-villarreal-teammates/

Arsenal are ready to listen to offers for record signing Nicolas Pepe as they look to generate funds for another summer spending spree, the Sun reports.

But the North London club are resigned to taking a massive hit on the Ivorian international who cost £72million when he joined from Lille three years ago.

The 26-year-old Côte d’Ivoire star has not started a Premier League game for more than six months and does not feature prominently in Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans.

And with their young squad already cut to the bone by a number of recent departures, Pepe is regarded as one of the few remaining fringe players who could generate any kind of fee.

He still has two years of his £140,000-a-week Arsenal contract to run and matching those wages could prove a major stumbling block for interested clubs.

But the player has become increasingly frustrated with his lack of first team action after becoming an almost permanent fixture on the subs’ bench this season.

And with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe and the on loan Reece Nelson all competing for the wide attacking positions, Arsenal are not short of options should Pepe leave.

Now it is understood that the club would be prepared to let him leave for a fee of around £25million before his value drops even further.

There were huge hopes for Pepe when owner Stan Kroenke dipped into his pocket to personally fund the player’s signing in the summer of 2019.

But he has been a major disappointment during his three seasons in England and would welcome a return to one of the major French teams or a move to Spain or Italy.

S[b]ource: https://www.completesports.com/arsenal-ready-to-listen-to-offers-for-72m-record-signing-pepe/[/b]

Former Nigerian winger, Tijani Babangida has warned the Super Eagles to be more determined if they are to overcome the trio of Sao Tome, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.



Recall that the Super Eagles failed to get past the Round of 16 in the last edition of the tournament that was hosted by Cameroon this year.

However, the three-time AFCON champions, who will be hoping to redeem their image after failing to also qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, will commenced their campaign against Sierra Leone in June.



In a chat with Completesports.com, the former Ajax star stated that the team must display that hunger and determination if they are to beat their opponents.

He said that no teams will come easy for the Super Eagles and that they must be ready for the tough challenges.
“I must confess to you that Africa football has grown beyond those days when you can regard a team minnows. The Super Eagles must do the needful if they are to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.



“No team will be afraid to face the Super Eagles regardless of the array of stars we parade in our disposal. But then, the team can restore that fear factor again if they impose their authority in games and finish up games as quickly as possible.



“The truth is that Sao Tome, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau will not be an easy ride for the Super Eagles.”

Source:' https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-2023-afcon-qualifiers-sao-tome-sierra-leone-guinea-bissau-wont-be-easy-ride-for-eagles-tijani-warns/

Former Manchester City and Manchester United striker, Andy Cole has praised the job Pep Guardiola has done at the Cityzens, but is adamant that the Spaniard must win a European cup with City to be seen as a true great.

Andy Cole is probably best known for winning the Treble with Manchester United in 1999, but he also put in a season in the blue half of Manchester, and acknowledges that despite their success in the last decade, the biggest trophy of them all is yet to see the inside of City’s trophy-cabinet.

Manchester City host Real Madrid tonight at the Etihad Stadium in the first leg of their 2021/22 Champions League semi-final fixture, and Cole amplifies the huge expectation on Guardiola.

“The Champions League has eluded Manchester City over the last few years,” Cole told bookmakers.co.uk.

“They have a tough game in this year’s semi-final with Real Madrid. Could it be the season they finally do it? It could well be.
“When you try to win the European Cup, you need a little bit of luck to go your way.”

Cole worked under arguably the greatest manager in history in Sir Alex Ferguson, and believes that Guardiola needs a Champions League win with City to even be considered in the same category.

“Yes, I would believe that Pep Guardiola has to win the Champions League to achieve that status,” Cole said when asked if the City boss needed another victory in the competition to be thought of as a great.

“Pep Guardiola is such a brilliant manager with what he has achieved in the game and by all accounts, he’s a fantastic manager to work for.

Cole went on to reiterate his belief that teams win Champions League trophies, not individuals, and points to Real Madrid’s success this season as proof that the sum is often greater than the parts.

“It’s not a case of man for man when you look at the squads,” the 1999 Champions League winner explained.

“It’s how they perform as a team out on the pitch. Especially, with what Real Madrid have done this season.

“I don’t believe anyone expected Madrid to get to the semis, but they pulled it out. All these clubs want the same thing. It should be a really good tie though.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/guardiola-must-win-champions-league-with-city-to-be-seen-as-great-cole-posits-ahead-man-city-vs-real-madrid/

Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey has been named Rangers men’s Young Player of the Year, reports Completesports.com.

The versatile recognised for his superlative displays for the Gers during the 2021/22 campaign.

Bassey, who is naturally a left-back has also slotted in well into the centre-position following injury to some of the regular centre-backs during the campaign.

The 22-year-old is the second Nigerian to scoop the award after Joe Aribo won it in the 2019/20 season.
” It’s just amazing to win this award and all the hard work I have put in over the past year now recognized,”Bassey told Rangers TV.
“It’s been amazing, all credit to my teammates and the manager for trusting and believing in me.

“My teammates push me everyday so it’s not just for me but for everyone there working hard with me.

“This is the part of the season where the rewards are given. We are still in the league, Scottish Cup and Europa League, so there is a lot to play for and we are just focused on taking each stage as it comes to get better, and be prepared for the challenges ahead.”

Striker Alfred Morelos was named Rangers’ player of the season, while James Tavernier was voted the players’ player of the year.

The goal of the campaign went to midfield man John Lundstram for his stunning strike against Borussia Dortmund in Europe.

The goal of the campaign went to midfield man John Lundstram for his stunning strike against Borussia Dortmund in Europe.

Nicola Docherty landed the women’s player of the year award and Jane Ross received the player’s player.

After returning from injury to become a mainstay in the Rangers midfield, Ryan Jack landed special recognition with the John Greig achievement award.

Elsewhere, Morelos won the top scorer award, Charlie McCann won academy player of the year and Cole McKinnon received the B-team players’ player gong.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/bassey-named-rangers-mens-young-player-of-the-year/

Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Antonio Rudiger will depart Chelsea in the summer after months of uncertainty surrounding the player’s future.

Rudiger is out of contract in a few months and has informed the Blues boss of his likely imminent departure.

The German defender has been linked with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain while his agent met with Barcelona officials last month over a potential summer move.

“The media is reporting things and the situation seems to be that he leaves the club,”Tuchel told Sky Sports.

“I have the feeling that we gave everything over many months, both me personally and the club, but unfortunately we were in a position where we could not fight any more because of the sanctions and Toni has said that he will leave the club.

“Without the sanctions we would have at least had the chance to keep fighting for him to stay but for many weeks now, our hands have been tied. I don’t know what the outcome would have been otherwise but this is his decision now. It’s not a nice one for us but we won’t take it personally.

“It will be challenging but no matter how much I love him and how big a role he played, there will be Chelsea without Toni Rudiger and we will find solutions.”

Rudiger joined Chelsea in 2017 from AS Roma and has gone on to make 127 appearances.

He helped the club win the Champions League, Europa League, FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/chelsea-boss-tuchel-confirms-rudigers-summer-departure/

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen’s dream of playing in the UEFA Champions League may put on hold any possibility of him joining Arsenal this summer.



The Nigerian international, who has been on the radar of the Gunners this season, has scored 16 goals from 28 appearances in all competitions for Napoli.

Arsenal have reportedly initiated contact with Osimhen, but remain far from convincing the Nigerian striker to join the club.



According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Super Eagles star’s desire to play in Europe’s elite competition remains a major reason why he has not committed himself to the deal.

Osimhen may also look to stay put and spend the next season playing in the Champions League with Napoli. At 23, he has a long career ahead of him and remains in no rush to make a decision.

Recall that he joined Napoli from Lille in 2020 for a club-record transfer fee of €80million. He became the most expensive player to be ever signed by the Naples-based side.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-puts-arsenal-deal-on-hold-amid-champions-league-uncertainty/

Former Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr is demanding $1m compensation fee for what he claimed unfair dismissal by the country’s Football Federation.

Rohr was sacked by the NFF on the eve of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations early this year.

The NFF agreed to pay the German’s salary until the end of his contract, which expires in December 2022.

The former Gabon and Niger coach however wrote a letter to FIFA demanding an additional sum for damages.

That claim was contested by the NFF, and a Fifa tribunal examining Rohr’s claim for damages concluded last week. However, a verdict is yet to be communicated to either party.

“Mr Rohr’s the only one talking in the media about a case that is already with Fifa,” a top NFF official told BBC Sport Africa.

“That matter is being handled by our legal department and we are waiting [for] a verdict this week or next week before making any official statement.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/rohr-demands-1m-compensation-from-nff/

The Nigeria Football Federation and Sports Ministry are yet to reach a common ground on the appointment of a new head coach for the Super Eagles, reports Completesports.com.

The NFF are looking to appoint a new head coach (a foreigner) for the Super Eagles this month.

earnt that the soccer house have settled for Portuguese José Peseiro, but the Sports Ministry are not happy with the choice.

The 62-year-old was previously designated as the new coach of the Super Eagles before contract negotiations broke down.

Three other candidates: Phillip Cocu, Laurent Blanc and Ernesto Valverde were also shortlisted for the post.

The Sports Ministry want a level playing field for all the shortlisted coaches and has directed the NFF to invite them to Nigeria for interview.

The NFF are however not willing to back down on their decision and ready to stick with Peseiro.

Source : https://www.completesports.com/nff-sports-ministry-disagree-over-peseiro/

Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker was caught weeing up the side of a posh hotel, the Sun reports.

Walker was pictured weeing against the wall last Sunday — 24 hours after Manchester City lost 3-2 to Liverpool in their FA Cup semi-final.
Dad-of-three Walker, 31, missed the game with an ankle injury.

Horrified guests said Walker looked around before pulling up his hoodie and spraying the brickwork.

One onlooker — a fan of rivals Man United — spotted Walker’s leg tattoos when peed at The Bridge in Prestbury, Cheshire, at 3.25pm.

A guest told The Sun: “I had just arrived for a meal with my family and suddenly I’m watching Kyle Walker, who I instantly recognised, p***ing against a wall. It was revolting.

“It wasn’t just a quick wee. He was there for ages. We were appalled.

“Before he did it, he was looking around to see if anyone was there, then he pulled up his hoodie but was still recognisable from his tattoos.”

The source added: “Kyle was outside in the beer garden. It was a beautiful day.

“But rather than head indoors and use the lavatory like the rest of us, he chose to walk through an archway to relieve himself against the wall — in full view of paying guests and people coming and going in the car park.

“The hotel charges £260 a night for rooms and entertains well-heeled locals.

“He could be clearly seen from the windows. It isn’t something you would want if you were staying there.

“Millionaire players sometimes get a bad rap and it’s easy to see why when some make up their own rules.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/man-city-star-caught-weeing-against-wall-of-posh-hotel/

Former Chelsea star, Salomon Kalou has tipped the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, which will take place in Cote d’Ivoire.



The former Ivory Coast international made this known in an interview with SuperSports on Tuesday.

He said that the Super Eagles won’t find it difficult to qualify from Group A that consist of Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau and Sao Tome.



“I think it’s a good group [for the Super Eagles]. I think Nigeria is a team that will always qualify.

“They will be the favourites of the group while the second place is open for the other three teams,” Kalou told SuperSport.

The matches are expected to begin in May.



Winners and runners-up in each group except H qualify for the 24-team finals in the Ivory Coast during June and July 2023.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2023-afcon-qualifiers-eagles-are-favourites-to-qualify-in-group-a-kalou/

Former Nigerian forward, Victor Ikpeba has disclosed that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have shortlisted notable names like Laurent Blanc, Phillip Cocu and Ernesto Valverde, and ex-Porto boss, José Peseiro for the Super Eagles managerial job.



Ikpeba made this known in a interview with Channels Television on Tuesday.

The former Monaco striker stated that the list of seven candidates was trimmed to four by the Technical Committee, which has forwarded its recommendations to the Executive Committee of the NFF.



“We have about six, seven foreign managers that applied, the names are all out but some of them were not mentioned,” the Atlanta Olympic gold medalist told Channels TV.

“We looked at the profiles and we decided three, four of the foreign managers we take it to the Executive Committee of the NFF Board to decide.

“Ernesto Valverde, Laurent Blanc, Phillip Cocu and José Peseiro applied for the Super Eagles job and based on their profile they were shortlisted,” he said.

Source : https://www.completesports.com/nff-have-shortlisted-blanc-cocu-valverde-peseiro-for-eagles-job-ikpeba/

Flying Eagles head coach Ladan Bosso has invited six new players ahead of the WAFU B U-20 tournament in Niamey, Niger, reports Completesports.com.

Bosso unveiled a 40-man shortlist for the competition on Monday.

The new call-ups are Ayo Adejubu of Shooting stars, Henry Uzodika (Abia Warriors), Hilary Albert (Plateau United) as well as the Kwara United trio of Shola Raheem, Abdulsalam Abdulsalam and Musa Olororo.

The Flying Eagles opened camp for the competition in Abuja on Monday.

They are in Group B along with the Black Satellites of Ghana and Young Stallions of Burkina Faso.

The competition will kick off in Niamey on May 7.

The two finalists will qualify for the Africa U-20 Nations Cup in Egypt.
[b]
[/b]Source: https://www.completesports.com/bosso-invites-six-new-players-to-flying-eagles-camp/

Former Nigerian winger, Tijani Babangida believes the Super Eagles will do everything to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, in a bid to make amend of their inability not to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.



The three–time champions and four-time runners-up, Nigeria will know their group opponents when the draw for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification series is staged at the SuperSport Studio in Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday evening.

Super Eagles who crashed out in the round of 16 of 2021 AFCON in Cameroon are in pot 1 alongside Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Cameroon, Algeria, Mali, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Ghana and DR Congo.



The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is expected to kick off from June 23 to July 23. The draw could be held in South Africa.

However, in an interview with Completesports.com, Tijani stated that the disappointment of not qualifying for Qatar will spur the team to glory, starting with the qualifying campaigns.

“It’s a big disappointment that the Super Eagles failed to make appreciable impact at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon and also failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar,” the former Atlanta Olympic gold medalist told Completesports.com.



“However, I am optimistic that such disappointment will only spur the Super Eagles to be more hungry for success. The players will be more determined to make a big statement of intent.”

source: https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-eagles-will-rise-to-afcon-2023-qualifying-challenge-tijani/

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been placed in Pot 1 for Tuesday’s (today) draw for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’l voire, reports Completesports.com.

The Super Eagles are among the 12 teams seeded for the draw. Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Cameroon and Algeria are the other teams in Pot 1.

Others are; Mali, Cote d’loire, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Democratic Republic of Congo.

The draw ceremony will hold in the studios of SuperSport in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The 48 countries qualified to participate in the second round of the qualifiers have seeded into four pots based on the official FIFA ranking released on 31 March, 2022.
The teams will then be drawn into 12 groups of four teams (Group A to L) with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the tournament to be played in the West African country.

Hosts Cote d’Ivoire will also participate in the draw even though they have already secured the place in the tournament which means only one other team from their group will qualify for the competition.

The draw will be conducted by the CAF Director of Competitions Samson Adamu and assisted by African football legends Lucas Radebe of South Africa and Ivorian Solomon Kalou.

The first ball will be drawn from Pot 4 and will go to position A4.
The procedure will be repeated for the remaining teams of Pot 4 who will go to positions B4, C4, D4, E4, F4, G4, H4, I4, J4,K4 & L4 according to the draw order.

The same procedure as above will be repeated for Pot 3, Pot 2 and finally Pot 1.

The qualifiers will start in June 2022.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2023-afcon-draw-super-eagles-in-pot-1-know-group-opponents-today/

Vastly-experienced Nigerian coach, John Obuh, believes AS Roma Academy of Italy exciting winger, Prince Kelechi Nnajiofor possesses great quality to lead the current Flying Eagles squad to glory if called up.

Ex-Nigerian Under-17 World Cup coach, Obuh who worked closely with Prince Kelechi with the former having been the technical director of Roma Academy, Abuja believes the young forward can help Ladan Bosso’s under-20 team achieve greatness.

Bosso was on Tuesday retained as the head coach of the Nigerian national U-20 team, the Flying Eagles with the team set to begin preparations for the West African Football Union (WAFU) U-20 competition in Niger Republic.

Obuh has now tipped Prince Kelechi to lead the Flying Eagles to glory in the WAFU U-20 competition from May 7 to May 20, 2022 with the biennial tournament also serving as the qualification for the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bosso was on Tuesday retained as the head coach of the Nigerian national U-20 team, the Flying Eagles with the team set to begin preparations for the West African Football Union (WAFU) U-20 competition in Niger Republic.

Obuh has now tipped Prince Kelechi to lead the Flying Eagles to glory in the WAFU U-20 competition from May 7 to May 20, 2022 with the biennial tournament also serving as the qualification for the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bosso was on Tuesday retained as the head coach of the Nigerian national U-20 team, the Flying Eagles with the team set to begin preparations for the West African Football Union (WAFU) U-20 competition in Niger Republic.

Obuh has now tipped Prince Kelechi to lead the Flying Eagles to glory in the WAFU U-20 competition from May 7 to May 20, 2022 with the biennial tournament also serving as the qualification for the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/obuh-tips-roma-academy-winger-prince-kelechi-to-lead-flying-eagles-to-glory/

Villarreal have celebrated Samuel Chukwueze’s goal in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg clash against Bayern Munich, reports Completesports.com.

Chukwueze scored a late equaliser as the Yellow Submarine held their hosts to a 1-1 draw.

Unai Emery’s men progressed to the semi-final 2-1 on aggregate where they will face either Liverpool or Atletico Madrid.

Bayern Munich took the lead on 52nd minutes through Robert Lewandowski following an error in the Villarreal’s defence.Chukwueze, who replaced Arnaut Danjuma in 84th minute finished off a fantastic counter-attack by Dani Parejo, driven by Gio Lo Celso and Gerrard Moreno four minutes later.

The LaLiga club took to the social media to celebrate the decisive strike after the game.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/villarreal-celebrate-chukwuezes-decisive-goal-against-bayern-munich/

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the El Tri of Mexico in an international friendly game at the AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas.



The friendly encounter between the two nations was confirmed with a statement on the official social media accounts of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

According to the NFF the game between Nigeria and Mexico will take place in the United States of America.



The friendly fixture comes after the Super Eagles of Nigeria were edged by the Black Stars of Ghana to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

NFF president Amaju Pinnick finally broke his silence about the Super Eagles failure to qualify for the World Cup apologzing to football fans in the country.

The Super Eagles will now help Mexico prepare for their World Cup campaign later this year,




The game scheduled to take place at the AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas will take place on Saturday, May 28, 2022.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/intl-friendly-super-eagles-to-face-mexico-may-28/

Arsenal youngster, Bukayo Saka has revealed why he was given the name ‘Bukayo’ by his grandmother.


The England international, who was born to Nigerian parents, said his grandmother named him Bukayo because she wanted him to bring joy to the family.

Saka, who graduated from the Arsenal’s Hale EnAcademy, said his father contributed immensely to his success story in football.

“My grandma gave it to me because of its meaning,” he told GQ Magazine when asked about his Yoruba name ‘Bukayo’.

“It means ‘God has added joy to my life.’ She wanted me to add joy to the family, so she named me that…Every time she called me, that’s probably what I meant to her,” he said.

Saka has been a shining light for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners this season as they battle for a place in the top four in the Premier League, which will guarantee them a return to the Champions League.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/saka-why-my-grandmother-gave-me-a-yoruba-name/

Nigeria midfielder Kelechi Nwakali wants a return to the Premier League after his controversial parting of ways with Huesca.

Nwakali is a free agent after he was sacked by Huesca following his late return from the Africa Cup of Nations in February.

The 23-year-old claimed the Spanish Segunda Division club wanted to force him to sign a new contract and also attempted to stop him from going to the AFCON.

Nwakali has already headed to the Spanish labour courts to challenge his dismisssal and will be represented by AFE (Spanish Player’s Union).

The former Arsenal player was on the radar of Watford last summer before the Hornets went for other options.

He has the opportunity to train with them before the end of the season with a view to potentially joining on a permanent deal.

Despite the interest from Spain, returning to England is known to be his preference.

He last played for Huesca in January, prior to featuring three times for Nigeria at AFCCON.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/nwakali-targets-premier-league-return-after-leaving-huesca/

Canada head coach Bev Priestman was disappointed with the outcome of her side’s second friendly against Nigeria, but hailed the team’s fighting spirit in the encounter, reports Completesports.com.

The Olympic champions twice rallied back in the 2-2 draw at the Starlight Stadium in Langford B.C.

Nigeria took the lead on five minutes through Ifeoma Onumonu who put the ball in the net with a back heel
from a free kick.

Christine Sinclair equalised for Canada three minutes after the break, chipping the ball home from a distance.

The Super Falcons went in front again in the 53rd minute through Atletico Madrid striker Rasheedat Ajibade.

However, the equaliser would come three minutes from time with Shelina Zadorsky nodding home a cross from Janine Beckie.

“We’re frustrated with the result. But we won an Olympic Games on not losing games and we showed our resilience again to score that goal at the end. The fans here in Victoria have been incredible,”Priestman said
after the game.

It would be recalled that the North Americans defeated the African champions 2-0 in their first friendly last Saturday.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/we-re-frustrated-with-the-result-canada-coach-reacts-to-super-falcons-stalemate/

A late equalizer from Canada denied Super Falcons a famous win, as both teams settled for a 2-2 draw, in the second of their two legged friendly in Victoria on Tuesday morning, Completesports.com reports.

The first meeting between both teams on Saturday in Vancouver ended 2-0 in favour of the Olympic champions.

But this time the Falcons put up a more spirited display and were close to grabbing the win before surrendering their lead for the second time in the encounter.

The Falcons got off to a very good start as they took the lead in the fifth minute through Ifeoma Onumonu whose brilliant back heeled effort from a setpiece ended in the back of the net.

In the 18th minute Chiamaka Nnadozie was called to action as she produced a brilliant save to keep the score at 1-0.

The Canadians kept pouring forward and were almost rewarded on 28 minutes but Ashleigh Plumptre made a goal-line clearance before Ajibade completed the clearance.

In the 32nd minute Nnadozie produced a superb save on 32 to deny Janine Beckie.

Just three minutes later Nnadozie was called to action again this time stopping Desiree Scott from grabbing an equalizer.

Despite efforts by the Canadians to draw level, the Falcons held on to go into the break 1-0 ahead.

Uchenna Kanu almost doubled the Falcons lead early in the second half but saw her effort well saved by the Canadian keeper.

The hosts eventually found the equalizer on 49 minutes through Christine Sinclair, who lobbed the ball over Nnadozie after Onome Ebi was robbed of the ball off a pass from the Falcons keeper.

But in the 53rd minute the Falcons were back in front thanks to Ajibade after her intended cross ended inside the net.

Canada were close to grabbing an equalizer but Sinclair saw her strike come off the cross bar.

And on 88 minutes Canada’s persistence eventually paid off as Shelina Zadorsky’s header from a cross beat the brilliant Nnadozie to bring score to 2-2.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/friendly-canada-snatch-late-equalizer-to-force-super-falcons-to-2-2-draw/[b][/b]

Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti reckoned Victor Osimhen was not in best physical shape in Sunday’s defeat to Fiorentina at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, reports Completesports.com.

The Partenopei lost 3-2, a result which dented their chances of winning the scudetto this season. Osimhen picked up an injury in training in the build-up to the game, but was passed fit to take his place in the starting line-up.

The Nigeria international scored and bagged an assist in the game.

“Osimhen wasn’t in the best shape today, as he skipped a couple of training sessions. He did well, but could’ve done better in these physical duels with Igor,”Spalletti told DAZN.

The coach was asked if this defeat had changed the landscape of the Scudetto race.

“Of course things change, because clearly now it’s all more difficult. We have no choice other than to be professional, try to win the next game and see what happens. It is no longer in our hands.”

Napoli have lost six Serie A matches this season, five of them were at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. “They are all to be taken individually, I don’t see any recurring problem we can work on or blame.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/napoli-boss-spalletti-osimhen-was-not-at-his-best-against-fiorentina/