₦airaland Forum

Flying Eagles goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt is optimistic the team will beat South Africa in their semi-final clash at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

Nigeria and South Africa will meet in a heavyweight encounter at the Suez Canal Stadium, Ismailia on Thursday.

The Flying Eagles defeated holders Senegal 3-1 on penalties to get to this stage of the competition.

The Amajita beat Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in a fiercely contested quarter-final fixture.

The two teams will now look earn a place in the final after securing a berth at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Harcourt stated that the players will do their best to win the trophy.

“We were talking about the ticket to the World Cup before the start of the competition, now we have that,” the Sporting Lagos told the team’s media officer, Shariff Abdallah.

“Now, the main target is the trophy. I’m very sure we will win the trophy. We will prepare well for the game against South Africa.

“It’s a good team we have here, the South Africans too are good, but we do our best to win the game.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/2025-u-20-afcon-harcourt-upbeat-flying-eagles-will-beat-south-africa/

Barcelona sporting director Deco says the club won’t be too busy during the summer transfer window.

Despite Hansi Flick’s fine work on the pitch, issues remain off it with the club not yet out of the woods regarding their financial issues with a €100m hole reported in their accounts last year.

Speaking with ESPN, Deco stated that he doesn’t expect much business to be done at the Camp Nou.

“If we can improve, that’s always an option, but the key is to consolidate what we have for the coming years,” the Barcelona director told ESPN.

“Suddenly we feel quite dependent on Raphinha and Lamine. Maybe we need similar players, a solution for them (when they’re not available).”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/deco-barca-wont-be-busy-in-summer-transfer-window/

Genk forward Tolu Arokodare is full of excitement after winning the 2025 Ebony Shoe award, reports Completesports.com.

Arokodare was named winner of the award at an elaborate ceremony in Brussels on Monday night.

The 24-year-old beat Union Saint-Gillloise duo
Noah Sidiki and Promise David, his Genk teammate Zakaria El Ouahdi and compatriot Raphael Onyedika to the prestigious award.

“It’s a big pat on the back for me, confirmation that I played a special season. This is my price for that good performance”, the Nigeria international was quoted by Sporza.

“Yes, this is definitely my biggest prize yet. Although I hope that even bigger prices will arrive.

“I want to keep going higher and that could be in any competition. If I continue to work hard, I will have the opportunities I deserve. But I am happy that my name ends up in the history books.”

Arokodare has scored 22 goals and registered seven assists for Genk this season.

Former Super Eagles stars Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Celestine Babayaro, Godwin Okpara and Paul Onuachu were past winners of the award.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/my-biggest-prize-so-far-arokodare-celebrates-ebony-shoe-award/

Ruben Amorim admits he could leave as Manchester United manager with the Red Devils emulating form from when they were last relegated.

They may have booked their place in the Europa League final but Man United’s domestic misery continued with a 2-0 defeat to West Ham at Old Trafford.

The result sees Amorim’s men slip to a lowly 16th in the Premier League table with Man United losing 17 of their 36 league outings this term.

While relegation isn’t a danger this season, their form replicates that of the 1973/74 season – when Man United were last relegated from the top flight – with their 17th defeat the most league defeats they’ve suffered in a single campaign since they last went down.

Amorim succeeded Erik ten Hag as Red Devils boss in November, signing a two-and-a-half year deal, but admits his days at Old Trafford could be numbered sooner rather than later.

The Portuguese also suggested that their Europa League final date with Tottenham merely papers over the cracks on the bigger problems at the club.

“Everybody here has to think seriously about a lot of things,” Amorim told the BBC.

“Everybody is thinking about the [Europa League] final. The final is not the issue. We have bigger things to think about.

“I’m talking about myself and the culture in the club and the culture in the team. We need to change that.

“It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club.

“We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this.

“If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”

“To be honest with you, I’m not concerned about the final,” he said. “It’s by far the smallest problem in our club. We need to change something that is deeper than this.

“We are showing that in the end of this season that playing Premier League and Champions League for us is the moon, so we need to know that.

“I’m not concerned about the final. They (the players) will be focused and I don’t know what is best, if it’s playing Champions League or not. So, let’s think about Chelsea to improve a lot of things.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/amorim-hints-at-man-united-departure-over-poor-form/

Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana had his £350,000 Lamborghini Urus impounded for having no insurance.

The 29-year-old, who has made a string of gaffes this season, must now act quickly to get cover or the luxury motor could be crushed.

Police pulled over the vehicle at on Wednesday morning while one of his pals was at the wheel in Hale Barns, Gtr Manchester.

The car was flagged as uninsured on an ANPR camera before being loaded onto a transporter and taken to a police pound.

Cameroon international Onana has 14 days to prove he owns the Lambo and has insurance, otherwise it can be auctioned or destroyed.

A source said: “Onana has made a few errors this season and insuring his car properly seems to be the latest one.”

Onana signed for United from Inter Milan for £50million in 2023 and has made almost 100 appearances for the club, winning the FA Cup in his first season.

But he has come under the spotlight for a series of howlers.

His wife Melanie, 35, was robbed of a £62,000 Hermes handbag and a Rolex watch in March as she left an upmarket Italian restaurant in Cheshire. A man will stand trial later this year for robbery.

Onana is not the first United star to have a car impounded.

In 2021, then-midfielder Paul Pogba had his £300,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith seized as it had Monaco-registered plates.

The Frenchman was handed three points with a £220 fine and ordered to pay £85 costs at Tameside magistrates’ court.

He then racked up thousands more in storage fees for leaving the vehicle in the pound for months.

A car can be seized if an officer has grounds to believe the driver is uninsured or is not driving in accordance with their licence.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/onanas-350000-lamborghini-impounded-by-police/

Abia Warriors Head Coach, Imama Amapakabo, says that his side will approach each of their two remaining games in the 2024/2025 NPFL season as a cup final, in a bold effort to realise their first-ever CAF interclub competition ambition for next season, Completesports.com reports.

Abia Warriors currently sit third in the Premier League table with 57 points and will need to avoid defeat in their final two fixtures—against El-Kanemi Warriors (in Umuahia) and Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos—to secure a top-three finish.

Amapakabo, a former Nigeria junior international who won the 2015/2016 NPFL title with Rangers, previously had a managerial stint with Rwandan club Etoile de l’Est.

The 55-year-old tactician spoke after Abia Warriors were held to a 1–1 draw by Niger Tornadoes in a matchday 36 encounter at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, on Wednesday, 7 May 2025.

Asked whether the result was capable of stabilising his team’s push for a possible second or third-place finish—positions that could guarantee continental football next season—Amapakabo reiterated his team’s focus on taking each of the remaining matches as cup finals.

“NPFL is the only league in the world where all 20 teams dream of continental tickets. It doesn’t happen anywhere else,” Amapakabo said in a philosophical tone.

“When we started, nobody gave us a chance. But here we are with two games to go. Like I always say, every game is like a cup final for us. We’ll go home and play El-Kanemi Warriors.

“Thereafter, we’ll face Ikorodu City, which is our final game, and Abia Warriors are still in the mix. So, let’s see how it goes. We’ll continue to dig in and believe we can get the best possible result.

“I always tell my players—keep your heads up, run as fast as you can, and forget every other distraction.”

Abia Warriors absorbed relentless pressure from the hosts in the first half of Wednesday’s nail-biting contest on the bumpy surface of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/npfl-amapakabo-eyes-caf-berth-as-abia-warriors-treat-remaining-games-like-cup-finals/

Football has a way of making even the most seasoned fans feel the pressure, and for Nigerian music superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, it almost led to a health scare.

The Nigerian artist recounted how Manchester United defender Harry Maguire ruined his dinner invitation with Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.

According to Davido, Ronaldo had arranged an extravagant post-match experience, including a private dinner, a party, and “all the vibes” for the Afrobeats star and his entourage.
However, the evening took a sour turn when Manchester United suffered an unexpected loss.

Davido pointed the finger squarely at Harry Maguire, alleging the defender’s poor performance on the pitch was the catalyst for the defeat.

“Football ehn fit give person BP… I remember when CR7 personally invite me come watch match for Old Trafford then a couple of years ago … He don book dinner all! Party chillin etc …. Nah so dem go lose match, bab vex go house. Since that day I still never forgive Maguire.”

Read Also;https://www.completesports.com/davido-ill-never-forgive-maguire-for-ruining-my-dinner-with-ronaldo/

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has expressed satisfaction with the team’s stalemate against Crystal Palace.

Forest and Crystal Palace played out a 1-1 draw in their Premier League clash at the Selhurst Park on Monday night.

Winger Eberechi Eze gave the home team the lead from the penalty spot after the hour mark.

The visitors fought back four minutes later with centre-back Murillo netting the equaliser.

Palace were unlucky not to go home with maximum points with Eze hitting the woodwork afterwords.

“I think it’s a good point away from home. Tough to come here — they are a good side. And you know, with the level that we hit recently, a point is a good result,” Aina told Sky Sports.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have claimed just four points from their last five league games.

Aina said they will keep working hard to achieve their objective for the season.

“It just happens. This is football, sometimes it just doesn’t go your way,” he added.

“Unfortunately for us, it hasn’t gone our way recently but the hard work continues and we try to get three points every game but we couldn’t get that today.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/a-good-point-aina-reflects-on-forest-draw-with-crystal-palace/

AC Milan great Cafu has disclosed that ​the Ballon d’Or race is a two-way battle between Barcelona’s Raphinha and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

Recall that the Brazilian star has netted 31 goals and bagged 25 assists in all competitions, helping Barca to win the Copa del Rey. The team are also on the verge of winning the La Liga title and are in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

On the other hand, the Egyptian international has scored 33 goals and bagged 23 assists in all competitions, leading Liverpool to win the Premier League title this season.

However, the former Brazil captain insists it would be a two-man race between Raphinha and Salah but backs the Barcelona star to take the prize.

“I don’t see many players today who can compete with Raphinha, and I’d even say that between him and Mohamed Salah. I think they’re the two who will have a chance of winning the Ballon d’Or,” Cafu told the media.

“Raphinha has 31 goals and 25 assists. He’s broken Messi’s record in a team considered the best in the world today, full of stars. It’s the heart, the defining element, the one that makes Barcelona play.

“And I’m very happy that he’s a Brazilian, a Brazilian who’s been standing out. He’s the team captain at a great club like Barca.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/raphinha-will-rival-salah-for-ballon-dor-award-cafu/

Anthony Joshua is in talks over a potential investment into Sky Bet Championship club Watford.

Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight boxing champion is reported to have a net worth of around $83 million.

The 35-year-old was born in Watford and is well liked in the area.

Joshua has made huge investment in property in the London area.

He has now revealed an opportunity could yet arise, given his desire to continue to purchase valuable assets.

“We wanted to move into private equity, venture capital funds,”Joshua told Seconds Out.

“As you earn, naturally you want to save, so rather than me spending recklessly I’m trying to invest money into certain asset classes and that was an opportunity that presented itself.

“Nothing’s come of it yet. It’s a serious investment. If it comes off it’s one that should do well.

“If they went back to the Premier League then I’d need to get a shop on Market Street because the traffic that would be coming through Watford would be phenomena.

“I remember being on Market Street and watching the football fans.

“I’m not a massive football fan myself but watching the fans steamroll Market Street and steamroll Vicarage Road were real good scenes.

“If we don’t do it then good luck to them anyway because they’re a great team.”

Watford finished 14th in the just concluded Championship season.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/joshua-considers-huge-investment-in-watford/

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has expressed delight to have ended his three-month goal drought in the Blues’ 3-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday.

The England international netted a 95th minute penalty to secure a crucial three points for Chelsea as they took a major step towards qualification for next season’s Champions League.

Speaking with the club’s website, Palmer, who last scored for Chelsea in their 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on January 14, 2025, says he’s happy to have finally ended his 18-game goal drought.

“I felt normal. S— happens… sorry for my language! I went three months without scoring, but it just gives me more fight and motivation to do more for myself and for the team.

“Social media nowadays is full of idiots, the trolls, and whatever. I don’t pay any attention to that.

“I’ve scored today, and I’m happy, but it’s only one, and I’ve got to keep improving and try and reach new levels.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/palmer-i-feel-relieved-to-end-my-18-game-goal-drought/

Ifeanyi Anaemena has exclusively told Completesports.com that he’s exceedingly delighted with Remo Stars’ 2024/2025 NPFL title win, which has made him a three-time domestic top-flight champion.

Remo Stars defeated Niger Tornadoes 1–0 at their Ikenne home ground in a matchday 35 fixture to emerge winners of the 2024/2025 season, even with three games left to play.

“I’m very happy. It’s my third NPFL title win. First, I won it with Enyimba in the 2014/2015 season. I also won it with the People’s Elephant in the 2018/2019 season. And now with Remo Stars,” Anaemena said with joy.

Anaemena could have claimed a title with Rivers United on 25 June 2022, when they were crowned 2021/2022 champions. However, the 33-year-old defender did not complete the season with the Pride of Rivers, having travelled to Saudi Arabia where he signed for Al-Nahdah FC.

“This would have been my fourth league title—just that I travelled to Saudi Arabia before the season ended when Rivers United won it in 2022,” the towering centre-back said.

Reflecting on the match that crowned Remo Stars champions—a matchday 35 clash at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne—Anaemena admitted the fixture against Niger Tornadoes was predictably tough.

“We knew it was going to be tough. You know, playing against relegation-battling teams at this stage is always tough.

Remo Stars will travel to face El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri for this weekend’s matchday 36 fixture. After that, they will return to their Ikenne home ground for a matchday 37 fixture against Ikorodu City, during which the 2024/2025 NPFL title will be presented to them.

“That’s our last home game of the season and that’s when, traditionally, the trophy will be presented,” he said.

“And of course, there will be a guard of honour too.”

He disclosed that hard work, patience, and discipline were the key factors behind Remo Stars’ maiden NPFL title win.

Regarding their 2025/2026 CAF Champions League campaign, Anaemena said preparations would begin immediately after the current season to ensure they perform well in the continent’s elite club competition.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/npfl-anaemena-savours-third-title-after-historic-remo-stars-feat/

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker says his father’s death affected him psychologically due to their closeness.

Recall that Jose Becker passed away in tragic circumstances in 2021 after he drowned in a lake near his family home.

Global travel restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic led to Liverpool’s No. 1 attending the funeral virtually, which would have made his death even tougher to take.

Reacting to the development, Alisson told TribalFootball in an interview that his close relationship with his made his death more difficult to accept.

“When he died, it destroyed me. I could not even think about football. I had to keep remembering that I even played football, and that we were fighting for the Top 4,’ he wrote.

“It was even more complicated, because it was right in the middle of the pandemic, and the logistics of getting home were a nightmare.

“My wife was pregnant with our third child, and Covid was exploding again in Brazil. Her doctor said that it was risky for her to travel, so she had to stay in Liverpool with our kids. That was total anguish for her, because she loved my father so much.

“We always joked that he loved her the most. If we ever had a little disagreement in front of my father, he would always say, ‘I think Natalia is right. She was the daughter he never had. I was going to have to fly to Brazil alone.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/my-fathers-death-crushed-me-alisson/

Fulham, Crystal Palace and Everton are all interested in Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

The Nigeria international is available for £9m following Leicester City’s relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side relegation was confirmed following a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at the King Power Stadium two weeks ago.

Ndidi has a contract with the Foxes until 2027 but could be set for an earlier departure this summer.

Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ahli are also interested in the midfielder, according to talkSPORT but are yet to make an approach.

The Nigeria international joined Leicester City from Belgian Pro League side KRC Genk in January 2017.

Ndidi made his 300th appearance for the club in the 3-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.

He is an FA Cup, Community Shield and Championship title winner with Leicester.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/fulham-everton-crystal-palace-interested-in-ndidi/

Arsenal great Thierry Henry has advised Gunners manager Mikel Arteta to change his tactics against PSG in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals clash.

PSG won the first-leg last night in London 1-0 courtesy of Ousmane Dembele’s fourth minute goal.

In a chat with CBS Sports, Henry stated that Arteta must twist his tactics against PSG in Paris.

“There is another tie,” Henry said on CBS Sports Golazo. “You never know what’s gonna happen.

“PSG were far superior in this game, so a lot needs to be changed in order for Arsenal to make sure that they can beat PSG over in Paris. It’s going be a different ball game.

“But as soon as Dembele came off tonight, PSG dropped a bit more. It was easier for Arsenal to put pressure because Dembele wasn’t coming and getting the ball.

“But, yeah, like I said, you’re still in the tie. Anything can happen.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ucl-arteta-must-change-his-tactics-against-psg-henry/

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has tipped Barcelona to overcome Inter Milan in tomorrow’s Champions League semi-finals clash.

The Nigerian international made this known in an interview with UEFA’s UCL Off Pitch episode 3, where he said that Barca possess a far attacking threat than Inter Milan.

“It is tough because Inter are good, defensively they are very good. And Lautaro Martinez is a very good focal point. I am going to go Barcelona because the way they attack is scary.

“It is free-flowing football, very attacking. They got exciting wingers in Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, even players coming off the bench like Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo.

“Going forward they are very creative and an exciting team to watch. So any defense, it is going to be a problem for them to contain those players.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ucl-barca-will-overwhelm-inter-milan-iwobi/

Vojvodina coach Miroslav Tanjga has disclosed that former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is keen to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid boss.

The pair played together for three seasons at Mainz.

Speaking with Mozzart Sport, Tanjga stated that the Red Bull global football director is willing to manage Los Blancos if given the opportunity.

“What Klopp told me when he left Liverpool was that he had two wishes: to be coach of the national team and of Real Madrid. I don’t know if either of them will come true.

“He’s certainly one of the candidates for the Real Madrid job, but for now, this is all pure speculation. I also know that he never saw himself as the manager of any other English team except Liverpool.

“He doesn’t want to go to Serie A or France, and at some point, I think he’ll become the German national team coach.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/klopp-wants-to-coach-real-madrid-tanjga/

The battle to secure a place in the playoffs will take centre stage once again as the 2024/25 Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL, season enter its penultimate round on Wednesday (today).

Remo Stars and Nasarawa Amazons can secure a place in the season ending competition today.

Wemimo Matthew’s Remo Stars will be away to Abia Angels in a Group A fixture.

The visitors need just one point to clinch their maiden playoff berth.

Abia Angels have won five of six home fixtures this season.

Nasarawa Amazons will be up against holders Edo Queens at the Lafia City Stadium.

The home team can seal their passage to the playoff with a win.

Christopher Danjuma’s side are unbeaten at home this season, winning all six fixtures.

Edo Queens, who are unbeaten in the current campaign have collected five wins from six away games.

In Group B, FC Robo Queens need a win against Ibom Angels to remain in playoff contention ahead of final day showdown with Delta Queens.

The Lagos club have won twice on the road this term.

Former champions Delta Queens and Naija Ratels will clash in Asaba.

Both teams still have a chance of of making the playoff.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/nwfl-remo-stars-nasarawa-amazons-robo-queens-push-for-playoff-spot/

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been named Norwich City caretaker manager.

Wilshere will take charge of the Sky Bet Championship club following the sacking of Johannes Hoff Thorup.

Thorup’s number two, Glen Riddersholm has also left Carrow Road on Tuesday.

Wilshere, who was part of the coaching crew under Thorup will be assisted by Tony Roberts and Nick Stanley.

Norwich City have two games left in their Championship campaign.

Sporting director Ben Knapper said: “Whilst we made this appointment with a long-term focus and in line with our wider club strategy and direction, unfortunately recent results and performances have deemed it necessary for us make a change.

“I’d like to place on record our sincere thanks to Johannes and Glen. They are both fantastic people who worked tirelessly to help improve and move our football club forward.

“We all wish the two of them the best in the next stage of their respective careers.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/former-arsenal-midfielder-named-norwich-city-caretaker-manager/

Abia Warriors Head Coach, Imama Amapakabo, says his team’s emphatic 5-1 thrashing by Katsina United in Saturday’s NPFL matchday 34 clash is a “wake-up call” for his side, Completesports.com reports.

The top-three contenders suffered their worst defeat of the campaign at the hands of struggling Katsina United in a six-goal thriller at the Mohammed Bako Stadium.

Bello Lukman scored twice for Katsina United, while Mubarak Said, Nura Abdulbari, and Ahmed Taofeek also found the net for the Chanji Boys. Anthony Ijoma netted the consolation goal for Abia Warriors, taking his season tally to 11 goals.

The heavy defeat dropped Abia Warriors to fourth place, with Ikorodu City moving up to third on goal difference—both teams are tied on 53 points.

Amapakabo did not mince words in his post-match remarks, stating that it is not unusual for a team to concede five goals, especially when certain things are not done right during a game.

Recall that Ikorodu City had previously thrashed Katsina United 6-0 in a matchday 31 fixture on April 11.

“I think this 5-1 defeat by Katsina United today is a wake-up call for my team,” said Amapakabo, who led Enugu Rangers to the NPFL title in the 2015/2016 season.

“Wake-up call in the sense that it’s not over until it’s really over.

“With four games to go, like I always say, we just have to keep our heads firmly on our shoulders and work hard.”

Responding to questions on why his team collapsed unexpectedly, Amapakabo cited pitch conditions and weather as contributing factors.

“One of the things I always try to do as a human being, not just as a coach, is avoid making excuses for defeat. But there were a lot of things that went wrong today,” he said.

“Even the dustiness of the pitch was a factor, not to mention playing at 3 o’clock here in Katsina where we all know how harsh the weather can be. But would that have changed the outcome?

“The key thing is there are big lessons to take from this game.

“I’ll take it in and learn from it. Another thing is, my players coming to play on an astro-turf pitch in this kind of weather should have come with better boots.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/npfl-5-1-defeat-by-katsina-utd-a-wake-up-call-for-my-team-abia-warriors-coach-amapakabo/

Lyon winger Malick Fofana has admitted they made a critical mistake by easing up in Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Lyon were on the verge of qualifying for the semi-finals after coming from 2-0 down to lead 4-2 despite having a player sent off.

But late goals in second half of extra time from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire saw United stage a dramatic comeback to win the game 5-4 and advance 7-6 on aggregate.

Reacting after the disappointing defeat Fofana told French outlet Linternaute: “I think everyone is disappointed. I think we played a very good match. In the end, it wasn’t enough.

“I think we slacked off a bit and we paid dearly for it. The penalty hurt us, the [away] crowd pushed us.

“In the end, we have to be more demanding of ourselves. It’s the first time I’ve felt emotions like that and I’ll remember it for a long time.”

Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos has admitted that Arsenal were superior in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League second leg encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Arsenal recorded another win in their second visit at the Bernabeu after overcoming Madrid 2-1 to go through to the semi-finals 5-1 on aggregate.

After an early penalty miss, Bukayo Saka recovered to put Arsenal 1-0 up on 65 minutes.

Vinicius Junior equalised just two minutes after Saka’s goal before Gabriel Martinelli sealed the win with a 93rd minute goal.

Speaking after the defeat Ceballos, who was a former Arsenal player, mentioned every aspects in the game that Madrid were found wanting.

“We weren’t even close,” the 2020 FA Cup winner with Arsenal said. “We lacked football, we lacked intensity, we weren’t competitive, we didn’t win duels. Arsenal were superior.”

Up next for Arsenal is a semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain, whom they had beaten 2-0 at the Emirates during their first meeting this season.

The other semi-finals is between former Champions League winners Barcelona and Inter Milan.

Inter edged out Bayern 4-3 on aggregate after playing 2-2 against the Bundesliga giants in the second leg at the San Siro.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ucl-arsenal-were-superior-to-us-ceballos-admits/

The Nerazzuri went into the reverse fixture with a 2-1 advantage from the first leg.

Akwa United captain Jean Efala and head coach Kennedy Boboye have emerged winners of Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL , Player of the Month and Manager of the Month for March.

Efala, a goalkeeper kept four clean sheets in five matches during the period under review.

The Cameroonian beat his teammate Uche Sebastian, Liman Ahmadu of Sunshine Stars, Joseph Atule of Enyimba, Sunday Megwo of Abia Warriors and Samson Olasupo of Remo Stars to award.

Coach Boboye guided Akwa United to four wins and one draw in five matches in the month.

He beat off challenges from Rivers United coach Finidi George, Bayelsa United coach Ladan Bosso and Plateau United coach Mangut Mbwas to win the award.

It was the first time this season that a coach or player of Akwa United won the awardwhich is sponsored by League Bloggers Award, a platform that recognizes and celebrates outstanding performances in the NPFL.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/efala-boboye-win-npfl-player-coach-of-the-month-award/

Former Germany international Nils Petersen has disclosed that Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is currently having a bad spell in front of goal.

The Englishman faced heavy criticism from sections of the German media following Bayern’s 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

He also failed to get on the scoresheet during his side’s 2-1 Champions League quarter-final first-leg defeat to the Italians in midweek.

In a chat with Sky Germany, Petersen stated that Kane is experiencing a bit of a “form crisis” ahead of Bayern Munich’s crucial clash with Inter Milan.

“”Because he hasn’t been scoring in the last few weeks, you think about it for a second longer and say, ‘Oh, I hope it goes in now.’ Just that thought is difficult,” Petersen told Sky Germany.

“Kane is simply having a bad spell at the moment. He had some wonderful finishing moves yesterday (Saturday against Dortmund) and also against Inter.

“A goal with that quality has to come and he just doesn’t have it at the moment. He’s having a bit of a form crisis.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/petersen-kane-is-having-form-issue-at-bayern-munich/

Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has expressed optimism that Los Blancos will overturn their 3-goal deficit against Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg of the Champions League.

Declan Rice scored two freekicks before Mikel Merino added the third to secure a memorable win for Arsenal over Real Madrid on Tuesday night.

However, with a mountain to climb in the reverse fixture, Asencio told the club’s website that Real Madrid will turn the game around at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“If any team in the world can turn this around, it’s us. We have to give it 100% at the Bernabéu, we’ll need our fans behind us. The team is convinced we’ll come back.

“If any team in the world can turn this around, it’s us. We have to give it 100% at the Bernabéu, we’ll need our fans behind us. The team is convinced we’ll come back.

“A little bit of everything. It was a really tough game, things just didn’t go the way we’d worked on them. We’ll focus on the positives we can take from the game, we’ve got a week of hard work ahead to turn this around. We have to shake it off and pick the team up to come back.

“We’re frustrated, it didn’t go as we expected. We’re absolutely convinced we can turn it around. This is Real Madrid. Positive mentality, and we’ll go for it.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ucl-real-madrid-will-be-too-hot-for-arsenal-to-handle-at-santiago-bernabeu-asencio/

Arsenal defender William Saliba has lauded the home supporters for their massive support against Real Madrid in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners shocked Real Madrid 3-0 in the first-leg of their Champions League quarterfinal thanks two free-kicks from Declan Rice and Mikel Merino’s goal.

Speaking with the club’s website, the France international stated that the fans gave the players lots of confidence against Real Madrid.

“Even when we were in the coach, just before going to the stadium, we saw the fans, there were a lot of them.

“It gave us a lot of confidence when you have your fans behind you like this especially in this big game in the Champions League, you have to be good.

“It’s because of them, we played so well, they pushed us, and we did well.”

He added: “Big night, big game, good atmosphere and a big win. We are so proud to win today in front of our fans, against a big team. It was a perfect night – we have to keep going like this and go there and win the game again.

“When we keep a clean sheet, we are so proud. We are happy, the whole backline did a really good job today.

“We have to be proud of all the team, every player who came in, every player who started the game was so good. We have to be proud, and we have to take this game for the next game to do the same.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ucl-arsenal-home-fans-made-huge-difference-vs-real-madrid-saliba/

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has disclosed that Lyon can’t stand in the way of the Red Devils in their quest to win the Europa League title.

Onana stated this ahead of Thursday’s Europa League first-leg quarter-final clash against Lyon at the Groupama Stadium.

In a chat with the club’s website, Onana stated that Man United must approach the game with a winning mentality.

“We all know the importance of this game, we will go there with the winning mentality.

“We have to go there and show who we are. If we are focused, stay compact and together and follow the game plan we will be winning the game. Of course, it’s not going to be easy but I think we are way better than them.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/onana-lyon-cant-stop-man-uniteds-quest-for-europa-league-title/

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes paid homage to Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne following their final Manchester derby meeting on Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford.

De Bruyne announced on Friday that he will be leaving City at the end of this season following ten highly successful years at the club.

He joined the Blues from Wolfsburg in 2015 and has made north of 400 appearances, winning 16 major honours in the process.

Sunday’s stalemate in M16 marked the Belgian’s final taste of an all-Manchester affair before exiting the club at the end of this season.

And for fellow playmaker Fernandes, De Bruyne will leave the Premier League having made the division “better”, admitting he has secured his place in Premier League history.

“De Bruyne made the Premier League better,” Fernandes told Sky Sports (via Manchester Evening News). “If City is where he is, and Man United hasn’t won many trophies in this period it’s because of Kevin De Bruyne, and he deserves all the credit.

“He’s done fantastic. Ten years in the Premier League is a lot. They have decided to part ways. I don’t know from which side, but Kevin keeps being world-class, and it was a pleasure to to watch him so close. It was a pleasure to play against him.

“He’s going to stay in the history of the Premier League, not only of Man City.”

The City ace, who will turn 34 in June, has scored four goals and registered seven assists for Blues this season.

He has been directly involved in more than 270 goals throughout his City career.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/de-bruyne-reason-man-united-have-not-won-lots-of-trophies-this-period-fernandes/

Marcus Rashford will have to consider taking a wage drop if he is to seal a permanent move to Aston Villa, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (31 March) that Villa face paying £130million over five years in wages and transfer fee if they sign Rashford at his current £350,000-a-week salary.

The 27-year-old is currently on loan with the Midlands giants – who negotiated the option to buy him from Man United for £40million.

Rashford’s current wage would break the salary structure at Aston Villa – but the player is keen to play regularly away from Old Trafford and will have to consider dropping his demands.

Villa could also follow in the footsteps of Chelsea and Man City by handing the England international a longer-term contract to spread the cost.

Rashford, 27, opened his account for Unai Emery’s side with a brace in the 3-0 win over Preston in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday (30 March).

He has also contributed four assists in 10 appearances for Villa, who are currently covering the majority of his wage while the forward is on loan.

Emery has insisted he doesn’t want to “waste time” talking about the potential for Rashford to stay with a lot still to play for before the summer transfer window opens.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/rashford-to-consider-pay-cut-to-seal-aston-villa-permanent-move/

Leicester have broken the Premier League record for conceding the first goal on 25 occasions out of their opening 30 matches, talkSPORT reports.

The Foxes fell behind to champions Manchester City after just four minutes on Wednesday night in their 2-0 away defeat.

And it was Jack Grealish that broke the deadlock – his first Premier League goal since the Citizens’ 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in December 2023.

The England international was picked out by Savinho from 12 yards out, with Grealish firing into the bottom left corner.

Things got worse for Leicester in the 29th minute at the Etihad after Omar Marmoush doubled the hosts’ lead.

The Egyptian – signed during the January transfer window – smashed in from close range following an error from goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.

For Leicester, it’s now a record-extending 37 goals shipped in from a Premier League side on the road this campaign.

The 2015/16 top-flight champions remain the only side in the division to fail to keep a clean sheet away from home.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/leicester-break-unwanted-premier-league-record-in-2-0-loss-to-man-city/

Former Cyrstal Palace owner Simon Jordan believes Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is playing good football under Aston manager Unai Emery.

Recall that Rashford netted a brace to help Villa overcome Preston North End in the FA Cup at the weekend.

Reacting to Rashford’s display, Jordan told the White and Jordan show that the England international is enjoying the best of football under Emery than Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

“The player took it upon himself to announce to the world via his PR representative Henry Winter that he wasn’t very happy at Man United and wanted a new opportunity,” Jordan told the White and Jordan show.

“So you’ve got a manager now that’s going ‘Right, I’ve come in mid-season, I’m shaking it up a little bit, I’ve got problems. What I need is everyone alongside me. I don’t need him going and doing what he wants to do, which is going and having an interview with the media to impart his particular brand of wisdom’.

“I could have bet you, and in fact I did, any money in the world that would see Rashford come alive for Villa. Fantastic. Wait until Villa have got to write a cheque out. I think Villa are too canny and too wise to fall into this trap.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/rashford-playing-good-football-under-emery-at-aston-villa-jordan/