₦airaland Forum

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has urged the Gunners to sign Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane in the summer.

Kane left English football in the summer of 2023 when he joined Bayern Munich in an initial £82 million deal, and he’s continued to lay claim to being one of Europe’s deadliest frontmen with 72 goals in 73 games at the Allianz Arena.

The 31-year-old won the European Golden Boot last season but failed to get his hands on the Bundesliga title.

Arsenal are experiencing problems in attack amid a glaring lack of a proven goalscorer in Mikel Arteta’s squad that has plagued them during their Premier League title race with Liverpool.

Kai Havertz is the Gunners’ top scorer in the top flight with nine goals in 21 games, and many were surprised a new forward didn’t arrive at the Emirates during the January transfer window.

Merson gave his thoughts on Arsenal’s current dilemma regarding a poor run in front of goal, and he told his former club to turn to Kane.

Merson suggested that the prolific forward may be persuaded to join the Gunners over Spurs because he’ll have a ‘better chance’ of breaking Alan Shearer’s Premier League goalscoring record of 260 goals if he were to move to the Emirates.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ex-arsenal-star-urges-arteta-to-sign-kane/

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has said he would consider pairing Victor Boniface and Patrick Schick in attack more often.

The two strikers played upfront in Die Werkself’s 3-2 DFB Pokal victory over FC Cologne on Wednesday night.

It was the first time the duo will play together this season.

Schick scored Leverkusen’s second goal deep into stoppage time.

Boniface took the place of Exequiel Alejandro Palacios in the 76th minute.

The Nigeria international then fired home the winning goal in extra time.

Asked after the game whether the two strikers could play more often, Alonso responded: “Yes, that’s an option. We decide what we need every game and if we think that they can link up and understand what the team needs, it’s an option.”

Bayer Leverkusen will be away to Wolfsburg in a league game on Sunday.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/alonso-considers-boniface-schicks-partnership/

Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika, and KRC Genk forward Tolu Arokodare have both been named in the Belgian League Golden X1 for 2024.

Champions Club Brugge have eight players including Onyedika in the selection.

The defensive midfielder played a key role in Nicky Hayen’s side title success last season.

The 23-year-old scored three goals in 30 league appearances during that campaign.

He has netted once in 20 league appearances this term.

Striker Arokodare has also been in blistering form for leaders Genk.

The 24-year-old has registered 14 goals in 24 league outings for the Smurfs in the current campaign.

He is currently the top scorer in the Belgian top-flight.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/onyedika-arokodare-named-in-belgian-league-team-of-the-year/

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has said Arsenal need a proper number nine for captain Martin Odegaard to shine.

The Gunners failed to make any signing during the January transfer window especially a striker.

Mikel Arteta’s side have been without Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus with Kai Havertz saddled with the task of filling in.

The United former midfield star is lacking a proper forward.

“Imagine Ødegaard with a centre forward, though. With a proper centre forward. Martin Ødegaard is a brilliant player, he can put a ball anywhere he wants. He hasn’t got that in front of him, a No. 10 needs that in front of him.

“I don’t think Kai Havertz is that type of player, even though he might make the odd run here and there. You’re thinking Isak or Duran, the lad from Villa, if he had that in front of him, it makes him become a better player as well because he’s move involved with goals.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/arsenal-need-a-proper-no-9-for-odegaard-to-shine/

English-born Nigerian footballer Jordan Chiedozie is currently battling for his life after being hit by a car while trying to fix a flat tyre on the M27.

The 30-year-old who plays for Bashley FC in the Southern League I, was traveling back from the weekend defeat at Tavistock with club physio Reighan Taylor when they sustained a flat tyre on the M27.

It’s understood that both people were standing outside the Volkswagen Golf before it was struck “heavily” from behind by a Mercedes SLK.

Jordan was taken to Southampton Hospital, suffering multiple broken bones and other physical injuries. At this time he remains in a controlled coma.

According to the club’s statement: “Everyone at the club is completely stunned by what happened, and our thoughts at the moment are far more with Jordan and his family, and with Reighan, than they are with football.

“Jordan’s team-mates are understandingly in bits and I am certain would not want to play so soon after this terrible accident, and in such circumstances I would certainly not want to give a team-talk. Therefore we have applied for Tuesday’s match to be postponed.

“We are in close touch with Jordan’s immediate family, and will do all that we can to support them at this awful time.”

Bashley FC chairman Steve Lewis added: “Our Bashley football family are heartbroken by this news and still trying to come to terms with the tragic events that occurred after our game on Saturday.

“We are all together in wishing Jordan and Reighan the deepest of love and well wishes”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/english-born-nigerian-footballer-in-critical-condition-after-being-hit-by-car-on-motorway/

Sky Bet Championship club Sheffield United have completed the signing of winger Christian Nwachukwu.

The Blades signed the Nigerian from Bulgarian club, Botev Plodiv.

The 19-year-old penned a deal until 2027, with a two-year option.

The transfer is subject to relevant documentation being lodged and approved.

Manager Chris Wilder said: “Christian joins the club after being identified through our new data driven transfer strategy.

“We are discovering something new here and it may take time before we see some results, but we’re open to the new methods and we’re looking forward to working with Christian, and others, to see how far we can go with it.”

Nwachukwu is looking forward to linking up with his new teammates.

“I’m looking forward to coming to Sheffield to play for United and continue my development, I look forward to meeting the lads and getting started,” he declared.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/done-deal-nigerian-winger-joins-sheffield-united/

Marcus Rashford has joined Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season.

Villa confirmed Rashford signing on their X handle.

“Aston Villa is delighted to announce the loan signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United,” Villa announced.

According to Sky Sports News Villa will cover at least 75 per cent of Rashford’s wages which could go up to 90 per cent depending on his and the team’s performance.

Speaking after completing his move, Rashford said:”I would like to thank Manchester United and Aston Villa for making this loan deal happen.

“I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me but Aston Villa was an easy decision – I really admire the way that Aston Villa have been playing this season, and the manager’s ambitions.

“I just want to play football and am excited to get started. I wish everyone at Manchester United all the best for the rest of the season.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/done-deal-rashford-completes-loan-move-to-aston-villa/

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has claimed the club did not pay much attention on the UEFA Champions League as they find themselves on the brink of elimination from the competition.

Even though City have made improvements in the Premier League following an unusual poor run of form , they are still having trouble in Europe and are outside the play-off spots going into their last group game.

Gvardiol claimed that the Citizens should never have found themselves in their present position on the table.

“We need to win,” Gvardiol told TNT Sports.

“The good thing is that we play at home. At the moment it is a final game for us in the Champions League and I think we’re going to give everything on the pitch to achieve that and qualify for the knockout stage.

“The thing is that we didn’t think earlier about getting more points in the Champions League, we were more focused on the Premier League and the cups, so now we are in the current situation.

“We need to find a way out and I think we are going to manage that.”

The Premier League giants will host Belgian Pro League side, Club Brugge side, who are unbeaten in 20 matches across all competitions on Wednesday (today) at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s side, who currently occupy 25th position on the table must beat the visitors to secure a place in the knockout round.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/gvardiol-explains-reason-for-man-citys-champions-league-struggles/

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui, says he’s optimistic the team can win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.

Recall that the Atlas Lions are drawn in Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros.

Speaking after the draw with Cafonline, Regragui stated that his ambition is to lift the trophy on home soil regardless of the pressure.

“Of course, there is additional pressure, but we’re not going to hide from it,” he stated.

“This pressure is not just on me as the coach but also on the players. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s one we accept with pride.”

“There are supporters who have dreamed of this trophy staying in Morocco since 1976,” Regragui noted.

“The sacred union between the team and the fans will be crucial. This pressure must be positive, and even if it becomes negative, we’ll handle it. We are highly motivated and have all the conditions to have a great tournament.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/morocco-can-win-afcon-2025-on-home-soil-regragui/

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play all their group stage games at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the 45,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès, Fès.

Fès is a city in the North Eastern part of Morocco.

Eric Chelle’s men will open their campaign against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on Tuesday, December 23.

It will be second-ever meeting between both countries at the AFCON finals.

Their only meeting was at the 1980 edition of the AFCON which ended 3-1 in favour of Nigeria.

The Super Eagles will do battle with the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in their next game four days later.

Tunisia eliminated the three-time champions in the Round of 16 at AFCON 2021.

Nigeria’s final group game against the Cranes of Uganda is slated for Tuesday, December 30.

The West Africans only match against Uganda at the AFCON was a semi-final loss at the Kumasi Stadium in 1978.

The top two teams from the six groups along with four third best teams will advance to the knockout rounds of the competition.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2025-super-eagles-to-play-group-games-in-fez/

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play all their group stage games at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the 45,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès, Fès.

Fès is a city in the North Eastern part of Morocco.

Eric Chelle’s men will open their campaign against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on Tuesday, December 23.

It will be second-ever meeting between both countries at the AFCON finals.

Their only meeting was at the 1980 edition of the AFCON which ended 3-1 in favour of Nigeria.

The Super Eagles will do battle with the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in their next game four days later.

Tunisia eliminated the three-time champions in the Round of 16 at AFCON 2021.

Nigeria’s final group game against the Cranes of Uganda is slated for Tuesday, December 30.

The West Africans only match against Uganda at the AFCON was a semi-final loss at the Kumasi Stadium in 1978.

The top two teams from the six groups along with four third best teams will advance to the knockout rounds of the competition.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2025-super-eagles-to-play-group-games-in-fez/

Daniel Amokachi, Technical Adviser of Lobi Stars of Makurdi, has revealed that but for Emmanuel Amuneke’s late-night intervention, he would have resigned as head coach of the NPFL side, Completesports.com reports.

Amokachi spoke after his team’s 1-0 defeat to Heartland FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, in Sunday’s NPFL Matchday 20 fixture.

New signing John Bassey, making his debut for Heartland following a winter loan move from Bayelsa United, scored the decisive goal 13 minutes after the break. The hosts defended resolutely, battling fiercely to maintain their lead until the final whistle.

Amokachi admitted he had been frustrated by developments around the Lobi Stars team, which nearly pushed him to quit. However, a midnight phone conversation with former African Player of the Year Emmanuel Amuneke convinced him to stay.

“There were speculations before Christmas that I was given an ultimatum by Lobi Stars management, but that’s false. I wasn’t issued any ultimatum,” Amokachi clarified.

“After the last game of the first round of the season against Heartland, I almost stepped down as head coach of Lobi Stars. I was upset, not at the team itself, but at certain things happening around us.

“Emmanuel Amuneke heard about it and called me at midnight. We talked for nearly an hour, and his encouragement gave me a new perspective. That’s why I’m still here. He gave me so much positivity about the league and the future, and I’m truly grateful for that,” Amokachi said.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/npfl-amuneke-talked-me-out-of-quitting-lobi-stars-job-amokachi/

Rangers International FC have completed the signing of former Super Eagles striker, Michael Uchebo, ahead of the resumption of the second stanza of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) this weekend, Completesports.com reports.

Uchebo, 34, earned five caps for the Super Eagles and featured at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He also represented Nigeria at the U-20 level with the Flying Eagles.

The towering striker last played in Europe for Boavista in Portugal, a move he secured shortly after the 2014 World Cup. Before then, he starred for VVV Venlo in the Netherlands and Cercle Brugge in Belgium. He played for Rangers International from 2008 to 2009 before sojourning overseas.

“Uchebo was initially set to sign for us in 2017 for our CAF Champions League campaign when he returned from Europe. Now, he will be part of the team as the second round of the league kicks off this weekend,” a Rangers official, who requested anonymity, told Completesports.com on Thursday.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/npfl-former-eagles-striker-uchebo-returns-to-rangers-to-bolster-title-ambition/

Manchester City Pep Guardiola admitted he anticipated a difficult clash with Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League.

Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland both scored early in the second half to give City a 2-0 lead.

However, Ousmane Dembele pulled one back and Bradley Barcola equalised on the hour mark for PSG, who then went in front through a Joao Neves header on 78 minutes.

Then in stoppage time the game was wrapped up when Goncalo Ramos got their fourth goal.

Reflecting on the defeat Guardiola stated that his side “could not cope” with PSG, leaving their Champions League hopes on the brink.

“They were better. We have to accept it, We have the last chance at home against Brugges. We will do everything there and if we don’t it is because we don’t deserve it,” Guardiola told reporters after the match at the Parc des Princes.

“I knew it would be tough. PSG is an exceptional team. We could not cope.”

PSG move above City in the standings, leaving Guardiola’s team 25th out of 36 teams with eight points from seven games

Only the top 24 qualify for the knockout phase, but City host Club Brugge in their final league phase fixture next Wednesday and a win should suffice for the 2023 European champions to progress to the play-off round.

Before that City host Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday in a key game in the fight for a top-four finish domestically.

“Now we have to prepare for a tough game against Chelsea and of course the final against Brugges. Try to move forward. I know the players gave everything.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ucl-i-knew-it-would-be-tough-against-psg-guardiola/

Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah has confirmed that he will be extending his deal with the Reds.

Recall that the Egyptian has been very coy about his future in recent weeks and admitted he may be leaving.

Speaking after the team’s 2-1 win over Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday, Salah in a chat with Amazon Prime, stated that he’s delighted with the progress and achievement of the team.

“I think the manager will speak about it so we’ll see. When you want to win a big tournament you need a big squad.

“We have good talent, players working very hard, the manager also has a good idea so we just have to give it a try and we’ll see.”

Asked about scoring another 50 goals for Liverpool, Salah added: “I’m not sure about that, but I’ll give it my best.”

He continued: “They had a really good gameplan and have been unbeaten for 21 games so quite a tough team. We give them credit but I’m glad we managed to win the win.

“We recovered the ball from them, Curtis passed the pass very well and I managed to score. They went for the counter attack and managed to score. Little bit disappointed about it because the clean sheet is very important.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/salah-ill-sign-a-new-deal-with-liverpool/

Manchester City are on the verge of completing a deal with Real Valladolid for the centre-back Juma Bah.

This was revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on his X.

According to the Italian journalist, the 18-ywar-old will then be loaned out to Lens until the end of the season.

City anticipate Inter and Fenerbahçe as they’ve agreed terms with Bah.

If Bah’s deal goes through he would be City’s third signing in the January transfer window.

The Premier League champions have already acquired Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov from RC Lens.

They followed that up with the signing of Brazilian defender Vitor Reis from Palmeiras.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/man-city-set-to-make-third-january-signing/

The National Sports Commission, NSC, has announced the composition of its Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board with former Nigerian international Yusuf Ali as the board’s Chief Executive Office , CEO.

The 13 member committee will also have Prof. Ken Anugweje as Adviser and Member. Other members of the committee include Dr Emmanuel Igbinosa, Salihu Abubakar, Aku Aghazu, Tunde Adelakun and Prof. Sadiq Abdulahi.

The Committee also has former Olympian Mary Onyali, Hauwa Kulu Akinyemi, Sunday Odebode and Olalekan Alabi as members while Bamiduro Olumide will serve as Secretary.

According to the DG, “All the members of the committee were carefully selected for their expertise and wealth of experience to help ensure Nigeria has a sustainable podium success at International competitions with a scientific reward system.

” And this is one of the innovations of the Commission under the Chairmanship of Mallam Shehu Dikko so that the issues of Athletes Welfare and Training Grants are professionally managed henceforth”.

” What we have done now is to ensure that there is a sustainable system that will empower potential athletes that will be on the Podium for the Country and this is one of many initiatives that the Commission will be rolling out under the Renewed Hope Initiative initiative for Nigerian Sports Economy”, he added.

Read Also:” https://www.completesports.com/nsc-appoints-yusuf-ali-ceo-elite-athletes-development-board/

Brentford are closing in on a deal with Fiorentina for their Italy-born Nigerian defender Michael Kayode.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, negotiations are at the final stages.

“Brentford are closing in on Michael Kayode deal with Fiorentina,” Romano wrote on X.

“Negotiations at final stages after player’s green light, key details being clarified in club to club talks.”

Kayode was one of Fiorentina’s revelations last season when he made 26 Serie A appearances.

However, the 20-year-old has struggled to get as much playing time since head coach Raffaele Palladino’s arrival, with Dodo considered the first-choice option in his position.

As a result, Fiorentina were open to starting negotiations with Brentford.

According to Violanews (via Football Italia), Brentford would like to sign Kayode on a paid loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.

the deal, allowing Fiorentina to bring Kayode back to the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Born in Borgomanero, Italy, Kayode started his youth career at Juventus, where he remained for seven years until 2018.

He played the 2020–21 season with Serie D club Gozzano, scoring two goals and two assists in 34 matches, and gained promotion to Serie C.

In 2021, he joined Fiorentina after his spell in Serie D and was integrated into their youth sector.

With Fiorentina, he won one Coppa Italia Primavera and one Supercoppa Italiana Primavera.

Also he has represented Italy at U-18, U-19 and U-21s

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/brentford-closing-in-on-deal-for-nigerian-defender/

Ola Aina got a very good rating after helping Nottingham Forest to a hard-fought win against Southampton in Sunday’s Premier League game.

Aina continued his impressive performance for Champions League-chasing Forest who have now gone eight games without defeat in the league.

The Super Eagles star marked his performance with a brilliant stoppage time goal-line clearance to prevent Southampton from making it 3-3.

Following his display Sky Sport rated Aina seven out of 10.

Forest survived a late scare to move level on points with Arsenal in second with the win against strugglers Southampton.

Only goal difference separates the two teams following another crucial win for Forest, who hung on after conceding a second in injury time.

Two stunning first-half finishes from Elliot Anderson and Callum Hudson-Odoi, before Chris Wood helped himself to his 14th goal of the season, looked to have put Forest in the driving seat until a frantic final 30 minutes.

Jan Bednarek guided Lesley Ugochukwu’s shot over the head of Matz Sels in the 60th minute and the deficit was then reduced to just one goal after Paul Onuachu climbed off the bench to net a second in injury time.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/aina-gets-very-good-rating-in-forests-nervy-wn-against-struggling-southampton/

Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy says the team will do everything to ensure that they fight their way out of the relegation position.

The Foxes have seen much of their promotion optimism evaporate in recent months.

As they battle to avoid the drop under boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, Vardy told TNT Sports after a 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace that they had to improve.

“I’m not sure. I don’t know if it’s mental or physical. I think we’ll look back and try to dissect it all. It’s disappointing. We don’t want to be in this situation. We need to be doing it for 90 minutes, 45 isn’t enough.

“We’ve not been with the gaffer that long and we’re getting better and better with how he wants us to play. We need to do it for the full 90 and everything clicks.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/leicester-city-must-find-way-out-of-relegation-scrap-vardy/

“There’s always confidence but we’ve not been able to get those results. Football is a results business. We’ve not got the result we wanted tonight but it’s a quick turnaround.”

The Confederation of African Football,CAF, has unveiled a new logo and trophy for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The new look for the tournament brings a fresh identity and emphasises its deep-rooted connections to African football and culture.

It comes with a new CHAN 2024 trophy that features a sleek, contemporary design, combining gold and silver elements, representing the prestige and growing stature of the tournament.

A significant detail is the 54 distinct lines encircling the trophy, symbolizing the 54 African nations united with a map of the continent at its core.

This element underscores the championship’s celebration of diversity and unity across the continent. Each line represents the foundation of African football, a pathway carved by our passion and skill, a tribute to our players and our dreams.

The new trophy stands as a powerful symbol of African football’s ongoing progress and our shared passion for the game.

The draw for the biennial competition will hold at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi on Wednesday (today).

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/chan-2024-caf-unveils-new-logo-trophy/

Fulham star Alex Iwobi is now the second Nigerian with the highest number of appearance in the English Premier League.

Iwobi achieved the feat in Marco Silva’s side 3-2 defeat to West Ham United at the London Stadium on Tuesday.

It was the 28-year-old’s 274th appearance in the English top-flight.

The versatile midfielder moved ahead of Nwankwo Kanu into second position.

Iwobi was previously tied on 273 with the two-time African Footballer of the Year.

Former Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi top the chart with 293 appearances.

Iwobi started his career at Arsenal where he made 100 league appearances, before switching to Everton.

He featured in 123 league games for the Merseyside club.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/iwobi-makes-history-in-fulhams-defeat-to-west-ham/

Soccer is always exciting, but some matches are just extra special. Big rivalries and clashes between top European teams get everyone talking.

January is packed with thrilling games that promise all the drama we love. If you’re ready to watch some great soccer and place a soccer bet or two, here are five must-watch matches this month.

Borussia Dortmund vs Bayer Leverkusen (January 10, Bundesliga)
Get ready for a classic Bundesliga clash as Borussia Dortmund faces Bayer Leverkusen. These teams have a history of battling it out, and this game will be no different.

Current Form
Dortmund has had a rocky start to the season but is still one of the most exciting teams in Germany. They’re aiming for a spot in the top four. Leverkusen is having a strong season, though. They could give Dortmund a tough time with their fast counterattacks and high-pressing style.

Key Players
Dortmund will rely on their quick forwards to score goals. Leverkusen will try to control midfield and create chances from the wings.

This game will be full of energy, and it could be crucial in the race for European spots.

Borussia Mönchengladbach vs Bayern Munich (January 11, Bundesliga)
Bayern Munich is usually the team everyone has to beat, but Borussia Mönchengladbach is one of the few teams that can challenge them.

Current Form:
Bayern Munich is leading the Bundesliga, as always, with stars like Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sané. But they’ve had a few tough moments this season, and M’Gladbach will try to take advantage of that. But M’Gladbach has managed to surprise Bayern before with their quick counter-attacks. They’ll try to frustrate Bayern’s possession-heavy style.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/5-high-profile-matches-to-follow-in-january-2025/

Falconets forward Chiamaka Okwuchukwu has linked up with National Women’s Soccer League, NWSL outfit, San Diego Wave.

The youngster moved to the Waves from former Nigerian champions Rivers Angels.

The transfer fee was however not disclosed by both clubs.

Okwuchukwu signed a one-year contract through 2025.

The 19-year-old will be added to the Wave’s 2025 roster pending a medical and receipt of her International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa.

“We are very pleased to welcome Chiamaka to the Wave family,” said San Diego Wave FC Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton.

“Her signing is the latest example of our intention to add promising young players to the roster. With her skillset, we believe Chiamaka will complement our current attacking players very well and be a key contributor to the team.”

Okwuchukwu caught the eye at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

She played in all of Falconets four matches, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/done-deal-falconets-forward-joins-nwsl-club-san-diego-wave/

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has praised the duo of Matthijs De Ligt and Harry Maguire for their impressive display against Arsenal in Sunday’s FA Cup.

Recall that the Red Devils battled hard to earn a spot in the FA Cup fourth round, beating Arsenal on penalties.

Speaking after the game, Shearer told BBC that the Red Devils backline and goalleeper Altay Bayindir had a wonderful performance.

“He holds his nerve, he doesn’t blink first,” Shearer said on BBC about United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

“It was a three-way tie between him and (Matthijs) De Ligt and (Harry) Maguire who I thought were also superb but just because of his penalty save, I thought I would give it to him (the man of the match award).

“When you get given an opportunity, you have to take it and he took it today.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/fa-cup-maguire-de-ligt-superb-against-arsenal-shearer/

Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has been voted December 2024’s Barclays Manager of the Month.

The Premier League announced Espirito Santo as the winner in a statement on Friday.

Nuno wins the award for the second time in three months and for the sixth time overall in his Premier League career.

The Portuguese took Forest to second in the Premier League table for the first time since 1994, with five wins from six December matches, including three consecutive clean sheets to end the month.

Only nine managers in Premier League history have won the award more times than Nuno, who joins Sam Allardyce and Sir Bobby Robson on six wins.

Nuno has now claimed it with Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2018, June 2020 and October 2020, with Tottenham Hotspur in August 2021, and now Forest in October and December 2024.

Speaking after the receiving the award, he said:”I have to thank the players who go out there and give their all for this club. Ultimately, this is recognition for their performances.

“We also have to thank everyone at the club and the support add ambition they show, starting with our owner, Mr Marinakis, all the way through to every member of staff. And finally, we cannot thank our fans enough for their magnificent support.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/espirito-santo-wins-epl-manager-of-the-month-award-for-december/

Despite playing for Paris Saint-Germain Brazilian star Neymar has said that the Saudi League is superior to that of the French Ligue 1.

Neymar’s comment comes just one month after Cristiano Ronaldo also claimed that the Ligue 1 is not superior to the Saudi league.

“Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course. France only has Paris Saint-Germain. The rest are finished,” Ronaldo said at the Glove Soccer Award.

The Brazilian did not hold back and supported CR7’s statement, clarifying that the league they both play in on Asian ground is indeed more outstanding than the competition in France.

“The level of the Saudi Pro League is increasing and, from what I see, it’s better than Ligue 1,” Neymar told CNN.

“Ligue 1 has its positives. The league is very strong. I played in it, so I know this well. Today, the players in the Saudi Pro League are better.”

Neymar joined the Riyadh-based SPL outfit Al-Hilal after being told he was not part of Luis Enrique’s plans at PSG, which received an eye-watering €90m transfer fee given the Brazil international was still under contract with PSG until 2026.

During his time at PSG, Neymar featured in 173 matches, scored 118 goals and providing 77 assists.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/neymar-backs-ronaldo-rates-saudi-league-higher-than-ligue-1/

Super Falcons midfielder, Deborah Abiodun has completed a move to National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) outfit Washington Spirit.

Abiodun joined Washington Spirit from Pittsburgh Panthers.

The 21-year-old put pen to paper on a three-year contract with the option of one more season.

The Nigerian spent two seasons at Pitt where she scored 10 goals and registered three assists in 34 appearances.

Abiodun was named to the All-ACC teams in both seasons.

In 2023, Abiodun was named to the all-conference Freshman and Third teams while she earned Second Team All-ACC honors in 2024.

“I’m beyond thrilled to take this next step in my career by joining Washington Spirit,” she told the club’s official website.

“This isn’t just a dream; it’s a purpose I’ve poured my heart and soul into and I’m ready to give everything I have to the game I love. Especially with a team that cares about its players’ growth and development, which makes Washington Spirit a perfect team for me to achieve my purpose.”

Abiodun was part of Super Falcons squad to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/done-deal-super-falcons-midfielder-joins-nwsl-club-washington-spirit/

La Liga giants Barcelona are reportedly interested Son Heung-min on a free transfer.

Son is set to see his contract at Tottenham Hotspur expire at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old is in the final year of his deal at Spurs having signed his last extension in 2021.

He is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs now the January transfer window has opened.

Now according to Spanish publication El Nacional, one club that is keen on striking a deal with the forward is Barcelona.

The report claims he is not the only player the club is targeting on a free transfer.

The likes of Bayern Munich pair Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane are also on the list.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah is also a target for Barcelona.

Hansi Flick’s side are looking at free transfers having struggled with financial issues in recent years.

Son is the current captain at Tottenham but has not been at his best this season.

In the Premier League, he has scored five goals in his 17 appearances.

The South Korean star was left out of the starting eleven in the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday due to fatigue.

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Shooting Stars goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal has said the Oluyole Warriors will be ready to challenge for the title in the second half of the season.

Gbenga Ogunbote’s side defeated Kwara United 1-0 in their last game of the first stanza.

The Oluyole Warriors finished the first half of the campaign in third position.

“We expect a more challenging second round but we will be ready to give it all it takes,” he told the club’s media.

“Sure, there will be more challenges for us in the second round, but we will also be well prepared for it and I believe God will see us through”.

The soft spoken goalie kept nine clean sheets in the first round.

Mustapha expressed delight with his impressive displays.

“I feel very very excited and I thank God for this. It has been God, there is no other magic behind it other than God”, he added.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/npfl-shooting-stars-ready-to-challenge-for-title-lawal/

Ruben Amorim equalled an unwanted record following Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in Monday’s Premier League at Old Trafford.

Goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton subjected United to a fourth straight defeat.

It was Amorim’s fifth defeat in his first eight league games for United which is the joint-most along with AH Albut in October 1892 and John Chapman in December 1921.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/amorim-equals-unwanted-record-after-man-united-2-0-defeat-to-newcastle/

Ruben Amorim equalled an unwanted record following Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in Monday’s Premier League at Old Trafford.

Goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton subjected United to a fourth straight defeat.

It was Amorim’s fifth defeat in his first eight league games for United which is the joint-most along with AH Albut in October 1892 and John Chapman in December 1921.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/amorim-equals-unwanted-record-after-man-united-2-0-defeat-to-newcastle/