Former Super Eagles midfielder, Justice Christopher has died at the age of 40.



Christopher, who captained the Flying Eagles to the 2001 Africa Youth Championship in Egypt, was reported to have died on Wednesday morning in his Racheal Hotel, Jos, a complex he named to honour his late sister.

Recall that he made his debut for the Super Eagles in the same year during 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and racked up a total of 11 caps for the Super Eagles, which include an Africa Cup of Nations Appearance and a World Cup appearance, all in 2002.



The 40-year-old played professional football both in Nigeria and abroad, before retiring at Nassarawa United.

He began his senior career at Katsina United in 1999. Following spells at Sharks and Bendel Insurance, he moved to Belgium in 2001, when he signed for Royal Antwerp.

He also enjoyed spells with Levski Sofia in Bulgaria, Swedish club Trelleborgs FF, Alania Vladikavkaz in Russia and Herfølge BK in Denmark.He also enjoyed spells with Levski Sofia in Bulgaria, Swedish club Trelleborgs FF, Alania Vladikavkaz in Russia and Herfølge BK in Denmark.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has extended their condolence message to the family of late Christopher .



In its message via their official twitter handle, NFF described his death as devasting.



“We are devastated to hear of the sudden passing away of former @NGSuperEagles midfielder Justice Christopher early on Wednesday morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and football community in Nigeria. May his soul Rest In Peace.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ex-super-eagles-star-christopher-dies-at-40/

Ghana interim head coach Otto Addo is expected to name eight new players in his squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

According to GHANAsoccernet.com, new faces like Antoine Elorm Semenyo, Leeroy Owusu, Felix Afena-Gyan, Elisha Owusu amongst others will be included in the Ghana team for the crucial two-legged tie.

The Black Stars list is expected to be announced later this week.
Ghana

Ghana will host the first leg tie at the Cape Coast Stadium on Friday, March 25.

The Super Eagles will welcome the Black Stars to the Moshood Abiola Satdium, Abuja for the second leg four days later.

Super Eagles interim technical adviser Augustine Eguavoen released his 32-man provisional squad for the qualifiers last week.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wcq-playoff-ghana-coach-to-name-eight-new-players-for-super-eagles-clash/

Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo was on the score sheet as Al Hilal defeated table-topper, Al Ittihad 2-1 in the Saudi League on Tuesday.



The Nigerian international who was making his fourth appearance for Al Hilal, has scored four goals in the league this season.

He was a constant threat in the attack for the host and his effort eventually paid off as he netted the second goal for the host in the 68th minute.



Salem Al-Dawsari had given Al Hilal the lead in the 16th minute before
Haroune Camara leveled parity for the visitor in the 58th minute.

Ighalo, who has been named for this month’s 2022 W’Cup playoff against Ghana by interim coach of the Super Eagles, Austine Eguavoen, was later substituted in the 90th minute for Al-Shehri.

The victory means Al Hilal sit 4th on the league table on 43 points while Al Ittihad remain at the top on 54 points.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wcup-playoff-ighalo-sends-ghana-warning-scores-in-al-hilal-win-over-al-ittihad/

Super Eagles interim technical adviser Augustine Eguavoen wants Victor Moses to return to the team, reports Completesports.com.

Moses retired from international football following the Super Eagles ouster from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

There have been several efforts to make the winger rescind his decision, but he has remain adamant on his decision not to play for the three-time African champions.

“Even Victor Moses. I will break the news. We want the best for the country. Victor Moses is someone I also adore and I’ve been looking for ways to get him into the team,” Eguavoen told journalists on Monday.

“We have spoken but he’s not part of this game but hopefully as time goes on because we want the best.

“Whether we like it or not, I think Victor Moses will bring some value. But right now he’s playing in that region (Russia), so that one is settled.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/eguavoen-craves-for-moses-return-to-super-eagles/

Super Eagles interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has explained his decision to include Ogenyi Onazi in the provisional squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Playoff against the Black Stars of Ghana.

Onazi is one of the seven players on the standby list for the two-legged play-off.

The 29-year-old has not featured for the Super Eagles since 2018 has been plagued by injuries in recent years.

The midfielder is also yet to make an appearance for his Saudi club Al-Adalah.

“Onazi, good player. Whether he’s still good and can play at that level, we don’t know,” Eguavoen told journalists.

“But that’s why I said to pacify everybody, to ensure there’s harmony here, put him on the standby. While he’s on the standby, I have the final say.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/eguavoen-reveals-reason-for-onazi-recall/

AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori has admitted that Victor Osimhen is a strong and fast striker following Sunday’s top of the table clash at Napoli on Sunday.

Tomori, alongside his defensive partner Pierre Kalulu, had their hands full containing tireless Osimhen.Milan eventually triumphed thanks to an Olivier Giroud second half strike which took the Rossoneri to the top on the log.

But speaking after the hard fought tie, Tomori confessed that Osimhen is a strong striker to contain.

“Osimhen is a really strong striker and fast too, Napoli are a strong side,” the former Chelsea defender said in a video published on Milan’s Twitter handle.
“Pierre Kalulu (defensive partner) and myself, the whole defence and the whole team, we played a great game.

“We are happy but we still have 10 games to go and we have to play like we played today (Sunday) and raise the bar too.”

Following Napoli’s defeat they remain third on 57 points, three points behind leaders Milan.

S[b]ource: https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-is-strong-and-fast-milan-defender-tomori-admits/


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Former Nigeria international Samson Siasia has faulted the Super Eagles 25-man list for this month’s crucial 2022 World Cup qualifiers against the Black Stars of Ghana.

Last week, interim coach Austine Eguavoen released the names of the 25 players invited for the two legged games while seven players are on stand-by.

Among those named in the 25-man squad are Akinkunmi Amoo and Ademola Lookman who got a maiden call-up and long term injury absentee Oghenekaro Etebo.

While Ogenyi Onazi, who has not been invited to the Eagles for almost over two years, was named on the standby list.

But in his reaction, former Eagles coach Siasia posited that it is not the right list.

“You need to play people that understand themselves if you bring new ones it becomes difficult for them to understand themselves and play the partner you want to play,” he said on Brila FM.

“For me it’s not the right decision to bring new players, you are better off with the ones you know already that have been playing together and understand themselves because you have three days to practice before you go to Ghana. So for me this is not the right list.“

The first leg between the Black Stars and the Eagles will hold on 25th March in Cape Coast while the reverse fixture will take place four days later in Abuja.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wcq-siasia-faults-super-eagles-list-for-ghana-clash/

WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury says his clash with Dillian Whyte is like “the Ferrari racing the Vauxhall Corsa”.

Fury would put his world title on the line against mandatory challenger Whyte
on April 23.

The bout is scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium in London.

Although Fury has labelled Whyte as “a dangerous” fighter, the 33-year-old feels that he should “look like Muhammed Ali” against the fellow British fighter.

“He’s no different to any other fighter in my career. They are all dangerous, got a puncher’s chance and want to win, and they know that riches and glory await victory,”he told reporters at a press conference.

“If I can’t look like Muhammed Ali against this guy, then I’m not as good as I think I am. I will chop him to bits, not a problem. I will smash his face right in. You are going to see a boxing masterclass. You are going to see the difference in levels. You are going to see the Ferrari racing the Vauxhall Corsa.

“There are levels to this game. I’m not saying that Dillian Whyte isn’t capable of winning a fight, he’s won nearly 30, but there is a gulf in class.”

Promoter Frank Warren said that Whyte was “disgraceful” for not making an appearance at Tuesday’s media briefing.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/fury-predicts-easy-victory-against-whyte/

Anthony Nwakaeme was an unused as Trabzonspor defeated Antalyaspor 2-0 to reach the semi-finals of the Turkish Cup on Tuesday.

Goals in each half from Edin Visca and Berat Ozdemir, sealed Trabzonspor passage into the last four.

Visca opened scoring in the 12th minute before Ozdemir added the second goal with just a minute left.

Trabzonspor will now meet either Besiktas or Kayserispor in a two-legged semi-final clash.

Nwakaeme, who has scored 10 goals and provided nine assists in 25 appearances in all competitions this season, is yet to feature in the Turkish Cup this term.

Wednesday’s other quarter-final will see Sivasspor, that parade Nigerian duo Leke James, and Olanrewaju Kayode, take on Ahmed Musa’s Fatih Karagumruk.

While Chidozie Awaziem’s Alanyaspor will host Gaziantep on Thursday in another quarter-final fixture.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/turkish-cup-nwakaeme-benched-as-trabzonspor-beat-antalyaspor-to-reach-semi-finals/

Turkish Super Lig outfit Fenerbahce will make a move for Peter Olayinka this summer, reports Completesports.com.

Olayinka caught the attention of the Yellow Canaries during last week’s UEFA Conference League clash against his club Slavia Prague.

The Nigeria international put up a fine display as the Czech Republic club knocked out Fenerbahce from the competition.

According to Turkish online news outlet, Spor, the Turkish giants will seek to lure away the versatile forward from Slavia Prague at the end of the current campaign.

“Saying goodbye to Europe by being eliminated by Slavia Prague in the Conference League, Fenerbahce caught sight of Peter Olayinka, the left-winger of the opponents,” the website wrote.

“It was learned that coach İsmail Kartal commented on the 26-year-old Nigerian as ‘a complete team player.’

Source: https://www.completesports.com/fenerbahce-line-up-bid-for-olayinka/

Napoli will demand £100m from any club interested in signing forward Victor Osimhen this summer.

Premier League giants Manchester United are rumoured to be interested in bringing the Nigeria international to the Old Trafford this summer, but have been priced out of a move for the striker.

Napoli parted with £70m to sign Osimhen from Ligue 1 club Lille two years ago and are not prepared to let him leave on the cheap.


Aside Manchester United, Newcastle United are also said to be interested in the 23-yeae-old.

Osimhen has scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 22 appearances for Napoli across all competitions this season.

The forward, who is under contract at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium until June 2025, scored 18 goals in 38 appearances for Lille before netting 21 times in 51 games for Napoli.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/napoli-want-100m-for-osimhen/

Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti heaped plaudits on his players following their hard-fought 2-1 win against Lazio on Sunday.

Fabian Ruiz netted deep into stoppage time to hand all three points to the Partenopei.

Spalletti praised his side for fighting hard to win the game.

“The team played good football in the second half, and it’s true that Pedro’s wondergoal got Lazio on level terms, but we had numerous chances before that, the goal that was disallowed and the one that was cleared off the line,” Spalletti told DAZN.

“I think overall the team deserved the victory. I want to underline that everyone keeps moaning that this team doesn’t have character, it’s soft, it’s sluggish, I want to hear them say that now.

“This team definitely has character. People said we couldn’t draw with Cagliari, but they went to beat Torino away from home today.

“We lost to Barcelona after getting a result at Camp Nou, it was my fault because I told them to take that approach.

“I see an ugly atmosphere around this team, people trying to say we lack character. I want to see them say that now.

“There are many games, but this team has potential, it has character and showed it tonight. This is not the same Lazio that we beat earlier this season, because they play good football, they work together to press and attack you, so we were wide awake.

“People go take Fabian off, take him off, take him off: I leave him on and he scores! This is a team challenging for a high level of the table, that has generally played good football. I don’t know what people try to drag us into, perhaps because they are afraid to face opponents like this with open football, but my players are not afraid.

“We got knocked down, we got straight back on our feet again and poured forward to find the winner. I don’t think it’s a bad thing to say this was a deserved victory.”

Sourtce: https://www.completesports.com/napoli-boss-spalletti-hails-victory-over-lazio/

Paul Onuachu netted his 16th goal in the Belgian Jupiler this season as Genk defeated visiting Kortrijk 2-0 on Sunday.

Onuachu also had am assist as he set up Black Stars of Ghana forward Joseph Paintsil for Genk’s second goal.

It was Paintsil’s first goal for Genk since his brace in the Belgian Cup defeat to Club Brugge on 1st of December 2021.

While 19th September 2021 was the last time Paintsil scored in the Belgian league in a 2-1 away win. He has just two league goals this season.

Sunday’s fixture against Kortrijk, Onuachu put Genk 1-0 ahead in the 17th minute before providing the assist for his Ghanaian teammate just five minutes after the opening goal.

Onuachu has now taken his tally to 18 in 33 games in all competitions this campaign.And following the win, Genk maintain eight place on 44 points – Europa League play-off spot – in the league table.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/onuachu-bags-16th-league-goal-helps-black-stars-striker-end-goal-drought-in-genks-home-win/

Paul Onuachu netted his 16th goal in the Belgian Jupiler this season as Genk defeated visiting Kortrijk 2-0 on Sunday.

Onuachu also had am assist as he set up Black Stars of Ghana forward Joseph Paintsil for Genk’s second goal.

It was Paintsil’s first goal for Genk since his brace in the Belgian Cup defeat to Club Brugge on 1st of December 2021.

While 19th September 2021 was the last time Paintsil scored in the Belgian league in a 2-1 away win. He has just two league goals this season.

Sunday’s fixture against Kortrijk, Onuachu put Genk 1-0 ahead in the 17th minute before providing the assist for his Ghanaian teammate just five minutes after the opening goal.

Onuachu has now taken his tally to 18 in 33 games in all competitions this campaign.

And following the win, Genk maintain eight place on 44 points – Europa League play-off spot – in the league table.

Source:

The Spanish Players’ Union have accused Huesca of committing procedural breaches in the handling of their case against Nigeria midfielder Kelechi Nwakali, reports Completesports.com.

Nwakali returned late from the 2021 Africa Cup in Cameroon and Huesca have opened up disciplinary proceedings against him.

The club have also stopped the midfielder from coming to the training ground.Nwakali claimed he missed Nigeria’s second round clash against Tunisia at the AFCON due to illness and also stated that the doctor who treated him advised him not to fly and to keep testing until his symptoms cleared.

The players’ union claimed the player notified Huesca about the development.

According to Football Espana, the former Arsenal player was offered a renewal at the beginning of this season but decided against accepting due to his poor relationship with the powers-that-be at the club. Huesca, however, were keen for him to renew and now want to sack him to avoid paying him for the rest of the season.

The player is a subject of interest from clubs in Spain, Premier League and Sky Bet Championship.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/spanish-players-union-huesca-clash-over-nwakali/

Watford boss Roy Hodgson wants Josh King and Ismaila Sarr to take attacking burden off Emmanuel Dennis.

Dennis has shoulder goal scoring responsibility for the Hornets since arriving the club from Belgian Pro League outfit Club Brugge last summer.

The Nigerian has scored nine goals and provided five assists.

Another goal in Wednesday’s (today) Premier League clash against Crystal Palace
would see him become the fourth Watford player to reach double figures in a Premier League season after Troy Deeney, Odion Ighalo and Gerard Deulofeu.

But boss Hodgson, whose side are now four points from safety after his first win in charge, insists the fit-again Ismaila Sarr and Josh King can thrive in the Hornets’ remaining 14 games.

Asked about Watford’s dependence on Dennis, Hodgson said: “I think that’s pretty much the case whichever club you look at outside the top ones, who do seem to spread goals throughout the whole of the team.

“Once you go below the second half of the table that’s basically what you can say about most teams.

“Most teams have probably got one guy who can be regarded as the main provider and main scorer.

But I do think we’ve got three here who are capable of putting that cloak on their shoulders.

“Sarr has been out injured for a long time and maybe he can come in and take some of that burden on his shoulders.

Josh King is another proven scorer as well, so in actual fact I’m optimistic that there are goals and assists coming from more than just Dennis.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/watford-boss-hodgson-challenges-sarr-king-to-emulate-dennis/

Manchester United midfielder, Bruno Fernandes has claimed that fellow teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo, has a smell for goal.



Fernandes said Ronaldo has a reputation for doing things differently in the Champions League, adding that the former Juventus and Real Madrid star has won the tournament many times.

He said this on Tuesday during his pre-match press conference ahead of Man United’s Champions League round of 16 first-leg tie with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.Cristiano has won this competition many times,” Fernandes said.

“Everyone knows in this kind of competition he has that smell for the goal, he has that smell for doing different things.

“But in the same way, we have Rapha (Raphael Varane), who has won the Champions League four times and is a player capable of doing it.



“When Cristiano won the first one, he probably was not the most influential player or had more experience in that competition (than others) and he won it anyway, and he helped the team win the Champions League.



“Being Cristiano or another one, the most important for us is winning the game and going through this stage,” he said.
“Cristiano has won this competition many times,” Fernandes said.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/fernandes-ronaldo-still-hungry-to-win-champions-league/

Leicester City are looking to tie Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi to a new contract, reports Completesports.com.

Ndidi has been linked with a number of clubs in Europe following his impressive displays since linking up with up with the Foxes from Belgian Pro League KRC Genk.

The 25-year-old is currently touted as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.Aston Villa are rumoured to be preparing a bid in the region of £50m for the player.

However, according to Football Insider, the Foxes are eager to agree fresh terms with one of their most prized assets.

Although he has a contract until the end of 2023-24, his last renewal was all the way back in August 2018 when he did not possess the reputation that he has since forged for club and country.

With Leicester already resigned to cashing in on Youri Tielemans this summer, it appears highly unlikely that they will consider any bids for the midfielder during the next transfer window.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/leicester-city-line-up-new-deal-for-ndidi/

Super Falcons Head coach, Randy Waldrum, has expressed the optimism that his players will put up a stronger performance to get victory against the Lady Elephants of Ivory Coast in Abidjan on Wednesday, February 23 – the final qualifying fixture second leg for the 12th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Super Falcons go into the game with two goals advantage obtained last Friday’s 2-0 win in Abuja. Wednesday’s second leg is billed for Stade Robert Champroux, Abidjan. The eventual winner qualifies for the WAFCON tournament billed for July in Morocco.

The WAFCON 2022 tournament will also serve as the African qualifiers for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

“We should play on the front foot in Ivory Coast, we are not to sit back trying to contain them. Though, we weren’t at our best in the first leg but now that we know how good they are, we shall go all out to get the result that will qualify us for the main competition,” Waldrum told Completesports.com

“My team played according to instructions even though we did not entertain, but they were able to shut them out. We scored two two goals and kept a clean sheet, that is a good platform to start from, and hopefully, we shall come back victorious”

Waldrum added: “I know they will be aggressive and try to disrupt what we do, but we have to prepare our players not to be perturbed by their game plan to stop our flow, but we shall be on the front foot and try to score a goal or two to unsettle them. We shall get the job done in Ivory Coast

“We shall be smart enough to absolve what the game calls for and whatever they throw at us and go at them. We have to score at least a goal and make things more difficult for them. This team is in much better place and with much better players. We will be fine at end of the day, we will qualify,” the American concluded

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wafcon-qualifiers-super-falcons-will-win-in-ivory-coast-waldrum/

Victor Osimhen has vowed that Napoli will keep pushing in the title race despite Monday night’s disappointing 1-1 at relegation threatened Cagliari.

Osimhen came on in the 67th minute and grabbed a late equalizer to rescue a point for Napoli.

The Super Eagles striker started from the bench before coming on for Andrea Petagna to help them earn a point against the relegation strugglers.

A win for Napoli would have taken them to the top in the league table but remain third on 54 points and just two points behind leaders AC Milan after the draw on Monday night.

And reacting to the disappointing draw, Osimhen acknowledged that it was a disappointing outcome the Partenopei will not relent in their quest for the title.

“Disappointing Result But We Will Keep Pushing Till The End.”

Osimhen has now scored seven goals in 16 Serie A games and has taken his tally to 11 in all competitions this season.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/we-will-keep-pushing-till-the-end-osimhen-vows-napoli-will-not-relent-in-title-push/

Manchester United legend, Paul Scholes, has described Leicester City forward, Ademola Lookman as an exceptional player who is blessed with great alertness anytime he’s front of goal.



Analysing the Foxes’ 2-1 loss to Wolves on Sunday, Scholes hailed the former England youth team player who recently switched allegiance to Nigeria.

“Really good play from Tielemans, we know the quality he has and he showed it with the weighted pass,” the former midfielder said.



“Lookman coming in from the other side, Albrighton squares it. Lookman has been a real threat, he’s been Leicester’s most dangerous player and he’s alert, he comes inside and he gets his goal,” he said.

Recall that Lookman who is on loan from RB Leipzig, scored four minutes before halftime to cancel out Rúben Neves’ early opener.

He was a nightmare to Wolves defence, especially in the first half and had more touches in the opposition box, than any other player.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/lookman-has-been-leicester-citys-most-dangerous-player-scholes/

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick and Super Eagles interim technical adviser Austine Eguavoen met Super Eagles stars in London on Tuesday ahead of the crucial 2022 FIFA World Cup World Cup playoff against the Black Stars of Ghana, reports Completesports.com.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Chief Coach Emmanuel Amuneke and Team Secretary Dayo Enebi were also part of the contingent that visited the players.

The delegation met William Troost-Ekong, Emmanuel Dennis, Oghenekaro Etebo and Samuel Kalu during the visit.

Pinnick and his team also visited Leicester City’s trio; Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ademola Lookman.

Pinnick also restated the team’s commitment towards securing a place in the world cup.

“In furtherance to my tweets regarding our plans to ensure we qualify for this year’s @FIFAWorldCup


in Qatar, we’ve held a series of meetings in London with our Super Eagles players. Myself, the General Secretary, Team Secretary, Interim
“We also officially welcomed Ademola Lookman into the family and got commitments and reassurance from Dennis.

“A zoom meeting of all Super Eagles players followed with the Hon Minister, Sunday Dare present.

“The decisions and commitments were unanimous leaving no stone unturned in ensuring we scale
the last hurdle of qualification and make a very prominent and eminent presence in Qatar 2022 by
THE SPECIAL GRACE OF GOD.”

The Super Eagles will battle eternal rivals Ghana for a place in Qatar 2022.

The first leg is billed for the Cape Coast Stadium on March 24, while the reverse fixture will hold three days later at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

[b]Sourcehttps://www.completesports.com/pinnick-eguavoen-meet-super-eagles-stars-in-london-ahead-ghana-clash/

Man City Equal Liverpool’s Champions League Record After Big Win Vs Sporting Lisbon
City raced to a 4-0 first half lead thanks to goals from Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and a brace Bernardo Silva.

Then in the second half Raheem Sterling completes the rout by adding the fifth goal.

The result became the second biggest away win by an English clubs in the Champions League knock-out stages.

Liverpool first achieved the feat on 14th February 2018 when they also hammered Porto 0-5.

[b]Source: https://www.completesports.com/man-city-equal-liverpools-champions-league-record-after-big-win-vs-sporting-lisbon/

Aston Villa will make a move for Wilfred Ndldi in the summer with Steven Gerrard looking to acquire a quality holding midfielder.

Ndidi linked up with Leicester City in 2017 and has been a key member of the team since then.

According to the Daily Star, Aston Villa are weighing up an offer in the region of £50million in the summer window for the Nigeria international.

Ndidi has two years remaining in his contract with Leicester City and would represent another signing of true ambition by Villa under Gerrard.

Villa signed Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne during the January transfer window.

[b]Source: https://www.completesports.com/aston-villa-linked-with-50m-transfer-for-ndidi/#comments

Union Berlin forward Anthony Ujah can’t hide his excitement after returning to the pitch following a lengthy Injury layoff.
Ujah returned to the pitch for the first time since June 2020 in Union Berlin’s 3-0 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Sunday.

The forward featured for 18 minutes against Dortmund and was happy to be on the pitch again after spending 20 months on the sidelines.

“I’m very happy to be back on the pitch. It was a very, very long time, but I fought my way back,” Ujah was quoted by Bz-Berlin.

“I’ve been playing football long enough; I know how it’s done.

”I just have to be ready.”

[b]Source: https://www.completesports.com/im-happy-to-be-back-ujah-thrilled-to-return-from-injury/

Black Stars of Ghana midfielder Baba Iddrisu missed Real Mallorca’s LaLiga home clash with Athletic Bilbao on Monday night due to a knock.

Mallorca completed Sunday’s training session without the 26-year-old Ghanaian midfield star ahead of Monday’s game.
Iddrisu has been working outside the group following the knock and it was not a surprise when he was not in the match day squad.

He adds to the growing injury list at relegation battlers Mallorca who gave their survival hopes a big boost with a hard fought 3-2 win against Bilbao.

Also, this would be a disturbing news to the Black Stars coaching crew who will hope to have a fully fit squad ahead of next month’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria.

The four-time AFCON champions will be without Andre Ayew due to suspension.

Iddrisu was part of the Black Stars squad that failed to go beyond the group stage at the AFCON 2021 in Cameroon.

He featured in two of the Black Stars’ group games against Morocco and Gabon.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wcq-injury-scare-for-black-stars-as-midfielder-iddrisu-down-with-knock/

Everton defender Michael Keane says manager Frank Lampard has given players more “freedom” since he replaced Rafa Benitez.

On Saturday, Everton secured the first Premier League win of Lampard’s reign with the 3-0 victory over Leeds United providing a much-needed boost.

“Since the new manager has come in, there have been a lot of positives,” said the Blues centre-back, whose thumping header was his second goal of the season.



“We were confident going into the game against Leeds. We’ve been working well on the training ground and we’re happy to see it come off on the pitch.

“The intensity of training has been high as well as the way we press. He’s given us the freedom to pass the ball more and show what we’re capable of. All those things added together make a big difference.

“From minute one (against Leeds) we got in their faces, and we got the crowd with us. I thought the fans were brilliant today and we responded to that. We helped each other out.

“We had a quick start and were two up within about the first 20 minutes or so. We defended well. It’s never easy to play against Leeds but we knew if we matched their work-rate we’d have chances to score, and thankfully we took them.”

Source:https://www.completesports.com/keane-lampard-has-added-more-value-to-everton/

Former Chelsea player Craig Burley says the Blues ’embarrassed’ themselves by celebrating a ‘nonsense’ Club World Cup victory against Palmeiras while Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz scored to beat Palmeiras 2-1 in Dubai, helping Chelsea to complete a full-set of silverware since Roman Abramovich’s takeover in 2003.

But while Chelsea have been in the Middle-East, City have beaten Norwich and Brentford to extend their lead over the Blues to 16 points in the league table.

And Burley says it’s ’embarrassing’ that Chelsea were so vocal about their win, particularly when their title bid has collapsed at home.

“I get it they’re off playing in it but I don’t watch this competition, I think it’s a nonsense,”Burley told ESPN.

“They’re off salivating about winning it. you’ve got Lukaku scoring a good header, you’ve got Havertz scoring a penalty. Do it when it matters!

“Alright Havertz scored in Champions League Final but as they’re off celebrating like they’ve won the World Cup, City have racked up a 16-point lead on Chelsea where it really matters – in the Premier League – the big competition for them.

“And they’re off celebrating out there like they’re the greatest thing since sliced bread. Meanwhile they’re getting their backside booted all over the place by City. It’s embarrassing.

“The Champions League Final is fine, winning the Premier League is fine but the Club World Cup is nonsense. It’s a showpiece event, it’s a plastic trophy.

“I don’t buy a £100m striker to win the bloody Club World Cup. I buy them to challenge City and Liverpool in the Premier League [but] they haven’t done it.

“They’re 16 points behind, they haven’t got a chance of winning it this year and the way they’re playing they don’t have a chance next year.

“So spare me this plastic fans, plastic cup, Club World Cup nonsense. Your bread and butter is the Premier League and City are whipping your backsides.”

[b]Source: https://www.completesports.com/ex-chelsea-star-burley-slams-blues-players-for-celebrating-club-world-cup-win/

Director of Communications, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ademola Olajire, has described Ademola Lookman as a great addition to the Super Eagles.

World governing body, FIFA, approved Lookman’s switch from England, for whom he helped win the Under-20 World Cup in 2017.

The 24-year-old Leicester City forward was eligible to play for the Super Eagles through his parents and the clearance means that he could play in the two-legged 2022 World Cup play-off against Ghana in March.

And speaking on the switch Olajire, told BBC Sport Africa:“We are excited about this positive news because it comes as a major boost for the national team.

“He’s now eligible to play for Nigeria starting with next month’s matches, but a decision whether to invite him or not is the sole responsibility of the coach.

“Lookman is a great addition to the Super Eagles and after a long wait, we are delighted that he can finally play for us.”

Having represented England at Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level, Lookman will be looking to play for Nigeria in major tournaments like the AFCON and the FIFA World Cup.

But the process to get him to switch international allegiance began in 2020 when the team secretary Dayo Enebi prepared all the required documents on the NFF’s part.

However, the application suffered a long delay due to the player’s inability to sort out his Nigerian passport and his failure to provide a written request for a change of association in line with FIFA regulations.

Lookman only completed the paperwork this week which enabled the NFF to file a fast track application for his clearance.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/lookman-a-great-addition-to-super-eagles-nff-official/

FIFA on Thursday approved Ademola Lookman’s switch from England to Nigeria.

Lukman was not able to play for the Super Eagles at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, because he was yet to get clearance from the world football governing body.

The Leicester City winger in the past represented England at U-19, U-20 and U-21 levels.

However, in October, Lukman applied to switch his allegiance to the West African country, where his parents come from.

This is why ex-Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, initially included the 24-year-old in his provisional list for the AFCON.

Lukman will now be eligible to play in the 2022 World Cup playoff against Ghana in March.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/former-england-youth-star-ademola-lookman-switches-allegiance-to-nigeria/

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho insists the Blues must be wary of Odion Ighalo and his Al Hilal’s teammates in their Club World Cup semi-final clash, reports Completesports.com.

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho insists the Blues must be wary of Odion Ighalo and his Al Hilal’s teammates in their Club World Cup semi-final clash, reports Completesports.com.

Ighalo and former West Bromwich Albion winger Matheus Pereira were on target in the 6-1 win against Al Jazira on Sunday.

Jorginho believes the duo and other players in Al Jazira’s squad would be a tough nut to crack for the European champions.

“I think we have to be cautious because they have quality players. They also have the Brazilians who have great talent. Those two could give us problems if we don’t mark them tightly,”Jorginho told FIFA’s website.

“We have to impose our own game and be wary of the weapons they have. We need to be cautious, we need to prepare well for the game because if you underestimate your opponents you can suffer an upset. In today’s football there’s no more easy matches.”

The winner will face South American champions Palmeiras in the final on Sunday.

[b]Source: https://www.completesports.com/cwc-jorginho-wary-of-ighalo-others/

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho insists the Blues must be wary of Odion Ighalo and his Al Hilal’s teammates in their Club World Cup semi-final clash, reports Completesports.com.

The two teams will look to secure a place in the final when they clash at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.

Ighalo and former West Bromwich Albion winger Matheus Pereira were on target in the 6-1 win against Al Jazira on Sunday.

Jorginho believes the duo and other players in Al Jazira’s squad would be a tough nut to crack for the European champions.

“I think we have to be cautious because they have quality players. They also have the Brazilians who have great talent. Those two could give us problems if we don’t mark them tightly,”Jorginho told FIFA’s website.

“We have to impose our own game and be wary of the weapons they have. We need to be cautious, we need to prepare well for the game because if you underestimate your opponents you can suffer an upset. In today’s football there’s no more easy matches.”

The winner will face South American champions Palmeiras in the final on Sunday.

[b]Source: https://www.completesports.com/cwc-jorginho-wary-of-ighalo-others/