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/

Newly-appointed Super Eagles head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has revealed that he’s delighted to have been appointed by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for the senior national team job.

The NFF announced the decision to drop Jose Peseiro and named Amuneke as the coach of the Super Eagles.

The ex-Barcelona winger will work together with interim Technical Adviser Augustine Eguavoen, as well as Salisu Yusuf, Joseph Yobo, and Alloy Agu.

In an interview with Brila FM, Amuneke, however, remained coy about the terms of his agreement with the federation.

“I’m always available to serve my country,” Amuneke, a former Super Eagles member that won the 1994 AFCON title told Brila FM.

“I’m grateful to Nigerians and the Federation for looking in my direction. For now, there’s no use speaking much; when it’s time, I will grant an interview about the job.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/amuneke-im-always-available-to-serve-my-country/

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick has praised interim head coach of the Super Eagles Augustine Eguavoen despite the team’s elimination from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, reports Completesports.com.

Eguavoen took temporary charge of the team on the eve of the AFCON following the sacking of Gernot Rohr.

The Super Eagles won all three group games before succumbing to a 1-0 defeat against Carthage Eagles in the second round.

“Eguavoen did well and he provided good leadership in the team,” Pinnick stated.

“He gave the team freedom to express themselves, but trust me there can be more to it in terms of the way we want to win.

Generally, I commended him for what he did with the team. He took the job at short notice and he was able to deliver.

“He won three games convincingly. The only team in the tournament to do that in the first round.

“The team we defeated in the first round, Egypt, reached the final.

“What we need to do now is to just inject some kind of technical sagacity to the team.”

S[b]ource: https://www.completesports.com/pinnick-commends-eguavoen-over-super-eagles-afcon-showing/[/b]

No Super Eagles stars made the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Best X1 for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, Completesports.com reports.

CAF released the list on Monday following the conclusion of the competition.

None of the players including Moses Simon, who had an outstanding tournament also made reserve bench.

Champions Cameroon had four players in the squad with goalkeeper of the tournament; Edourd Mendy, Saliou Ciss, Namplays Mendy and Most Valuable Player Sadio Mane among the Best X1.

Silver medallist Egypt have three players on the list with Vincent Aboubacar the only Cameroonian player in the squad.

[b]Source:https://www.completesports.com/caf-snubs-super-eagles-stars-in-afcon-2021-best-x1/

Egypt captain, Mohamed Salah has delivered a rallying cry to his teammates after they were beaten by Senegal on penalties in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Salah urged his compatriots to “take revenge” on the Teranga Lions in March, when they meet again in the 2022 World Cup playoffs.

The Pharaohs lost on penalties after the two teams drew 0-0 over 120 minutes.

Salah was pencilled down to take Egypt’s fifth spot-kick, but never got the chance to step up, after his Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane scored the crucial penalty.

In the dressing room after the match, Salah addressed his emotional team-mates.

“We played four matches all 120 minutes in about 12 days.

“But it’s in the past now, we have the games against them next month and inshallah we will take revenge on them,” he said.

Egypt play Senegal over two legs in the World Cup African playoffs at the end of next month.

The first leg will take place in Cairo on March 23, before the second leg in Dakar on March 29.

[b]Source: https://www.completesports.com/egypt-will-avenge-afcon-2021-final-loss-to-senegal-in-2022-world-cup-playoff-salah-vows/

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pelvin Pinnick says Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro can take another job, Completesports.com reports.

Peseiro was named Super Eagles’ substantive head coach last December following the sacking of Gernot Rohr.

The former Venezuela coach was expected to take charge of the team after the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen however put himself in the frame to get the job on permanent basis following the Super Eagles impressive showing in Cameroon despite the team’s exit in the second round.

Pinnick confirmed that the NFF is yet to seal a deal with Peseiro and discussions over a contract has stalled because of circumstances.

seal a contract with Peseiro and discussions of a deal have stalled because of “circumstances”.
I am still talking to him (Peseiro), maybe he has to wait till after the World Cup qualifiers (vs Ghana),” Pinnick told Channels TV.

“If in the course of his waiting, he got another job, we wish him well.

“The good news is that we did not sign the contract officially.

“We don’t want to rush and make a hasty decision considering the circumstances.

“We have to do what is best for the nation.

“And we work in harmony with the sports ministry, which represents the government.”

The Super Eagles will take on eternal rivals Black Stars of Ghana in a 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff next month.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/pinnick-peseiro-free-to-take-another-job/

Senegal’s President Macky Sall declared Monday a public holiday to celebrate the national football team’s first ever African Cup of Nations crown following their victory against Egypt, public television announced.

Sall, who had been due to visit Comoros at the end of a trip that took in Egypt and Ethiopia, cancelled the last leg in order to welcome the triumphant Lions on their return to Dakar today (Monday), RTS said.

Led by Liverpool star Sadio Mane, Senegal overcame Mohamed Salah’s Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out at Sunday’s final in Cameroon. The game had finished goalless after extra time.

After two previous final defeats in 2002 and 2019, Senegal finally claimed their first Cup of Nations title.

The Lions will be decorated by Sall on Tuesday at the presidential palace in Dakar, RTS television said.

“The president of the republic declared Monday a public holiday, a paid day off, following the brilliant victory of the Lions,” RTS said, citing a presidential decree.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2021-senegal-president-declares-today-public-holiday-to-celebrate-teams-first-ever-trophy/

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has admitted he has been left ‘hurt’ and ‘sad’ at the manner of his Arsenal exit.

Aubameyang states this in a farewell post to supporters after sealing his free transfer to Barcelona on deadline day.

The striker was frozen out of the first-team by boss Mikel Arteta after his latest brush with ill-discipline, and managed to secure an escape route to Catalonia after jetting out to Spain and agreeing to reduced wages.

The move saw him terminate his contract at the Emirates, a sour end to his career in north London, and Aubameyang has now penned an emotional message to fans on his social media channels.

“To the Arsenal fans,” he wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for making London home for myself and my family for the past four years.

“We went through ups and downs together and your support meant everything to me.

“Having the chance to win trophies and the honour of being the captain of this club is something I will forever keep in my heart

“I have always been 100% focused and committed on doing everything I can for this club which is why leaving without a real goodbye hurts – but that is football.

“I’m sad I did not get the chance to help my teammates in the last few weeks, but I have nothing but respect for this club and truly wish all my guys and the fans all the best and many successful years in the future!

“Love, Auba.”

Aubameyang became one of the top earners in the Premier League after signing a lucrative new deal just 18 months ago, having helped Arsenal secure their FA Cup triumph and then posed with Arteta in the celebrations.

However, their relationship worsened, with his late arrival back from a pre-agreed trip forcing the head coach to drop the frontman entirely.

This stance saw him able to search for a new club, although it took until the final hours of a dramatic final day of the window for him to seal his exit.

He has already trained with Barcelona, although the LaLiga side are bizarrely yet to officially announce his arrival.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/leaving-without-a-real-goodbye-hurts-aubameyang-posts-farewell-message-to-arsenal-fans/

The Stallions of Burkina Faso will look to create an upset when they take on star-studded Senegal side in tneir semi-final clash at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde on Tuesday .

Kamou Malo’s side started the competition with a 2-1 defeat to hosts Cameroon, but have since recovered and are targeting a place in Sunday’s final at the Olembe Stadium.

This will be the Stallions third appearance in the semis in the past nine years (adding to 2013 and 2017).

And the Burkinabe’s presence at the sharp end of the tournament has an even greater significance given the country’s recent military coup, as explained by coach Kamou Malo.

“I would like to take this opportunity to pay homage to the people who despite everything stay strong,” Malo said after their win over Tunisia.


[b]Source:https:/https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2021-burkina-faso-target-senegal-upset-in-first-semi-final/[

The Stallions of Burkina Faso will look to create an upset when they take on star-studded Senegal side in tneir semi-final clash at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde on Tuesday .

Kamou Malo’s side started the competition with a 2-1 defeat to hosts Cameroon, but have since recovered and are targeting a place in Sunday’s final at the Olembe Stadium.

This will be the Stallions third appearance in the semis in the past nine years (adding to 2013 and 2017).

And the Burkinabe’s presence at the sharp end of the tournament has an even greater significance given the country’s recent military coup, as explained by coach Kamou Malo.

“I would like to take this opportunity to pay homage to the people who despite everything stay strong,” Malo said after their win over Tunisia.

“I would like to believe our team is the mirror image of those people… we will stay strong in spite of everything. We’re going to try to keep making our people happy. We’re in the semifinal and it is a huge bonus… we’ve given a good account of ourselves and I believe we have the means to go further.”

Source;' https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2021-burkina-faso-target-senegal-upset-in-first-semi-final/

Greek top club, AEK Athens, failed in a last ditch bid to prise away Nigerian midfielder, Obinna Nwobodo, from Goztepe of Turkey as the transfer window closed on Monday night, but will return in the summer for the deal, Completesports.com has been told.

The 30-time champions of Greece had shot to the top of the pile amongst a plethora of European clubs that have shown interest in Nwobodo following his spectacular season at Goztepe. However, they were discouraged from making a bid for the player by his agents. A $2m (about N1b) bid for Nwobodo from American M.L.S club, F.C Cincinnati, in early January had collapsed at the very last minute.

Vincent Alumona of Krakovia Sports Limited, a registered Intermediary with the Nigeria Football Federation, N.F.F. who is the advisor to the former Rangers International of Enugu playmaker, explains the transfer bid frenzy.

“AEK were very determined, as it turned out,” Alumona told Completesports.com

“They had been in the picture for Obinna for quite a while but it was Cincinnati that made the first move for the player. And after weeks of negotiations ended with the player deciding to remain with Goztepe so he can help them through their struggle against relegation, it became quite clear that a transfer for the player in this winter transfer window was off the cards.”

He added: “So, when AEK became serious a couple of days to the closure of the window, we advised that they shouldn’t bother with a bid. Moreover, they had $1.5m (about N800m) in mind as transfer fee. If a transfer couldn’t go through after Goztepe agreed to take $2m(about N1b) from Cincinnati, how can it happen for $1.5m (about N800m)?

“Anyway, money isn’t the issue per se. It has to do more with principles. The player doesn’t want to abandon the ship, so to say.”

Despite being shown the ‘red card’, Completesports.com learned that AEK would go on to improve their offer for Nwobodo, and later on Monday night, presented a proposal to the Goztepe President to pay $2m (about N1m) to complete the transfer and another $1m (N500m) in add- ons, totalling $3m (about N1.5m).

This was however rejected as both clubs and player had earlier resolved to push all transfer matters to the summer, when the season would have ended.


[b]Source: https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-aek-to-renew-bid-for-nwobodo-in-summer-after-failed-late-winter-chase/

Former Nigerian midfielder, Tijani Babangida has urged the Super Eagles to be more careful in their approach ahead of their 2022 World Cup playoff against the Black Stars of Ghana slated for March.

Tijani made this assertion on the backdrop of their performance at the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria crashed out in the Round of 16 after losing 1-0 to Tunisia.

On the other hand, Ghana were eliminated from the Group stages after finishing bottom of their group without a victory.

In an interview with Completesports.com, Tijani stated that the battle of the two West Africans always bring out the best from both teams.

However, he noted that the Super Eagles would have learnt from their AFCON mistakes and want to change the narrative against the Black Stars of Ghana.

“There is no doubt that the upcoming clash between the Super Eagles and the Black Stars of Ghana will be a tough battle for both teams considering the rivalry between them,’ Tijani, a former member of the Dream Team that won gold medal at the Atlanta Olympic Games told Completesports.com.

“Having watched the performance of the Black Stars and the Super Eagles at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, I am confident that Nigeria look more superior than their opponent in terms of play and players involved.

“However, the Nigerian coach must be careful in their approach and tactics if they must overcome Ghana in both legs of the World Cup playoff.”

[b]Source:https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-2022-wcup-playoff-eagles-must-be-careful-in-their-approach-against-ghana-tijani/[

The Pharaohs of Egypt came from behind to earn a dramatic 2-1 win against Morocco after extra-time , in Sunday’s quarter-final tie at the AFCON 2021.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah inspired the seven-time African champions to the win after scoring and providing the assist for the winner.

Following the last win the Pharaohs now hold the record for the most semi-final appearances ever made.


They surpasses Nigeria to reach the semi-finals of the AFCON for the 16th time in its history.


They will now meet hosts the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the semi-final on Thursday.

This is Egypt’s first semi-final appearance since the 2017 edition.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/egypt-surpasses-nigeria-sets-new-afcon-record-after-win-vs-morocco/

Nantes head coach Antoine Kombouaré has revealed having a chat with Moses Simon after the Super Eagles’ disappointing ouster from the AFCON 2021.

Kombouare revealed that he gave Simon permission to return to France on Friday to have enough time to heal from the hurt of the past few days.

Simon was the standout performer for the Eagles after having the highest rating of Nigeria’s 27 footballers (7.60), made more dribbles per match, and contributed a goal and assist according to Whoscored.com.

The diminutive winger was also included in CAF’s best eleven of the group stage.

And speaking in his presser ahead of Nantes’ French Cup clash against Brest on Friday, Kombouaré said:“Regarding Moses Simon, I was able to have him on the phone yesterday (Tuesday).

“He is obviously disappointed with this elimination from the AFCON but also happy to come back with us. I permitted him to come back here Friday morning.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2021-nantes-coach-reveals-chat-with-heartbroken-simon/

Arsenal and Newcastle United have reportedly turned their attention to Napoli Nigerian star striker Victor Osimhen as the Premier League duo target a striker this month.

Both clubs are hoping to bolster their attacking third during the January transfer window as Arsenal had made no secret of their desire to land Fiorentina ace Dusan Vlahovic.

However, the Serbia international is only interested in a move to Juventus and has rejected the chance to move to the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta has issues over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah. And the Spanish tactician has urged technical director Edu to find him a forward before the window closes.


The north Londoners have been linked with Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad and Real Madrid’s Luka Jovic. And, on Tuesday, Spanish newspaper AS claimed they were keen on Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas.

But according to Gazzetta dello Sport, via Football Italia, they are now targeting 23-year-old Osimhen, who has bagged five goals from 13 Serie A appearances this term.

He scored 10 in 2020-2021 and 13 the previous season when he featured for French club Lille.

For Newcastle, they have been linked with so many players this month and have so far added striker Chris Wood and right-back Kieran Trippier.

New manager Eddie Howe, is desperate to acquire a new striker for the current battle against relegation. The Tynesiders sit 18th in the top-flight standings having won their second league match of the campaign.

They are a point from safety in what is looking like a five-way battle to avoid the drop. Teams that score goals usually have the edge in a relegation battle.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/premier-league-giants-newcastle-in-transfer-battle-for-osimhen/

Ola Aina is confident the Super Eagles will put up a better showing at the next Africa Cup of Nations following their shocking exit from Cameroon 2021, Completesports.com reports.

The Super Eagles started the competition on a good note, winning all three group games against Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau.

Aina is however upbeat the Super Eagles will come back stronger at the 2023 edition in Cote d’l voire.

“We have put the defeat against Tunisia behind us even though It was very painful,” Aina said on the eve of the team’s departure from Cameroon.

“The next edition in Ivory Coast is not far away and I think that should be our focus for now. We can’t dwell too much on the past.

“We are disappointed, the fans are disappointed, but things will be fine in future.”

]Source: https://www.completesports.com/we-will-do-better-at-next-afcon-aina/

Italy 1982 World Cup winner Alessandro Altobelli has criticised Napoli forward Victor Osimhen for his injury issues, urging Napoli to get Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

Osimhen’s move to Napoli has been bedeviled with injuries since he joined from Ligue 1 club Lille in 2020.

He was restricted to just 24 league appearances last season because of injury and Covid-19 issues.

Although he scored ten goals, Napoli missed out on Champions League qualification. This season, the he started strongly scoring nine goals in 14 games.

Unfortunately, he sustained a facial injury which forced him to undergo surgery in November when Napoli took on Inter Milan.

After a remarkable recovery from the injury, he then tested positive for coronavirus which ruled him out of the AFCON 2021.

Meanwhile, Vlahovic has been outstanding in the last two seasons. The Serbian forward has scored 38 goals in his last 58 Serie A appearances.

His impressive scoring form has made him a target for the likes of Arsenal and Juventus.

And Altobelli, 66, told TuttoNapoli that Vlahovic would fit into Napoli better than Osimhen because of his consistency.

“If Napoli had a strong striker at their disposal – and they did, that is Osimhen – where was he at this time?”

“For me, Osimhen is a great striker, but in two years, he makes you ten games. He gives little to Napoli. I am of the opinion that Napoli must take on a great striker.”

“If Napoli had Vlahovic, they would be at the top of the table.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/napoli-should-replace-osimhen-with-vlahovic-italys-world-cup-winner/

After Nigeria’s ouster from the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, former Nigerian goalkeeper, Andrew Aikhoumogbe has urged the Super Eagles to focus on the upcoming 2022 World Cup playoff against Ghana.



Recall that the three-time AFCON champions were eliminated in the Round of 16 after losing 1-0 to Tunisia on Sunday.

In a chat with Completesports.com from his Cairo base in Egypt, Aikhoumogbe stated that the players should learn from their mistakes and focus more attention on how to qualify for World football showpiece.



“I felt a bit disappointed that the team lost to Tunisia in the Round of 16, a game I thought we should have won.

“However, we can no longer cry over spilled milk, but then, focus on the World Cup playoff against the Black Stars of Ghana, one of Nigeria’s arch rivals in football.

“AFCON is gone as far as I am concern and at this point the players must do everything to ensure that they qualify for the 2022 World Cup. That’s the only way they can appease Nigerians.”

Nigeria are seeking to qualify for the World Cup a seventh time and, since 1994, have missed only one of seven editions. The last of three appearances by Ghana was in 2014.



The matches will be played between March 24 and 29, 2022 with exact dates and kick-off times to be confirmed after CAF liaises with the involved football associations.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-2022-world-cup-playoff-forget-afcon-ouster-focus-more-on-ghana-clash-aikhoumogbe-tells-eagles/[/b]

Slavia Prague forward Peter Olayinka is ready to shoulder goal scoring responsibility for Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, reports Completesports.com.

Olayinka is expected to make his first appearance for the Super Eagles in Wednesday’s (today ) Group D clash against the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau.

The Super Eagles wasted a number of chances in their opening two games in Cameroon and interim head coach Austine Eguavoen has expressed concern with the situation.

Out of the four goals the Super Eagles have scored at the competition, only one came from a striker (Taiwo Awoniyi).

Olayinka has however promised to deliver the goods for the Super Eagles any time he has the chance to play.

“If I get the chance to start against Guinea-Bissau, I will do my best to help us get a good result,”he told the media in Garoua.

“Every striker like to score goals and I believe I can do that for the Super Eagles.

“The entire team is looking forward to the game against Guinea-Bissau and it will be great to maintain our performance from the game against Egypt and Sudan.

“We want to keep winning and show our readiness to go all the way.”

By Adeboye Amosu in Garoua

Source: https://www.completesports.com/olayinka-i-can-score-goals-for-super-eagles/

Slavia Prague forward Peter Olayinka is ready to shoulder goal scoring responsibility for Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, reports Completesports.com.

Olayinka is expected to make his first appearance for the Super Eagles in Wednesday’s (today ) Group D clash against the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau.

The Super Eagles wasted a number of chances in their opening two games in Cameroon and interim head coach Austine Eguavoen has expressed concern with the situation.

Out of the four goals the Super Eagles have scored at the competition, only one came from a striker (Taiwo Awoniyi).


Olayinka has however promised to deliver the goods for the Super Eagles any time he has the chance to play.

“If I get the chance to start against Guinea-Bissau, I will do my best to help us get a good result,”he told the media in Garoua.

“Every striker like to score goals and I believe I can do that for the Super Eagles.

“The entire team is looking forward to the game against Guinea-Bissau and it will be great to maintain our performance from the game against Egypt and Sudan.

“We want to keep winning and show our readiness to go all the way.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/olayinka-i-can-score-goals-for-super-eagles/

Super Eagles interim head coach Austine Eguavoen says the team will approach Wednesday’s (today) Group D clash against Guinea-Bissau with a serious mindset, reports Completesports.com.

The West Africans have nothing to play for having secure a place in the second round following victories in their opening two games against Egypt and Sudan.

“It is important for us to sustain the winning mentality while we keep our heads on our shoulders,” Eguavoen told a press conference on Tuesday.
“Guinea Bissau need the three points because they have only one so far, and we must be prepared for a massive fight.

“If we let down our guard, we could be punished, and that would not be good for the team’s psychology. We will go for the three points.”

The encounter will take place at the Roumde Adija Stadium, Garoua.
]
Source: https://www.completesports.com/eguavoen-no-complacency-against-guinea-bissau/[/b]

Guinea-Bissau head coach Baciro Candé believes his side can claim a famous win against Nigeria in their Group D contest on Wednesday, reports.

Candé’s men need a win against the Super Eagles to boost their chances of securing a place in the Round of 16.

The Djurtus were held to a 0-0 draw in their first game against Sudan and agonizingly fell to a 1-0 defeat to Egypt in the second.

The Super Eagles on other hand have been flying in the competition, with impressive wins against Egypt and Sudan.


“Nigeria team is a strong team but we will try to play our game. In football we just need to believe in ourselves and fight for what we believe. We will focus on ourselves,” Candé told a press conference on Tuesday.


“Of course, we will try and take the game to Nigeria and with a little bit of luck we could win the game.

“Everyone know Nigeria is one of the best teams in Africa because of their quality but we will play our game. In every strong team there is a weakness. ”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/we-need-to-believe-guinea-bissau-boss-vows-to-go-for-win-against-super-eagles/

Former Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr has revealed that people wanted him to drop Moses Simon during his time in charge of the Super Eagles, reports Completesports.com.

Simon received a lot of sticks during Rohr’s reign as Nigeria’s manager as a result of his inconsistent performances.


He scored a goal and bagged an assist in the game.

“When I was coach, a lot of people wanted me to drop him, but he is very important to my team,” Rohr said on Canal Plus TV.

“He puts the team first and plays for all with ease.

“I love his attitude on the pitch and he’s a perfect gentleman off the pitch.

“I never doubted him.”

Sourde; https://www.completesports.com/they-wanted-me-to-drop-him-rohr-lavishes-praise-on-important-player-simon/

Slavia Prague forward Peter Olayinka will lead the Super Eagles attack in Wednesday’s Group D clash against Guinea-Bissau, Completesports.com reports.

Interim head coach Austine Eguavoen is set to ring the changes with a place in the second round already secured after wins against Egypt and Sudan.

Olayinka, who is yet to make an appearance for the Super Eagles at the 2021Africa Cup of in Cameroon will shoulder goal scoring responsibility against the Djurtus.

Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper Francis Uzoho will be the man behind the sticks, while Tyronne Ebuehi and Jamilu Collins will also make their first appearance in the competition.Vice-captain William Troost-Ekong will keep his place in central defence with West Brom’s Semi Ajayi expected to take the place of Kenneth Omeruo.

Talented midfielder Kelechi Nwakali will make his first start in the competition alongside Chidera Ejuke and Alex Iwobi.

Super Eagles Expected Line-Up Vs Guinea-Bissau

Uzoho

Collins
Troost-Ekong
Ajayi
Tyronne

Ndidi
Nwakali
Iheanacho

Ejuke
Olayinka

Sourcehttps://www.completesports.com/olayinka-to-lead-eagles-attack-vs-guinea-bissau-ejuke-iwobi-ajayi-also-in/

Super Eagles head coach Austine Eguavoen has declared that the team is missing the experience and expertise of Victor Osimhen and Odion Ighalo in front of goal at the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, Completesports.com reports.

Osimhen was replaced in Nigeria’s squad for the competition by Slavia Prague forward Peter Olayinka after failing to recover in time from an injury.

Ighalo on the other hand was denied the chance to appear in his second AFCON finals after he was not released by Saudi Arabia Professional League outfit Al Shabab.

In the duo’s absence, Taiwo Awoniyi have the led the line for the West Africans in Cameroon, but Union Berlin striker is yet to make much impact in the competition.

The three-time champions missed a number of good chances in their opening two games against Egypt and Sudan and Eguavoen admitted things would have been different with Ighalo and Osimhen at his disposal.

They (Osimhen and Ighalo) are two different players who can actually score two goals out of three chances. Awoniyi and Sadiq are two different type
of players too,” Eguavoen after the team’s training session on Sunday.

“That’s not to say they can’t score goals. Awoniyi has been scoring goals in the German league and Sadiq as well .

“The good thing is that we are not giving the responsibility to the strikers alone. Other players too can score goals for us.

“We have giving Aribo the chance to move up the field and he has done that very well. He could have scored one or two goals against Sudan. Anybody can score in our team.

“However Ighalo and Osimhen are two different players from what we have now, that’s why we are trying to play to our strength.”

The Super Eagles will face the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau in their final group game at the Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/eguavoen-super-eagles-missing-osimhen-ighalo/

Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa insists the team is ready to face any opponent at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, reports Completesports.com.

The three-time champions progressed to the second round of the competition after a 3-1 win against Sudan on Saturday.
Austine Eguavoen’s led side still have to wait for the conclusion of the group stage games to know their opponent in the Round of 16.

Musa, who made his first appearance in the game against Sudan is adamant the Super Eagles can beat any team in the competition.

“I’m happy with we have achieved in this competition, two wins from two games is a perfect way to start for us, ”Musa said after the team’s training on Sunday.

“We want to maintain the momentum by winning our next game against Guinea-Bissau. It’s important for us to keep winning as it will help motivate us for the task ahead.
“As for which team we will like to face in the next round, I don’t think that is a big deal. If you want to be the best, you have to be ready to beat the best.

“The most important thing is for us to remain committed and I believe we are ready to face any team.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/musa-super-eagles-ready-to-face-any-team/