₦airaland Forum

Enyimba will be without striker Ifeanyi Ihemekwele and defender Imo Obot when the People’s Elephant take on Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in today’s [Wednesday’s] NPFL matchday 26 fixture at Enyimba International Stadium Aba, Completesports.com reports.

Ihemekwele, who has scored five goals in the ongoing 2024/2025 NPFL season, dislocated his ankle joint during Sunday’s Abia State FA Cup final against Ahudiyannem FC at the Umuahia Township Stadium. According to Enyimba coach Stanley Eguma, the forward is expected to be sidelined for ‘a while’.

Similarly, Super Eagles B Team left-back Obot sustained a knock in Enyimba’s matchday 24 fixture—a 1-0 victory over Rivers United in Aba. It was his stunning free-kick that secured all three points for the nine-time NPFL champions against Finidi George’s side.

“Ihemekwele will not play. Obot will also not play,” Eguma confirmed to Completesports.com on Wednesday morning.

“Ihemekwele dislocated his ankle joint in the FA Cup match on Sunday in Umuahia. He underwent an X-ray on Tuesday, but I am yet to receive feedback from the medical team on his condition.

“The same goes for Imo Obot. He suffered a knock injury against Rivers United. Although the medics have cleared him, he has informed me that he is still experiencing pain, so he will not be available for the match against 3SC.”

The 22-year-old Obot is part of the Super Eagles B Team that recently secured qualification for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Enyimba currently sit 10th in the NPFL table on 34 points from 25 matches, while Shooting Stars occupy second place with 41 points.

Remarkably, 3SC coach Gbenga Ogunbote previously served as Enyimba’s technical head from 2016 to 2017, while Eguma was Rivers United’s head coach during the same period.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/npfl-enyimba-suffer-double-injury-blow-ahead-3sc-clash/

Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Mba has said Chelsea will be a good destination for Ademola Lookman.

Lookman was close to joining Paris Saint-Germain from Atalanta last summer, but the move fell through.

The talented winger is widely expected to quit the Bergamo club for one of the European heavyweights at the end of the current season.

The 27-year-old was recently linked with a move to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Mba, a member of Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winning squad however stated that Chelsea should be his next home.

“If I was a sporting director or manager at Chelsea, I would push for Lookman. I think it would be a win-win situation for both parties, given the nature of the player,” he told Africafoot.

“Chelsea should be Lookman’s next home because the style of play suits what Enzo Maresca looks for in his strikers. He’s fast, technically gifted, can dribble, create chances and score a lot of goals. With all due respect, most Chelsea strikers struggle to bring out two of those qualities.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/mba-advises-lookman-to-join-chelsea/

Kano Pillars have extended the suspension of their technical adviser Usman Abdallah until after the matchday 28 fixture against Kwara United.

Abdallah was recently suspended by the club’s management following the team’s poor run and fallout with the supporters.

The decision was reached during a management meeting held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata on Sunday.

The extension followed a request from the club’s
disciplinary committee chaired by Alhaji Muhammad Danjuma Gwarzo.

As a result, Chief Coach Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro will lead the team in the upcoming fixtures against Akwa United on Wednesday and Rangers this weekend.

Yaro Yaro will also take charge of the matchday 28 fixture against Kwara United pending further decisions regarding Abdallah’s return.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has announced that midnight on Tuesday, 25th February 2025 will be the deadline for registration, for those who desire to participate in the four-month CAF B-License Coaching Course that will run between April and August this year.

The course, according to the NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, is designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian coaches and prepare them for current and future challenges, and is for both men and women coaches.

“As I stated some weeks ago, the CAF B-License course is part of NFF’s strategic effort to build the capacity of coaches across the country, and will be done in modules. It will run between 7th April and 25th August 2025, and to be eligible, a candidate must be an active coach, possess a CAF C-License certificate that has been put to use in the past two years, must be able to read and write in the English language, have basic computer skills and a laptop, have a valid G-mail account, and must submit a medical certificate that proves he/she is physically and mentally fit to undertake the course.

“The response has been pretty awesome, and that is why we now have to bring the deadline forward. The new deadline is midnight of Tuesday, 25th February 2025 for intending participants.”

Read More;https://www.completesports.com/nff-sets-deadline-for-caf-b-license-coaching-course-registration/

Nigerian midfielder Mukhtar Adam has completed his move to Norwegian club, ODDS BK, reports Completesports.com.

Adam linked up with ODDS BK from Nigeria National League, NNL, club Sporting Lagos.

The youngster, who has been on trial at Odd for a period of time, signed a contract until 2027.

“I am incredibly happy and excited. This is a moment I have been waiting for my whole life, and it is the biggest moment of my career so far,” he told the club’s official website.

The transition from football in Nigeria to Norwegian football has been an exciting challenge, but he already feels at home at the club.

“Football is football, but the tactics and the way of playing here are a little different from what I am used to” he added.

“I hope to adapt quickly, because I already feel that this is a step up from football in Africa. My teammates and the coaching staff have been fantastic with me – they have helped me both on and off the pitch. I really feel at home here.”

Adam described himself as a player with a great work ethic, someone who always wants to learn and develop.

“I am calm under pressure, strong in the duel game and good in tackling. I am always working to improve, and I look forward to contributing to Odd in the future,” he stated.

Head coach Knut Rønningene sees great potential in the young Nigerian, but empasised that the club should give him time to develop.

“Adam is an exciting player with good qualities. He has shown a lot of good things during the trial period, and we have great faith that he can develop further with us. At the same time, we will give him the time he needs to adapt to our way of playing,” said Rønningene.

Read Also:

Nigerian striker Bamidele Yusuf, has reached double figures of goals in the Serbian topflight, netting his 10th goal of the 2024/25 season for Vojvodina in their 1-1 draw away at FK Železničar Pančevo on Monday night.

Yusuf opened the scoring 30 minutes into the game and his goal almost propelled Vojvodina to a priceless away win but the hosts snatched a point in stoppage time through Petar Gigic’s equaliser.

Now on 10 goals, the 23-year-old sits second behind Red Stars’ Cherif Ndiaye who has 14 goals this season on the league’s scorers chart.

Aside from his 10 goals, Yusuf also has two assists this season and his goal contributions in the Serbia topflight rank him among the highest-scoring Nigerians in Europe.

Only Victor Osimhen (14 league goals) and Tolu Arokodare (15 league goals) have scored more than Yusuf (10) this season.

Yusuf plays as a left winger, but he can also cover the position behind the attacker, making him an additional reinforcement and competition for his club and the Super Eagles – if he gets a call-up.

Thanks to his impact, his club have moved to fifth in the Serbian topflight with 33 points after 23 games.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/yusuf-bags-10th-goal-of-the-season-in-serbia/

Earlier this season, the striker weighed his chances of becoming the highest goal scorer of the Serbian topflight this season.

“I have big chances to become the top scorer of the league this season. I just need to keep working hard game by game and after the end of the season, we will see,” he said.

Yusuf joined Vojvodina as their sixth signing in the summer of 2024 from Radnički Niš, where he spent six months, and showed quality with an impressive return of six goals and five assists in 16 matches.

Before arriving in Serbia, this Nigerian player played for Portuguese side Estoril and Spartak Trnava in Slovakia where he first plied his trade after arriving in Europe from Nigeria in 2020.

Galatasaray captain Fernando Muslera says the Turkish Super Lig champions are lucky to have Victor Osimhen in their team.

Osimhen scored twice in Galatasaray’s 2-1 victory over Caykur Rizespor on Monday night.

The 26-year-old has scored 14 goals in 18 league appearances for the Yellow and Reds this season.

Muslera praised the Nigeria international for his impressive display in the game.

” He really puts in a lot of effort and fights every minute. He never gives up. We are all grateful to play with a player like him.

“We knew we would achieve something as a result of supporting him. Today, he scored the goals that brought us victory. The second half allowed us to find ourselves even better and to score very effectively from a dead ball.”

Galatasaray will now shift attention to Thursday’s UEFA Europa League play-off second leg tie against AZ Alkmaar.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/galatasaray-lucky-to-have-osimhen-muslera/

Atletico Madrid remain interested in signing Leicester City Nigerian midfield star Wilfred Ndidi, according to Caught Offside sources.

Ndidi was close to leaving Leicester in the January transfer window but the club decided to keep the player in order to fight for their survival in the league this season.

Atletico are still interested in signing the 28-year-old midfielder at the end of the season.

Ndidi is starting to get more minutes for Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s side recently after overcoming a hamstring injury earlier in the season.

He has also attracted interest from Real Betis and AS Monaco, who are keen on a loan deal.

Monaco have made an offer to Leicester for £18 million plus an obligation to buy with additional payments of £2 million.

However, despite their struggles financially, the 2015/2016 Premier League champions decided not to allow him leave in the recently closed January transfer window.

Although Ndidi’s playing time has been limited this season, the club sees him as valuable for the depth he provides to the squad.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/la-liga-giants-interested-in-super-eagles-star/

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is expected to be sidelined for another EIGHT weeks, compounding the Gunners’ injury nightmare.

Saka, 23, torn his right hamstring during the Gunners’ 5-1 win away to Crystal Palace on December 21. The England international has been sidelined ever since and during his extended absence, two of his Arsenal team-mates and fellow attackers have been ruled out for the rest of this season.

Gabriel Jesus suffered an ACL injury last month, a blow which is set to keep him out for much of 2025. And following a trip to Dubai for some mid-season warm-weather training, it’s emerged that top goalscorer Kai Havertz will miss the remainder of the campaign, having undergone hamstring surgery. Gabriel Martinelli is also out for around a month after picking up an injury against Newcastle.

Now the Sun report (via Mirror) that Saka is likely to be out until mid-April, longer than anticipated. That means Mikel Arteta is without four forwards and only has Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and teenager Ethan Nwaneri available ahead of Saturday’s trip to Leicester.

Arsenal opted not to sign a forward during the winter transfer window, although it wasn’t for a lack of trying. Arteta confirmed earlier this month that the Gunners did go hunting for a new addition but were left ‘disappointed’.

“We had a clear intention which is obvious,” Arteta, whose side are seven points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, told reporters. “There is a window open to explore the possibilities to improve our squad with players that can impact it.

We haven’t achieved it. So we are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring certain kind of players. We have to be very disciplined with that as well and I think we were.

“I wouldn’t like to go into too much detail. We couldn’t do it for certain reasons and we have to accept it, that’s it. It was a combination of things.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/saka-suffers-injury-setback-with-arsenal-star-set-to-miss-eight-more-weeks/

When Mohamed Salah created Liverpool’s equaliser against Everton, he wrote his name into the Premier League record books.

The Egyptian’s cross for Alexis Mac Allister at Goodison Park was his ninth assist away from home in 13 Premier League matches this season to go with 14 goals on the road in the 2-2 draw.

According to premierleague.com, that combined total of 23 goal contributions in away Premier League matches surpasses Andy Cole’s record tally of 21 from 1993/94.

He also struck to put Liverpool ahead with his 22nd league goal of 2024/25, making it the ninth Premier League match in which Salah has both scored AND assisted this season.

That extended his own Premier League record for the most appearances both scoring and assisting inside a single campaign – no other player has done it more than seven times.

It is Salah’s 14th assist in just 24 matches in the Premier League this season and he could well break the all-time assist record for a top-flight campaign.

The record is jointly held by Arsenal’s Thierry Henry and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, who provided 20 assists each in 2002/03 and 2019/20 respectively.

Meanwhile, the Reds are now seven points ahead of Arsenal in the league table courtesy of the draw with the Toffees.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/salah-sets-another-epl-record-in-merseyside-derby-with-everton/

Declan Rice has said there is still a long way to go in the Premier League title race.

Arsenal are in second place on 50 points and are six points behind leaders Liverpool who can go nine points clear if they beat Everton in their game in hand today (Wednesday).

After exiting the Carabao Cup and FA Cup the Premier League and UEFA Champions League are the competitions left for Arsenal to land a silverware this season.

When asked how Arsenal are feeling about the Premier League title race Rice said:
“There’s still a really long way to go. The manager said in a press conference the other week, no matter what, the only thing we can worry about is ourselves. But at the end of the season, we will be there.

“We can only keep believing in what we believe in, work on what we’re working on and have full trust in the manager, players and everyone around us that we can achieve great things. It’s down to us to get that over the line. Big things are coming. We need to stay positive and keep going.”

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal players are in Dubai for warm weather training.

The Gunners will be back in the Premier League with a trip to the King Power to face Leicester City.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/theres-still-long-way-to-go-in-epl-title-race-rice/

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho believes the quartet of Mikel Obi, Pep Guardiola, Yaya Toure, and Brenda Rodgers have played a huge part in influencing his football career.

The Nigerian international who recently joined Middlesbrough on loan from Sevilla in the January transfer window made this known in a chat with TheBoroOfficial.

“Biggest influence on my career? There are quite a couple. So many people helped me throughout my career, obviously, managers as well, [Manuel] Pellegrini, Brendan Rodgers, and Pep Guardiola.

“Players as well Clichy, Kompany, Yaya Toure, obviously, and Jamie Vardy as well. There is a lot to be mentioned.

“A lot of people have helped me throughout my career even in the [Nigerian] national team as well, John Mikel Obi, so many coaches have helped me as well, so that’s them.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/iheanacho-mikel-guardiola-rodgers-yaya-influenced-my-football-career/

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.”