₦airaland Forum

Former Chelsea striker, John Mikel Obi is rooting for his compatriot Victor Boniface to become one of the best forwards in the game.

Boniface has settled down well at Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen following his arrival from Belgian Pro League outfit, Union St Gilloise last summer.

The 23-year-old has been in terrific form for Die Werkself , scoring 10 goals in 16 league appearances.

Mikel is confident that Boniface is going to go far in the game and become a complete centre-forward.

“He (Boniface) will become a complete striker in the next couple of years. He has the physique, he is quick, good on the ball, technically very good and it’s difficult to see strikers that are that big and strong and powerful and then good on the ball as well,”Mikel told Obionepodcast.

His assists as well, not just scoring goals, is something that will make this kid special, really, really special. I can’t wait to see what his journey will be in the next couple of years.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/nigerian-footballers-abroad/really-special-mikel-raves-about-complete-striker-boniface/

Former Ghana head coach Otto Addo believes the Black Stars’ AFCON 2023 Group B game against Egypt will be their easiest.

The Black stars have been drawn alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique in Group B at this year’s AFCON.

Addo, who took the Black Stars to the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, explained that the lack of pressure will be the Black Stars’ biggest positive against Egypt.

“I think the easiest game may be against Egypt because their team is very well-balanced,” Addo told GTV Sports Plus, as per KingFut.

“They are the favourites in this game, so it is easier to stand behind when people don’t expect too much from you.

“It’s easier than to play the so-called small countries which are football educated, know how to defend, and it will be very, very tough to break them down.”

The Black Stars will hope to end their AFCON trophy drought after last winning the tournament in 1982.

Serie A champions, Napoli have announced the release of Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Osimhen is expected to be named in Nigeria’s final squad for the competition slated for Cote d’Ivoire next January.

Napoli wrote “At the end of today’s [Thursday] training, Osimhen obtained a day’s leave so he could join his family before leaving for the national team’s training camp.

“We remind you that the former Lille player is disqualified in the championship and would missed the match against Monza.”

The powerful striker, who is celebrating his 25th birthday on Friday (today) will be making his second AFCON appearance in Cote d’Ivoire.

The former Wolfsburg player was part of Super Eagles’ squad to the 2019 AFCON finals hosted by Egypt.

He missed out on a place in Nigeria’s squad to the last AFCON in Cameroon due to injury.

The Super Eagles are in Group A with Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2023-napoli-release-birthday-boy-osimhen-for-super-eagles-duty/

Former Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has named Victor Osimhen as one of the toughest opponents he came up against during his active days.

Chiellini recently announced his retirement from the round leather game.

The 39-year-old enjoyed an illustrious career that saw him featured for top clubs in Serie A including Juventus, Fiorentina and Livorno.

The former centre-back featured in over 700 games in the Italian top-flight.

Chiellini came up against several top strikers during his career, and acknowledged Osimhen as one of his most difficult opponents.

“Which attacker bothered me more? Honestly, I marked Lautaro well, Osimhen a little worse. I was struggling more,”he was quoted by Tutto Napoli.

“I was at the end of my career with both of them; after the knee operation, I suffered from it and I couldn’t hold it any longer.”

Chiellini however offered tips on how to stop Osimhen.

“How do you stop Osimhen? You let him take the ball towards you, which isn’t dangerous,” he stated.

“Even if he turns, he doesn’t bother me and when he gets to the area I’m on top of him and don’t let him breathe. It’s difficult for the ball to enter the net on its own; they always score the goals; Osimhen scores them, not Zielinski in the third half. If Politano then scores from 30 meters I’ll tell him well done, but it doesn’t happen very often.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-one-of-my-toughest-opponents-juventus-legend-chiellini/#more

Moses Simon is subject of interest from a number of French clubs, reports Completesports.com.

The Nigeria international is into final months of his contract at Nantes and is not expected to sign a renewal.

Olympic Lyon, OGC Nice and Lille have all lined up to sign Simon, according to transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano.

“Moses Simon, one to watch in 2024 as he’s out of contract in June. Not only OL as per @foomercato; understand also OGC Nice and Lille are interested in the Nigerian player.

Saudi clubs have also asked for potential conditions of the deal,” Romano wrote on his X handle

The 27-year-old linked up with Nantes from Spanish outfit, Levante on loan in the 2019/20 season.

The move was made permanent the following season.

Simon has scored 29 goals and registered 31 assists in 161 appearances for the Canaries.

Read More;https://www.completesports.com/french-clubs-scramble-for-free-agent-simon/

Victor Osimhen will battle Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi for the 2023 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/breaking-2023-caf-player-award-osimhen-salah-hakimi-make-final-three-shortlist/

Rinsola Babajide has expressed her delight after helping Nigeria’s Super Falcons qualify for the WAFCON 2024 holding in Morocco.

The Falcons sealed qualification after coming from a goal down to beat Cape Verde 2-1 in the second leg playoff game on Tuesday.

Following the win, the former African champions booked their place at next year’s tournament on 7-1 aggregate win after the first leg ended 5-0 in Abuja.

Commenting on the qualification, Babajide wrote on X:“QUALIFICATION FOR THE WOMEN’S AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS IN MOROCCO SECURED ✅ #RB9 #WAFCON.”

The Falcons have now qualified alongside champions South Africa, Senegal, Mali, Tanzania, Algeria, Ghana, Zambia and Botswana for the WAFCON 2024.

At the WAFCON 2022 also held in Morocco, the Falcons finished fourth.

Read More:https://www.completesports.com/babajide-celebrates-super-falcons-wafcon-2024-qualification/

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface is desperate to make his first Africa Cup of Nations appearance with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Boniface, 22, is expected to be named in Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations which will be hosted by Cote d’Ivoire.

The striker stated that he is looking forward to representing his country in the biennial competition.

“It is the dream of every football player from Nigeria to represent their country and win a trophy for the country,” Boniface told DW.

The former Union St Gilloise star only made his Super Eagles debut in September against Sao Tome and Principe.

Boniface has been in impressive form for Bayer Leverkusen since his arrival at the BayArena this summer.

The Nigerian scored his eighth league goal of the campaign in Die Werkself’s 1-1 home draw against Borussia Dortmund last weekend.

Cote d’Ivoire will host the 2023 AFCON finals from January 13 to February 11.

The Super Eagles are drawn in Group A with hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/boniface-keen-to-make-afcon-debut-with-

Former Chelsea midfielder Gianfranco Zola believes Victor Osimhen would be an ideal signing for the Blues.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing the Nigeria international.

The West London club are in need of attacking reinforcement and are keen to sign the Nigerian.

Zola claimed Osimhen will be a good addition to the Chelsea squad.

“I rate him as one of the top strikers around at the moment, for his energy, for his ability to score and also play with the opposition. I’m sure he can be a success in the Premier League as well for sure,” Zola told Obionepodcast.

“Of course the way, you know for what I see with Chelsea I think a player with this quality will do very well. He will change a lot of things for Chelsea to the positive in my opinion but again as I said I truly believe that it was a right thing to stay again one more year with Napoli.”

“He has done extremely well but what is more important is to confirm what you’ve done the previous year. After you’ve done so well you are tested mentally and with a character, you need to confirm and do even better. I think it will be a good test for him.”

Osimhen was top scorer in Serie A last season with 26 goals from 32 league appearances.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-will-be-perfect-for-chelsea-zola/

The election of Paul Bassey, Chairman Akwa United Football Club of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state as the 2nd Vice President of the newly launched African Clubs Association (ACA) in Cairo, Egypt on Thursday, November 30, 2023 has been described by the Club Owners Association of Nigeria as a well deserved recognition of one of its own.

Chief Okey Kpalukwu, Chairman of the Club Owners eulogized the former member of the Interim League Management Company of Nigeria as the right man for the job.

“Elder Paul Bassey is a man that is highly respected in the game of football globally. We all know his contributions to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) committees. His experience will be needed in this new body that was launched by CAF to give clubs in Africa a voice in matters that concerns them on the continent. We salute and wish him all the very best. We know he will represent us and Nigeria very well.”

The Rivers United General Manager added that the Club Owners will give the veteran sports journalist and seasoned sports administrator all the support he would be needing to excel in the assignment.

While describing his election as something he wasn’t prepared for while going to Egypt on the invitation of CAF, Elder Bassey thanked members of the Club Owners from Nigeria who nominated and voted for him during the election.

“I want to thank most sincerely the Chairmen and General Managers of Bendel Insurance of Benin, Rangers of Enugu and Plateau United of Jos who asked me to go for the election and they stood by me. For Nigeria to be so recognised, kudos must go to clubs like Rivers United and others for their good outing in recent times on the continent. My take away and the task ahead of me as 2nd Vice President of ACA is to bridge the gap between Nigerian clubsides and our colleagues from other countries”, explained the former CAF General Coordinator.

ACA is made up of 80 elite clubs drawn from leagues across Africa and 4 Nigerian clubs were invited by CAF during its launch last week in Cairo, Egypt.

The motives behind the creation of ACA is to protect and promote the interests of African Football Clubs, ensure that they’re commercially viable, globally competitive and profitable, to ensure that Referees, Match Commissioners and VAR operators are respected, credible, independent and world-class. To build partnerships with sponsors, the private sector and Governments to build stadiums that comply with CAF and FIFA standards and other football infrastructure and facilities in each of the 54 CAF Member Associations. To
develop African youth talent, academies for Boys and Girls and improve the quality of African Club football to be world class.

Engineer Hersi Ally Said of Young African Football Club of Tanzania emerged President, while the Marketing Director of Kaizer Chiefs Football Club of South Africa Jessica Motaung will serve as the 1st Vice President of ACA.

Read More:htthttps://www.completesports.com/npfl-club-owners-celebrate-basseys-aca-election-victory/

Two first half goals earned Rwanda a first win in the qualifiers while it was South Africa’s first.

Also, Rwanda occupy top spot in Group C on four points while South Africa are second on three points.

The result ended Bafana’s 11-match unbeaten run and was only their second loss in their past 18 games across all competitions.

Afterwards, Bafana Bafana coach Broos said that his side lost the game within the first quarter and were never in a position to recover.

“We lost the game in the first 25 minutes, because we weren’t ready for the kick-and-rush football of Rwanda,” Broos said in an interview with Safa media Via iol.co.za.

“I had told the players to be careful, but then we gave away two presents – two gift goals. We were not ready, and after the two goals, we changed a little bit.

“We were not good. I asked the boys to put Rwanda under pressure, and in the second half only once did they managed to pass the 60m mark into our territory.”

Broos refused to comment on the performances of some of his players who did not come to the party.

“I am not used to commenting on individual performances after a match, and I will not do it now. We lose with 11 players, and we win with 11 players.

“I say it again, we were not ready for the kick-and-rush football of Rwanda.”

Bafana’s next game in the qualifiers is an away game against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in June 2024.

The Eagles started their campaign on a disappointing note after two draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Read More:https://www.completesports.com/2026-wcq-why-we-lost-to-rwanda-south-afric

Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro has distance himself from applying for a managerial job with Zamalek in Egypt.

Recall that on Monday, the Portuguese tactician was reported to have applied to coach Egyptian club despite having a contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

However, in a chat with btolat.com, Peseiro has revealed that he has no contact with the club and that he’s more focused with the Super Eagles job.

“At the present, all my focus is on the Nigerian national team only,” the Portuguese told btolat.com.

“There are no negotiations from Zamalek in any case and I am not thinking about anything else.”

Peseiro is under pressure following the Super Eagles poor start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

There have been persistent calls for his sack after the Super Eagles could only draw their opening two games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/super-eagles-my-priority-not-zamalek-peseiro/

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has debunked reports circulating in the media that he’s not in good terms with teenage teammate Lamine Yamal.

Recall that the Polish striker was heavily criticised after victory over Alaves for turning on Yamal after the youngster failed to pass to him in a goalscoring area.

However, in a chat with TribalFootball, Lewandowski said that he has no bad blood with Yamal.

“The situation is just a coincidence.

“It is a normal situation on the pitch between two players yelling at each other. There is no bad blood or bad intentions between me and Lamine. Everything is fine and there is nothing hidden in this situation.

“There really is nothing worth commenting on.”

Lewandowski is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, and is considered by many to be one of the greatest centre-forwards of all time.

An accurate and efficient finisher with his head and both feet, Lewandowski is a prolific goalscorer, which has led him to be dubbed Lewangoalski.

A well-rounded forward, he is said to possess almost all the necessary qualities of a traditional number nine: height, strength, balance, pace, intelligent movement and proficiency with both feet.

Read also:https://www.completesports.com/lewandowski-im-in-good-terms-with-yamal/

Cryriel Dessers says he will keep working hard to make Nigeria’s squad to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Rangers forward has been overlooked by Nigeria head coach Jose Peseiro for over a year now.

With the likes of Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Taiwo Awoniyi,Kelechi Iheanacho and Terem Moffi ahead of him in the pecking order, making the squad will be an herculean task.

The 28-year-old insists he is keen to beat some of the strong competition for places.

“The last few times I was in the Nigeria pre-selection squad, but not in the final selection. If you look at the other strikers and the form that they are in, I can understand that,” Dessers was quoted by the Daily Record.

“We have a few players competing to be the third or fourth striker and then it depends on form. The competition in Nigeria is absurd. I could have chosen to play for Belgium, but I am very happy with my choice.

“I have already experienced fantastic moments. My first international goal, in front of a hundred thousand spectators against Mexico in Dallas, is a moment I will never forget.”

Dessers was eligible to represent Nigeria and Netherlands, but opted to play for the latter.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/dessers-keen-to-make-super-eagles-afcon-2023-squad/#more

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has said that his players need to be more consistent and make much bigger demands of themselves.

The LaLiga champions have won three of their last five games, losing one and draw one.

After suffering a 2-1 home defeat to rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona managed to see off Sociedad.

They will hope to record back-to-back wins when they face Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.

Looking forward to the Champions League clash with the Ukrainian giants, Xavi said qualifying for the round of 15 is priority.

“Qualification is the primary objective, and after that topping the group, and we have both within our reach already. We need to start controlling games more. We have recuperating important players like Pedri, Raphina, Lewandowski and Kounde. They are vital players for the team.

“But we still need to impose our identify more, that’s the key. We want to play excellent football and to win games by a wide margin. But that’s the ideal scenario and it’s not going to happen in every game. There is also the opponent to take into account and some days you aren’t as inspired as others. We need to get back our consistency and make much bigger demands of ourselves in that respect.

“I think we’ve done a very good job. Not just me but all the staff, the club, the players.. we are halfway towards making Barca great again. We need to get back that sheer excellence we once used to have.”

On the domestic front, Barcelona are third in the Laliga standings after picking up 27 points from 12 games.
Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/xavi-expresses-worry-over-barcelonas-inconsistency/

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has said that his players need to be more consistent and make much bigger demands of themselves.

The LaLiga champions have won three of their last five games, losing one and draw one.

After suffering a 2-1 home defeat to rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona managed to see off Sociedad.

They will hope to record back-to-back wins when they face Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.

Looking forward to the Champions League clash with the Ukrainian giants, Xavi said qualifying for the round of 15 is priority.

“Qualification is the primary objective, and after that topping the group, and we have both within our reach already. We need to start controlling games more. We have recuperating important players like Pedri, Raphina, Lewandowski and Kounde. They are vital players for the team.

“But we still need to impose our identify more, that’s the key. We want to play excellent football and to win games by a wide margin. But that’s the ideal scenario and it’s not going to happen in every game. There is also the opponent to take into account and some days you aren’t as inspired as others. We need to get back our consistency and make much bigger demands of ourselves in that respect.

“I think we’ve done a very good job. Not just me but all the staff, the club, the players.. we are halfway towards making Barca great again. We need to get back that sheer excellence we once used to have.”

On the domestic front, Barcelona are third in the Laliga standings after picking up 27 points from 12 games.
Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/xavi-expresses-worry-over-barcelonas-inconsistency/

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has revealed forward Victor Osimhen and winger and Samuel Chukwueze will not be part of his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Osimhen and Chukwueze picked up injuries in Nigeria’s friendly draw against Saudi Arabia last month.

Chukwueze was expected to be named in the squad for both games after returning to training at AC Milan last week.

Peseiro has however confirmed that the duo will miss the two games.

“Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen will not be called up during the next break; we want to avoid any risks,” Peseiro told TV Play, as per Milan Reports.

“I was very sorry for their injuries: the clubs pay the players, and we constantly collaborate with them.”

The Super Eagles will entertain Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Thursday, November 16.

The encounter against Zimbabwe billed for the Huye Stadium will take place three days later.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/2026-wcq-peseiro-confirms-osimhen-chukwueze-will-miss-lesotho-zimbabwe-games/

Super Eagles coach, Jose Peserio has disclosed that top clubs in Europe are queuing up to sign Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen.

The Nigerian international, who is expected to return to the City of Naples, had been in Nigeria for over a week to attend to family matters and undergo rehabilitation for a hamstring injury sustained in a friendly match in October.

However, in a chat with Sportitalia, the Portuguese tactician stated that he’s convinced Osimhen can play for Europe’s biggest teams.

He also revealed that he has no doubts about the “love” Osimhen has for Napoli.

“He has enormous mental strength.

“In light of everything he has been through, he reacted like a champion and by working with us he he has demonstrated it.

“He is sad because he is injured and cannot do what he loves most, which is to play for Napoli. Due to his abilities, for what he has shown, he has and will always have the best clubs in the world that want him.”

Osimhen is a right-footed centre-forward known for his presence, athleticism, strength, directness, runs into space,[85] eye for goal and his linkup play. At 185 cm, he has good holdup play. He also relies on pace to beat opponents.

Osimhen is regarded as one of the best centre-forwards in European football. He has been compared to fellow young strikers Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak and Dušan Vlahović. Opta Analyst wrote: “Among that early-prime age group,

Victor Osimhen is arguably near the top”. His manager at Napoli, Luciano Spalletti, described him as “such a great striker”[88] and “the complete package”.

Serie A champions Napoli have identified Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez
as a replacement for Victor Osimhen should the Nigerian decide not to end his stay at the club.
The Partenopei are still working to agree a new deal with Osimhen are also planning for a future without him.
Osimhen has less than two years on his contract with Napoli.

Off-pitch distractions have recently caused tension between him and the club.

According to Calciomercato, whilst Napoli are still prioritizing a new contract for the striker, they’ve already started sounding out a possible replacement should they ultimately fail to agree a new deal.

Gimenez has impressed for Feyenoord this season, netting 15 times and providing three assists in 11 outings across all competitions.

The Mexican is valued at around €40m and Napoli have already established contact with his entourage.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/napoli-identify-osimhens-replacement/

Shooting Stars head coach Gbenga Ogunbote, admitted that the matchday three clash against Gombe United was expectedly tough, but expressed happiness, his side was able to win.

in his post match interview after the encounter, in which his team came back from a goal down to beat the visitors 2-1, coach Ogunbote gave his boys pat in the back for getting the job done.

“It was a difficult game, nobody should expect that it was going to be easy, especially knowing that when they came here last season, we defeated them 3-0.

“They felt they could back and take a point, but no matter when it came, the important thing is that we gave it our all, I give it to the boys” stated the ex Rangers International coach.

The 3SC gaffer added. “We played against a good side, who did everything to thwart every opportunity we created . Babaganaru is an experienced coach, so I knew it was going to be a tough game” stated the 3SC gaffer.

Ezoic
He attributed the inability of his team to convert numerous chances created to anxiety on the part of his players, promising though to keep working on that area till the team gets it right.

When asked to pick the best performer of the day between Ayobami Junior and skipper Malomo Taofeek, the Oracle, as the coach is fondly called, had this to say.

“If you talk about game play, Ayobami Junior was fantastic, if you talk about game play, Malomo, being the captain, did wonderfully well and to cap it up, he had two goals to his credit.

“Everyone in the team, made positive contributions in the match”, stated the Shooting Stars’ Technical Adviser.

Read More:https://www.completesports.com/ogunbote-reflects-on-difficult-shooting-stars-win-against-gombe-united/

Napoli have announced they will take legal action against a famous Italian toy store for an unlicensed doll

The doll bears an uncanny resemblance to their talismanic forward Victor Osimhen.

It went viral on social media because it has several rather obvious elements that link it to the Nigeria international.

This includes a protective mask with the 9 on it, a light blue jersey and a blond tuft of curly hair.

“With reference to the news, which appeared on numerous online information sites, relating to the imminent marketing of a children’s game called “Cicciobello Bomber” – a doll that reproduces the features of the player Victor Osimhen, portrayed wearing a uniform clearly referable to the shirt from the Club’s first team – the SSCN specifies that this is an unofficial product, the creation of which has not been authorized in any way by the Club,” Napoli said in a statement.

“The Company has therefore taken steps to protect its interests in the appropriate places.”

Osimhen was recently involved in a TikTok video row with Napoli.

The Nigeria international’s contract extension is currently in doubt and his relationship with the Serie A champions remains frosty.

He has scored five goals in nine appearances across all competitions for Napoli this season.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/napoli-to-take-legal-action-against-company-over-osimhen-doll/

Napoli manager Rudi Garcia has heaped plaudits on Victor Osimhen following the forward’s impressive performance against SC Braga on Wednesday night.

The Serie A champions won the UEFA Champions League group stage clash 2-1.

Osimhen provided the assist for Napoli’s opener scored by Giovanni Di Lorenzo in the 45th minute.

The Nigeria international was a thorn in the flesh of the opposition’s defence in the game.

The 24-year-old was named Man of the Match after the contest.

Garcia was full of praise for the talismanic striker, who has now failed to score in his last three games across all competitions for the Partenopei.

“Victor Osimhen fought hard and ran, it’s what I expect from all my players, that when it comes time to defend, they all help out,” he was quoted by football Italia.

Napoli will host Bologna at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in a Serie A fixture on Sunday.

Ndidi: Super Eagles Must Qualify For 2026 World Cup

Wilfred Ndidi says the Super Eagles can’t afford to miss out on a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the last edition of the World Cup hosted by Qatar

The three-time African champions lost out to their perennial rivals Black Stars of Ghana in the in the playoff.

With the ticket to the 2023 Africa Cup Cup of Nations already in the bag, Ndidi stated that the Super Eagles will now work hard to secure a place to the 2026 World Cup finals.

“This win (against Sao Tome and Principe) is a good one for us. It will serve as a morale booster ahead of the World Cup qualifiers,”Ndidi told reporters.

“It was painful not to play at the last the World Cup in Qatar. The fans were really disappointed in us and we can’t afford to fail them again.

“We just have keep working hard as a team and hopefully things will be in our favour.

The Super Eagles are in the same group with Lesotho, South Africa, Benin Republic, Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ndidi-super-eagles-must-qualify-for-2026-world-cup/

Lionel Messi provided two assists as Inter Miami beat FC Cincinnati on penalty shootout to reach the 2023 US Open Cup final on Wednesday night.

Former Flying Eagles midfielder Obinna Nwobodo was in action for Cincinnati and played the full 120 minutes.

Inter Miami triumphed 5-4 on penalties after 120 minutes ended 3-3.

With Cincinnati ahead 2-0, Messi set up Inter Miami’s first goal on 68 minutes and provided another assist in the 97th minute to level the score.

Three minutes into first half extra-time Inter Miami went 3-2 up before Cincinnati scored on 114th minute to take the game to penalties.

In the shootout, Cincinnati converted the first kick before Messi made it 1-1.

On Sunday, Inter Miami landed their first-ever trophy after defeating Nashville on penalty shootout to win the Leagues Cup

Messi put Inter Miami ahead in regulation time and also in the shootout against Nashville.

Inter Miami will take on Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup billed for Wednesday, September 27, 2023.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, commonly known as the U.S. Open Cup (USOC), is a knockout cup competition in men’s football in the US.

It is the country’s oldest ongoing national football competition which was first held during the 1913–1914 season as the National Challenge Cup, with Brooklyn Field Club winning a trophy donated by Thomas Dewar for the promotion of American football.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/us-open-cup-messi-bags-two-assists-as-inter-miami-beat-cincinnati-to-reach-another-final/#more

Hey FPL Lovers!!

You can join the Official iSoccer FPL League for the 23/24 EPL season for FREE!!

Head over to the site - https://isoccerng.com/fantasy-is-back-delight-for-fantasy-premier-league-lovers/ to pick up the League codes.

Weekly winners and End-of-season winners will get cash prizes!

Let's play!

West Ham United have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Manchester United to sign England defender, Harry Maguire.

After losing out to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in playing time and losing his position as club captain to Bruno Fernandes, Maguire has been facing a doubtful future at Manchester United.

West Ham have emerged as the 30-year-old’s biggest admirer, despite the fact that the financial terms of the deal have frequently been a source of contention.

However, according to Team Talk, West Ham and Manchester United have now reached an agreement in principle for Maguire. The London-based club are willing to pay around £30 million for the centre-back

Even though it would be a sizable loss on Man United’s initial investment of £80 million. It seems like a reasonable amount given his recent slide in fortune. After all, it represents an upgrade from the £20 million West Ham offer that the Red Devils initially rebuffed.

There are still a few last-minute issues to settle surrounding Maguire’s departure from Manchester United before he can complete the deal. There have been rumours that the defender may request payment from his current employers considering that he will probably earn less money with West Ham.

There are still a few last-minute issues to settle surrounding Maguire’s departure from Manchester United before he can complete the deal. There have been rumours that the defender may request payment from his current employers considering that he will probably earn less money with West Ham.

But once that obstacle is overcome, Maguire wouldn’t have too much trouble working out personal terms with West Ham.

His four-year stay at Old Trafford, which featured 175 games in all competitions, would come to a conclusion. He has previously played for Leicester City, Hull City, Wigan Athletic, and Sheffield United.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/west-ham-reach-agreement-with-man-united-for-maguire-signing/#more

Completesports.com’s Live Blogging of 2023 #FIFAWWC [FIFA Women’s World Cup] Group B, Matchday 23 match: Ireland Women vs Super Falcons of Nigeria at Lang Park Stadium, Australia.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ireland-vs-nigeria-live-blogging-2023-fifawwc-group-b-matchday-3/

Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has heaped plaudits on his players following the team’s impressive performance against Australia on Thursday.

Waldrum’s side recorded their first win at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, edging out co-hosts Australia 3-2 at the Lang Park, Brisbane.

The Super Falcons went behind late in the first half before rallying to win the contest.

The American declared that the Falcons can beat anybody if they continue to play together as seen vs Australia.

“The mentality of the team is incredible. It would have been easy to give up before halftime after they scored, but they responded immediately,” Waldrum was quoted by VM.

“They showed great resilience to come back and turn the game around in the second half. I just think the team has incredible spirit, and the chemistry together is unbelievable. As long as we have that, we can beat anybody.”

The Super Falcons will face already eliminated Republic of Ireland in their last group game on Monday.

A point from the game will be enough for them to seal a place in the Round of 16.

Read Also;https://www.completesports.com/2023-wwc-waldrum-talks-up-incredible-super-falcons-win-against-australia/

Napoli manager Rudi Garcia says there is a possibility of Victor Osimhen leaving the Partenopei this summer.

Osimhen has been a subject of transfer speculations since the end of last season.

The Nigeria international was previously linked with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint- Germain and Bayern Munich.

Ligue 1 champions , PSG are the only club left in the race at the moment.

Garcia is keen to keep Osimhen at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona but admitted there is a chance the striker could still leave before the end of the transfer window.

“I hope he (Osimhen) stays in Naples. He’s under contract and everyone is calm, but never say never in football. I’m confident and he wants to stay,” Garcia was quoted by Tutto Napoli.

The 24-year-old was top scorer in Serie A last season with 26 from 32 games.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-can-still-leave-napoli-this-summer-garcia/#more

Several top European clubs have their eye on signing Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker is a hot commodity that plans to stay at Napoli for the upcoming season, according to the club president Aurelio de Laurentiis.

Reports have surfaced that Laurentiis will ask €150 million to sell the star player. He is linked to such suitors as Manchester United and PSG.

The Napoli president spoke with the media about Osimhen transfer rumors and tried to cast doubt. He says that the star player will stay at the club even though rival clubs are showing interest.

Laurentiis pointed out that if Osimhen did leave the club, quality players could be recruited. Napoli wants to secure top-tier players to help boost their way to success. The president said that Osimhen will wear the Napoli shirt for sure. If an indecent proposal arrives, the club will move on and find more top talent.

Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were brought to the team last season to help push the team to victory. Osimhen’s decision to stay with Napoli will help the team as it tries to retain the title during the upcoming season.

Over the next few weeks, we should see how Osimhen’s future will unfold. Naturally, all eyes are on the team and if Osimhen will stay with Napoli. Will other teams bring huge deals to the table to try and claim the striker?

Osimhen has major goal-scoring ability and can easily help impact Napoli’s success positively. He was a highlight last season and boosted big odds for scores every game with online and retail sportsbooks. Operators like DraftKings feature Osimhen as a favorite to score in their league odds.

The odds will certainly change at sportsbooks and for the Napoli team if Osimhen decides to leave and pursue his sports career with another club. Only time will tell what will happen in this scenario.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/napoli-president-claims-victor-osimhen-will-only-be-sold-with-indecent-proposal/#more

DC United boss, Wayne Rooney, has told Man United forward, Mason Greenwood not to hesitate to leave the Red Devils in a bid to revive his football career.

Recall that the former England striker was arrested in early 2022 over allegations of rape, assault, and coercive and controlling behaviour.

The charges have since been dropped, but it remains to be seen if Greenwood will be allowed to play for the Red Devils again.

However, in a chat with The Athletic, Rooney urged him to leave Man United and develop his football elsewhere.

“It leaves Mason Greenwood in a position where he is stuck.

“So for Mason, it’s a bad position to be in because I’m sure he just wants to play football. But for the club, its image and ensuring they make the right decisions, it’s almost a catch 22. I think the best thing for Mason now is to get out of the club and go and develop somewhere else.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/get-out-of-man-united-now-rooney-advises-greenwood/

Former Nigerian winger, Tijani Babangida has called on the Super Eagles not to focus their attention on South Africa and Benin Republic alone in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The three-time African champions will have to navigate tricky clashes with tough rivals, South Africa, Benin Republic, now coached by Gernot Rohr, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Rwanda in Group C.

The teams were paired during the preliminary draws held organized by Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Super Eagles, who missed out on the Qatar World Cup will begin the hunt for world cup glory in games that will take place over ten watch-ways during the next two years.

However, in a chat with Completesports.com, Babangida stated that South Africa and Benin won’t be of bigger problems for the Super Eagle.

He warned that the other opponents should be of major priority to the Nigeria if they are to navigate their way to the 2026 World Cup.

“This is a tough draw for the Nigeria but I still believe the Super Eagles will qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Facing difficult opponents like South Africa, Benin Republic, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Rwanda in Group C even makes it more tougher.

“However, I will advise the Super Eagles not to pay attention on South Africa and Benin alone because the other teams are capable of acting as spoiler if not taking seriously.”

The nine groups will play in a home and away, round-robin, format with each of the group winners qualifying automatically for the FIFA World Cup.

The four best group runners-up will then compete in a play-off stage to determine CAF’s representative at the FIFA play-off tournament.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-south-africa-benin-wont-give-eagles-tough-headache-in-2026-wcq-babangida/