Super Eagles striker, Umar Sadiq has issued a stern warning to Nigerians who attempt to insult him due to the team’s failure to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nation.

Sadiq stated this on the backdrop of the cyber-attacks on Alex Iwobi after the final of the tournament, where the team lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast on Sunday.

As a result, Iwobi, who currently plays for Fulham in the Premier League, confirmed leaving social media after the AFCON final match following the bullying.

In a post shared on his Instastories, Umar warned that he is not Alex Iwobi and will insult anyone who comes for him.

“I no even play you con dey insult me. Abeg oo me i no be Iwobi, I go insult person papa with him mama join. Yes I be dat typical Hausa boy abi u see fear for my eyes.

“Pushing someone into depression and mental breakdown. Yet you want life to be better for you. e no fit ever better for una!

Read also:https://www.completesports.com/im-not-iwobi-ill-insult-your-parent-if-you-insult-me-sadiq-warns-nigerians/

Maduka Okoye was in brilliant form as he helped Udinese to a shock 1-0 win away to Serie A title hopeful Juventus on Monday night.

Udinese went into the game on the back of five games without a win (three defeats, two draws).

It is Udinese’s first win away to Juventus since 23, August 2015, with Okoye in goal to help end the long wait.

The 24-year-old Nigeria international was in superb form as he made six saves and had two clearances in his seventh league appearance this season.

Also in action for Udinese alongside Okoye are Isaac Success, who came on in the 77th minute, and Kingsley Ehizibue.

A Lautaro Giannetti’s 25th minute strike was enough to earn Udinese the win which move them up from the relegation zone to 16th in the league table.

The defeat is a dent in Juve’s title hopes as they are on 53 points and seven points behind leaders Inter Milan.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/outstanding-okoye-helps-udinese-hand-juventus-shock-home-defeat/

Maduka Okoye was in brilliant form as he helped Udinese to a shock 1-0 win away to Serie A title hopeful Juventus on Monday night.

Udinese went into the game on the back of five games without a win (three defeats, two draws).

It is Udinese’s first win away to Juventus since 23, August 2015, with Okoye in goal to help end the long wait.

The 24-year-old Nigeria international was in superb form as he made six saves and had two clearances in his seventh league appearance this season.

Also in action for Udinese alongside Okoye are Isaac Success, who came on in the 77th minute, and Kingsley Ehizibue.

A Lautaro Giannetti’s 25th minute strike was enough to earn Udinese the win which move them up from the relegation zone to 16th in the league table.

The defeat is a dent in Juve’s title hopes as they are on 53 points and seven points behind leaders Inter Milan.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/outstanding-okoye-helps-udinese-hand-juventus-shock-home-defeat/

Former Nigerian international, Nwankwo Kanu has reiterated that the Super Eagles are destined to bring back home the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title.

He made this declaration via his official X handle, former known as Twitter handle, where he told the players that they are two games away from making history.

“The boys have done us proud. Semifinals here we come. I told you we are going to be in the finals and we are going to win this tournament. Pray for them, support them, wish them the best luck,” Kanu said.

“This is our cup. It’s coming back home. Come on Super Eagles. You can do this, it is remaining only two games, history to be made.”

Recall that the Super Eagles will face South Africa in the semi-final of the competition today.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/kanu-super-eagles-destined-to-win-afcon-2023-title/

Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro is not sure Victor Osimhen will be available for the side’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

Osimhen failed to travel with the rest of the squad to Bouake for the game on Monday night as a result of abdominal discomfort.

There are fears the Napoli hitman could miss the game against Hugo Broos’ men.

Peseiro, while addressing reporters at a press conference ahead of the game in Bouake on Tuesday morning refused to offer assurance on the striker’s availability for the game.

“Until now, I can not answer right because it is about health. This afternoon, I can know better if he can play or not,” Peseiro stated.

Osimhen has scored one goal and registered one assist in five appearances for the Super Eagles at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Super Eagles will take on South Africa at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake on Wednesday.

The game will commence at 5pm Cote d’Ivoire time (6pm in Nigeria).

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2023-peseiro-gives-update-on-osimhen-ahead-south-africa-clash/

Throughout the opening months of the 2023/24 Premier League season, Arsenal had looked like a genuine contender. They were exactly that last season, however, they ultimately threw away an eight-point lead to second-placed Manchester City, who went on to win the title for the third year running. The Gunners, meanwhile, had to settle for second place and a return to the Champions League for the first time since the days of Arsene Wenger.

This season, Mikel Arteta’s men once again topped the pile. However, a dismal run of form over the festive period saw them lose at home to West Ham and away at Fulham. Those games saw them drop all the way down to fourth in the league, a mighty five points behind league leaders Liverpool. Popular online bookmakers, whose Premier League odds and bonus bets are compared by oddschecker, then made Arsenal distant third favorites for the title behind Jurgen Klopp’s Reds and Pep Guardiola’s Blues.

Make or Break Clash
With the threat of the title aspirations being torpedoed as early as February, defeat wasn’t an option when the Merseysiders made their way to the Emirates. And the hosts knew it. They came out of the blocks firing and took a deserved lead through Bukayo Saka, the England winger tapping home a goal after Alisson Becker’s saved Gabriel Martinelli’s shot. However, the visitors equalized on the stroke of halftime thanks to Garbeil’s own goal and it looked as though that five-point gap would remain.

In the second half, it was the Reds who came out with the added impetus, netting straight from the restart. However, The Gunners regained their composure and began to take control of the contest. In the 63rd minute, they were duly rewarded for their endeavor when Gabriel Martinelli took advantage of a mix-up between the aforementioned Alisson and captain Virgil Van Dijk to slot the ball into an empty net.

The visitors pushed for an equalizer, but it never came. That opened the door for Leandro Trossard to seal the victory in injury time, slashing Liverpool’s lead at the top of the staple to just two points. The reigning champions are just three points further back and they have two games in hand on their nearest rivals.

What’s Next?
Arsenal have a tough month ahead of them with back-to-back clashes against Chelsea and Manchester City on the horizon in mid-march. They also have to balance the Champions League with their domestic responsibilities, something they didn’t have to do last term. Liverpool can rest players midweek as they are competing in the Europa League, and that could play a decisive factor as the title race begins to reach the finish line.
Read Also:Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/arsenal-back-in-premier-league-title-race-after-3-1-victory-against-liverpool/

Moses Simon has said the Super Eagles will do their best to beat the Palancas Negras of Angola in their quarter-final tie, reports Completesports.com.

The two teams will battle for a place in the semi-final when they clash at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan on Friday.

The Super Eagles head to the last eight tie as the overwhelming favourites having defeated big names Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite their impressive display in the competition, Simon insisted that it is important for the players to keep their feet on the ground.

“It is going to be a difficult game, like the ones against Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon, and even Equatorial Guinea. We must be at our best and focus on the prize,” Simon was quoted by thenff.com.

The encounter will kick-off at 5pm local time (6pm Nigeria time).

:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2023-we-will-give-our-best-against-angola-simon/

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has said he is looking forward to a difficult duel against Angola, reports Completesports.com.

Nigeria and Angola will battle for place in the semi-final at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday.

The Palancas Negras started the competition with a 1-1 draw against former champions Algeria.

“We are ready for the quarter-finals, we will have more trainings, more practice before the game .We will give our best against them,” Peseiro told reporters.

“My players work well in training today (on Monday). They have recover well. We will do our best in training.

“We are going to face a tough team. We need to do our best to beat them.”

The encounter is slated for the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.

:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2023-peseiro-anticipates-tough-game-against-angola/

Violence broke out in Abidjan on Monday evening after the country’s football team, the Elephant of Cote d’Ivoire lost 4-0 to Equatorial Guinea, to put their chances of qualifying to the knockout stages of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in jeopardy.

The two-time champions now must endure a nervy wait to determine if they will advance to the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams.

Despite a multitude of missed opportunities for the home team, Equatorial Guinea’s Emilio Nsue opened the scoring before the break, and Pablo Ganet unleashed a brilliant free kick after it. Two minutes before the end, Nsue, capped his performance with his fifth goal of the tournament.

In a video seen by Completesports.com on social media, the body of a bus apparently forced to be abandoned as a result of the violence was riddled with holes that looked like it was pelted by stones.

In a video seen by Completesports.com on social media, the body of a bus apparently forced to be abandoned as a result of the violence was riddled with holes that looked like it was pelted by stones.

The windows of the bus were also shattered.

Another video showed things being burnt in the streets of Abidjan as police could be seen converging around the area.

It was not immediately clear whether there were any injuries or fatalities following the mayhem.

:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2023-ivory-coast-supporters-unleash-anger-on-team-bus-after-loss-to-equatorial-guinea-video/#more

Cote d’Ivoire winger Max Alain Gradel has said the the Elephants are not under pressure to do well at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Gaziantep player expressed confidence in the ability of the team to beat the Super Eagles in their second game of the competition.

“It was important for us to win the first game. We started slowly but victory is what is important,” Gradel told a press conference.

“We are happy with the three points. We have three days to prepare for the game against Nigeria. We are prepared and ready.

“We have a good team, no pressure. We are Cote d’Ivoire and will do our best to win the game.”

Thursday’s encounter will take place at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan.

Sports Minister Charges Super Eagles To Go For Gold In Cote d’Ivoire

As Nigeria’s Senior Men’s National team, the Super Eagles prepare to take on the rest of the continent at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Honourable Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh has charged the team to imbibe the spirit of resilience and togetherness in order to bring the trophy home.

In an inspiring address during the team’s farewell dinner organized by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Senator Enoh emphasized the importance of wearing the Nigerian badge with patriotism at the tournament. He urged the team to embody the “never say die” spirit of Nigeria, reminding them to play not only for themselves but also for their families and the nation at large.

“With over 200 million Nigerians eagerly watching and supporting, your performance holds the hopes and dreams of our entire nation,” he stated, highlighting the immense significance of the team’s representation on the continental stage.

Acknowledging the comprehensive support provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in ensuring the team’s readiness, the Minister urged the Super Eagles to seize every opportunity from the very first game.

Read Also: https://www.completesports.com/world-football/nigeria-national-teams/afcon-2023-sports-minister-charges-super-eagles-to-go-for-gold-in-cote-divoire/

jose Peseiro has played down the Super Eagles’ 2-0 loss to Guinea in a friendly game in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

The Eagles rounded off their training camp with the friendly with the Syli National which was their second in Abu Dhabi after earlier playing a local club side.

Chippa United first choice Stanley Nwabali was in goal while Raphael Onyedika and Alhassan Yusuf were in the starting 11.

Also in starting line-up were William Troost-Ekong, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Umar Sadiq, Zaidu Sanusi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Chidozie Awaziem.

Reflecting on the outcome of the friendly, Peseiro, described it as not that important.

“It is important to win of course, I prefer to win than to lose but the game is not important because we tried to use a new system,” he said in his post-match on NFF TV.

“We tested the new system, 3-4-3 and we did well in the first half though we were down 1-0 but we deserved more. We missed a penalty, missed like three clear chances.

“The second half was more balanced for both teams I had to later change to 4-3-3 after losing the midfield. I changed the team I didn’t use all the players, I tried to manage the players in the two friendly games.“

The Eagles are expected back in Nigeria today (Tuesday) before jetting out to Côte d’Ivoire.

Unfortunately, they will be without Victor Boniface due to injury.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/world-football/nigeria-national-teams/afcon-2023-peseiro-plays-down-super-eagles-friendly-game-loss-to-guinea/

Victor Boniface has expressed sadness after being ruled out of this year’s AFCON due to injury.

Boniface picked up the injury in the Super Eagles training camp in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Due to the injury the Bayer Leverkusen striker missed the Eagles’ test game against an Abu Dhabi local club which ended 12-0 on Sunday.

Also, Boniface was not selected for the friendly game against Guinea on Monday which the Eagles lost 2-0.

His injury is coming just six days before the Eagles open their AFCON campaign against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, 14 January.

Commenting on the setback, the striker recalled how he also missed the 2019 U-20 AFCON due to injury also.

“U20 nations cup got injured 7 days before nations cup,” he wrote on X.

“Super eagles got injured 6days before Nations cup

“Only GOD Knows why.”

Taiwo Awoniyi and Wilfred Ndidi were also ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/world-football/nigeria-national-teams/only-god-knows-why-boniface-reacts-as-injury-shatters-afcon-2023-dreams/#more

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/