₦airaland Forum

Raphael Varane says Manchester United could be his final club – but says olds clubs Lens or Real Madrid are also possible.

The France centre-back is delighted at the way his and the Red Devils’ fortunes have transformed in his second season at Old Trafford

Varane, 29, is under contract until 2025 and he rates not moving again as a “serious option”.

He told GQ in France: “I will finish my career either at Real Madrid, Manchester United or at Lens.

“It’s sure that I won’t do another club, but Madrid, it seems complicated. You don’t tend to go back generally.

“The most likely is that I end in Manchester or Lens.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/varane-manchester-united-could-be-my-last-club/

Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun is expected to make his return to competitive action for Sky Bet Championship club, Queens Park Rangers after the international break.

Balogun last featured for the London club last November as a result of a calf injury.

The Nigerian was replaced at half-time during the 2-1 defeat to Huddersfield Town at the Loftus Road.

According to feelers from the club, the 34-year-old is close to full fitness and will return to the pitch next week.

The centre-back joined QPR in August 2022 as a free agent after ending his contract with Scottish Premier League side Glasgow Rangers.

Balogun will go on to make 12 appearances for the championship team before sustaining injury in November.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/balogun-set-for-qpr-return-after-injury-induced-layoff/

Tickets for Friday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Djurtus (Wild Dogs) of Guinea Bissau have been calibrated in price ranges of N2,000 and N10,000 for ordinary and VIP seats respectively.

The tickets are available at the secretariat of the NFF at the Package B of Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Old Parade Ground, NFF’s former office at Wuse Zone 7 and other designated places which details will be announced on broadcast stations nationwide.

Nigeria, on six maximum points from their previous two matches, take on Guinea Bissau in a top-of-the-table fixture that will largely determine the swing of the pool, with the Super Eagles favoured to pick all six points and guarantee their passage to Cote d’Ivoire early next year

As at 15:33 hours on Tuesday, there were 21 players in the Super Eagles’ John Wood Hotel abode in Abuja. Only forward Victor Osimhen, who was already in Lagos and waiting to board his flight to the nation’s capital, and Portugal-based defender Zaidu Sanusi, were still being expected.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/2023-afconq-fans-to-pay-n2000-n10000-to-watch-super-eagles-vs-guinea-bissau/

Atletico Madrid right back, Matt Doherty has warned Tottenham not to sack Antonio Conte as manager.

Recall that the Italian is in danger of losing his job at Spurs within this international break.

Per The Telegraph and other sources, Spurs would appoint Ryan Mason until the end of the season if Conte leaves.

“I hope he stays for a long time at Tottenham,” Doherty, now with Atletico Madrid, said in a press conference while on international duty with Ireland.

“He’s an unbelievable coach, an unbelievable manager. He won’t say anything in the press that he won’t say to his players, he’s completely honest with his players, has the passion for the whole club.

“I hope Tottenham stick by him and hold onto him for as long as possible, he’s one of the best managers of all time.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/tottenham-must-not-attempt-to-sack-conte-doherty-warns/

Arsenal legend, Emmanuel Petit, has criticized defender, Rob Holding.

Petit said that Holding is too soft for a defender, adding that he is not a big fan of the player.

Holding started Arsenal’s 4-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace last weekend after William Saliba sustained an injury during their UEFA Europa League defeat to Sporting Lisbon last week.

“Rob Holding, I’m not a big fan of him, to be honest,” Petit told Premier League Productions.

“I think he’s too soft as a defender.

“It is such a shame also to see [Takehiro] Tomiyasu injured. I would have preferred to have Tomiyasu at right-back and Ben White as a central defender.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/why-im-not-a-fan-of-holding-petit/

Serie A giants AC Milan are among some top European clubs showing interest in Nigerian striker Gift Orban.

This is according to Italian media outfit Calciomercato.it.

Since joining Belgian side Gent in January this year, Orban has been sensational in front of goal.

The 20-year-old has scored 12 goals in 10 appearances in all competitions.

He scored a hat-trick in Gent’s 4-1 away win against Istanbul Basaksehir in the Europa Conference League.

Also, he scored four goals in a 6-2 win against Zulte-Waregem in the league.

And following his great scoring form, Calciomercato.it reports that current Serie A champions Milan and run away league leaders Napoli have shown interest in Orban.

He was named Europa Conference League Player of the Week for his hat-trick heroics against Istanbul Basaksehir.

He was invited for the U-23 Eagles team for the AFCON qualifiers against Guinea but was not released by Gent.

Former Liverpool attacker, Stan Collymore has warned Crystal Palace forward, Wilfried Zaha not to join the Saudi Arabian League because of money.

Zaha’s contract with Crystal Palace will expire in the summer and he is yet to pen an extension

The Ivorian has been linked with a move to the Middle East in the summer.

Collymore said this while advising Zaha against joining a club in Saudi Arabia, adding that the 30-year-old should leave that to Ronaldo and Messi.

“Wilfried Zaha would be crazy to go to Saudi Arabia. We know that the money is important for the players, but he will also win a lot of money in London. There are plenty of clubs that can still be helped by his talent in England like Newcastle or Aston Villa,” Collymore said (via French publication Onze Mondial).

Also Read:https://www.completesports.com/dont-join-saudi-arabia-league-because-of-money-collymore-warns-zaha/

Former Nigerian midfielder, Austine Okocha has advised Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen to make a move to Premier League next season.

He made this known on the backdrop of Osimhen’s goal scoring exploits in the Serie A this ongoing season.

Osimhen is currently the topscorer in the Serie A with 21 goals and four assists in 23 matches.

In an interview with the BBC, Okocha praised Osimhen and encouraged him to make a switch to the Premier League.

“Well I mean he’s done well, he’s having a great season,” Okocha said

“And I think he duly deserves the praise he’s getting, but the ultimate for him is to play in the Premier League which he has made clear as well.

“So we’re following his progress and what he can achieve is limitless if he continues with his hard-work.”

Osimhen has scored 15 goals in 23 games for Nigeria.

Osimhen is in the camp of the Super Eagles as they prepare for AFCON 2024 qualifiers with Guinea-Bissau on Friday, March 24 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium and on Monday, March 27 at the Estadio 24 de Setembro.

Also Read:https://www.completesports.com/okocha-osimhen-must-switch-to-premier-league/

Manchester United legend Roy Keane believes Brighton are capable of overcoming Man United in the semi finals of the FA.

Keane made this known on the backdrop of Brighton’s 5-0 thrashing of Grimbsy while United reached the final four with victory over 9-man Fulham.

However, Keane insisted that Brighton can upset Man United if they underestimate the team.

Keane said, “I’ve lost that little bit of confidence watching them now.

“A month or two ago you’re thinking, yeah, listen, they’re up for it, but in the cup, the last few games they just have a real habit of trying to play in moments.

‘That’s okay every now and again but it just seems to be their DNA at the moment. I think they’ve got into some real bad habits and it’s as if they’re turning up today expecting we’ve got quality players and Man United are gonna win football matches.

“But if they turn up with that attitude for the semi-final Brighton will beat them. It gives them a bit of a kick up the backside.”

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says his team will try to win the Laliga title despite losing 2-1 to Barcelona on Sunday, March 19 at the Camp Nou.

Ronald Araujo’s own goal put Real Madrid ahead in the ninth minute of the encounter and Sergi Roberto equalised for the Catalans in the 45th minute.

Frank Kessie’s strike gave the hosts the win in the 92nd minute of the game.

Ancelotti maintained that Real Madrid will fight for the Laliga title till the end of the season.

“Our priority is preparing well for every game,” realmadrid.com quoted Ancelotti as saying

“That’s the only way of finishing the season strongly. I come away from this match feeling extremely proud of my team. The performance and the changes the coach made were very good. We’ll fight to the end in every competition, were full of confidence. We’ll fight for Laliga until the end.”

Real Madrid are second place in the Laliga table with 56 points after 26 matches.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ancelotti-real-madrid-will-fight-for-la-liga-title-till-the-end/

Real Madrid midfielder, Toni Kroos has revealed that he does not feel sorry for teammate, Eden Hazard.

Recall that Hazard’s career with Los Blancos has been miserable since he arrived from Chelsea in 2019.

The Belgium international has struggled with fitness issues in his first three seasons.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has also left Hazard on the bench for most of the 2022/2023 campaign.

But Kroos insists the 32-year-old has a lot to be thankful for.

Also Read:https://www.completesports.com/kroos-why-i-dont-feel-sorry-for-hazard/

Super Eagles striker, Terem Moffi was at his best mettle as he netted a goal and bagged an assist in Nice’s 3-1 win over FC Sheriff in Thursday’s Europa Conference League.

Gaetan Laborde opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a beautiful finish before the Nigerian international made it 2-0 in the 53rd minute.

However, Sheriff reduced the scoreline in the 54th minute through Abdoul Tapsoba’s well taken goal to the delight of the technical crew

However, as Sheriff finally began to commit, perhaps a little to late in the encounter, spaces opened up at the back, and Billal Brahimi profited from them.


The Algerian international broke through two challenges inside his own half, fed Moffi, who hit the post. The rebound fell fortuoutously for Brahimi, who tucked home into the open net from a couple of yards out.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ecl-moffi-scores-bags-assist-as-nice-edge-fc-sheriff/

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager, Harry Redknapp, has picked Arsenal to win the Premier League title this season ahead of Manchester City.

Redknapp said that Arsenal have an advantage to win the title over Man City, adding that he must be truthful.

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager, Harry Redknapp, has picked Arsenal to win the Premier League title this season ahead of Manchester City.

Redknapp said that Arsenal have an advantage to win the title over Man City, adding that he must be truthful.

Not Tottenham, this year, no. I definitely fancy Arsenal, strongly,” Redknapp said (via Mirror).

“They are top of the league, they look good. I think they are a fantastic team at the moment, Arsenal, I must be truthful.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/redknapp-arsenal-favourite-to-win-premier-league-title/

Roma coach Jose Mourinho has revealed that his players are not afraid of the harsh atmosphere they will face against Real Sociedad in tonight’s Europa League.

La Real coach Imanol Alguacil has warned the visitors of a red-hot atmosphere waiting for them as Roma defend a 2-0 lead in their Europa League round of 16 tie.

Read Also :https://www.completesports.com/europa-were-not-afraid-of-their-fans-mourinho-speaks-ahead-real-sociedad-vs-roma/

Victor Osimhen has reacted to Napoli’s 3-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Osimhen also delved on his decision to allow Poland international Piotr Zielinski
take the penalty awarded his side in the game.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ucl-osimhen-reflects-on-napolis-win-against-eintracht-frankfurt/

Victor Osimhen has explained why he turned down the chance to score a hat-trick In Napoli’s round 16 Champions League win against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday.

Osimhen scored two goals as Napoli defeated Frankfurt 3-0 to qualify for a first-ever Champions League quarter-final place 5-0 on aggregate.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ucl-why-i-didnt-take-penalty-against-frankfurt-osimhen/

Super Eagles forward, Cyriel Dessers has been linked with a summer move to Turkish Super Lig giants, Galatasaray.

The 28-year-old moved to Serie A club, Cremonese last summer from Belgian Pro League outfit, KRC Genk.

Galatasaray are in the hunt for a new striker with Argentina international Mauro Icardi set to return to Paris Saint-Germain after his loan spell.

Read More:https://www.completesports.com/turkish-club-galatasaray-interested-in-dessers/

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has warned his teammates not to underestimate the Liverpool at home, even after securing a 5-2 win at Anfield in the first leg in the UEFA Champions League.

Rudiger thinks after beating Manchester United 7-0, the Reds will believe they can progress to the Champions League quarter finals at Real’s expense as well.

“We have to approach the opening a bit better than at Anfield because you cannot afford to sleep in the first 15 minutes against a team like Liverpool,” Rudiger said to reporters.

Read More: https://www.completesports.com/ucl-they-can-overturn-result-rudiger-speaks-ahead-real-madrid-vs-liverpool/

One of our expert tipster partners, Allsportspredictions.com, has more of our previews and predictions. Go here.

Real Madrid vs Liverpool – Real Madrid will be looking for a repeat of their previous performance after defeating Espanyol 3-1 in La Liga.

Real Madrid controlled 71% of the ball during that contest and made 22 attempts at goal, with seven of them on target. Three of them were successful. Vinicius Junior (22′), Éder Milito (39′), and Marco Asensio (93′) scored goals for Real Madrid.

Espanyol made a total of ten attempts at goal – three on target, only one of was yielded a goal – came from the other end. For Espanyol, Joselu scored after eight minutes.

Read More: https://www.completesports.com/real-madrid-vs-liverpool-predictions-and-match-preview/

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson says he’s optimistic Chelsea will book a semi-finals berth if the team avoid Bayern Munich and Man City in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Recall that Chelsea are currently on a three-game winning run and defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 to book a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Read More: https://www.completesports.com/ucl-chelsea-will-qualify-for-semi-finals-if-they-avoid-bayern-man-city-merson/

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is getting close to returning to action for Premier League club Nottingham Forest after an injury layoff.

Awoniyi has been sidelined since picking up an injury in Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 win against Aston Villa on January 4.

The Nigeria international scored Steve Cooper’s side only goal of the game.

According to the Athletic, the striker has returned to light training and has intensified his regimen.

Read More: https://www.completesports.com/awoniyi-nears-return-from-injury/

Three of the goals scored by Flying Eagles at the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations have been included in the top 10 goals of the tournament by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Jude Sunday’s third goal in Nigeria’s 4-0 trouncing of Tunisia in the third-place match was also picked by CAF.


The winger dribbled past a number of Tunisian defenders before firing into the net.

Ibrahim Muhammed’s superb strike from outside the box in Flying Eagles’ third group game against Mozambique was also also among the goals selected by CAF.

Read more: https://www.completesports.com/2023-u-20-afcon-three-flying-eagles-goals-make-top-10-of-tournament/

Former Nigerian goalkeeper, Peter Rufai has commended the performance of the Super Eagles despite losing 2-0 to Costa Rica in an international friendly game on Thursday morning.

Oscar Duarte scored for the host in the 7th minute at San Jose before Kendall Waston added the second in the 73rd minute to condemn the Nigerians to another international friendly defeat.

Although it was the Super Eagles B team that featured in the encounter as the first team players were doing business for their various club sides.

However, reacting to the team’s performance, Rufai in a chat with Completesports.com, stated that the players didn’t disappoint despite the defeat to Costa Rica.

“This is a good performance form the Super Eagles against a Costa Rican side that paraded their best stars for the encounter.

“I am not really disappointed with the result but will commend the players for their brilliant performance in that game. This will further improve the confidence of the players and also gives the Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro an insight on players he can draft to the the main team.”



Source:https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-rufai-thumbs-up-eagles-despite-loss-to-costa-rica-in-friendly/

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has impressed Premier League giants, Manchester United.

The Red Devils will look to bring in a new striker in January or the summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to leave Old Trafford in January , which will open up a position in attack.

According to the Manchester Evening News, United have been assessing several strikers over the past few months.

Osimhen has caught the eye of the scouts following his superlative displays for Napoli.

The 23-year-old has scored nine goals in 13 appearances across all competitions for the Partenopei this season.

He has also been linked with a move to Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/manchester-united-scouts-impressed-with-osimhen/

Qatar 2022 World Cup-bound Costa Rica defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-0 in an international friendly game in the early hours of Thursday morning.

This is the first time ever both Costa Rica and the Super Eagles will meet at senior level.

Goals in each half from Oscar Duarte and Kendall Waston, secured the win for Costa Rica.

Both goals were set up by former Arsenal forward Joel Campbell.

The Super Eagles coached by Salisu Yusuf paraded only home-based players for the friendly encounter played inside the Estadio Nacional de in San Jose.

Costa Rica got off to a good start as they broke the deadlock in the seventh minute through Duarte.

And in the 73rd minute Waston doubled their lead to help his team return to winning ways, after their last game which was also a friendly with South Korea in September ended 2-2.

While for the Super Eagles it is now a third consecutive defeats.

Up next for the Super Eagles is another friendly game against Portugal who will also feature at this year’s World Cup.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/costa-rica-defeat-super-eagles-2-0-in-international-friendly/

Liverpool assistant coach Pep Lijnders says the team will approach Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 clash with the mindset to win and not to revenge.

Recall that the Reds faced Madrid in the final of last year’s competition, with the Spanish side ultimately coming out on top, beating Jurgen Klopp’s men 1-0.

The tie will be the fourth time in six seasons that the Reds have faced Madrid in the competition, meeting in the final twice as well as in the Quarter Finals in the 2020/21 season.

The first leg of the tie will take place at Anfield in February next year, with Liverpool then jetting off to Madrid three weeks later for a tie at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, in an interview with TribalFootball, Lijnders stated that Liverpool will be hoping to get one over Real Madrid.

“I don’t believe in revenge.

“It is a new season, new teams and a new moment. It’s the international Clasico – two of the biggest clubs with so much history in the competition competing early in the knockout stages.

“I am proud we are again in the knockout stages and can’t wait to compete with them again. The fans expect us to be in these kinds of games, let’s hope we can create new memories – it will be a massive game.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/ucl-revenge-not-in-liverpools-mind-against-real-madrid-lijnders/

Chelsea boss, Graham Potter has insisted that he’s not scared of facing the huge pressure at Stamford.

Potter stated this in a press conference ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

He noted that he would have love to remain at Brighton as manager due to the less pressure that comes with it but that he’s delighted with the job at Chelsea.

“I would say it is a little bit unfair to assess Chelsea now because the change of ownership has happened. We are on a new direction, a new path and ultimately that is part of the challenge.

“If I wanted a nice easy life, I could have quite easily stayed working at Brighton in the Premier League and signed a new contract and been absolutely OK.

“And I wouldn’t have had too many questions about myself or pressure or sacking or anything like that.”

He added that “one of the reasons to come here as there were many, it’s a fantastic football club, potentially one of the best in the world that can compete for any major trophy.”

Managerial style

Potter has been recognised for his “progressive” and “unconventional” coaching methods. At Östersund, he encouraged his players and staff to engage in community activities, such as performing in theatre and music productions designed to take them out of their comfort zone.

Potter describes his teams as “tactically flexible, attacking, [and] possession-based”. At Östersund, he deployed a flexible 3–5–2 formation centred on ball possession. Former Celtic and Barcelona player Henrik Larsson commented on Potter’s pattern of play, stating he “played all different kinds of systems, starting off a match one way, and then halfway through they started playing a different system, and then they ended up with a third system. And all the players knew exactly what they were doing.” At Swansea, Potter used ten different formations and his team completed the most passes per 90 minutes in the Championship.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/carabao-cup-i-would-have-loved-to-remain-at-brighton-potter-speaks-ahead-chelsea-vs-man-city/

Manchester United midfielder, Fred, has reiterated that the vociferous fans at Old Trafford will help spur the team to victory against Barcelona in the Europa League knockout stages.

Recall that The Red Devils finished second in their Europa League group, meaning they advanced to the playoff round, where they would face Barcelona, who dropped down from the Champions League.

Barcelona will host the first leg on February 16 before the clash will conclude at Old Trafford seven days later.

United and Barcelona have played each other 13 times previously, including in three European finals.

Ten of their 13 meetings have been in the Champions League but this will be their first competitive meeting in another tournament since 1991.

However, the Brazilian international, in a chat with Manchester United’s official website, stated that they are optinistic of overcoming Barcelona.

“We know that Barcelona is a great team,” Fred told Manchester United’s official website.

“It won’t be an easy game, there are no easy games in the Europa League. It will be a great game, I’m sure we are ready for it.

“We players like playing in great fixtures like these ones, and we are prepared for this game. God willing, we’ll qualify for the next round.

“Our stadium has always had a great atmosphere with the fans constantly behind us,” the Brazilian added.

He said further: “I’m sure they will be here against Barcelona supporting us, they will give us strength to get the win. That’s why it’s so important to play in front of our fans and get a result here.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/europa-league-old-trafford-atmosphere-will-subdue-barca-fred/

Former Nigerian winger, Tijani Babangida says he’s optimistic the Super Eagles will fair better against Costa Rica in Thursday’s international friendly game.

While the Super Eagles will not be in Qatar, they will look to put together a fine run of form ahead of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game against Serie Leone.

Costa Rica are currently unbeaten in four straight games, claiming one draw and three wins, including a 2-0 victory over Martinique in Group B of the CONCACAF Nations League on June 5.

Nigeria head into Thursday’s game on a run of just two wins in their last 11 outings across all competitions, losing seven and claiming two draws since January’s 2-0 victory over Guinea Bissau in the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, in a chat with Completesports.com, Babangida, stated that the Super Eagles will be determine to impress against Costa Rica.

“I am delighted that the the Super Eagles are playing quality friendly games to prepare them for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The game against Costa Rica will definitely be a good one for the Super Eagles and I am optimistic they will fair better.

“Most importantly, we want to see the team play quality football that Nigerians will be happy with and I hope to see that on Thursday.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-eagles-will-fair-better-against-costa-rica-babangida/

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has provided the Federation’s corporate partners and sponsors with strong assurance that the new NFF administration will put their monies to judicious use in developing the game of football in Nigeria to the benefit of all stakeholders.

At warm and insightful interactions with a number of the partners and sponsors in Lagos on Monday, the NFF supremo, in company with immediate past NFF boss and FIFA Council Member, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi and Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the frontline corporates and appealed for even greater support for the Nigeria game at this time.

Pinnick’s role, described as noble and in the national interest by Gusau, was to formally introduce the new NFF President to the corporate partners, most of them brought on board by the former helmsman.

“For the first time in decent memory in Nigeria Football, we had a rancour-free transition from one Executive team to the other. It is as a result of the deep respect and strong passion for Nigeria Football and the Nigeria nation that we all share. It is for this reason that I have decided to introduce the new helmsman to you in order that you can continue to interact with and support him and the Federation to achieve their vision and mission,” Pinnick said at the office of MTN Nigeria (NFF’s official telecommunications partner), with Chief Executive Officer Carl Toriola, Chief Operating Officer Hassan Jaber, Chief Corporate Services Officer Tobechukwu Okigbo and Chief Marketing Officer Adia Sowho all seated.

In his remarks, Gusau thanked MTN for their strong support to Nigeria Football and Nigeria sports generally: “We appreciate what you have been doing for the game of football and we want you to continue, and even do more so that the new Board can be enabled to work assiduously to lift the Nigeria game to new heights. We apologize for the inability of the Super Eagles to qualify for the FIFA World Cup starting in Qatar next week but we want to use this opportunity to commence the hard work necessary to avoid such mis-step in the future.

“I am assuring you that whatever funds come through you will be put to judicious use as we are presently cutting down on expenses to ascent prudence and manage available resources to achieve the best results.”

Toriola responded that having signed a long-term contract with the football body, his organization would not break same because of a missed World Cup tournament. “We will continue to support the Federation until Nigeria football gets to the level it should be internationally. We must re-energize ourselves for the work at hand. I must commend Mr. Pinnick’s exceptional dynamism and the MTN commits to supporting the new administration.”

The same theme of appreciation and pledges of judicious use of funds and optimization of resources ran through the other meetings, with Executive Vice President of AITEO Group (NFF’s official optimum partner), Mr. Francis Peters pledging his company’s continued support and encouragement to the new Board.

At Premier Lotto, the Managing Director Mr. Adebisi Adebutu said his company will explore even other areas they can support the NFF, in addition to the present partnership agreement. “I must say that we had a wonderful relationship with the Board headed by Mr. Pinnick and we believe we will have same cordial relationship with the new Board.”

Stanbic IBTC (NFF’s official bank) also pledged continued support to the NFF, through Charles Omoera, Chief Executive: “We are particularly interested in the women’s football and youth programs you have enunciated and are ready and willing to commit to these programmes to develop Nigeria’s future legends and icons of the game.”

NFF’s chief marketing consultant, Mr. Mike Itemuagbor lauded the peaceful elections that brought in Gusau, and commended the role being played by Pinnick. “Pinnick has stout corporate drive and high relevance, and I believe he will help the new Board in that area. We will give ample support to the new Board but we want you to beware of the antics of ambush marketers and put stern measures in place to discourage them.

“Pamodzi Sports Marketing will be there for the new Board and will provide advice when necessary, because football is a passion that runs through the blood of every Nigerian and brings all of us together.”

Sanusi added that indeed, without Pamodzi Sports Marketing, things would have been a lot more difficult for a number of NFF administrations over the past two decades.


[b]Source:https://www.completesports.com/we-will-use-your-money-judiciously-gusau-assures-nffs-partners-sponsors/
[/b

Former Arsenal defender, William Gallas has revealed that the Gunners blistering form and desire to win the Premier League title won’t be derailed by the fast approaching 2022 World Cup.

Gallas believes that the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup break could help Mikel Arteta’s side win the Premier League ahead of Man City.

Arsenal and Man City sit at the top of the table after 13 matches and look to be the clear favourites to claim the title.

“I think the World Cup can help Arsenal because they have a couple less international players who are going to the World Cup,” Gallas told Genting Casino.

“So that will be very interesting when you play the World Cup because in the middle of the season, you have to play in Qatar. It’s going to be very warm but after the World Cup, you come back to England and there will be a big difference in preparation and it will be hard.

“So that’s why I think Arsenal have a great opportunity because they have a few less players going to the World Cup. So they have to grab that opportunity.”

“I hope Manchester City don’t win it [the Premier League],” Gallas added.

“I hope it is a London club who wins the league. Arsenal have a great opportunity, and they have to carry on.”

Background

Gallas was born in Asnières-sur-Seine. He is the cousin of the deceased former footballer Ludovic Quistin and of Mathieu Bastareaud, a French rugby union centre playing for Lyon.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/2022-world-cup-wont-derail-arsenals-premier-league-title-ambition-gallas/

Former Manchester City defender, Micah Richards, has disclosed that Chelsea star, Raheem Sterling is finding life difficult under manager Graham Potter.

The England international has made an underwhelming start to his Chelsea career, scoring just five goals in 18 appearances across all competitions for Potter’s side so far.

In an interview with BBC Sports, Richards believes Sterling is still figuring out how he can play under Potter.

“I still rate Raheem very highly, but he looks a little lost,” Richards told BBC Sport.

“It’s like he is a bit frustrated in terms of Chelsea’s set-up and, tactically, does not know what they want him to do.

“Raheem joined another top club in Chelsea, and it looked like the perfect move for him. But then they changed their manager, and we have all seen the upheaval that has followed.

“The whole team are still figuring out how they play under Potter, so Sterling is not the only one who has to work that out.

“Using him in different positions has not helped. Ideally, I want to see him high and wide up the pitch, preferably on the left.”

Style of play

Sterling plays as a winger, attacking midfielder or striker, though he is more comfortable as a natural winger. Sterling has been praised for his adaptability and ability to play wide, at the tip of a midfield diamond and centrally, offering flexibility. Known for his pace, low centre of gravity, and dribbling skills,Sterling has been compared to Alexis Sánchez by his former manager Brendan Rodgers. Rodgers has also praised him for offering a “real threat,” his use of pace with composure and his maturity. Despite his small stature, he also possesses considerable upper-body strength, which aids him in withstanding challenges, and retaining possession


Source:https://www.completesports.com/sterling-totally-frustrated-under-potter-at-chelsea-richards/