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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

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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/

Enyimba head coach, Finidi George has blamed tiredness for his side’s poor showing at the Naija Super 8 tournament.

The Nigeria Premier League champions were eliminated from the competition on Tuesday following a 2-1 defeat to Katsina United.

The Peoples’ Elephant failed to record a win in the competition losing two and drawing one.

Finidi stated that his players are tired after an hectic campaign.

“We need rest, we have to think about how we can get some good rest and prepare for next season,” he stated in a post match interview.

“Congratulations to those who have qualified and I wish them the best.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/naija-super-8-finidi-blames-fatigue-for-enyimba-poor-performance/

Cristiano Ronaldo’s club Al Nassr have been sanctioned by FIFA over a transfer issue involving Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa.

Al Nassr have been banned from registering new players going into the new Saudi Arabia Professional League season.

Al-Nassr have failed to pay Leicester City the money they owe them over Musa’s transfer.

Musa linked up with Al Nassr in a well celebrated move in 2018 after impressing at the World Cup in Russia.

Al Nassr paid Leicester City €16.50m to secure the services of Musa.

The former Saudi Pro League champions are however yet to pay the add-ons, despite The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling.

Al-Nassr were ordered to pay the Foxes €460,000 in performance-related add-ons.

The Saudi Arabian giants failure to obey CAS’ ruling has forced FIFA to ban them from registering new players ahead of the new season.

Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi says he’s optimistic Nigeria has the right mentality and quality to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Recall that Nigeria sealed qualification for the tournament with a game to spare after defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 last month.

The Super Eagles have won the tournament three times and were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Tunisia at the last edition of the competition hosted by Cameroon.

However, in an interview with Channels Television, Awoniyi said that he’s confident will be champions again in Ivory Coast.

“I think everyone in the squad is happy; the first stage is to qualify for the AFCON which we did already, then the next stage now is just to try everything possible to win the AFCON, which is the target for the country,” Awoniyi told Channels Television.

“The last one was an experience, I was there and we are happy we are there again and of course, we want to go there and we want to win the trophy for sure.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/super-eagles-will-win-2023-afcon-awoniyi/

Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana is close to sealing a move to Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin this summer transfer transfer window.

According to the Athletic, the move is reportedly a loan deal without an option to buy. Therefore the move will be terminated in the summer of 2024.

Fofana was signed by Chelsea in the 2023 winter window on a six year deal with an option to extend by a year.

However Chelsea acquired Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig and Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal in the forward department this summer hence necessitating a departure for Fofana from Stamford Bridge.

Also another forward Armando Broja will also feature for Chelsea in the pre-season after his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The 20 year old Fofana made three Premier League appearances for the Blues last season.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/chelsea-striker-fofana-nears-union-berlin-switch/

Chelsea on Monday unveiled their new home kit for the 2023/24 football season.

The unveiling was announced in a statement released on the club’s website.

Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Enzo Fernandes and former Chelsea stars Dennis Wise and Roberto Di Matteo modeled the new home kit.

“The new design for ‘23/’24 remembers that special past while additional gold detail, including an iridescent crest, highlights the prestige and glamour of the famous King’s Road in the ’90s. Shimmering in gold, the lion roars on the shirt – symbolic of Chelsea’s prestige and history,” the club stated.

“While changes take place at the club, the pride stays the same. Interior shirt detail nods to exactly this – Chelsea FC remains the ‘Pride of London’.”

“The new kit is formed from Nike Dri-FIT ADV, an advanced technology that brings fit and fabric innovation together to help keep the modern player drier for 90-plus minutes.

“The breathable FIT ADV weave ensures sweat evaporates, helping you stay cool and light to power through to the final whistle.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/chelsea-unveil-new-home-kit-for-2023-24-season/

Former Rangers star, Kenny Miller believes Cyriel Dessers will make a big impact at the club.

Dessers moved to Rangers from Italian club, Cremonese last week.

The Nigeria international signed a four-year contract.

“Dessers is clearly a striker he’s had his eye on for a long time. It’s a player who was flagged up back when Steven Gerrard was in charge, and I suspect a few of the new recruits are in the same boat,” Miller Daily Record.

“He’s finally got his man and it looks an encouraging signing. I said at the end of the season the big priority was sorting out both ends of the pitch – the goalkeeper and striker.

“Beale has now done that. He’s taken full charge of the recruitment drive. We had all the stuff about Ross Wilson before but he’s taken it all on his shoulders. He’s been given good backing and he’s landing the players he wants,

“Beale brought in Jack Butland, who is a goalkeeper with a wealth of experience and pedigree, who sounds really up for the challenge at Ibrox. Now he’s added Dessers, who you’d expect to lead the line. I’ve liked what I’ve seen of the Nigerian international. He’s a big, strong forward with plenty of ability, and he’s scored goals at a good level across Europe.

“The numbers might not be spectacular but he’s proved he can hit the net in the likes of Holland and Italy and he looks like a player who can get the 20-plus league goals plus a season Rangers need. At over 6ft, he’s a physical presence as well, and there’s a fair few of them in that dressing room now.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/miller-dessers-good-signing-for-rangers/

Spanish defender, Sergio Ramos has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain in this summer transfer window.

Ramos’ contract expired after two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain where he won two French Ligue 1 titles.

According to AS, Ramos’ return to his boyhood club Sevilla looks very unlikely at this point, and Inter Miami who just signed his former club teammate Lionel Messi and international teammate Sergio Busquets, have tabled an offer for him.

Inter Miami are also trying to bring former Spain defender Jordi Alba to the club.

Ramos reportedly has two other offers from the Saudi Pro-League this summer as he mulls over his decision.

The 37-year-old netted twice and made one assist in 33 French Ligue 1 games in the 20222023 season.

Paris Saint-Germain won the 2022/2023 French League title with 85 points from 38 games.
Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ramos-linked-to-mls-club-inter-miami/

Barcelona legend, Andres Iniesta has revealed that he would have loved Lionel Messi to return to the Catalan club instead of joining Inter Miami side in the Major League Soccer (MLS).

Recall that before his decision to move to Miami, Messi had been linked with a return to Barca.

The former PSG star last month announced that he would move to Inter Miami to start a new chapter in his football career.

However, Iniesta has now shared his opinion on Messi’s decision, insisting that everyone looks for the best option.

The former Spain international said (via Barca Universal): “It would have been nice [for Messi to return to Barcelona], special for what it means, but in the end, everyone looks for the best option, what they think will be good for them and, from there, they will probably live a different experience to what they have lived before.

“If it’s what he was looking forward to and what he wanted, I am sure it will go well, as it did well in all the places he’s been.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/i-would-have-loved-messi-to-barca-but-iniesta/#more

Osimhen Only Interested In Joining Real Madrid Or Man United –Bagni

Former Napoli star, Salvatore Bagni has disclosed that Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen will either join Real Madrid or Man United this summer.

The Nigerian international has been the most sought-after player in the summer transfer window.

Recall that top clubs in Europe such as Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are keen to have his signature.

However, in an interview with Tutto Napoli, Bagni said that Osimhen will join Manchester United or Real Madrid this summer.

“Victor Osimhen won’t return to France because he already played there,” Bagni said while speaking to Si Gonfia la Rite (via Tutto Napoli). “The same thing with Germany.

“He doesn’t go to Liverpool or Chelsea because they do not play the Champions League.

“Of all the teams associated with him, for me, he would only go to Manchester United and Real Madrid. He’s not interested in the other teams.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-only-interested-in-joining-real-madrid-or-man-united-bagni/

Shola Ameobi has backed his former club Newcastle United to move from strength to strength.

The Magpies will compete in the UEFA Champions League next season following a remarkable 2022/23 campaign.

Ameobi claimed Newcastle United will need to spend to strengthen their squad and compete with Europe’ best, he believes they are on the ideal track.

“It’s gonna be a tall order,” he told Sky Sports.

“You’ve got the likes of Man City, all the top teams around Europe, PSG, you know.

“This is the vision, this is what’s getting everyone excited. As a fan you wanna hear our owner, our chairman saying that they wanna make this club what we all want it to be.

“That’s what’s exciting. Going about it the right way in a sustainable manner.

“You’ve got good team now with a Darren Eales and Dan Ashford from a football operations point of view making sure that we’re doing it the right way.

“It’s hugely exciting and I do believe that we’ll get there. These guys aren’t buying our club for the sake of it. They want to make it successful and that’s what’s exciting.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ameobi-exciting-days-ahead-for-newcastle-united/

Former Real Madrid striker and sporting director Pedja Mijatovic has wrote off their title chances next season.

He said: “Real Madrid is always obliged to strengthen itself, but it depends on the market and the economic issue.

“But next year will be a transition, since the strong year, when it will go to the market very strong, will be 2024, it is my feeling.

“The stadium will already be done, is forced to come out strong in the summer of 2024, with a new project. At the moment, it is what it is.”

Mijatovic also said: “I’m not happy to see a former player who was not inside the club, without knowing what is happening and without knowing reality, commenting and saying ‘I brought him, you have to come’.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/why-real-madrid-cant-be-title-contender-next-season-mijatovic/

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed delight reaching
200th international appearance for his side’s UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against Iceland on Tuesday.

Ronaldo, who became the first men’s player to reach such feat, scored the only goal of the encounter in the 89th minute.

Speaking after the game, the Al-Nassr forward was delighted as he marked the special occasion with a goal.

“Triumph with a special flavor. Not only for the day it was, for the homage, for the 200th game… To top it off with a goal, I can’t ask for more.

“It was spectacular, unforgettable, for everything it generated around the game. I have to thank the Icelanders, to the federation for the surprise. And to Guinness!” Ronaldo told Record Portugal.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ronaldo-delighted-reaching-200200th-cap-for-portugal/

Chelsea have announced that N’Golo Kante will Join Saudi Arabia club Al-Ittihad at the expiration of his contract.

The club confirmed Kante’s move in a statement on their website on Wednesday.

“The 32-year-old played a decisive role throughout his seven seasons at Stamford Bridge and lifted the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

“The World Cup was also claimed with France in 2018, but as Kante’s medal collection swelled, he remained understated, humble, and immensely popular with team-mates, coaches and supporters alike.

“Kante arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2016 having played a key role in Leicester City winning the Premier League title. He instantly settled into the Chelsea midfield and his ball-winning ability was fundamental to Antonio Conte’s team securing an unexpected league crown.

“Such was the France international’s influence across the 2016/17 campaign, he was named PFA Player of the Year, the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season.

“At the end of the following campaign – which ended with an FA Cup final triumph over Manchester United at Wembley – Kante was named Chelsea Player of the Year by supporters.”

Kante will become teammate with former France international Karim Benzema who signed for the Saudi outfit from Real Madrid.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/chelsea-confirm-kantes-move-to-saudi-arabia-club-al-ittihad/

Rangers head coach Abdu Maikaba is optimistic of leading his wards to victory in the Federation Cup final against Bendel Insurance.

The Flying Antelopes will look to win a seventh title when they take on Insurance at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Wednesday (today).

“I think we have come a long way to this stage of the competition. From the graph of the performance of both sides contesting for the title, it is very obvious that the Rangers are on the high while our opponent is on the downward run,” Maikaba told the club’s media.

“We want to make our fans happy with a very good performance and win the trophy for the seventh time. We have some injury worries to some key players but have capable replacements and I am confident and optimistic that we shall get the job done against a resolute and mobile side like Bendel Insurance,” said Maikaba.

On the motivation of his players, maikaba, who led Akwa United to an Aiteo Cup triumph a few years back, said, “Motivation in the team is very high and I must commend the management of the team and the government of Enugu state for their efforts in getting the team motivated going into this final match and I believe we shall all smile after the match.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/federation-cup-final-rangers-boss-maikaba-optimistic-of-victory-against-insurance/

Paris Saint-Germain and France forward, Kylian Mbappe, believes that he can beat other competitors to the 2023 Ballon d’Or award.

The current favourites for the award are Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Norwegian striker Erling Haaland.

Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and was adjudged the best player of the tournament along with the French League title.

Erling Haaland won the treble with Manchester City and was the top scorer across all club competitions last season with a whopping 52 goals in 53 matches.

Mbappe was runners-up at the Qatar 2022 World Cup with France and he was the golden boot winner of the showpiece, he also won the French League title with PSG and the French League golden boot.

Speaking to TF1, Mbappe said he meets the criteria for the Ballon d’Or award this year.

“The Ballon d’Or. It’s difficult to talk about an individual trophy because you have put yourself forward and that isn’t well perceived by the general public,” Mbappe said.

“What are the new criteria? Is it catching the eye or being impactful? I think I meet the criteria. We’ll see. It’s the people who vote, but I’m always optimistic.”

Mbappe tallied up 29 goals and five assists in 34 League games for Paris Saint-Germain last season. He netted eight goals in seven games at Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Paris Saint-Germain won the French League title with a total of 85 points after 38 matches.

The 2023 Ballon d’Or award ceremony will take place on October 16 at the Theatre du Chatelet in France.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/i-can-win-the-2023-ballon-dor-mbappe/

Former Nigerian goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu has revealed that the Super Eagles are condemned to beat Sierra Leone in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Shorunmu made this known on the backdrop of Guinea-Bissau’s victory over Sao Tome on Wednesday, to move the team top of the group on 10 points.

Recall that the Super Eagles will face Sierra Leone on Sunday, in a game that could determine the fate of the group.

However, in a chat with Completesports.com, Shorunmu stated that the Super Eagles have no option but to beat Sierra Leone in a bid to regain top of the group.

“The reality is that Guinea-Bissau’s win over Sao Tome has put the Super Eagles in a situation where they have to beat Sierra Leone to regain top of the group.

“Nigeria is condemned to win regardless of the margin because Guinea-Bissau must not top the group ahead of Nigeria.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-2023-afconq-eagles-condemned-to-beat-sierra-leone-shorunmu/

Chelsea are seriously in need of the services of Andre Onana and are reportedly set to offer four players to Inter Milan for the Cameroonian goalkeeper.

Inter representatives are expected in London this week to explore a £50 million deal for Onana who impressed during Inter’s march to the 2022/2023 Champions League final.

The 27-year-old has demonstrated his exceptional distribution skills at both Inter and Ajax, the team he departed last summer. This is exactly what new Stamford Bridge manager Mauricio Pochettino is looking for in a shot-stopper.

In Manchester City’s Champions League victory, the Cameroon star had previously held Erling Haaland at bay in Turkey. He was just edged out by an inch-perfect shot from Rodri.

Following Inter Milan’s loss to Man City, Onana kept his options open. But gave the impression he would support whatever Inter decided.

When asked about a possible move this summer, he informed the media: “I don’t know. The truth is that I’m happy here, but then at a certain level, you never know how it will go.

“I have no problems with Inter. I have an excellent relationship with them and I’m at their disposal. I’ll do what they tell me.”

According to Mirror, Romelu Lukaku, 30, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 27, Trevoh Chalobah, 23, and Kalidou Koulibaly, 31, are the options that Chelsea plan to present to the Italian club during negotiations.

Inter, where Lukaku recently spent the season on loan, are struggling to pay his astounding £325,000 weekly salary. Though it is believed he is holding out for a move back to the San Siro. He has also been linked with a lucrative move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/chelsea-eager-to-offer-four-players-to-inter-in-swap-deal-for-onana/

Sierra Leone Football Association has said the Leone Stars are in top gear ahead of Sunday’s 2023 AFCON qualifier against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

The football body also disclosed that captain Steven Caulker could face the Eagles as he is recovering fast for the tie.

“With the full squad of invited foreign-based players in camp and the captain Caulker fast recovering, Leone Stars in top gear ahead of crucial encounter against the Super Eagles of Nigeria,” the FA wrote on Twitter.

Caulker, who currently plays for Championship club Wigan Athletic, had given an update on his injury.

“Being injured is certainly not fun,” he posted on his LinkedIn. “This new treatment delivered by St. James Wellbeing clinic is brutally painful but super effective.

The Eagles, on nine points, top Group A while Sierra Leone are third on five points.

In the reverse fixture in Abuja, the Eagles came from a goal down to beat the Sierra Leone 2-1 on match-day one in 2022.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/2023-afconq-leone-stars-in-top-gear-ahead-super-eagles-clash-sierra-leone-fa/

Bright Osayi-Samuel has arrived Super Eagles camp ahead of Sunday’s 2023 AFCON qualifier against Sierra Leone in Monrovia, Liberia.

Osayi-Samuel’s arrival was announced on the Super Eagles Twitter handle.

This brings the number of Eagles players in camp to 23.

Osayi-Samuel was in action for Fenerbahce who won the Turkish Cup at the weekend.

It is Fenerbahce’s first Cup win since the 2012/13 Turkish football campaign.

Serie A title winner Victor Osimhen joined his teammates on Tuesday and has since taken part in training.

A win for the Eagles will seal qualification for next year’s AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/2023-afconq-osayi-samuel-arrives-23-players-now-in-camp/

Incoming Chelsea player, Christopher Nkunku, has told Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino that he would love to be played in a free role.

Recall that Nkunku will join the Chelsea squad this summer from RB Leipzig, but there have been some questions over his imminent arrival at Stamford Bridge.

The 25-year-old has reached an agreement to join the West London club, and the Blues will pay in excess of Nkunku’s £52.7 million release clause as they bolster their attacking options under Pochettino.

Nkunku is currently away with the France national team for their Euro 2024 qualifiers against Greece and Gibraltar later this month.

Speaking to reporters ahead of France’s clash with Gibraltar on Friday, Nkunku said he likes to be free when playing on the pitch, adding that he can play in front and on the sides of the attack line.

“I am focused on gathering with Les Bleus. Everything that happens after, we will have time to think,” Nkunku said.

Asked about his favourite position on the pitch and where he might play under Pochettino, Nkunku added, “I play where the coach decides. I don’t want to be a problem but a solution. But I can be in front, in support or on the sides. I have this ability to adapt it – I like to be free.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/play-me-in-a-free-role-nkunku-tells-pochettino/