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Former Chelsea star, William Gallas has criticized Chelsea manager, Graham Potter for using Raheem Sterling in a wrong position.

The former Brighton boss was in charge of the 1-1 draw with Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League where he opted to play Sterling on the left flank.

And Gallas says he does not understand the manager’s thinking behind where to play Sterling.

“That is a problem. When I saw Sterling playing as left wing-back, I didn’t understand it,” Gallas told Genting Casino.

“It’s difficult for me to understand why he wants to experiment with something like this, especially in a Champions League game.

“You are playing at home and you put Cucurella as a centre-back, you have Fofana on the bench with Koulibaly, Chalobah on the bench, and you put Sterling as a left-wing back? I don’t understand.

“In the end, they didn’t have a good result, they drew 1-1. People will always judge the result, and the question is why did he put those two players in those positions?”

Personal life

In 2013, citing the influence of his mother, Sterling was quoted as saying he was “not 100 per cent religious but my belief is strong. When the time is right, I will fully be Christian.” He added that he put his faith in God and that he prays regularly. He has one daughter, Melody Rose, born in 2012 after a brief relationship. His middle-name Shaquille comes from his grandmother, who was living in America at the time and wanted to name him after Shaquille O’Neal.

On 8 August 2013, Sterling was arrested for an alleged common assault on his former girlfriend, a model. He was found not guilty at Liverpool Magistrates Court on 20 September, when the complainant was unable to offer consistent evidence. A few months earlier, on 20 May 2013, a charge of common assault on a different woman was dropped after a witness failed to turn up to court.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/youre-playing-sterling-out-of-position-gallas-warns-potter/

Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, has accused Portugal fans of being ‘forever ungrateful’ following criticism of her brother’s performances.

Ronaldo has recently come under series of criticisms for his displays for Portugal.

The Manchester United star endured a miserable evening on Tuesday as he squandered some key opportunities in Portugal’s 1-0 defeat against Spain that saw his side miss out on the semi-finals of the Nations League.

Fans took to social media to slam Ronaldo’s performance with some questioning whether he is still worthy of having a place in the starting line-up.

But the former Real Madrid star’s sisterAveiro has leapt to the defence of her sibling.

“He has his family and those who love him by his side. They will always be by his side, no matter what,” Aveiro wrote about her brother on Instagram.

“But the current times don’t surprise me at all. The Portuguese spit on the plate they eat [from], it has always been that way.

“That’s why when someone appears from the ashes and changes mentalities, it bothers… With you always, my king. Calm down.”

Aveiro has admitted that Ronaldo is going through a tough period in his career, and has criticised supporters for not helping him when he is struggling.

Former Italy striker Antonio Cassano has also called for Ronaldo to retire following his struggles this season but Aveiro believes her brother is still an elite player with plenty left to offer.

“It is necessary to give a hand to those who have always given theirs to Portugal. But the Portuguese are sick, petty, soulless, stupid, ungrateful and forever ungrateful. This guy who’s sitting, he’s on his knees… There’s no one to give him a hand,” she continued.

“It is cruel. And it was already so much, but so much that he gave and gives. The one sitting is called Cristiano Ronaldo and he is just the best player in the world.”

Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time leading scorer with 117 goals, and he captained the side to Euro 2016 glory, plus won the first ever Nations League with his country three years later.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/ronaldos-sister-labels-portugal-fans-ungrateful-following-criticism-of-man-united-star/

French Ligue 1 club, Lorient have celebrated Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi’s goal despite Nigeria losing to the Fennec Foxes of Algeria in an international friendly match.

Algeria beat the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 at the Miloud Hadefi Olympic Complex on Tuesday, September 27.

Moffi scored in the ninth minute of the game to give Nigeria an early lead.

However, Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez converted a penalty kick four minutes from the break to level the scores.

A long-range strike from Youcef Atal in the 61st minute won the game for the Fennec Foxes.

Lorient took to their Twitter handle to salute Moffi and to post a 29-second clip of the goal.

“Terem Moffi distinguished himself with the Super Eagles. The opening of the score in the video,” the Tweet reads.

Moffi has scored three goals in eight appearances for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. He has scored six goals in eight French Ligue 1 games for Lorient this season.

Super Eagles play Portugal next in another international friendly game on November 17 at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Portugal.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/lorient-celebrate-moffis-goal-in-super-eagles-defeat-to-algeria/

Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa is in a buoyant mood after having a successful surgery on his arm.

Musa sustained an injury in his Turkish Super Lig club, Sivasspor’s 2-1 defeat to Ankaragucu just before the international break.

The injury forced him to miss Nigeria’s international friendly against the Desert Foxes of Algeria.

The 29-year-old took to the social media to show his appreciation.

“I just want to express my heartfelt appreciation to Allah for a successful surgery on my left arm,”Musa posted on his Instagram page.

“As we all know, no surgery is too minor, so I’m grateful for the competent doctors assigned to me for a job well done.

”Also to you all, for your messages, prayers and words of encouragement. I hope to be back on the field soon stronger and absolutely better.” he wrote.

The winger is expected to spend time on the sidelines before returning to action for his club.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/musa-thankful-after-successful-surgery/

Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro says his players did their best despite the defeat to Algeria in Tuesday’s friendly encounter.

Peseiro’s charges started the game on a good note with Lorient striker Terem Moffi firing them into the lead in the ninth minute.

The Desert Foxes equalised from the penalty spot through Riyadh Mahrez three minutes before the break

Defender, Youcef Atal netted the winning goal from a long range effort 20 minutes from time.

“It was a good game, the camping showed the quality of our players and their collective effort. It was a hard match, Algeria is good team. Our players try to do what I ask them to do in training,”Peseiro told NFF TV.

“It is possible you lose in football, i’m sad we lost. I don’t like to lose any match but I am very happy with the performance of my players. They did well in the game.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t win the game, but I’m happy with the performance of my players.”

Godwin Saviour and Rapheal Onyedika made their first appearance for the Super Eagles in the game.

Saviour replaced the ineffective Ademola Lookman in the 65th minute, while Onyedika took the place of Frank Onyeka late on.

Peseiro shared his thoughts on the performance of the duo.

“Raphael and Godwin played for the first time with the national team. They did well,”he remarked.

“I called nine players I don’t really know before. Players who have not played with me before but some of them have played with the national team .

“Players we are just working with for the first time. Everybody played. Good job all around.”

The Super Eagles were denied a clear goal in the first half and many also questioned the penalty awarded to the Algerians.

Peseiro stated that the centre referee was wrong to disallow the goal.

“Everybody makes mistake. Myself and the players can make mistake. We scored a goal that was disallowed,”he argued.

“The penalty I could accept. He shoot the ball before Frank caught him. We must accept. There was no offside when we scored. It should have been 2-0 to us at that point.

“My team fought hard created opportunities. Draw would have been a fair result. Congratulations to Algeria.Fantastic atmosphere, good match.

It was a good experience for us. Algerians supported their team. It’s good for us to know where we are and move on from there.”

The former Venezuela and Saudi Arabia gaffer also reflected on his experience with the players in camp.

“I am happy with the camping what I can say is that is not easy to have good understanding, good organisation without training,”Peseiro stated.

“We spent eight days in camp everyone try to do the maximum. You try to input more dynamism, more organisation.

“It was another opportunity to know the players more , know the team generally and the new players. Create more understanding in the team, work more to building cohesion in our game.”

Peseiro also explained where his team need to improve in subsequent games.

“We didn’t do well in attack at times, i think we can do better in that phase. We can improve our game generally. We did well defensively but we can do more offensively. Control the ball more, show more character and fight real hard.

“We need to improve our organisation, put new dynamics. We need to work more . We have quality players but we need to.improve in the area of organization”

The 60-year-old also revealed his desire and targets for the future.

“I am more confident than before, we lost but I have more confident in this team,”Peseiro hinted.

The players must do well in their clubs, my staff see many matches every week.

They watch the players extensively. It’s not easy to he in the national team.

“You need quality, commitment and adapt well too. Sacrifice and have good commitment.

“I’m sad with the result but we did well. We want to win the next AFCON. First, we must qualify and play quality friendly matches and have more camping.

“We want to have a a solid team. We have a good team and we want to improve. Everybody must work together. Myself, my staff and the NFF . We can play at the highest level.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/peseiro-hails-players-despite-defeat-to-algeria-speaks-on-officiating-new-players-targets/

Nigeria’s Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Sunday Dare has heaped praises on former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, as the 2013 AFCON winner calls time on his illustrious career.

“I celebrate with you, Mikel John Obi on your retirement as a professional footballer. Thank you for donning the green and white jersey of our fatherland with pride. For more than a decade, you made Nigerians proud and brought smiles to households. Firstly as a player and also as a captain, your ethic and dedication were exemplary,” Dare said.

“We will remember you as an integral part of the historic 2013 all-conquering AFCON team with smiles on our faces. That young boy we saw as an Eaglet grew into an unstoppable Eagle years later.

“On the biggest of stage abroad, you represented Nigeria as a worthy ambassador with your art. On a tension-filled night in Munich, you dedicated your UEFA Champions League success to our legend, Late Rashidi Yekini. We could not be any prouder of you, John.

“You have left a formidable track for others to follow and I join millions of Nigerians around the globe to celebrate you.”

Mikel retires as one of Nigeria’s most decorated players with 91 international caps, one AFCON title, an Olympic Bronze medal, three F.A Cups, two EPL trophies, one Champions League title, and one Europa League title, amongst other accolades.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/sports-minister-eulogises-national-icon-mikel-on-retirement/

Head coach of the Desert Foxes of Algeria, Djamel Belmadi, has described the Super Eagles a good team that gave his side a real test in Tuesday’s international friendly in Oran.

The Algerians came from a goal down to win 2-1 and maintain their dominance over the Super Eagles.

Terem Moffi opened the scoring for the Eagles after reacting quickest to a rebound but Riyad Mahrez drew Algeria level from the penalty spot.

And Youcef Atal netted the winner with a superb long range strike.

t is now four consecutive wins for the Desert Foxes against the Super Eagles.

And reflecting on the win Belmadi said:”Nigeria are a good team, it was a real test. We played against them three times under my tenure. We beat them three times. They wanted to take their revenge.

“Conceding a goal can break your momentum. We lacked vigilance, I don’t like it because I insist on it. We stuck to our plan. We relocated and reworked this team.

“I like what we saw in the second half in midfield. Normally, there is everything you need to have a seat and a way to play. We have what it takes with these three players. They have a half-time lived together. It takes time.

“I thank my staff. We are one. I am their representative because we need a voice, but we are on the same wavelength.”

“Today [vs Nigeria] we played players who know each other so the level is improving even against a better team.

“Against Guinea, I wanted to see new players, even if it meant having a lack of fluidity and automation.

“Ahmed Touba has only 3 selections, Zerrouki is relatively young in this team. Atal had not played for a long time. We are satisfied, not everything is perfect but overall we are satisfied.”

Speaking further Belmadi added:”I really liked Ahmed Touba. Seeing him in these conditions against Iheanacho, Iwobi, Simon,… He had offensive quality, it was a real test.

“We said we didn’t have enough options in central defense. I liked Tougai against Guinea too.

“We have a lot of ideas but it is difficult to have the elements to apply them. There is no player who is complete in the Algeria National Team. There are qualities you don’t have.

“My wish is to play two games in November. We’ll see if that’s possible. There is nothing official, nothing concrete today.”

The Super Eagles will be back in action in November when they will face 2022 World Cup-bound Portugal in a friendly game.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/super-eagles-gave-us-real-test-algeria-coach-belmadi/

England captain, Harry Kane says he’s optimistic the Three Lions will be ready for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar despite having a disappointing performance in the UEFA Nations League.

Recall that England were relegated to the second tier of the tournament despite fighting back from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 with Germany last night.

In a chat with Channel 4, the Tottenham striker said that the team should not be judged by their performance in the UEFA Nations League.

“The boys have been under pressure with recent results and we all came out here with a point to prove,” Kane told Channel 4.

“There are lessons we can still learn from the mistakes we made, but we scored three goals and I feel like this will put us in a positive mindset ahead of the World Cup.

“We’re going to have to be ready come the start of the tournament. Major tournament football is different to any other football you play for England.

“The pressure is high and the concentration has to be high and I feel like we respond well to that.”

He added, “We will go away with our clubs and hopefully, everyone goes away fit, strong and ready to come back in November.”

Criticism
Beginning in 2020, Kane started to be criticised about a perceived tactic of backing into defenders jumping for headers, causing the players to fall backwards onto the pitch, potentially risking serious injury. After doing so to Brighton & Hove Albion player Adam Lallana and winning a penalty, Kane was criticised by ex-Arsenal player Martin Keown who said, “He looks at his opponent, knows what he is going to do and makes a back for him. I think it is dangerous play from Harry Kane and he knows what he is doing and I don’t even think it is a penalty.” However, this tactic has been defended by Crystal Palace defender Gary Cahill who said, “I think that’s just part of football. I think an element of that is being clever and experienced and knowing when you can maybe draw a foul in.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/2022-world-cup-forget-about-uefa-nations-league-england-will-be-ready-for-qatar-kane/

Senegal star, Salif Diao has criticized Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp for not showing enough love for Sadio Mane.

Recall that Mane left the Reds after six years at Anfield and signed for Bayern Munich.

In a chat with Liverpool Echo, Diao said that the German tactician did not show his compatriot enough love.

“I think he has been here for a couple of years and I think at some point he thought he did not have the love that he needed really, here at Anfield.

“I’m not talking about the fans, for him I think it was more with the manager,” Diao told the Liverpool Echo.

Style of play

Mané was described as a complete player who plays with “high levels of intensity and concentration” by Liverpool teammate Fabinho.] Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher called Mané a “world-class winger”, comparing him to the likes of former Liverpool player John Barnes. He was compared to Cristiano Ronaldo by former Ajax defender Danny Blind, who praised him for his ability to score with either foot and headers, along with making “astonishing” sprints.

A versatile forward, Mané is a prolific goalscorer, whose main traits are his finishing, speed, technique, and trickery in possession, as well as his decision-making, tactical awareness, creativity, agility, balance, control, touch on the ball, and dribbling skills. He has drawn praise in the media for his intelligent play, passing, and his ability to get into good positions, from which he can score goals or create chances for teammates.

Personal life

Whilst at Liverpool Mané resided in Allerton, Liverpool, and has been burgled twice, once in November 2017 and again in February 2019. He is a practising Muslim and occasionally is seen making du’a before the start of each match.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/klopp-never-showed-mane-enough-love-at-liverpool-diao/

Lionel Messi hsd expressed his desire to have more playing time with PSG teammate, Neymar.

In an interview with TUDN, the Argentina star stated that he cherished the time he spent with the Brazilian international at Barcelona.

“Ney and I know each other by heart.

“We really enjoyed our time at Barcelona and I would have liked to play much more there with him.

“Life has brought us together in Paris and we are happy to be together. I love playing with him, being with him every day and I enjoy it.”

Style of play

Due to his short stature, Messi has a lower centre of gravity than taller players, which gives him greater agility, allowing him to change direction more quickly and evade opposing tackles; this has led the Spanish media to dub him La Pulga Atómica (“The Atomic Flea”).Despite being physically unimposing, he possesses significant upper-body strength, which, combined with his low centre of gravity and resulting balance, aids him in withstanding physical challenges from opponents; he has consequently been noted for his lack of diving in a sport rife with playacting.

His short, strong legs allow him to excel in short bursts of acceleration while his quick feet enable him to retain control of the ball when dribbling at speed. His former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola once stated, “Messi is the only player that runs faster with the ball than he does without it.” Although he has improved his ability with his weaker foot since his mid-20s, Messi is predominantly a left-footed player; with the outside of his left foot, he usually begins dribbling runs, while he uses the inside of his foot to finish and provide passes and assists.

A prolific goalscorer, Messi is known for his finishing, positioning, quick reactions, and ability to make attacking runs to beat the defensive line. He also functions in a playmaking role, courtesy of his vision and range of passing. He has often been described as a magician; a conjurer, creating goals and opportunities where seemingly none exist.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/i-want-to-have-more-playing-time-with-neymar-messi/

Barcelona have confirmed their Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo will undergo surgery on a thigh injury picked up while playing for Uruguay over the international break.

Araujo has opted to go under the knife and is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

However Barca have not said how long he will he out for but reports suggest it will be around two to three months.

This could see Araujo miss out on a place in Uruguay’s squad at this year’s World Cup in Qatar in November.

A statement from Barca read:“Ronald Araujo will undergo surgery on Wednesday for the adductor longus tendon avulsion he has in his right thigh. The operation will be carried out by Dr. Lasse Lempainen, under the supervision of the Club’s medical staff, in Turku, Finland.”
The news is a massive blow as the defender is one of the first names on Xavi’s teamsheet.

Yet Xavi does have other options he can use at center-back and will now have to rethink his backline, particularly with Jules Kounde also sidelined at present.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/barca-defender-araujo-to-undergo-surgery-set-to-miss-2022-world-cup/

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro insists his side have what it takes to beat a “top quality” Algerian side, reports Completesports.com.

The Desert Foxes are unbeaten in their last three games against the Super Eagles.

The North Africans will also enjoy massive support from their fans inside the Miloud Hadefi Stadium, Oran.

But Peseiro is undaunted with the task ahead and is confident his team can beat Djamel Belmadi’s side.

“We trained well, we have been trying to. introduce some new dynamics, some new methods that will be good for our team. The players have adapted well. The players have adapted well both on and off the pitch,”Peseiro told NFF TV.

“We are going to play against a good team, it won’t be easy but we have quality. We will fight hard to beat them.”

Peseiro will miss the services of some his key players in the game.

Assistant captain, William Troost-Ekong returned to England last Saturday after sustaining an injury in the test game against Algeria’s home-based team.

Midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi spent only two days in camp before returning to his club over a hamstring issue.

The likes of captain Ahmed Musa, Leon Balogun, Samuel Chukwueze and Emmanuel Dennis all pulled out of the game as a result of injury.

The former Venezuela and Saudi Arabia tactician however insisted his side can cope with their absence.

“We believe in the players that are here, we believe in their abilities. They know what to do and we believe in them,”he added.

“I have confidence in them that they will do well. We have enough quality in our team to cope with the absence of those who are not here.”

The game will kick off at 8pm Nigeria time.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/peseiro-super-eagles-will-fight-hard-to-beat-quality-side-algeria/

Real Madrid midfielder, Eduardo Camavinga has disclosed that he has learnt a lot of lesson from the duo of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

Camavinga , who is now in his second season in Spain, told GQ that it was an opportunity to be part of the Real Madrid team.

“I learned a lot from (Luka) Modric and (Toni) Kroos, both for what they do on the pitch and for what they do off. They also work after training, these are things that I do too and that are positive for me.

“Playing for Real was my dream since I was little, they are the best club in the world and when they came forward for me I had no doubts.

“(Carlo) Ancelotti? He is one of the best in the world, he was able to win many titles in many different countries. He is a person who talks a lot with players, even with young people. When I arrived he gave me some homework and explained what he wanted from me.

“He gives me a lot of confidence both when I play as a starter and when I start on the bench.”

International career

On 5 November 2019, Camavinga obtained French citizenship. Six days later, he was selected to represent France’s under-21 team for games against Georgia and Switzerland, after Matteo Guendouzi was called up to the senior team.

On 27 August 2020, Camavinga was called up to play on France’s senior team after Paul Pogba was sidelined by a positive COVID-19 test. He became, in the process, the youngest player to be called up to the French senior team since René Gérard in 1932, who was only 17 years, nine months and 17 days old. On 8 September, he debuted in a 4–2 win against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League, replacing N’Golo Kanté midway through the second half. In doing so he became the youngest player to play for French national team since Maurice Gastiger in 1914 at 17 years, nine months, and 29 days old.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/modric-kroos-have-inspired-my-game-camavinga/

Boston Celtics have suspended head coach and former D’Tigers forward Ime Udoka for the 2022-23 NBA season after he entered into a relationship with a female member of staff.

Udoka, 45, who led the Celtics to the NBA Finals earlier this year in his first season as a head coach, was suspended for “violations of team policies”.

The team added that a decision about Udoka’s future beyond 2022-23 will be made at a later date.

Assistant coach Joe Mazzulla will be promoted to interim head coach.

Reacting to his suspension Udoka wrote in a statement:”I want to apologise to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organisation and my family for letting them down.

“I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team’s decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment.”

After a seven-year playing career in the NBA, Udoka served as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets before succeeding Brad Stevens as Boston coach in June 2021.

The Celtics won 28 of their final 35 games in the regular season to reach the play-offs and went on to make the NBA Finals for the first time in 12 years, losing 4-2 against the Golden State Warriors.

At the 2006 FIBA World Championships, Udoka led Nigeria in scoring, assists, and steals.

He also played for Nigeria in the 2005 and 2011 FIBA Africa Championships, winning a bronze medal in both tournaments.

He has served as an assistant coach for USA Basketball under his Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich.

His coaching role on the 2019 FIBA World Cup team helped him build relationships with Celtics players Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart, who advocated for his hiring as the new Boston head coach.

Also, Udoka coached for Team USA under Popovich at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/celtics-suspend-ex-nigeria-basketball-star-udoka-for-entire-2022-23-nba-season/

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) FCT Chapter, Thursday in Abuja held a first-of-its-kind Presidential Debate ahead of the Nigeria Football Federation elections.

The event saw CAF’s Chief Safety & Security Officer, Dr. Christian Emeruwa, and FCT’s FA Chairman, Adam Mouktar Mohammed go head to head as the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare, represented by his Special Adviser on Media Mr. kola Daniel, Chairman NUJ FCT Council, Emmanuel Ogbeche and the crowd watch on in excitement.

Between the welcome address by Chairman of SWAN, FCT chapter, Bunmi “Blair” Haruna. and the closing remarks by Emmanuel Ogbeche, the candidates addressed critical points raised.

Adam Mouktar Mohammed was quick to highlight his achievements as the FCT FA Chairman when quizzed on his reasons for contesting.

He said, “I have been in the position of the FCT FA Chairman for the last 3 years, and I see myself as a game-changer. We are in the 22nd century where football has evolved into a business, with my experience of developing young players from zero to heroes, I’m very much suitable for the job.”

Mohammed also emphasized picking players from all over the country and helping them through the ranks, from the U-17 to the U-19 to the senior National teams.

“I have invested my time and money for over 20 years, and have gotten my hands dirty, so I know what is needed and what needs to be done. I resigned from my position, came into administration, and in the last 3 years, I can humbly beat my chest and say I am the best performing FA Chairman in the country.

“We came in with the promise that we wanted to develop facilities, and we have done it. We have trained over 120 coaches which you can verify, and have returned the Abuja league to the top in the country. Talking about international cooperation, I have brought Bayern Munich, making a home-grown player to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the world. So I understand the business of Football.”

CAF’s Chief Safety & Security Officer, Dr. Christian Emeruwa prides himself in his continental experience.

“I sit currently in a position where I can see what happens in all 54 countries in Africa, and we have what is called the Directorate Review Session every Monday, where we look at the development and progress in each member association,” Emeruwa said while answering questions on why he decided to vie for the position of NFF president.

“Unfortunately, I sit at the meeting weekly and listen to how my country Nigeria is mostly at the bottom. In terms of development programs, progress in capacity building, league performance, and so on, and I said to myself, that in this coming election, I will not be sitting down anymore in the comfort of my office in Cairo, without coming back home to try and vie for the position.

“I consider myself fit for the position because this is my profession. I studied sports from my first degree to my Ph.D. at the University of Port Harcourt, and I also worked within the purview of the NFF for many years, where I was privileged to be in the very engine room that drives the entire process of Nigerian Football, which is the office of the Secretary.”

Emeruwa added: “I have also worked with FIFA since 2015, in a job that has given me the opportunity to support the delivery of different competitions. I have also been able to join CAF to start up a department that was never in existence in the last 60 years of our African Football, and today, within 3-and-a-half years, that department is the second best in the world.”

“I thought that with my wealth of experience and knowing exactly the problems of Nigerian Football, it will be uncharitable to close my eyes, and not come back home to try to contribute.”

The event had journalists and football fans gather at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Secretariat, Utako Abuja.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/nff-presidential-debate-mohammed-emeruwa-impress/

FC Midtylland goalkeeper Mark Ugboh hopes he will get the chance to play in the Premier League in future, reports Completesports.com.

The 18-year-old has been promoted to FC Midtylland’s first team after impressing with the U-19 side.

The Wolves announced on Wednesday that Ugboh has penned a five-year contract with the club.

The youngster is however willing to follow the footsteps of compatriot, Frank Onyeka, who left FC Midtylland for the Premier League two years ago.

” My dream is to play in the Premier League. People see it as the most competitive league in the world and I will fight everything I can to end up there one day,”Ugboh told the club’s official website.

The former FC Ebedei goalie also revealed his idol while growing up.

” My big idol is Manuel Neuer from Bayern Munich because he has so much quality. I like his confidence and leadership and he always plays well in the big games. A lot of his saves are really good and that’s something I look up to,”he added.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/fc-midtylland-goalie-ugboh-reveals-premier-league-ambition/

Europe’s football governing body UEFA is considering plans to revamp the Super Cup.

According to the Mail, as per Diario AS, the body are considering plans to replace the Supercup with a new four-team tournament, as they seek to increase their income.

The tournament would consist of four teams in similar format to that of the Spanish Supercup currently. The invited teams would consist of the winners of the Champions League, Europa League, the Europa Conference League and MLS.

It would be a summer tournament and there is potential for the matches to be taken out of Europe, as UEFA pursue fresh audiences.

Further discussions are set to take place at the European Club Association’s General Assembly in Istanbul on Thursday and Friday, with the organization keen to foster a spirit of innovation.

From 1972 to 1999, the UEFA Super Cup was contested between the winners of the European Cup/Champions League and the winners of the European/UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.

After the discontinuation of the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, it has been contested by the winners of the Champions League and the winners of the UEFA Cup, which was renamed the Europa League in 2009.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/uefa-to-replace-super-cup-with-four-team-tournament/

Former Kwara United boss, Samson Unuanel believes Super Eagles strikers, Terem Moffi and Cyriel Dessers still have a lot to prove in the senior national team.

Recall that Moffi has been painting the Ligue 1 with goals for Lorient, having netted six goals this ongoing season while Dessers has bagged one assist with Cremonese in the Serie A.

However, with the absence of Victor Osimhen from Nigeria’s clash against Algeria in an international friendly game slated for September 27, Unuanel in a chat with Completesports.com stated that Dessers and Moffi must use the game to further establish themselves in the Super Eagles.

“Terem Moffi and Cyriel Dessers are two quality strikers with proven goal scoring records. They may not have gotten the opportunity of staking a regular shirt in the Super Eagles, however, I am convinced that are top quality strikers.

“The truth is, they have plenty to prove in the senior national team now that Victor Osimehn won’t be part of the team for the Algeria game. There is no better time to convince the Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro if not now.”

This will be the third time the North Africans will face Nigeria under coach Djamel Belmadi.

In the first encounter, Belmadi led his team to go past the Super Eagles 2-1 in the semifinal of the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.

Algeria then pipped Nigeria in a friendly in Austria in October 2020. Both teams failed to qualify for this year’s World Cup in Qatar.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-dessers-moffi-still-have-plenty-to-prove-in-eagles-unuanel/

Nottingham Forest have confirmed Emmanuel Dennis pulled out of Nigeria’s friendly against Algeria as a result of injury.

Dennis was called up as replacement for the injured Adana Demirspor winger, Henry Onyekuru but he couldn’t honour the invitation for the same reason.

There were reports Dennis intentionally rejected the invitation but Nottingham Forest have now provided an update on his health status.

“Taiwo Awoniyi has both been called up to the Nigeria squad for their friendly against Algeria on Tuesday 27th September, 8pm kick-off UK time.Emmanuel Dennis, meanwhile, has withdrawn due to injury,”reads a statement on the club’s official website.

The 24-year-old linked up with the Reds this summer fron Sky Bet Championship club, Watford.

He has made seven appearances for Nigeria with a goal to his name.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/nottingham-forest-confirm-dennis-injury/

The Desert Foxes of Algeria arrived Oran on Tuesday ahead of their friendly against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The players led by captain, Riyadh Mahrez arrived the city in the afternoon and were received by FA officials and fans.

Djamel Belmadi’s side later had their training session at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium.

The team had their first training session in Constantine on Monday night before traveling to Oran.

The North Africans will continue their preparation for the game on Wednesday at the ground.

The two-time African champions will take on the Syli Stars of Guinea in their first friendly on Friday.

They will then face the Super Eagles four days later at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium, Oran.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/mahrez-bentaleb-others-storm-oran-for-super-eagles-friendly/

Yemi ‘Yema’ Olanrewaju has been appointed new assistant coach of Nigeria Professional Football League outfit, Enyimba Football Club of Aba.

The eight-time Nigeria Professional Football League champions announced Yema’s appointment on Tuesday.

Yema was until recently head coach of Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Vanderezer FC.

“Yema is someone I have known for some time now. He is passionate about his job and has a positive mindset,”Enyimba head coach, Finidi George told the club’s official website.

“He has very good qualities that will bring value to the team, so I’m very happy to have him around.”

Yema will combine the role with the assistant coaching job of Nigeria’s U-17 side, the Golden Eaglets.

He previously worked with Magate FC and MFM FC.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/npfl-enyimba-appoint-yema-new-assistant-coach/

Portuguese Liga BPI side Sporting Braga have completed the permanent signing of Super Falcons of Nigeria midfield star Peace Efih, on a two-year deal with a 12-month extension option.

The club announced the signing in a statement released on their website.

Efih, 22, joined Sporting Braga from Israeli champions Maccabi Kiryat Gat on Monday afternoon and will don jersey number 25.

Confirming her announcement, Braga stated on their website: “Peace Efih reinforces the senior women’s team.

“The Nigerian international, only 22 years old, is yet another attacking option for coach Gonçalo Nunes.

Peace Efih arrives from Kiryat Gat (Israel) and also has stints at Zaragoza CFF (Spain), Sporting de Huelva (Spain), Edo Queens (Nigeria) and River Angels (Nigeria).

“The forward was present in the last edition of the Women’s CAN with Nigeria, having scored a goal against Burundi.

Peace Efih already works with the rest of the SC Braga squad and may be an option for next Sunday’s game against CA Ouriense.”

In the 2021-22 season, Efih scored 14 goals in 28 appearances and helped the club to a domestic double.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/official-super-falcons-midfielder-efih-joins-portuguese-club-sporting-braga/

The Desert Foxes of Algeria held their first training session on Monday night ahead of the international friendly against Nigeria.

The session took place at the team’s training centre in Sidi Moussa.

The players and their officials are expected to leave for Oran on Tuesday (today) for the game.
The friendly is billed for the Miloud Hadefi Stadium, Oran on Tuesday, September 27.

Before then, the North Africans will take on the Syli Stars of Guinea at the same venue on Friday, September 23.

“We normally have our infrastructure in Sidi Moussa but we have to adapt to our conditions,” Desert Foxes head Djamel Belmadi told a press conference.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/desert-foxes-hold-first-training-session-ahead-super-eagles-friendly/

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho is reportedly Barcelona’s latest target, as they already plan ahead for the opening of the winter transfer window.

Barcelona were in talks with Chelsea during the summer window for Marcos Alonso and also interested in Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta after the acquisition of Andreas Christensen on a free transfer.

Now according to The Sun have the Catalans are monitoring Jorginho’s contract situation and could sign him in January.
It is reported that the 30-year-old, whose contract ends in 2023, could be sold in January or leave Chelsea on a free transfer.

Graham Potter has recently taken over from Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge and Jorginho may not feature in his plans.

Jorginho previously played for Napoli and Hellas Verona in Serie A before joining Chelsea.

The midfielder was named UEFA Player of the Year in 2021, and has won the Champions League with Chelsea and the European Championship with Italy.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/jorginho-linked-with-january-transfer-move-to-barcelona/

Samuel Chukwueze and Emmanuel Dennis will not be part of Nigeria’s squad that will take on the Desert Foxes of Algeria.

Chukwueze and Dennis are both injured and will miss the highly anticipated friendly against the two-time African champions.

Dennis was a replacement for Adana Demirspor’s Henry Onyekuru.
Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa have also been ruled out of the game as a result of injury.

Portugal-based forward, Saviour Godwin and left-back Ebube Duru have been handed late call-ups by head coach, Jose Peseiro.

Saviour, who plays for Portuguese club,
Casa Pia has represented Nigeria at the U-17, U-20 and U-23 levels.

He helped Casa Pia gained promotion to the top-flight last season.

Duru is a key player for Nigeria Professional Football League champions Rivers United.

The defender was part of the team that played in the CAF Champions League against Watanga FC of Liberia on Sunday.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/algeria-vs-nigeria-chukwueze-dennis-out-saviour-duru-in/

Former Nigerian striker, Jonathan Akpoborie has advised Super Eagles forward, Taiwo Awoniyi to use Nigeria’s international friendly game against Algeria on September 27 as a platform to impress Jose Peseiro.

Awoniyi, who has not played under the Portuguese tactician will be hoping to get an opportunity in a bid to impress him.

The two African giants were at the last 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, where the Desert Foxes relinquished the trophy they won at the 2019 edition.

The Super Eagles also ended the tournament in disappointment, as the team exited in the first knockout stage despite winning all their three group match.

In a chat with Completesports.com, the former Wolfburg star stated that Awoniyi’s impressive form at Nottingham Forest was enough to earn him a recall to the senior national team.

“This is one game that some of the invited players will be using to sink their names into the heart of the Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro.

However, one player that has really caught my attention is Taiwo Awoniyi. This is a player that was scoring goals at Union Berlin before joining Nottingham Forest. And I expected him to be in the Super Eagles attack.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-friendly-awoniyi-must-grab-his-chance-against-algeriaakpoborie-warns/

Legendary England striker Alan Shearer says Arsenal are not Premier League title contenders despite a strong start to the season.

Arsenal bounced back from defeat to Manchester United with a comfortable 3-0 win away to Brentford on Sunday.

The win took Mikel Arteta’s side back to the top in the league table.

But writing in his column on BBC Sport, Shearer however admitted it is a different Arsenal team under Arteta.

“It’s not time to talk about them as title contenders yet, but people now know that this is a different Arsenal to the team we saw just 13 months ago,” Shearer wrote.

“The Gunners’ 3-0 win at Brentford on Sunday epitomised their progress under Mikel Arteta, because we all remember what happened in this fixture on the opening weekend of last season – when the Bees didn’t just beat them, they bullied them.

“Everything was different about Arsenal this time – in attack and defence, plus the way they controlled the game, and with their attitude and intensity. They ran out comfortable winners.

“Part of that was down to how bad Brentford were, but it was Arsenal’s performance that made the Bees play so poorly.

“I was expecting Brentford to come out flying, knowing what worked last time, and trying to hurt Arsenal. They tried to play that way again, but it didn’t work because they faced a very different Arsenal team.

“This Gunners side is not only bigger and stronger, it is also more committed. They were better in every department and dominated right from the start.

“When the Bees did attack in the same way they had at Arsenal before, with long throws or crosses into the box, they got absolutely no joy at all.

“Their two strikers, Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo, hardly got a kick because Gabriel and William Saliba dominated them so much, and it was the same all over the pitch.

“Yes, Brentford gave Arsenal too much time and space for their second and third goals, but those were far from the only occasions that they could not get near to them.”

Shearer, whose goals contributed to Blackburn Rovers emerging Premier League champions in 1995, added:“Only four of the Arsenal team who started that defeat against Brentford began Sunday’s game too – Ben White, Kieran Tierney, Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli.

“In just over a year, Arteta has not just built a different team, he has transformed the mood of the whole club.

“He deserves great credit for that, because he got a lot of criticism after the way they started last season, with three straight defeats.

“This time, they have won six out of their first seven league games and go into the international break at the top of the table. They deserve it too.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/arsenal-are-not-title-contenders-yet-shearer/

Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa could miss the team’s upcoming friendly against the Desert Foxes of Algeria as a result of injury, reports Completesports.com.

Musa copped an Injury in Sivasspor’s 2-1 defeat to Ankaragucu in a Turkish Super Lig clash on Sunday night.

The 29-year-old was replaced in the 19th minute by Cameroon winger Clinton N’Jie.

The severity of the injury will be known later today.

Musa was named in the 25-man squad for the game on Saturday by head coach, Jose Peseiro.

The duo of Leon Balogun and Henry Onyekuru have already been ruled out of the game as a result of injuries.

Peseiro has already called up Valentine Ozornwafor and Emmanuel Dennis as replacement for the duo.

The friendly against Algeria is billed for the Miloud Hadefi Stadium, Oran on Tuesday, September 27.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/musa-injured-may-miss-super-eagles-vs-algeria-friendly/

Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland says he’s not bothered by the number of touches he has with the ball for as long as he keeps scoring the goals.

The Norwegian star made this known in an interview with TribalFootball, where he hailed his overhead volley as one of the best of his career, but is eyeing more goals.

Haaland has already scored 13 times for the Premier League champions in just eight matches.

However, he said that he’s more focused on getting goals against Wolves this weekend.

“I have to focus on the next game and I have to focus on the right things. If I think too much, then I don’t think it is a good thing. It’s about focusing on the right things.

“For me, it was easy to stay focused, as I always do. People might say I don’t touch the ball enough and this and that, but I don’t care about this. I know what I am going to do and what I have to do.

“That’s exactly what I did in a difficult match and exactly what I will keep doing. My dream is to touch the ball five times and score five goals. That’s my biggest dream.

“It was a special match for me to play Dortmund. It was emotional and I have a lot of good friends with the coaches, staff and everyone I know.

“I had to be focused, be ready for the things that I have to do against my former team. At the end, it’s just a football game, but for me it was a bit more special.

“It was emotional, but it was a nice game. It was strange, but it was nice. I will always love everyone there and it’s an amazing club. I had a good time there.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/it-doesnt-matter-if-i-dont-touch-the-ball-long-haaland-speaks-ahead-man-city-vs-wolves/

Hristo Stoichkov has revealed that he recommended Alphonso Davies as a teenager for Barcelona to sign but they rejected it.

Davies, now a star with Bayern Munich, was first spotted playing for Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS.

In an interview with TUDN, the former Bulgarian international stated that he felt disappointed that Barca snubbed his recommendation.

“I advised Alphonso Davies to Barcelona and they said no because he played in the MLS and was Canadian.

“They felt that he did not have a sufficient level for Barça.”

Stoichkov also revealed: “I also told them to take Diego Lainez, César Montes and (Hirving) Lozano but I got the same answer.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/stoichkov-how-barca-rejected-chance-to-sign-davies/

Chelsea boss, Graham Potter believes his team will get more better after the Blues’ 1-1 draw against Salzburg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

The result leaves Chelsea with an uphill task of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages as they face AC Milan in a double-header.

Reacting to the draw, Potter told BT Sports that he’s impressed with the performance of the players.

“We’re disappointed with the result. I thought the boys gave everything. We scored a good goal, but lost a bit in the second half but their goalkeeper has made some good saves.

“It is what it is, we have to dust ourselves down. Personality and application was good, we will get better. We got Raheem in one-on-one situations quite often and the goal was a good result of that.

“It’s always irritating when you concede a goal. Overall the defensive performance was quite good, it’s just the little details we will have to improve.

“It has not been easy for the boys, they have responded to us really well over the last few days and it’s a point we will have to take and get better. The attitude has been fantastic, no complaints apart from the fact we have not taken three points.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/ucl-potter-thumbs-up-chelseas-performance-against-salzburg/

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi will be sidelined for six weeks due to knee injury, reports Completesports.com.

Ajayi has not make an appearance for West Bromwich Albion since sustaining the injury against Wigan Athletic.

West Brom manager Steve Bruce confirmed that the centre-back has undergone surgery and will be missing in action for a while.

“Semi has had an operation, We’ve listened to specialists and they’ve advised us that was the best thing to do going forward,” West Brom manager, Steve Bruce told a press conference ahead of his side’s clash against Birmingham City.

“We’re expecting him to be out for another six weeks but these things can change.”

Ajayi is now expected to Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against the Desert Foxes of Algeria.

The game will take place in Oran on Tuesday, September 27.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/ajayi-out-for-six-weeks-with-knee-injury/