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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/

Ahead of today’s Champions League clash against Benfica, Juventus coach Max Allegri has rejected claims that striker, Dusan Vlahovic is not in the same level with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé.

Allegri stated that Vlahovic has proven to be a quality striker going by the goals he has scored this season.

He stated: “I have seen him improve in the aspects of him that he needs to improve but I am happy with how he is doing.

“Of the players with less international experience, with (Erling) Haaland and (Kylian) Mbappé he is among the best.”

Juventus have won only one of their last six games in all competitions and are on a three-game winless streak ahead of today’s game. They are, however, undefeated at home this season and will try to capitalise on their home advantage this mid-week.

Allegri was also asked about the temperament of his team after the weekend brawl at the end of their 2-2 draw with Salernitana.

He said: “We have experience in many players but some who have few games in the Champions League or in the Italian league. Playing at Juve is not easy, it is always under pressure, Bremer is in his second game in the Champions League and he is an extraordinary signing but he is in the second game in the Champions League. … I’m not asking to score three goals or overdo it, but very simple things. The moments of the matches will be there.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/ucl-vlahovic-in-the-same-level-with-mbappe-haaland-allegri-speaks-ahead-juventus-vs-benfica/

Former Manchester United star defender Jaap Stam believes there is a way to stop Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian striker has made a brilliant start to life at City, scoring 12 goals in eight matches since joining from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

But Stam, a 1999 treble winner with United has given tips to the likes of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez on how to contain the 22-year-old.

“You need to be very aggressive,” Stam told Bet365.

“When the opposition has the ball, you need to go and play in City’s half, you need to make sure someone is always very tight on Haaland and trying to take him out of the game, especially when you lose the ball. He can’t be allowed to get hold of it.

“You need cover, too, otherwise if you try and risk it to play against him one vs one. With a lot of space in your back, nine out of ten times, it’s going to be a very difficult situation. So you need to be very aggressive against him.

“Teams are changing how they set up defensively when he’s playing because of his threat, people are saying we need to put a midfield player in front of him as well, to give them more time on the ball.

“But you need to make choices now as an opposition to defend against him.”

Stam added:“Speaking personally, sometimes when you play higher up the pitch, one needs to be aggressive on him and the other needs to cover you.”

Source:https://www.completesports.com/how-to-defend-against-haaland-ex-man-united-star-stam/

Viktoria Plzen forward Fortune Bassey is expecting a difficult duel against Inter Milan in Tuesday’s (today) UEFA Champions League clash at the San Siro.

The Czech Republic side will face another huge test in the competition following their matchday one humiliation at the Spotify Camp Nou against Barcelona.

Bassey and his teammates were destroyed 5-1 on that night by Xavi’s men.

Inter Milan are the overwhelming favourites to claim maximum points against Michal Bilek’s men.

The 23-year-old, who replaced Tomas Chory in the 66th minute against Barcelona insisted that they will do their best against the Nerazzuri.

“Difficult game in a complicated group. The important thing for us is to give everything and achieve results if we want to overcome the group or aim for the Europa League,”Bassey told Sky Sport.

“We have to give our best as a team. Inter are a difficult opponent . We have to try, do our best and see what happens on the pitch.”

Bayern Munich and Barcelona will clash in the other game in the group.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/ucl-inter-milan-will-be-difficult-to-beat-viktoria-plzen-star-bassey/

Bayern Munich forward, Thomas Muller, believes the team’s Champions League clash against Barcelona will be an open game.

Bayern opened their section with a 2-0 victory at Inter Milan last Wednesday, while Barcelona were 5-1 winners over Viktoria Plzen at Camp Nou in their first game of the 2022-23 competition.

Bayern have actually not been victorious in the Bundesliga since August 21, though, drawing each of their last three matches against Borussia Monchengladbach, Union Berlin and Stuttgart.

Speaking ahead of the game, Muller said (via sport1): “We have to play our game. Barcelona are strong in the transition game, and it is important to take Lewy out of the game.

“Our game is designed to be bilious when we lose the ball.”

He added: “The game will be more open. The three draws in the league were against opponents who are heavily defended at the back.

“The pure optimist could say: Here we go again.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/ucl-this-game-will-be-more-open-muller-speaks-ahead-bayern-munich-vs-barcelona/

Tottenham manager, Antonio Conte, has issued a stern warning to Son Heung-min that he may not be guarantee a starting shirt if his form deteriorate again.

In March, Conte insisted he would be “crazy” to leave Son out from his team.

But the emergence of Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison who arrived from Everton this summer means Conte is no longer solely reliant on Son’s partnership with Harry Kane.

The former Juventus and Chelsea was asked specifically about Son’s place in his team ahead of the game.

“I think when you try to build something important, when you try to build something with ambition and try to be competitive and fight to win, you have to change old habits.

“For this reason all the players have to accept the rotation especially up front, we have four players. For me especially it’s very difficult right now to drop one of these four players, but I have to make the best decision for the team, also for the players.

“You try to make the players happy, but big clubs have a big squad, a deep squad. At this moment we don’t have a big squad, but we have just started to try to follow this path,” Conte said.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/your-place-may-never-be-guaranteed-again-conte-warns-son/

Antonio Rudiger has wished Umar Sadiq quick recovery after the striker was diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

Sadiq is now set to miss the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign as a result of the setback.

The Nigeria international sustained the injury in his club Real Sociedad 2-1 defeat to Getafe on Sunday night.

Real Sociedad confirmed on Monday that the forward will undergo surgery in the coming days.

“Sadiq has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. The player will undergo surgical treatment,”reads a statement on the club’s official website.

” Further information will be provided in the coming days.”

Rudiger, who was Sadiq’s teammate during their time at Serie A club, AS Roma took to the social media to wish his friend quick recovery.

“Stay strong my brother, Almighty knows why,”Rudiger posted on Instagram.

Sadiq linked up with Real Sociedad on transfer deadline day.

He was a direct replacement for Sweden star Alexander Isak, who moved to Newcastle United in the Premier League.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/rudiger-wishes-sadiq-quick-recovery-after-injury-setback/

French midfielder N’Golo Kante has rejected Chelsea’s new contract proposal, with the 2018 World Cup winner unhappy at the length of the deal on offer.

Kante is out of contract in less than a year’s time, having failed to agree new terms with the Blues.

Thomas Tuchel spoke openly about the situation with Kante before he was sacked and suggested that the Frenchman has to compromise over any contract extension because of his injury problems.

Kante has been sidelined regularly over the last two years but he remains the club’s highest paid player.

He wants to stay at Stamford Bridge but the club are only offering him an initial two-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months.

The Blues gave Kalidou Koulibaly a four-year deal last month, despite the fact that he is the same age as Kante.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was also given a three-year deal, despite being two years older than Kante.

And according to The Athletic Kante has rejected the club’s proposal and he is holding out for a longer deal.

It comes as two Premier League sides show interest in Kante, with the midfielder free to speak to other clubs from January 1st.

The former Leicester star can sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs on January 1st, though English sides would have to wait.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/kante-rejects-new-chelsea-contract-offer/

Adams Olamilekan has celebrated his historic strike for Remo Stars in Sunday night’s CAF Confederation Cup clash against Moroccan club ASFAR in Rabat.

Remo Stars held their hosts to a 1-1 draw in the preliminary round first leg encounter at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat.

The visitors went behind in the 27 minutes after missing a couple of chances.

Olamilekan then nodded home the equaliser from a corner-kick four minutes after the break.

It was Remo Stars’ first goal in a continental fixture.

The former Lobi Stars player took to the social media to celebrate the crucial goal.

“Dream big and send GOD the Bill, he can afford it!,he wrote on his Twitter handle.

The second leg is billed for Sunday at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/caf-confederation-cup-olamilekan-relishes-historic-goal-for-remo-stars/

Carlos Alcaraz has revealed that he’s more determined to win more trophies after winning the US Open title.

Alcaraz defeated Casper Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 to capture the US Open, and a grand slam title for the first time in his young career.

Reacting to the victory, Alcaraz expressed confidence of winning more titles.

“I’m hungry for more. I want to be in the top for many, many weeks. Hope many years,” said Alcaraz.

“I’m going to work hard again after this week, this amazing two weeks. I’m going to fight for have more of this.”

“It’s crazy for me. I’ve never thought that I was going to achieve something like that at 19 years old,” Alcaraz said.

“So everything has come so fast. For me it’s unbelievable. It’s something I dream since I was a kid, since I start playing tennis.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/im-hungry-for-more-success-alcaraz-speaks-after-winning-us-open/

Umar Sadiq could be set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining an injury in Real Sociedad’s 2-1 defeat at Getafe on Sunday night.

The Nigeria international was replaced by Mohamed-Ali Cho seven minutes before the break after suffering a freak injury.

Sadiq is expected to undergo test on Monday (today) to determine the extent of the injury.

Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil is already worried the striker could be sidelined for a while.

“The image has been ugly, but we have to wait for the tests,” Alguacil said after the game.

Sadiq linked up with the White and Blue from another LaLiga club, Almeria this summer.

The 25-year-old scored on his debut for the club against Atletico Madrid.

The injury could also forced Sadiq to miss Nigeria’s upcoming international friendly against the Desert Foxes of Algeria on September 27 in Oran.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/real-sociedad-boss-provides-injury-update-on-sadiq/

Nigeria U-19 boys national team hammered Egypt 3-0 to retain their Africa Cup of Nations Volleyball Championship title in Morocco on Sunday.

Both Nigeria and Egypt have qualified for the 2023 U-19 Volleyball World Cup.

The Nigerian side took the first set 25 – 20, before topping the second 25 – 18 before rounding off the tie 31 – 29 to emerge champions again.

Three Nigerian players Elisha Anebi, Raheem Olayemi and Abdulaziz Aliyu made the Dream Team of tournament.

Best Setter- Anebi was named Best Setter, Olayemi was awarded Best Outside while Aliyu was voted Most Valuable Player.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/2022-u-19-volleyball-afcon-nigeria-thrash-egypt-3-0-in-final-to-retain-title/

Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi netted his fifth goal of the season in Ligue 1 as Lorient defeated Lyon 3-1 on Wednesday night.

It is now back-to-back wins for Lorient following their 1-0 win at Ajaccio.

Moffi scored in the 33rd minute to put Lorient 2-1 ahead after Alexandre Lacazette equalized for the away team.

Enzo Le Fee broke the deadlock for Lorient on six minutes while Dango Ouattara got the third goal.

The win took Lorient up to fifth on 13 points in the league table.

Moffi is just three goals short of his tally (eight) for last season


Source: https://www.completesports.com/moffi-bags-5th-league-goal-of-season-as-lorient-beat-lyon/

Chelsea defender Reece James has penned a farewell message to former boss, Thomas Tuchel.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Paris-Saint Germain gaffer was sacked on Wednesday morning after their defeat in the Champions League to Dinamo Zagreb.

James, who was a favorite of Tuchel’s in defense, took to social media to address the manager’s departure.

He posted a photo of himself and Tuchel hugging after they had won the Champions League over a year ago.

James also added a caption on his Twitter post, stating “Thank you” with a blue-heart emoji.

Chelsea are likely to secure Brighton’s Graham Potter as Tuchel’s replacement.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/james-pens-farewell-message-to-tuchel-after-chelsea-sacking/

PSG striker, Kylian Mbappe has disclosed that France President, Emmanuel Macron influenced his decision to snubbed Real Madrid’s bumper offer.

The France international, who was almost on the verge of leaving the Paris club last term, stated that he’s happy to have stayed with the club.

Mbappe admits the intervention of French president Emmanuel Macron had an influence on rejecting Real Madrid.

He recalled: “I never imagined that I was going to speak with the president about my future, about my future in my career, so it’s crazy, really crazy.

” He told me: ‘I want you to stay. I don’t want you to leave now. You are so important for the country. You have time to leave, you can stay a little longer’. When the president tells you that, it matters.”

Asked about Real Madrid, Mbappe stated: “You never know what is going to happen. I’ve never been there but it seems like it’s my house or something like that…”

Source:https://www.completesports.com/france-president-convinced-me-to-snub-real-madrid-mbappe/

The Super Falcons put up a spirited performance which unfortunately was not enough as they fell 2-1 to world champions United States of America in their second friendly game on Tuesday, Completesports.com reports.

It was a much improved display from the Falcons who were hammered 4-0 by the US in their first meeting on Saturday.

The game which was played inside the Audi Field, Washington DC, saw the Americans maintain their winning streak against the Falcons as they have now won all eight fixtures between both teams.

The last time the Falcons scored against the US was in the group stage of the women’s football event at the Sydney 2000 Olympics which ended 3-1 in favour of the world champions.

The Randy Waldrum-led side have now lost their last four games.

After containing their hosts in the early part of the game, the Falcons’ defence was eventually breached on 24 minutes as Blessing Demehin put the ball into her own net.

The Falcons fought back and were rewarded as Uchenna Kanu equalized in the 50th minute with a fine strike.

But the Americans went 2-1 up through Rosemary Lavelle who headed in a cross from the left off the boot of Megan Rapinoe.

Both the Falcons and the US will feature at next year’s FIFA women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The Falcons will play another friendly this time against former world champions Japan in Kobe on 6th October, 2022.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/gallant-super-falcons-narrowly-lose-2-1-to-usa-in-friendly-game/

Ajax defender Daley Blind is impressed with his new teammate Calvin Bassey and praised the Nigerian former club Rangers for providing them with a ready made star.

Bassey has made an impressive start to life at the club following his transfer from Rangers this summer.

The 22-year-old has formed a solid partnership with Jurien Timber in the heart of defence
“Already we can see that he (Calvin Bassey) is a big talent,”Blind was quoted by the Daily Record.

“We can see he is strong and enjoys the physical side of the game – but he is also comfortable on the ball and playing out from the back – and that is the style of football threat we try to play at Ajax.

“Rangers must take credit for the player he is and his development. He is a young player still and as a young player it is so important where you can be at a club where you will play and where they obviously want to develop you – and Rangers was that club for him.

” Now he is at Ajax we hope his development can go up a level and he can become one of the best defenders in Europe.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/ajax-defender-blind-talks-up-big-talent-bassey/

Anthony Joshua says he would be ready to fight World Boxing Council (WBC) Tyson Fury ‘in December’ after he proposed a “Battle of Britain” heavyweight clash, Sky Sports reports.

Talks had begun to match Fury with Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian who defeated Joshua last month to defend the unified WBO, WBA and IBF belts, in an undisputed heavyweight championship fight.

But it has emerged that Usyk will not be able to box again this year which leaves Fury looking for an opponent.

The undefeated heavyweight champion now wants that to be Joshua.

“I think you’ve all heard that I’m going to be fighting soon within the next few months,” Fury said.“I think that before I announce an opponent that I need to do this just in case.

“Anthony Joshua, I know you’ve just lost a fight to Usyk and you’re bout-less at the moment, and I’d like to give you an opportunity to fight me for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world and the lineal championship in the next few months.

“You’re coming off a 12-round fight, so you’re match fit, you’re ready. I’m giving you a few months’ notice.

“If you’re interested I’ll send you the date over and we can rumble. A battle of Britain for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world.

“Let me know if you’re interested, if not I will select another opponent.”

Fury later repeated his offer to Joshua via Twitter on Monday evening, claiming he has both the “date and venue” arranged.

And Joshua has responded later that evening, directing Fury to his management team to discuss a deal.

“Yea calm,” Joshua posted. “I don’t do the online discussions just for clout, so if your really about it shout @258mgt.

“I’ll be ready in December.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/joshua-replies-fury-over-world-title-fight-offer/

Ademola Lookman insists Atalanta must improve on their performance despite the club’s impressive start to the 2022/23 season.

The Nerazzuri shot to the top of the Serie A table after a hard-fought 2-0 win against Monza at the U-Power Stadium on Monday night.

It’s the first time Atalanta will occupy top position in the Italian top-flight.

The Nigeria international played a key role in the win with Rasmus Hojlund slotting home from his cross in the 57th minute.Marlon diverted his shot into the net eight minutes later for the second goal of the game.

“We’re working hard to be better,” Lookman said after the game.

The 24-year-old has scored one goal and provided one assist in five appearances for La Gea this season.

The Nerazzuri will take on Cremonese in their next league game.


Source: https://www.completesports.com/lookman-atalanta-will-keep-working-hard-despite-good-start-to-new-season/

Italy World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro has warned Napoli to put Liverpool into checks due to their goal scoring threats in Wednesday’s Champions League clash.

The two sides renew hostilities at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona prior to also meeting Ajax and Rangers in Group A, and the Partenopei have enjoyed a far better opening to their league season.

However, in a chat with Il Mattino, Cannavaro warned Napoli that the Reds are ruthless and cynical in front of goal.

“What a great night of football that awaits me. The Reds are ruthless, they are cynical, they live on the mistakes that their opponents make on the trocar, they press and push you to make mistakes. And as soon as it happens they punish you.

“The antennas must be raised to the maximum. It is a fundamental job what the various (Slaven) Lobotka, (Andre-Franck) Anguissa, (Piotr) Zielinski will have to do: because Liverpool hardly forgive you because they live on this.”


Source: https://www.completesports.com/ucl-beware-of-liverpool-cannavaro-warns-napoli/