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Nigeria’s Super Falcons will be without first choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie for their Group C clash against the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, reports Completesports.com.

Randy Waldrum’s charges first game at the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations will hold at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat on Monday (today).

Nnadozie,who plays for French club, Paris FC is suspended for the game after receiving yellow cards in different matches in the qualifiers against Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.

Her absence will be a big blow for the Super Falcons, who have lost two of their last three outings to the Banyana Banyana.

Waldrum will however pick between Tochukwu Oluehi and Yewande Balogun for the game.

Botswana and Burundi will face each other in the other Group C game also on Monday.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/wafcon-2022-super-falcons-goalkeeper-suspended-for-south-africa-clash/

Golden Eaglets head coach Nduka Ugbade has expressed confidence that his side will subdue Cote d’Ivoire in the semi-finals of the U-17 WAFU B on Tuesday.

The last four of the regional qualifying tournament will kick off today (Tuesday) with Nigeria, hosts Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso vying for the two available tickets for next year’s U-17 AFCON in Algeria.

The first semi-finals is between the Eaglets and Cote d’Ivoire inside the Cape Coast Stadium.
While the second semi-final clash will see Ghana battle Burkina Faso.

And speaking ahead of the tie with Cote d’Ivoire, Ugbade described it as the most important match for his team.

“By the special grace of God we will subdue Ivory Coast and qualify,” Ugbade said on Brila FM.”Because like I said to them the trophy is not important you must win the last match to win the trophy and this is not the last match this is the most important match, win this one and you are assured to get to the finals in Algeria.”

To get to this stage the Eaglets beat Ghana 4-2 in the opening game in Group A before overcoming Togo 3-1 in their second group game.

The U-17 AFCON in Algeria will serve as qualifiers for the World Cup in Peru.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-u-17-wafu-b-we-will-subdue-cote-divoire-golden-eaglets-coach-ugbade/

Super Falcons forward Macleans Chinenye is determined to help the team win a record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, reports Completesports.com.

The West Africans have won nine out of 11 editions of the WAFCON.

Randy Waldrum’s side are aiming to win a record extending 10th title in Morocco next month.

The Super Falcons are pitted in Group C against title rivals, South Africa and debutants, Botswana and Burundi.

“it’s a dream come true for me, I can’t wait to add my quota as we aim to win the trophy again.” – Macleans told Super Falcons media team.

Macleans is currently the highest goal scorer in the Polish league with 20 goals in 20 matches.

She once played for Abia Angels and Bayelsa Queens.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/super-falcons-new-girl-macleans-targets-wafcon-success/[b][/b]

With the values of some Super Eagles players such as the likes of Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, Maduka Okoye and Emmanuel Dennis rising in the transfer market, some are on the other side of the coin.

Ahmed Musa, Terem Moffi and William Troost Ekong have seen their values on the decline at the end of the 2021/22 season. Complete Sports‘ FEMI ASHAOLU takes a look at SEVEN Eagles whose valuation in the market has suffered decline.

Terem Moffi

Terem Igobor Moffi had a disappointing season at Lorient in the 2021/22 Ligue 1 season. Moffi could only hit the net eight times and provided four assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.

The striker had raised the appetite of a lot of his followers after netting 14 goals with three assists in the penultimate season, when he joined the Ligue 1 side from Kortrijk in Belgium.

The 23-year-old striker, who is a regular at the club, failed to score in 30 domestic matches last term, which underscored the struggles Lorient had, as he is the club’s top marksman. The club finished just four points above the relegation zone.

Consequently, his market value has not remained the same. As at December last year, the attacker was worth €10million. According to the valuation carried out by Transfermarkt at the end of May, Moffi’s value has slightly dropped by €1million, leaving him with a market value of €9million.

His highest value was in October 2021, rising as high as €12million, three months into the just concluded campaign. It is worthy of note that Moffi only missed one game for the club in the league in the entire season.

However, the Nigerian is ranked as the most valuable player at the club. In value, Moffi is ranked 120th in the French Ligue 1, 140th globally as a centre-forward, and 14th most valuable Nigerian professional footballer.

William Troost-Ekong

Super Eagles assistant captain William Troosd-Ekong is one of the seven players who suffered decline in value due to dismal or unimpressive campaign in the just concluded season across Europe.

Troost-Ekong helped Watford secure promotion from the Championship to the Premier League before the kick off of last season in England. However, reality began to dawn on the defender that there is a massive difference between the two divisions, weeks into the 2021/22 season.

The 28-year-old started the first half of the season for the club as a regular and featured in 16 of the 17 games he played for Watford in the entire season under Xisco Munoz and Claudio Ranieri.

The Nigerian even captained the club in their 0-2 defeat at Vicarage Road against Wolves. But things quickly fell apart for him after former England manager Roy Hodgson took charge at the club at the turn of the New Year.

The former Udinese of Italy defender was subsequently relegated to the bench. He made only two appearances for the club in 2022 in 102 minutes of football. He finished the season featuring in less than half of the total Premier League fixtures for Watford. He was listed in the matchday squad 28 times this campaign, but only played 17 games.

Under Hodgson, he made only appearance and that was against Wolves in May; the game that potentially sealed the club’s relegation back to the Championship. Troost-Ekong played for 12 minutes in the clash.

His falling fortune in the season has also not left the Nigerian’s market value the way it was at the start of the campaign. His career highest value was €5million last December. But his value has now declined to €4million in the latest valuation of players who featured in the Premier League last season. His current value was the same as at the start of last year, while the club were still in the Sky Bet Championship.

But he is the 9th most valued player at his club despite the poor season they had last term which saw them drop from the elite league in England. Troost-Ekong is rated as the 24th most valuable Nigerian player and 345th in the Premier League.

It is not yet certain if the centre-back will continue with the Hornets next season.

Ola Aina

The summary of Ola Aina’s 2021/22 season is similar to that of Troost-Ekong. Both of them started the season well and lost their shirts in the second half of the campaign.

Aina had an erratic campaign with Torino last season. The Super Eagles right-back was a regular before the Africa Cup of Nations in January but after he returned, he struggled to get game time under coach Ivan Juric. The 25-year-old was benched for eight games after he returned from the AFCON, featuring in only five from a possible 16 Serie A games.

He endured the unpleasant situation and didn’t feature for the club from February 2022 to April when he played for 27 minutes in his club’s home draw against champions AC Milan.

And in the last seven corresponding fixtures, he featured in four matches and benched on three occasions. With the summer transfer window already opened, there are reports that the Turin-based side have resolved to let go the former Chelsea academy player for at least €10million.

According to Calciomercato, an Italian publication, Aina is unsettled at Torino and wants to leave the club this summer and the Maroons want to get the stipulated figure from a sale.

The situation at the club affected the Eagles star’s value, with the lack of matches affecting his ratings, according to transfer market. An updated valuation of players in the Italian topflight done this month, saw the Nigerian lose €500,000 from his previous €4million valuation.

Aina’s highest valuation was €10million which was in 2019, when he was on loan at Torino. With his current sliding value, he is the 16th most valued player at the Italian club, and 28th as a Nigerian player. In Italy, he is rankled 274.

Oluwasemilogo Ajayi

Despite having a commendable season, at least according to his coach at Championship side West Brom, Steve Bruce, Semi Ajayi could not help his stock from falling in the transfer market.

The Super Eagles defender had a decent season with West Bromwich Albion, making 31 appearances in the league, scoring once and providing two assists.

The 28-year-old had a patchy and challenging mid-season. He was benched for nine matches out of a possible 11 games between November 2021 and January 2022 under former coach Valerian Ismael. But the appointment of Bruce after Ismael’s sacking in February proved to be the game changer for the former Arsenal man.

Also Read: ‘What Osimhen Should Consider Before Leaving Napoli’ –Okunnowo Advises

Ajayi went on to play in 16 of the 17 remaining league fixtures, and featured for 90 minutes in 15 of the matches. He impressed the former Newcastle manager, who had been sacked from the club after it was taken over by a Saudi Consortium.

Towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign, the club tied the Nigerian down to a new three-year deal, and the coach described him as the best player at the club since he arrived.

“I’m absolutely delighted Semi has committed his future to us, ” Bruce had said.

“He’s arguably been our best player since I arrived at the club back in February, and I believe he has all the attributes needed to be a Premier League defender.

“This signing is key for us in terms of what we want to do next season and the rebuild which needs to happen. Semi is a crucial player in our team and I’m delighted he’s extended his stay.”

However, it is surprising that Ajayi’s valuation in the transfer market dropped from €5million to €4million last month.

Chidozie Awaziem

Awaziem also suffered a decline among Super Eagles players in the latest valuation of players across the world carried out by Transfer Market this month.

The Boavista of Portugal player spent last season on loan at Turkish club Alanyaspor and made 18 appearances in all competitions, netting once and also grabbing one assist.

As peculiar to Troost-Ekong and Aina, the defender also had a brilliant start to the 2021/22 season. He made 11 starts in 14 appearances and even netted in the first game of the season against Giresunspor.
However, he had pockets of injuries, including the one that denied him any appearance for Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon in January.

The 25-year-old had missed two matches through injury before the call up for AFCON, where he ended up nursing a mysterious injury. Upon his return to the club, he was benched for a whole month while he was listed in the matchday squads.

He featured in seven of the remaining fixtures for the season. According to a market valuation by Transfer Market, his value dropped from €4.5million to €4million. It is not yet certain if the Turkish side will opt to sign the former FC Porto right-back on loan.

Ahmed Musa

The Super Eagles skipper did not also survive the dwindling fortunes of some Nigerian players in the transfer market.

Musa, who moved to Europe in 2010 from Kano Pillars, joined Turkish side Fatih Karagümrük S.K. last year while he was not permanently attached to any side after he was released by Saudi side Al Nassr.

The 29-year-old made 34 appearances for the club in all competitions and scored four times; twice in the league in 31 games and two other times in the Turkish Cup, in which he played three times. The former Leicester City winger also registered two other assists.

The Eagles most capped player was regular for the club, despite not playing at the top level within the period he ended his relationship with Al Nassr.

Also Read: Besiktas, Galatasaray Battle For Onyekuru

However, goal scoring was his major undoing, even in matches during the 2021/22 season in which he would be used as the point man. Since October 2021, there has been a steady decline in Musa’s value, according to Transfer Market.

As at October 12, he had a value of €5million. However, it depreciated to €4.5million, €4million and he is currently valued at €3.4million.

Frank Onyeka

Frank Onyeka joined Brentford from FC Midtjylland at the beginning of the last campaign, and he went on to make 20 league appearances and 24 in all competitions in his first season in the difficult English football.

Onyeka started the season well, making 17 appearances in the first 19 league games for the Bees in the 2021/22 season.

The 24-year-old started in 12 matches and was used as a substitute in eight games. The combative midfielder was benched on six occasions and missed four clashes due to national duty for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Eagles star had a relatively fair season, helping the club to eight wins, four draws and eight defeats in the games he featured in.

However, he sustained an ankle injury in April, which effectively kept him out for almost eight league matches. But he contributed his quota to the club’s season, with their topflight status for another season already confirmed as at the period he got injured.

As a defensive midfielder shielding the backline, he made 25 tackles and recorded 68 percent tackle success, as well as 14 interceptions. He made 18 clearances and 74 total recoveries. The Nigerian, who loves to bump forward when the opportunities present themselves, has lost a slight of his value as a footballer.

He proved his worth and showed that he was not an accidental buy for the club, as his performances for the club saw his value rose to his career highest of €10million as at December 2021. His lowest was €50,000 back at his former club FC Midtjylland in 2017.

The 24-year-old joined Brentford with the highest value of €6million in June 2021, but four months later, his valuation had increased by €3million to €9million, before it rose to €10million three months later. He is currently valued at €9million and 14th most valuable player at the English side.

Onyeka is the 14th most valuable player in the Super Eagles and 278th in the Premier League.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/7-eagles-whose-market-values-dropped-in-2022/

Desire Oparanozie will not feature at this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month.

Oparanozie’s exclusion from the squad was confirmed on the Nigeria Football Federation’s Twitter handle.

However, no reason has been given for her exclusion from the squad.

The 28-year-old, who plays for Chinese Women’s Super League side Wuhan Jianghan University, will now be replaced by Sweden-based Anam Imo.

Also, Chiwendu Ihezuo will not be in Morocco and has been replaced by experienced midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene.

Oparanozie has been part of the Falcons squads of the African Women’s Championship of 2010 and 2014, 2016 and 2018, winning all four tournaments.

The Falcons are in Group C at this year’s WAFCON alongside South Africa, Botswana and Burundi.

They will open their campaign against South Africa on July 4 in Rabat.

Meanwhile, the 2022 WAFCON also doubles as qualifiers for the 2023 World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wafcon-oparanozie-out-of-super-falcons-squad/

Golden Eaglets head coach Nduka Ugbade praised his players for their impressive display in the win against Togo on Tuesday, but warned they must keep fighting to secure the AFCON ticket, reports Completesports.com.

Ugbade’s charges recorded their second win of the competition after edging out the Togolese 3-1 at the Cape Coast Stadium.

The Eaglets defeated hosts Ghana 4-2 in the competition’s opening game last Saturday.

They are also through to the semi-final where they will face the second-placed team in Group B next week Monday.

Kevwe Iyede beat goalkeeper Komlan Igance Kiti for Nigeria’s first goal in the 10th minute.

Captain Precious Tonye Williams added another in the 22nd minute.

Togo halved the deficit 15 minutes from time, while substitute Light Eke restored Nigeria’s two-goal lead in the 81st minute.

“We are determined to get the AFCON ticket. It is not yet celebration time for the team until the semi-final is won,”Ugbade told reporters.

“The boys know the task ahead. we will keep working as a team and correct necessary mistakes noticed in the match against Togo. I want to salute the players determination and dexterity in both matches played so far”.

The two finalists in the competition will feature at the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Algeria next year.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/wafu-tourney-ugbade-thumbs-up-golden-eaglets-targets-afcon-ticket/

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has set a new record after the side’s empathic 10-0 win against Sao Tome and Principe in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Monday, reports Completesports.com.

Peseiro is now the first Super Eagles coach to lead the team to their biggest ever scoreline.

The Super Eagles’ biggest scoreline before now was a 10-1 win against the Squirrels of Benin Republic in 1959 at the Kwame Nkrumah Cup.

Napoli forward Victor Osimhen set the tone for the victory after putting the Super Eagles ahead on nine minutes.

Osimhen added three more goals in the second half.

Lorient star, Terem Moffi bagged a brace for the Super Eagles

Moses Simon, Oghenekaro Etebo, Ademola Lookman and Emmanuel Dennis were also among the goals.

The Super Eagles will face the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau in their next game in the qualifiers in September.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/peseiro-sets-new-record-after-super-eagles-demolish-sao-tome/

The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has described the Super Eagles’ emphatic 10-0 victory over Sao Tome and Principe in the 2023 AFCON qualifier played in Agadir, Morocco on Monday as soul-lifting.

The Eagles took their opponents to the cleaners in a devastating manner to position themselves at the top of Group A with the maximum six points from two games and a very healthy goal difference of eleven.

The Sports Minister said the convincing win is also a confirmation that the rebuilding process of the team is on course.
“I congratulate the Super Eagles for this historic victory. It was not just the result but also the performance. It clearly confirms that the rebuilding process of the team is on course. This is a morale boosting performance and I commend the team, the coaches, the players and their officials for this.”

Dare would then use the opportunity to assure the team that their home ground, the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja will be restored to an excellent state before their next AFCON qualifier in September.

“We, as a Ministry, take the responsibility for the state of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja when you played against Sierra Leone.

“The excitement of having the stadium back to life led to a few issues like the over use and the infestation by a specie of termites and bugs.

“We have engaged a new grass consultant and got a hold of these issues and in a few weeks, the pitch will be back in the excellent shape it was before the World Cup qualifier against Ghana last March.

“Every other thing like the water sprinklers, digital scoreboards, Media Centre, Conference rooms, change rooms, medical centre are fully functional and we will have the training pitches 100% ready as well.

“We will continue to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to sports and also thank Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his contributions in helping us restore the glory of the stadium from the farmland that it was then to what it is today,” Dare concluded.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/dare-hails-super-eagles-emphatic-10-0-win-over-sao-tome-promises-better-abiola-stadium-pitch/

Torino defender Ola Aina will miss Nigeria’s home clash against the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau in September, reports Completesports.com.

The 25-year-old has been booked twice in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Aina was first cautioned in Nigeria’s matchday one encounter against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone.

The versatile defender was booked for the second time in the Super Eagles’ 10-0 victory over Sao Tome and Principe on Monday afternoon.

Aina will however be available for the away tie against the Djurtus also in September.

The Super Eagles will host Guinea-Bissau in their matchday three encounter at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Sunday, September 18.

Jose Peseiro’s top Group A with six points from two games.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2023-afconq-aina-suspended-for-super-eagles-vs-guinea-bissau/

Victor Osimhen is reeling with excitement after helping the Super Eagles thrashed Sao Tome and Principe in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Monday, reports Completesports.com.

The 23-year-old netted four times in the 10-0 annihilation of the Falcons at the Adrar Stadium, Agadir, Morocco.

The 23-year-old is now the top scorer in the qualifiers with five goals from two games.

Osimhen has also now scored 15 goals in 22 appearances for Nigeria.

Lorient star, Terem Moffi bagged a brace in the game.

Moses Simon, Oghenekaro Etebo, Ademola Lookman and Emmanuel Dennis were also among the goals for the Super Eagles.

“Congratulations to the whole team and kudos to the coach,” Osimhen told reporters after the game.

“I am happy to get the four goals, I’m happy too for my teammates who scored, the likes of Lookman, Moffi and Dennis.

“I hope we can build on this momentum.”

The Super Eagles will face the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau in their next game in the qualifiers in September.

Source" https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-reacts-to-super-eagles-win-against-sao-tome/

Golden Eaglets head coach Nduka Ugbade is confident his boys will have a successful outing at the WAFU B U-17 Championship in Ghana, reports Completesports.com.

Ugbade’s charges are among the seven teams that will compete for the two tickets to the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations at the WAFU tourney.

The Golden Eaglets are in Group A along with hosts Ghana and Togo.

Ugbade, who has picked 20 players with five more players on standby after an intensive screening exercise at the FIFA Goal Project, Abuja is in buoyant mood ahead of the competition.

“I am happy with the squad that we have been able to come up with, and I can say confidently that we are going to Ghana to do the nation proud,” he told thenff.com.

The two finalists from the competition will feature at the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Algeria early next year.

“Our primary objective is to earn a ticket to the Africa Cup of Nations, and then we go full throttle for the trophy. Nigeria have a pedigree in U-17 football and we cannot afford to disappoint.”

The five-time world champions will open their campaign against hosts Ghana at the Cape Coast Stadium on Saturday.

S[b]ource: https://www.completesports.com/wafu-u-17-tourney-ugbade-confident-golden-eaglets-will-pick-afcon-ticket/
[/b]

Ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone, former Nigerian winger, Tijani Babangida has advised the Super Eagles to convert every goal scoring chances that comes their way.

The Super Eagles will face the Leone stars at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

In a chat with Completesports.com, the former Ajax stars posited that the Super Eagles has the opportunity of making a big statement of intent by beating Sierra Leone convincingly.

“This is a game the Super Eagles has no choice but to win and win convincingly if they are to win the hearts of Nigerians again.

” This is a game the strikers must ensure they bury every goal scoring chances that comes their way. The team can’t afford to drop points against Sierra Leone.

“I wish the team all the best against Sierra Leone at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-2023-afcon-qualifiers-convert-every-goal-scoring-chances-against-sierra-leone-tijani-warns-eagles/

Leon Balogun says the Super Eagles have put behind them their failure to secure a place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, reports Completesports.com.

The Super Eagles lost out on away goal rule to eternal rivals, the Black Stars of Ghana in the playoff round.

That’s behind us now. I played for my club (Rangers) four days after the game against Ghana, so it’s football. It goes on. There is no time to feel sorry for yourself,” Balogun told reporters.
“Obviously it hurts, but you have to move on. Like they say, time heals old wound. You have to move on because the next match is always around the corner.”

Balogun and his teammates have started a new era under Portuguese Jose Peseiro.

The centre-back reflects on what life is under the new manager.
“It’s exciting to be here, work under a new manager. To see what he comes up with. The fresh air he brings to the team,”he added.

‘I have only been here for two days, so it is a bit too early to make any kind of assessment.

“He is been nice, very friendly. He is trying to get used to what Nigeria is about.”

The Super Eagles were held to a 4-4 draw by Sierra Leone the last time both teams met in November 2020.

Balogun is confident things will be different this time around.

“That’s in the past, there is no point revisiting that. The lesson is not to underestimate any opponent,”he added.

“Sure they will come with a different team, but we will do our best to win the game.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/balogun-speaks-on-world-cup-disappointment-peseiro-sierra-leone/

Semi Ajayi has admitted he is yet to get over the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The Eagles were ousted by rivals Black Stars of Ghana in the playoffs on away goals rule.

Ajayi did not feature in both legs of the qualifiers as he was an unused substitute for the Eagles.

Commenting on the failure of not qualifying for the World Cup, Ajayi in an interview with Brila FM said:”It was very painful and I’m still dealing with it now the disappointment of not going to the World Cup.
“But we have to put that behind us. I’m trying to use that to fuel my motivation to make sure that something like that never happens again.”

Up next for Ajayi and his Eagles teammates is the 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone on Thursday in Abuja.

And Ajayi says he expects a difficult encounter from the Leone Stars but the Eagles will go into the fixture with the aim of securing the three points.

“We approach every game wanting to win, that’s the objective whether it’s Sierra Leone or any other team,” he said.

“We will go into the game looking for three points, we know it’s not going to be easy but we will take the game very seriously, we will listen to what the coach has to tell us in terms of the game plan and make sure we get the three points.”

“I’m really happy to be back especially back in Nigeria. We are looking to post some positive results for the game on Thursday and again the game on Monday so we are looking forward to the games,” Ajayi added.

On the new Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro, the West Brom star confessed that it has been a good experience.

“It’s has been really good he has come in and is trying to implement his ideas on the team. I think every session every game we are playing we are learning more and more what he is demanding from us and what he want from us and so far so good.”

On what lessons he learnt in the two friendly games against Mexico and Ecuador in the United States:”The biggest lesson for me in the friendly games in the US is that it just shows what we are capable of.

“There’s been a lot of positives to take from the games we know we didn’t get the result that we wanted but there’s a lot of positives to take from the games. I think the biggest lesson is that we can believe in ourselves.

“We played against two very good teams and arguably should have won maybe both of the games. That gives us a lot of confidence to take into these qualifiers now.”

And on his plans with West Bromwich Albion Ahead of next season, Ajayi stated:”My plan for next season is to make sure we achieve our objective https://www.completesports.com/im-yet-to-recover-from-2022-world-cup-disappointment-ajayi/
which is gaining promotion back to the Premier League. It’s definitely what I’m looking for so next season I will make sure I give everything to make sure we achieve that objective.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/im-yet-to-recover-from-2022-world-cup-disappointment-ajayi/

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro is sweating over the fitness of Emmanuel Dennis and Innocent Bonke ahead of his side’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, reports Completesports.com.

The duo sat out Monday’s training at the practice pitch of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
Dennis recently recovered from the injury he picked up while in action for his club, Watford.

The versatile forward missed the Hornets last three games of the campaign as a result of the setback.
Dennis however featured as a second half substitute in Nigeria’s friendly defeat to Ecuador last week.

Bonke is yet to fully shake off the injury he picked up in the first half of Nigeria’s
friendly defeat against Mexico .

The team has enough cover in midfield and attack should both players fail to recover before the game on Thursday.

The Super Eagles will host the Leone Stars at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Thursday.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2023-afconq-dennis-bonke-doubtful-for-sierra-leone-clash/

Vice-Chairman and President of NBA side Toronto Raptors and co-founder Giants of Africa, Masai Ujiri, has written an open letter to the Ministry of Sports and the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) over the two-year self-imposed ban on the country’s national teams from all international basketball competitions.

Following the crises bedeviling leadership of the NBBF, in a statement from the Ministry of Sports in May, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the withdrawal of Nigeria’s immediate withdrawal from all international basketball tournaments for two years.


Due to the ban, world basketball body, FIBA, announced that Mali will replace Nigeria’s senior women’s team, D’Tigress, at this year’s World Cup in Australia which will begin in September.

And reacting to the two-year ban and the exclusion of D’Tigress from this year’s Women’s basketball World Cup, Ujiri in his open letter published on giantsofafrica.org wrote: “Enough is enough,” Ujiri began.

“From the Ministry of Sports to the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), the leaders of the basketball ecosystem in Nigeria continue to rob our youth of their present and future while tearing the entire basketball community apart – this needs to stop.

“The ongoing senseless power struggle involving the NBBF has resulted in a two year selfimposed ban by the Minister of Sports (an outgoing Minister imposing a ban that in reality would have a four year destructive implication) that prohibits Nigerian basketball teams from entering international competitions.

“This is a symptom of an issue that has permeated the sports ecosystem for years. When leaders put self interest over national interest, the innocent suffer. It’s time for them to step aside, for the good of the game, the nation, and the athletes.

“The women’s team will be unable to compete in September’s World Cup. The men’s chances to qualify for the Paris Olympics are in peril. Nigeria’s basketball community is left feeling profoundly disappointed and deflated. This is a national shame.

“We all know Nigeria is teeming with talent. The country has made leaps and bounds in basketball and has risen to the top. The opening of an NBA office in Nigeria further signifies the country’s importance in the global basketball ecosystem.

“Even international governing sports body, FIBA has openly acknowledged its importance on the global sports scene, but yet at times, they have stood on the sidelines making a mockery of the situation. FIBA Africa has also contributed to this drama.

“Now, instead of being able to watch D’Tigress compete on the world stage, or cheer the first ever Nigerian head coach to lead a team in the NBA Finals, the headlines blare that our young athletes have been banned from international competition – competitions they have trained and worked tirelessly for – because of the acts of individuals who don’t understand what it means to play for the team. It’s not right. It’s not fair. This will drive patriotic Nigerian athletes to play for other countries.

“We know how we got here. Nigeria has traditionally treated sports as purely recreational, not for what it is, a serious business and a tool for nation building and economic transformation. But we all know the drill. A tournament is coming. We hear there is no money. People scramble to put money together. Tournament commences and athletes are treated carelessly. Tournament ends. Athletes are angry. Government releases money at a later date. No accountability or transparency on how much was released and how it was spent. And the truth is that we’re not just speaking about basketball here.

“When is this going to change? In other parts of Africa, we’re seeing the impact of sports and infrastructure development in the advancement of the national agenda, while the Giant of Africa stands idly, engrained with decision makers that lack the vision and expertise required to nurture the talent and abilities the country presents. When will a leader actually change this cycle?

“The time for change is now. I know all athletes, leaders and stakeholders in African sport will not give up on Nigerian basketball, and we will not give up on the youth. It’s time for us to move forward. We need a new slate and a new narrative. To do this, all of the leaders that have held on to the realms of the Nigerian Basketball Federation for the past several years must all step down.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/masai-ujiri-open-letter-to-nigerias-sports-ministry-nbbf-on-ban-of-basketball/

Ex-Nigeria international, Ifeanyi Udeze, has suggested that Super Eagles technical adviser Jose Peseiro is under pressure to lead the team to victory in the first 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Sierra Leone on Thursday.

Peseiro has lost the two matches he has been in charge of since his appointment in May. The Eagles lost to 2-1 Mexico in an international friendly in Texas, United States of America, last week, and another 1-0 defeat in the hands of Ecuador a few days later in New Jersey.

Four home-based players got the chance to make their debut for the Eagles in the friendlies. However, Peseiro did not include any of them in his 27-man squad invited for the clashes against Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe.

Speaking with Complete Sports on Sunday, as the attention now shifts towards Nigeria’s game against the Leone Stars at the Moshood Abiola national stadium in Abuja on June 9, the former left-back states that the Portuguese is now desperate for his first win as the head coach of the national team.

The ex-West Bromwich Albion defender notesthat the 62-year-old tactician wants to make do with the foreign players to get the desired outcome, adding that it does not mean he lacks confidence in the home-based players.

“I think for now, he just want to do with foreign-based players for now, and see, it does not mean he does not have confidence in the home-based players, but I think for now, he is under pressure, he put himself under pressure because he wants to get his first win, which will be very, very important to him,” Udeze started.

“The home-based players should just calm down, I think they will have their own opportunity also to play some games.”

Nigeria has not got the better of the Leone Stars in the last two competitive meetings. The qualifiers for the 2021 AFCON between the two countries ended 4-4 in Benin City and goalless in the reverse fixture in Freetown.

Udeze, however, expects the team to show character and hunger, particularly coming on the heels of the defeats in the friendly matches.

“I want to see character, I want to see a different approach, I want to see a situation whereby they have a different mentality; mentality to win games. That is what I’m looking forward to,” he explained.

Source;' https://www.completesports.com/peseiro-now-under-pressure-to-win-first-match-as-eagles-coach-vs-sierra-leone-udeze/

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has reacted to the team’s defeat to Ecuador and second consecutive friendly game loss.



The Eagles lost to the South Americans 1-0 in New Jersey days after going down 2-1 to Mexico in Dallas, Texas, in coach Jose Peseiro’s first game in charge of the national team.

Iwobi, who had a very impressive second half of the 2021/22 Premier League season for Everton, played for 90 minutes in both games.



The 26-year-old had missed the 2022 World Cup playoff against the Black Stars of Ghana due suspension, after he was sent off in Nigeria’s Round of 16 clash at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Tunisia in Cameroon.

His commendable run for the Toffees in the last 12 league matches of last season saw him return to the national team set-up since January.



In a post on Twitter, the former Arsenal winger noted that there is still a long way to go in Peseiro’s team building process. He, however, urged that faith must be shown in the process.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/iwobi-appeals-to-fans-on-super-eagles-rebuilding-trust-the-process/

The Super Eagles’ preparations for Thursday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone got a boost on Sunday as Victor Osimhen, Sadiq Umar and Ademola Lookman trained with the rest of the team in Abuja.

Nigeria’s Friendly matches against Mexico and against Ecuador in the United States kick-started the preparations as the country’s race to make her 20th appearance at the continental football showpiece holding in Ivory Coast next year gets underway.

Only three of the 27 invited players; Calvin Bassey, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, both of whom featured in the friendly games in the US, and Abdullahi Shehu, who returned to the country last week from his base in Cyprus, were not part of Sunday’s training.

Technical Adviser José Santos Peseiro took charge of the training and captain Ahmed Musa led the playing body that included goalkeepers; Francis Uzoho, Adewale Adeyinka and Adebayo Adeleye, and defenders Olaoluwa Aina, William Ekong, Zaidu Sanusi, Chidozie Awaziem, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Leon Balogun, Sani Faisal and Kenneth Omeruo were also in the training session.

There were also midfielders; Alex Iwobi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Innocent Bonke and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Cyriel Dessers, Ademola Lookman, Sadiq Umar, Terem Moffi and Emmanuel Dennis in action.

Peseiro also used the opportunity to meet and familiarize with players who were unable to make it to the United States for the friendlies. They are: skipper Musa, Sanusi Balogun, Etebo, Chukwueze, Umar and Lookman, Onyeka, Osimhen and Adeleye all of whom who were not invited to the friendlies in America but have been called for the AFCON qualifiers.

The Eagles will face the Leone Stars at the Moshood Abiola national stadium on Thursday in their first Group A game of the qualifiers, before flying to Marrakech, Morocco,

Source: https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-sadiq-lookman-lead-24-eagles-in-training-ahead-afcon-qualifier-vs-sierra-leone/

Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal has revealed that he could call time on his illustrious 21-year career as soon as the end of the French Open due to a flare up of his foot injury.

The world No.5 put on an inspirational display to defeat fierce rival Novak Djokovic in the quarter finals despite the chronic injury that has plagued him since 2005.

The Spaniard toppled the highest seeded men’s player, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(4) on his favourite clay surface in a four set epic battle that lasted more than four hours in Paris.

Nadal was forced to comeback from a 5-2 deficit in the fourth set to land himself a spot in the semi-finals where he will play world No.3 Alexander Zverev

The 35-year-old, who will celebrate his 36th birthday on Friday, remained tight-lipped about playing future Grand Slams in his post-match courtside interview.

“To win against Novak there’s only one way — to play at your best since the first point until the last,” the 13-time French Open champion, said in front of a Nadal-favoured crowd.

“And tonight it was one of this magic nights for me. Unexpected level.

“Without a doubt there’s no other place like this one for me. It’s the most important court of my career, the most special one.

“And as I said, for me to feel the love of everyone here in Paris means everything to me.”
Meanwhile, Djokovic has played down Rafael Nadal’s injury issues, saying he looked ‘100% physically fit’ in Tuesday night’s French Open quarter-final, while he claims almost the entire crowd were on the Spaniard’s side.

But Djokovic appeared to play down the severity of Nadal’s injury issues, saying he did not see any signs of discomfort out on court, and suggested the Spaniard always finds a way to raise his game when it matters.

‘I think the crowd contributed a lot to the turnaround in the fourth set,’ said the Serb. ‘They were 99.9% by his side and they lifted him up in crucial moments. They helped him to find his energy.’

Source: https://www.completesports.com/french-open-nadal-doubles-down-on-retirement-after-knocking-out-djokovic/
.

Kenneth Omeruo has bemoaned Leganes’ failure to secure promotion to Laliga Santander in the just concluded Laliga SmartBank season.

Leganes had aimed to return to the Spanish top flight league last season after they were relegated in 2020. However, they finished 12th on the log.
While Almeria striker and compatriot Sadiq Umar is relishing a great time in the top division next campaign or a move to a bigger club after helping his side to win Laliga 2 championship and securing promotion, Omeruo, who scored two goals last season in 17 league games, including against Almeria on the final day, will have to spend another season in the division one.

In a post he made on social media to reflect on the season, the 28-year-old found something to cheer, and noted that the team will “go again”.
He wrote: “Great way to finish the league…unfortunately, our goal wasn’t achieved…we go again…vamos Lega.”

Omeruo played 19 games in all competitions for CD Leganes in the 2021/22 campaign. The centre-back played 17 Laliga2 games and scored two goals as Leganes finished 12th in the Spanish second tier league. He also played two Copa del Rey matches, and made one goal assist.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/omeruo-regrets-leganes-failure-to-secure-laliga-promotion/

Valentine Ozornwafor has been called up for Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone and the Dodos of Mauritius.

Ozornwafor, 22, will link up with the team in Abuja when they return from the United States of America.

Belgian Pro League club Sporting Charleroi confirmed the centre-back’s Invitation for the qualifiers.

“Our African internationals will play several qualifying matches for the next African Cup of Nations,” reads a statement on the club’s official website.

“Valentine Ozornwafor, selected with Nigeria, will face Sierra Leone before traveling to Mauritius.”

The defender has been capped once at the senior level by Nigeria.

The former Enyimba player was first called up to the full side in March 2019, for a friendly game against Seychelles and Egypt, but was only an unused substitute.

Ozornwafor debuted with Nigeria in a 1–0 friendly loss to the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in June 2021.

The former Almeria star has also represented Nigeria at the U-20 level. He featured at the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Ozornwafor has also played for the Nigeria U-23 team in the past.

The Super Eagles will open their AFCON 2023 qualifying campaign against Sierra Leone at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on June 9.

Jose Peseiro’s side will face Mauritius four days later in St Pierre.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ozornwafor-gets-invitation-for-super-eagles-afcon-qualifiers/

Everton striker Richarlison has revealed that he has not decided his future with the club.

Richarlison has confirmed he is considering his future amid interest from Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsena

The 25-year-old has become a cult hero at Goodison Park since his transfer from Watford for an initial £35million in 2018 and played a pivotal role during the club’s relegation battle this season, with six goals in nine games to help them to safety.

However, asked about his next move while on international duty, he said: “I’ve already made it clear to the board. I’ve already talked to (manager Frank) Lampard too, with my agents and they know what I want. Let’s wait for June.



“Now I can’t talk, because when we talk about leaving a club I’m kind of like this, because of the history I have at Everton, the affection that the fans have for me. When we talk about leaving I’m a little speechless.”



It remains to be seen if Everton will entertain letting Richarlison leave given his importance to the team – he has two years to run on his existing deal so Everton are under no immediate pressure to make a decision on his future.



But given the club’s well-documented financial situation, Everton could consider selling Richarlison this summer to help balance the books while any revenue generated could be used to reinvest into Lampard’s squad ahead of next season.



Similarly, it is likely Richarlison would consider a move away from Goodison Park this summer, particularly if he has the opportunity to join a team that could offer him with a chance of challenging for major trophies.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ive-not-decided-my-future-at-everton-richarlison/[b][/b]

Chidozie Awaziem has assured Nigerians to expect nothing but the best from the Super Eagles, when they face Ecuador in their next friendly game in New Jersey, USA.

The Eagles will take on Ecuador in the early hours of Friday in the second of two friendlies lined up for them.

In the first friendly against Mexico, the Eagles lost 2-1 with Cyriel Dessers opening his international goal account

And ahead of the next fixture against Ecuador, Awaziem explained what makes new head coach Jose Peseiro different.

“We are all prepared for the second game against Ecuador and training session went well,” he said on NFF TV.

“Everyone was ready in training and it was really a tough one. But I hope we will all be ready for the game against Ecuador and everyone is really in a good shape.

“The coach is someone who likes to play football, who likes his team to enjoy themselves in the game and also have control of the game. He is a coach that pushes a lot to the players and right now he push us a lot and he tries to possess the game as much as possible.

“Nigerians should expect nothing but the best. We always giving our best to come out with victory. As we know Super Eagles, we always want to win and this is our culture and we always want to give our best even if it is a friendly or in competitions.”

Awaziem added:”Right now we are just focused on the game game against Ecuador to make sure we come out with a good one.”

The Eagles will be targeting a first win since defeating Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in their final group game at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon in January.

Since the win against Guinea-Bissau, the Eagles have gone four consecutive games without emerging victors, losing two and drawing two.

After the friendly against Ecuador, their next assignment will be the 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone and Mauritius.

They will host Sierra Leone on June 9 before going away to face Mauritius on June 13.

[b]Source: https://www.completesports.com/nigerians-should-expect-the-best-from-us-awaziem-speaks-ahead-super-eagles-vs-ecuador-friendly/

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has expressed his love for attacking football, reports Completesports.com.

The Super Eagles are noted for their attacking brand of football.
The West Africans exhibited that in their 2-1 defeat to the El Tri of Mexico on Sunday.

Peseiro hinted that he is not willing to jettison that in subsequent outings.

My philosophy as a coach is to play attacking football,” Peseiro after the game against Mexico.

“I love my team to score and pressure the opponent, this is the best way to unsettle your opponent and win games.

“That is how we played in the second half against Mexico.

“And we will work more ahead of the Ecuador game.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/i-love-attacking-football-peseiro-unveils-plans-for-super-eagles/

Ecuador head coach Gustavo Alfaro has released his 25-man squad for the friendly against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, reports Completesports.com.

La Tri will take on the Super Eagles in a friendly at the Red Bull Arena Harrison, New Jersey on June 2nd.

The South Americans have also lined up friendlies against Mexico and another African side Cape Verde.

Ecuador will also take on Mexico and Cape Verde on June 5 and June 11 respectively.

Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo, Villarreal defender, Pervis Estupian and veteran forward Enner Valencia are some of the big stars named in the squad by Alfaro.

THE FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers
Hernan Galindez, Moises Ramirez, Alexander Dominguez

Defenders
Robert Arboleda, Piero Hincapie, Felix Tores, Xavier Arreaga, Diego Palacios, Bryon Castillo, Jackson Corozo, Pervis Estupian

Midfielders
Alexander Alvarado, Alan Franco, Gonzalo Plata, Dixon Arroyo, Romario Ibarra, Jeremy Sarmiento, Moises Caicedo, Angel Mena, Jose Cifuentes, Jhegson Mendez,

Forwards
Leonardo Campana, Michael Estrada, Djorkaeff Reasco, Enner Valencia

Source" https://www.completesports.com/friendly-ecuador-coach-unleashes-villarreal-brighton-fenerbahce-stars-on-super-eagles/

The United Kingdom government on Wednesday approved the £4.25bn takeover of Premier League club Chelsea by a consortium led by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly.Chelsea was put up for sale in March in the aftermath of Russia invasion of Ukraine
Russian businessman Roman Abramovich put up the club for sale before he was sanctioned by the government over his claimed links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

On Tuesday, the Premier League said the consortium had passed its owners’ and directors’ test.
“Late last night the UK government reached a position where we could issue a licence that permits the sale of Chelsea,” a government spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The government does not want Abramovich to receive any of the proceeds from the sale, which will instead go into a frozen bank account to be donated to charity.

The statement added: “Following the sanctioning of Roman Abramovich, the government has worked hard to ensure Chelsea has been able to continue to play football. But we have always been clear that the long-term future of the club could only be secured under a new owner.
“Following extensive work, we are now satisfied that the full proceeds of the sale will not benefit Roman Abramovich or any other sanctioned individual. We will now begin the process of ensuring the proceeds of the sale are used for humanitarian causes in Ukraine, supporting victims of the war.

“The steps today will secure the future of this important cultural asset and protect fans and the wider football community. We have been in discussions with relevant international partners for necessary licences required and we thank them for all their cooperation.”

Sourcehttps://www.completesports.com/uk-government-approves-boehlys-4-25bn-takeover-of-chelsea/

Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers says he is the kind of player who enjoys featuring in pressure games.

Dessers is expected to feature for Feyenoord in the final of the maiden Europa Conference League against AS Roma today (Wednesday).

This is Feyenoord’s first appearance in a major UEFA club competition since 2002.

Dessers played a key role in Feyenoord’s run to the final after contributing 10 goals in 11 games.

And looking forward to the final with Jose Mourinho’s side, the Belgian-born Nigerian in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad said:”I’ve been lucky enough to have played quite a few finals: Play-Offs and European football finals.

“I’ve also played important promotions (NAC Breda) but that’s a different kind of pressure. But as a footballer you have to be able to put that off on the pitch.

“I am a player who likes pressure and can handle it very well. Until now I have almost always scored in semi-finals and finals, that gives confidence for this match. I want to be standing with the cup in my hands.”

This would be Mourinho’s fifth appearance in the final of a European competition.

He won the Europa Cup with Porto and Manchester United (2003, 2017) and the Champions League during his time at Porto and Inter Milan (2004, 2010).

But Dessers believes the Portuguese will be wary of the threat Feyenoord pose.

He added:”I respect Mourinho, but we should not be afraid: this is a game with two other teams that stands alone. He will also look at us with respect and be wary of us.

“We know how they play and what we can expect. Now it’s up to us to put something in return. I look forward to the final with confidence.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/im-a-player-who-likes-pressure-dessers-speaks-ahead-feyenoord-vs-roma-uecl-final/

Alex Iwobi has described the 2021/22 campaign as the “most mentally challenging of his career, reports Completesports.com.

The Toffees managed to escape the drop in a tough campaign which saw Rafa Benitez lost his job.
Iwobi barely featured under the Spaniard, with his inconsistent displays a source of worry.\

The Nigerian international however became a key member of the squad under Frank Lampard.

The versatile winger was handed a starting shirt in the 3-1 home win against Leeds United in February and took the opportunity with both hands.

Iwobi became a regular afterwards and won over the fans, most of whom had criticised him for his inconsistent performances since his arrival from Arsenal in 2019.

Everton’s Premier League status was confirmed after a dramatic 3-2 comeback win against Crystal Palace in the penultimate game of the season.

An elated Iwobi took to the social media to describe his feeling after a tough campaign with Everton.

“The Most Mentally Challenging Season Of My Career So Far Is Over And I’m Proud To Have Come Out Of The Other Side Stronger, Sharper And Hungrier Than Ever!,Iwobi wrote on his Twitter handle.

He featured in 28 league games for the Toffees during the 2021/22 campaign, with two goals to his name.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/iwobi-thankful-after-most-mentally-challenging-season-with-everton/

Mexico have arrived Dallas, United States of America ahead of their international friendly against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, reports Completesports.com.

The players and their officials arrived Dallas on Tuesday morning.

The El Tri will take on the Super Eagles at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, USA on Saturday

Gerardo Martino’s men are expected to train later in the day as they continue their preparations ahead of the highly anticipated friendly.

As part of their US tour, the North Americans will also tackle Uruguay and Ecuador.

Mexico will also face Suriname and Jamaica in the Nations League next month.

The Super Eagles have another friendly against Ecuador at the Red Bull Arena, Harrison on June 2.

Mexico and Nigeria have met seven times in the past, four of which have ended in draws.

The most recent game was a resounding 4-0 mauling of Nigeria by El Tri at the Memorial Coliseum Stadium in Los Angeles, California, in July 2021.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/mexico-hit-us-for-super-eagles-friendly/

Feyenoord striker Cyriel Dessers says he is ready to give over 100% on Wednesday when his club, Feyernoord face Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma in the final of the UEFA Europa Conference League at the Arena Kombetare in Tirana, Albania.

“I hope it’s going to be the greatest game of my life,” ten-goal UEFA Europa Conference League top scorer told Uefa.com as Feyenoord gear up for the final against Jose Mourinho’s Roma. in

Going into the Wednesday Europa Conference League final, the Super Eagles of Nigeria striker leads the competitions top scorers’ chat with an imperious10 goals and two assists from 12 games, one more than Roma’s Tammy Abraham who has nine goals.

The 27 year old who joined Feyenoord as a loanee from KRC Genk in August 2021, also has nine Eredivisie goals and two assists to his name this season.

Dessers told Uefa.com in an interview ahead of time the UEFA Conference League final that he was grateful to his teammates for the collective team performances that got him scoring and rising to the top of the competitions top scorers’ list. And he is ready to play “the greatest game of my life” as a “top sportsman”.

“I’m really looking forward to it. Playing finals is all you care about when you’re a top sportsman and especially special matches like these against Roma; that goes without saying. I’m really looking forward to it and I hope it’s going to be the greatest game of my life,” Dessers told Uefa.com.

“We are confident. We’re not afraid of the big name of Roma. We are aware of our qualities; we know what we can do. We will have to be at our best, that’s for sure, but we also know that if we are, we can beat almost every team.”

“We know what to expect. We are well prepared. If we just do our thing and play our best, everything is possible.”

Dessers says he enjoys fantastic feeling being the Ruropa Conference League top scorer so far with ten goals.

“It’s a fantastic feeling. To get into double figures as a striker is something you work towards in pre-season. When you can do that in a European competition, that’s very special. I realise it puts me in a special list of players for this season, [not just] at the European level, but also for the club. At Feyenoord, I am moving up the list, which is very rewarding,” he said.

“It’s because of the team that I can be in that position and score those goals. I don’t just mean assists or passes I get from the team, but also defensive [work]. We want to press so high, which means our defenders are often in one-on-one situations or play with a lot of space behind. I might be the one cheering after the goal, but it really is the entire team that makes that possible, as clichéd as that may sound. I have to be the focal point and be in the right place.”

On his playing style, Dessers added: “I think I’m an all-round striker. Many strikers are really tall, or really fast, or [have] other extremes. I don’t have that. I can play with my back towards the goal, I can hold the ball up, I can run deep towards the goal, I can score with my left and right foot; when I’m in front of the goal, I don’t have any doubts about scoring with my left foot, for example.

“I’ve also scored some nice goals with my head this season, so I think I am quite an all-round player without being extreme in anything. But I can always do better, of course, and that’s something I work on very hard every day.”

Asked about Feyenoord’s passionate supporters, Dessers recalls that as a kid, he dreamt playing in front that that of vociferous fans.

“I grew up watching the Eredivisie and, whenever I saw Feyenoord play, I always thought, “Wow, that’s an amazing stadium. I would like to play there sometime.” And the fans, they’re one of a kind,” he recalled.

“They definitely live up to their reputation. Already from the start, I had this feeling we might have a connection. They are so loving, and I love them back, so it goes both ways.
To have such a connection with the fans at a club like Feyenoord, I will never forget that when I look back on my career later.

“The Feyenoord fans really wanted to keep me here for another season, so they started a crowdfunding campaign. We will have to wait to see if they succeed.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/roma-vs-feyenoord-dessers-raring-for-game-of-my-life-in-europa-conference-league-final/

Former Super Eagles defender and coach, Austin Eguavoen has congratulated Premier League club, Manchester City for winning the 2021/22 Premier League title.

City rallied back from two goals down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 in a thrilling final day clash at the Etihad Stadium.

City were just one point ahead of Liverpool going into the final game of the season.

Matty Cash gave Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa the lead in the 37th minute and former Liverpool player, Phillipe Coutinho doubled the lead in the 69th minute to put City’s title hopes in serious doubt.

However Manchester City went on a five minute rampage to make the scores 3-2 in the 81st minute.

Rodrigo Hernandez’s 78th minute goal was sandwiched between two IIkay Gundogan goals to give City the Premiership title after Liverpool defeated Wolves 3-1.
.
Eguavoen took to his Twitter handle to congratulate Pep Guardiola and Manchester City for the win.

“Congratulations Manchester City. Pep Guardiola , head and shoulders above everyone else. Champions of England,”he Tweeted.\

Manchester City won the title after amassing a total of 93 points from 38 games.

The club had a total of 29 wins ,six draws and three losses.

This is Manchester City’s fourth Premier League win in five years and their eighth win overall since 1937.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/eguavoen-congratulates-manchester-city-on-title-win/