Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli has opened up on how they convinced Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen to sign for them ahead of Liverpool in 2020.

The Reds were in for the Nigerian striker when he was being sold by Lille, given his success in Ligue 1.

Now Osimhen is worth even more money, with Napoli winning Serie A this season on the back of his goals.

Giuntoli’s former collaborator Giandomenico Costi told Italian outlet Tuttosport:“The signing of Osimhen is Giuntoli’s biggest masterpiece. He [Osimhen] was locked in a hotel for three days.

“Giuntoli knew Liverpool were interested, and Jurgen Klopp had made his move, but Cristiano spoke to Osimhen in the hotel for three days until he convinced him to accept Napoli.

“He was full of energy. Giuntoli is a director who would call you 100 times a day. He knew Victor very well, he had even followed him at Charleroi.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/how-we-convinced-osimhen-to-sign-for-napoli-ahead-of-liverpool-giuntoli/

Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has revealed that Wayne Rooney has the potential to manage the red Devils in near future.

Berbatov, who won the Premier League and other trophies with the Red Devils, has lavished praise on ex-strike partner Wayne Rooney.

The Bulgarian has backed Rooney to manage the club one day, given he has impressed as a manager at Derby County and now DC United in the United States.

He told Betfred: “Not many players from my time at Manchester United have actually gone into management, but in my opinion, Wayne Rooney would like to be a future Manchester United manager and I’m pretty sure he’s going to be.

“He’s currently paying his dues in club management at the moment, gaining vital experience and getting better and better, so I’m pretty sure he will manage Manchester United one day.”

Another who Berbatov name checked was former United midfielder Michael Carrick, who is in charge at Middlesbrough.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/rooney-will-manage-man-united-in-future-berbatov/

Legendary Scottish striker Alistair McCoist has said Victor Osimhen is the player who reminds him of Didier Drogba.

Osimhen is on the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs following his feat at Napoli this season.

The Super Eagles striker was instrumental for Napoli who won a first league title since 1990, scoring 23 goals so far.
The likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea have been linked with Osimhen.

McCoist, 60, who was awarded an MBE, inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2007 and also a member of the Scottish Football Hall of Fame, posited Osimhen is the only player who comes to his mind when he thinks of Drogba.

“He is the only striker that seems probably in the last 10 years that reminds me of Drogba and that’s a compliment for him,” he said on talkSPORT.

“He isn’t Drogba yet but definitely there’s a player in there.”

Drogba is an icon at Chelsea after helping them win the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Champions League.

“He is the only striker that seems probably in the last 10 years that reminds me of Drogba and that’s a compliment for him,” he said on talkSPORT.

“He isn’t Drogba yet but definitely there’s a player in there.”

Drogba is an icon at Chelsea after helping them win the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Champions League.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-reminds-me-of-drogba-scottish-legend/

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp has urged his players to “keep the pressure” on Newcastle United and Manchester United after Monday night’s win at Leicester City.

Recall that the Reds defeated Leicester City 3-0 on Monday to move one point of their top-four rivals.

Liverpool’s late-season resurgence has seen them surge up the table but they will need a helping hand from the two clubs above them if they are to steal a place in next season’s Champions League.

Newcastle and United are level on 66 points with three games left to play, while Liverpool are on 65 but only have two matches remaining.

However, Klopp has urged his players tp keep the momentum and leapfrog the two teams above them.

“Six, seven weeks ago, I didn’t believe it can happen,” Klopp said of Liverpool’s top-four chances. “What we lacked that time was obviously consistency and there was only one chance for us to get in these situations – winning pretty much all the football games, and that’s what we had to do, it’s crazy. But that’s the situation we were in. That’s good.

“All the rest is not in our own hands but we know we have to win all the games until the end of the season to have a chance. I said it now a couple of times, yes probably Newcastle and United are not watching us, are confident – that’s all fine.

“But we were in similar situations and you wish anyway that the opponent was just losing and you have that kind of pressure off your shoulder. Our job is to keep the pressure. But again, it’s not likely. But if not, then this is already better than we could have expected six, seven weeks ago.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/epl-liverpool-must-keep-the-pressure-on-newcastle-man-united-klopp/

Burkina Faso head coach Brahima Traore has praised his players for what he termed as a heroic performance following their 2-1 win against Nigeria.

The Junior Stallions sustained early pressure from the Golden Eaglets before Aboubacar Camara scored in either half to hand them the victory.

He added; “After our first loss against Mali we were under pressure but we managed to calm down and get back on track to win against Cameroon and then Nigeria who are both considered as favorites in this competition.”

Traore added that motivation from back home, where fans are closely following their matches, has become an extra motivation for the players to do well.

Burkina Faso now switch their attention to a tough semi-final against Senegal in Annaba on Sunday.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/2023-u-17-afcon-how-we-beat-golden-eaglets-burkina-faso-coach/

Sergio Busquets will leave Barcelona at the end of the season after spending 15 years at the Spanish giants.

Busquets announced his decision on Wednesday via social media in an emotional video.

“it has been an honour, a draw and a source of pride to have been able to wear this badge but everything must come to an end. It has been an easy decision but the time has come.”

Busquets came to Barcelona in 2005 and after two seasons with the U19A side, he moved up to Barça B side coached by Pep Guardiola, helping them to promotion to the Second Division B.

He finally made his debut for the first team in 2008 in a league game against Racing Santander.

It was not long before Busquets became a vital part of the side that won six trophies in a calendar year.

Sergio has scored 18 goals and created 40 assists in his Barça career.

Busquets has also played in more Clásicos than any other player with 48 games to his name, 23 having ended in victory.

The midfielder has played 718 matches in a Barcelona shirt which places him third on the all time list.

Furthermore, he is one of the players who has won most trophies as a Barcelona player which consist of eight LaLiga titles, seven Copa del Rey, seven Spanish Super Cups, three Champions Leagues, three European Super Cups and three Club World Cups.

Busquets has the opportunity to end his time at Barcelona on a high as they currently top the LaLiga table with five games left to play.
Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/official-busquets-to-leave-barcelona-at-end-of-the-season-after-15-years/

Former Nigeria goalkeeper, Andrew Aikhoumogbe has warned the Golden Eaglets coach, Nduka Ugbade not to gamble with the selection of players that will face Burkina Faso in the ongoing 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Recall that Nigeria will battle Burkina Faso on Thursday in the quarter finals of the tournament.

The winner of the game will qualify to the semi finals of the competition and also 2023 U-17 FIFA World Cup.

“The Golden Eaglets have shown they are a good side in this tournament and I really feel happy that they bounced back to winning ways immediately after losing to Morocco in the second group B game

“At this point where every mistake will be punished, I will advise Ugbade to ensure he does not gamble with his selection against Burkina Faso.

“The team is good and I am optimistic Nigeria will overcome Burkina Faso at the end.”

Read Also :https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-2023-u-17-afcon-select-right-players-for-burkina-faso-clash-aikhoumogbe-advises-ugbade/

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria have arrived in Algiers ahead of their quarter-final clash against Burkina Faso at the ongoing 2023 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.

The players and their officials arrived the city on Monday night.

The Eaglets are set to face Burkina Faso in the last eight fixture at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Thursday night.

The NFF revealed the Golden Eaglets arrival on their official Twitter handle along with a video.

“The Golden Eaglets have arrived Algiers for their crunch quarter-final match against Burkina Faso on Thursday. They played all their group games in Constantine and will now look for good tidings in Algiers,” the NFF wrote.

The Golden Eaglets have won the U-17 AFCON twice (2001 and 2007).

The top four teams in the competition will represent Africa at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/2023-u-17-afcon-golden-eaglets-land-in-algiers-for-burkina-faso/

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

Real Madrid enter this match fresh from beating Osasuna 2-1 in the Copa del Rey final at the Estadio de la Cartuja on Saturday.

Rodrygo was the lone Real Madrid player to score their goals (2′, 70′). Only one of Osasuna’s five shots on goal at the other end was successful. Lucas Torro (58′) scored Osasuna’s goal.

Recent Real Madrid games have a history of being exciting affairs, with high scores being the norm rather than the exception. At an average of 3.5 goals per game over their last six meetings, both teams have scored a total of 21 goals, with Real Madrid accounting for 12 of those goals.

After defeating Leeds United 2-1 in their most recent Premier League match, Manchester City enter this match on a winning streak.

In that game, Manchester City had 81% of the possession, and two of their six efforts on goal were successful. Kaya Gundoan scored two goals for Manchester City (19th and 27th minutes).

Leeds United, on the other hand, had four shots on goal, with only one of them finding the net. Rodrigo (85′) scored the goal for Leeds United.

The Manchester City defence has put up a string of diligent performances, leaving them with four goals overall from their last six games. Their forwards have netted 15 goals within that same period. However, there’s a chance that the tendency won’t continue in this game.

Real Madrid Vs Manchester City – Betting Analysis
Looking at their previous head-to-head matchups dating back to April 26, 2016, we can see that Real Madrid won two and Manchester City won three, while one match was tied.

In these games, the two teams combined for 18 goals, with nine coming from Los Blancos and nine from the Citizens. That equals an average of three goals scored every game.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/real-madrid-vs-manchester-city-predictions-and-match-preview/

Chelsea suffered their sixth consecutive defeat under interim manager Frank Lampard following Tuesday’s 3-1 loss to London rivals Arsenal at the Emirates.

Martin Odegaard bagged a brace while Gabriel Jesus added the third to give Arsenal a 3-0 first half lead

Noni Madueke pulled a goal back for Chelsea which was only a consolation strike.

According to statisticians Opta, Lampard has become the first English manager since Arthur Cox in 1988 to lose ten games in a row.

Lampard has made a disastrous start to his second spell in charge of Chelsea, while he had also suffered a disappointing end to his time as manager of Everton earlier this season.

Things were bad enough under Graham Potter, but Chelsea’s decision to place Lampard as interim manager for the rest of the season increasingly looks like a huge mistake.

The Blues are currently 12th in the league table and look set to miss out on European qualification.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/lampard-equals-unwanted-35-year-old-record-after-chelseas-loss-at-arsenal/

Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag has accused his players of not doing enough in Thursday night’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

United raced into a 2-0 lead at the break through stellar goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, but Spurs rallied to earn a deserved point after Pedro Porro and Son Heung-Min struck in the second half.

Ten Hag’s side struggled in the second half and barely hang on for a point.

“We have had the worst schedule in the Premier League. That will not change. Also a recovery period so we have to take that. It cannot be an excuse,” Ten Hag said after the game.

“The time is enough to recover so our players are in demand to be ready, and today we were not ready. Some thought 90 percent is enough. If we lose focus, that’s why we gave balls away, we didn’t do our jobs in position and then you concede goals. In both goals, it was the case. But more, you lose control of the game.

“You have to bring it every time. I know they are not robots, it is a tough schedule. But we can’t accept when you are playing for Man United, you are wearing the shirt, you have to give it on every occasion, every game.

“And as a team, you have to manage the game, get the win and everyone leaves happy and satisfied. But the basis always is to give everything, and that is, you have to prepare as a player so you are ready for the battle, for the fight.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ten-hag-slams-manchester-united-players-after-draw-against-tottenham/

Pep Guardiola has ruled out Nathan Ake out of Manchester City’s clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Etihad on Wednesday.

Ake suffered a hamstring injury in City’s Champions League second leg clash with Bayern Munich last Wednesday.

The Netherlands international missed Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final win over Sheffield United at Wembley stadium.

City host Arsenal in perhaps the biggest game of the Premier League season this week with five points separating the two sides ahead of kick-off with Guardiola’s side holding two games in hand.

Ake however will not be involved and also remains a doubt for the first leg of City’s Champions League semi-final clash with Real Madrid next week.

Speaking in Tuesday’s press conference, Guardiola described Ake’s omission as a blow.

“Hopefully he can come back soon but for tomorrow he is out. I don’t know about Madrid.”

“Yeah [it’s a blow] but we will find the right player to do it.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal have dropped points in their last three games, drawing 2-2 away to Liverpool and another 2-2 at West Ham United before last Friday’s 3-3 with Southampton at the Emirates.

City have been playing catch-up on the Gunners for the entire season with Guardiola describing Mikel Arteta’s side as ‘unstoppable’ in the first-half of the campaign.

But the defending champions can strike a significant blow to Arsenal’s chances of ending their wait for silverware with victory on Wednesday.

“I didn’t think we made a bad season, where we dropped a lot of games. The problem was that Arsenal were unstoppable, they made 50 points in one round [first half of the season].

“When this happens then hats off. But we didn’t drop much compared to the previous seasons.

“At the end we have been consistent, kept believing and now this is the situation. At home, where we are comfortable, with our people.

“I know everyone will be there. And we will feel them. Hopefully our football can help them feel it more and more and after our players will do their best.”

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

Manchester City vs Arsenal – Ahead of the match, both sides still hold the keys to the championship. Despite having two games in hand for the defending champions, the Gunners lead the league standings by a margin of five points.

Given the easier schedule for the Citizens in their final seven games, a loss today to Arsenal would severely complicate their championship defence

With a 3-0 thrashing of Championship team Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday afternoon, Pep Guardiola’s team maintained their excellent run.

At the weekend, Riyad Mahrez was given the start on the right flank and made the most of it by scoring all three goals for his team.

The Citizens are currently in the FA Cup final and the semifinal of the UEFA Champions League, and they have eleven victories and a tie in their previous twelve games overall.

Following yet another disappointing draw, Arsenal won’t be going into the match on the same note. On Friday, the Gunners played just a 3-3 draw at home against the dreadful Southampton, narrowly avoiding a loss.

Mikel Arteta may be concerned about the carelessness of his team’s backline without William Saliba.

In their last three league games, Arsenal have given up at least two goals, and they have gone six games without a clean sheet in all competitions.

Manchester City vs Arsenal – Betting Analysis
In the last ten years, Manchester City have dominated this contest. They will enter this with confidence having defeated the Gunners seven times in a row.

The run includes the Citizens’ recent 1-3 victory at Emirates Stadium earlier this season. In three of the previous four head-to-head meetings between these rivals, three goals or more were scored.

Recently, Manchester City have been scoring goals like crazy, and we think that tonight [Wednesday], their scorching offensive line will be too much for Arsenal’s porous and out-of-shape defence.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/manchester-city-vs-arsenal-predictions-and-match-preview/

Golden Eaglets players have all passed the mandatory Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) test ahead of the 2023 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.

All the 26 players named in the squad by head coach, Nduka Ugbade passed the test with ease.

The Proess of testing the players lasted within one hour.

The players and their officials departed for their base in Constantine after the test.

The Golden Eaglets are drawn in Group B with Zambia, Morocco and South Africa.

The two-time champions will play all their group games at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium, Constantine.

The Eaglets will start their campaign against Zambia on Sunday. Kick-off is 5pm Nigerian time.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/golden-eaglets-players-pass-mri-test-ahead-u-17-afcon/

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has expressed worry with Vincius Jr’s yellow card accumulation in La Liga.

He made this comment after the club’s 4-2 loss to Girona on Tuesday, April 25 at the Montilivi Stadium.

Argentine forward Valentin Castellanos scored all four goals for Girona in the encounter while Vinicius Jr and Lucas Vasquez found the net for Los Blancos (the whites).

Ancelotti did however criticize Vinicius’ yellow card accumulation.

“He got a goal and an assist,” Real Madrid.com quoted Ancelotti as saying

“He was good as always, but the team lacked connection. He has seen too many yellow cards for a player of his characteristics.”

Vinicius has racked up 10 goals and eight assists in 29 Laliga matches this term.

Real Madrid are second position in Laliga with 65 points after 31 games in the division this season.

Up next for Los Blancos is a game with Almeria on Saturday, April 29 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/la-liga-ancelotti-criticizes-vinicius-yellow-card-accumulation/

Shooting Stars head coach Gbenga Ogunbote has explained reasons why the team has been getting it right in recent times.

Speaking after the Oluyole Warriors hammered visiting Gombe United 3-0 in a Matchday 15 tie decided at the Lekan Salami Stadium on Sunday, the sweat merchant attributed the team’s good run of late to hard work, understanding between the players as well as corrections carried out on the grey areas noticed during the first round of the season.

“There is no magic to it other than hard work, aside from that the players are getting used to each other and we noticed some grey areas which we tried to make amends to”.

On the tactics adopted against the Savannah Scorpions, which resulted in the resounding win, the former Sunshine Stars and Rangers International handler responded.

“The players knew the importance of the game, we have four matches to go, no matter what happens, we want to finish on a high note, we need to finish in an appreciable position.

“If you look at the game, we were wasteful a little bit in the first half, the game would have been wrapped up in the first half, but be that as it may, it was a game of minds, the players wanted to win and thank God we were able to create chances and we were able to get three of those chance”, stated coach Ogunbote.

Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti has said he dreams of winning the UEFA Champions League once again after his side defeated Chelsea 2-0 in the quarter -final second leg on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge.

A second half brace from Brazilian young forward Rodrygo secured the win for Madrid.

Recall the LaLiga champions had beaten Chelsea 2-0 in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu to go through 4-0 on aggregate.

And Ancelotti said reaching the semi-final is tantamount to success.

“Reaching the semi-final is tantamount to success because it allows you to dream of winning another Champions League,” realmadrid.com quoted Ancelotti as saying.

“We can make a difference when there is a collective defensive commitment. That’s the basis for showing the quality we have.”

Madrid have won the Champions League 14 times while Chelsea have won the trophy twice.

Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke is back in training at Bundesliga outfit, Hertha Berlin.

Ejuke last tasted action in an Hertha Berlin shirt last December.

The 25-year-old returned to training with his teammates on Monday after spending four months on the sidelines.

“Chidi is back in team training,” the capital club tweeted.

Ejuke moved to Hertha Berlin from Russian Premier League club, CSKA Moscow on a season-long loan deal last summer.

He has provided three assists in 15 league appearances.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ejuke-returns-to-hertha-berlin-training-after-lengthy-injury-layoff/

Liverpool coach, Jurgen Klopp believes that the 6-1 Premier League win over Leeds United on Monday, April 17 was his side’s best game this season.

Mohammed Salah and Diogo Jota scored a brace each while Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez had a goal apiece in the rout.

Luis Sinisterra scored Leeds United’s only goal in the encounter.

Klopp was pleased with Liverpool’s all round performance in the match.

“I don’t know (What) pleased me most? The moment of the game, the best (one) I enjoyed the most, was the 92nd minute,” Klopp was quoted as saying by Liverpool FC.com

“I think it was already five or six-one, we lose the ball and four players chase the poor, poor player from Leeds down in that moment. I think that’s the basis for the whole game because that gave us stability.

“It was from a counter-pressing point of view, definitely the best game we played this season. In possession probably as well.”

Liverpool have obtained 47 points from 30 Premier League games this season and they are eighth in the division.

Up next for the Reds is a clash with Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday, April 22.

Read More:https://www.completesports.com/leeds-thrashing-was-liverpools-best-performance-klopp/

Chelsea’s interim manager, Frank Lampard has topped Real Madrid to win this year’s UEFA Champions League.

Recall that Chelsea will face Real Madrid in today’s quarter-final first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, Lampard has urged his players to relish being the underdogs in the tie.

The game would be the former England midfielder’s second in charge of the Blues, after they lost 1-0 at Wolves in the Premier League last weekend.

Madrid are currently second in LaLiga, but thrashed Liverpool at the round-of-16 stage and hammered Barcelona 4-0 at Camp Nou to advance 4-1 on aggregate in the Copa del Rey.

“Are Real Madrid favourites? Yes and I understand why. That’s the difficulty of our season. I don’t think that is a problem.

“There is no better carrot in football than trying to prove people wrong, being the underdog and have a good result. It’s one of the best things I’ve been part of. I think that is a nice challenge for us,” Lampard said.

Former Chelsea star, Chris Sutton believes N’Golo Kante has what it takes to keep Real Madrid midfielder, Luka Modric silent in today’s Champions League quarter-finals clash.

The Blues are in Spain for the first leg of their quarter-final clash, with the west London side handed an injury boost ahead of the showdown.

Ahead of the all-important match, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had warned his players against underestimating his former club.

The 37-year-old Modric is one of Real Madrid’s most dangerous players but Sutton has argued that N’Golo Kante can help keep him quiet.

“Liverpool’s midfield were dominated by Real Madrid in the last round [and] Chelsea cannot allow that to happen to them,” Sutton told the Daily Mail.

N’Golo Kante has trained ahead of this first leg and that could be huge.”

Sutton recalled that when Chelsea defeated the La Liga champions in the semi-finals two years ago, “Kante was Man of the Match in both legs, and again in the final against Manchester City”.

Read More:https://www.completesports.com/ucl-kante-capable-of-silencing-modric-sutton/

The Super Falcons will seek victory over World Cup co-hosts New Zealand in Turkey on Tuesday (today) to prove that their recent wins over Costa Rica and Haiti were no flukes, says team captain Onome Ebi.

Goals by Esther Okoronkwo and Asisat Oshoala steered the nine-time African champions past Haiti in Antalya on Thursday, for a second consecutive win on the road. This came after the 1-0 defeat of Costa Rica at the Revelation Cup Tournament in Mexico, the goal also coming off the boot of Esther Okoronkwo.

"We have to maintain the form that we have attained over the past two matches,” Ebi told thenff.com moments after the team’s last training session at the Emir Sports Complex on Sunday. “It is important for us to keep up the momentum, to keep winning and know that we can always overwhelm our opponents. The spirit is back and we are determined to sustain it.”

Tuesday’s clash against New Zealand will take place at the Mardan Sports Complex in Antalya, as from 4pm Turkish time (2pm Nigeria time).

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

Manchester City vs Bayern Munich -Manchester City and Bayern Munich will play the first leg of their exciting UEFA Champions League quarterfinal at Etihad Stadium. This will be the first “Clash of the Titans” game.

Both groups have progressed to this point without too many issues. In their group, the Citizens had no trouble beating Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund, and Copenhagen. In the round of 16, they easily beat RB Leipzig.

In his previous Champions League appearance, Erling Haaland shone brightly, scoring five of his team’s seven goals against Leipzig at home in the second leg in Manchester.

With 10 goals total, Haaland shares the competition’s scoring lead with Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappe. The first obstacle in the knockout phase got rid of Mbappe and Salah. This made the Norwegian predator the favourite to win the Golden Boot at the end of the competition.

Read More:https://www.completesports.com/manchester-city-vs-bayern-munich-predictions-and-match-preview/

Chelsea are reportedly hoping to speak with at least five managers as they search for Graham Potter’s successor.

Potter was dismissed on Sunday following the Blues 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa.

The Englishman was in charge at Chelsea for just seven months.

Former Brighton & Hove Albion right-back Bruno Saltor has been placed in interim charge for the time being, as the powers-that-be search high and low for Potter’s replacement.

Former Bayern Munich manager, Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly the overwhelming favourites to replace Potter.

Luis Enrique, a former Barcelona and Spain manager and erstwhile Tottenham Hotspur boss, Mauricio Pochettino are also in the running for the post.

Napoli manager, Luciano Spalletti and Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner are the candidates.

Read More:https://www.completesports.com/chelsea-to-interview-five-candidates-for-head-coach-position/

Chelsea players were blindsided by Sunday night’s dismissal of manager Graham Potter.

Potter was axed after Saturday’s defeat at home to Aston Villa.

The Telegraph says the players were caught unawares, they found out via the statement before calling their respective agents in a state of shock.

Chelsea’s sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley were the driving forces behind the decision to part ways with Potter, with co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital supportive of the decision.

No immediate replacement is lined up, with Stewart and Winstanley now conducting the process to appoint the next manager.

For now, Bruno Saltor will take charge on a caretaker basis. The former Brighton defender had been part of Potter’s staff.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/chelsea-players-shocked-by-potter-sacking/

Inspectors appointed by CAF were in Nigeria at the weekend to inspect stadiums and related facilities the country has put forward in a joint bid with Benin Republic to host the 35th AFCON in 2025.

This was disclosed on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) verified Twitter handle.

The stadia that were evaluated by the CAF team are the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja; Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo and Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba

Others are Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos; Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City and; Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

The team inspected the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Friday on Saturday they visited the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos while they were at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba and the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin on Sunday.

The inspectors will also check out the Stade Charles de Gaulle, Porto Novo in Benin Republic as part of their rounds for the joint bid between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

Nigeria hosted and won the 1980 AFCON and co-hosted with Ghana in 2000 and lost to Cameroon on penalties in the final.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2025-bid-caf-team-inspects-nigerias-stadia-facilities/

Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, says Arsenal has what it takes to win the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City.

Rooney also predicted the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool to finish in the Premier League top four this season.

“The title race? Nothing would surprise me from Manchester City,” Rooney told The Times.

“They could put together an incredible run and still win it, but you’ve to say Arsenal are favourites. I don’t see a collapse from them.”

Rooney continued: “The top four? A few weeks ago, there looked like a possibility Manchester United could challenge for the Premier League title.

“I am sure they [Man United] will finish in the top four.

“So Manchester United will be there, but I’ve a suspicion that Liverpool might sneak into it.

“They are capable of going on a run. I see Newcastle [United], despite the great job Eddie [Howe] has done, falling just a little short.”

Read More:https://www.completesports.com/rooney-tips-arsenal-favourite-to-win-premier-league-title/

Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti insists there’s no regret allowing Alexis Sanchez to leave last summer.

Alexis is now with Olympique Marseille and hit out at Inter last week over his lack of playing opportunities.

In Chile on the weekend, Zanetti said: “I don’t think it was a mistake to let him go, when one decides both sides agree to leave.

“When he had the opportunity to play, Alexis has always done well with Inter: he was important in winning the championship and for the conquest of the Italian Super Cup.

“At Marseille he is confirming that he is a great player. He’s always performed very well at Inter and has always been useful.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/zanetti-no-regret-allowing-sanchez-leave-inter-milan/

By the time you are reading this, I hope Victor Osimhen would have led the frontline of the Super Eagles to ‘destroy’ the national team of football minnows, Guinea Bissau, last night at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium, Abuja.

Anything short of a clear victory, with goals to shore up Osimhen’s chest in his chase of that exalted but difficult title of Highest Goal scorer in Nigerian football at international level, held since 1994 by Rashidi Yekini, and before that by ‘yours truly’ since 1981, would be totally unacceptable at this stage of Nigeria’s football development. Guinea Bissau are not only one of the smallest countries in Africa in size, there is a whole planet between them and Nigeria in football.

Having said that, I hope, at the time you are reading this on Saturday morning, the Eagles would have won well.

Outside of that match, what has engaged my mind these past few days and dominated the media space is the matter of Ike Sorounmu, the shy, quiet, gentleman and former goalkeeper of the Super Eagles. Before now, Ike’s voice in Nigerian football has never risen beyond the decibels of gentle instructions doled out on the training ground of clubs and the national team as goalkeeper-trainer. He has played role of an assistant coach very diligently for many years and through several regimes of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

By the way, the only former goalkeeper to have served as Chief coach of the national team in Nigeria’s history is late Carl Odw’yer in the mid-1970s.

This past week, Ike’s voice has been rather loud, bitter and strident, unusually rising above the din of the match between the Super Eagles and the underdogs from Guinea Bissau.

Ike Sorunmu, nick-named Anobi and Omo Alaja, by his fans and friends, was very angry with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, about the treatment meted to him; in the manner he was disallowed from being a part of the national technical crew for the Guinea Bissau match, and in the complete silence about the non-payment of money owed him from his recent services to the national team. In addition, nothing was said about his request to be offered either a permanent appointment, or to be engaged on a contract for his services in the national team. Meanwhile, he had sought, without success, for refund of the expenses he personally incurred, known and approved by the NFF, in honouring his most recent invitations to the national team.

Even as he awaited the official call-up to the team last week, what he received instead was a call from an officer in the NFF secretariat directing him not to bother to report to Abuja for preparation for yesterday’s match. Instead he was to be replaced by a goalkeeper trainer from the Junior national team who had just completed another national assignment.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ike-sorounmu-unfortunate-poor-treatment-of-a-national-hero-odegbami/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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