₦airaland Forum

Manchester United goalkeeper, David De Gea has told Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard and the rest of the team who do not wish to stay at Old Trafford to find their ways.



Manchester United lost their final game of the season to Crystal Palace and only managed to finish 6th in the Premier League table and will play in the Europa League next season.

New manager, Erik ten Hag watched from the stand at Selhurst Park and will have a first time meeting with the squad next week, before his work really gets started at the Theatre of Dreams.



De Gea has been one of the few outstanding players for the Red Devils this season.
The Spaniard advised any player that does not want to be at the club to exit in the transfer window.



“[The] ones [Manchester stars] who want to stay, stay at the club. Ones that don’t want to stay go out. You don’t have to stay here,” De Gea told Sky Sports.



“I want to forget this season and be 100% ready for the next season and be positive,” De Gea told Sky Sports after Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.
Style of play


Regarded as a highly promising prospect in his youth, De Gea soon developed into one of the best goalkeepers in the world, with some in the sport even labelling him as the current best keeper in the world. De Gea grew up playing futsal as an outfield player until the age of 14, which has helped with his footwork; he has also incorporated various futsal goalkeeping techniques in his play style which shows in his ability to make athletic saves with his feet.



Personal life


In January 2012, De Gea was confirmed as farsighted, although this is not thought to have affected his performances. De Gea has stated that he is a fan of heavy metal music, with Avenged Sevenfold being one of his favourite bands. He is married to Spanish singer Edurne. On 4 March 2021, the couple had their first child, a daughter named Yanay. He also founded an eSports team under the name ‘”Rebels Gaming” in 2021.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/leave-man-united-if-you-dont-want-to-stay-de-gea-warns-ronaldo-pogba-others/[b][/b]

Maduka Okoye hopes he will get the chance to play for Nigeria at the world cup in future, while lamenting Super Eagles failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The Super Eagles lost out to eternal rivals Ghana in the playoff round of the qualifiers in March.

Okoye missed both legs of the qualifiers after contracting coronavirus.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on what could have been his first world cup appearance for the three-time appearance, Okoye believes he still has a chance of playing at the mundial in future.

“Unfortunately, the World Cup dream has burst for now,” Okoye told Transfermarkt.

“But if I calculate correctly, I can still qualify for at least three world championships with the team given my age. That’s why I don’t stress about it at all.

“It’s a shame, of course, because it’s a huge opportunity that you’re missing out on. But I don’t see that as a problem, but as a reason to work even harder because it wasn’t enough now.

“I am very sure that we will do it again.”

Okoye made his international debut for Nigeria as a substitute in a friendly encounter against the Selecao of Brazil in October 2019.

The 22-year-old was part of the Super Eagles squad to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Okoye is expected to move to Watford this summer after extending his stay with Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam.

Source:-https://www.completesports.com/okoye-wants-to-play-at-the-three-world-cups-with-super-eagles/

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp has revealed that it would be a brilliant end to their season if the team wins the Champions League.



The Reds lifted their second trophy of the season last Saturday after beating Chelsea on penalties in the FA Cup final.

Klopp’s men play Real Madrid in the Champions League final and on Tuesday, they can close the gap between themselves and Manchester City to one point with one game left.



Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Southampton on Tuesday, Klopp said: “If we play a season like we play and we win the Carabao and fight for the title until the end, I think it’s a good season,” Klopp told TribalFootball

“The FA Cup is a massive competition. It felt great. It takes pressure off and that’s what makes it more enjoyable.

“It would be massive if we win in a few weeks’ time in the Champions League. But we play the most experienced Champions League team on this planet.



“We aren’t massive favourites. It’s an open game and every little advantage we can get is good. They have already won the league already. Between now and then, two massive games.”

Klopp is a notable proponent of Gegenpressing, a tactic in which the team, after losing possession of the ball, immediately attempts to win back possession, rather than falling back to regroup. Klopp has stated that a well-executed counter-pressing system can be more effective than any playmaker when it comes to creating chances.



Commenting on his pressing tactics, Klopp said that “The best moment to win the ball is immediately after your team just lost it. The opponent is still looking for orientation where to pass the ball. He will have taken his eyes off the game to make his tackle or interception and he will have expended energy. Both make him vulnerable”. The tactic requires great amounts of speed, organisation and stamina, with the idea of regaining possession of the ball as far up the pitch as possible in order to counter possible counter-attacks. It also requires high levels of discipline: T

Source:https://www.completesports.com/it-would-be-massive-if-liverpool-win-champions-league-klopp/

Allsportspredictions.com, one of our expert tipster partners, to view more of our Preview, and Prediction, Go here.
Southampton vs. Liverpool – Liverpool‘s Premier League game on Tuesday at Southampton is the next step in their quest for the quadruple. They already have a domestic cup to show for it.

The hosts have had 10 days to think about their 3-0 loss to Brentford, while the Reds won the FA Cup at the weekend for the first time in 16 years.

Southampton’s and their fans’ disappointing season is coming to an end, but they can take some comfort in the fact that their team has been officially declared safe from relegation before the last couple of game weeks.

At the Brentford Community Stadium, the Saints’ troubles on the road continued. Pontus Jansson and Yoane Wissa scored in quick succession in the first half, and then Kristoffer Ajer dribbled through a crowd of people and scored in the second half.

Everton and Burnley could still pass the 15th-placed Saints, but Leeds United’s tie with Brighton & Hove Albion means that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team will finish above the dotted line and can start getting ready for next season in the Premier League.
Before playing Liverpool, they won only one of their last 11 Premier League games, which is not a good sign. This is especially true since the Reds are coming down south with possibly new hopes of doing the impossible.

Southampton vs Liverpool – Betting Analysis

Liverpool has a good chance of winning the Premier League and the Champions League now that they have won both domestic cups. If they win, they will close the gap to Manchester City to one point, since the champions could only tie with West Ham United, but it is still out of their hands.

Last time out, Liverpool beat Aston Villa 2-1 despite a shaky start on defense. Klopp now has to deal with a lot of injuries as he tries to lead the Reds to their seventh win in a row away from home in the Premier League.
Hasenhuttl famously fell to his knees when Southampton beat Liverpool 1-0 at St. Mary’s last season. However, Liverpool won the Saints 4-0 at Anfield without a response earlier this season, and they won’t be willing to let lightning strike twice on the South Coast.

Southampton vs Liverpool: Head -to-Head

southampton-vs-liverpool-premier-league-st-marys-betting-the-saints-the-reds
Our Prediction: Away To Win

For more of our Preview and Prediction, Go here.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/southampton-vs-liverpool-preview-and-predictions/

Jake Daniels has become the first active British male footballer to come out publicly as gay since Justin Fashanu.



Jake,17 plays for Blackpool FC and he says he hopes that his decision to go public about his sexuality will encourage others to do same.

“Now is the right time to do it. I feel like I am ready to tell people my story. I want people to know the real me,” Daniels told Sky Sports News.



“I have been thinking for a long time about how I want to do it, when I want to do it. I know now is the time. I am ready to be myself, be free and be confident with it all.

“I can’t really put a date on it, but I was probably five or six years old when I knew I was gay. So it’s been a long time that I have been living with the lie.

“At that age you don’t really think that football and being gay doesn’t mix. You just think, one day, when I’m older I’ll get a girlfriend and I will change and it will be fine.



“But as you get older you realise you can’t just change. It doesn’t work like that.”



Daniels last season scored 30 goals for the under-19 team of Blackpool FC and scored against Chelsea and Newcastle in the FA Youth Cup.

“For a long time I’ve thought I would have to hide my truth because I wanted to be, and now I am, a professional footballer,” Daniels added.



“I asked myself if I should wait until I’ve retired to come out. No other player in the professional game here is out.




“However, I knew that would lead to a long time of lying and not being able to be myself or lead the life that I want to.”



“Since I’ve come out to my family, my club and my team-mates, that period of overthinking everything and the stress it created has gone. It was impacting my mental heath. Now I am just confident and happy to be myself finally,” he said.



“I first told my mum and my sister, who I live with. ‘Yeah, we already knew,’ was how they reacted.


“Then we told my whole family and at this point I was quite scared because I didn’t know how the older generation might react.



“I needn’t have worried. I’ve had so many messages saying, ‘we are proud and we are supportive.’ It’s been amazing. I couldn’t have wished for it to go better.



“The day after I told my mum and sister, we played Accrington [in an under-18s fixture] and I scored four goals, so it just shows how much of a weight off the shoulders and what a massive relief it was.”



In a statement the club said: “Blackpool Football Club has worked closely with Stonewall and the relevant footballing organisations to support Jake and is incredibly proud that he has reached a stage where he is empowered to express himself both on-and-off the pitch.



“It is vital that we all promote an environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves, and that football leads the way in removing any form of discrimination and prejudice.”



The Professional Footballers’ Association also celebrated Daniels’ bravery.



They said: “We are extremely proud of Jake and have been working with him and his club. He has the complete support of everyone at the PFA.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/i-knew-i-was-gay-at-six-blackpool-player-daniels/

World football governing body, FIFA, has celebrated Asisat Oshoala for finishing as top scorer in the Primera Iberdrola (Spanish women’s first division).

Oshoala concluded the season with 20 goals and three assists in 19 games despite a three month injury-induced layoff.

Geyse Ferreira of Real Madrid also scored 20 goals but did it in 27 appearances and recorded one assist.

And reacting to Oshoala’s top scorer’s award, FIFA described her performance for Barcelona this term as perfect.

“20 goals and a perfect club season.

“@AsisatOshoala has always been unstoppable! �“ FIFA wrote on their Women’s World Cup Twitter handle.

Barcelona Femeni won the 2021/2022 Primera Iberdrola with a perfect record of 30 wins from 30 matches, scoring 159 goals and conceding 11 in the process.

The Catalan club are aiming to win the treble like the previous season, as they are in the final of the Women’s Champions League – to clash with Lyon at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on May 21.

Oshoala’s team will also play Real Madrid in the semi-final of the Copa La Reina.

Meanwhile, Oshoala is among 32 players invited by Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum, for a two-week camp in Morocco ahead of this year’s CAF Women’s Cup of Nations.

Oshoala was the highest goal scorer at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and was named best player at the tournament.

She was also named best player and second top goalscorer with the Super Falcons team who won the 2014 African Women’s Championship.

On 8 June 2015, Oshoala scored her first 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup goal when she scored the team’s second goal in a 3–3 draw with Sweden in Winnipeg.

After the team was defeated 2–0 by Australia and 1–0 by the United States, they did not advance to the knockout stages.

Oshoala was also a member of the Super Falcons team who won the African Women’s Championship in 2016 and 2018. She scored three goals in the 2018 Edition in Ghana.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/fifa-celebrates-oshoalas-pichichi-award/

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will now face Mauritius instead of São Tomé and Principe in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Completesports.com reports.

The confirmation of Mauritius as one of the teams placed in Group A alongside Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone was published on the Super Eagles verifies Twitter handle on Monday.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) disqualified São Tomé and Principe, from the qualifiers for fielding an ineligible player against Mauritius during their preliminary round fixture.

Following the development, the Eagles will now face Mauritius in their second game in the qualifiers.

“We will now play Mauritius in our 2nd match of the AFCON 2023 qualifiers,” it was written on the Eagles Twitter handle.

Two teams from the group will qualify for the 2023 AFCON edition to be hosted by Côte d’Ivoire.

The first time Côte d’Ivoire hosted the AFCON was in 1984 which was won by Cameroon.

The qualifiers will run between 30 May 2022 and March 2023.

Meanwhile, newly-appointed coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, has been handed a one-year short term contract, as he begins his reign as the head coach of Nigeria’s Senior Men’s National team.

Contrary to speculations, the Portuguese coach was only handed a 12 months deal, which is subject to renewal based on performance-related clauses.

With the NFF facing a legal battle on payments for erstwhile coach of the team, Gernot Rohr, all pointers are the Federation are weary of allowing thunder strike in the same spot.

Peseiro will lead the Eagles in the United States when the team faces Mexico and Ecuador in international friendly games. He will be assisted by Ex-Eagles winger Finidi George, Salisu Yusuf and Usman Abdallah.

The former Venezuela and Saudi Arabia national team coach comes in as the substantive replacement for Franco-German coach, Gernot Rohr, whose contract was terminated by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, after five and half years of handling the three-time African champions.
Source: https://www.completesports.com/2023-afcon-qualifiers-super-eagles-to-now-face-mauritius/

Super Eagles defender Olisa Ndah was in action as South African giants Orlando Pirates qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup final at the expense of Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya on Sunday, Completesports.com reports.

Pirates progressed 2-1 on aggregate despite losing the second leg 1-0 at home.

Ali Arqoub got the only goal of the game in the 89th minute but Ndah and his Orlando Pirates teammates managed to hold on to advance.

Ndah, who was not in the squad in the first leg which Pirates won 2-0, featured for 90 minutes in the reverse fixture.

Pirates will now take on RSB Berkane of Morocco in the final billed for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

It is Pirates’ second appearance in the Confederation Cup final after facing Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel, whom they lost to.

After a 1-1 draw in South Africa, Pirates fell 1-0 to the North Africans in the second leg in Tunisia.

Meanwhile, it will be a home coming for Ndah who use to play inside the Godswill Akpabio Stadium during his time with Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side Akwa United.

The 24-year-old spent two seasons at Akwa United from 2019 to 2021 and won the Nigerian league title with them.

He has represented Nigeria U23 at the 2019 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Also, he was part of the Eagles squad that featured at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

In 2004, the CAF Confederation Cup was founded as the merger of CAF Cup and African Cup Winners’ Cup.

Accra Hearts of Oak became the first club to win the cup in 2004. In 2013, CS Sfaxien became the first club to win three trophies after defeating TP Mazembe in the final.

Akin to the CAF Champions League since 21st century, the competition has also been dominated by North African sides, with 13 titles went to the region.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/caf-confed-cup-ndah-helps-orlando-pirates-seal-final-ticket/

Newly-appointed coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, has been handed a one-year short term contract, as he begins his reign as the head coach of Nigeria’s Senior Men’s National team.

Contrary to speculations, the Portuguese coach was only handed a 12 months deal, which is subject to renewal based on performance-related clauses.

With the NFF facing a legal battle on payments for erstwhile coach of the team, Gernot Rohr, all pointers are the Federation are weary of allowing thunder strike in the same spot.

Peseiro will lead the Eagles in the United States when the team faces Mexico and Ecuador in international friendly games. He will be assisted by Ex-Eagles winger Finidi George, Salisu Yusuf and Usman Abdallah.

The former Venezuela and Saudi Arabia national team coach comes in as the substantive replacement for Franco-German coach, Gernot Rohr, whose contract was terminated by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, after five and half years of handling the three-time African champions.

The NFF Technical Director, Austine Eguavoen, last handled the Super Eagles as Interim Technical Adviser. He led the team to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroun where the team failed to go beyond the Second Round. With Emmanuel Amuneke as his assistant, he led the Eagles through the 2022 World Cup African qualifiers playoffs, and failed to go past the Black Stars of Ghana.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/super-eagles-new-coach-peseiro-gets-one-year-short-term-contract/

Super Falcons and Barcelona Femeni striker, Asisat Oshoala has celebrated her Pichichi win as the Primera Iberdrola was concluded on Sunday, Completesports.com reports.

Barcelona Femeni defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 on the final of the season with the goals scored by Irene Paredes and Aitina Bonmati. Amanda Sampedro scored the consolation goal for Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid’s Merel Van Dongen was red carded while the aforementioned Bonmati also saw red late in the second half.

Oshoala finished the season with 20 goals and three assists in 19 games despite a three month injury-induced layoff.0

Geyse Ferreira of Real Madrid also scored 20 goals but did it in 27 Applearances and recorded one assist.

Oshoala shared a Tweet from FC Barcelona Femeni.

“PICHICHI @Asisat Oshoala,” FC Barcelona Femeni Tweeted.

Oshoala moved to Barcelona Femeni from Chinese club Dalian Quinjan in 2019.


Barcelona Femeni won the 2021/2022 Primera Iberdrola with a perfect record of 30 wins from 30 matches, scoring 159 goals and conceding 11 in the process.

The Catalan club are aiming to win the treble like the previous season, as they are in the final of the Women’s Champions League – to clash with Lyon at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on May 21.

Oshoala’s team will also play Real Madrid in the semi-final of the Copa La Reina.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/oshoala-celebrates-pichichi-award/

Former Nigeria international, Benedict Akwuegbu, has exclusively told Completesports.com about his intention to vie for the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, President position in the forthcoming general elections of the nation’s football ruling body.

The 47-year-old who is capped 30 times with eight ( goals told Completesports.com Monday night from his base in the United Kingdom that he possesses the vital credentials a top quality that the NFF boss should possess in order to develop the game.

Former Nigeria international, Benedict Akwuegbu, has exclusively told Completesports.com about his intention to vie for the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, President position in the forthcoming general elections of the nation’s football ruling body.

The 47-year-old who is capped 30 times with eight ( goals told Completesports.com Monday night from his base in the United Kingdom that he possesses the vital credentials a top quality that the NFF boss should possess in order to develop the game.

“Experience-wise, yes, I have it. Don’t forget that I’ve worked as Heartland FC Assistant General Manager [2012-2013],” starts the onetime bully forward nicknamed Austrian Bomber.

“I stepped down from that role when things were no longer going the real professional way they should.

“Equally of note is the fact that I was once the Manager of FC Gratkorn Austria [2015-2016 – a second division league club].

“After that, I was appointed Technical Director of Mighty Jets of Jos.

“So, in terms of experience, I believe I have it which will help me to open a new positive chapter in Nigerian football”.

Winner of Austrian Cup with Grazer AK in 2000 and 2002 and AFCON silver medalist in 2000, Akwuegbu also won the Austrian Bundesliga League title in 2003/2004 season.

Currently, Akwuegbu is a Mental Health undergraduate of Anglia Ruskin University, ARU, London.

“Aside playing the game at the top level – because playing in the World Cup is the utmost career height of every player – I have to equip myself academically for the coming years,” explains the former Mbaise United FC proprietor.

“When I was playing, I knew that one day, it might get to a point where one would have to think of life after football as a player.

“In that case, I decided to upgrade my academic status which I believe, will come handy if I’m entrusted with the leadership of the NFF”.

Elections into the leadership and Executive Board of the NFF is billed to hold in September when the tenure of the current board led by Amaju Melvin Pinnick is expected to run out.

“If I become NFF President, I must make sure that Nigeria did not only qualify for the World Cup but also win it,” Akwuegbu said of his major objectives if he emerges as Amaju Pinnick successor

“Yes, Nigeria can win the World Cup and I will resign if we fail.

“We will do everything, including appointment of coaches purely on merit.

“As NFF President, I will not collect any salary.”

Akwuegbu had an illustrious playing career which spanned through the domestic scene to Austria, France, China, Belgium and later England.

After calling time on his playing career, he has ventured into management, coaching and business as well his current push into academics.

Part of his business concerns, is the newly completed Big Ben Hotel in Abuja [inset in the photo above].

“Hopefully, we’ll open the hotel next month [June]”, Akwuegbu disclosed.

Completesports.com checks reveal that aside the Big Ben Hotel in Abuja, Akwuegbu also has hostel project in Jos and an Apartment in Austria.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/akwuegbu-eager-for-nff-presidency-aims-win-world-cup/

Allsportspredictions.com, one of our expert tipster partners, to view more of our Preview, and Prediction, Go here.
Wolves vs Man City – Wolverhampton Wanderers welcome Manchester City to The Molineux on Wednesday night. The table-toppers thrashed Newcastle United 5-1, while Bruno Lage’s team drew 2-2 with Chelsea. Chelsea has lost points this season when they should havee won. Wolves were still in it even after Romelu Lukaku scored twice in two minutes at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues’ new owners lost in London.

Wolves made a stunning comeback after Chiquinho came on. The 22-year-perfect old’s cross hit Conor Coady’s head in the seventh minute of stoppage time in the second half. The point keeps Lage’s team in contention for a European place, as they sit eighth in the rankings, five points behind West Ham United, who have played one more game.

A strong finish might see Wolves overtake Manchester United, but Lage’s team must still face City and Liverpool before the season ends, with a home game against bottom club Norwich City wedged between the two championship contenders.

Despite scoring or drawing in West London for the first time in three games, Lage’s once-solid defence has now been breached six times in a row. Their home record of winning one and losing the next may not matter much against the Citizens. The first team to face Manchester City after being eliminated from Europe should expect a thrashing, and Pep Guardiola’s side delivered against Newcastle United to extend their advantage at the top

Raheem Sterling scored twice at the Etihad, while Phil Foden, Rodri, and Aymeric Laporte also scored, City now leads by three points, although Liverpool can reclaim the top spot if they beat Aston Villa on Tuesday.

Guardiola criticized unfair favoritism towards Liverpool over the weekend. On the field, the Catalans have excelled with four straight Premier League victories, scoring 17 goals and conceding just one, and a 16-game unbeaten run in the top division, a new club record.

Wolves vs Man City- Betting Analysis

City defeated Wolves 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium in December, thanks to a Sterling penalty. It was the champions’ third consecutive win against the Molineux side, and a fourth would solidify their position atop the table. However, the Wolves are not the same defensive force who nearly shut out the champions at the Etihad,His squad is chasing the Premier League title this season. So they should be able to beat Wolves, whose inconsistency at Molineux should cost them again.

Wolves vs Man City: Head-to-Head

wolves-vs-man-city-betting-premier-league-wolverhampton-wanderers-manchester-city-the-molineux-pep-guardiola
Our Predictions: Away To Win & Over 2.5 Goals

For more of our Preview and Prediction, Go here.

Data Analysis

With a probability of 76.62 percent, our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player metrics, says that Manchester City will win this match. A draw has a 15% chance of happening, while a Wolverhampton Wanderers win has an 8.36% chance of happening.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-2 Manchester City is the most likely scoreline, with a chance of 12.72 percent. 0-3 (10.6 percent), 0-1 (10.18 percent), and 1-2 are the next most likely scorelines (8.92 percent).


S[b]ource:https://www.completesports.com/wolves-vs-man-city-preview-and-predictions/[/b]

Paul Onuachu took his goal tally in the Belgian topflight to 21, after scoring for Genk in their 3-2 home win against Sporting Charleroi in the European qualification playoffs for next season, Completesports.com reports.

Onuachu has now scored in back-to-back games and has also netted six goals in his last six games.

Onuachu scored in the 55th minute to draw Genk level after Sporting Charleroi took the lead on 34 minutes through Marco Ilaimaharitra.

In the 59th minute Genk went 2-1 up following an own goal by Sporting Charleroi’s player Ken Nkuba.

Carlos Cuesta also got on the score sheet in the 65th minute to put Genk 3-1 ahead before Daan Heymans pulled a goal back for Sporting Charleroi on 72 minutes.

And after four rounds of games played among the four teams in the playoffs, Gent still top on 40 points with Genk in second place on 36 points.

KV Mechelen on 29 points are third while Sporting Charleroi are in fourth place on 28 points with two games left to play for each teams.

Genk next fixture in the playoffs is an home game against Gent on May 15.

In their first meeting in the playoffs, Genk triumped 1-0 thanks to a 91st minute strike.

They will round off with a trip to Mechelen on May 21 and will hope to make it a double, after recording a 4-2 win in their first meeting.

The Belgian European Qualification Playoffs

Until 2016, the teams ranked 7 to 14 after the regular season in the Belgian topflight enter the playoffs 2, with teams ranked 7th, 9th, 12th, and 14th entering group A and teams ranked 8th, 10th, 11th, and 13th entering group B.

In each group, each team plays each of its three opponents twice. The winner of each group played the final game in two legs to determine the winner of the playoffs 2.

The winner of the playoffs 2 then plays a home and away game against either the fourth-place or fifth-place team from the playoffs 1 for the final Europa League ticket, with the opponent depending on whether the Belgian Cup winner ended in the top four of the playoff 1 or not.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/onuachu-bags-21st-league-goal-of-the-season-in-genk-home-win/[b][/b]

Nigeria winger Victor Moses has revealed he can play in five different positions, reports Completesports.com.

Moses was named Man of the Match in Spartak Moscow’s 3-1 win against Ural Yekaterinburg in their Russian Premer League clash last Saturday.

The 31-year-old, who has operated as a left midfielder under Paolo Vanoli scored and grabbed an assist in the encounter.

Moses has proven his versatility in the past as he was deployed as a winger and right wing-back at English giants Chelsea FC and wing-back at Italian champions Inter Milan.

Right from the very first time I came to Spartak I’m down to play in any position. I can play left-back, right-back, 10, right wing, left wing,” Moses told the club’s official Youtube channel

“The most important thing is to help the team and I am very pleased to do that today. It’s about the team effort, we all came here today to get the three points so we worked very hard collectively and individually as well.

“We played for the three points, now we can move from here now. “I’m happy with the manager getting the three points today, he’s someone that I know very well.

“Inter Milan we worked together, he’s a manager that can rotate to any formation and he’s very good at that.”

Moses has netted three times and provided four assists across all competitions for Spartak Moscow this season.

The former Wigan Star joined Spartak Moscow on permanent deal in July 2021 after impressing while on loan at the club. The move ended his nine year association with Chelsea.

Moses extended his contract with Spartak to 2024 last February.

The player retired from international duty at the end of 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/mr-versatile-moses-reveals-he-can-play-in-five-positions/

Aston Villa vs Liverpool – The Reds legend, Steven Gerrard, will seek to put another dent in his former club’s Premier League title hopes when Liverpool travels to Aston Villa on Tuesday evening.

The Lions eased to a 3-1 success at Burnley at the weekend, while Jurgen Klopp’s side were forced to accept a point in a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. While Gerrard is yet to prove that he can go toe-to-toe with the big boys with his Aston Villa side, the Lions have welcomed back-to-back wins over two basement sides in Norwich City and Burnley to end their miserable patch of form over the Easter period. After confirming the Canaries’ demotion, Villa made Burnley’s survival task that little bit more difficult by storming to a 3-1 success at Turf Moor on Saturday, as Danny Ings, Emiliano Buendia, and Ollie Watkins were all on target before Maxwel Cornet’s consolation for the Clarets.

Taking seven points from the last nine on offer in the Premier League and conceding just once in that stretch sees Villa threatening to break into the top half as they lie in the 11th spot in the table, with Newcastle United and Leicester City both failing to usurp them on Sunday. Gerrard never collected a Premier League title with Liverpool as a player and certainly cannot afford to let sentimentality creep in before Tuesday’s game, with the 41-year-old – and the Anfield faithful – fully aware of his task at hand at Villa Park.

The ex-midfielder’s legacy with Liverpool should not be shattered even if he does oversee a result that all but ends the Reds’ Premier League dream, but Villa have won just two of their last eight home games in the top flight, and a wounded Liverpool are a force to be reckoned with. Jurgen Klopp had plenty to say about Tottenham Hotspur’s tactics following the full-time whistle at Anfield – much to the amusement of the traveling crowd – and the Reds’ quadruple hopes suffered a major blow at the hands of Antonio Conte’s men during a 1-1 draw on Merseyside.

Left in acres of space at the back post, Ryan Sessegnon had all the time in the world to pick out Son Heung-min for his 20th goal of the season, but the little magician Luis Diaz saw his effort take a nick off Rodrigo Bentancur and wrong foot Hugo Lloris to steal a point for Liverpool. Cross after cross after cross led to nothing for Liverpool against a steadfast Lilywhites defense, and while Klopp’s side temporarily went back to the summit on goal difference, Manchester City are now three points clear after beating Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.

Aston Villa vs Liverpool – Betting Analysis

A six-game winning run in all competitions and 12-game winning run at Anfield in the Premier League came to an end for Liverpool at the weekend, but their unbeaten run domestically now stands at 16 matches, and they have kept clean sheets in four of their last five away from home in the top flight. Flashbacks of the 7-2 humbling will inevitably cross the minds of Klopp and the Kop ahead of Tuesday’s journey to Villa Park, but they have since won three in a row against Villa in all competitions and will be in no charitable mood towards Gerrard while the quadruple dream remains alive.
Villa needs no lessons in carving their way through the Liverpool high line, and the Lions’ recent upturn in form and numerous ex-Reds aiming to get one over their former club could make this a banana skin for Klopp’s side.

Also Read: Mane Holds Talks With Bayern Munich Over Summer Move

The Reds boss is likely to tinker with his side ahead of the weekend’s FA Cup final but will be aware that any more dropped points effectively end their Premier League title hopes, and we have faith in Liverpool to eke out a narrow win against a Villa side whose defense is still far from watertight

Aston Villa vs Liverpool: Head-to-Head

aston-villa-vs-liverpool-villa-park-premier-league-betting-steven-gerrard-jurgen-klopp
Our Predictions: Away To Win
For more of our Preview and Prediction, Go here.

Data Analysis

With a probability of 68.52 percent, our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player metrics, says that Liverpool will win this match. A draw has a 17.7% chance of happening, while Aston Villa winning has a 13.77 percent chance of happening.

Aston Villa 0-2 Liverpool is the most likely scoreline, with a chance of 9.91 percent. 1-2 (9.65 percent), 0-1 (8.33 percent), and 1-1 are the next most frequent scorelines (8.11 percent ).

Source: https://www.completesports.com/aston-villa-vs-liverpool-preview-predictions/

Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp, has told Man City manager, Pep Guardiola the they are not giving up the race for the Premier League title.

He made this known in a chat with TribalFootball, where he warned that Liverpool will continue to fight for the title till the last game.
With three fixtures left in the season, Klopp told a press conference on Monday that it is not done and dusted.

A 1-1 draw at home against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday set Liverpool back before City hammered Newcastle United 5-0 on Sunday.

Klopp was asked if he told his players the title race was over and he replied: “I’m not sure I said that because I think it’s obvious.

“It’s clear it is not over, whatever happened.

“We have three games to play and my concern is how we can win our three games and I have no say in how City can win theirs. We don’t stop believing, that’s what we do.”

Liverpool travels to Aston Villa on Tuesday, while City is away at Wolves on Wednesday.

If Villa do spring a surprise and win or even hold Liverpool to a draw, two consecutive wins for City away at Wolves on Wednesday and at West Ham on the Sunday would seal their status as champions.

If the race is to go to the wire, the final day fixtures are kind to both sides given both Liverpool and City play at home against Wolves and Aston Villa respectively. While there could still be plenty of twists and turns yet – it is very much advantage City at this late stage.



REMAINING FIXTURES



Man City | Points: 86

May 11 – Wolves (A)

May 15 – West Ham (A)

May 22 – Aston Villa (H)

Liverpool | Points: 83

May 10 – Aston Villa (A)

May 17 – Southampton (A)

May 22 – Wolves (H)
Source" https://www.completesports.com/epl-title-race-not-yet-over-for-liverpool-klopp-warns-guardiola/

Serie A giants Juventus are interested in signing Arsenal Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey and could offer Arthur in exchange, the Sun reports.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is eager to bolster his side’s midfield, having failed to seriously contest the Serie A title race this term.

Allegri is reshaping Juve’s squad ahead of another push next season.

And according to AS, he sees Partey as a “strong” option to improve his side.

The Ghanaian has been in excellent form for the Gunners this term.

The 28-year-old is reportedly valued at around £30million – a drop on the £45m they paid Atletico Madrid for him in 2020 and the Old Lady are willing to sweeten the deal by throwing in midfielder Arthur.
Arsenal were strongly linked with the Brazilian in January, although a move failed to materialise.

Juventus chiefs believe that the former Barcelona ace could be the key to getting a deal done for Partey.

Arthur has started just 11 Serie A matches this season.

The Gunners are interested in a number of midfielders as they aim to bolster that position ahead of next season.

SunSport revealed that club bosses are confident of signing Youri Tielemans from Leicester for £40m.

While Monaco starlet Aurelien Tchouameni has also been linked.

Partey skippered the Black Stars of Ghana to qualify for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

After struggling in his first season in the English topflight, Partey has been impressive so far this term.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/juventus-to-offer-arthur-in-exchange-for-arsenal-midfielder-partey/

Nigeria winger Moses Simon is in buoyant mood after helping his club, Nantes win the French Cup, reports Completesports.com.

The Canaries ended their 22-year trophy drought by lifting the French Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 win against Nice at the Stade de France on Saturday night.

Ludovic Blas scored the all important goal from the penalty spot two minutes after the break.

It was Blas’ fifth goal for Antoine Kombouare’s men in the competition.

Simon, who came close to scoring for Nantes in the first half was on for 68 minutes in the thrilling encounter.

The 27-year-old took to the social media to celebrate his team’s historic win.

“Na God�always put your trust in him.
Champ �� merci à vous @FCNantes ����,”Simon wrote on his verified Twitter handle.

Nantes will compete in the UEFA Europa Europa League next season following the win.

Simon has now won his third major trophy at club level. He won the Belgian Pro League title with Nantes in the 2014/15 season and followed up with Super Cup the following campaign.

He first linked up with Nantes from Spanish side Levante on loan on August 15, 2019. At the end of the season, Nantes triggered the option to buy in Simon’s loan, with the player signing a four-year contract

Simon has been an important part of the Nantes squad over the time he’s been there, netting a late winner against PSG in the 20/21 season as Nantes narrowly escaped relegation.

source: https://www.completesports.com/simon-celebrates-french-cup-win-with-nantes/

Flying Eagles forward Ibrahim Muhammad was named Man of the Match following the team’s 2-0 win against the Black Satellites of Ghana in their opening game at the WAFU B U-20 Championship on Sunday.

Muhammad scored Flying Eagles opening game in the fifth minute. The striker received a long Adams Olubi pass from the middle before rounding up goalkeeper Gregory Obeng Sekyere.

Substitute Ahmad Abdullahi scored the second goal 12 minutes from time.

Muhammad, who was a thorn in the flesh of the Ghanaian defenders will be key for the Flying Eagles when they take on Burkina Faso in their next game on Wednesday.

The victory in the three-team group takes the Flying Eagles to the top of the table and a draw in their next game will confirm their place in the semi-finals.

Muhammad, who is a product of Tempo Academy in Nigeria must have impressesd a number of scouts in attendance at the Stade Seyni Kountche in Niamey.

Ghana’s Black Satellites will have to wait until Saturday to play Burkina Faso.

The defending champions will have to raise their game against Burkinabes if they are to have any chance of advancing after the defeat left them with no points.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/flying-eagles-forward-muhammad-voted-motm-in-win-vs-ghana/

Karim Zito the head coach of Ghana U-20 men’s team, Black Satellites, has attributed his team’s defeat to the Flying Eagles of Nigeria to bad weather.

Ghana got their 2022 WAFU Zone B qualifiers in Niger Republic, off to a poor start after losing 2-0 to the Flying Eagles in their Group B opener on Sunday.

A goal in each half from Aminu Muhammad and Ahmed Abdullahi, sealed the win for Ladan Bosso’s men.

Muhammad broke the deadlock in the 5th minute after running on to a through pass, rounded the keeper before firing into the net.

And in the 78th minute, Abdullahi doubled their lead as he went past a couple of Ghanaian markers before hitting a superb volley into the net.

And speaking after the defeat, Zito posited that his players could not perform to their best as they struggled to cope with the weather.

However, Zito praised the Flying Eagles for arriving Niger Republic early and played some friendly games which contributed to their win against Ghana.

“There were some factors that affected us, one of them is the weather,” Zito said on Brila FM.

“Look at the atmosphere here, what is happening here and in Ghana, here it is hell. That is why I commended Nigeria by coming early and playing some friendly matches.

“For you to acquire the necessary energy you need to do what you have to do, so we will use the Nigerian game to prepare ourselves for our next game against Burkina Faso. We are going to use the next match to make amendments.

“Before coming to Niger in Ghana we all so the players they were very mobile but they couldn’t run here which was down to the issue of the climate because there are factors that affect performance and one of it is weather.”

Zito, who led Ghana to win the 2020 WAFU Zone B tournament in Benin Republic, will hope to bounce back when they take on Burkina Faso in their next Group B game.

Two teams will advance into the semi-finals from each group, with the two finalists qualifying to represent the WAFU Zone B at the 2023 U-20 AFCON in Egypt.

The 2023 U-20 AFCON will serve as the qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 World Cup billed for Indonesia also to hold next year.

All four semi-finalists from the tournament in Egypt will qualify to represent Africa in Indonesia.And speaking after the defeat, Zito posited that his players could not perform to their best as they struggled to cope with the weather.

However, Zito praised the Flying Eagles for arriving Niger Republic early and played some friendly games which contributed to their win against Ghana.

“There were some factors that affected us, one of them is the weather,” Zito said on Brila FM.

“Look at the atmosphere here, what is happening here and in Ghana, here it is hell. That is why I commended Nigeria by coming early and playing some friendly matches.

“For you to acquire the necessary energy you need to do what you have to do, so we will use the Nigerian game to prepare ourselves for our next game against Burkina Faso. We are going to use the next match to make amendments.

“Before coming to Niger in Ghana we all so the players they were very mobile but they couldn’t run here which was down to the issue of the climate because there are factors that affect performance and one of it is weather.”

Zito, who led Ghana to win the 2020 WAFU Zone B tournament in Benin Republic, will hope to bounce back when they take on Burkina Faso in their next Group B game.

Two teams will advance into the semi-finals from each group, with the two finalists qualifying to represent the WAFU Zone B at the 2023 U-20 AFCON in Egypt.

The 2023 U-20 AFCON will serve as the qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 World Cup billed for Indonesia also to hold next year.

All four semi-finalists from the tournament in Egypt will qualify to represent Africa in Indonesia.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-u-20-wafu-zone-b-ghana-coach-zito-blames-bad-weather-for-defeat-to-flying-eagles/

Real Madrid hero Rodrygo says God’s face was upon him after his late brace fired them into the Champions League final.

An injury-time double from Rodrygo saw Real defeat Manchester City 3-1 and reach the final 6-5 on aggregate.


He said, “We were losing the match, we were dead and what happened, happened. With this shirt, we learn to always fight to the end. We were almost dead, but with my first goal we started to believe.


“I can’t explain it. I don’t have words for what happened today. God looked at me and said, “Today is your day.”

Real teammate Casemiro also said: “We had two years without the crowd. You have to enjoy them. The great virtue of this club is never giving in, fighting to the end. We have to congratulate everyone. Rodrygo made a spectacular entrance. The key phrase is ‘never give up’. We go to the end.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ucl-god-was-behind-my-goals-against-man-city-rodrygo/

Premier League side Newcastle United are said to be ready to offer Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen up to N4 billion (€9million) in salary per year, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.

Osimhen has been linked with a move to Premier League clubs; Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle, but the Magpies have again emerged as the major contender to land the star, who Napoli have valued at €100million.

Newcastle had already made an attempt to sign the 23-year-old in January, and are determined to sign the target in the summer, and double his current wage at the Serie A side.

The Nigeria is said to be ‘tempted’ by the offer, and there are suggestions that Newcastle’s guaranteed status in the topflight for next season will be another factor the attacker will consider.

The club, which was bought over by a Saudi-led consortium in October 2021, are reportedly aware that that the former Lille star will cost them a fortune, as it has been said that Napoli will not ask for less than €100million to let Osimhen go at the end of the current campaign.

The striker, who has scored 17 goals in 29 matches for the Naples club in all competitions this campaign, is also a subject of interest from United.

Osimhen scored four times and registered one assist in five Europa League appearances for Napoli this term, while he has struck 13 times and provided five assists in 24 Serie A outings.

Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are also rumoured to be interested in the forward.

According to a report in Getfootballnewsfrance, the Parisians want him to replace Kylian Mbappe, who could join newly crowned LaLiga champions Real Madrid this summer.

Napoli signed the Nigerian in the summer of 2020 for a reported €71.3m but LOSC only received €36m of the €71.3m baseline fee.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/newcastle-ready-to-offer-osimhen-n4bn-per-year-salary/

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has pointed out where he feels his players must improve as they look ahead to their Champions League second leg semi-final at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid and City clashed at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday evening and treated fans to a seven-goal thriller.

City got off to a positive start and got early goals by Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus before Karim Benzema pulled a goal back for Madrid.

Phil Foden scored early in the second half but Vinicius Junior replied almost immediately, with Bernardo Silva striking home a thunderous effort to make it 4-2.

But Madrid again reduced the deficit when Benzema scored an outrageous dinked penalty to leave the score at 4-3.

And speaking after the game, Ancelotti explained where his side must improve to reach the Champions League.
“It is a defeat that leaves us alive in the second leg,” the Italian said.

“We have to be better in our defensive aspect but I believe we are able to create problems for them also. Similar game? It’s really difficult to have and to see this open game as it was tonight. It will be a different game.

“Of course Manchester City has the advantage, we have to consider this. Not a big advantage. We hope that our supporters can help us to play better and try to go to the final.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ucl-ancelotti-points-out-where-madrid-must-improve-ahead-second-leg-clash-with-city/

Jurgen Klopp has pledged that Liverpool will not underestimate Samuel Chukwueze and his Villarreal teammates in the Champions League semi-finals.

Chukwueze’s Villarreal will be guests to Klopp’s side in the first leg of the last-four clash at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The Spanish outfit ousted heavyweights like Juventus and Bayern Munich to reach this stage of the competition.

And Klopp has insisted that Liverpool will not take them lightly.

“There might have been a slight advantage [for Villarreal] where Juve or Bayern might have underestimated them but that won’t happen with us. They want to be part of the final but it’s the same importance for us,” he said on Tuesday.

“They’re seventh in LaLiga. After they won the quarter-final with Bayern, in between they played Bilbao and Unai changed 11 times. Spain is obviously competitive.

“It’s a difficult league to be successful in but Unai shows he has a plan for each result 1-0 up, 1-0 down etc.

“We have properly analysed Villarreal. I have proper respect for Unai and them. I watched them properly and wow! Impressive.

“He is a detail-obsessed manager. Different ways to press and react to different results. A world-class coach doing an incredible job.”

Klopp added that he will be at the ‘top of his game’ on the touchline on Wednesday night as he called on fans to create a ‘similar atmosphere’ to that memorable night three years ago against Barcelona.

“We need a similar atmosphere and a big performance. I need to be on top of my game, so do the boys, that is fine,” he added.

“If a semi-final in this competition would be easy, something would be really wrong. I can’t wait for it, to be honest.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ucl-klopp-vows-not-to-underestimate-chukwueze-villarreal-teammates/

Arsenal are ready to listen to offers for record signing Nicolas Pepe as they look to generate funds for another summer spending spree, the Sun reports.

But the North London club are resigned to taking a massive hit on the Ivorian international who cost £72million when he joined from Lille three years ago.

The 26-year-old Côte d’Ivoire star has not started a Premier League game for more than six months and does not feature prominently in Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans.

And with their young squad already cut to the bone by a number of recent departures, Pepe is regarded as one of the few remaining fringe players who could generate any kind of fee.

He still has two years of his £140,000-a-week Arsenal contract to run and matching those wages could prove a major stumbling block for interested clubs.

But the player has become increasingly frustrated with his lack of first team action after becoming an almost permanent fixture on the subs’ bench this season.

And with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe and the on loan Reece Nelson all competing for the wide attacking positions, Arsenal are not short of options should Pepe leave.

Now it is understood that the club would be prepared to let him leave for a fee of around £25million before his value drops even further.

There were huge hopes for Pepe when owner Stan Kroenke dipped into his pocket to personally fund the player’s signing in the summer of 2019.

But he has been a major disappointment during his three seasons in England and would welcome a return to one of the major French teams or a move to Spain or Italy.

S[b]ource: https://www.completesports.com/arsenal-ready-to-listen-to-offers-for-72m-record-signing-pepe/[/b]

Former Nigerian winger, Tijani Babangida has warned the Super Eagles to be more determined if they are to overcome the trio of Sao Tome, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.



Recall that the Super Eagles failed to get past the Round of 16 in the last edition of the tournament that was hosted by Cameroon this year.

However, the three-time AFCON champions, who will be hoping to redeem their image after failing to also qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, will commenced their campaign against Sierra Leone in June.



In a chat with Completesports.com, the former Ajax star stated that the team must display that hunger and determination if they are to beat their opponents.

He said that no teams will come easy for the Super Eagles and that they must be ready for the tough challenges.
“I must confess to you that Africa football has grown beyond those days when you can regard a team minnows. The Super Eagles must do the needful if they are to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.



“No team will be afraid to face the Super Eagles regardless of the array of stars we parade in our disposal. But then, the team can restore that fear factor again if they impose their authority in games and finish up games as quickly as possible.



“The truth is that Sao Tome, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau will not be an easy ride for the Super Eagles.”

Source:' https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-2023-afcon-qualifiers-sao-tome-sierra-leone-guinea-bissau-wont-be-easy-ride-for-eagles-tijani-warns/

Former Manchester City and Manchester United striker, Andy Cole has praised the job Pep Guardiola has done at the Cityzens, but is adamant that the Spaniard must win a European cup with City to be seen as a true great.

Andy Cole is probably best known for winning the Treble with Manchester United in 1999, but he also put in a season in the blue half of Manchester, and acknowledges that despite their success in the last decade, the biggest trophy of them all is yet to see the inside of City’s trophy-cabinet.

Manchester City host Real Madrid tonight at the Etihad Stadium in the first leg of their 2021/22 Champions League semi-final fixture, and Cole amplifies the huge expectation on Guardiola.

“The Champions League has eluded Manchester City over the last few years,” Cole told bookmakers.co.uk.

“They have a tough game in this year’s semi-final with Real Madrid. Could it be the season they finally do it? It could well be.
“When you try to win the European Cup, you need a little bit of luck to go your way.”

Cole worked under arguably the greatest manager in history in Sir Alex Ferguson, and believes that Guardiola needs a Champions League win with City to even be considered in the same category.

“Yes, I would believe that Pep Guardiola has to win the Champions League to achieve that status,” Cole said when asked if the City boss needed another victory in the competition to be thought of as a great.

“Pep Guardiola is such a brilliant manager with what he has achieved in the game and by all accounts, he’s a fantastic manager to work for.

Cole went on to reiterate his belief that teams win Champions League trophies, not individuals, and points to Real Madrid’s success this season as proof that the sum is often greater than the parts.

“It’s not a case of man for man when you look at the squads,” the 1999 Champions League winner explained.

“It’s how they perform as a team out on the pitch. Especially, with what Real Madrid have done this season.

“I don’t believe anyone expected Madrid to get to the semis, but they pulled it out. All these clubs want the same thing. It should be a really good tie though.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/guardiola-must-win-champions-league-with-city-to-be-seen-as-great-cole-posits-ahead-man-city-vs-real-madrid/

Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey has been named Rangers men’s Young Player of the Year, reports Completesports.com.

The versatile recognised for his superlative displays for the Gers during the 2021/22 campaign.

Bassey, who is naturally a left-back has also slotted in well into the centre-position following injury to some of the regular centre-backs during the campaign.

The 22-year-old is the second Nigerian to scoop the award after Joe Aribo won it in the 2019/20 season.
” It’s just amazing to win this award and all the hard work I have put in over the past year now recognized,”Bassey told Rangers TV.
“It’s been amazing, all credit to my teammates and the manager for trusting and believing in me.

“My teammates push me everyday so it’s not just for me but for everyone there working hard with me.

“This is the part of the season where the rewards are given. We are still in the league, Scottish Cup and Europa League, so there is a lot to play for and we are just focused on taking each stage as it comes to get better, and be prepared for the challenges ahead.”

Striker Alfred Morelos was named Rangers’ player of the season, while James Tavernier was voted the players’ player of the year.

The goal of the campaign went to midfield man John Lundstram for his stunning strike against Borussia Dortmund in Europe.

The goal of the campaign went to midfield man John Lundstram for his stunning strike against Borussia Dortmund in Europe.

Nicola Docherty landed the women’s player of the year award and Jane Ross received the player’s player.

After returning from injury to become a mainstay in the Rangers midfield, Ryan Jack landed special recognition with the John Greig achievement award.

Elsewhere, Morelos won the top scorer award, Charlie McCann won academy player of the year and Cole McKinnon received the B-team players’ player gong.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/bassey-named-rangers-mens-young-player-of-the-year/

Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Antonio Rudiger will depart Chelsea in the summer after months of uncertainty surrounding the player’s future.

Rudiger is out of contract in a few months and has informed the Blues boss of his likely imminent departure.

The German defender has been linked with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain while his agent met with Barcelona officials last month over a potential summer move.

“The media is reporting things and the situation seems to be that he leaves the club,”Tuchel told Sky Sports.

“I have the feeling that we gave everything over many months, both me personally and the club, but unfortunately we were in a position where we could not fight any more because of the sanctions and Toni has said that he will leave the club.

“Without the sanctions we would have at least had the chance to keep fighting for him to stay but for many weeks now, our hands have been tied. I don’t know what the outcome would have been otherwise but this is his decision now. It’s not a nice one for us but we won’t take it personally.

“It will be challenging but no matter how much I love him and how big a role he played, there will be Chelsea without Toni Rudiger and we will find solutions.”

Rudiger joined Chelsea in 2017 from AS Roma and has gone on to make 127 appearances.

He helped the club win the Champions League, Europa League, FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/chelsea-boss-tuchel-confirms-rudigers-summer-departure/

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen’s dream of playing in the UEFA Champions League may put on hold any possibility of him joining Arsenal this summer.



The Nigerian international, who has been on the radar of the Gunners this season, has scored 16 goals from 28 appearances in all competitions for Napoli.

Arsenal have reportedly initiated contact with Osimhen, but remain far from convincing the Nigerian striker to join the club.



According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Super Eagles star’s desire to play in Europe’s elite competition remains a major reason why he has not committed himself to the deal.

Osimhen may also look to stay put and spend the next season playing in the Champions League with Napoli. At 23, he has a long career ahead of him and remains in no rush to make a decision.

Recall that he joined Napoli from Lille in 2020 for a club-record transfer fee of €80million. He became the most expensive player to be ever signed by the Naples-based side.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-puts-arsenal-deal-on-hold-amid-champions-league-uncertainty/

Former Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr is demanding $1m compensation fee for what he claimed unfair dismissal by the country’s Football Federation.

Rohr was sacked by the NFF on the eve of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations early this year.

The NFF agreed to pay the German’s salary until the end of his contract, which expires in December 2022.

The former Gabon and Niger coach however wrote a letter to FIFA demanding an additional sum for damages.

That claim was contested by the NFF, and a Fifa tribunal examining Rohr’s claim for damages concluded last week. However, a verdict is yet to be communicated to either party.

“Mr Rohr’s the only one talking in the media about a case that is already with Fifa,” a top NFF official told BBC Sport Africa.

“That matter is being handled by our legal department and we are waiting [for] a verdict this week or next week before making any official statement.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/rohr-demands-1m-compensation-from-nff/

The Nigeria Football Federation and Sports Ministry are yet to reach a common ground on the appointment of a new head coach for the Super Eagles, reports Completesports.com.

The NFF are looking to appoint a new head coach (a foreigner) for the Super Eagles this month.

earnt that the soccer house have settled for Portuguese José Peseiro, but the Sports Ministry are not happy with the choice.

The 62-year-old was previously designated as the new coach of the Super Eagles before contract negotiations broke down.

Three other candidates: Phillip Cocu, Laurent Blanc and Ernesto Valverde were also shortlisted for the post.

The Sports Ministry want a level playing field for all the shortlisted coaches and has directed the NFF to invite them to Nigeria for interview.

The NFF are however not willing to back down on their decision and ready to stick with Peseiro.

Source : https://www.completesports.com/nff-sports-ministry-disagree-over-peseiro/