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Leicester City forward Ademola Lookman is the latest player to arrive the Super Eagles Abuja camp, for the 2022 World Cup qualifying double header with the Black Stars of Ghana, Completesports.com reports.

Lookman’s arrival was confirmed in a video published on NFF TV on Wednesday morning.

This means 23 players are currently in Abuja for the crucial playoffs with the four-time AFCON winners.

And speaking after hitting camp, Lookman expressed his delight joining up with his new teammates.

“Hi guys, it’s Ademola Lookman here. Just arrive the camp, I’m happy to be here. And Naija mo ti de (I’ve arrived),” he said in the video clip.

The duo of John Noble and Almeria striker Umar Sadiq are the only two players still being expected.

It was earlier reported that Lookman was down with illness after missing Leicester’s weekend game.

But the former England junior international has recovered and will be looking forward to making his debut for Nigeria.


Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wcq-lookman-arrives-super-eagles-camp/

Ahead of Friday’s Ghana-Nigeria 2022 World Cup playoffs first leg match in Kumasi, Super Eagles coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has expressed satisfaction with the players’ response in camp and training session, and assures that the team is ready to go and do the nation proud, Completesports.com reports.

Eguavoen while speaking after the Super Eagles’ first training session in Abuja on Tuesday ahead of their Kumasi trip, says that the injury concerns in the squad have been adequately taken care of. He explains that Maduka Okoye who fell ill might still join the team, while Innocent Bonke has replaced injured Wilfred Ndidi.

“I am very satisfied, you can see that the boys are ready to go. The good thing is that they are in season, they are in form and their confidence is very high. No injury worries and I am very satisfied with what we saw in our first training session, one hour, 15 minutes,” Eguavoen said.


“I got a message from Maduka Okoye, that he is going to come but we have a backup in John Noble who is is going join us. If Maduka recovers and joins us there is no problem.but we have Noble as a backup.

“Hopefully, we’ll have two more training sessions before the game, anything more than that will be suicidal. It is more of tactical talks than physicality now. We are ready to go,” Eguavoen concluded.

The Super Eagles will host the Black Stars in the reverse fixture at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja on Tuesday, March 29 2022. The winner over the two legs will represent Africa, alongside four other qualified nations, at Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/eguavoen-satisfied-with-eagles-response-assures-team-is-ready-for-ghana-clashes/

Former Nigerian forward, Jonathan Akpoborie has reiterated that the Super Eagles have nothing to fear about ahead of the crucial clash against the Black Stars of Ghana in a 2022 World Cup qualifying playoff in Kumasi.



Recall that Ghana will host the first leg on March 25 before the reverse fixture on March 29 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

In an interview with Completesports.com, the former Wolfsburg striker stated that the Black Stars will not escape defeat in Kumasi this Friday.



He noted that the Super Eagles are not be intimated by their fans and antics on match day.

“The Super Eagles are poised for glory and I don’t see them falling to their West African neighbour in the World Cup playoffs.



*One thing is certain, the Black Stars of Ghana will not escape defeat in Kumasi because our players willing to rewrite history book.

” It is a tough task but I know Austin Eguavoen and the players will sacrifice everything to get the ticket.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-2022-wcq-playoffs-ghana-wont-escape-defeat-in-kumasi-akpoborie/

Ghana assistant coach George Boateng has stated that the technical crew have a solid plan in place to beat the Super Eagles to the 2022 FIFA World Cup ticket.

The Black Stars will face their eternal rivals in a two-legged qualifiers with the winner proceeding to Qatar 2022.

Otto Addo’s side commenced preparations for the two games on Monday evening with their first training.

They will on Tuesday (today) travel to Kumasi where they will hold two training sessions ahead of the first leg.

“It is an honour, a great privilege to be part of the technical team for the upcoming matches against Nigeria. Ghana is well placed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar and as a team, we are putting in place a very solid plan to come out victorious,” Boateng said.

George went on to ask for the support of Ghanaians ahead of the game.

“I would like to ask all Ghanaians to put their weight behind the team in this crucial moment. We are Ghana, we are the Black Stars, and we are capable.”

Friday’s encounter will take place at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi.

The return leg will be played four days later at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/boateng-we-have-a-solid-plan-to-beat-super-eagles/

Ghana head coach Otto Addo has named a 27-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, reports Completesports.com.

Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew is included in the squad despite testing positive for Covid-19.

Belgium-based duo of Denis Odoi and Elisha Owusu, Montari Kamahene of Ashdod FC in Israel and Dennis Korsah of Hearts of Oak were handed debut call-ups by Addo.

Roma youngster Felix Afena-Gyan is also included in the squad after he failed to make the cut to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Captain, Andre Ayew, misses out due to suspension.

Ghana will host the first leg at the Baba Yara Sports stadium, Kumasi on Friday before travelling to Abuja for the second leg next week Tuesday.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-w-c-playoffs-ghana-coach-addo-unveils-squad-to-face-super-eagles/

Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun and Ola Aina were among the early arrivals at the team’s camp in the prestigious The Well Carlton Hotel and Apartments, Asokoro, Abuja.

The duo of Semi Ajayi and Frank Onyeka are also in camp.

Their arrivals was confirmed on the team’s official Twitter handle on Monady morning.

“Update! 5 players in camp…William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka. #SoarSuperEagles,”reads the tweet.

“More players are expected in camp on Monday as the Super Eagles begin preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs against the Black Stars of Ghana.

The Super Eagles will face the Black Stars in the first leg at the Baba Yara Stadium
, Kumasi on Friday.

The reverse fixture is billed for the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja four days later.

The winner of the tie will be in Qatar for the World Cup later this year.

Source: ompletesports.com/real-madrid-boss-ancelotti-takes-responsibility-for-barcelona-defeat/

Black Stars of Ghana are set to be without Jordan Ayew for the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs with Nigeria, after the Crystal Palace striker tested positive for coronavirus, according to ghanaweb.com.

Ayew was left out of Palace‘s squad in Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final game against Everton at Selhurst Park.

The 30-year-old was initially named in the Palace squad, but was dropped after tests confirmed he was positive.

The period of time an individual must spend in self-isolation varies, but, per NHS, Premier League players are expected to self isolate for 10 days.

However, it is possible for an individual to come out of self-isolation after five days, provided they have two negative lateral flow tests, 24 hours apart.

The stipulated date however means Ayew is likely to miss the two legged ties with the Super Eagles.

Following the latest setback, Black Stars will now be without the Ayew brothers for the crucial games after Andre Ayew was ruled out due to suspension.

The stipulated date however means Ayew is likely to miss the two legged ties with the Super Eagles.

Following the latest setback, Black Stars will now be without the Ayew brothers for the crucial games after Andre Ayew was ruled out due to suspension.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wcq-blow-for-black-stars-as-ayew-tests-positive-for-covid-19-ahead-ghana-vs-nigeria/

Super Eagles interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen has opened up on how he tried to convinced former Aston Villa striker, Gabriel Agbonlahor to represent Nigeria ahead of the Three Lions of England.



Eguavoen made this known in an interview with Elegbete TV Sports, where he said that Agbonlahor, who was in top form at the time snubbed him in 2006, during his (Eguavoen) first stint as interim boss of the national team.

Recall that Agbonlahor, who was born in Birmingham, was eligible to wear the colours of the Super Eagles as well as England and Scotland.



Eguavoen, who took the Super Eagles to the last Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon where the team crashed out in the last 16 to Tunisia, said he was asked why he wanted to see Agbonlahor, and after explaining himself to the club’s officials, they said, “okay they’ll get back to me.

“When Agbonlahor was in Aston Villa, I went to England, I tried to reach him on the phone before going to Villa because it’s not a place you just go to, Aston Villa Stadium in Birmingham, and start looking for a player,” Eguavoen said to Elegbete TV Sports, where he also spoke on many other issues concerning the Super Eagles.

“They got back to me only to say Agbonlahor is not ready to see anybody at this point in time, maybe some other time.”

“Take for example you invite Agbonlahor from Aston Villa, you’d look stupid if he doesn’t show up, so you must engage people first, discuss and find out if it’s something they want to get into or not,” he added.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/eguavoen-how-i-tried-to-convince-agbonlahor-to-represent-nigeria/

Former Italy striker, Antonio Cassano has revealed that he had doubts about Super Eagles Osimhen’s quality when he came to the Serie A, but he’s been proven wrong game after game with Napoli.



Recall that the Nigerian international netted a brace in Napoli’s 2-1 away win over Hellas Verona at the weekend.

However, Cassano stated this while speaking on Bobo TV via Tutto Napoli.



“The header scored by Osimhen is incredible, it looked like a missile.

”Napoli went to a tremendous stadium and played a great match as a great team that wants to stay connected to the others. Juventus suffered more with Sampdoria than Napoli with Hellas.

“Osimhen? I did not believe in his potential, I had many doubts and instead with the passing of the games, I can say that I realized that he can become a top player in the world,” Cassano said.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/osimhens-quality-at-napoli-is-unquestionable-cassano/

Sparta Rotterdam coach, Henk Fraser has hailled Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye’s rising ‘mental strength and development’ playing for the Dutch Eredivisie side, Completesports.com reports.

Okoye put on an impressive performance at the weekend against Go Ahead Eagles, keeping another clean sheet as De Kasteelheren (The Castle Lords) won the game 1-0 at the Sparta Stadium to keep their hopes of surviving relegation threat alive.

Speaking during his post-match news conference, Fraser lauded Okoye for his overall performance so far this season.

“He has it in him to be the very best because his foundation is very grounded,” Fraser told reporters.

“Over time you see his mental strength and development increase and it is helping him.

“He has done well this season enough to say he is in the debate of the best young keepers in Europe at the moment.”

Okoye has featured in 20 of the Sparta’s 24 Eredivisie games so far this term. He has conceded 29 goals and recorded 4 clean sheets.

Sparta are currently 17th in the 18-team Dutch Eredivisie, with two games in hand. Their next match is against home side, NEC, on Saturday March 19, 2022.

S[b]ource: https://www.completesports.com/sparta-rotterdam-coach-fraser-hails-okoyes-steady-development/[/b]

Former Nigerian midfielder, Garba Lawal has warned the interim coach of the Super Eagles, Austine Eguavoen to beware of Ghana’s tactics and antics ahead of the fast-approaching 2022 World Cup qualifying playoff.



The Black Stars will host the Super Eagles in Accra on March 25 before the reverse fixture slated for Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on March 29.

n a chat with Completesports.com, the former Roda JC star stated that Ghana may want to frustrate the Super Eagles not just with their home supporters but also with their unwelcome approach in a bid to actualise their goal.



He however, noted that the team must be mentally and psychologically prepared to overcome such antics from their West African neighbour.

“The rivalry between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Ghana have really come a long way and this very game that pit both teams together will even make it more fierce.

“However, Ghana may want to approach the game with a very different tactics and antics in order to achieve their utmost goal o qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.

This is where the Super Eagles must have to be careful and watchful even though we have the players that can get the job done. But then we have to help the players Psychologically and mentally before the game because the Ghana may focus more on their fans to achieve their aim.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-2022-wcq-playoff-beware-of-black-stars-antics-garba-warns-eguavoen-eagles/

Black Stars of Ghana players invited for this month’s 2022 World Cup qualifying play-offs with Nigeria will start arriving in the country on Sunday March 20.

This is according to top Ghanaian football website, ghanasoccernet.com.
The Ghana FA is yet to announce the Black Stars squad for the doubleheader with just a few days for the team to open camp.

Black Stars interim coach Otto Addo has already submitted the squad to the Ghana Football Association for review.

The squad is dominated by players who featured at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

It is gathered that the Black Stars will officially open camp on Monday March 21, 2022 in Cape Coast.

The four-time AFCON winners will host Nigeria on March 25 in the first leg at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium

The second leg comes off four days time inside the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wcq-black-stars-players-to-arrive-camp-sunday/

Odion Ighalo inspired new club Al Hilal to a 1-0 win at Al Raed in the Saudi Arabia Pro League on Sunday.

Ighalo provided the assist for Mali striker Moussa Marega to seal the winner in the 89th minute.

Al Hilal have now recorded their sixth consecutive wins losing 4-0 to Egypt’s Al Ahly in the FIFA Club World Cup in February.

It was Ighalo’s second assist of the 2021/2022 campaign in the Saudi Arabia topflight.

The win took Al Hilal to second place on 46 points, 11 points behind leaders Al Ittihad but with the former having played two games less.

Since joining Al Hilal from Al Shabab, Ighalo has scored four goals in five league games.

He is part of the Super Eagles squad that will take on the Black Stars of Ghana in the 2022 World Cup qualifying play-offs this month.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ighalo-bags-assist-as-al-hilal-claim-away-win-to-keep-title-hopes-alive/

The first leg of the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff between Ghana and Nigeria may be played at a neutral venue, Completesports.com reports.

The Cape Coast Stadium which has been initially approved for the game is in bad state at the moment.

There have been complaints about the pitch in Cape Coast after it hosted an Independence Day parade on 6 March to mark Ghana’s 65th anniversary.

There have been renovation works on the field, but it looks like it will not be in good condition for the highly anticipated encounter.

The Nigeria Football Federation filed a petition to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on the bad state of the pitch last week and a CAF/FIFA inspection delegation is now in Ghana this week to follow up on this.

CAF had earlier rejected an application by Ghana for the match to be moved to the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

The match may be moved to a neutral venue with Benin and Morocco suitable options.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-w-cup-playoff-ghana-may-host-super-eagles-at-neutral-venue/

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Justice Christopher has died at the age of 40.



Christopher, who captained the Flying Eagles to the 2001 Africa Youth Championship in Egypt, was reported to have died on Wednesday morning in his Racheal Hotel, Jos, a complex he named to honour his late sister.

Recall that he made his debut for the Super Eagles in the same year during 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and racked up a total of 11 caps for the Super Eagles, which include an Africa Cup of Nations Appearance and a World Cup appearance, all in 2002.



The 40-year-old played professional football both in Nigeria and abroad, before retiring at Nassarawa United.

He began his senior career at Katsina United in 1999. Following spells at Sharks and Bendel Insurance, he moved to Belgium in 2001, when he signed for Royal Antwerp.

He also enjoyed spells with Levski Sofia in Bulgaria, Swedish club Trelleborgs FF, Alania Vladikavkaz in Russia and Herfølge BK in Denmark.He also enjoyed spells with Levski Sofia in Bulgaria, Swedish club Trelleborgs FF, Alania Vladikavkaz in Russia and Herfølge BK in Denmark.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has extended their condolence message to the family of late Christopher .



In its message via their official twitter handle, NFF described his death as devasting.



“We are devastated to hear of the sudden passing away of former @NGSuperEagles midfielder Justice Christopher early on Wednesday morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and football community in Nigeria. May his soul Rest In Peace.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ex-super-eagles-star-christopher-dies-at-40/

Ghana interim head coach Otto Addo is expected to name eight new players in his squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

According to GHANAsoccernet.com, new faces like Antoine Elorm Semenyo, Leeroy Owusu, Felix Afena-Gyan, Elisha Owusu amongst others will be included in the Ghana team for the crucial two-legged tie.

The Black Stars list is expected to be announced later this week.
Ghana

Ghana will host the first leg tie at the Cape Coast Stadium on Friday, March 25.

The Super Eagles will welcome the Black Stars to the Moshood Abiola Satdium, Abuja for the second leg four days later.

Super Eagles interim technical adviser Augustine Eguavoen released his 32-man provisional squad for the qualifiers last week.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wcq-playoff-ghana-coach-to-name-eight-new-players-for-super-eagles-clash/

Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo was on the score sheet as Al Hilal defeated table-topper, Al Ittihad 2-1 in the Saudi League on Tuesday.



The Nigerian international who was making his fourth appearance for Al Hilal, has scored four goals in the league this season.

He was a constant threat in the attack for the host and his effort eventually paid off as he netted the second goal for the host in the 68th minute.



Salem Al-Dawsari had given Al Hilal the lead in the 16th minute before
Haroune Camara leveled parity for the visitor in the 58th minute.

Ighalo, who has been named for this month’s 2022 W’Cup playoff against Ghana by interim coach of the Super Eagles, Austine Eguavoen, was later substituted in the 90th minute for Al-Shehri.

The victory means Al Hilal sit 4th on the league table on 43 points while Al Ittihad remain at the top on 54 points.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wcup-playoff-ighalo-sends-ghana-warning-scores-in-al-hilal-win-over-al-ittihad/

Super Eagles interim technical adviser Augustine Eguavoen wants Victor Moses to return to the team, reports Completesports.com.

Moses retired from international football following the Super Eagles ouster from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

There have been several efforts to make the winger rescind his decision, but he has remain adamant on his decision not to play for the three-time African champions.

“Even Victor Moses. I will break the news. We want the best for the country. Victor Moses is someone I also adore and I’ve been looking for ways to get him into the team,” Eguavoen told journalists on Monday.

“We have spoken but he’s not part of this game but hopefully as time goes on because we want the best.

“Whether we like it or not, I think Victor Moses will bring some value. But right now he’s playing in that region (Russia), so that one is settled.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/eguavoen-craves-for-moses-return-to-super-eagles/

Super Eagles interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has explained his decision to include Ogenyi Onazi in the provisional squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Playoff against the Black Stars of Ghana.

Onazi is one of the seven players on the standby list for the two-legged play-off.

The 29-year-old has not featured for the Super Eagles since 2018 has been plagued by injuries in recent years.

The midfielder is also yet to make an appearance for his Saudi club Al-Adalah.

“Onazi, good player. Whether he’s still good and can play at that level, we don’t know,” Eguavoen told journalists.

“But that’s why I said to pacify everybody, to ensure there’s harmony here, put him on the standby. While he’s on the standby, I have the final say.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/eguavoen-reveals-reason-for-onazi-recall/

AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori has admitted that Victor Osimhen is a strong and fast striker following Sunday’s top of the table clash at Napoli on Sunday.

Tomori, alongside his defensive partner Pierre Kalulu, had their hands full containing tireless Osimhen.Milan eventually triumphed thanks to an Olivier Giroud second half strike which took the Rossoneri to the top on the log.

But speaking after the hard fought tie, Tomori confessed that Osimhen is a strong striker to contain.

“Osimhen is a really strong striker and fast too, Napoli are a strong side,” the former Chelsea defender said in a video published on Milan’s Twitter handle.
“Pierre Kalulu (defensive partner) and myself, the whole defence and the whole team, we played a great game.

“We are happy but we still have 10 games to go and we have to play like we played today (Sunday) and raise the bar too.”

Following Napoli’s defeat they remain third on 57 points, three points behind leaders Milan.

S[b]ource: https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-is-strong-and-fast-milan-defender-tomori-admits/


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Former Nigeria international Samson Siasia has faulted the Super Eagles 25-man list for this month’s crucial 2022 World Cup qualifiers against the Black Stars of Ghana.

Last week, interim coach Austine Eguavoen released the names of the 25 players invited for the two legged games while seven players are on stand-by.

Among those named in the 25-man squad are Akinkunmi Amoo and Ademola Lookman who got a maiden call-up and long term injury absentee Oghenekaro Etebo.

While Ogenyi Onazi, who has not been invited to the Eagles for almost over two years, was named on the standby list.

But in his reaction, former Eagles coach Siasia posited that it is not the right list.

“You need to play people that understand themselves if you bring new ones it becomes difficult for them to understand themselves and play the partner you want to play,” he said on Brila FM.

“For me it’s not the right decision to bring new players, you are better off with the ones you know already that have been playing together and understand themselves because you have three days to practice before you go to Ghana. So for me this is not the right list.“

The first leg between the Black Stars and the Eagles will hold on 25th March in Cape Coast while the reverse fixture will take place four days later in Abuja.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wcq-siasia-faults-super-eagles-list-for-ghana-clash/

WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury says his clash with Dillian Whyte is like “the Ferrari racing the Vauxhall Corsa”.

Fury would put his world title on the line against mandatory challenger Whyte
on April 23.

The bout is scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium in London.

Although Fury has labelled Whyte as “a dangerous” fighter, the 33-year-old feels that he should “look like Muhammed Ali” against the fellow British fighter.

“He’s no different to any other fighter in my career. They are all dangerous, got a puncher’s chance and want to win, and they know that riches and glory await victory,”he told reporters at a press conference.

“If I can’t look like Muhammed Ali against this guy, then I’m not as good as I think I am. I will chop him to bits, not a problem. I will smash his face right in. You are going to see a boxing masterclass. You are going to see the difference in levels. You are going to see the Ferrari racing the Vauxhall Corsa.

“There are levels to this game. I’m not saying that Dillian Whyte isn’t capable of winning a fight, he’s won nearly 30, but there is a gulf in class.”

Promoter Frank Warren said that Whyte was “disgraceful” for not making an appearance at Tuesday’s media briefing.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/fury-predicts-easy-victory-against-whyte/

Anthony Nwakaeme was an unused as Trabzonspor defeated Antalyaspor 2-0 to reach the semi-finals of the Turkish Cup on Tuesday.

Goals in each half from Edin Visca and Berat Ozdemir, sealed Trabzonspor passage into the last four.

Visca opened scoring in the 12th minute before Ozdemir added the second goal with just a minute left.

Trabzonspor will now meet either Besiktas or Kayserispor in a two-legged semi-final clash.

Nwakaeme, who has scored 10 goals and provided nine assists in 25 appearances in all competitions this season, is yet to feature in the Turkish Cup this term.

Wednesday’s other quarter-final will see Sivasspor, that parade Nigerian duo Leke James, and Olanrewaju Kayode, take on Ahmed Musa’s Fatih Karagumruk.

While Chidozie Awaziem’s Alanyaspor will host Gaziantep on Thursday in another quarter-final fixture.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/turkish-cup-nwakaeme-benched-as-trabzonspor-beat-antalyaspor-to-reach-semi-finals/

Turkish Super Lig outfit Fenerbahce will make a move for Peter Olayinka this summer, reports Completesports.com.

Olayinka caught the attention of the Yellow Canaries during last week’s UEFA Conference League clash against his club Slavia Prague.

The Nigeria international put up a fine display as the Czech Republic club knocked out Fenerbahce from the competition.

According to Turkish online news outlet, Spor, the Turkish giants will seek to lure away the versatile forward from Slavia Prague at the end of the current campaign.

“Saying goodbye to Europe by being eliminated by Slavia Prague in the Conference League, Fenerbahce caught sight of Peter Olayinka, the left-winger of the opponents,” the website wrote.

“It was learned that coach İsmail Kartal commented on the 26-year-old Nigerian as ‘a complete team player.’

Source: https://www.completesports.com/fenerbahce-line-up-bid-for-olayinka/

Napoli will demand £100m from any club interested in signing forward Victor Osimhen this summer.

Premier League giants Manchester United are rumoured to be interested in bringing the Nigeria international to the Old Trafford this summer, but have been priced out of a move for the striker.

Napoli parted with £70m to sign Osimhen from Ligue 1 club Lille two years ago and are not prepared to let him leave on the cheap.


Aside Manchester United, Newcastle United are also said to be interested in the 23-yeae-old.

Osimhen has scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 22 appearances for Napoli across all competitions this season.

The forward, who is under contract at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium until June 2025, scored 18 goals in 38 appearances for Lille before netting 21 times in 51 games for Napoli.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/napoli-want-100m-for-osimhen/

Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti heaped plaudits on his players following their hard-fought 2-1 win against Lazio on Sunday.

Fabian Ruiz netted deep into stoppage time to hand all three points to the Partenopei.

Spalletti praised his side for fighting hard to win the game.

“The team played good football in the second half, and it’s true that Pedro’s wondergoal got Lazio on level terms, but we had numerous chances before that, the goal that was disallowed and the one that was cleared off the line,” Spalletti told DAZN.

“I think overall the team deserved the victory. I want to underline that everyone keeps moaning that this team doesn’t have character, it’s soft, it’s sluggish, I want to hear them say that now.

“This team definitely has character. People said we couldn’t draw with Cagliari, but they went to beat Torino away from home today.

“We lost to Barcelona after getting a result at Camp Nou, it was my fault because I told them to take that approach.

“I see an ugly atmosphere around this team, people trying to say we lack character. I want to see them say that now.

“There are many games, but this team has potential, it has character and showed it tonight. This is not the same Lazio that we beat earlier this season, because they play good football, they work together to press and attack you, so we were wide awake.

“People go take Fabian off, take him off, take him off: I leave him on and he scores! This is a team challenging for a high level of the table, that has generally played good football. I don’t know what people try to drag us into, perhaps because they are afraid to face opponents like this with open football, but my players are not afraid.

“We got knocked down, we got straight back on our feet again and poured forward to find the winner. I don’t think it’s a bad thing to say this was a deserved victory.”

Sourtce: https://www.completesports.com/napoli-boss-spalletti-hails-victory-over-lazio/

Paul Onuachu netted his 16th goal in the Belgian Jupiler this season as Genk defeated visiting Kortrijk 2-0 on Sunday.

Onuachu also had am assist as he set up Black Stars of Ghana forward Joseph Paintsil for Genk’s second goal.

It was Paintsil’s first goal for Genk since his brace in the Belgian Cup defeat to Club Brugge on 1st of December 2021.

While 19th September 2021 was the last time Paintsil scored in the Belgian league in a 2-1 away win. He has just two league goals this season.

Sunday’s fixture against Kortrijk, Onuachu put Genk 1-0 ahead in the 17th minute before providing the assist for his Ghanaian teammate just five minutes after the opening goal.

Onuachu has now taken his tally to 18 in 33 games in all competitions this campaign.And following the win, Genk maintain eight place on 44 points – Europa League play-off spot – in the league table.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/onuachu-bags-16th-league-goal-helps-black-stars-striker-end-goal-drought-in-genks-home-win/

Paul Onuachu netted his 16th goal in the Belgian Jupiler this season as Genk defeated visiting Kortrijk 2-0 on Sunday.

Onuachu also had am assist as he set up Black Stars of Ghana forward Joseph Paintsil for Genk’s second goal.

It was Paintsil’s first goal for Genk since his brace in the Belgian Cup defeat to Club Brugge on 1st of December 2021.

While 19th September 2021 was the last time Paintsil scored in the Belgian league in a 2-1 away win. He has just two league goals this season.

Sunday’s fixture against Kortrijk, Onuachu put Genk 1-0 ahead in the 17th minute before providing the assist for his Ghanaian teammate just five minutes after the opening goal.

Onuachu has now taken his tally to 18 in 33 games in all competitions this campaign.

And following the win, Genk maintain eight place on 44 points – Europa League play-off spot – in the league table.

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The Spanish Players’ Union have accused Huesca of committing procedural breaches in the handling of their case against Nigeria midfielder Kelechi Nwakali, reports Completesports.com.

Nwakali returned late from the 2021 Africa Cup in Cameroon and Huesca have opened up disciplinary proceedings against him.

The club have also stopped the midfielder from coming to the training ground.Nwakali claimed he missed Nigeria’s second round clash against Tunisia at the AFCON due to illness and also stated that the doctor who treated him advised him not to fly and to keep testing until his symptoms cleared.

The players’ union claimed the player notified Huesca about the development.

According to Football Espana, the former Arsenal player was offered a renewal at the beginning of this season but decided against accepting due to his poor relationship with the powers-that-be at the club. Huesca, however, were keen for him to renew and now want to sack him to avoid paying him for the rest of the season.

The player is a subject of interest from clubs in Spain, Premier League and Sky Bet Championship.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/spanish-players-union-huesca-clash-over-nwakali/

Watford boss Roy Hodgson wants Josh King and Ismaila Sarr to take attacking burden off Emmanuel Dennis.

Dennis has shoulder goal scoring responsibility for the Hornets since arriving the club from Belgian Pro League outfit Club Brugge last summer.

The Nigerian has scored nine goals and provided five assists.

Another goal in Wednesday’s (today) Premier League clash against Crystal Palace
would see him become the fourth Watford player to reach double figures in a Premier League season after Troy Deeney, Odion Ighalo and Gerard Deulofeu.

But boss Hodgson, whose side are now four points from safety after his first win in charge, insists the fit-again Ismaila Sarr and Josh King can thrive in the Hornets’ remaining 14 games.

Asked about Watford’s dependence on Dennis, Hodgson said: “I think that’s pretty much the case whichever club you look at outside the top ones, who do seem to spread goals throughout the whole of the team.

“Once you go below the second half of the table that’s basically what you can say about most teams.

“Most teams have probably got one guy who can be regarded as the main provider and main scorer.

But I do think we’ve got three here who are capable of putting that cloak on their shoulders.

“Sarr has been out injured for a long time and maybe he can come in and take some of that burden on his shoulders.

Josh King is another proven scorer as well, so in actual fact I’m optimistic that there are goals and assists coming from more than just Dennis.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/watford-boss-hodgson-challenges-sarr-king-to-emulate-dennis/

Manchester United midfielder, Bruno Fernandes has claimed that fellow teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo, has a smell for goal.



Fernandes said Ronaldo has a reputation for doing things differently in the Champions League, adding that the former Juventus and Real Madrid star has won the tournament many times.

He said this on Tuesday during his pre-match press conference ahead of Man United’s Champions League round of 16 first-leg tie with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.Cristiano has won this competition many times,” Fernandes said.

“Everyone knows in this kind of competition he has that smell for the goal, he has that smell for doing different things.

“But in the same way, we have Rapha (Raphael Varane), who has won the Champions League four times and is a player capable of doing it.



“When Cristiano won the first one, he probably was not the most influential player or had more experience in that competition (than others) and he won it anyway, and he helped the team win the Champions League.



“Being Cristiano or another one, the most important for us is winning the game and going through this stage,” he said.
“Cristiano has won this competition many times,” Fernandes said.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/fernandes-ronaldo-still-hungry-to-win-champions-league/

Leicester City are looking to tie Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi to a new contract, reports Completesports.com.

Ndidi has been linked with a number of clubs in Europe following his impressive displays since linking up with up with the Foxes from Belgian Pro League KRC Genk.

The 25-year-old is currently touted as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.Aston Villa are rumoured to be preparing a bid in the region of £50m for the player.

However, according to Football Insider, the Foxes are eager to agree fresh terms with one of their most prized assets.

Although he has a contract until the end of 2023-24, his last renewal was all the way back in August 2018 when he did not possess the reputation that he has since forged for club and country.

With Leicester already resigned to cashing in on Youri Tielemans this summer, it appears highly unlikely that they will consider any bids for the midfielder during the next transfer window.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/leicester-city-line-up-new-deal-for-ndidi/