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European champions Chelsea are in early informal talks with Real Madrid to re-sign former star player Eden Hazard.

Hazard returning to Chelsea is a rumour that refuses to go away as his struggles at Madrid continue.

The diminutive winger has missed more games (57) than he’s played in for Carlo Ancelotti’s men (51) as injuries have plagued him since moving to the Bernabeu.

His inability to replicate the form he showed at Chelsea has led to speculation that his time in Spain will come to an end sooner rather than later.

And a reunion at Stamford Bridge has been tipped as the winger’s most likely destination.

And according to Spanish outlet El Nacional Chelsea are in early informal talks with Madrid to re-sign Hazard.

And Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is ‘increasingly convinced’ that the 30-year old will prove he is one of the best in the world again if he makes the return to the Premier League.

Thomas Tuchel made it clear he was a big fan of Hazard before last season’s Champions League semi-final clash between Chelsea and Real Madrid.

“He is a top quality player and a key player for many years at this club and this league, the hardest in the world.

“So consistent. I have the biggest respect for him. He is a big player, we have many people here who know him well.

“He was a key player for this club now he plays for Real Madrid.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/chelsea-in-early-informal-talks-with-madrid-to-re-sign-hazard/

Germany on Monday confirmed their place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after a 4-0 victory over North Macedonia.

The four-time World Cup winners are the first side to qualify for next year’s tournament other than the hosts Qatar, who qualified automatically.

A double from Timo Werner, sandwiched between second half goals from Chelsea teammate Kai Havertz and starlet Jamal Musiala, secured Germany a resounding win in Skopje.

It leaves them safely through from UEFA qualifying Group J with an eight-point lead over Romania with two games to play.

Elsewhere in European qualifying action, Wales took a vital step forward as they look to secure second in Group E with a nervy 1-0 win over Estonia in Tallinn.

Kiefer Moore’s early goal proved the difference between the two sides as the hosts squandered a couple of chances to draw level.

It leaves Wales’ fate in their own hands, level on points with the Czech Republic but with a game in hand, with Belgium likely to top of the group.

However striker Moore will now miss Wales’ next game against Belarus after the referee deemed a raised arm to be worthy of a yellow card as he jostled for position in the box.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/germany-become-first-team-to-qualify-for-2022-world-cup/

Leon Balogun can’t hide his excitement after scoring his first ever goal for the Super Eagles, Completesports.com reports.

The centre-back opened scoring for the West Africans in the 29th minute of Sunday’s 2-0,win against Central African Republic at the Stade Omnisports, Japoma, Douala.


Balogun, who made his 40th appearance for the Super Eagles in the encounter volleyed home after a superb cross from Chidozie Awaziem.

Napoli forward Victor Osimhen scored Nigeria’s second goal late in the first half.


“My first goal in seven years! I have been looking forward so much for it and I am happy it finally came, and on a day like this,” The Rangers of Scotland defender said after the game.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/balogun-relishes-first-super-eagles-goal-in-seven-years/

Former Nigerian goalkeeper, Andrew Aikhomogbe has lauded the performance of the Super Eagles in their 2-0 win over the Central Africa Republic in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

In a chat with Completesports.com from his base in Cairo, Egypt, Aikhomogbe described the victory as a perfect respond to their 1-0 loss at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos four days ago.

Leon Balogun and Victor Osimhen goals in the first half was enough to give Nigeria the three points and maintain their grip at the top of Group C table on nine points.

“There is no doubt that today’s performance is better than what we saw at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. I am delighted that they have bounced back to winning ways by beating the Central Africa Republic 2-0 in Douala, Cameroon.

“It is the perfect way to respond to the shock defeat the team encountered in Lagos and I believe they have made a big statement that the loss was just a mistake.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-2022-wcq-car-0-2-nigeria-perfect-way-to-respond-aikhomogbe/

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye has revealed that he still has a lot to learn in colours of the senior national team despite been selected as number one in previous games.

He stated this in an interview with BBC, where he said that it was a privilege for him to make his debut against Brazil in an international friendly.

Okoye said that it was a lifetime opportunity and was grateful to God to have grabbed the chance with bold arms.

The Sparta Rotterdam goalie also revealed that he hope to use the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations as a platform to attract the attention of clubs in the Premier League.

“I’ve experienced for myself that playing for a club and then for your country is a whole other thing. I don’t see myself as the Nigeria’s number one yet, I have to work on a lot of things before I will be the undisputed number one.”

“These tournaments are going to be a huge platform for players like me. My ultimate goal is to hopefully play in the Premier League. The most important thing for me now is that I can play my games as a number one and develop myself as a keeper, and that is something I can do in the Eredivisie at Sparta Rotterdam,” Okoye added.

[b]Source: https://www.completesports.com/im-not-yet-super-eagles-undisputed-number-one-goalkeeper-mad[/b]uka-okoye/

Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini has blasted racist abuse of Victor Osimhen, Kalidou Koulibaly and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa by Fiorentina fans.

The trio were racially abused by Fiorentina fans during Sunday’s 2-1 away win at the Florence club.

Osimhen and Koulibaly also detailed on social media the racist abuse they received during the game.
“We need laws and rules that are applied,” said Chiellini, 37.

“I was ashamed, as an Italian and a Tuscan, also because Italy is not a racist country for me.

“Something more must be done, otherwise from outside we give a bad image of ourselves.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/italy-captain-chiellini-ashamed-of-racist-abuse-of-osimhen-koulibaly-anguissa/

William Troost-Ekong says the Super Eagles are wary of the threat posed by Central African Republic ahead of their meeting on Thursday, Completesports.com reports.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying matchday three encounter will take place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Super Eagles top Group C with six points from their opening two games, while Les Fauves are bottom of the group with just one point.

Despite the array of stars in the Super Eagles and the position of Raoul Savoy’s men on the table, Troost-Ekong insists they won’t underrate their opponent.

“We have seen the video of their last two games against Cape Verde and Liberia. They are a tough and physical side,” the defender told a press conference on Wednesday.

“We know it is not going to be an easy game that is why we are preparing well. We are also not going to underrate them.”

The Super Eagles will be playing their third consecutive game in Lagos and Balogun is looking forward to the team putting up a good show for the fans.

“It will be nice to play in front of Lagos fans again. We know Lagosians are passionate about football and it’s an added pressure to play here, but we will do our best to make them happy.

“We are also looking forward to beating them on Sunday in Douala.

By Adeboye Amosu

Source: https://www.completesports.com/troost-ekong-super-eagles-wont-underrate-tough-car-side/[/b]

Ola Aina has backed Super Eagles teammate Victor Osimhen to challenge for the top goal scorer award in the Serie A this season.

Osimhen has been impressive for Napoli so far this campaign after struggling last season.

The 22-year-old has found the back of the net four times in six league appearances.

And he has scored seven goals in eight outings in all competitions in the on-going season for Luciano Spalletti’s side.

And Aina, who features for Torino in the Italian top-flight, says Osimhen has overcome his struggles from last season.

Aina said on Brila FM:”I think he can do very well, the first season was stop and start for him, difficult, the whole COVID thing.

“But I think this season as you can see he has come into his stride and I think he can do very well in the league and can challenge for that top goal scorer of the season.”

Aina and Osimhen are expected to be in action for the Eagles when they face Central African Republic, in Thursday’s Group C 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Lagos.

They will then travel to Douala, Cameroon, for the reverse fixture.

The Eagles top the group on six points after winning their opening two games against Liberia and Cape Verde.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/aina-osimhen-can-challenge-for-serie-a-top-goal-scorer-award/

21 players have arrived Nigeria’a Eko Hotel camp ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying double-header against Les Fauves of Central African Republic, reports

The Super Eagles will face Raoul Savoy’s men on Thursday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Three days later, the three-time African champions will take on same opponent in Douala, Cameroon.

Napoli of Italy forward Victor Osimhen and Leicester City’s Victor Osimhen breezed into the team’s camp on Tuesday afternoon to increase the number of players to 21.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wcq-super-eagles-camp-bubbles-with-21-players-after-osimhen-iheanacho-omeruo-others-arrival/

Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike has been named the recipient of the 2021 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award, the WNBA announced today. This is the third straight Sportsmanship Award for Ogwumike, making her the only player to win the award in three consecutive years.

The Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award is presented each season to a player who exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court, including ethical behavior, fair play and integrity. The award is named for the late Kim Perrot, who helped guide the Houston Comets to their first two WNBA championships before passing away in August 1999 after a seven-month battle with cancer.

Ogwumike received 19 votes from a national panel of 49 sportswriters and broadcasters. Atlanta Dream center/forward Elizabeth Williams finished second (eight). Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins and Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner (four votes each) tied for third place. Minnesota Lynx center Sylvia Fowles, Indiana Fever guard Danielle Robinson and Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson all received three votes. Rounding out the votes were Connecticut Sun guard Briann January (two), Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd (one), Chicago Sky guard Allie Quigley (one), and New York Liberty guard Sami Whitcomb (one).

A member of the W25, Ogwumike has been an invaluable leader for the WNBA community. Over the last two years, Ogwumike, as President of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, has spearheaded a new and groundbreaking Collective Bargaining Agreement and led much of the league’s social justice efforts. She also previously won the 2018 season-long Community Assist Award for her dedication to community service efforts.

The six-time WNBA All-Star and former Most Valuable Player, Ogwumike led the Sparks with 14.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in 18 games. Ogwumike is a five-time All-WNBA selection and won a championship with the Sparks in 2016. She was also named the 2012 WNBA Rookie of the Year, which followed her selection by Los Angeles as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft.

Below are the voting results for the 2021 WNBA Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award and a list of all-time winners.

2021 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award Results

Player Team Votes
Nneka Ogwumike Los Angeles Sparks 19
Elizabeth Williams Atlanta Dream 8
Ariel Atkins Washington Mystics 4
Brianna Turner Phoenix Mercury 4
Sylvia Fowles Minnesota Lynx 3
Danielle Robinson Indiana Fever 3
A’ja Wilson Las Vegas Aces 3
Briann January Connecticut Sun 2
Jewell Loyd Seattle Storm 1
Allie Quigley Chicago Sky 1
Sami Whitcomb New York Liberty 1
Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award Winners

2021 Nneka Ogwumike Los Angeles Sparks
2020 Nneka Ogwumike Los Angeles Sparks
2019 Nneka Ogwumike Los Angeles Sparks
2018 Sue Bird Seattle Storm
2017 Sue Bird Seattle Storm
2016 Tamika Catchings Indiana Fever
2015 DeLisha Milton-Jones Atlanta Dream
2014 Becky Hammon San Antonio Stars
2013 Swin Cash Chicago Sky
Tamika Catchings Indiana Fever
2012 Kara Lawson Connecticut Sun
2011 Sue Bird Seattle Storm
Ruth Riley San Antonio Stars
2010 Tamika Catchings Indiana Fever
2009 Kara Lawson Sacramento Monarchs
2008 Vickie Johnson San Antonio Stars
2007 Tully Bevilaqua Indiana Fever
2006 Dawn Staley Houston Comets
2005 Taj McWilliams-Franklin Connecticut Sun
2004 Teresa Edwards Minnesota Lynx
2003 Edna Campbell Sacramento Monarchs
2002 Jennifer Gillom Phoenix Mercury
2001 Sue Wicks New York Liberty
2000 Suzie McConnell Serio Cleveland Rockers
1999 Dawn Staley Charlotte Sting
1998 Suzie McConnell Serio Cleveland Rockers
1997 Haixia Zheng Los Angeles Sparks

Source: https://www.completesports.com/los-angeles-sparks-nneka-ogwumike-wins-2021-kim-perrot-sportsmanship-award/[/b]

Former AC Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo believes the Scudetto title will be a closed battle this season.

Montolivo in an interview with DAZN, stated that ‘The Rossonero’, Inter Milan and Napoli would be favourites to win the title.

Recall that on Sunday, AC Milan defeated Atalanta 3-2 away from home to move second on 19 points behind Napoli.

“We must congratulate everyone,” he told DAZN. “The club, the players and the coach.

“Milan reached the lowest point with the 5-0-defeat in Bergamo, today they are touching the highest one in terms of mentality and for the ability to manage the games.

“Milan are truly a great team.”

Montolivo added: “Inter have the biggest depth and the awareness of those who have already won.

“But Milan and Napoli are close.”


Source: https://www.completesports.com/montolivo-tips-ac-milan-inter-milan-napoli-for-scudetto-title/

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has urged the Reds to tie down Mohamed Salah to a new contract.

Recall that Salah netted a sensational solo goal against Manchester City in a 2-2 Premier League draw at Anfield on Sunday.

The Egyptian, who is in the form of his life with the Reds, has scored in seven successive matches.

And Carragher thinks the 29-year-old cannot be allowed to leave when his current deal expires in 2023.

“I don’t think there’s anyone playing better in the world or in Europe at the moment,” Carragher said on Sky Sports.

“His record at the start of this season has been absolutely outstanding.

“You can never really question him for what he’s done at Liverpool – if at all – but right now is as probably as sharp and as good as I’ve ever seen him.”

Source:https://www.completesports.com/why-salah-must-be-tied-down-with-massive-new-contract-carragher/

Former Nigeria goalkeeper, Andrew Aikhomogbe says Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr’s invitation of players to prosecute the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Central Africa Republic was based on merit.

Recall that Rohr released the list via the Super Eagles official Instagram account on Thursday with regulars such as William Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Osimhen, Joe Aribo, Leon Balogun, Paul Onuachu, Maduka Okoye and a few others.

Nigeria will host the Central African Republic in a matchday-three fixture at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, on Thursday, October 7.

The reverse tie will take place three days later in Douala.

Reacting to the list, Aikhomogbe told from his base in Cairo, Egypt, that the invited players are capable of dismantling CAR.

“I really don’t see anything wrong with the players invited by Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr. Going by their performances in Europe, I think he has invited those players based on merit.

“Without mincing words, I expect these players to get the job done against Central Africa Republic in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on both legs.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-2022-wcq-rohrs-invitation-of-players-was-based-on-merit-aikhomogbe/

Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr on Thursday named his 23-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying double-header against Central African Republic

Prominent on the list is Glasgow Rangers of Scotland left-back Calvin Ughelumba Bassey.

The 21-year-old was born Italy and is eligible to play for Italy, Nigeria or England at international level.
Bassey joined Premier League club Leicester City at the age of 15 after a successful trial and progressed through the club’s youth ranks, with regular appearances for the clubs’ U-18 and U-23 sides.
The defender linked up with Rangers from Premier League club Leicester City last summer.

He made his professional debut for Rangers in a Scottish Premiership match against St Mirren on August 9, 2020.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/meet-super-eagles-new-boy-calvin-ughelumba-bassey/

Former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu has expressed his optimism that Victor Osimhen could become the next Nigerian to be crowned African Footballer of The Year if the Napoli striker continues to improve his game,

Speaking after the World Heart Day walk in Abuja on Wednesday, Nwankwo Kanu who incedentally was the last Nigerian player to win the African Player of The Year award in 1999 after winning it earlier in 1996 says that the performance of Osimhen in the Italian Seria A is a clear indication that he can win the coveted award soon.

“Osimhen, if you ask me, is the best player in Italy and if any of the current crop of Nigerian players is going to win the African Player of The Year award, it has to be him. He is doing fantastically well in the Italian Serie A that it’s only a matter of time before he rules Africa,” Kanu said.

“He is the best player and top scorer in the Italian league now and if he maintains his form he will win the African Player of The Year award sooner than expected. There are other Nigerian players doing very well in Europe, but Osimhen is presently the best.”

Papilo, as Kanu is popularly known, also urged Osimhen not to get carried away by the accolades he has been getting, but continue working hard for both club and country, adding that the sky will be his limit if he continues to work hard.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-has-potential-to-win-next-african-footballer-of-the-year-award-kanu/

Ex-Juventus star Vincenzo Iaquinta says its is rare to find a quality striker like Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen in today’s football.

He made this assertion during an interview with Il Mattino, as per TuttoNapoli, where he described the Nigerian international as a player with complete qualities of a super striker.

Iaquinta also noted that Osimhen’s speed, techniques an d eye for goals have made it difficult for defenders in the Serie A to checkmate him.

“For clarity, Osimhen does not argue: speed, technique, and power are the innate qualities of this extraordinary striker,” Iaquinta told Il Mattino, as per TuttoNapoli.

“Spalletti, however, when he has this type of bomber, goes to the party because he manages to enhance the attack to the depth with his way of setting the manoeuvre.

“Osimhen has characteristics very similar to those I had: high and fast, he attacks the depth: there are few forwards like that. Today, with these qualities, there is only Haaland who has some crazy times.

“With Spalletti, Napoli got off to a great start, with an extraordinary place that can become enthralling: it is useless to hide, also thanks to Osimhen, they (Napoli) can aim to win the Scudetto.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/there-are-few-strikers-like-osimhen-in-the-world-iaquinta/

Pep Guardiola admitted it would have been impossible to control Lionel Messi for the full game after the Argentinian helped sink Manchester City in the Champions League.

The six-time world player of the year scored his first Paris St Germain goal as the French side avenged their loss in last season’s semi-finals with a 2-0 group stage victory on Tuesday.

Messi had been doubtful ahead of the game but proved his fitness with a stunning goal after 74 minutes of a compelling clash at the Parc des Princes, adding to Idrissa Gana Gueye’s early strike.

Pochettino was quick to point out, however, that Messi’s goal capped a fine team performance.

He said: “You need this type of performance for a player like him to be able to score goals and fill the net.

“Victories are always a collective and from the team. It is a team sport. The victory comes against one of the best teams in the world and one of the best managers. It is obviously a very good result and I am very happy.”

The result ignited PSG’s challenge in Group A after their opening draw against Club Brugge and lifted them above City.

Pochettino said: “The three points are really important. It wasn’t easy when City played really well but we managed to be really offensive and score two goals. I am pretty happy.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/guardiola-salutes-messi-after-champions-league-loss/

Liverpool are reportedly planning to keep a close eye on Arnaut Danjuma during Villarreal’s Champions League clash with Manchester United on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old linked up with Unai Emery’s side earlier this summer in a £21m deal from Bournemouth and has already banked three goals from six appearances in all tournaments this term.

Danjuma penned a deal with Villarreal until 2026 upon his arrival in Spain, but Liverpool were previously tipped to move for the Netherlands international earlier in the summer transfer window.

Danjuma will be in action for the Yellow Submarine against Man United in the Champions League tomorrow night, and Voetbal International claims that Liverpool are sending scouts to Old Trafford to watch the attacker.

The report adds that Jurgen Klopp’s side view Danjuma as a potential long-term successor to Sadio Mane, who is yet to extend his Anfield contract beyond the summer of 2023.

The former PSV starlet claimed 15 goals and seven assists from 33 Championship games last term and made 14 appearances in the 2019-20 Premier League campaign without getting on the scoresheet.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/liverpool-to-scout-villarreals-danjuma-against-manchester-united/

Premier League giants Manchester United
have reportedly opened talks over a transfer swoop for Barcelona’s French forward Ousmane Dembele.

The 24-year-old 2018 World Cup winner has struggled to make an impact at the Nou Camp since his big-money arrival from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 due to injuries.

But last season he did manage to find some form, and with 13 goals in 48 games, convinced the club to offer him a new contract.

His current arrangement ends at the end of the campaign and he will be free to leave for nothing – although his team did meet Barca officials before the recent clash with Granada to begin talks over an extension.

And according to Spanish outlet El Nacional, contact has already been made by United with the France international.

United have allegedly informed Dembele’s representatives of their desire to bring him to Old Trafford on a freebie in June.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may have Cristiano Ronaldo back in his ranks but the midweek defeat to West Ham in the third round of the Carabao Cup highlighted his lack of firepower elsewhere.

United, who rested the Portuguese legend, were dumped out thanks to a 1-0 home loss.

Anthony Martial failed to take his opportunity and he could be one of those sold to make room for Dembele within the attacking ranks.

United are believed to be demanding around £40m for the French ace.

Edinson Cavani also looks set to leave at the end of season and return to South America once his deal expires.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/man-united-make-contact-with-barca-over-dembele-transfer/

Former Napoli forward Roberto Stellone says Victor Osimhen is the strongest striker in Italy, reports Completesports.com.

Osimhen has been in excellent form for Napoli this season both in Serie A and Europe.

The Nigeria international scored for the fourth consecutive game as Napoli defeated Cagliari 2-0 at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

The 22-year-old has now scored four goals in five league appearances for the Partenopei this season.

“Osimhen has been showing, since last year, even though he has grown a lot now, to have incredible qualities. He is complete: quick, self-sacrificing and power,”Stellone told Kiss Kiss Napoli.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/russian-premier-league-ejuke-provides-assist-as-cska-record-3rd-straight-win/

Paul Onuachu was named Genk’s Man of the Match after netting a hat-trick in the 3-0 home win against RFC Seraing, in the Belgian Jupiler on Sunday night.

Onuachu took his tally for the season to nine goals after eight appearances for Genk.


Also, he has now scored eight goals in his last five games in all competitions in the on-going campaign.


Following his hat-trick heroics, Genk announced Onuachu as the most outstanding player for his side on their verified Twitter handle.


They went on to describe the Super Eagles front man as a machine and phenomenal.

Onuachu is currently second in the top scorers chart in the Belgian elite division with nine goals, just two goal shy of Antwerp’s Michael Frey.

The victory against RFC Seraing took Genk to third on 17 points in the league table.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/onuachu-named-genks-man-of-the-match-after-hat-trick-heroics/

Al Ahly have deducted the salaries of their players and coaching staff after losing the Egyptian Super Cup to Tala’a El-Gaish on Tuesday.

Less than one month after losing the Egyptian Premier League title to arch rivals Zamalek, Al Ahly fell once again this time in the 2019/2020 Egyptian Super Cup.

The Red Devils were competing for the trophy after winning the league and Egypt Cup and were up against cup runners-up Tala’a El-Gaish.

Despite being heavily favorites to win the encounter, Al Ahly failed to score as 90 minutes plus extra-time ended goalless.

Goalkeepers Mohamed El-Shennawy and Mohamed Bassam were the main protagonists of the penalty shootouts as the former saved two penalties and the latter three, therefore handing El-Gaish their first ever trophy.

Following the game, Al Ahly released a statement in which they announced that they will be deducting EGP 300k from the players, football director and the entirety of the coaching staff.

Additionally, the medical and administrative staffs will also saw a deduction in their salaries.

The decision came due to the team’s poor performance despite going into the tie as favourites.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/al-ahly-deduct-players-coaches-salaries-after-egyptian-super-cup-defeat/

Ademola Lookman was named Leicester City’s Man of the Match beating Kelechi Iheanacho to the award, after impressing in the 2-0 win against Millwall in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third round game.

Leicester announced Lookman as the winner on their verified Twitter handle following conclusion of votes by the club fans.

Lookman, who opened his goals account for Leicester since joining them on loan by scoring the first goal against Millwall, finished top after polling 48 per cent.

Iheanacho, scorer of the second goal late in the game, was second with 37 per cent.

Former Manchester United defender Johnny Evans was third with 10 per cent.

Meanwhile, Leicester will welcome Brighton and Hove Albion in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/carabao-cup-lookman-beats-iheanacho-to-leicesters-motm-award/

Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Manchester United has made him the highest paid footballer in the world, overtaking rival Lionel Messi, according to Forbes.

During the new 2021/22 campaign, Ronaldo will earn almost €107 million gross, including a salary of close to €60 million and more than €40 million in earnings from sponsorships and partnerships with brands including Nike, Herbalife and the CR7 brand, which includes perfumes, clothing ranges, hotels and gyms.

Only three athletes have more commercial earnings. Tennis legend Roger Federer (approximately €77 million), basketball star LeBron James (€55.5 million) and golfer Tiger Woods (€51 million) all earn more than Ronaldo in endorsement earnings.

Ronaldo’s latest earnings have seen him overtake Messi whose move to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona, will see him earn around €94 million gross, with a salary of €64 million, but with lower commercial earnings. Messi is sponsored by brands including Adidas, Pepsi and Budweiser.

The next two highest paid footballers are also PSG forwards. Neymar earns €81 million, despite having the same salary as his team-mate Messi.

In fourth place is French forward Kylian Mbappé. Mbappé earns approximately €37 million. His salary with the Ligue 1 side is €24 million.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah completes the top five, with earnings of €35 million. Spanish midfielder Andrés Iniesta is also in the top 10 and is the only player from a non-European team to make the list.

Iniesta earns almost €30 million at Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe, the same as Robert Lewandowski earns with Bayern Munich.

Paul Pogba, who like his compatriot Kylian Mbappé is in the final year of his contract at Manchester United, earns €29 million gross per year.

The list is completed by two Real Madrid players: Gareth Bale on €27.3 million and Eden Hazard on €24.7 million, who earns the same salary as the Welsh forward, but whose commercial income is half that of Bale’s.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ronaldo-overtakes-messi-as-highest-paid-footballer-in-the-world/

Banyana Banyana of South Africa have won the 2021 Aisha Buhari Cup after defeating Super Falcons of Nigeria 4-2, in the last fixture of the six-nation tournament on Tuesday, Completesports.com reports.

It was South Africa’s second win of the tournament after thrashing Ghana 3-0 in their first game.

The Falcons opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Mali thanks to two late goals from Gift Monday.

South Africa took the lead in the 6th minute through an own goal after Michelle Alozie sent the ball into her own net in an attempt to clear Hildah Magaia’s cross.
In the 19th minute the South Africans doubled their lead from the penalty spot through Linda Motlhalo following a handball by Onome Ebi.


With a minute left in the first half, South Africa got their third off a header from Gabriela Salgago after the Falcons felled to clear their lines.

The Falcons came out more determined and pulled a goal back through Vivian Ikechukwu to make it 3-1.

Then in the 53rd minute Ikechukwu was on target again this time with a long range strike from distance which beat the South Africans.

But it was the South Africans who had the laugh as they extended their lead on 86 minutes.

With the Falcons in search of the equaliser, South Africa went on the counter but Motlhalo was fouled inside the box.

The resultant penalty was converted by Mamello Makhabane to give South Africa a 4-2 win.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/aisha-buhari-cup-south-africa-outclass-super-falcons-to-emerge-champions/

Barcelona president Joan Laporta wants Pep Guardiola to return to the club, either as a manager, the position he previously held from 2008 to 2012, or sporting director.

La Blaugrana’s start to life in the post-Lionel Messi era has been rough, with Barça taking eight points from their opening four La Liga games.

Ronald Koeman oversaw an unthinkable route one performance in their draw at home to Granada on Monday, and Barcelona look very unlike the Guardiola sides from last decade.

Now, El Nacional report Laporta ‘will do everything in his power’ to bring the current Manchester City boss back to the club, although the local publication admits it is ‘almost impossible’.

Guardiola has previously insisted that his time as Barça’s head coach is a thing of the past, but Laporta is also willing to propose that he could take up a directorial role instead. El Nacional suggested a hypothetical setup with Ajax’s Erik ten Hag as head coach and Guardiola alongside Mateu Alemany and Jordi Cruyff in support upstairs at Camp Nou is feasible.

Guardiola’s current Man City deal expires in 2023, and though he’s created confusion over his future plans already this season – saying he will take a break after he leaves the Etihad Stadium but not putting a timeframe on it – Laporta thinks there’s a chance he could depart before then.

City sit fifth in the Premier League table after five games, already three points behind title rivals Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool. Guardiola recently caused a stir among City fans when he pleaded for more supporters to attend home games, doubling down that his statement was open to interpretation but insisting he would stand down from his role if fans are unhappy with him.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/laporta-keen-to-bring-guardiola-back-to-barcelona/

Victor Osimhen has celebrated Napoli’s Impressive 4-0 away win against Udinese on Monday, Completesports.com reports.

The Nigeria international opened scoring for the Partenopei in the encounter, his first league goal of the season.

Amir Rrahmani, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hirving Lozano were the other goal scorers for Luciano Spalleti’s side.

Osimhen was replaced nine minutes from time by Andrea Petagna.

The 22-year-old took to the social media to celebrate his side’s fifth win in five games across all competitions this season.

“Great team show!!!”he tweeted.

The Blues, who sit at the top of the table with 12 points from four games will face Sampdoria in their next Serie A game on September 23.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-relishes-napolis-win-at-udinese/

Manchester United forward, Cristiano Ronaldo has been scammed of a whooping sum of £250,000 by his travel agent, Maria Silva.

The 53-year-old, also scammed the football star’s super-agent Jorge Mendes out of more than £14,000 and former United winger Nani out of more than £1,500.

Her wrongdoing led to her getting a four-year suspended prison sentence at a court in Porto, respected Portuguese daily Jornal de Noticias reported on Sunday.

The newspaper revealed dad-of-four Cristiano, 36, was spared having to attend her trial after she made a full confession.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner gave a statement to police after flying to Porto by private jet and meeting up with his lawyer Carlos Osorio de Castro.

The previously-unreported scandal was laid bare by Jornal de Noticias in an expose about greedy Silva’s breach of the trust Cristiano placed in her by giving her his credit card details and pin codes.

The newspaper said the €288,000 she scammed him out of – £245,770 – corresponded to around 200 trips he never made between Portugal and other European countries as well as Europe and Africa and the US.

She reportedly carried out the fraud by getting clients to transfer cash for travel she arranged for them to her personal account instead of the business account of the travel agency she worked for.

She then billed those trips to the accounts of victims like Ronaldo, who had given her a ‘virtual’ credit card and pin code, to “fill the hole” in her company’s accounts, the report in Jornal de Noticias said.

The newspaper reported she used the same tactic to rip off the likes of Mendes, his sports agency Gestifute, Nani and former Portsmouth and Everton footballer Manuel Fernandes.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/how-travel-agent-scammed-ronaldo-of-250000/

Lyon coach, Peter Bosz, knows that his team is in for a massive game in today’s Ligue 1 clash with home side, Paris Saint-Germain, at the Parc des Princes – a very important one for new signing, Lionel Messi, who will be playing in front of the the Parisians’ home fans for the first time, still raring to score his first goal for the club.

Messi has played two games for PSG – one in Ligue 1 and the other, a Champions League match. And manager Mauricio Pochettino may give him his first Ligue 1 start as the Argentina captain aims to score his first goal for the club and inspire a great win at home.


Messi played for only 24 minutes in his debut after he replaced Neymar in the 66th minute of PSG 2-0 away win against Reims at the Stade Auguste Delaune on August 29 before the last international break. He then featured for full 90 minutes in the club’s Champions League 1-1 draw with Club Brugge at Jan Breydel Stadium on September 15, the game in which he bagged his first yellow card as PSG player.

Lyon manager, Bosz, however refuses to be cowed by Messi’s somewhat quiet start for PSG, describing him as an extraordinary player that must be stopped from hurting his team with collective efforts.


Before Bosz’s arrival at Lyon in May 2021, Messi had severally hurt the club as Barcelona talisman. He scored five Champions League goals for Barca against Lyon during his time at the Spanish giants.

“I think that to counter him [Messi] you have to do it collectively. I have watched a lot of Messi’s games in the past. I’ve stayed home to watch him play and it was a pleasure,” Dutchman, Bosz, said during his Saturday’s pre-match press conference as published on Lyon official website.

“Tomorrow (Sunday) it will be a pleasure to face him and it will make me all the more happy if we win. He is a player with extraordinary quality. It’s only as a team that you can play against him. He must be respected, like all players.”

Bosz also insists that Lyon’s game plan will not focus on Kylian Mbappe who has scored crucial goals for PSG in the new campaign.

“Our tactics will have nothing to do with Mbappe. I’m focusing on my team, on our game,” Bosz said.

“There are a few players that we know of course. It’s not a test, it’s another match, an important one for us, and a very important match that we want to win. We have our own idea of how to play PSG but we don’t have the same players as Brugge.”

Ligue 1 leaders, PSG, are looking to maintain their winning streak in today’s match – five wins from five games so far in the new Ligue 1 season. Seventh-placed Lyon have won two, drew two and lost one, also from five games.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/well-stop-extraordinary-messi-with-team-work-lyon-coachbosz-ahead-psg-clash/

Brendan Rodgers has given reasons why Kelechi Iheanacho is yet to start a game for Leicester this season, reports Leicester Mercury.

Rodgers has so far left Iheanacho out of the club’s 11 this season, despite his terrific run of form at the end of the last campaign that saw him finish as top scorer.


He is making an impact this term too. In his five games off the bench, he scored a penalty he earned in the Community Shield, helped set up the winner at Norwich, and made City much more threatening in their search for an equaliser against Manchester City at the weekend.

The 24-year-old was brought into the side last season after Harvey Barnes’ campaign-ending knee injury, Rodgers changing to a 3-4-1-2 shape.


This season, City have reverted to a 4-2-3-1 system, and so if Rodgers wanted to include Iheanacho but retain the formation, it is likely one of Jamie Vardy or James Maddison would have to be left out.


Asked if it was becoming more difficult to leave Iheanacho out of the starting line-up, Rodgers said: “I’m just really happy with the contribution. I see him every day, I know his strengths and I know the areas he can improve on.

“What he’s doing is he’s making an impact, and I think that’s how it started for him here, I was bringing him into games and he was doing well. It’s nice now that people have the confidence in him that he’s going to contribute.

“There will be enough opportunities over the course of the season for him to start games. It’s really about the team, I’m not so much worried about the individual, I need to pick a team that I feel is going to win, and if I need to change a game, I have a bench to be able to do that, and that’s what we have.

“I’m always supportive of the individual player, but the team is always more important. You can’t play with six attacking players.

“He’s a very important player for us, whether he comes into the game or whether he starts.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/rodgers-why-iheanacho-has-not-started-for-leicester-this-season/

Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted to Manchester United’s 2-1 loss to Young Boys in Tuesday’s Champions League.

Ronaldo made a blistering start to the clash in Switzerland,as he opened the scoring after latching onto a delightful Bruno Fernandes cross from the left.

The course of the match turned ten minutes before the break when Aaron Wan-Bissaka was shown a red card for a late challenge on Christopher Martins.

Man United went into their shell after that and the home side, managed by ex-Huddersfield boss David Wagner, carved out good opportunities for the remainder of the match.

They levelled on 66 minutes as Moumi Ngamaleu turned in a low cross from the right past David de Gea.

The game looked set to be a draw but a dreadful backpass from Jesse Lingard, who came on for Ronaldo late in the second half, went straight to Theoson Siebatchu, who scuffed in the winner in the final minute of stoppage-time.

But despite the painful defeat, Ronaldo urged his teammates to put the result behind them and focus on their game.

“Wasn’t the result we wanted, but now it’s time to recover well and focus on the next game!”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ronaldo-reacts-to-man-uniteds-shock-defeat-to-young-boys/