₦airaland Forum

Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund are targeting Genk forward Paul Onuachu as replacement for Erling Haaland, reports Completesports.com.

Norway striker Haaland is expected to leave the club next summer with Chelsea, PSG, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United among his suitors.


According to Sky Sport transfer expert Marc Behrenbeck, Dortmund have Onuachu on the list of strikers to replace the Norwegian.


The 27-year-old has been linked with a number of top clubs in Europe following a stellar campaign for Genk in the Belgian Pro League last season.

The tall striker scored scored 29 times in 33 league outings for the Smurfs last term.

This season, he has scored nine goals in 10 league games so far and one more goal each in the Champions League qualifiers and the Europa League.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/borussia-dortmund-join-onuachu-chase/

Liverpool have been told to pay a fee in the region of £34m if they are to prise Karim Adeyemi away from Red Bull Salzburg, according to a report.

The 19-year-old forward has been in sensational form for the Austrian outfit so far this campaign, scoring 11 goals in 16 appearances across all competitions, including two strikes in the Champions League.

This form has seen Adeyemi linked with several top clubs across Europe, including Jurgen Klopp’s side and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

According to sport.ORF.at, Salzburg have placed a £34m price tag on the teenager, who still has three years remaining on his contract.
\Adeyemi is keen to challenge himself in one of Europe’s top-five leagues and would be interested in a move to either the Premier League or the Bundesliga.
The centre-forward, who scored on his debut for the German national team in September, spent two years in Bayern’s youth academy between 2010 and 2012.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/red-bull-salzburg-want-34m-for-karim-adeyemi/

Black Queens of Ghana assistant captain Fafali Dumehasi insists the team is capable of beating Nigeria in their 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, reports Completesports.com.

Both fierce continental rivals will slug it out at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in the first leg of this fixture on Wednesday (today).

Despite the pedigree and depth of quality in the Nigeria camp, Dumehasi is undeterred, stating her team aim to cause a second upset on Nigerian soil since 2002.

“We’ve trained enough for the first leg match against Nigeria in Lagos,” the Police Machine goalkeeper, told CAFOnline.com.
“Our dream is to qualify to the next stage of the qualifying series, then the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and later the Women’s World Cup in 2023.
“To achieve this, we are in Nigeria to play our hearts out so that we can bring victory back home.”

This is the 18th time both countries will be squaring up in a competitive tie and the first time in Women’s AFCON qualification campaigns.

They first competitively met on February 16, 1991, in the African Women’s Championship, which also served as the qualifying tournament for the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup staged at the National Stadium, Lagos, when the Super Falcons won 5-1.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wafcon-qualifier-black-queens-not-afraid-of-super-falcons-dumehasi/

Former West Ham and Juventus forward, Paolo Di Canio has described Super Eagles star, Victor Osimhen as a striker with a different spirit that is not dull like Romelu Lukaku.

Di Canio made this known in an interview with Sky Sports Italia’s Calcio Club, where he slammed the Belgian international for his recent goal drought at Chelsea despite his early goal scoring form in the Premier League.

He claimed that Osimhen can not be compared to Lukaku because the Nigerian international is not dull like him in front of goal.

“I heard [Inter icon turned pundit Giuseppe] Bergomi comparing [Victor] Osimhen and Lukaku. But Osimhen has a different spirit, he’s not dull like him,” Di Canio told Sky Sports Italia’s Calcio Club.

“When the difficulty increased, he scored no goals in five games with Chelsea. And it’s not Chelsea’s fault, they are top of the table even without his goals.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-is-not-dull-like-lukaku-paolo-di-canio[/b]/

Former Nigerian forward, Jonathan Akpoborie believes Super eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has what it takes to fill into the shoes of late Rashidi Yekini in the senior national.

Akpoborie stated this on the backdrop of Osimhen’s impressive goal scoring form Napoli in the Serie A this ongoing season.

Recall that the Nigerian international netted the winning goal in the team’s 1-0 win over Torino 1-0 on Sunday.

It was also Osimhen’s fifth goal in seven games played in the league and eighth in nine appearances in all competitions.

However, in an interview with Completesports.com, the former Wolsburg said that he’s optimistic Osimhen will be Super Eagles next goal machine.

“I am very impressed with the performance of Victor Osimhen with Napoli this season. I think he has learnt a lot from the mistakes of last season and showing a different Osimhen this season.

“he definitely has what it takes to be Super Eagles next goal machine like late Rashidi Yekini. He has displayed that in the national team colours against the Central Africa Republic in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and I believe he will maintain the form.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-why-osimhen-can-be-super-eagles-new-yekini-akpoborie/

Samuel Chukwueze made his return to action from injury but ended on the losing side as Villarreal lost 2-1 to Osasuna in Sunday’s LaLiga game, Completesports.com reports.

Chukwueze has been out of action since May, after suffering an injury to the anterior rectus of his left leg in the second leg of Villarreal’s Europa League semi-final clash against Arsenal.

He eventually made his long awaited return after coming on with 12 minutes left in the game.

His return could not prevent Villarreal from maintaining their unbeaten start to the 2021/22 La Liga season as they conceded with three minutes left against Osasuna.

He should be in contention for the midweek’s Champions League home clash Young Boys.

Also, this should be good news to the Super Eagles ahead of next month’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde.

Chukwueze played a key role as Villarreal won the Europa League last season.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/chukwueze-returns-to-action-for-villarreal-after-five-months-out/

LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid are interested in Nigeria forward Paul Onuachu, Completesports.com reports.

According to Spanish news outlet Marca , Atletico Madrid have already established contact with Genk for the striker.

According to report, Diego Simeone’s side are willing to pay £20m for the 27-year-old who was linked with a number of clubs in Europe this summer.

It remain to be seen if the Spanish club will make move for Onuachu in January or wait until next summer .

The FC Midtylland has scored nine goals in nine league appearances for the Smurfs this season.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/atletico-madrid-interested-in-onuachu/

Leicester City winger Ademola Lookman says he is ‘loving every minute’ of his time at the club.

The Nigerian-born star linked up with the Foxes on loan from German side Red Bull Leipzig on deadline day.

Speaking ahead of this week’s clash with Manchester United, Lookman took to Instagram to express his happiness at King Power Stadium.

He wrote: “Loving every minute of it here. Another big week ahead,” along with two big smiling face emojis and a blue heart.

Lookman scored his first goal for the Foxes in the Carabao Cup.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/lookman-enjoying-life-at-leicester-city/

Leicester City winger Ademola Lookman says he is ‘loving every minute’ of his time at the club.

The Nigerian-born star linked up with the Foxes on loan from German side Red Bull Leipzig on deadline day.

Speaking ahead of this week’s clash with Manchester United, Lookman took to Instagram to express his happiness at King Power Stadium.

He wrote: “Loving every minute of it here. Another big week ahead,” along with two big smiling face emojis and a blue heart.

Lookman scored his first goal for the Foxes in the Carabao Cup.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/lookman-enjoying-life-at-leicester-city/

Nigeria’s silver medal winner at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Blessing Oborududu has been elected into the Athletes’ commission of United World Wrestling (UWW).

Oborududu is the only African out of seven athletes who will be representing all the Wrestlers on the governing body.

Oborududu who will represent Africa for the next four years, polled 90 votes out of 397 to get elected.

Founded in 1912, the United World Wrestling is the international governing body for amateur wrestling.

It’s duties include overseeing wrestling at the Olympics and also presides over international competitions for various forms of wrestling.

Oborududu became the first Nigerian athlete in history to win a medal in Wrestling at the Olympics.

After a remarkable run at the games, she eventually lost to an American in the final of the women’s 68kg.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/oborududu-elected-into-athletes-commission-of-united-world-wrestling/

Former Nigerian forward, Victor Ikpeba has kicked against the call by some Nigerians and ex-internationals demanding the sack of Gernot Rohr as Super Eagles coach.

Recall that after the team’s shocking loss against the Central Africa Republic (CAR) in a 2022 World Cup qualifiers at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, there was call for Rohr’s resignation.

The German tactician who has been with the Super Eagles since 2016, has been criticized for not making positive impacts in the senior national team in terms of winning titles.

However, Ikpeba during Monday Night Football Programme on Supersports, said that Rohr has done enough to remain as coach of the Super Eagles.

“Gernot Rohr must stay put as Super Eagles manager because I am a big fan of him. Some people said he has stayed for five years and not won anything, But I have so much confidence in him.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ikpeba-backs-rohr-to-remain-as-super-eagles-coach/

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/