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Former Germany midfield star Dietmar Hamann has labelled Cristiano Ronaldo “a fool” for his audacious piece of skill in Portugal’s 4-2 loss in Munich on Saturday.

Ronaldo, who opened the scoring with his third goal of the tournament, was clearly in confident mood early on in the game.

He rounded off an excellent counter-attack to put Portugal 1-0 up before things unravelled.

And before the Germans levelled the contest Ronaldo was happy to showboat with a piece of artistry that left Antonio Rudiger bamboozled.


With the ball in the air Ronaldo motioned as if he was going to catch the ball before flicking it to a team-mate with a no look pass.

Social media were split on the moment with some hailing it and others pointing to the fact that Ronaldo’s side were ultimately well beaten.

Hamann certainly sided with the latter insisting that his actions may well have motivated the Germans on.

He told RTE: “I think it’s nonsense. He flicks the ball over, pretends he is going to catch it and back-heels it across, and looks away.

“Of course it is [amazing] and we know he can do that. I think, in a way he’s belittling the opposition.

“This is at 1-0 and I’m sitting here while you all rave about it. Yes, he is the best, with Messi. He looks a fool now. This is 1-0. He does look the fool.

“If you ask the German players, they’ll tell you now what they thought of it. They would have noticed that.

“I tell you now, all of them will say it may have given us an extra bit of whatever to change things.

“What is he trying to achieve? Maybe this [Germany comeback] is where it all started.”

Germany managed to turn the game around before half-time with Portugal twice putting into their own net.

First it was Ruben Dias and then Raphael Guerreiro before Kai Havertz made it 3-1 early in the second-half.

Robin Gosens made it four on the hour mark before Diogo Jota got one back to leave Group F finely poised going into the final games.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ex-german-star-hamann-labels-ronaldo-a-fool/

Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala was one of the players who modelled Barcelona’s new home kit ahead of the 2021/22 season.

The new kit was officially launched on Tuesday at the Camp Nou.

The new strip makes the maximum use of the club crest. On the front, at chest height, fans will find the St George Cross, representing the patron saint of Barcelona and the Senyera (the striped Catalan flag).


Two elements that define the club’s identity and its ties to city and country, but reimagined in this particular instance in the famous blaugrana colours, while the traditional vertical stripes feature below, albeit somewhat stylised to give them a more modern look.


Meanwhile, the Barça crest appears on the left of the chest in its usual colours, with a white Nike logo on the right. On the back, just below the neck, there is a Catalan flag, while the players’ names and numbers, and the UNICEF logo, are printed in white this season.

Speaking at the unveiling of the new kit, club president Joan Laporta said:“All the culés are proud of our club, of what it represents and also of the city and the country. 122 years ago, Joan Gamper decided to give the club the name of the city and later adopt the Creu de Sant Jordi and the Senyera.

“It is the pride of belonging to this club, this city and Catalonia. A country that believes in coexistence. All of this makes us grow as a club and as a society, although sometimes this has provoked criticism.

“The culés want us to feel different, starting with our model of ownership. A few months ago we chose who had to be the president. All decisions are voted on by the members of the club.

“We have our own style. We like to attack with the ball, letting our inspiration run. A model that we try to improve, because we are nonconformists. It is a style that Johan Cruyff taught us and it is the one we want to see in the first team. It is non-negotiable.

“We also want this style in the female category and in the lower categories. Marta, Carolina, you have won the treble respecting this style.

“I wanted to thank all the people at the club who have worked with Nike for this effort of imagination so that the Catalans can wear a shirt that is fantastic.

“The shirt is inspired by the club’s crest and by everything that makes us more than a club. I’m looking forward to seeing all the Catalans with this new kit when they go to the Camp Noù, Johan Cruyff Arena and the Palau. I also hope to see all the culés of the world wearing this jersey. Thank you.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/oshoala-models-barcelonas-new-home-kit/

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has disclosed that it took him time to adapt to the Premier League football in his first season with the club.

Partey, who joined the Gunners from Atletico Madrid last summer at a fee worth £45 million, managed 18 Premier League starts last season.

In a chat with Ghana’s TV3, the Ghanain international stated that the Premier League is a different league entirely.

“Well I think everybody has seen it, there’s been ups and downs.


“We’ve had good times and bad times, but this is my first season and I think I had to adapt to how they play, get used to my teammates.

“I think now I’m getting used to them and I know with hard work everything will be okay for the next season.

“Of course, it’s not easy. The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world and if you want to be there you have to be able to do everything well. So I like this challenge and I’m ready to do everything.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/my-first-season-at-arsenal-was-tough-partey/

Slovakia secured a shock 2-1 win over 10-man Poland in their European Championship Group E opener in St Petersburg.

It was a game former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny would be remembered for all the wrong reasons as he is now the first goalkeeper to make an own goal in the European Championship history.

Slovakia took the lead in the 18th minute when the ball bounced off the post and rebounded in off Szczesny after a fine run and shot from Robert Mak.


Poland were back on level terms in the 46th minute thanks to a lovely one-touch move which was calmly finished by Karol Linetty.


But in the 62nd-minute Poland were reduced to 10 men after midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak got his second caution of the game.

Slovakia made the man advantage count as they went 2-1 up on 69 minutes with a Milan Skriniar’s fine low shot on the turn from the edge of the penalty.

Slovakia reached the last 16 of Euro 2016 and this victory leaves them well placed to reach the knockout stage again.

They stay in St Petersburg and face Sweden on Friday, 18 June, before Poland play against Spain in Seville on Saturday.

The other two nations in Group E, Spain and Sweden, face each other in Seville in the late game on Monday.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/euro-2020-ex-arsenal-keeper-szczesny-makes-history-as-poland-lose-to-slovakia/

Nigeria forward Paul Onuachu is thrilled to win three awards in one season in Belgium, reports Completesports.com.

Onuachu on Monday won the Ebony Shoe award for the best African player In Belgium.

The 27-year-old had already scooped the Belgian Professional Footballer of the Year and the top scorer’s award for the 2020/21 season.

The striker netted 33 times in 38 league appearances for Genk during the campaign.

Read Also: Allegri’s Second Coming Delights Bonucci


The former FC Midtylland forward becomes the first Nigerian to win the award in 25 years following in the footsteps of the likes of Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Godwin Okpara and Celestine Babayaro.

“It doesn’t happen to every footballer and I feel proud, honoured and delighted to win this special award as a Nigerian and significantly as a professional from Africa,” Onuachu told BBC Sport Africa.

“To pick up three awards in a season is unbelievable and I thank God, my teammates and all the fans of Genk and Nigeria for the incredible support.

“I thank the organisers of the Ebony shoe award for their consistent and relentless support to African players in Belgium because this prize will continue to motivate us to do more.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/onuachu-elated-to-win-three-awards-in-one-season/

A Nigerian footballer, Kelvin Odenigbo, who played for FC Vitebsk in Belarus, has been found dead after drowning in a lake.

Belarusian topflight club FC Vitebsk confirmed the death of the 20-year-old striker in a statement on its website.

According to the club, Odenigbo drowned and his corpse was found on Saturday by the lake Beloye, a tourist destination in the Vitebsk region.

“We express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the football player. The football club Vitebsk reports that on June 5, 2021, on the lake Beloye, in the area of the tourist base Verasy, OSVOD employees found the drowned Kelvin Odenigbo,” the statement read.


The club also promised to release more details about Odenigbo’s death while expressing its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.


They added:”We will publish all official information as it becomes available. We express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the football player, as well as to all the fans of the team.”

Odenigbo recently joined the club on loan from NAF Rockets FC, the Nigerian National League side, at the end of last season before making the switch permanent for the 11-match-old 2021/22 season.

He featured for sixth-placed Vitebsk this season, finding the back of the net once in four appearances.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/20-year-old-nigerian-footballer-drowns-in-belarus/

Carlo Ancelotti has returned to Real Madrid for a second spell as coach, rejoining the Spanish giants from the English side Everton.

The Italian, who was previously in charge of the Madrid-based club between 2013 and 2015, has agreed to a three-year deal at the Bernabeu. He replaces Zinedine Zidane, who left Real last week after the team’s first trophyless season in more than 10 years.

“Carlo Ancelotti will be the new first team coach for the next three seasons,” a brief Real Madrid statement read.

He will sign his contract and be presented to the media on Wednesday.


Ancelotti had been in charge at Goodison Park since December 2019, leading Everton to a 10th place finish in the Premier League last season.

The 61-year-old, who has one of the most decorated CVs in world football, won the Champions League with Real in 2014, helping the Spaniards to their fabled “Decima” (10th) European crown, before being sacked 12 months later.

He is one of the three coaches – along with former Liverpool manager Bob Paisley and Zidane – to have won the European Cup or Champions League on three occasions, having also led AC Milan to glory in 2003 and 2007.

Ancelotti has also coached Juventus, Chelsea, Paris St Germain and Bayern Munich in his 26-year managerial career.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ancelotti-appointed-new-real-madrid-coach/

Sergio Aguero’s brother Mauricio del Castillo has launched a scathing attack on Pep Guardiola insisting he’s never wanted the Argentine at Manchester City.

Aguero came off the bench in the Champions League final to play his last ever game for City which they lost to Chelsea.

His contract will not be renewed but he leaves the Etihad as City’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Also Read: Wenger: How Tuchel Tactically Outsmarted Guardiola

Initially he struggled to establish himself after Guardiola arrived with Gabriel Jesus preferred, but he quickly became the club’s leading light in attack once more.


Despite that his brother, Del Castillo, believes Guardiola “had never wanted” Aguero at the Etihad.

He made his comment in a tweet he later deleted, writing: “Guardiola never wanted my brother since his arrival at City.”

When quizzed on why he had erased the message he replied: “Many toxic people, too many.”

He then added: “Perfect, I’m glad people have seen it and I’ll write it again if I want.”

Despite his thoughts Guardiola has been particularly emotional regarding Aguero’s departure and was reduced to tears on his final Premier League appearance.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/agueros-brother-del-castillo-launches-attack-on-guardiola-after-ucl-final/

Samuel Chukwueze’s Villarreal have won this season’s UEFA Europa League after defeating Manchester United on penalties in Wednesday’s final.

The Yellow Submarine triumphed 11-10 in the shoot out after 120 minutes of a tension-soaked encounter ended 1-1.

Chukwueze who had been instrumental to Villarreal’s run to the final, did not make Unai Emery’s matchday squad after failing a late fitness test.

He is now the sixth Nigerian after Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Nwankwo Kanu, Taribo West and Chidi Odiah to win the Europa League.


Villarreal have now won their first ever major trophy while United have now gone four seasons without a trophy.


Also Read: Ex-Super Eagles Striker, Emenike, Wife Celebrate 4 Years Wedding Anniversary

Unai Emery has become the first manager to win the UEFA Cup/Europa League four times (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 & 2020-21) surpassing Giovanni Trapattoni.

Also, Villarreal are the first side to win the #UEL on penalties since Sevilla beat Benfica in 2014.

Gerard Moreno opened scoring for Villarreal on 29 minutes but Edinson Cavani equalised for United 10 minutes into the second half.

Both sides cancelled each other out almost waiting for the dreaded penalty shootout.

If there were any nerves at that stage, neither side showed it as the first 21 penalties were converted.

That was until David de Gea’s penalty was saved, earning Villarreal their very first European crown.
Source: https://www.completesports.com/breaking-chukwuezes-villarreal-beat-man-united-to-emerge-europa-league-champions/

Paul Onuachu is thrilled to be crowned best player of the year in the Belgian Pro League for the 2020/21 season, Completesports.com reports.

The Nigeria international was rewarded for his exemplary performances for Genk who finished in second position behind Club Brugge during the campaign.

Onuachu is the first Nigerian to win the prestigious award.


The 26-year-old beat Club Brugge’s Noa Lang and Beerschot’s Raphael Holzhauser to the individual prize.


The forward also picked up the Golden Bull Award after finishing as top scorer in the league.


He scored 33 goals and provided five assists in 38 league appearances for the Smurfs.

“This prize means a lot to me, because the Belgian league is difficult”, the former FC Midtylland striker told Eleven Sports c.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/onuachu-thrilled-to-scoop-belgian-player-of-the-year-award/

The 2020/2001 Premier League season was concluded on Sunday, and in this piece, Completesports.com appraises the standout players in the entire campaign – in a team of the season format.

AUGUSTINE AKHILOMEN x-rays the best Premier League 11 of the season as adjudged by Completesports.com‘s in-house panel. Below are our top eleven.

But the list of players who shone brightly for their respective clubs in the just concluded season is virtually inconclusive. We, therefore, invite you – our teeming readers, to have your say too. Do you want to put forward your own 2020/21 EPL team of the season? Use the Leave A Reply field under this piece and have your say.

GOALKEEPER

Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)

He could be regarded as Aston Villa’s best player of the season considering how he single-handedly helped the team with some crucial saves this season.

The shot-stopper signed from Arsenal during the January transfer window has quickly become an important part of Dean Smith’s much-improved team.

Martinez recorded 15 clean sheets in the Premier League in the concluded season, just one shy of league leaders Manchester City goalkeeper, Ederson.

DEFENDERS

Thiago Silva (Chelsea)

There is a reason why Silva is regarded as one of the best center-backs of the past decade – his physicality and his prowess in the air are superb. He displayed such prowess for the Blues in the concluded 2920/2021 Premier League season, scoring one goal and making countless timely tackles to protect the backline.

He formed a strong partnership with Antonio Rüdiger and has been of true leadership of the Chelsea team till their last game against Aston Villa, where the team narrowly picked a top four ticket for Europe next season.

Ruben Dias (Manchester City)

Undoubtedly the best signing of this Premier League season, Ruben Dias has had a Van Dijk-like impact on Manchester City’s defense. The Portuguese center-back always seems to be in the right place at the right time and has been an integral part of Manchester City’s strong performances this season.

Arguably the best center-back in the Premier League at the moment, Dias has been extremely solid defensively. Excellent in the air and brilliant on the ball, the 23-year-old star has cemented his place in the Manchester City set-up.

Reece James (Chelsea)

Big, strong, and reliable, James played a key role in ensuring that Chelsea’s backline remains solid. His ability to overlap and make a quick return to his position makes him a perfect choice for Blues manager, Thomas Tuchel.

His work rate can’t be questioned as he has shown his fearless attitude against big-name players in the Premier League and most especially in the Champions League.

Luke Shaw (Manchester United)

The back four is full of redemption stories, with Manchester United’s Luke Shaw capping it off at left-back. Shaw has been one of United’s best players this season and has earned his way back into the England squad as a result.

The 25-year-old has played a direct hand in more goals than any other defender in the Premier League in 2021 and has remarkably created the most goalscoring chances (36) in the division.

MIDFIELDERS

Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)

The Germany international is another Manchester City star that proved critics wrong after a poor start to the season. However, he has proved doubters wrong as he marshalled the team’s midfield with so much maturity and confidence.

Gundogan is one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League, capable of breaking play, setting up chances, and even scoring goals.

The 30-year-old midfielder scored 13 goals this season and was extremely consistent with his performances till the team won the Premier League this season.

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester)

It continues to amaze that no big club has taken a serious look at Wilfred Ndidi, as he continues to grow from strength to strength for Leicester City.

Since joining Leicester in 2017, the 24-year-old has gradually established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe.


Despite Leicester City narrowly missing a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, the Nigeria international played an integral role in ensuring that they won the FA Cup this season.

No player made more tackles and interceptions combined than Ndidi in the Premier League in 2021 (96), with the defensive midfielder even turning creator of late with four assists.

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

The man who has almost single-handedly transformed Manchester United into an elite side once again, Bruno Fernandes is arguably the best player in the Premier League at the moment.

An inspirational figure in the Manchester United dressing room, Bruno Fernandes has had another amazing season and has already put up some astonishing numbers.

In 37 Premier League appearances in the 2020/21 season, the Portuguese superstar scored an incredible 18 goals and grabbed 11 assists. Manchester United will be hoping that Fernandes continues his good form as they face Villarreal in Wednesday’s Europa League final.

Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)

Man City’s Mahrez made this season his own with some self-styled football that ensured the Citizens won the Premier League. After a slow start to his campaign, the Algerian star grabbed the headlines with some fantastic display most especially in the last 10 games that sealed the team’s victory in the domestic scene and also qualifying for the final of the UEFA Champions League.

The Algerian forward/winger/attacking midfield maverick – call him what you will, was the Premier League’s most rampant attacking threat with 9 goals in 27 Premier League games and 6 assists.

Mahrez appears to telegraph what he is going to do before he does it. Yet still has the creative ability to carry out his intentions while defenders are left scratching their heads when they knew what was coming.

STRIKERS

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Liverpool have plenty of concerns at the moment, but one man who has continued to score goals regularly has been Mohamed Salah. Always making intelligent runs behind the opposition’s backline, Mohamed Salah’s hunger to score goals is unmatched.

The 28-year-old superstar has been linked with a move away from Liverpool in recent weeks, but it has not slowed him down in front of the goal.

No doubt, Salah was instrumental in ensuring that the Reds finished the season third on the log and a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Harry Kane (Tottenham)

Take Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland out of the equation and Kane is the best striker on the planet. Even with the two Bundesliga goal scorers, Kane remains firmly in the conversation each season with his consistent finishing form and ability to help keep Tottenham in the mix.

This season, the 27-year-old has been at his usual prolific best scoring 23 goals in just 35 appearances. A player who is always willing to work hard for his team, Kane’s link-up play with Son Heung-Min has been exemplary.

At 27, the Englishman is at the peak of his powers and has been linked with a high-profile exit.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/complete-sports-2020-21-premier-league-team-of-the-season/

Portugal has been described as ‘increasingly likely’ to host the Champions League final for the second year running as a result of ‘failed’ talks so far between UEFA and the English FA.

Istanbul was the intended host city for the 2021 final but, having already lost the 2020 final as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, current UK travel restrictions that put Turkey on the ‘red list’ would make it impossible for fans to attend as leisure travel to those countries is banned.

With plans having been made for up to 25,000 fans to attend in Istanbul, London and Wembley Stadium had been put forward as an alternative that would negate international travel for supporters and both clubs. But talks to iron out key details appear to have proven difficult.

According to The Times, the UK government has offered Wembley as an alternative venue to UEFA. But a UEFA request that its staff, as well as media, sponsors and VIPs be granted exemption to quarantine laws that still exist on arrival in the country has not been met.


It is said that talks are ongoing, but where Wembley had been considered the favourite to replace the Ataturk Olympic Stadium, the chances of it actually happening are now ‘in the balance’.


Sky Sports report that UEFA is still ‘torn’ about moving the final from Istanbul to Wembley, but is considering Portugal as a ‘feasible third option’. A final in Istanbul could yet be played in 2023 instead, which would actually fall in the year of the Turkey’s 100th anniversary as a republic.

Lisbon stepped in to host a Champions League mini-tournament last season from the quarter-final stage onwards. This time, Porto would be the replacement host city should Portugal be chosen.
Log on to www.completesports.com to read more interesting news like this. @completesportsnigeria @Completesports #breakingnews #sports #news ##sportsnews #caf #football #footballnews

Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo has insisted that he won’t throw in the towel despite the team losing 3-0 to AC Milan on Sunday.

Pirlo has come under serious pressure after poor form of results in Serie A.

However, Milan delivered a huge blow against Juventus in the battle for a Champions League place as Brahim Diaz, Ante Rebic and Fikayo Tomori scored to put Pirlo’s job on the line.

Reacting to the defeat, Pirlo told Sky Italia that he won’t step down as manager.

“No, I won’t step aside. I took this role with a great deal of enthusiasm amid certain difficulties. I am at the disposal of the club, there are still three games to go, so I will continue doing my work as long as I am allowed to.”

“I said yesterday that the team looked good during the week, we trained with the right mentality and concentration. The team was alive and convinced it could put in a great performance,” Pirlo told Sky Italia.

“Instead that was not the case. We had actually started fairly well, but we lost our way and this was the final result. It’s difficult to explain now. There were many components that didn’t work. When you lose such an important game 3-0 it means many things didn’t work, but I need to evaluate it and then talk it over with the lads with a calm head.”
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Amputee Lagos hawker, Mary Daniel who received massive monetary support from Super Eagles Striker, Victor Osimhen and other well-meaning Nigerians has been discovered to be a member of a fraud syndicate.

Osimhen, like many other Nigerians, was moved by the plight of Mary, who became an instant online sensation had promised to help her plight and duly lived up to his words with a handsome donation.

He first urged his followers on Instagram to get in touch with her and later revealed that he has gotten through to her.

It was gathered that he donated an enormous amount to the women.

But the news filtering in from Lagos on Wednesday might not be pleasant to the ears of the Napoli striker, as Mary Daniel was discovered to have been untruthful about her life and her family.

Daniel, in an interview, claimed she was an orphan with a baby and an aged grandmother to fend for.

She narrated how life dealt her several blows and she had to drop out of school and hit the streets to make ends meet.

Following her harrowing tales, Nigerians started donating money through her bank account made public with about N25m raised.


This prompted the state government to immediately shelter her to prevent criminals from taking advantage of her sudden fortune.


It was gathered Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu immediately handed her over to officials of the social welfare for investigation following revelations her case was staged.

Daniel, it was gathered, was receiving strange calls from those who staged her story with threats to reveal the truth unless she gave them their share of the money.

It was learnt Sanwo-Olu handed her over to officials of welfare in the presence of the police and some Kogi leaders, who attested her father was alive.

Commissioner of Police Hakeem Odumosu confirmed that the young woman was in the custody of officials of the Social Welfare and not the police as earlier reported.

Log on to www.completesports.com to read more interesting news like this. @completesportsnigeria @Completesports #breakingnews #sports #news ##sportsnews #caf #football #footballnews

Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho is the most viewed player on the Transfermarkt website in the last 24 hours.

The Leicester City forward provided an assist and scored the winner in the Foxes’ 2-1 defeat of Crystal Palace in a Premier League tie Monday night at the King Power stadium and the Transfermarkt website has revealed the Nigerian as the top on the list of its 10 most viewed players.

Iheanacho is followed by Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema who spared the Los Blancos blushes Tuesday evening with the equalizer in their UEFA Champions League tie against Chelsea while Lionel Messi, the Argentine who has been inspirational for Barcelona in their bid to reclaim the LaLiga title is third.


Chelsea’s American forward, Christian Pulisic who scored the all-important away goal for the London Blues against Real Madrid Tuesday evening is fourth and he is followed by embattled Juventus forward, Cristiano Ronaldo who has been blamed for the Old Lady’s uninspiring displays in the Serie A this term.


Another Chelsea player, Timo Werner is sixth with former Blues midfielder, Eden Hazard who has spent most of his season on the treatment table at Real Madrid surprisingly seventh, ahead of one of the most sought-after forwards in the world football, PSG’s Kylian Mbappé.

Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland is the ninth most viewed with Turkey striker, Burak Yilmaz incredibly making the cut as the 10th on the list.

Still valued at just €15m, Iheanacho has been in the news since he started his goal-scoring spree against Burnley in the Premier League culminating in the winner against Crystal Palace on Monday. He has scored nine times in his last seven Premier League games and was deservedly voted the Premier League Player of the month of March.
Log on to www.completesports.com to read more interesting news like this. @completesportsnigeria @Completesports #breakingnews #sports #news ##sportsnews #caf #football #footballnews

Lorient forward Terem Moffi has celebrated his first hat-trick in Ligue 1, reports Completesports.com.

The 21-year-old was the star of the show as Lorient boasted their survival hopes with a 4-1 win against Girondis Bordeaux at the Yves Allainmat – Le Moustoir on Sunday.

Moffi scored two goals in the first half before adding the third in the second period.


The forward took to the social media to celebrate his first hat-trick in the French top-flight and the crucial victory.


“Buzzing for the win and 3goals�⚽️⚽️⚽️ ,” the Nigerian wrote on his Twitter handle.

He has now scored 14 goals in 28 league appearances for Lorient this season.
Log on to www.completesports.com to read more interesting news like this. @completesportsnigeria @Completesports #breakingnews #sports #news ##sportsnews #caf #football #footballnews

Conor McGregor has declared he will “smack” Kamaru Usman for “copying his shots” in his victory over Jorge Masvidal on Saturday night.

Usman defended his UFC welterweight championship with an emphatic second-round knockout to defeat Masvidal for the second time in two years.

The Nigerian feinted with his left hand before connecting with a straight right to send his American rival crashing down on the Octagon canvas.

Usman’s victory extends his UFC record to a formidable 14 wins without loss and #1 welterweight contender Colby Covington is likely to be his next opponent.


But McGregor appears to be keen to take on the 33-year-old, as he has grown annoyed of Usman allegedly mimicking his fighting style.


The Irishman posted a clip of him feinting and landing a heavy blow on Dustin Poirier in their January fight and wrote: “Usman even copying my shots now.

“Am I to fight this guy at some stage? I think so.

“Can’t be copying my words and my shots and not get a smack for it. I like 170 [pounds]. It’s mine soon.”

To McGregor’s annoyance, Usman claimed that fighting him is like “green panty night” in one of his pre-fight interviews.

This was a clear nod to McGregor’s famous “red panty night” remark, and it was not lost on the former featherweight and lightweight champion.

“I’m a block at 170 guys,” the 32-year-old wrote on Twitter. “Give me till end of year at this 155 weight.

Log on to www.completesports.com to read more interesting news like this. @completesportsnigeria @Completesports #breakingnews #sports #news ##sportsnews #caf #football #footballnews

Anthony Joshua has said Floyd Mayweather and Wladimir Klitschko are “more than welcome” to join his training camp to help him prepare for his upcoming fight with Tyson Fury.

WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion Joshua is set to face Fury, who holds the WBC title, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in either July or August.

In an appearance on the Disruptive Entrepreneur Podcast, Mayweather, who attended AJ’s win over Kubrat Pulev in December, said there are plans for him to start “working with Joshua real soon”.


Mayweather said: “I look forward to working with Joshua real soon, we talk all the time.

“It’s a very interesting fight. Anthony Joshua has a lot of experience and Tyson Fury as well has a lot of experience but with Anthony Joshua losing a fight [against Andy Ruiz Jr], it helped him become stronger.

“I met Tyson Fury on a few occasions; he’s great guy and very interesting. After the fight I like to see him sing… I haven’t seen him fight a lot of times.

“I’ve seen him fight twice, against Deontay Wilder, but it’s a very intriguing match-up. You can never say what’s going to happen in the sport of boxing. Both guys are great competitors.”

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Kelechi Iheanacho’s recent impressive form has earned him admirers from Premier League’s heavyweights Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, report claims.

Since the beginning of March, Iheanacho has scored 10 goals in seven games for Leicester, which included a hat-trick against Sheffield United and braces against Manchester United and West Ham.

Last Sunday hescored the goal that secured Leicester a 1-0 win against Southampton and a first FA Cup final in 52 years.


Now, Iheanacho is back on the radar of many clubs. According to Fichajes, United, Chelsea and Arsenal are all interested.


United are currently bracing themselves for the departure of Edinson Cavani as the Uruguay striker is out of contract at the end of the season. Although the club can extend that by a further year, Cavani may prefer to return to South America.

If the former PSG star leaves, United will need to find a replacement. They have been linked with big names like Erling Haaland, but Iheanacho would be cheaper.

Hence, they could attempt to lure Iheanacho back to Manchester – on the other side of the city’s divide.

Alternatively, Iheanacho has two options to end up in London. Chelsea are also in the market for a new centre-forward, for example.

Timo Werner has not scored as many goals as expected since joining from RB Leipzig in the summer. Hence, they are willing to invest in that position again.

They too are linked with Haaland, but reports have cast doubt on how much the Norwegian would want that move. Instead, if they shift their focus elsewhere, Iheanacho could be ideal.

It is claimed that Thomas Tuchel is “convinced” by Iheanacho’s “perfect technical and physical symbiosis”. With Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham possibly leaving, the 24-year-old could fill the gap.

Another suitor would be Arsenal, who have doubts about their own strikers’ futures. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not enjoyed as successful a season since signing a huge new contract, which is cause for concern.

Alexandre Lacazette is approaching the last 12 months of his deal, so Arsenal may need to cash in. Furthermore, Eddie Nketiah could also look for a new club.

That would leave the Gunners with a lack of depth and Iheanacho may be a shrewd signing to reinforce.
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Jose Mourinho has been sacked as manager of Tottenham Hotspur.

The announcement comes just hours after Spurs announced it was part of controversial plans to join a European Super League.

Mourinho, 58, had been in charge of Spurs since November 2019 after taking over from Mauricio Pochettino.

The Portuguese manager’s original deal with the north London club had been due to run until the end of the 2023 season.


In a statement, Spurs said: “The club can today announce that Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff Joao Sacramento, Nuno Santos, Carlos Lalin and Giovanni Cerra have been relieved of their duties.

“Ryan Mason will take first team training today and a further update will follow in due course.”

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said on the club’s official website: “Jose and his coaching staff have been with us through some of our most challenging times as a club.

“Jose is a true professional who showed enormous resilience during the pandemic.

“On a personal level I have enjoyed working with him and regret that things have not worked out as we both had envisaged.

“He will always be welcome here and we should like to thank him and his coaching staff for their contribution.”

Mourinho’s departure comes with Spurs in seventh position in the table and five points away from the places needed for Champions League qualification. In their last match on Friday, Spurs drew 2-2 with Everton.

It also comes just days before Spurs meet Manchester City in the final of the League Cup at Wembley.
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Kelechi Iheanacho has declared his affection for the FA Cup after helping Leicester City beat Southampton in their semi-final clash at the Wembley Stadium on Sunday, reports Completesports.com.

Iheanacho scored the decsive goal in the second half as the Foxes set up a final with Chelsea, Leicester’s first since 1969.

Brendan Rodgers’ side will look to win the trophy for the first time in their history when they confront the Blues.

No player has scored more goals in the FA Cup since the start of the 2015/16 season than the Nigeria international.


“The FA Cup loves me and I love the FA Cup,’ said Iheanacho.

‘‘I was in the right place at the right time. I’ve been unlucky in the past few years but it’s working out well now and I need to go to the next level.’’

Vardy’s brilliant burst and cross created Iheanacho’s strike and the Nigerian added: ‘The partnership is outstanding. He has pace, he has everything. He set up the goal and I was in the right place at the right time.’

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Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) giants Kano Pillars have confirmed that Super Eagles skipper Ahmed Musa has re-signed with them until the end of the 2020/21 football season, Completesports.com reports.

In a statement from the office of the chairman of the club, Surajo Shuaibu Jambul agreed to sign Musa until the end of this current campaign.

Musa had been without a club since departing Saudi Arabia club Al Nassr in October last year.

But the former CSKA and Leicester City forward has now rejoined his former club.

“Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has sensationally returned to Kano Pillars FC for the reminder of the 2020/21 Nigeria Professional Football League season (NPFL),” the statement read.

“Musa previously played for the Pride of Kano in 2009 where he ended the season as the top scorer in the Nigeria Professional Football League with 18 goals before moving to VVV-Venlo in the Netherlands.”

According to Malikawa, the club have agreed to the deal after due consultations with the player and the League Management Company of Nigeria (LMC) whom stand as a mediator to the deal.

Malikawa further stated that the club have received a letter from the League Management Company of Nigeria (LMC) that was signed by the Chief Operating Officer, Malam Salihu Abubakar, that Pillars will sign Musa as an Elite player of the league to the end of the season.

“Ahmad Musa is our own and Pillars FC will continue to support him anytime and anywhere he found himself,” Malikawa said.

Amongst the contractual agreement reached and would be documented between Musa and Pillars, anytime Musa gets an offer, he would be released by the club.

Malikawa concluded that after completing all the necessary documentations, Musa would be unveil by His Excellency, the executive Governor of Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje before the commencement of the second stanza of the league.

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Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has splashed cash on one Mary Daniel, an amputee, who hawked water for survival, reports Completesports.com.

Daniel, 26, has been trending on the social media since she was spotted hawking water with one leg.

The young lady according to several reports lost her parents in an accident, which also took away one of her legs.

Instead of resorting to begging, she decided to go into hawking for survival.

She was recently spotted in a video which went viral and many Nigerians decided to make some contributions for her.

Osimhen also saw the video and sent money to her through his friends.
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Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel admits he would prefer to face Real Madrid rather than Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals after the Blues reached the last four for the first time since 2014.

Chelsea were beaten by Porto on Tuesday night in the home leg of their quarter-final in Seville, Mehdi Taremi’s scoring a stunning injury-time overhead kick for Sergio Conceicao’s side.

But Tuchel’s men had done the hard work in the first leg, winning 2-0 in the away game which was also staged in Seville to render Porto’s late goal irrelevant.

Also Read: Musa Rejoins Kano Pillars Until End Of Season


Chelsea will now face the winners of the Liverpool and Madrid tie, which the Laliga champions lead 3-1 going into Wednesday’s second leg at Anfield.


“In general I like not to play against teams from your same league in the Champions League as it gives more of a feeling of a European competition but that is the only thing. The game is far from over but I will watch it for sure.

“Everything is possible. Liverpool are very strong at home so we take what we get. It is a good situation for us.”

Hailing Chelsea’s progress, Tuchel said: “The semi-finals is a big achievement. It’s a big step to be in the semi-final.

“We’re not used to being there but once you are there you play for the final.”

While Tuchel admitted the game was not a spectacle, Chelsea produced a professional display to keep Porto at arm’s length until it was too late for them to mount a comeback that took the game to extra time.

He said:”It is also part of the performance to not let your opponent perform.

“Today was the day to hang in and show all the effort, all the intensity, all the team spirit, that’s needed if you don’t have the experience, if you have a young team, it’s the moment to be together.

“We talked about what we needed to do if you feel nervous and that is to use your body, work hard and make yourself sweat. This is what we did.”
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Odion Ighalo says he turned down offers from Tottenham Hotspur and other clubs to join Manchester United last year, reports Completesports.com.

Ighalo, 31, joined the Red Devils on loan from Chinese Premier League outfit Shanghai Shenhua in January 2020.

The deal was later extended until 2021 with the forward scoring five goals in 23 appearances for United across all competitions.

Having left English football in 2017 following a three-year spell at Watford where he had helped the club to Premier League promotion, Ighalo would not have been a name many would have considered at the time to solve United’s striker shortage.


The former Nigeria international however revealed that turned down suitors to link up with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.


‘That was close – my agent called me and told me they (Tottenham) had offered to match whatever I was earning but once I heard Manchester United were interested, there was no turning back,”Ighalo told Sky Sports.

“I couldn’t think about anything else other than making the Manchester United deal work. I was going to have to take a pay cut but I didn’t care, I just wanted the deal to happen.

“I just wanted to play for Manchester United. It’s my dream club and it was always going to be a privilege for me to play at Old Trafford.


“I’m just so grateful to God that it happened. Every day I wake up and I know that I am an ex-Manchester United player. It is something that I will never take for granted.”

Ighalo moved to Saudi Arabia Professional League club Al Shabab in February following the expiration of his contract at Old Trafford.

The striker disclosed he had offers to stay in the Premier League, but decided to play elsewhere.

“Yeah, there was the possibility of West Ham and West Brom to stay in the Premier League, which I thought about,”he added.

“But after being at Manchester United, the biggest club in England if not the world, what else could I possibly do in the Premier League?

“I had good offers to stay in England, but I just didn’t think I could stay after achieving my dream of playing for the club I had supported since I was young.

“I came all the way from China because it was Manchester United when I had already rejected other offers because United has always been my dream.”

Victor Osimhen has urged his Napoli teammates to keep working hard following Sunday’s 2-0 away win at Sampdoria, reports Completesports.com.

The striker sealed the win by grabbing a late goal for the Partenopei.

It was a return to winning ways for Napoli who lost away to Juventus in their last fixture.


Fabian opened scoring for Gennaro Gattuso’s side in the 35th minute.


Napoli moved into fourth place on 59 points following the win with eight games remaining.

“We keep fighting�� @sscnapoli �� ,”Osimhen tweeted.

The 22-year-old has scored five goals in 16 league appearances for Napoli this season.
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Joan Laporta has returned as the Barcelona president after coming out tops against Victor Font and Toni Freixa in the club’s 14th elections, which were held on Sunday.

The ex-president returns to the role that he had held from 2003 until 2010, having obtained 54.28 percent of the votes, totalling 30,184 of the club’s members. His reign will run until 2026.

He becomes the 42nd president in Barcelona’s history, having started the campaign as favourite to win.

The result comes as no great surprise given the support he has always had. When needing signatures to become a candidate, he obtained 9,265 to Font’s 4,431 and Freixa’s 2,634.

In June 2003, Laporta received 52.6 percent of the votes to win, with 27,138 people voting his way.

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For the first time ever, voting took place across as many as six different locations, as well as via postal votes, which 20,000 people took advantage of.

His newly elected board will take office within ten calendar days.

Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr is happy with the contribution of Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo at Rangers this season, reports Completesports.com.

Rohr has also told young defender Calvin Bassey and incoming signing Nnamdi Oforboh that they are in his sights and can join the duo in his squad.

Aribo and Balogun have been key figures for Rangers this season and, after helping them reach the Europa League last-16.


They can also help put Steven Gerrard’s side within touching distance of an historic title when they face Livingston in a Scottish Premiership clash on Wednesday.


Oforboh, who will join Rangers this summer after signing a four-year pre-contract agreement with the Scottish club has represented Nigeria at the U-20 level.

Bassey, 21, was born in Italy but is eligible to represent Nigeria at international level.

“It would be great for our players – Balogun and Aribo – if Rangers won the title,”Rohr told the Daily Record.

“We have been watching Rangers a lot and scouting all their games and there’s also Calvin Bassey and Nnamdi Ofoborh who is an Under-20 international who both have Nigerian roots so the challenge is there for them to join them.

It is great that they are getting so much exposure and success at a club the size of Rangers and, as well as domestically, they have played at a very high level in Europe.

“I played a friendly in Glasgow with Bordeaux and it was a full house – even for a friendly game – so I have good memories and I’m delighted they are getting to experience that, although Leon hasn’t yet had the chance to play in front of the fans.

“I have known Balogun for a very long time. He has a German mentality and has good speed which is very important for a central defender or full back as he can play both positions.

“There is no difference for Leon Balogun playing at right back for Rangers just now because he’s played there before, for Nigeria and in Germany sometimes.

“He’s quick and intelligent and can change his position very quickly. For me, he’s strong enough to play either position. In the 2018 World Cup he played at the right of a three-man central defence so not quite a right back.


“I watched him playing in Germany for Mainz before I joined the Nigerian national team so I knew all about the boy. He was born in Germany and speaks German so we have a good relationship.

“Leon has a very good character and self confidence and I was happy when he moved to Glasgow Rangers because he didn’t play enough in England.

Leon is one of the leaders in my group and I’m happy he has had success in European competition with Rangers. He is also one of my vice captains, we have a young team in Nigeria and he is an experienced player which is vital.”
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AC Milan chief Paolo Maldini has affirmed that the Rossoneri want to discuss a permanent deal for Fikayo Tomori with his parent club Chelsea.

Tomori was struggling for game time under former Blues manager Frank Lampard and headed to San Siro on loan in January, where he has made an immediate impression.

The 23-year-old has played the full 90 minutes three times in Serie A so far – including in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Roma – but club director Maldini wants to drive Chelsea’s asking price of £26m down before they look to activate his option-to-buy clause.


Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, the Milan legend said: “Tomori is a player who has particular characteristics of speed and intensity and for us, he was a reinforcement.


“Tomori is a good talent and we have a buy-option clause. The price is very high. AC Milan will decide at the end of this season and we will discuss it with Chelsea’s board.”

Tomori has also made appearances in the Europa League and Coppa Italia for Stefano Pioli’s side, who sit seven points behind leaders Inter Milan with a game in hand.

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Hector Bellerin is reportedly considering leaving Arsenal amid interest from French club Paris Saint-Germain.

Bellerin, 25, has been with the Gunners since he joined from Barcelona as a 16-year-old and has become a key player for the London club in recent years.

However, CBS Sports reports that Bellerin is keen on a fresh challenge and is ready to consider leaving Arsenal this summer.


PSG manager and former Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino is understood to be an admirer of the Spaniard, who has two-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract.


Barcelona, as well as at least two other clubs in Serie A, are also believed to be monitoring the situation and will look to try and persuade the right-back to leave London this summer.

Mikel Arteta is hoping that his compatriot stays at Arsenal, but Bellerin is desperate to compete for trophies and would rather spend the remaining years of his prime away from a club in a transition phase.

Bellerin, who has won three FA Cups with the Gunners, has made 22 Premier League appearances so far this season, scoring once against Leeds United earlier this month.
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Victor Osimhen spent the night in the hospital under strict observation after being knocked down unconscious during the closing stages of Napoli’s away defeat at Atalanta on Sunday.

The 22-year-old fell awkwardly after a collision with Atalanta defender Cristian Romero and hit his head on the ground.

Osimhen was immediately stretchered off and rushed to the hospital.


Napoli released a statement on Sunday following the incident.


”Victor Osimhen, following the injury with head trauma suffered in the final minutes of Atalanta-Napoli, underwent tests with negative results,” reads the statement.

The player will remain in Bergamo until tomorrow under the clinical observation of the blue health manager Raffaele Canonico.”

The forward returned to action for Napoli on January 24 after an absence of more two months due to the injury he picked up on international duty with Nigeria.

He also tested positive for Covid-19 over the winter break.
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The recent choice of venue for the Super Eagles’ 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Lesotho in Nigeria may have raised some question marks on the politicization of the nation’s football ahead of maintaining a winning home ground for the team.

Last week Friday, the Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Sola Aiyepeku together with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) First Vice President Seyi Akinwumi led the Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr to the Teslim Balogun Stadium for an on-the-spot assessment ahead of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match.

Aiyepeku reiterated that the pitch will be match-ready before the game next month.

“I am really happy that the Super Eagles Coach, who came for an on-the-spot assessment of the stadium to evaluate the level of our readiness was satisfied with what he saw at the Teslim Balogun Stadium”.

“I assure the Eagles Coach that the Teslim Balogun Stadium is a viable option for Nigeria’s home match against Lesotho. We have re-grown the grass in the last 15 months and a lot of work is in progress to ensure that the pitch is match-ready”, he added.

There is no doubt that hosting the match in Lagos will be a huge one for Lagos and the team considering the massive support they usually derive from Lagosians when matches are played at the Main Bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere.

The argument being forwarded by officials at The Glasshouse is that Lagos would be the best option for Lesotho, to save costs and due to logistics issues, especially as the Lagos State government is willing to foot the bills.

Again, if it eventually sees the light of the day, this will be the first time in a decade the Super Eagles have played any game in Lagos with their last against Sierra Leone ending 2-1 in favour of the hosts in 2011.

However, this may not be the best time for the NFF to accept the juicy offer of the team playing at the Teslim Balogun Stadium knowing fully that the players are not familiar with the turf. A further slip could cost the team a place in Cameroon.

Besides, it would have been an ideal venue if the team had already booked a place for the tournament when less pressure will be on the players. But at this stage, the venue should be a no-go area for the team if Nigeria must qualify for AFCON.

Super Eagles stars would rather play next month’s AFCON qualifier against Lesotho in Uyo and not make a long-awaited return to Lagos. Rohr also stated that the players would have preferred the game was played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, where they have played most of the home games for the past four years.

“The second game, we will do it in Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos,” Rohr told ESPN.

“We know that this is a very special occasion with the pandemic, and we cannot have the usual [venue in] Uyo.

“But my players they like Uyo because of the facilities, because of the stadium.”

By and large, NFF must prioritize the ambition of the team and not the financial prize that comes with it when the State Government decides to show interest in hosting games. They should learn from the mistakes of the past in order not to jeopardize the team’s qualification ticket.
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