₦airaland Forum

After a five-and-a-half-year hiatus from active sports journalism, Toyin Ibitoye, returned to the beat last week following his completion of an acclaimed and highly successful tour of duty as the Media Officer of the Super Eagles.

And leading sports production and marketing company, HotSports Nigeria Ltd has finalised plans to formally welcome back the brilliant and resourceful purveyor of sports news and information whose experience cuts across the print and electronic media.

The event slated for Studio 2 inside the Company’s sprawling television production complex in Ikeja, Lagos takes place 4pm, Sunday, November 8, 2020.


Leading the welcome party will be Taye Ige, President/CEO assisted by top officials of the Company. Expected to grace the event will be Ibitoye’s friends and family members, top officials of the Nigerian Football Federation and other leading lights of the football confraternity in Nigeria, sports editors and managers of Nigerian newspapers and programmes on radio and television.

In a release he personally signed yesterday, Ige said “On behalf of the Teams at both HotSports Nigeria Ltd & HS Studios, Nigeria’s leading sports marketing company and owners of the largest television production complex in the west coast of Africa, I wish to extend my heartfelt salutation and congratulations to our colleague, Toyin Ibitoye on the successful completion of his tour of duty.

“Relevant members of the HotSports Team and I would like to recall, with immense gratitude, how pleasurable it was working with you in the last five-and-a-half years especially during our several activations in furtherance of our roles as both the official media partner as well as marketing consultant to the Nigeria Football Federation. We all know how difficult access to the national team camp can sometimes be. This became significantly easy for us to achieve under your watch, making both our editorial and marketing activation responsibilities much easier to carry out. It has thus been a privilege working with you and now it’s an honour to celebrate the legacy of hard work and exceptional dedication to duty you have left behind for your successor.

“Secondly, that the Super Eagles largely delighted us with good results on the field of play during your tenure, qualifying for both the AFCON and the FIFA World Cup finals in grand style (in some cases two matches ahead) is also evidently traceable to the quality of “technical assistance” you afforded the Team’s chief coach, Mr. Gernot Rorh. It is not for nothing that, in informed circles, Toyin, you were known as the de facto assistant to the national coach as you were reputed to put at his disposal your awesomely rich knowledge of Nigerian players, their current status in their various Clubs both home and abroad as well as advise him on the best formations to adopt based on options of players available at any given time.”

Ige concluded; “It is for these services to our Company and to our dear country that we wish to thank you and formally welcome you back to the profession we know you have always loved. We know your passion for sports journalism and we are almost certain that you can’t wait to get back to it.”
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Leon Balogun is delighted to see Rangers record another important win following Sunday’s 1-0 victory against Kilmarnock at the Rugby Park, reports Completesports.com.

James Tavernier netted the winning goal from the spot on 19 minutes.

The goal came after Ross Millen handled the ball in the box with the Gers captain slotting the ball calmly past Danny Rodgers for his tenth goal of the campaign.
Balogun, who started the game on the bench replaced Alfredo Morelos four minutes from time.


“Got them big 3 points that WE came for + another clean sheet ��,” Balogun wrote on his Twitter handle.

The centre-back has made six league appearances for Rangers this season.
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The newly refurbished Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin will host the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture between the Super Eagles and Sierra Leone, Completesports.com reports.

The encounter is scheduled for Saturday, November 13, with the the reverse fixture to take place four days later in Freetown.

Gernot Rohr’s side played their last home game in the qualifier against Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium last hosted a national team game on November 12, 2011 when the Super Eagles were held to a 0-0 draw in a friendly by the Zebras of Botswana.

The Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw in a friendly by the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in Austria this month.

The three-time African champions top Group L of 2021 AFCON qualifier with six points following victories in their opening two games against neighbours Benin and Lesotho.
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Joe Aribo is in buoyant mood after scoring in Glasgow Rangers’ 2-0 home win against Livingston on Sunday afternoon, Completesports.com reports.

The midfielder scored the game’s opening goal on six minutes after he was set up by Ianis Hagi.

Hagi dispossessed Efe Ambrose and set up Defoe, whose shot was stopped by the goalkeeper’s legs, but Hagi showed good awareness to square to Aribo, who swept the ball into the empty net.



Veteran striker Jermain Defoe scored the home team’s second goal in the 16th minute.

“Massive 3 points today! Happy to be back on the scoresheet �� ,”Aribo tweeted.

He has now scored two goals in five league appearances for Steven Gerrard’s side this season.
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The Super Eagles of Nigeria dropped three places from 29th to 32nd position in the latest FIFA World Ranking that was released on Thursday, Completesports.com reports.

The world football governing body announced the latest rankings on their official website.

Also, the Eagles experienced a slide in Africa as they now occupy fourth position.


Their next month 2021 AFCON qualifying opponent the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, did not fare any better either after dropping one spot to 120th.


The Teranga Lions of Senegal remain Africa’s highest ranked side at 21st and number one on the continent.

At number two in Africa is Tunisia who are 26th in the global ratings.

Reigning African champions Algeria climbed five places and are now 30th in the world and third in Africa.

There were no changes in the top five ranked countries in the world as Belgium, France, Brazil, England and Portugal remained first, second, third, fourth and fifth respectively.

At number six is Spain, number seven spot has Uruguay, two-time World Cup champions Argentina are eight, at number nine is Croatia and Colombia are number 10.

The next FIFA World Ranking will be published on 26 November, 2020.
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Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi did not feature for West Bromwich Albion who were forced to a 0-0 draw at home by Burnley, in the Premier League on Monday night, Completesports.com reports.

West Brom are still in search of a first Premier League win after five games (three defeats, two draws).

Ajayi who was in action for the Eagles in their two friendly games against Algeria and Tunisia, has made four appearances in the league.


It was a game West Brom believe they should have taken all three points having made more attempts on goal.


The Baggies went close as early as the 4th minute after Matheus Pereira found Filip Krovinović on the edge of the box and the Croatian curled an effort just wide of the post.

In the 20th minute Karlan Grant went close after Pereira slotted him through on goal, but his left-footed effort rose just above the bar.

Burnley had their own opportunity which came in the 28th minute but Sam Johnstone saved excellently from a close-range Ashley Barnes effort.

On the hour mark West Brom could have broken the deadlock after Grady Diangana worked his magic then hit a powerful strike which Nick Pope saved well.

Four minutes later Burnley almost scored through Chris Wood but his header came off the bar.

In the 69th minute Johnstone made a superb save from a Barnes header, Wood headed the rebound against the bar, but was offside.

And with 11 minutes left in the game Pope made a super save to deny Pereira at the backpost following a lofted Townsend cross.

And at Elland Road Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Leeds United 1-0.

A Raul Jimenez goal in the 70th minute sealed the win for Wolves.
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The captain of Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, Umaru Bangura, fitness coach Phillip Kor and an official Eric Fomba, have tested positive for coronavirus.

This was confirmed in a statement from the Sierra Leone Football Association.

Sierra Leone will be guests to Nigeria in next month’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on November 9 before hosting the return leg in Freetown the following week.


The three affected persons contracted COVID-19 while on international duty with the Leone Stars in Niger Republic and they are self -isolating, the statement confirmed.


Bangura featured in the Leone Stars’ recent 2-1 loss to Mauritania in a friendly but missed their 1-0 defeat to Niger due to injury.

Sierra Leone have recorded only one win in their last six games ahead of their clash with the Super Eagles.

The Eagles lead Group L of the qualifiers with six points , after victories against Benin Republic and Lesotho.

The Squirrels of Benin Republic are second in the standing and are followed by Lesotho and Sierra Leone.
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Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho and Al Nassr forward Ahmed Musa will be leading the Super Eagles attack when Nigeria take on the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in the second of their October friendlies today at the Jacques Lemans Arena in Sankt Veit an der Glan, Austria.

Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr, is set to field the experienced duo as he hopes to record his first win of the year with the Eagles after losing 1-0 against Algeria in the first of the Super Eagles’ two October friendlies last Friday.

Iheanacho and Musa started from the bench in the loss to Algeria with the Leicester forward coming on for Paul Onuachu in the 67th minute while the Eagles captain replaced Samuel Chukwueze in the 75th minute of the encounter.


The Eagles put up a lackluster performance against the African champions last weekend with Onuachu struggling to hold his own as the team’s arrowhead.


Iheanacho and Musa will have to prove they still have what it takes to lead the Eagles attack as Nigeria look to record back-to-back wins against Tunisia whom they defeated 1-0 in the Third/Fourth Place match of the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.

Also set to return to the Eagles starting line-up against Tunisia is Leganes defender, Kenneth Omeruo.

Remarkably, the trio of Iheanacho, Musa and Omeruo recently staged a return to the Eagles squad as they were not part of the squad that played a 2-2 and 1-1 draws against Ukraine and Brazil in the international friendlies in September and October last year.

Iheanacho was not listed for the games due to poor form, while Musa and Omeruo were ruled out because of injuries.

Musa and Omeruo featured as the Eagles beat Tunisia to the AFCON bronze last year courtesy of Odion Ighalo’s 3rd minute goal while Iheanacho was left out of the AFCON squad.

The Eagles last winning outing was in the 4-2 away win against Lesotho in an AFCON qualifier played in November last year.

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Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr is expected to make a number of changes in his starting line-up for Tuesday’s friendly against Tunisia following his side’s poor showing against Algeria, reports Completesports.com.

The West Africans fell 1-0 to the African champions last Friday at the Worthersee Stadium, Klangefurt.

The Super Eagles were completely outplayed by the Algerians with Ramy Bensebaini netting the winner in the sixth minute.


Left-back Zaidu Sanusi, Tyronne Ebuehi, Leon Balogun, Maduka Okoye and Alex Iwobi all put up impressive displays for the Super Eagles, while majority of their teammates struggled all through.

Genk forward Paul Onuachu had a disappointing game, while the likes of Semi Ajayi, Samuel Chukwueze, William Troost-Ekong and Samuel Kalu were not at their best.

Rohr is likely to drop Onuachu for either Kelechi Iheanacho and Cyriel Dessers against the Carthage Eagles.

Talented winger Chidera Ejuke also likely get the chance to make his debut against the former African champions.
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Joseph Yobo is delighted to resume his role as assistant coach of the Super Eagles, reports Completesports.com.

The 40-year-old was appointed Super Eagles assistant coach in February this year, replacing Imama Amapakabo in the technical crew.

The former Super Eagles captain trained with the team for the first time on Tuesday ahead of Friday’s friendly against the Desert Foxes of Algeria.

Joseph Yobo is delighted to resume his role as assistant coach of the Super Eagles, reports Completesports.com.

The 40-year-old was appointed Super Eagles assistant coach in February this year, replacing Imama Amapakabo in the technical crew.

The former Super Eagles captain trained with the team for the first time on Tuesday ahead of Friday’s friendly against the Desert Foxes of Algeria.


“New Chapter. Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr and his assistant coach,” he wrote on Instagram.

Yobo, who represented his country at the 1999 Under-20 World Cup, skippered the Super Eagles to Africa Cup of Nations success in South Africa in 2013.

The former Everton, Fenerbahce and Norwich City defender played in six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments between 2002 and 2013 in a 14-year career.

He featured in three World Cup tournaments in 2002, 2010 and 2014, playing ten matches at the World Cup finals in total – the most appearances for the West African nation on the biggest stage.

Yobo became the first African to captain Everton in October 2007 and made more than 250 appearances for the Toffees, helping them qualify for the Champions League in 2005 and playing in the side that lost the 2009 FA Cup final to Chelsea.
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Randy Waldrum is elated with the opportunity to work with the Super Falcons, reports Completesports.com.

The Nigeria Football Federation announced the appointment of the experienced tactician on Monday.

The 64-year-old will work alongside former Super Falcons goalkeeper and captain Ann Chiejine, who will be his first assistant coach, while Wemimo Mathew Olanrewaju will serve as second assistant coach and Auwar Bashir Makwalla will be goalkeeping coach.


“Very excited to head up the #NigerianWomensNationalTeamand look forward to working with this amazing team! Gives me a chance to reconnect with some of the players I know! Big thanks to Pitt for allowing me the flexibility to work with them!#SuperFalcons#H2P,”Waldrum tweeted.

The American has a vast amount of experience coaching women’s soccer specifically in the USA from the college and university level and at the professional level.

Waldrum also has coaching experience at international level. He was in charge of Trinidad and Tobago from 2014 to 2016, where he led them to a fourth-placed finish at the 2014 Concacaf Women’s Championship, and within touching distance of 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification.

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Hoffenheim defender Kevin Akpoguma has been granted permission by FIFA to make his switch to the Super Eagles with immediate effect, reports Completesports.com.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick announced the good news on the social
media.

”Coach Gernot Rohr might be a bit light in the middle. However, I’m extremely happy to announce that @FIFAcom has just granted Hoffenheim defender and former German U-20 national team skipper Kevin Ufuoma Akpoguma permission to make his switch to Nigeria with immediate effect,”Pinnick tweeted on Monday night.


The centre-back recently disclosed his intention to switch allegiance and represent Nigeria at senior level.

The 25-year-old represented Germany at youth level playing for the U16, U17, U18, U19, U20, and U21 teams.

Akpoguma was the captain of the German U-20 team that reached the quarter-finals of the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

The tough tackling defender stormed the Super Eagles Hotel Die Ziet, Austria camp on Monday ahead of Friday’s friendly encounter against African champions Algeria.

He is in camp to familiarise with the Nigeria set-up and bond with other players.
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Genk of Belgium Paul Onuachu has been handed a late call-up for Nigeria’s friendlies against Algeria and Tunisia, reports Completesports.com.

Onuachu will take the place of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen who has been excused from the games by the Nigeria Football Federation.

”� ❗️❗️@victorosimhen9 has been excused from @NGSuperEagles’ games against Algeria and Tunisia. His replacement is Paul Onuachu. #Team9jaStrong #SoarSuperEagles ,” reads a tweet on the official Twitter handle of the Nigeria Football Federation.
Napoli stars Piotr Zielinski and Eljif Elmas tested positive for Covid-19 following the side’s 6-0 win against Genoa last Sunday.

The entire Napoli squad, including Osimhen will self-isolate for 14 days to guide against the spread of the virus.
The entire Napoli squad, including Osimhen will self-isolate for 14 days to guide against the spread of the virus.

Onuachu last featured for the Super Eagles in a friendly against former world champions Brazil in October, 2019.

The 26-year-old has scored seven goals for Genk in the Belgian Pro League this season.

The Super Eagles will face Algeria on October 9 before coming up against Tunisia four days later.
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Middlesbrough assistant manager Kevin Blackwell expects Chuba Akpom to score on a regular basis for the club after the striker impressed on his debut against Queens Park Rangers.

Akpom scored Boro’s goal in the 1-1 draw at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Saturday.

He put the visitors ahead in the 19th minute before Bright Osayi-Samuel equalised for the home team.


“What’s the perfect start for a striker? It’s getting a goal on your debut and he’s done exactly that,” Blackwell told Teesside Live.

“It’s important as a striker you’re seen to do your job and that is scoring goals.

“That has taken a lot of weight off his shoulders, psychologically whether he thinks about it or not.”

Akpom moved to Middlesbrough from Greek Super League club PAOK last week.
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Napoli manager Gennaro Gattuso has lauded Victor Osimhen for his impressive performance in the side’s 6-0 thrashing of Genoa on Sunday, reports Completesports.com.

On his first start since linking up with the Blues from Ligue 1 club Lille, Osimhen proved too hot to handle for the Genoa defenders in the encounter played at the Stadio San Paolo.

The 21-year-old , who was unlucky not to get a goal, bagged an assist in the contest.


The young forward was close to scoring on four occasions in the first half.


He recorded five shots, won three aerial battles with a passing accuracy of 61.5%.

“It is a possibility that we have, even if I must say that by playing like this we can concede by dribbling too much. We have many attacking and young players who are enthusiastic about this type of organization. But again, the search for balance is important,”Gattuso was quoted by the club website.

“This year we have a center forward who gives us depth. Osimhen is present in almost all of our offensive plays and this is indicative of his value.”

Napoli will face champions Juventus in their next league game on Sunday.
Napoli manager Gennaro Gattuso has lauded Victor Osimhen for his impressive performance in the side’s 6-0 thrashing of Genoa on Sunday, reports Completesports.com.

On his first start since linking up with the Blues from Ligue 1 club Lille, Osimhen proved too hot to handle for the Genoa defenders in the encounter played at the Stadio San Paolo.

The 21-year-old , who was unlucky not to get a goal, bagged an assist in the contest.


The young forward was close to scoring on four occasions in the first half.


He recorded five shots, won three aerial battles with a passing accuracy of 61.5%.

“It is a possibility that we have, even if I must say that by playing like this we can concede by dribbling too much. We have many attacking and young players who are enthusiastic about this type of organization. But again, the search for balance is important,”Gattuso was quoted by the club website.

“This year we have a center forward who gives us depth. Osimhen is present in almost all of our offensive plays and this is indicative of his value.”

Napoli will face champions Juventus in their next league game on Sunday.
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Leicester City midfielder Wlifred Ndidi has pulled out of Nigeria’s friendlies against Cote d’l voire and Tunisia due to injury, reports Completesports.com.

Ndidi, Completesports.com learnt copped the injury in the Foxes’ league win against Burley on Sunday.

The 23-year-old is expected to miss Wednesday’s (today) Carabao Cup clash against Arsenal at the King Power Stadium.


Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr is expected to name a replacement for the former Genk of Belgium star ahead of the games.

Granada of Spain midfielder Ramon Azeez is the only midfielder included on the standby list by Rohr.

The friendly fixtures against the Elephants and Carthage Eagles will hold on October 9 and 13 respectively in Austria.
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Victor Osimhen has been included in Italian Football TV (IFTV) Serie A Team of The Week following his inspiring performance which helped SSC Napoli to secure victory on his top-flight debut for the club, Completesports.com reports.

Osimhen was only on for 30 minutes in his debut game for the Partenopei on Sunday when they defeated Parma by two goals to nil in their opening Serie A game of the 2020/21 season.

The Nigerian international came on
to completely change the game for the Partenopei who had struggled to break through the Parma defence in the first 60 minutes of the match.


Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens grabbed one goal each as Napoli were inspired by new signing,
Osimhen’s entrace in the second hali, precisely în the 60th minute against Parma.


The IFTV’s first Serie A Team Of The Week (TOTW) in the 2020/2021 season was published only on its social media platforms as its official website is under reconstruction.

Osimhen is the only Napoli player in the Team of The Week. Juventus have three in the selection following their 3-0 win against Sampdoria, namely; Leonardo Bonucci, Dejan Kulusevski, and Aaron Ramsey. Remarkably, their talismanic forward, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t make the cut despite scoring a goal in the Juve’s win.

AC Milan duo of Davide Calabria and Zlatan Ibramimovic are in the IFTV’s TOTW, while AS Roma also have two players selected – Antonio Mirante and Leonardo Spinazzola. Fiorentina’s Gaetano Biraghi and Cristiano Castrovilli were also selected.
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Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has revealed how he was able to convince former Germany youth captain Kevin Akpoguma to commit his international future Nigeria.

Akpoguma, 25, who plays for Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, has a German mother and a Nigerian father – which qualifies him to play for the Super Eagles.

And, despite 62 Germany caps from under-16 to under-21 level, Akpoguma opted to capitalise on the Fifa rules which allows him to switch allegiances.

“It was not my job to convince [Kevin] Akpoguma to come and play for Nigeria,” Rohr told BBC Sport.


“I had a good conversation with him and his family while watching several games in Hoffenheim.

Also Read: Rohr Invites Ejuke, Tijani, Lawal For Super Eagles October Friendlies

“After the matches we met and could talk. I presented our projects and I could speak about the team, about this incredible period in the Super Eagles and my vision for the team.

“He was sold on this and would love to be a part of the team and play in big international competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations or even the World Cup.”

Since Rohr took charge in August 2016, the number of players born overseas has risen.

Among players who have switched allegiance to Nigeria are Ola Aina, Brian Idowu, Tyronne Ebuehi, Joe Aribo, Maduka Okoye, Kingsley Ehizibue and Cyril Dessers.

And amid Rohr’s excitement about the prospect of working with Akpoguma, he admits that he will have to wait before welcoming him into the Super Eagles fold.

“We are very happy about the decision of Kevin Akpoguma to switch from Germany to Nigeria,” Rohr said.

“Because he played for Germany at youth levels, the process is not finished yet because Fifa must give the authorisation.

“He has fulfilled the written request to switch and we only await the good news that he can finally play for us.

“It’s too soon to expect him to play our two friendlies in October, but hopefully for the Nations Cup qualifiers in November.”

Born in the western town of Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Akpoguma started his professional career at Karlsruhe SC and also played for Fortuna Düsseldorf.

He was part of the German side that won the 2014 European U-19 Championship.

Also, he captained Germany at the 2015 Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand, helping them beat Nigeria 1-0 in the second round.
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Nigeria forward Obafemi Martins has linked up with Chinese Super League outfit Wuhan Zall FC on a one-year deal, reports Completesports.com.

Martins,35, joined Wuhan as a free agent, after his contract with another Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua was terminated last week.

The striker rejoined Shenhua for a second spell at the start of the new season but failed to make much impact at the club.

He failed to register a goal in four league appearances for Shenhua.

The well travelled forward previously featured for clubs in Italy, England, Germany, Russia, Spain, and the United States of America.

Wuhan occupy fourth position in CSL Group B table with 16 points from 11 games.

Martins is in line to make his debut for Wuhan against Chongqing Dangdai.
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Nigeria midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo is thrilled to start his time with Turkish Super Lig outfit Galatasaray on a winning note following Sunday’s 2-0 away win against champions Istanbul Basaksehir, reports Completesports.com.

Etebo replaced Sofiane Feghouli in the 72nd of the encounter.

It was the Nigeria international first league outing for Fathi Terim’s side following his loan move from Sky Bet Championship club Stoke City.


Radamel Falcao and Younes Belhanda were the scorers for Galatasaray in the 14th and 76th minutes respectively.


“Excited to be part of this great victory and we keep going.. thanks to the supporting fans,”Etebo tweeted.

Galatasaray top the table with six points from two games.
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Simy Nwankwo scored twice to help Crotone destroy Vibonese 6-1 in a pre-season friendly as the Nigerian striker expressed his readiness for the 2020/21 Serie A season, Completesports.com reports.

Ahead of Crotone’s opening Serie A tie against Genoa on Sunday, coach Giovanni Stroppa tested his players in a friendly at the Vibonese Stadium and they passed in flying colours.

Simy and Kargbo impressed with a brace each, while the other goals came from the duo of Messias and Riviere as the newly-promoted Sharks prepare for their first game at Marassi.


Simy emerged top-scorer in the Serie B for the 2019/20 season with 20 goals, one ahead of Perugia’s Pietro Lemmello who netted 19 times during the campaign which ended in July.


That was also his most prolific season ever, netting 21 times in 38 games in all competitions for Crotone and logging a total of 3,115 minutes with a goal involvement of every 148 minutes.

The 28-year-old has set his sights on making a comeback to the Super Eagles of Nigeria under the tutelage of Gernot Rohr following his wonderful goal-scoring form throughout this season.

Simy who was last invited for national team assignment by chief coach, Rohr in September of the year 2018 hopes his playing in the Serie A could earn him a recall in the nearest future
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Alex Iwobi has landed a huge opportunity to impress manager, Carlo Ancelotti as Everton host Salford City in tonight’s Carabao Cup Second Round tie at Goodison Park, Completesports.com reports.

Since joining Everton for £27.36m last summer, Iwobi has failed to play to his full potential.

After leaving Arsenal, Iwobi has failed to truly impose his game on Everton as he has been in and out of the starting eleven, especially under Ancelotti who became The Toffees’ coach in December.


Iwobi recorded his worst season ever in the Premier League after ending the last campaign with just a goal in 25 appearances for Everton while his goal drought spanned 23 matches.


Also Read: Simy Ready For Serie A After Netting Brace As Crotone Round Off Pre-Season

The 24-year-old certainly has a tough battle on his hands to retain his status as an Everton player even as the 2020/21 Premier League season started last Saturday.

This particularly is the case after Everton boss, Ancelotti brought in James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure who will both give Iwobi stiff competition at the Merseyside club.

He was not listed for Everton’s opening game of the season against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, having made 125 EPL
appearances, 100 for ex-club, Arsenal, bagging 11 goals and 16 assists.

The Super Eagles forward struggled to make much impact in his first season at Everton, having contributed just two goals and an assist in 28 games across all competitions.

The Toffees’ Carabao Cup game against minnows, Salford, should definitely be the type that Iwobi should feature in and the winger must go all out to take his chance.
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Kelechi Nwakali admits it was difficult to leave Arsenal but believes he has justified leaving the Gunners for LaLiga club Huesca.

Nwakali linked up with Huesca last summer ending his three-year spell with Arsenal.

The 22-year-old failed to play a competitive game for Arsenal and spent time on loan at MVV Maastricht, VVV Venlo and Porto.


“It was difficult for me to leave because they (Arsenal) wanted me to stay,” Nwakali told TribalFootball.


“But at the same time, I needed to get a place where I can call my home, where I can continue to develop my game.”

Nwakali made his first LaLiga appearance for Huesca against Villarreal on Sunday.

The talented midfielder replaced Juan Carlos in the 62nd minute of the encounter.

“It was a dream come through and playing in La Liga will also help to develop my game and I think I’m justified with that choice to play for Huesca,”he added.

The former Golden Eaglets captain also speaks about the joy of working under coach Michel at Huesca.

“I have good relationship with the coach. He always talk to me after every training on where to improve and get better as a player.

“The position I play is comfortable for me. It shows more of my qualities and I really appreciate him for helping me to adjust to his own philosophy of football.”
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Former Nigeria international Ifeanyi Udeze has adviced Alex Iwobi to leave Everton after he was left out of the Toffees’ opening game against Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday’s Premier League.

Iwobi did not make Carlo Ancelotti’s squad which had new signings James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

The trio made their debuts as Everton beat Spurs 1-0 away thanks to Dominic Calvert-Lewin strike.


And Udeze has urged Iwobi to start looking for another club positing Rodriguez’s signing will deny him playing time.

“I think Iwobi should look for another club especially with James Rodriguez signed it will be difficult for him to play,” Udeze said on Brila FM.

“Imagine against Tottenham he did not make the bench and even the squad. So for me he should start looking for another club.

“It’s painful for me but as it is I think the best thing is for him to go elsewhere.”

Crystal Palace new signing Eberechi Eze has been included in the PFA Championship Team of the Year, Completesports.com reports.

The PFA made the announcement which was published on their verified Twitter handle on Tuesday.

Eze’s inclusion is due to his impressive performance for former club Queens Park Rangers last season.

The 22-year-old scored 13 goals and provided eight assists in 45 Championship appearances for QPR.

He was voted QPRs Players’ Player of the Year, the Supporters’ Player of the Year and the club Player of the Year.

The PFA Championship Team of the Year was dominated by newly promoted Leeds United who have four players: Luke Ayling, Ben White, Liam Cooper and Kalvin Philips.

Other players in the list are Brice Samba of Nottingham Forest, West Bromwich Albion’s Romaine Sawyers, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Joe Bryan of Fulham and Brentford duo of Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins.

PFA Championship Team of the Year:

Goalkeeper

Brice Samba (Nottingham Forest)

Defenders

Luke Ayling (Leeds United)

Ben White (Leeds United)

Liam Cooper (Leeds United)

Joe Bryan (Fulham)

Midfielders

Eberechi Eze (QPR)

Kalvin Philips (Leeds United)

Romaine Sawyers (West Bromwich Albion)

Forwards

Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

Said Benrahma (Brentford)

Ollie Watkins (Brentford)

Victor Osimhen has described Napoli manager Gennaro Gattuso a real man and has enjoyed working under the Italian , reports Completesports.com.

Gattuso played a key role in Osimhen’s move from Ligue 1 club Lille to Napoli this summer.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a perfect start to life at the club , with six goals and an assist in two pre-season outings for the Blues.

Gattuso was noted for his no nonsense style during his playing days, but Osimhen stated that his gaffer is a different personality now.

“From the way he talks to you, and by looking him in the eyes, you can see that Gattuso is a real man, he’d never bullshit you,” Osimhen told Gazzetta.it.

The 21-year-old will return to action for Napoli in a friendly against Pescara on September 11.
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Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi says the side can take a lot of positives from their performance last season despite failing to pick a Champions League ticket, reports Completesports.com.

The Foxes had to settle for a place in the Europa League after losing 2-0 at home to Manchester United on the final day of the campaign.

Brendan Rodgers’ side finished in fifth position on the table with 62 points from 38 matches.


Despite the disappointment of missing out on the most lucrative club competition in the world, Ndidi insists the side can be proud of their performance during the campaign.

“I feel very great, I feel very happy,” Ndidi said to NFF media.

“It was a mixed feeling because in the last game, we should have done well to qualify for the Champions League. But in all, it was a great season and we can’t complain.
“It was a season for us to learn from going into [the 2020-21 campaign], and there are so many positives to take from last season.”

Ndidi scored two goals in 32 league appearances for Leicester City last season.
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Premier League club Fulham have agreed a deal to sign Ola Aina on loan from Torino with option to buy for €12.m, reports Completesports.com.

Fulham are looking to bolster their defence ahead of their return to the English top-flight.

Aina joined Torino from Chelsea in 2018, initially on loan and then on a permanent basis last summer.


Torino paid €10m to lure the versatile defender away from Chelsea.

According to Sky Sport Italia,he is now on his way to Fulham after two years in Italy.

Aina scored one goal and provided five assists in 62 league appearances for Torino.
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Former Nigeria international and Livingston defender Efe Ambrose has been included in the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) Team of the Week, Completesports.com reports.

The SPFL announced the Team of the Week on their verified Twitter handle on Tuesday.

Ambrose, 31, is the only Livingston player who made the list.


The 2013 AFCON winner’s inclusion is as a result of his impressive performance in Livingston’s 1-0 win against Ross County at the weekend.

“Started in his natural position for the first time this season and excelled as Livingston defeated Ross County on Saturday,” SPFL wrote.

“In addition to his defensive duties, Ambrose’s range of passing was a major plus for the West Lothian side in their 1-0 triumph.”

The game against Ross County was Ambose’s fifth appearance for Livingston in the league.

The win was Livingston’s first in the league this season after six games (three defeats, two draws).
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Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has been ruled out for the two remaining games of the season after suffering a concussion on Sunday against Bidvest Wits, reports Completesports.com

The Nigeria goalkeeper collided with Bidvest Wits’ Mxolisi Macuphu while attempting to punch the ball in the 43rd minute.

The 34-year-old received medical attention on the pitch before he was strechered off later.


Akpeyi was replaced by Bruce Bvuma late in the first half.

“Daniel Akpeyi suffered a concussion on Sunday against Wits. He is ruled out for the next two matches. The medical team will continue monitoring his recovery process,” reads a tweet on Kaizer Chiefs’s official Twitter handle on Monday.

The 34-year-old is now out of contention for Wednesday’s home clash against Chippa United and last match of the season against Baroka.

He has made 25 league appearances for Kaizer Chiefs this season.

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Nigeria winger Samuel Kalu is on the verge of completing a loan move to Turkish Super Lig outfit Fenerbahce, reports Completesports.com.

Kalu has featured in Girondis Bordeaux’s two Ligue 1 games this season.

Last season, the pacy winger scored one goal and provided two assists in 21 league appearances for Les Girondis.


According to EuroSport’s journalist, Fenerbahce have reached agreement with Kalu but are still in discussion with Bordeaux to finalise the deal.

Fenerbahce as part of the agreement will pay Kalu’s full salary for the loan period.

Galatasaray have also been linked with a move for the player.
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Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has called for Napoli fans to support the club’s new signing Victor Osimhen, reports Completesports.com.

Osimhen joined Napoli from French Ligue 1 club Lille in a mouth watering deal last month.

Much will be expected from the Nigeria international after an outstanding campaign for Lille last season.


The 21-year-old scored 18 goals and recorded six assists in 38 appearances across all competitions for the Great Danes.

”Congratulations to Gattuso for how he has made the players work hard since this first training session. I ask the fans to stay close and support

Victor Osimhen,” De Laurentiis told a news conference on Monday.

“He hasn’t played for months and needs to get used to the game again. ”

Osimhen trained with new team-mates for the first time on Monday afternoon at the Castel di Sangro.
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