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Shanghai Shenhua sporting director, Zhou Jun, says Nigeria forward Odion Ighalo would be an ideal signing for Manchester United, Completesports.com reports.

Ighalo, 30, linked up with the Red Devils from Shanghai Shenhua on a six-month loan deal on transfer deadline day.
The former Watford striker has entered the final month of his loan deal at Old Trafford and could be recalled by Shanghai Shenhua for the new Chinese Super League season now due to start in June or July.

Shanghai Shenhua sporting director, Zhou Jun, says Nigeria forward Odion Ighalo would be an ideal signing for Manchester United, Completesports.com reports.

Ighalo, 30, linked up with the Red Devils from Shanghai Shenhua on a six-month loan deal on transfer deadline day.

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The former Watford striker has entered the final month of his loan deal at Old Trafford and could be recalled by Shanghai Shenhua for the new Chinese Super League season now due to start in June or July.

United are open to keeping Ighalo, but a £20m fee reportedly demanded by Shanghai Shenhua could be a stumbling block.

“Realistically, Ighalo suits Manchester United. But many things are now uncertain due to Covid-19. Would Manchester United be willing to spend? Would their bid reach our expectation?”, Jun was quoted by m.ttplus.cn.

Ighalo has scored four goals in eight appearances for United.
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Italian side Inter Milan have celebrated Nigeria forward Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins’ famous celebration.

Martins joined Inter in 2001 and spent five years at the club before joining Premier League club Newcastle United in 2006.

The 35-year-old scored 49 goals and registered 13 assists in 136 appearances for the Nerazzurri.
Inter took to the social media to reminisce about the striker’s celebration.

” | MARTINS
Get your week off to a start with this clip of @Obafemimartins
What a celebration! ‍♂️#ForzaInter ⚫️reads a tweet on the club’s Twitter handle.

The forward, who is known for his speed on the ball also played for Wolfsburg, Rubin Kazan, Birmingham City, Levante, Seatle Sounders and Shanghai Shenhua.
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Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr is expected to sign a new contract with the Nigeria Football Federation next week, reports Completesports.com.

Rohr has been locked in discussion with the NFF over an extension to his current contract which is expected to end in June.
The NFF insisted on inserting several clauses in Rohr’s new contract which the German trainer seems ready to abide with.
“The executive committee mandated the general secretary to liaise with Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr, with a view to concluding all matters around his new contract within the next one week,” according to a statement by the NFF.

The 66-year-old took charge of the Super Eagles in 2016 and qualified the three-time African champions to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The Super Eagles however failed to progress beyond the group stage at the competition.

Rohr also led the Super Eagles to a third-place at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.Log on to www.completesports.com to read more interesting news like this. @completesportsnigeria @Completesports #breakingnews #sports #news ##sportsnews #caf #football #footballnews

Nigeria forward Emmanuel Dennis has celebrated his second Belgian Pro League title win with Club Brugge, reports Completesports.com.

Brugge was awarded the title on Friday after the Pro League board of directors ratified the decision made on April 2 recommending the season be curtailed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Club Brugge were runaway leaders of the league with 70 points from 29 matches with a match to the end of the regular season.
The 22-year-old won his first title with Club Brugge in the 2017/2018 season.

He took to social media to celebrate another successful campaign.

“Champion of Belgium �� 2019/2020
The first time was nice I had to do it twice � �
B L E S S ED ✊�❤️,” Dennis wrote on his Twitter handle.

Dennis scored five goals in 20 league appearances for Club Brugge this season.
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Former Nigeria international Victor Moses has heaped praises on Antonio Conte describing the Italian as the most important manager in his career.

Moses worked with Conte at Chelsea in 2016 where the 2013 AFCON winner played a key role in the Blues’ title-winning campaign during the Italian’s debut Premier League season.
While Conte was removed as manager by Chelsea in 2018 following a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League, the Italian was appointed as Inter ‘s new coach at the start of this season and opted to bring in Moses on loan in January.

Speaking about reuniting with Conte once again, Moses said: “It’s an honour to link up once again with an important figure in my career.

“He is my mentor and friend. I have played under a lot of managers and I’ve loved every single one of them. The most important one was Antonio Conte.

“At Chelsea he just came in and changed everything. He is an amazing man; he totally changed my game to be honest.”
When Conte arrived at Stamford Bridge nearly four years ago, Moses’ career was stagnating following three unimpressive loan spells at Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham.

After a difficult start to the 2016-17 league season, Conte switched Chelsea’s set-up to a 3-4-3 formation, slotting Moses in as a first-choice wing-back option on the right-hand side.

Chelsea ended up lifting the Premier League at the end of the season, largely helped by a run of 13 consecutive league wins – a Premier League record at the time.

Moses would remain a key player for the Blues in the wing-back role until Conte’s sacking and the Nigerian is forever grateful for that much needed confidence boost back in 2016.
“He gave me that fighting spirit to believe in myself and to enjoy my football same time,” Moses added.

“It was an amazing [first] season for me under Antonio Conte and I’ll always respect him for that, he’s an amazing man.

“I’ve never played that [wing-back] position before. When the manager came in, he talked me through it and then put me there.

“It was good to have the manager’s support, and he backed me and gave me the confidence to go out there and express myself.

“So I just wanted to go out there to play for him, the fans and the football club. I didn’t let him down.”

Former Nigeria international Victor Moses has heaped praises on Antonio Conte describing the Italian as the most important manager in his career.

Moses worked with Conte at Chelsea in 2016 where the 2013 AFCON winner played a key role in the Blues’ title-winning campaign during the Italian’s debut Premier League season.

While Conte was removed as manager by Chelsea in 2018 following a fifth-place finish in the Premier League, the Italian was appointed as Inter ‘s new coach at the start of this season and opted to bring in Moses on loan in January.

Speaking about reuniting with Conte once again, Moses said: “It’s an honour to link up once again with an important figure in my career.

“He is my mentor and friend. I have played under a lot of managers and I’ve loved every single one of them. The most important one was Antonio Conte.

“At Chelsea, he just came in and changed everything. He is an amazing man; he totally changed my game, to be honest.”

When Conte arrived at Stamford Bridge nearly four years ago, Moses’ career was stagnating following three unimpressive loan spells at Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham.

After a difficult start to the 2016-17 league season, Conte switched Chelsea’s set-up to a 3-4-3 formation, slotting Moses in as a first-choice wing-back option on the right-hand side.

Chelsea ended up lifting the Premier League at the end of the season, largely helped by a run of 13 consecutive league wins – a Premier League record at the time.

Moses would remain a key player for the Blues in the wing-back role until Conte’s sacking and the Nigerian is forever grateful for that much needed confidence boost back in 2016.

“He gave me that fighting spirit to believe in myself and to enjoy my football same time,” Moses added.

“It was an amazing [first] season for me under Antonio Conte and I’ll always respect him for that, he’s an amazing man.

“I’ve never played that [wing-back] position before. When the manager came in, he talked me through it and then put me there.

“It was good to have the manager’s support, and he backed me and gave me the confidence to go out there and express myself.

“So I just wanted to go out there to play for him, the fans and the football club. I didn’t let him down.”

Despite fellow Italian coach Maurizio Sarri coming in as Conte’s replacement, Moses did not fit into the new coach’s philosophy and was loaned out to Fenerbache last season.

And following limited game-time under Sarri’s replacement Frank Lampard, Moses was reunited with Conte at Inter earlier this year.

When Serie A gets back underway once coronavirus lockdown restrictions have been eased further in Italy, Conte and Moses will be looking for another league title together, with Inter currently in the Scudetto title race this year.

While the 29-year-old wing-back has only played a handful of games in the Serie A so far, he is already making positive steps under Conte again.
“I’ve come to realise that you play better under a coach that believes in you and that is what Conte has done for me. I’ve played three matches and it’s been wonderful.

“I feel better already. Before the lockdown I’ve played three games. I started the match away to Udinese and we won 2-0.

“It is good for the team. We are playing for the good of the team.”
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Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has admitted that his mental strength keeps him going in the face of constant criticism from fans and some of his teammates.

Akpeyi has endured criticism from fans in Nigeria as a result of high profile errors while on duty for the Super Eagles.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has admitted that his mental strength keeps him going in the face of constant criticism from fans and some of his teammates.

Akpeyi has endured criticism from fans in Nigeria as a result of high profile errors while on duty for the Super Eagles.
An error also led to a goal by Argentina in a 2018 pre-World Cup friendly. He picked up the ball outside his box, leading to a free-kick and a goal.

Despite the backlash, Akpeyi has however kept his place in the team and says he has learned to deal with it by shutting out criticism and staying strong.

“What helps me is my mental strength,” Akpeyi told ESPN.

“I really don’t follow the news about what is going on, especially when it comes to soccer from Africa and this part of the world.
“Thank God I grew up with a mentor who taught me how to be mentally strong. With all I have learnt from my mentor, I can’t give up on myself. I am not going to prove a point to anybody, I only have to prove a point to myself that whatever I have been trained with actually works.”

Akpeyi says one of his teammates was on the phone predicting the end of his international career after the blunder he committed in the friendly against Argentina.

“When we got to the hotel, I overheard one of my teammates in the other room telling somebody on the phone ‘I don’t think he should be invited to the national team again; how can he concede that kind of goal.’

“My own teammate!
“He was just outside the room next to mine and talking. This is a professional footballer who plays in Europe.

“But I thank God because it is by His grace that I am here.”
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Emmnauel Dennis and his fellow Nigerian David Okereke have officially won the Belgian Pro League title with Club Brugge after the league board decided to end the season early on Friday, reports Completesports.com.

The Pro League board of directors ratified the decision made on April 2 recommending the season should be halted in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Club Brugge were runaway leaders of the league with 70 points from 29 matches with a match to the end of the regular season.
Dennis, who has now two league titles with Brugge, scored five goals in 20 league appearances for the club.
The 22-year-old won his first title with the club in the 2017/2018 season.

His international teammate, Okereke, who linked up with Brugge from Italia Serie B outfit, Spezia last summer scored nine goals in 22 appearances.

Former champions KRC Genk finished seventh and have Paul Onuachu and Stephen Odey on their books.

KV Kortrijk, who parade three Nigeria stars – Terem Moffi, Aduljaleel Ajagun and Ezekiel Imoh – were placed in 11th place on the table.
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Nigeria defender Leon Balogun hopes he will get the chance to play in the German Bundesliga again, reports Completesports.com.

The centre-back spent 10 years playing for several clubs in Germany before linking up with Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion in 2018.

Nigeria defender Leon Balogun hopes he will get the chance to play in the German Bundesliga again, reports Completesports.com.

The centre-back spent 10 years playing for several clubs in Germany before linking up with Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion in 2018.


Nigeria defender Leon Balogun hopes he will get the chance to play in the German Bundesliga again, reports Completesports.com.

The centre-back spent 10 years playing for several clubs in Germany before linking up with Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion in 2018.

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Balogun has struggled for regular playing time at Brighton and has made just eight league appearances since his arrival at the club.


Read Also: Bundesliga: Collins’ Paderborn Continue Relegation Fight Against Dusseldorf

The 31-year-old, however, joined Sky Bet Championship club Wigan Athletic on loan in January and is looking forward to playing in Germany again.

“Germany is my home, I would always think about it,” Balogun was quoted by fussballtransfers.com.

“I’m still fit. Also, I will turn 32 this summer. I have a few more years in my legs.

“I would also like to continue playing in England, but the bottom line is that there is nowhere like home.”
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Brown Ideye has revealed that is there deep corruption in the football circle in Nigeria and promised to reveal the names of all the perpetrators in future.

Ideye, who now plays for Greek Super League outfit, Aris Thessaloniki was one of the key stars in the Super Eagles side that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
The forward also played a key role in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil but was surprisingly dropped from the squad to the Mundial.
Little known players like Uche Nwofor and Micheal Uchebo were included in the squad by the then handler of the side Stephen Keshi.

Ideye’s former teammate, Chinedu Obasi recently revealed that he was asked to pay a bribe in order to be included in the squad for the 2014 World Cup finals.
Following the revelation, the former Olympiacos of Greece star has promised to one day write a book to tell his own side of the story.

“Before I retire, I will write a book and pour everything out,” he said in an Instagram chat with sports journalist Oma Akatugba.

“We all know that there is a lot of corruption in our football. But, there is a limit you can go when it comes to corruption and bribery.

“So many things didn’t add up at the time. I was asking myself if I did something wrong or there was something I didn’t do. Not going to that World Cup, God used Keshi to sideline me for the West Bromich Albion job.

“I haven’t told anyone what really transpired, only my spouse knows about the story. It was painful, I felt like saying something but I decided to get hold of myself.”
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Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray are interested in Nigeria forward Cyril Dessers, reports Completesports.com.

Dessers make a big impact in the Dutch Eredivisie this season scoring 15 goals and recording five assists in 26 league appearances for Heracles Almelo.
The 25-year-old has been linked with clubs in the Netherlands and Belgium.
According to a report in a Turkish news outlet, yeniasir.com.tr, Galatasaray will look to bring the former NAC Breda forward to Turkey this summer.

Dessers only linked up with Heracles Almelo from another Dutch club FC Utrecht last summer.

Galatasaray have also been linked with a move for Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa.
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Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has picked Nwankwo Kanu as his best January signing.
Wenger snapped up the former Nigeria international from Italian giants Inter Milan midway through the 1999/2000 season.
The retired forward enjoyed a lot of success during his five-year spell with the English Premier League giants under Wenger.
“What a difficult question. Over 20 years, maybe Kanu. In the middle of the season. That had a big impact and he was a huge player,” Wenger told BEIN Sport.

“No, I am not. Because I think it is like a race in a marathon where you change the shoes halfway.
Kanu helped the Gunners finish second in the 2000 UEFA Cup during his first season with the club.

“It is not right when once you have started the season, you have to finish the season with the same players,” he continued.

“Or you keep it open the whole season like it was when I arrived in England. They have chosen a rule that is not right.”

Kanu won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups – scoring 43 goals in 197 matches across all competitions at Arsenal.

He is one of few players to have won the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal.
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Manchester United’s attempts to extend Odion Ighalo’s loan deal have reached an impasse.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to keep the striker until the end of the Premier League season by negotiating an extension to his current agreement, which expires on May 31.
But Shanghai Shenhua are demanding the Nigeria international returns to China for the start of the Chinese Super League campaign, meaning Ighalo could have played his last game for United.
As reported by Standard Sport last week, at present United are only pursuing a short-term deal, rather than a permanent move for 30-year-old who has scored four goals in three starts since arriving in January.

Shanghai is believed to want £20million for Ighalo, who Solskjaer admitted had played his way into a potential transfer before the season was halted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The former Watford forward’s original deal did not include an option to buy, with United only ever seeing him as a short-term solution before turning their attention to leading targets.

It is understood Solskjaer still wants to sign a central striker as competition for Anthony Martial in the summer – but targets like Timo Werner and Moussa Dembele remain at the forefront of his thinking.
While Solskjaer is eager to keep hold of Ighalo, Marcus Rashford’s return to fitness during lockdown means his attack will be boosted by time United return to action.

Even if United decide to pursue a permanent deal it would require Ighalo to take a massive reduction in salary, which is believed to be in the region of £300,000-a-week at Shanghai.
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Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi is interested in trying his luck in the Mexican Liga MX after terminating his contract with Turkey’s Trabzonspor.

According to beIN Sports, Mikel has several Liga MX suitors and the Nigerian is attracted to the idea of ​​playing in a league as competitive as the Mexican one.
Mikel, 33, is currently without a club after terminating his contract with Turkey’s Trabzonspor when the coronavirus pandemic broke out in Europe.
The Turkish Super League was one of the few championships that refuse to stop soccer due to the coronavirus.

Mikel spoke against the decision to continue the season and later reached an agreement to terminate his contract.

The former Chelsea midfielder has been previously linked with Brazilain clubs, Botafago and Internacional.
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West Bromwich Albion defender Semi Ajayi has revealed he learnt a lot during his stint at Arsenal especially from the club’s former captain Per Mertesacker.

Ajayi joined the Gunners youth academy in the summer of 2013 from Charlton Athletic after impressing on trial and went on to spend two years with the side.
Ajayi, however, was not afforded a single first-team appearance before his departure from the Emirates Stadium, but has explained the lessons he leant during his time with the side has continued to help him in his career.
”I learned a lot while I was there so I always look back on the two years,” Ajayi told Super Eagles media team in an Instagram chat.

“Training with these guys every day was great because I could go up against some of the best players in the country and around the world.

“Per Mertesacker took a lot of time out to teach me the art of defending and give me some wisdom that he’s picked along the way and shared with me, and I was really grateful for that.

“I did hope to one day break into the first team but everyone’s path is different, sometimes you have to take two steps back to take three steps forward.
“The things that I learned while I was there will serve me for the rest of my career.”

His failure to break into the Gunners first team under Arsene Wenger forced him to leave the side in 2017 to join Championship club Rotherham United, initially on loan before the deal was made permanent.

Ajayi enjoyed regular playing time during his stay with Rotherham, featuring in 81 league games and delivered some spectacular performances, winning the Championship Player of the Month for March 2019 and the club’s Player of the Season.

The defender’s eye-catching displays saw West Brom move for his signature and added him to their ranks in July last year.
Since teaming up with the Baggies, the utility player has featured in 35 league game, to help the side to second spot in the league table with 70 points from 37 games before the outbreak of coronavirus suspended football in England.

His top-notch performances have also seen him become a regular in the Super Eagles and he will hope to continue his consistent form when football activities resume.
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Nigeria winger Ahmed Musa says there have been no offers from Turkish Super Lig champions, Galatasaray despite several reports linking him to the club, reports Completesports.com.
Musa has been linked with a move to the Turkish giants, despite an underwhelming campaign in the Saudi Arabia Professional Football League with Al Nassr.
The versatile winger has scored two goals and registered five assists in 22 games across all competitions for Al Nassr.
“Galatasaray is a well-known team in Europe. However, there have been no offers to me or my manager so far. I am a player of Al Nassr and I have a contract here,” Musa was quoted by hurriyet.com.tr.

The 28-year-old linked up with Al Nassr from English Premier League club Leicester City in 2018

He also had stints with Dutch Eredivisie side, VVV Venlo and CSKA Moscow of Russia.
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Manchester United legend Gary Neville has advised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer against the purchase of Odion Ighalo this summer as he doubts the Nigerian is worth £20million.
The 30-year-old signed for United on deadline day in January in a shock loan move from Shanghai Shenhua and the move drew criticism, particularly as Solskjaer had been keen on Norwegian wonderkid Erling Haaland.
However, Ighalo silenced his doubters with a string of fine performances for his boyhood club and Solskjaer is keen to make the move a permanent one after the Nigerian scored four goals in eight appearances.
But that decision was made before the coronavirus pandemic hit and club finances are set to be hit in a way they never have before this summer.

With purse strings tightening across Europe, Neville doubts United can afford to spend £20m on a back-up forward and he’s told Solskjaer to back out of a move.

Speaking on Instagram Live, Neville answered a question on Ighalo’s future.
Is Ighalo worth £20m?’ said Neville. ‘Probably not in this market. He may have been if he continued before scoring goals but you probably don’t need now to spend £20m’.

United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward insisted last month that the club are not immune from the financial impact of the virus and said there will be implications at Old Trafford like there will be elsewhere.

Solskjaer is keen on signing £120m-rated Dortmund star Jadon Sancho as well as Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish but Woodward says talk of big-money transfers is unrealistic.

‘Nobody should be under any illusions about the scale of the challenge facing everyone in football and it may not be ‘business as usual’ for any clubs, including ourselves, in the transfer market this summer,’ Woodward said.
‘As ever our priority is the success of the team, but we need visibility of the impact across the whole industry, including timings of the transfer window, and the wider financial picture, before we can talk about a return to normality.’
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Manchester United would like to extend Odion Ighalo’s stay with his loan deal from Shanghai Shenhua expiring at the end of May.
An extension would depend on the situation with the Chinese Super League club as they edge towards the start of the season in the country where Covid-19 originated at the end of 2019.
Ighalo made his shock deadline-day switch from Shanghai Shenhua in January and the ex-Watford striker has impressed the Old Trafford faithful.
The 30-year-old has scored four goals in three starts for the club he has supported since childhood but adding to his eight appearances has been complicated by the coronavirus crisis.
The Premier League has been suspended since March 13 – the day after he netted a stunning goal at LASK in the Europa League – and play is unlikely to resume until mid-June at the earliest.

Ighalo’s loan deal expires on May 31 and, despite their attacking injury issues easing, United are understood to be open to extending his Old Trafford stint.

‘Project Restart’ is bubbling along in the Premier League and PA understands United have told their players currently based overseas to return to the country ahead of a potential resumption of training.
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Club Brugge have reportedly set the asking price of Emmanuel Dennis at €25m (£22.19m), amid speculation of a potential move to the Premier League.
While Dennis has just nine strikes to his name this season, three of those goals came in European fixtures against Real Madrid and Manchester United respectively.
The 22-year-old has since been linked with a number of teams in England, with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal said to be among the clubs who hold an interest in the Nigerian.
Should either side make a formal offer, Voerbal Belgie claims that it will make a bid of €25m for Brugge to consider a sale.

Dennis currently has just over two years remaining on his contract, leaving Brugge to assess the pros and cons of cashing in on their star man during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Newcastle United are also said to be monitoring the situation.
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Super Eagles and Leicester City star Wilfred Ndidi has been ranked fourth best midfielder in the Premier League this season, Completesports.com reports.

Football facts and statistics website Squawka, ranked ten of the best midfielders this season who have played in the current campaign from the start.

Other notable players in the ranking are Kevin de Bruyne of Manchester City, Liverpool duo Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum, Fred of Manchester United and Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea.
Commenting on Ndidi, Squawka wrote: “You may have been struck by Wilfred Ndidi’s importance to Leicester City during his recent spell on the sidelines. Across those five matches he missed, due to a troublesome knee injury, Brendan Rodgers’ men picked up just two points from 15 available while shipping seven goals.

“He is, without doubt, the glue which binds everything together in perfect harmony and there’s a strong case his presence allows everyone around him to excel, as we saw in those big wins over Newcastle United (3-0), West Ham (4-1) and Aston Villa (4-0), which happen to be his only league appearances in 2020 so far.”

And on Ndidi’s key stat he has made the most tackles (92) and interceptions (61) of any Premier League midfielder this season.

Premier League’s best midfielders this season ranked:
Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)

Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)

Jack Grealish (Aston Villa)

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)

James Maddison (Leicester City)

Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool)

Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea)
Oliver Norwood (Sheffield United)

Fred (Manchester United)

Todd Cantwell (Norwich City)
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Manchester United defender Luke Shaw says former Nigeria international Victor Moses is one of his toughest opponents, Completesports.com reports.
Shaw, 24, has played against some of Europe’s best players which include Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, since making his professional debut eight years ago.
But it is Moses who has made a lasting impression.

Moses who is currently on loan at Inter Milan was one of Chelsea’s standout performers under Antonio Conte during their 2016/17 title-winning season.

“People always think I’m joking, but one of my hardest games ever was against Victor Moses when I was coming in as a 17-year-old at Southampton,” Shaw said on United’s official website.

“Maybe because I was so young. He was really quick, direct, strong and that was a challenge for me.

“I’ve played against the likes of Gareth Bale, Messi and [Eden] Hazard, and they were all so good, but I always remember Victor Moses as a really tough opponent as well.”
Shaw arrived at Old Trafford from Southampton in 2014 for a fee in excess of £30m and has made 132 appearances for the club.

Asked who has helped him develop as a player during his time at United, Shaw singled out current team-mate Paul Pogba and former United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“I think back to when Ibra was at the club, he would push everyone mentally and physically in training,” Shaw said.

“He made you stronger and I took a lot from him when he was at the club. The way he was, he could be very challenging, but he pushes everyone because he wants to win and he makes you mentally strong as well.
“Another one I’d say is Pogba. He’s always been good with me. He’s always telling me to believe in myself, telling me that he believes in me, so he’s one that I’d say always pushes me in training.

“He’s always said positive things to me that have driven me on, so I’d have to say Paul is a big influence.”
“Another one I’d say is Pogba. He’s always been good with me. He’s always telling me to believe in myself, telling me that he believes in me, so he’s one that I’d say always pushes me in training.

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Former Nigeria international Odion Ighalo, Premier League giants Manchester United and organisers of Spanish topflight, LaLiga, have sent birthday greetings to Juan Mata who turns 32 on Tuesday, Completesports.com reports.
Ighalo wrote on his verified Twitter handle: “Happy birthday my boss, Juan Mata.”
According to LaLiga: “Juan Mata is celebrating today!
“Happy 32nd Birthday to Valencia legend!”

While United wrote: “Happy birthday to The Nicest Man In Football.

“We hope you have a great day.”
A graduate of Real Madrid’s youth academy, Mata played for Real Madrid Castilla in 2006–07, before joining Valencia in the summer of 2007.

He became an integral part of the club’s midfield, making 174 appearances over the course of four seasons.

In August 2011, Mata signed for Chelsea for a fee believed to be in the region of €28 million, and in his debut season was part of the team that won the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup.

The following year, Chelsea won the UEFA Europa League, making Mata and teammate
Fernando Torres, the first players to hold the
Champions League, Europa League, World Cup, and the European Championships simultaneously.
After falling out of favour at Chelsea under José Mourinho, Mata was sold to Manchester United in January 2014, for a fee of £37.1 million.

Since joining United, Mata has won the FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield and Europa League.
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Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has heaped praise on his Foxes manager, stating that the club’s success this season is down to what he calls ‘the Brendan Rodgers effect’.

Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, Leicester had enjoyed an outstanding season, running neck and neck with league leaders Liverpool for parts of the season before yielding ground, and – assuming the season is completed — are in line to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League.
Ndidi is in no doubt about the reason for that.
“It’s the Brendan Rodgers effect,” he tells ESPN. “With him, it is not just about the eleven players and subs. Even the players in the under 23, he carries everybody along.

“So there is always space for anybody to fill in and to play. He is that kind of coach that always believes in the squad and not just one player. The main thing is the squad, the squad comes first.
“That is why we are doing very well because we understand that we must always try our best. Where we are is because we work hard and try to improve all.

“There have been ups and downs, and there are still games after the lockdown and there are more points for us to try and get. For now, we are in a good position.”

Ndidi, who joined the Foxes after their fairytale Premier League title-winning season to replace N’Golo Kante, has become one of the division’s best midfielders, and he gives the credit to Rodgers.

He said: “No disrespect to other managers but kudos to Brendan Rodgers. He has done a lot of work on me. I remember the Chelsea game when (Mason) Mount took the ball from me and scored? That day made me a better player.
“The manager and the staff spoke to me. They made me understand what to do better and made me take it as a habit to do certain things. But he encouraged me to continue to play my game.

“The fact that he trusts and tries to improve the players is one thing. It is very difficult for a manager to come in and then dedicate himself to improving players, getting regular one on one meetings with players to help them make improvements.

“This is professional football, some teams won’t have that time for you to do all that. Everybody just focused on the business, they’re paying you for it and expect you to do the work. But Rodgers is different, very different.”
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Alex Iwobi’s Everton Teammate Moise Kean has come under heavy criticism for throwing a raunchy party at home in lockdown.
Kean, 20, who is thought to earn £50,000 a week, filmed himself at the party in his Cheshire apartment.

Alex Iwobi’s Everton Teammate Moise Kean has come under heavy criticism for throwing a raunchy party at home in lockdown.


Kean, 20, who is thought to earn £50,000 a week, filmed himself at the party in his Cheshire apartment.

Several models were seen lap-dancing and touching the crotches of men in footage posted to a private Snapchat group with the caption “quarantine clean”.

A statement from Everton said: “Everton are appalled to learn of an incident in which a first-team player ignored government guidance and club policy in relation to coronavirus.

“The club has strongly expressed its disappointment to the player and made it clear that such actions are completely unacceptable.

“The amazing people in the NHS ­deserve the utmost respect for their hard work and sacrifice.

“The best way to show them respect is by doing everything we can to protect them,” Everton said.
A source close to the former Juventus striker said: “Clearly, Moise and his friends didn’t think the rules applied to them.

“The party was wild and went on until the early hours. Premier League stars are getting paid huge salaries and not working.

“That must be infuriating enough for people who are losing jobs or taking pay cuts. Do they think they are above the rules?”

Kean, linked to a move to Italian giants Inter Milan, filmed himself on Friday on board a private jet alone.

He posted clips of himself dancing in the back of a car with another pal.
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Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been voted Leicester City’s Most Valuable Player in the Premier League this season, Completesports.com reports.
This was announced on Sky Sports website after voting was concluded.
Following the suspension of football in England following the coronavirus outbreak, fans were asked to vote for their club’s Premier League MVP so far this campaign.
After the collation of votes, Sky Sports unveiled the MVPs for each of the 20 Premier League clubs.

Commenting on Ndidi’s performance for the Foxes this season, Sky Sports wrote: “Leicester lead the way for counterattacks this season, a hallmark of their game in recent years.

“The bedrock of their midfield and the key man in launching so many fast breaks is Wilfred Ndidi.

“The Nigerian is a master of the art of the turnover, regularly winning possession and springing attacks.

“His 4.4 tackles per 90 minutes is the highest in the Premier League this season and significantly higher than the next-best central midfielder, Oriol Romeu on 3.2.
“Ndidi’s value was further demonstrated by his recent injury absence – a five-game run that saw the previously high-flying Foxes take only two points from a possible 15.”

Prior to the suspension of football in England, Ndidi had 23 league appearances, scored two goals and one assist.

He had also helped Leicester into the Champions League spot as they currently occupy the third position in the league table.

Meanwhile, voting by other club fans saw Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang emerge top at Arsenal, Kevin de Bruyne at Manchester City, Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur had Heung-Min Son, Harry Maguire for Manchester United and Willian for Chelsea.
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Arsenal has yet to open talks with fan favourite Bukayo Saka over a new contract, according to a report.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough campaign at the Emirates Stadium, featuring in all but one of Mikel Arteta’s games in charge.
Reports emerged earlier this week stating that Saka will be rewarded with a new deal by the Gunners, but Football. London suggests that fresh terms are not close to being agreed.
Despite the versatile Wideman being about to enter the final year of his existing contract, it is claimed that Arsenal is not currently in a position to discuss an extension.

That has allegedly put rival clubs on red alert, with Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Liverpool all possibly interested.

Saka, used predominantly in an unfamiliar left-back position this term, has 10 assists to his name in 2019-20.
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Former Nigeria international Vincent Enyeama has revealed that he rejected offers from top English clubs Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
The 37-year-old goalkeeper, who helped Nigeria win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, is a free agent having parted ways with French side Lille OSC in August 2018.
Enyeama attracted interest from European clubs after impressing at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals where Nigeria reached the round of 16.
“Arsenal wanted me for the second choice, but I was not interested. I also had an offer from Tottenham that wanted me for the second choice also and I wasn’t interested,” Enyeama told ESPN.
“It was after the 2006 Nations Cup and then again around the 2014 World Cup. When I turned them down, that is when they [Arsenal] took David Ospina.

“For me, I was at the stage where I preferred playing even if it was for one of the smallest teams. That is what the agents that were involved told me. That Arsene (Wenger) wanted me but he is not so sure because of my height and things like that. People have their choices and I respect their choices.”

Enyeama had successful trials with English side Bolton Wanderers in the early 2000s, but he was not signed by the former Premier League club.

“I am still wondering why I didn’t sign. It was a trial that went so well. They even told me I was going to get jersey number 35. All that was left was just to do the medicals,” he said.

“I was supposed to be number three, because Bolton had two goalkeepers already, with Jussi Jaaskelainen as number one.
“But I don’t regret it because it gave me the opportunity to go to Israel. I am so happy that I went to Israel because it opened doors for me.”
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Bukayo Saka and his Arsenal teammates have agreed to a 12.5% pay until March 2021 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Arsenal confirmed this in a statement released on their official website on Monday.
As reported by Mirror Football – Saka and his Arsenal teammates will take the pay cut but will be re-paid sums basing on on-pitch performances in a complex bonus structure.

Arsenal said in a statement: “We are pleased to announce that we have reached a voluntary agreement with our first-team players, head coach and core coaching staff to help support the club at this critical time.

“The move follows positive and constructive discussions. In these conversations, there has been a clear appreciation of the gravity of the current situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a strong desire for players and staff to show their backing for the Arsenal family.

Reductions of total annual earnings by 12.5 per cent will come into effect this month, with the contractual paperwork being completed in the coming days.
“If we meet specific targets in the seasons ahead, primarily linked to success on the pitch, the club will repay agreed amounts.

“We will be able to make those repayments as hitting these targets, which the players can directly influence, will mean our financial position will be stronger.

“The agreement is based on the assumption we will finish the season 2019/20 and receive the full broadcasting revenues.

“The resulting savings will help cover some of the financial risks we have this season in relation to our matchday and commercial income.

“We are proud and grateful to our players and staff for pulling together to support our club, our people and our community in these unprecedented times which are some of the most challenging we have faced in our history.”
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Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has opened up the door for a potential switch to the Absa Premiership with Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs.
Enyeama has been a free agent since leaving Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille in 2018 but has still been keeping fit while looking out for his next move.
Having spent over a decade in Europe, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner has refused to rule out a return to African football with the Soweto giants.
Speaking to African Football HQ, the Super Eagles’ most-capped player in history claimed it would appeal to him, should his family be comfortable relocating.
“Yeah, why not? Johannesburg is a good place to be,” Enyeama confirmed. “If there’s an opportunity to play at Chiefs or Pirates, why not?

“Football is my life, football is my blood and if there is an opportunity to play and the terms and details are okay and my family and wife are okay with it, then we move.”

The two-time CAF Champions League winner amassed 101 caps for Nigeria over 13 years before retiring from international football in 2015.
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West Brom centre-back Semi Ajayi has revealed that Peter Odemwingie is his favourite Baggies player from the past.
The 26-year-old has been answering several fan questions via his personal Instagram page and when asked about his favourite former West Brom player, he picked fellow Nigerian Peter Odemwingie.

Odemwingie, who is now retired, enjoyed a fruitful three years at the Hawthorns from 2010 until 2013, going on to score 30 goals in 87 matches for the Midlands club.
The striker was also a key part of the Nigerian national team, making over 60 appearances for his country whilst also featuring in the nation’s Olympics team.
Meanwhile, Ajayi is a Nigerian international himself having made 11 appearances for his country.

The former Rotherham United defender has become an instrumental figure in the Baggies team this season, making 41 appearances and scoring an impressive five goals as he aims to guide West Brom to the Premier League.

Slaven Bilic’s side currently occupies the second spot in the Championship table, one point behind Leeds United with nine games of the season left to play.
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Manchester United forward Odion Ighalo has reiterated that he is giving little thought to his long-term future.
While the Nigeria international is currently on loan from Shanghai Shenhua, speculation persists regarding a permanent switch to Old Trafford.
However, despite acknowledging that it is an option, Ighalo does not want to make any decisions until a date is set for the end of the season.
Speaking to journalist Juliet Bauwah, Ighalo said: “I’m on loan until the end of the season, which has not expired. Now it’s for us to finish the season very well, I do well, score more goals, if possible, then after the season, we’ll see what’s on the table.

“But, for now, the season is still on. Even for me, as a person, you can’t start talking about the contract when you don’t know when the season is going to resume. So there’s no need to talk about that, it’s just finishing the season and then see how it goes.”

Since his January arrival, Ighalo has netted four times from eight appearances in all competitions.
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Odion Ighalo has reportedly been told that he will have to accept a £200,000-a-week pay cut if he is to join Manchester United on a permanent basis.
The Nigerian striker has made a solid start to life at Old Trafford after arriving in a shock loan move from Shanghai Shenhua in January.
Ighalo has scored four goals in eight matches for United and has hinted that he would be interested in staying at the club beyond the end of the season.
According to the Daily Star, however, United will not match the £300,000 a week Shanghai were paying the 30-year-old before he returned to England three months ago.

The report indicates that Ighalo, who has previously represented Watford in the Premier League, is instead likely to be paid no more than £100,000.
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Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho started the 2019/2020 on a slow note, failing to make the matchday squads in most of Leicester City games before forcing his way back into the team towards the end of the year.
Iheanacho, who started his career as a midfielder joined Leicester City from Manchester City in 2017, having come through the youth academy at the club.

The 23-year-old played 64 games in two years at City. He scored 21 goals and recorded eight assists before linking up with Leicester.


This season, Ịheanacho has scored eight goals and produced four assists in just 937 minutes of playing time.

Even with Jamie Vardy’s scoring-streak this campaign, the Nigerian has produced some impressive performances for the Filberts.

According to a scouting report in footballanalysis.com, Iheanacho remains a key component of the Leicester City team.

“When Leicester have the ball, Rodgers likes his forward(s) to be their most advanced player(s). It means the strikers are tasked to play on the shoulder of the opponents’ defenders, particularly centre-backs. Such a task is also given to Ịheanachọ,” reads the report.

“By being the most advanced player in Leicester’s attacks, Ịheanachọ is also tasked with making runs into the goalmouth. The main objective behind this is to use his pace before receiving a final pass there. In the process, he would start his run between the defenders. By standing between them, Ịheanachọ could further confuse the defensive pairing in deciding who would mark him.

“Not only that, but his goalmouth runs can also be useful for his teammates. When he makes those runs, Ịheanachọ would most likely pull the defenders’ focus to him; even simultaneously. By doing so, he would open enough space between the lines for his attacking comrades to roam in. The roaming attacker then could be a potential cutback receiver from his teammate on the flank. Ịheanachọ also possesses enough strength to do this task, as he often holds the defenders with him.”
The report also highlighted Iheanacho’s pace and trickery as one of his key attributes as a centre-forward.

“Another reason why Ịheanachọ fits like a glove in Leicester’s tactics is his trailblazing pace. It’s no secret that the Foxes have pacey attackers; ranging from Vardy, Harvey Barnes, to Ịheanachọ himself. The particular trait is very handy in transition, as Leicester tend to make their goal-scoring attempts with their counter-attacks. For a fact, the stats show that Rodgers’ men have scored seven goals from their transitional attacks,” the report further stated.

“Ịheanachọ’s pace is often used to continue the counter-attacks. Either served with ground-level through-passes or lofted balls, the Nigerian could execute the transition with ease. The Nigerian’s speed is often used in the latter part of the game; hence his cameo role. Even so, the statistics show that he has scored three goals and created three assists when coming from the bench across all competitions.

“Ịheanachọ’s speed is also important when he has the ball. On possession, Ịheanachọ tends to use his pace as well as space around him to gets past the defender(s) quickly. In the process, he would rarely use lots of touches as that could make him lose the momentum.”

With the Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers demanding so much from his attackers, Iheanacho has performed his task well.

“When Leicester have the ball, Rodgers likes his forward(s) to be their most advanced player(s). It means the strikers are tasked to play on the shoulder of the opponents’ defenders, particularly centre-back. Such task is also given to Ịheanacho,” it further added.
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