₦airaland Forum

Joseph Yobo says he will bring experience, motivation and inspiration to the Super Eagles, reports Completesports.com.
Yobo, a former captain of the three-time African champions was appointed assistant coach by the Nigeria Football Federation in February.
The former Everton defender took the place of Imama Amapakabo in the Super Eagles coaching set up.
“I am bringing back that motivation. As a former captain, I’m bringing inspiration. I’ve been there and I’ve done it all,” Yobo declared in a live Instagram chat with Colin Udoh.
“I was a fan of the team before I became an assistant coach, so I’ve seen from a fanatical point of view how people feel when they are watching the team. We as players, while playing, don’t notice these things but after my retirement, I’ve been a pundit, I’ve given my opinion about what should be done in the team.”

Yobo also hopes his 15 years experience as a top professional will be vital for the team.

“I’m bringing in my experience. Having over 15 years of consistency in my career, I think that is a lot. The good thing is that the spirit is going to improve.

“Having been a pundit and looking at this team, I think we can go a lot higher with the quality we have.”
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Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi has expressed delight to be back in training with his Bundesliga club Mainz after an enforced break as a result of the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, Completesports.com reports.
German authorities allowed clubs back in training on Monday, amid tight biosafety measures and strict conditions.

And commenting on getting back to the pitch, Awoniyi, 22, who is on loan from Liverpool, revealed his admiration on the level of organization shown in Germany and Mainz to keep players safe while on the training pitch.
Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi has expressed delight to be back in training with his Bundesliga club Mainz after an enforced break as a result of the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, Completesports.com reports.
German authorities allowed clubs back in training on Monday, amid tight biosafety measures and strict conditions.

And commenting on getting back to the pitch, Awoniyi, 22, who is on loan from Liverpool, revealed his admiration on the level of organization shown in Germany and Mainz to keep players safe while on the training pitch.

“The Germans have always been professional and the training has been more like passing drills,” Awoniyi told Omasports.

“We are keeping social distance, nobody is touching the other and everything is under strict conditions. The monitoring is strict, and those drills don’t need contacts.

“It feels good because we all can feel the ball again, and everyone can be safe at the end, which is the most important for us.

“Everyone has been indoor for a while and it’s same everywhere in the world. We have to follow the instructions we are given. From my team, the way everything is being conducted has shown how Germans are and professional they are as a club.

“It was a good training session for everyone. I can’t believe we can play football without contact.”
The 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner with the Golden Eaglets added: “I give kudos to my team with the way it’s being managed. We are happy about it but we will be more glad when everything comes back to normal when the coronavirus is gone and I pray everything returns to normal for everyone.

“Kudos to the medical staff and for us, we have to stay safe at home and on the pitch, but it feels good to touch the ball again. I hope everything will be back to normal for everyone in the end.

Meanwhile, the organizers of the Bundesliga have proposed to resume the league (Behind closed doors) in May and to end the season in June 2020.

Queens Park Rangers’ Nigerian winger Bright Osayi-Samuel has revealed how his parents convinced him to snub a move to Manchester United as a youngster, Completesports.com reports.
Osayi-Samuel disclosed that United scout John McNab was on the verge of taking him to Old Trafford on trial before he eventually ended up at Blackpool.
“He (McNab) wanted to take me to United, but he also spoke to a coach at Blackpool,” Osayi-Samuel said in an interview with The Independent.

“I talked to my mum and dad and they said there’d be a lot bigger chance of me making it at Blackpool. That’s what made the decision for me.

“I was so keen to play, I didn’t care where it was, I’d never been at a proper team before and I was willing to sacrifice everything. When the chance came, I grabbed at it with both hands.”

Osayi-Samuel was in the youth team of Blackpool from 2014 to 2015 before graduating into the first team.
After spending two seasons with the first team (2015 – 2017), the 22-year-old switched to QPR in 2017.

And prior to the suspension of the English football leagues due to the coronavirus outbreak, Osayi-Samuel has scored six goals, provided eight assists in 32 appearances for QPR in all competitions this season.
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Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has expressed his desire to continue managing the team by penning a new contract, reports Completesports.com.
Rohr’s current deal will expire in June and the Nigeria Football Federation is ready to offer the German an extension.

NFF president Amaju Pinnick stated on Tuesday that Rohr must abide with some conditions in the new contract.
Rohr states that money is not a motivational factor at this stage of his coaching career and is ready to continue his adventure in Nigeria.

“I’m waiting for the (contract) proposal. Things could be very easy. I don’t want more money, bonuses. I just want to keep doing this,” the former Bordeaux gaffer stated in an Instagram chat with Collin Udoh.
“Personally, I received a few offers from other countries but I rejected them. I just want to take this team to the next Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.”

Rohr, who has previously managed Gabon, Niger and Burkina Faso national teams were named Super Eagles head coach in August 2016.

On October 7, 2017, his Nigeria-led team became the first African side to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup after a 1–0 win against Zambia.

He led Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
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The Super Eagles of Nigeria have remained unchanged in the FIFA/Coca-Cola world latest rankings, reports Completesports.com.
According to an update on FIFA website on Thursday, the Super Eagles retained their 31st position in world and third in Africa.

The Tauranga Lions of Senegal remained at the summit of African football and are followed by Tunisia. Algeria and Morocco occupy fourth and fifth positions in the continent respectively.
Meanwhile, there are no changes in the top five teams in the world with Belgium still in number one position.

World champions France, Brazil, England and Uruguay completed the list.

The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 11 June 2020.
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Super Falcons captain Asisat Oshoala has been named in Forbes Africa’s ’30 Under 30 list, reports Completesports.com.

The Barcelona Femeni forward alongside Florence Otedola (@cuppymusic) & Tosin Ajibade (@mreazi) are some of the successful Nigerian youngsters to have made the illustrious list for 2020.

Oshoala has been in scintillating form for Barcelona this season with 20 goals and one assist in 19 Liga Iberdrola appearances.
Her impressive performances for the Blaugrana have drawn global attention, making her one of the young people doing exploits in their fields.

Oshoala, who is the reigning African women player of the year has also featured top English sides; Arsenal and Liverpool.
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Former Nigeria international Victor Moses has been included in a list of Liverpool’s terrible signings made under current Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, Completesports.com reports.
The eleven-man list was compiled by talkSPORT.com.

Moses, 29, joined Liverpool on loan from rivals Chelsea ahead of the 2013/2014 season.
But after scoring just one goal in 19 appearances in all competitions, Moses returned to Chelsea after the end of the loan.
Commenting on Moses’ time at Anfield, talkSPORT.com wrote: “It seemed unthinkable for Chelsea to let a decent player in Moses play for rivals Liverpool on loan in the 2013/14 season. However, any concerned Chelsea fans needn’t have worried as Moses really struggled to make an impact in a season on Merseyside.

“Moses scored on his Reds debut, a well-placed finish at Swansea but that was his only goal for Liverpool.

“Those slightly more obsessive Kopites will remember Moses essentially missing an open goal with a fresh air shot on that infamous ‘Crystanbul’ night where Liverpool blew a 3-0 lead to draw at Crystal Palace.
“It was 3-3 when Moses missed but if that went in they would have won the match and maybe, just maybe, Liverpool could have lifted the title that season…”

Aside from Moses, other notable names who made the list are Mario Balotelli, Christian Benteke, Alberto Moreno and Dejan Lovren.

After Impressing new manager Antonio Conte during pre-season, Moses was included in the Chelsea squad ahead of the 2016/2017 campaign.

He played 40 games in all competitions for Chelsea in the campaign scoring four goals.

With Chelsea winning the Premier League title, Moses became the Nigerian player with the most Premier League appearances for a title-winning team.

Liverpool’s worst signings made under Rodgers:
Goalkeeper

Adam Bogdan

Defenders

Javier Manquillo

Dejan Lovren

Tiago Ilori

Alberto Moreno

Midfielders

Luis Alberto

Nuri Sahin

Victor Moses

Lazar Markovic

Forwards

Mario Balotelli

Christian Benteke
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Former Nigeria international Daniel Amokachi has revealed how he took the place of Samson Siasia in the attack of the Super Eagles, Completesports.com reports.

Amokachi made this known in his radio programme on Brila FM, ‘The Bull’s Pit’, on Monday.
“In our game against Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan (USA 1994 World Cup qualifier), we had a two on one situation,” Amokachi said.

“Samson (Siasia) was supposed to pass to Rashidi (Yekini) who was free, but he decided to shoot and narrowly missed the target.

“We then went on to lose our first World Cup qualifier 2-1. That now gave me the opportunity to break into the team. And in our next qualifier against Algeria, I scored and we won 4-1.

“So that’s how I got my chance in the Super Eagles.”
Amokachi went on to partner Yekini in the Eagles’ attack in the remaining qualifiers as the team qualified for the World Cup for the first time.

The partnership continued during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations where the Eagles became African champions with Yekini emerging top scorer with five goals.

And at the 1994 World Cup, both players led the Eagles to attack with Yekini scoring just one goal while Amokachi netted two goals.

Amokachi went on to represent Nigeria at the France 1998 World Cup where the team got to the round of 16.

In the second group game against Bulgaria, Amokachi made the starting eleven, which was his only appearance at the tournament.
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Barcelona star Lionel Messi has snubbed Nigerian duo, Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze in his list of top young prospects to follow in his footsteps, reports Completesports.com.
Osimhen has enjoyed a fine season with Lille in the French League with 13 goals and five assists in 27 appearances for Les Dogues.

The 21-year-old has been linked with a summer move to Real Madrid, AC Milan and Manchester United.
Chukwueze, who plays for Spanish club Villarreal is regarded as one of the exciting young wingers in the world.

He has been linked with a move to Liverpool and Chelsea.

Both players, however, failed to make a list of Messi’s “Youth on the Rise”.

He picked out 15 players including four Premier League stars in the form of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount plus Manchester City’s prospect Phil Foden.
He branded Alexander-Arnold “the future” for his attacking capabilities from full-back whilst hailing Pulisic’s “great balance and agility”.

He declared Mount has “the potential to be one of the best” following his Chelsea breakthrough under Frank Lampard, whilst tipping “huge talent” Phil Foden to do “amazing things in the game”.

Fellow England star Jadon Sancho also made the list due to his dribbling ability”, along with Manchester United and Liverpool target Kai Havertz.

Others on the list are already big names, such as Kylian Mbappe, Joao Felix, Frenkie de Jong and Ousmane Dembele.
Luka Jovic, Houssem Aouar, Joshua Kimmich and Benjamin Pavard round up the list with some interesting comments from Messi on the back of the cards regarding his thoughts on each player.
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Bursaspor full-back Shehu Abdullahi has urged people to unite in order to defeat the coronavirus.
Efforts have been put in place to ensure the pandemic is subdued and the Nigeria international has called for unity during this period

The pandemic which is currently causing problems across the world has claimed thousands of lives, paralysed major activities and affected the economy.
The World Health Organisation has recommended a number of measures to reduce the spread of the virus, including regular hand washing, and keeping a social distance, among others.
In Nigeria, the Federal government has banned large gatherings of more than 25 people and the public have been enjoined to stay at home if possible.

In addition to these, some State governments have introduced curfews while a number of markets and businesses have been shut down.

Abdullahi has taken to social media to urge people to keep to the directives of the authorities in order to overcome the pandemic.
“We must unite and fight Covid-19, we must keep to all instructions and stay safe. We will defeat Covid-19 together. Stay safe Nigeria, stay safe Bursa fans and stay safe Turkey,” Abdullahi tweeted.

The 27-year-old has been an integral part of İbrahim Uzulmez’s team this season, having featured in 26 Super Lig games, scoring four goals.

The former Anorthosis Famagusta defender will hope to continue his consistent performances when football activities resume.
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Daniel Akokachi has named John Mikel Obi as the greatest Nigerian player, reports Completesports.com.
Amokachi, who won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria considers Mikel to be the country’s standout player based on his achievements.

”Mikel is the greatest player,’’ Amokachi said on Brila FM’s Show “The Bull’s Pit”.
He has won everything that a player can hope to; the Champions League, Europa, AFCON in 2013 and he also captained the national team.

‘‘As a footballer, your laurels count and that will surely count for Mikel because nobody has won that much in Nigerian football.’’
Mikel, who spent 11 years at Chelsea won two Premier League, three FA Cup and one League Cup titles with the Blues.

The 32-year-old also won the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League during his time at the Stamford Bridge.

On the international scene, Mikel won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title with the Super Eagles and was part of Nigeria’s U-23 side that won a bronze medal in the football event of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

He quit international football in 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt where the Super Eagles came third.
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Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins is on the verge of a return to Shanghai Shenhua, Chinese media have reported, increasing the likelihood Odion Ighalo will make his stay at Manchester United a permanent one this summer.

Ighalo has made an impressive start to life at United, scoring four times in eight games since signing on loan until May 31 from the Chinese Super League club. Martins, who was previously contracted to Shenhua from 2016 until the end of the 2018 season, was reported by Titan Sports to have arrived in China on Tuesday and was being lined up to replace Ighalo ahead of the Chinese Super League season.

China’s domestic league has yet to start the 2020 season after kick-off was delayed indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak but speculation is mounting that the campaign will begin in late April or early May.

England’s Premier League has been suspended due to the pandemic and will not resume before April 30.
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Odion Ighalo has been nominated for Manchester United’s March Goal-of-the-Month award, reports Completesports.com.

Ighalo was nominated for his brilliant goals in the Emirates FA Cup win against Derby County and the UEFA Europa League away victory at LASK

A total number of 10 goals have been nominated for the individual prize according to a report on the club’s official website.
“A second start in United colours brought not one, but two goals for Nigerian loanee Odion Ighalo. He’d doubled United’s advantage with a controlled left-footed finish in the first half, and doubled his tally with a belter in the second period. Having started the move with some neat control on the edge of the Derby 18-yard line, he then latched on to Juan Mata’s centre. Derby cleared his first goal-bound effort, but when it fell back to the fan favourite, he smashed an emphatic shot into the roof of the net,” reads a statement on the website.

“The third of Ighalo’s left-footed strikes in March was arguably his best yet. The 30-year-old had plenty to do when Bruno Fernandes’s flipped pass found him in a central area outside the LASK box, with several defenders around him. But a magical piece of ball-juggling found him a yard, and that was all he needed. A magnificent rocket of a shot left the keeper with no chance, crashing into the net off the bar in dramatic style.”

Ighalo faces competition from Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial, Scott Mc Tominay, Charlie McCann, Anthony Elanga, Mason Greenwood and James Garner for the award

The winner will be announced on Saturday.
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Enyimba has confirmed the abduction of their midfielder Dayo Ojo by unknown gunmen along Benin-Owo Expressway, Competesports.com reports.

Ojo, a midfielder was kidnapped on Sunday on his way to Akure to observe a break following the suspension of the Nigeria Professional Football League amid concerns over the global pandemic, Covid-19.

The player was abducted alongside Benjamin Iluyomade from Nigeria National League outfit Abia Comets.

Enyimba has confirmed the abduction of their midfielder Dayo Ojo by unknown gunmen along Benin-Owo Expressway, Competesports.com reports.


Ojo, a midfielder was kidnapped on Sunday on his way to Akure to observe a break following the suspension of the Nigeria Professional Football League amid concerns over the global pandemic, Covid-19.

The player was abducted alongside Benjamin Iluyomade from Nigeria National League outfit Abia Comets.


Another Enyimba player, Emmanuel James escaped.

“Enyimba Football Club can announce that midfielder Ekundayo Ojo has been abducted by gunmen along Benin-Owo Expressway,” reads a statement on the club’s Twitter handle.

“The incident occurred on Sunday, March 22 as the player journeyed to Akure to observe a break following the suspension of the Nigeria Professional Football League amid concerns over the global pandemic, Covid-19.
“Ojo was in the company of Enyimba teammate Emmanuel James, as well as Benjamin Iluyomade, also a professional footballer. While James escaped the attack, Iluyomade was captured alongside with Ojo.

“Enyimba FC has since maintained close contact with Ojo’s family, as efforts are already in place to ensure the player’s release from his abductors.

“At this time, and considering the sensitivity of the incident. Enyimba Football Club wishes to call on members of the media to refrain from reports or speculations capable of jeopardizing the player’s release from his abductors.

“Ojo’s family also wishes to appeal for privacy while enjoining the general public to pray for the freedom and safety of the player.

Ojo linked up with Enyimba from Sunshine Stars at the start of the current campaign.

He also once had a stint with Sudanese club El-Merrikh.
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Cyriel Dessers has expressed his disappointment after having to wait for his international bow with Nigeria following the postponement of 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to the coronavirus pandemic, reports Completesports.com.

Dessers, 25, was named in Nigeria’s squad for the 2021 AFCON qualifying double-header against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone which was earlier scheduled to take place this month.

The Heracles Almelo forward has been in superlative form in the Dutch Eredivisie this season with 15 goals in 26 league appearances for his club and was eager to feature for the three-time African champions.

Cyriel Dessers has expressed his disappointment after having to wait for his international bow with Nigeria following the postponement of 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to the coronavirus pandemic, reports Completesports.com.


Dessers, 25, was named in Nigeria’s squad for the 2021 AFCON qualifying double-header against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone which was earlier scheduled to take place this month.

The Heracles Almelo forward has been in superlative form in the Dutch Eredivisie this season with 15 goals in 26 league appearances for his club and was eager to feature for the three-time African champions.

The rapid spread of the coronavirus pandemic, however, forced the Confederation of African Football to postpone the qualifiers.

“Pooh, in the beginning, it was mentally tough. I was excited because that would have been the best moment of my career,”Dessers told nos.nl.

“But of course there are now much more important things going on for everyone. That debut would have to wait.”
Meanwhile, Dessers, like everyone else, is at home and has started working on staying fit before the resumption date.

For the time being, April 6 is the target date, but no one really knows how long it will take.

“I quickly bought my own gym. No, no weights and dumbbells. A skipping rope, an abdominal muscle roller and elastic bands. Simple things that you can do strength training with your own body weight,” he added.

Heracles physical coach Colin de Graaf has given all players an individual program which Dessers is working on.

“The hardest thing I think is that there is no end date: it can last a month, but also longer. Of course, I miss football, the training. But I drove this week to the Veluwe to run.

“I actually thought that was very beautiful, right through the forest and the moors. Hopefully, I can see some more of Veluwe,” he stated.
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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has sent birthday greetings to former Super Eagles forward Ejike Uzoenyi who turns 32 years on Monday, Completesports.com reports.
The NFF sent out the birthday greetings on their verified Twitter handle.

“Happy birthday Ejike Uzoenyi.”
Uzoenyi made his Super Eagles debut in 2012 and was a member of the squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

He was included in the squad to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil after he was called up as a late replacement for the injured Elderson Echiejile.

At the 2014 Africa Nations Championship in South Africa, he helped the home-based Eagles to a third-place finish and was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

He currently plays for Bosnia and Herzegovina top-flight club FK Zvijezda 09 whom he joined in February this year.

Other clubs he played for include; Enyimba, Enugu Rangers, French club Rennes, Mamelodi Sundowns and Ajax Cape Town.
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Odion Ighalo has revealed he did not have a name on the back of his Manchester United shirt as a youngster because he was unable to afford it.
The Nigerian striker, who has four goals in eight appearances since joining the club in January, has settled perfectly into life at Old Trafford.

Growing up in his homeland, he supported the Reds and particularly looked up to Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke. Pictures have emerged of him wearing the blue away shirt, previously adorned by his current manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and the rest of the team in the 2005/06 season.

Odion Ighalo has revealed he did not have a name on the back of his Manchester United shirt as a youngster because he was unable to afford it.


The Nigerian striker, who has four goals in eight appearances since joining the club in January, has settled perfectly into life at Old Trafford.

Growing up in his homeland, he supported the Reds and particularly looked up to Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke. Pictures have emerged of him wearing the blue away shirt, previously adorned by his current manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and the rest of the team in the 2005/06 season.

However, the new crowd favourite laughed at the suggestion he would have had letters printed on the back of the top.

“I had a United jersey but no player name on the back,” he told Inside United, the official club magazine. “It was one of the old blue ones but definitely no name on the back. You have to pay to put names on the back and there was no money to pay for that! I just got the United top.

“It was a blue one but a long time ago. I can’t remember as I was very, very young.”
Watching the Reds play on TV in Nigeria was memorable for the striker and he is delighted that his fellow countrymen have been supporting him back home.

“It’s good – you have to go to an event centre and pay to watch the games,” he explained. “Any time United were playing, I’d go with my siblings. You’d have to pay to watch the games and now people are watching me and United. It is a big fan-base and it is growing even much bigger.

“Everybody is sending me messages saying they can’t wait to see me and watch the United games. I am very happy about that.”

Ighalo also revealed a surreal moment after playing for Watford at Old Trafford in March 2016, his second visit to the Theatre of Dreams.
“When did I first set my eyes on it?” he said. “It was in 2013 when I came to see the stadium, to visit it and go around, taking pictures outside the stadium. The first time I played there was for Watford in 2016.

”Manchester United is a big club. When I saw that, I was amazed. I was outside the stadium and I took pictures. Then I played there with Watford, against United, and it made me even happier. I came out of the stadium and stood to look at it.

“This is the stadium you have been watching back home when you were young and now you’re playing here for Watford against Man United. It feels good.

“And even now, playing for United? It’s making even greater moments for me.“
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Lille striker Victor Osimhen has raised eyebrows by posting a video wearing an Everton shirt.

The 21-year-old has been in great form this season, bagging 14 goals and registering four assists across 27 Ligue 1 appearances across 2019/20 so far – while also scoring twice in the Champions League.

Those displays have seen the forward linked with a potential move away from France in the summer, with reports suggesting both Liverpool and West Ham are showing interest from the Premier League.

But the player’s latest post on social media has got Everton fans talking instead.

Osimhen, an international teammate of the Blues’ star Alex Iwobi, took part in the “stay at home challenge” – which has seen a number of footballers perform keep ups with toilet roll inside their homes in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak.

And the Lille striker posted a short clip of himself performing the trick while wearing an Everton top during the home challenge.

That has raised the eyebrows of supporters, although some have pointed out the shirt could be a gift from Iwobi.

Osimhen has scored four goals in his eight appearances for Nigeria.
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Paderborn left full-back Jamilu Collins says it’s a dream come true for him to represent the national team of Nigeria, the Super Eagles.
Collins granted an interview to WFi’s James Rowe where the defender discussed his move to Germany, representing Nigeria and facing top players such as Serge Gnabry and Riyad Mahrez.

You signed for SC Paderborn in 2017. How are you enjoying your time there so far and how would you describe Paderborn as a club?

My time so far in Paderborn has been amazing. SC Paderborn is a club full of great people. They are loving and caring people who always support their players on the pitch and also outside.

You had a loan spell playing for NK Pomorac in Croatia. How do you look back on your time there and do you have any highlights or special memories?

NK Primorac is a club where I started my professional career and my time at that club was always great. I appreciate every moment I spent with them.

You have been capped by your country Nigeria at senior international level. How do you look back on representing your country and what have been your highlights so far?

It was a dream come true representing my country. Ever since I was a child, I always prayed for one day to represent my country. My time so far in the national team has been a lot of great moments and I am looking forward to achieving great things for my country.

You have experience at club and international level, Collins. Could you say who are among the best players you have played with so far in your career?

I have played with a lot of great players both club and national team side. So it is hard for me to just name a few.

I can imagine in your position as a defender that you have come up against many difficult opponents through the years. Are there any that stand out for you?

For me, I would say that Serge Gnabry, Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez are really good ones.

Finally, Collins, could you say who are the managers and coaches that have played a key role in your development as a professional footballer?
I would say a lot of them played an important role in my career to this level where I am today. But to specify, Steffen Baumgart and his assistant coaches have helped me develop so much, and also Markus Krösche, our former manager. I am really thankful to them.

Also, my coach in the national team, Gernot Rohr, has played an important role in my development as a professional footballer. I can only be thankful to all of them.
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Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel says he has no plans to return to Trabzonspor after walking out on the club over their handling of the coronavirus situation.

Mikel posted on social media last week, making his views clear that the Turkish Super Lig should be suspended as Covid-19 spreads.

The former Super Eagles captain contract was subsequently cancelled and he had since returned to his family in England.
They [the club] were really upset about the whole thing,” Mikel told The Athletic.

“I was told to meet with the president in his office one-on-one. He asked me to take [the post] down. I told him I wasn’t going to do that.
“It’s my opinion. This is how I feel. We live in a free world. I have freedom of speech. I can express my opinion.

“I wanted to win the league too but at this point in time, we have to think about what is more important: to save peoples’ lives.

“I want to help in any way that I can to defeat this virus. For us to be out there playing; I don’t think we are helping the global situation. I don’t feel it is right for us to play football.

“UEFA has postponed football. How come they are still playing in Turkey? It’s not right at all. But Trabzonspor was not having it — for me, they don’t care.”
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John Mikel Obi has stated that cancelling his contract with Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor was one of the toughest decision he has ever made.

Mikel severed ties with Trabzonspor on Tuesday after falling out with the club following the statement he made on the Coronavirus pandemic.

The midfielder joined Trabzonspor in June 2019 on a two-year deal but only spent nine months at the club before the termination of his deal.
The former Super Eagles captain penned a farewell message to Trabzonspor fans, his ex-teammates at the Turkish club, the coaches, medical team and the kit manager for their love while he was with the team.

“I would like to thank all the fans for their support. I also want to say thanks to all my teammates, technical crew, medical team and the kit man Ayatabe for all we’ve achieved this season so far, wish you guys best of luck in winning the league. It was one of the hardest decision I’ve had to make, but in current situation, we all need to take care of our families, spend time with them and protect them. #lifefirst #stayhome #family.” he wrote on his Instagram page.

Mikel featured in 19 league games for Trabzonspor.
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Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi says he was disappointed not to get Neymar’s shirt after the side’s friendly encounter against the Selecao of Brazil last year.

The West Bromwich Albion player put up a fine performance as the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by the five-time world champions at the Singapore National Stadium in October 2019.

“That was a great confidence boost for me (the game against Brazil) to be able to measure myself against players of that quality and come out with with a 1-1 draw,” Ajayi told West Brom’s official website.

“It’s a good feeling to be at that level and it was a very good performance and very good result for us.
“The only disappointment was not getting Neymar’s shirt. But I don’t think he was in a very good mood after the game. I asked at the end but it was already taken – I think the other lads in the team must spend the entire game asking him which is something I would never do. But I got Coutinho’s so I’m happy enough with that.

“The Nigerians love their football and they are becoming more aware of me now that I am playing a lot more consistently with the national team.

“They know about Albion of course but they love the Premier League – all the Premier League players are worshipped out there. “

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Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has charged all the foreign-based Nigerian players to engage themselves in personal exercises with a view to remaining in good physical shape amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, Completesports.com reports.

The former Girondins de Bordeaux of France Manager reeled out a list of 24-man invited Eagles for the quick-double 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone originally scheduled for the 27th of March, and the return leg in Freetown at the Siaka Stevens Stadium four days later prior to the postponement of the games by the Confederation of African Football(CAF) owing to the Coronavirus outbreak.

And even as the world fights to contain the scourge of the virus which has kept the football world locked up, Complete Sports can exclusively reveal that the 66-year Rohr has been in regular contact with the Super Eagles stars and has prevailed on every one of them on the need to maintain their top shape following the suspension of all the major leagues across Europe.

This much was revealed exclusively to Complete Sports by the Chief Scouting Welfare/Liason officer of the Super Eagles, Mr Tunde Adelakun who Confirmed that the German coach is in regular contact with his players.

“Gernot Rohr has been in regular contacts with all the Super Eagles players even though the issue in the hands of all of us at the moment
regarding the coronavirus is beyond football,” the London based Adelakun told Complete Sports.
“He (Gernot Rohr) has regularly maintained daily contact with all his players and emphasized the need for them to maintain their – fitness through a healthy lifestyle and remain physically fit by using the Gym privately even as all the leagues remain suspended.

“I was on phone with him (Gernot Rohr) a couple of minutes and he actually
stressed his admonition to the players which he emphasized through regular calls.

Adelakun, who like Rohr, is on contract with the NFF running from 2018 to June 2020 and is equally a member of the German tactician’s backroom room staff further debunked news making the rounds that the expatriate is currently being owed by the NFF.

“There is no iota of truth in that,” he said.

“Rohr has a contract which expires in June and I think that is just being peddled by newsmen who are sensationalising to fill the pages of their newspapers,” he concluded.

Adelakun is a full-time Assistant appointed by Rohr, designated to also be the manager in charge of scouting, Team Welfare and external Liaison by the coach who personally accepted to pay him from his salary.
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John Mikel Obi’s wife, Olga Dyachenko has supported the midfielder’s decision to end his stint with Turkish club Trabzonspor amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Mikel last week called out Turkish authorities for not suspending the league after several football competitions across the world were put on hold due to the spread of Covid-19.

Trabzonspor announced on Tuesday that the former Super Eagles captain has left the club by mutual consent and gave up his wages.
While reacting to a fan’s abuse on social media, Diyachenko praised Mikel’s courage and described the former Nigeria captain as a hero who prioritises his family.
“You are vile, but my man is a hero. Family over everything. Good friends show their love in times of trouble, not just in times of happiness. — Euripides,” she wrote on Instagram.

“Thank you Trabzonspor fans that understand and for those who don’t, I’m sorry, but family first no matter what.”

Mikel made 19 league appearances for Trabzonspor before his departure.
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Odion Ighalo’s many sacrifices down the years are now paying off with Manchester United, his agent has revealed.

The former Watford striker has proven a big hit on loan at United from Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua in recent weeks. He has scored four goals already for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, despite many doubting the decision to pursue a loan deal, which was secured in the 11th hour on January transfer deadline day.

Ighalo has helped United to fifth place in the Premier League and the brink of Europa League last eight, as well as the FA Cup quarter-
finals, before all elite football in England was suspended amid the
coronavirus pandemic.

And his agent Patrick Bastianelli believes the 30- year-old deserves
everything he achieves with United, the club the Nigerian striker supported as a child.

“Odion is reaping what he deserves after many sacrifices, after many years around Europe. Manchester
is a prize for everything he’s shown in recent years,” Bastianelli told Italian news outlet Tuttosport
on Ighalo.

He also lauded the striker’s
mentality as the main reason
behind his success at Old Trafford so far.

“It’s part of his character, of his great seriousness, he added. “He scored many goals. He always has a positive attitude.

“Odion is a person who always looks ahead, always in a positive way.”

On the moment Ighalo netted his first goal for United, latching onto Juan Mata’s pass in the 5-0 Europa
League second-leg victory over Club Brugge at 0ld Trafford, his agent added: “It was also exciting for us to see his reaction, the happiness in his eyes. Couldn’t believe it.”
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Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, Flamingos have embarked on two weeks break after eliminating the hapless Guinea Syli Starlets from the FIFA U-17 World Cup African qualifiers in Lagos at the weekend on an 11-2 goals aggregate score.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had asked the players and officials of the Flamingos on Sunday to proceed on a two-week break before returning to Abuja camp next month ahead of May 1 to 3 first leg final round of the African qualifiers against arch-rival, Ghana Black Maidens in Accra.

Flamingos Acting Head Coach, Olowookere Bankole confirmed that the players and officials have since embarked on a break, adding that the NFF will inform them when to return to camp as that will depend on whether the novel Coronavirus pandemic will allow sporting activities to continue.
“We have been told to embark on two weeks break, to resume on the first week in April but this will depend on information on the Coronavirus”, Bankole revealed.

It will be recalled that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had recently announced the postponement of the double-header African qualifier matches earlier fixed for this March because of the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus pandemic.
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With coronavirus disrupting football activities in most part of the world, and with Nigerian players affected, here are what some Super Eagles stars, past and present, are saying about the rampaging pandemic disease on Social Media.

John Mikel Obi (Trabzonspor, Turkey):
“There is more to life than football. I do not feel comfortable and don’t want to play football in this situation. Everyone should be home with their families and loved ones in this critical time. The season should be cancelled as the world is facing such turbulent times.”

Shehu Abdullahi (Bursaspor, Turkey):
‘Hello friends, let’s follow @WHO instructions on #COVID19, your safety is important. For Bursa fans, your safety is paramount to us, you will be back soon supporting us at the stadium.’

John Ogu (Al-Adalah, Saudi Arabia):
‘Everyone please stay safe out there.’

Ogenyi Onazi (Denizlispor, Turkey):
‘Great game! Great win. It was tough to play without our fans in the stadium but it’s all for everyone’s safety. Stay safe out there people. #denizlispor’
Godfrey Oboabona (Dinamo Batumi, Georgia):
‘Business for me as usual. To my dear friends and family, do stay safe. Let’s endeavour to stay healthy to live and also to enjoy the game of football when it resumes.’

Kelechi Nwakali (SD Huesca, Spain):
‘Please you all should stay safe and healthy. Love you all.’

Sunday Oliseh:
‘Together we will beat this coronavirus but we need to help one another. I implore you to think of the older ones, family, less informed, the less fortunate ones, who cannot afford to buy soap for example. no handshakes nor cheek kisses,
wash hands etc. Please!!’

Mutiu Adepoju:
‘A world without football is like an airplane without a propeller. The last few days have been one of the most boring in my life because footballing activities are suspended.

‘Coronavirus is temporary, football remains for life so let us all stay alive to enjoy football’.
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Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr says he will not be ‘asking’ his employers, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) about his contract renewal.

Rohr, who was first appointed by the NFF in August 2016 on a two-year contract
got his first contract renewed for another two years in January 2018 ahead of the

2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. And with his current contract set to expire in June this year, the NFF are considering offering the Eagles boss a new contract, but with new and stringent conditions attached.

In a tweet monitored by Complete Sports on Osasu Obayiuwana’s Twitter handle, the 66-year old gaffer says while he is waiting for the NFF to approach him on the issue, his focus remains with the Eagles and his major concern for now is about the players’s health and fitness especially in the face of the Coronavirus outbreak.

@osasuo: “I will not ask @thenff what is going on with my contract renewal (with just over 3 months left on his present deal). It’s for the NFF to approach me. I am still waiting,” Obayiuwana quotes Rohr on Twitter.

“My job is to focus on the @NGSuperEagles, as long as I am the coach of this team. And I am going to do just that.

“Right now, my concern is that our players in Europe stay physically fit, even when they are not playing, because of the #coronavirus situation.”

Part of the conditions stipulated by the NFF as regards Rohr’s new contract will mandate the coach to live in the country (Lagos or Abuja) and will be allowed to travel on vacation only three times in a year.

Also, the coach will no longer earn tax-free wages unlike before while his selection of players must be approved by the NFF Technical Committee.

Rohr had led Nigeria to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia where the Eagles exited in the group stages and then led the team to a bronze finish at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.

He has managed the Eagles in 49 games with 29 wins, 11 draws and 9 losses.

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Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju believes Odion Ighalo still has what it takes to play for the team following his impressive performance for Premier League club, Manchester United.

Ighalo, 30, has scored four goals in eight outings in all competitions for the Red Devils following his arrival on loan from Chinese Super League outfit, Shanghai Shenhua in January.

The former Watford striker scored a brilliant goal and recorded an assist in United’s 5-0 Europa League win against Austrian club, LASK on Thursday night.

Ighalo called time on his international career after emerging top scorer at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt with five goals.
He also scored 16 goals in 35 appearances for Nigeria.
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“With his kind of form, it won’t be a crime to drag Odion Ighalo back to the Super Eagles. Well done,” Adepoju tweeted.

Ighalo is yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League in four appearances for his new club but will hope to do so when the Red Devils travel to London to face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
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As many as 19 Super Eagles players may be doubtful for the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying clashes with Sierra Leone later this month due to the precautions against the deadly Coronavirus, Completesports.com reports.

Nigerian players in affected countries such as France, England, Italy, Germany and Spain might not be available for the 2021 AFCON qualifiers as a result of the rules guiding the highly infectious disease.

The Federal Ministry of Health through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has activated a national Emergency Operations Centre at the highest level and is leading the national response.
It has also advised travelers to Nigeria, saying: “Travelers from countries with ongoing local transmission* but who show no symptoms on arrival should self-isolate at home for 14 days after arrival.

“If travelers from countries with ongoing local transmission* feel ill with fever, cough or difficulty breathing within 14 days of arrival in Nigeria, please, observe self-isolation immediately by staying indoors and avoiding contact with people.”
What this simply means is that Eagles players such as Maduka Okoye (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany); Kenneth Omeruo, Chidozie Awaziem (Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Wigan Athletic, England); William Troost-Ekong (Udinese, Italy) and Olaoluwa Aina (Torino, Italy) are doubtful.

Other doubtfuls are Jamilu Collins (Padeborn, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Kingsley Ehizibue (FC Koln, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor, Turkey); Etebo Oghenekaro (Getafe, Spain); Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England).

Ramon Azeez (Granada, Spain); Alexander Iwobi (Everton, England); Victor Osimhen (Lille, France); Moses Simon (Nantes, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal, Spain) and Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France) are also major doubts alongside manager, Gernot Rohr who will return from France.

This is because each of these players and Super Eagles head coach, Rohr himself will b ecoming into Nigeria from countries with widespread Coronavirus outbreak and some already on partial lockdown, casting huge doubts on the matches against Sierra Leone.

Meanwhile, Ndidi and Iheanacho are facing serious coronavirus fears after Leicester on Thursday confirmed having three unnamed players who are isolating amid fears over the deadly disease.

Premier League clubs also do not want to release their players for this month’s international break because of Coronavirus.

Club medics are extremely reluctant to let their players who are multi-million pound assets travel overseas given the risks attached.
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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has sent birthday greetings to Super Eagles right-back Shehu Abdullahi who clocks 27 years on Thursday, Completesports.com reports.

The NFF sent the birthday wishes on their verified Twitter handle on Thursday.

“Happy birthday to the versatile @OfficialShehu.”
In July 2014, Abdullahi moved from Kano Pillars to Kuwait Premier League side Qadsia SC in a deal worth $480,000.

On 6 June 2015, Shehu left Qadsia to join newly-promoted Primeira Liga side C.F. União on a two-year deal.

And on 2 September 2016, he joined Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta on a two-year deal.

In January 2014, the late Stephen Keshi, invited him to be a part of the home-based Eagles squad for the 2014 African Nations Championship where they finished third.

He made the coach Samson Siasia squad that won bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

In May 2018 he was named in Nigeria’s preliminary 30-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and eventually made the final cut.

Also, he was part of the Eagles side that clinched bronze at last year’s AFCON in Egypt.
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