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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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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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