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The Super Falcons of Nigeria will play ASEC Mimosas U16 boys in a test game at the Sol Beni Stadium in Abidjan on Friday (today) by 5pm reports Completesportsnigeria.com.


The Super Falcons of Nigeria will play ASEC Mimosas U16 boys in a test game at the Sol Beni Stadium in Abidjan on Friday (today) by 5pm reports Completesportsnigeria.com.


The Super Falcons had lost 3-2 in the first friendly match against Dominion Hotspur at the Atlantic Hall pitch, Epe during their two-week long camping in Lagos.


Read more: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/super-falcons-asec-mimosas-u16-to-clash-in-friendly/

Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr says he is excited by the high standards the majority of the Super Eagles’ players are exhibiting in their various clubs in Europe, Completesortsnigeria.com reports.

“I am thrilled with the playing time my players are getting in their clubs in Europe. They not only playing regularly, they are in good form and that is what I demand from them every week. They are doing very good and that is very well for us moving forward,” Rohr told CSN.

“I watch some of their games with their respective clubs and I am impressed with their performance.. I also read or listen to the good comments they get in newspapers, radios and televisions. I am happy they hit top form ahead of the game with South Africa.”


Read More: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/rohr-thrilled-with-eagles-stars-resurgent-form-in-europe/

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, has ruled himself out of Nigeria’s 2019 Africa Cup Of Nations qualifier against South Africa on the 17th of November due to injury, reports Completesportnigeria.com.

The 20 year old will be out for four weeks after he suffered a concussion.

Uzoho is one of the three goalkeepers invited by Gernot Rohr for the Super Eagles’ top of the table clash against South Africa at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

Read More: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/uzoho-confirms-super-eagles-blow-out-of-action-for-four-weeks/

Henry Onyekuru has been handed a late call-up as replacement for the injured Odion Ighalo for Nigeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, reports Completesportsnigeria. com.
The encounter is billed for the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg next week Saturday.

The three-time African champions will also face the Cranes of Uganda in a friendly encounter at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on November 20.

Read More: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/onyekuru-replaces-injured-ighalo-in-super-eagles-squad-for-bafana-clash/

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, is doubtful for the team’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa after picking up an injury in his club, Elche’s Spanish Segunda clash with Cadiz on Sunday, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.

Uzoho played the entire duration of the away game which Elche lost 5-1, but was taken to the San Rafael Clinic for treatment of an injury, and was discharged later.

Complimentary tests will be carried out on the former Nigeria junior international to further ascertain the level of the injury.

Read More: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/uzoho-doubtful-for-bafana-super-eagles-clash-due-to-injury/

Head coach of Banyana Banyana, Desiree Ellis, has announced a squad of 21 players to represent South Africa at the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament scheduled for Ghana from 17 November to 1 December.

The premier African Women’s football showpiece will be used as a 2019 FIFA Women World Cup qualifiers – the top three nations in Ghana will represent the continent at the World Cup finals in France in June.

The squad also comprises a lot of experienced players as most of the squad members have taken part in the Women’s Afcon tournament before.

Ellis has also called up two uncapped players – Amanda Mthandi (University of Johannesburg) and Tiisetso Makhubela (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies).

Read More: https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/banyana-coach-ellis-announces-squad-for-2018-womens-afcon/

RB Leipzig have not yet given up the ghost in their attempts to sign Ademola Lookman from Everton on a permanent deal this summer.

The Bundesliga club’s desire to sign Lookman has been clear for all to see throughout the summer transfer window, with three bids having already been reportedly turned down by Everton.

Lookman spent the second half of last season on loan with Leipzig and made a lasting impression, with the club now doing all they can to tie up a permanent deal for the England Under-21 international.

Time is running out for Leipzig but despite Everton’s demand for them to cough up a premium price for Lookman, German outlet Bild indicate that Ralf Rangnick’s side aren’t willing to give up just yet.

Lookman is believed to be keen on making the switch from Merseyside to Leipzig, but Everton have not yet shown a willingness to sanction the sale of the former Charlton Athletic youngster.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/leipzig-yet-to-give-up-in-lookman-pursuit/

Head Coach of the U20 Women National Team, Chris Danjuma, has dispelled reports claiming that players and official of his team were not paid their entitlements before and during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in France.

Danjuma led the Falconets to a quarter-finals berth at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in France

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“I see this as a silly, mischievous story. I have spoken to my assistants and backroom staff and they all denied talking to the reporter,” Danjuma said in a media statement released by the media department of the Nigeria Football Federation on Wednesday.


“We were paid our entitlements for the camping in Austria and at the FIFA World Cup, and no money was lost as claimed in the story.”

“From the very first day I saw the reporter in our camp prior to our departure to the final training camp in Austria, I observed he was a very funny figure just looking for negative stuff to report.

“It is unfortunate that some persons commit their lives to trying to cause mischief and trouble wherever they see there is peace.

“We had been paid our entitlements before the Sports Minister came. I am aghast at what the reporter was out to achieve. Was the reporter in Austria with the team to ascertain we were suffering?

“No member of the Falconets’ technical crew or the playing body has any negative thing to say about the NFF. They did their very best for us and supported the team at each point during the qualifying series, the training camp and the FIFA World Cup.”

The Falconet’s team administrator, Modupe Shabi, expresses shock at the claim in the said report that Head of Women’s Football, Ruth David misplaced the sum of Euro10,000.

“That is fallacy. Miss David handed every money that was meant for the team to me and I did the payment to the players and officials.

“She did not pay anyone directly and certainly did not misplace any €10,000. The entire story is the imagination of the reporter or something he saw in his dream.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/danjuma-denies-claims-of-falconets-unpaid-camp-allowances-lost-money/

Former Nigeria junior international Isaac Success could make his third start for Watford tonight in a Carabao Cup game at the Madejski Stadium against homers,mReading.

Success has made only two starts for the Hornets since he joined the premier league side in the 2016/2017 season and the Nigerian has been subbed on 22 times in the 24 games he has been featured by Watford.

This term the Nigerian has made three substitute appearances in the three premier leagues games he has played and would fancy his chances tonight when the Hornets travel to Reading as gaffer,Javi Gracia will be looking to rest key players who helped the club make premeir league history by winning their first three games of the season.

If Success plays,it will be his second in the competition after he was subbed on for Nordin Amrabat in Watford’s 3-2 loss at the Vicarage Road to lower league side,Bristol City a little over a year ago in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/success-set-for-3rd-watford-start-in-24-games/

Renown Lawyer and counsel to the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick has denied reports in the mainstream and online media by ‘uninformed’ and/or ‘deliberately mischievous’ persons to the effect that there is a subsisting Supreme Court Order restraining his client from acting as President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

These reports, according to Keyamo in a press release issued by the Lawyer yesterday, and dated August 26th, were fuelled by an earlier Press Release by the office of the Hon.‎ Minister for Sports dated July 2, 2018 as well as another Press Release from the same office dated August 21, 2018, regarding the current suit which portrays the current NFF leadership as
irresponsible, as usurpers and as contemnors.

The Legal luminary therefore attempted to put the record straight thus:’THERE IS NO SUPREME COURT ORDER OR ANY OTHER SUBSISTING ORDER RESTRAINING AMAJU PINNICK FROM ACTING AS PRESIDENT OF THE NFF OR INSTALLING CHRIS GIWA AS PRESIDENT OF THE NFF.’ Keyamo hereby went on to challenge anybody who disputes this to publish the Supreme Court Judgment or Order where the names of Amaju Pinnick or Chris Giwa were ever mentioned in any portion of the judgment or as even parties to the case.

The fact,he noted is that the court processes filed in the Supreme Court matter do not bear
their names as parties to the suit whatsoever.

He emphasised that what the Supreme Court did was to relist the case,remit it back to the Federal High Court for‎ expeditious
determination on its MERITS, while firmly declining the Motion brought by the plaintiffs in the matter to invoke its general powers under section 22 of the Supreme Court Act to deal with the substantive suit.

However, in delivering judgement,Keyamo stated that the CJN expressed the view that by restoring the suit to the Cause List it followed that all previous orders made in the proceedings in the suit are also restored, irrespective of the fact that the matter may be heard de novo (afresh) before another Judge.

What is important to note,according to him is that, as at the time the CJN made the pronouncement, there were FIVE ‘previous’ orders existing at the Federal High Court, viz:

1.The Order dated 19th day of September, 2014, restraining the Defendants from proceeding with the Congress.

2.The Order dated 23rd day of October, 2014 nullifying or setting aside the elections conducted into the Executive‎ Committee/Board of the NFF.

3.The Order dated 30th day of October, 2014, setting aside all the previous Orders made above.

4.The order dated 8th day of April, 2016, relisting the case and restoring all orders made by the court WHEN the case was withdrawn on 30th day of October, 2014.

5.The order dated 14th day of April, 2016 giving leave for NFF to appeal the order made on 8th day of April, 2016 and affirming unequivocally that the orders restored when relisting the case by the court order of 8th day of April 2016 were the orders made by the court when the case was withdrawn on 30th day October 2014.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/keyamo-no-supreme-court-order-restraining-pinnick-as-nff-president/

Udinese defender, William Troost-Ekong, was virtually in cloud nine after the team’s 1-0 home win against Sampdoria at the Dacia Arena, Udine on Sunday – their first win of the season, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Rodrigo de Paul scored the winning goal for Udinese in the ninth minute of the encounter.

It was the first win of the campaign for Julio Velázquez’s men who drew 2-2 away against Parma on the opening day of the campaign.

Troost-Ekong completed the entire 90 minutes of the game against Sampdoria just like he did the previous week against Parma.

“#ForzaUdinese.. !!!+3,” reads a tweet on Troost-Ekong’s Twitter handle.

Udinese’s next game is against Fiorentina on Sunday at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, Firenze.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/troost-ekong-thrilled-by-udineses-first-win-of-season-vs-sampdoria/

Everton priced Galatasaray out of a buy-out option for Henry Onyekuru after slapping a £22.5m valuation on the forward according to the Fanatik.

The Lions wanted to include a buy-out option but the Toffees would not budge on the price.
The reigning Super Lig champions urged Everton to reconsider but the Premier League outfit made it clear they have long-term plans for Onyekuru and were not prepared to let him leave on the cheap.

The Nigeria international has hit the ground running at Galatasaray starting the first two league games and scoring the winner against Goztepe last weekend.

The report makes points out that the Istanbul giants will have trouble trying to keep Onyekuru on a permanent deal next season, especially if he continues playing at his current level.

The 21-year-old has been widely praised in Turkey and has settled in remarkably well in a short space of time.

Galatasaray will compete in the Champions League this season and are expected to challenge for the league title.

The Lions take on Alanyaspor next on Monday 27 August.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/everton-demand-22-5m-for-onyekuru-galatasaray-out-of-buy-out-option/

Manchester City are not interested in letting Chidiebere Nwakali leave the club permanently this summer, but the reigning English Premier League Champions could sanction a sixth consecutive season-long loan for the Nigeria B team international, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] has gathered.‎

The 21 year old joined Manchester City in 2015 and has been sent out on five occasions only on loan since he arrived at the Etihad Stadium, to Spanish sides, Malaga and Girona, as well as Norwegian outfits, Ik Start and Sogndal. He recently played six months on loan at Scottish side, Aberdeen, and would prefer a permanent move away from the club before the transfer window closes.

“There are offers, but they (Manchester City) are demanding for a huge fee for him (Chidiebere Nwakali) which is making it rather difficult for a deal to be agreed,” a close source revealed to CSN.

“They want him to go out on loan again. But we remain confident that he will move before the end of the European transfer window.”

Belgian side KAA Gent and Dutch first division side, NAC Breda were reportedly linked with Chidiebere. Nwakali in the recent months but such interests seem to have cooled off following City’s high asking price.

Nwakali is yet to make an appearance for Manchester City since he joined the Sky Blues

Source:[url]https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/man-city-insist-chidiebere-nwakali-not-for-outright-sale%e2%80%8e-available-on-loan/[/url]

Nigeria may likely escape sanction from FIFA after the federal government released a statement on Monday backing the the Amaju Pinnick-led executive of the Nigeria Football Federation , [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

FIFA threatened to suspend Nigeria from all international competitions if Pinnick and general secretary, Mohammed Sanusi were not given back the effective control of he NFF and its offices by 12 noon today -Monday, August 20.

But football fans in the country can now heave a sigh relief following the statement released by Laolu Akande who is the Senior Special Assistant, media and publicity to vice-president, Yemi Osinbajo.

“The FG has already conveyed to FIFA its firm position recognizing Amaju Pinnick-led NFF as the current & only NFF Exco. Govt will also continue to work with all relevant stakeholders involved to resolve dispute in a timely manner. FG is upholding NFF treaty obligations to FIFA,” reads the statement on Akande’s Twitter handle on Monday.

FIFA is now expected to open a line of communication with Pinnick and Mohammed to get firsthand information on the situation and to know if they are firmly in control of the football house in Abuja.

It would be recalled that the world soccer ruling body last week turned down a request by Nigeria’s sports minister, Solomon Darlung to visit I office in Zurich, Switzerland to mediate on the crisis affecting the country’s football.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/fg-to-fifa-amaju-pinnick-led-nff-is-our-recognised-body/

German club RB Leipzig have reportedly made an improved £22m bid for Everton forward Ademola Lookman.

The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at the Bundesliga outfit, who are now eager to make the move permanent having seen the youngster score five goals in 11 appearances.

Everton have already turned down two bids from Leipzig, but The Mirror reports that they have now returned with a third offer of £22m, which would break their transfer record.

The summer arrivals of Richarlison and Bernard have increased the competition for forward places at Goodison Park, leaving Lookman to consider the possibility of moving in order to secure more regular first-team football.

However, Everton are reportedly holding out for a £30m bid for the England Under-21 international.

Manager Marco Silva recently insisted that Lookman is in his plans for the new season, but the forward has not featured in either of the Toffees’ Premier League outings so far.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/german-club-rb-leipzig-table-22m-offer-for-lookman/

Nigerian striker John Okoli has signed a one year loan deal with Cypriot top division side, Gonyeli S.K, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Okoli who scored ten goals in the Northern Cyprus top division league joins Gonyeli S.K, a newly promoted side, from his parent club Yenicami Agdelen, after succesfully passing a medical examination on Thursday.

The 21 year old striker informed CSN that he was delighted with the new challenge and he is looking forward to surpassing his goal scoring feat of last season.

“I’m happy to be join Gonyeli S.K,” Okoli told CSN.

“It’s another start for me and I hope to do more that I did with Yenicami Agdelen when we won the title last season.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/nigerian-striker-okoli-joins-cyproit-new-top-league-club-gonyeli-s-k/

Nigeria dropped one place from 48th position to 49th in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as a new ranking formula take effect this August, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

The formula, which was approved by the FIFA Council in June after a lengthy period of testing, according to FIFA ‘relies on adding/subtracting points won or lost for a game to/from the previous point totals rather than averaging game points over a given time period as in the previous version of the Ranking.

‘The changes, of which there are several, include the fact that inactive teams now preserve their point totals, with no devaluation of older games. Points are dropped, however, from losing or drawing against weaker opposition, with the only exception to this rule matches in knockout rounds of major competitions such as the FIFA World Cup’, accordng to a statemet on FIFA’s official website

The Super Eagles who recorded one win and lost two games at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia retains their position as the seventh best team in Africa.

The Super Eagles amassed 1410 points to finish 49th in the month of August.

Seychelles whom Nigeria face in an African Nations Cup qualifier next month are placed 188th in the ranking released by FIFA on Thursday.

Reigning World Champions, France moved up six places to reclaim pole position for the first time in over 16 years, a spot they last held in May 2002.

Russia 2018 semi-finalists Belgium are second Brazil in third, while World Cup runners-up Croatia are fourth and Uruguay fifth.

England occupy sixth place while Portugal are seventh, Switzerland dropped two places to eight while Spain moved up one place to ninth position, with Denmark also tied on ninth place but with an inferior point difference.

The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 20 September 2018.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/fifa-world-ranking-nigeria-now-49th-7th-in-africa-in-new-ranking-system/

Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo is elated to secure a loan move to Spanish outfit, CD Leganes from Chelsea, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Omeruo completed his short term switch to Mauricio Pellegrino’s side on Wednesday and took part in the club’s photograph session which was posted on the club’s official Twitter handle on Wednesday.

“New contract, New Loan move.. All God.. thanks to my agent darryl90uk for pulling this off.. to my beautiful wife oma_maranma for all the prayers and support.. my family, love you guys…,” reads a tweet on his Twitter handle.

The versatile defender will be presented on Friday at the club’s Butarque Sports Facility.

Omeruo joined Chelsea in 2012, but is yet to play an official game for the Blues.

He once had stints on loan at Middlesbrough, Alanyaspor and Kasimpasa.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/omeruo-grateful-to-god-agent-wife-after-loan-switch-to-cd-leganes/

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina is determined to make the best use of his stay with Italian outfit, Torino after joining the club on a season long loan deal from Chelsea, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Aina move to the Turin-based club was confirmed on Tuesday night ending speculation about his future with Dutch club, PSV Eindhoven and English Championship outfit, Derby County also interested in his services.

Torino also have the option to make the move permanent at the end of the loan deal.

“Torino has been following me for some time, I hope to do well here. I know this is a club that believes in young people and this is very important,” Aina told the club’s official website.

“In Italy I know that I can learn a lot, especially in the ability to be in the field, because the tactics and organization of play are essential.

“I really want to experience this new challenge to the full, thanks to the club for choosing me, now it’s my turn to repay their faith, I can not wait to get started “.

Aina spent last season on loan at Championship club, Hull City where he played 44 games.

He missed out on a place in Nigeria’s squad to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after initially making the 30-man provisional list.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/aina-happy-to-join-torino-eager-to-impress-in-serie-a/

Super Eagles forward,Odion Ighalo will be eyeing his 28th in the Chinese Super League (CSL) this afternoon when his club,Changchun Yatai visit the 31,043-capacity Beijing Fengtai Stadium to play against their host, Beijing Renhe, Complete Sports reports.

Ighalo has been on fire since he returned from his misadventure to the FIFA World Cup in Russia, scoring five goals in six league games.Ighalo has scored 12 times in 17 CSL games since the beginning of the season last March and the former Watford of England striker is just three goals away from matching the 15 he scored in 27 games in his first season at the club.

The Nigerian was on target when both sides first met at the Changchun’s People Stadium in Changchun, the home ground of Changchun Yatai.He earned his club a point when the two sides met in the first round last
March,scoring the equalizer on 42 minutes to cancel out Wang Gang’s 29th minute strike to end the match 1-1.

If he scores today, he will bring his total tally for the season to 13 and 28 overall with the 15 goals he scored last season.Ighalo is joint third highest goal scorer in the CSL this season with his 12 strikes from 17 games.

Lei Wu of Shanghai SIPG tops the list with 14 goals from 16 games while Israel’s Eran Zahavi of Guangzhou R&F is second with 13 goals in 17 games.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/beijing-renhe-vs-changchun-yatai-ighalo-seeks-goal-no-28-in-china/

Former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu believes that there is more better fortunes to come the way of the Nigeria team after their early exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

The former Arsenal and West Brom star also believes the gap between African teams as against their European counterparts is not completely cut adrift.

Nigeria will play away to Seychelles in their second group game in September in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The three time African Champions lost their opening group game at home to South Africa.

“I can tell you things are about to change,” Kanu said during the launch of Petrolex Kanu Cup 2018 in London.

“The organisation and preparation of African teams have improved. Nigeria had the youngest team out in Russia, which means they can improve.

“It was the first time we have gone without issues in the camp about money or travel, everything was OK.”

“There is sponsorship, they use chartered flights. The trust that was lost is coming back. We can do better next time.”

“A lot of our players are playing in Europe, maybe not at the biggest clubs.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/kanu-things-are-changing-for-the-better-for-super-eagles/

Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, has hinted that about seven players who made the 23 man squad to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia may not be invited for the AFCON qualifier against Seychelles billed for September 8, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Rohr who stayed back in Europe after the Eagles exited the World Cup in the first round, has evealed his plan to bring in some fringe players who could not make the world cup team, according to an official at the NFF secretariat in Abuja.

“Coach Rohr has remained in Europe to monitor our players and scout some emerging stars with the view to capping them and he has also hinted at his plan to drop some world cup Eagles because of injuries, loss of form or for tactical reasons,” our source who requested anonymity told Completesportsnigefia.com in Abuja

“He would have been here to submit his world cup report, but had to stay back because of the leadership tussle at the NFF, but all things being equal, Rohr may be in the country next week to submit his report and release his squad list for the Seychelles game in September”

[url]Completesportsniggeria.com[/url] also gathered that Kelechi Nwakali who is on loan at Porto from Arsenal is among the new players to be called up, while Tyrone Ebuehi and skipper Mikel Obi may be dropped due to their injury situation . Joel Obi, Elderson Echiejile, and possibly Odion Ighalo and Ogenyi Onazi may be excluded to give new breeds a chance to grow.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/rohr-set-to-drop-seven-world-cup-eagles-from-squad-for-sychelles-clash/

Ezekiel Henty scored his third league goal of the season for NK Osijek who spanked NK Istra 1961 3-0 in a Croatian league game played on Sunday, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Henty broke the deadlock for his side in the 49th minute of the encounter. It was his third league game of the season.

At the Emirates Stadium in England, Alex Iwobi was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Manchester City in Sunday’s English Premier League game.

A goal in each half from Raheem Sterling and Bernado Silva handed Arsenal their first defeat of the season.

In France, Samuel Kalu was not included in Bordeaux’s squad that lost 2-0 to Strasbourg in a French Ligue 1 encounter on Sunday.

Taiwo Awoniyi extended his goal drought in the Belgian Pro Division to three games for KAA Gent who defeated Waasland Beveren 4-1.

Awoniyi who celebrated his 21st birthday on Sunday played for 71 minutes before he was replaced.

In the Scottish topflight division, Sadiq Umar came on for Alfredo Morelos in the 77th minute as Rangers recorded a 2-0 home win over St Mirren. It was his first league appearance for the club in the SPL.

Efe Ambrose played all 90 minutes in Hibernian who played out a 1-1 draw with St Johnstone.

henty

In Switzerland, Blessing Eleke played all 90 minutes for FC Luzern who lost 3-2 to Young Boys.

Stephen Odey featured for 37 minutes in FC Zurich’s goalless draw against FC St Gallen before he was replaced by Benjamin Kololli.

Odey has made four appearances for FC Zurich who remain fourth in the Swiss Super League table.

In Turkey, Trabzonspor handed Ogenyi Onazi his first start of the season in the Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Istanbul Basaksehir.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/roundup-henty-bags-3rd-goal-of-season-in-croatia-awoniyi-fires-blanks-in-gents-win/

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has congratulated table tennis star, Aruna Quadri after he clinched the men’s singles title at the 2018 ITTF Challenge Seamester Nigeria open on Sunday, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Aruna, 27, defeated Antoine Hachard from France 4-2 (13-11, 3-11 11-8, 7-11, 5-11,7-11 ) in the final staged at the Molade Okoya Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

The 18th ranked player was the first ever Nigerian to lift the title.

“Congratulations to our own Aruna Quadri, on emerging as the winner of the International Table Tennis Federation Challenge. #NigeriaOpen2018,” reads a tweet on the governor’s official Twitter handle.

Quadri received $5,000 prize money for winning the competition.

He was also rewarded with an extra N1 million naira by the Lagos State governor.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ambode-congratulates-ittf-nigeria-open-mens-singles-champion-quadri/

Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr, says that he may invite FK Ventspils of Latvia free-scoring striker, Adeleke Akinyemi for Nigeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles on September 7 in Victoria, Seychelles.

Rorh told girondins4ever.com, an unofficial website of French Lique 1 side, Girondins Bordeaux after watching the Nigerian score his seventh goal in five Europa League qualifying games against Bordeaux early this month that the 20 year old Akinyemi has the qualities to play for the Super Eagles.

“I was not able to see him play before the World Cup because he was an academy player who left for Europe without playing in the Nigerian youth teams.I saw his statistics (scored 23 goals in 37 league games), and I thought I had to look at him. And indeed, he was good. He has qualities, I may invite him one of these days, perhaps for the next game,” said Rohr who advised Bordeaux should sign him.

“I think he is worth taking a look at. He is very young and will not cost Bordeaux much money. He has huge room for improvement.He is powerful, he gets inside, he scores goals. It’s rare to have all these qualities in a player.”

Rohr also spoke about Samuel Kalu who recently trasfered to Bordeaux from Belgian side, KAA Gent.

“I saw him play before the World Cup but I selected Moses Simon who I considered a better player,” said Rohr promising to start monitoring him.

”He is very fast, he’s a good dribbler, he’s an overflowing winger.He is also explosive.I hope the Girondins will have the satisfaction of seeing him evolve with these qualities.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/afcon-2019-qualifiers-rohr-set-to-give-akinyemi-eagles-debut-vs-seychelles/

Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo is locked in talks with Super Lig giants Besiktas, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce according to the Aksam newspaper.

Per the source, Omeruo’s agent is negotiating with all three clubs.

Chelsea manager Sarri does not have plans for the Nigeria international next season but he does have another two-years left on his contract.

Omeruo could be headed for yet another temporary move. The defender would complete his fourth loan transfer to Turkey if he were to return this summer.

The 25-year-old has played two seasons at Kasimpasa and one at Alanyaspor.

The centre-back would make his most high profile loan move to date if he does join one of the three major Istanbul clubs.
The report states that Omeruo is keen on returning to Turkey over the transfer window after an impressive season at Kasimpasa.
Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are reported to be favorites ahead of Besiktas.

The Black Eagles are reportedly in no rush to sign a new defender but are considering their options in case one of either Pepe or Domagoj Vida leaves.

Despite joining Chelsea back in 2012, Omeruo is yet to make a senior appearance for the London based club.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/omeruo-in-talks-with-besiktas-gala-fenerbahce/

Nigerian winger, Samuel Kalu, has linked up with French Ligue 1 side, Girondis Bordeaux on a five- year deal from Belgian outfit, KAA Gent, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Bordeaux announced on Sunday that they have reached agreement with Gent for the transfer of the talented winger.

They have now confirmed the capture of the 22-year-old for a reported €8m fee.

“#Mercato � It’s done! Samuel #Kalu is Girondins! The striker �� has committed for 5 years with the club from @KAAGent!,” reads a tweet on on Girondis Bordeaux’s official Twitter handle on Monday.

Kalu comes in as a direct replacement for Brazilian winger Malcom who joined Spanish champions Barcelona this summer for €30m from Bordeaux.

Kalu scored seven league goals in 32 appearances for Gent last season in the Belgian Juliper league.

He joined K.A.A Gent from AS Trencin of Slovakia in 2016.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/kalu-joins-french-club-bordeaux-on-five-year-contract/

Wilfred Ndidi has backed his Super Eagles teammate Kelechi Iheanacho to replicate his pre-season goal scoring form when Leicester City takes on Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Iheanacho has been on fire in pre-season with his brace in the victory against Lille on Saturday taking his tally to four goals in his last three friendlies.

Iheanacho is expected to start up front for Leicester City at Old Trafford with main striker Jamie Vardy ruled out due to his late comeback from the World Cup.

Ndidi revealed he and Iheanacho have been doing extra training together to get themselves prepared for the start of the Premier League season on Friday night, having both returned late to pre-season following their own exploits in Russia.

“Yes, Kelechi is getting there because we work every day in training,” Ndidi told Leicester City Mercury.

“I wasn’t even surprised he scored with the head because just the other day we practice just me and him, just passes and just playing and try to practice.”

“It was good and in the previous games also it was good he scored in these games for the confidence. I hope he can keep confidence for the next games, not just him but all of the players.”

On Leicester City’s 2-1 win over Lille, Ndidi said: “It was a really, really tough game. This kind of game is really good because this kind of win gives us confidence in our performance level.”

“Of course, that is the idea of the pre-season games, not just the confidence; the match fitness and trying to play together again so it was good,” said Ndidi.

“Because of the international players we didn’t get to play too much but the coach tried to manage the players, giving everyone the minutes and I feel we are getting there.”

“We try to manage that kind of situation in the first minute and then we try not to make it happen in the next game. The game was very very challenging so it was a good game for us to go into the next one.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ndidi-backs-iheanacho-to-continue-scoring-form/

Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho hopes he can continue to find the back of the net for Leicester City as the kick-off for the 2018/19 Premier League campaign draws closer, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Iheanacho grabbed his second pre-season goal for the Foxes in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against Spanish club, Valencia at the King Power Stadium.

He also scored in Claude Puel’s men previous game game against Udinese of Italy which they lost 2-1.

Leicester’s pre-season campaign comes to an end on Saturday, when they take on Lille OSC at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, a game Iheanacho hopes to again impress in.

“It was a good test for us and it’s a good game as well,” Iheanacho told the club’s official website.

“Valencia are a good team as we all know and we worked hard in training to prepare for this game.

“It wasn’t a bad outcome so we’re looking forward to the next game.”

Iheanacho’s goal came as a result of some fine work from James Maddison , who put in another exciting display in Leicester colours.

“It was a scramble with Madders (James Maddison) and then the ball bounced out and dropped to me so I finished it,”the former Manchester City stated while talking about the goal.

“Of course, I would love to keep it (goalscoring) going, it’s been a good pre-season for us so I’d love to keep the form and keep scoring goals.”

Leicester City will face Manchester United in their opening fixture in the new season and Iheanacho is looking forward to the game with high hopes.

“I think it’s going to be a good game but we need to keep working hard and make sure we get the goals,” he added.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/iheanacho-hopes-to-maintain-goalscoring-form-for-leicester-city/

Nigerian forward Umar Sadiq could make his official debut for Rangers in their second qualifying round second leg UEFA Europa League tie against Osijek of Croatia at the Ibrox Stadium on Thursday reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

The 21 year old signed a season-long loan deal from Roma earlier this month and has been named in Rangers match day squad against Osijek.

Rangers manager, Steven Gerrard reckons Sadiq will be a real handful for defenders when he’s up to speed.

Sadiq needed just six minutes to open his account for Rangers in a 3-0 friendly win against Wigan bundling home a Glenn Middleton cross on Sunday.

“He is still finding his feet, he is still a bit rusty, but you saw glimpses of what he is about against Wigan,” Gerrard told Daily Record.

“I love it when he is aggressive and on the front foot, he puts pressure on people and he runs hard. You can see there’s potential in there to be a right handful and that’s what we want him to be.”

After Thursday’s clash against Osijek, Rangers will open the new Scottish Premiership season away at Aberdeen on Sunday, August 5. Rangers have failed to overcome Derek McInnes’ side in each of the last two seasons.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/sadiq-set-for-europa-league-debut/