₦airaland Forum

IK Start midfielder, Afeez Aremu hopes his inclusion in the Flying Eagles squad for Saturday’s U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritania in Lagos ends in a victory for the seven time champions, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

The Flying Eagles were forced to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the final qualifying fixture in Nouakchott and the former Akwa United star admits it’s time to finish off the job at the Agege Stadium Lagos.

“We are in a delicate position and we are well aware of that,” Aremu told Completesportsnigeria.com at the team’s Pearlwort Hotel camp in Ikeja.

“We need to win and ensure qualification and I pray my inclusion brings that to the team.”

The Flying Eagles’ lodged at the Pearlwort Hotel camp in Ikeja and have been training at the Agege Stadium since returning from Nouakchott last Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Egyptian officials to take charge of the match, with Mahmoud Zakaria Mohamed El Banna as the Centre Referee.

El Banna will work with compatriots Ahmed Taha Hossam (Assistant Referee 1), Hany Abdelfattah Mahmoud Elsnadidy (Assistant Referee 2) and Ahmed Mahrous Mahmoud Ahmed Hassan ElGhandour (Reserve Referee).

Mr. Sallieu Kamara from Sierra Leone will serve as match commissioner.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/u-20-afcon-qualifiers-aremu-eager-to-help-flying-eagles-go-past-mauritania/

Hibernian’s Nigerian defender Efe Ambrose has been linked with a move to Turkish Super Lig club, Trabzonspor, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Ambrose who has a buyout clause of €300,000 with his Scottish side, Hibernian, is in his final year contract and Trabzonspor’s coach, Unal Karaman is eager to push through a deal for the experienced centre-back, according to a report on Fanatik.com.tr.

Trabzonspor currently have on their books Super Eagles vice-captain Ogenyi Onazi.

Trabzonspor have also been linked with moves for Bakary Kone, Majid Hosseini, Sitoe Mexer and Papy Djilobodji.

Ambrose was in action for Hibernian in Thursday’s Europa League first qualifying round tie win over NSI Runavik of Faroe Islands. Hibernian won 6-4 away from home for a 12-5 aggregate win with Ambrose scoring at both ends.

Ambrose scored an own goal to hand the hosts the lead in the first minute but made amends in the 50th minute as Hibs took a 4-3 lead.

The 29 year old defender has spent six years in Scotland playing for Celtic FC and Hibernian having joined from Israeli side, Ashdod FC in 2012.

He played 47 times for the Super Eagles and scored three goals.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/trabzonspor-plot-ambrose-signing-from-hibernian/

Alex Iwobi hopes that the Super Eagles can learn from their early exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and build on it for a better future.

Gernot Rohr’s men finished third in Group D after defeats to Croatia and Argentina, on either side of a 2-0 win over Iceland.

“The squad is young and we picked important lessons that will hopefully help us going forward,” the Arsenal winger told BBC Sport.


“Attention will soon shift to the Nations Cup and we must make our World Cup lessons count.”

Against Argentina in their final Group D match, the Super Eagles were four minutes away from booking a place in the knockout stages, but Marcos Rojo struck late to break their hearts.

“We had a lot of hopes and believed that we could do well. We are very proud of ourselves and are going to take the positives of course,” Iwobi added.

“We are just unfortunate about the last minute goal that came against Argentina which led to a defeat that knocked us out of the group. We are taking positives but we are very happy with what we did.”

The Nigerian fans had hoped that Iwobi would play a key role in Russia, but were left disappointed that the Arsenal player was only given a half against Croatia and late substitute appearances against Iceland and Argentina.

“It’s not just me or my tournament, it’s Nigeria’s tournament,” he remarked.

“The coach did put me in that position because he wanted to try something new, try something else, so I had no problems because at the end of the day it is what the manager decides is what goes.”

Next up for Nigeria is a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles in September.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/iwobi-eagles-must-make-2018-world-cup-lessons-count-in-afcon-2019-campaign/

Former Argentina forward, Carlos Tevez, has urged Lionel Messi not to retire from international football, but advises that the country should do more to support their star player in the future.

The Barcelona man once again came under intense scrutiny after Argentina crashed out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup to France in the second round.

He scored just one goal in La Albiceleste’s four games in the competition.

“I think Leo has to think about himself,” Tevez told ESPN.

“He has to think that, if there is not a project that makes him happy and in which he feels comfortable, it is very difficult to take the responsibility of leading Argentina to become champions by himself.

“We are wasting a lot of time not having him happy and not being able to give him a hand to achieve that target. I think we are wrong in not being able to help him feel comfortable.

“As a player and as an Argentine, I tell him that we need him, that he tries to rest, that he keeps a cool head and that we need him. We need him because he is the soul of Argentina and, as long as he continues playing football, it has to be that way because he is Argentina’s biggest idol and he has to take that responsibility.

“Now [I tell him] to rest, keep a cool head and try to be well, then we need him to take charge and on the pitch.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/tevez-urges-messi-not-to-retire-from-international-football/

IK Start midfielder, Afeez Aremu, has been handed a late invitation to Nigeria’s U-20 team, the Flying Eagles ahead of Saturday’s 2019 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations second leg Final Round qualifier against Mauritania in Lagos, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

The 18 year old who has trained twice with the team in Lagos is in line to make his debut for the team ahead of the crucial game against Mauritania on Saturday.

Aremu has scored three goals in 18 league games for his Norwegian side, IK Start since joining the club in March.

“He (Aremu) is in the squad for the game and may likely play,” a camp source told CSN.

“He joined up with the team in training on Tuesday after a letter was sent to his club seeking his release for the crucial game.”

The Flying Eagles played a 1-1 draw away in Nouakchott, Mauritania last Saturday in the first leg. A goalless draw will see Aigbogun’s men advance to the 2019 U20 AFCON.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/aigbogun-hands-norway-based-aremu-flying-eagles-call-up/

Super Eagles B team midfielder, Kelechi Nwakali, has officially joined Portuguese side, FC Porto B on a season loan deal [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

The Portuguese giants have an option to make the deal permanent in 12 months’ time.

Nwakali told FC Porto: “My main goal is to develop and evolve as a player, to improve my qualities and the other aspects that I know I need to correct to grow in the way I play.

“I think FC Porto is the right place to evolve as a player.”

Nwakali also hopes to meet FC Porto legend Deco to recount how impactful he was to his career.

“I know Porto very well, because one of my idols in football played here: Deco. He was a player that I loved to watch and I hope one day being able to meet him and tell him the importance he had in my desire to be a football player.”

The 19 year-old midfielder had been sent out on loan to Dutch second tier team, MVV Maastricht and VVV Venlo in the topflight division from Arsenal.

The former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles captain is under contract until June 2021 with the English Premier League club, Arsenal.

He made his debut for Super Eagles B team in an international friendly against Atletico Madrid in May where the Nigerian team lost 3-2.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/kelechi-nwakali-officially-joins-fc-porto-b-on-loan-from-arsenal-says-its-ideal-switch/

Turkish side Galatasaray have entered the race to sign Leicester City forward, Ahmed Musa, for the new seasom reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Musa who has been linked with a £40 million move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia is seen as a versatile player who could play as a striker and as a winger by Galatasaray coach, Fatih Terim.

According to Turkish website, Fanatik.com.tr, Galatasaray who will be competiting in three competitions in the coming season are hoping to lure the 25 year old to Turkey with the prospect of UEFA Champions League football this new season as a bait.

Musa’s outstanding performances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, especially his match-winning double against Iceland, has seen him attract several suitors during the transfer window.

Premier League rivals Fulham and Huddersfield Town have also been linked with a move for Musa who has been touted to leave the King Power Stadium this summer.

The Nigeria international joined Leicester City for £16 million from CSKA Moscow two years ago. He returned to Russian side as loanee and impressed again.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/galatasaray-join-race-for-musa/

Nigerian striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, has officially signed a contract extension with Liverpool FC, [url]Completeportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

The duration of the deal was not disclosed officiaaly but a close source to the player revealed to Completesportsnigeria.com that the 20-year-old extended his deal at Anfield by another two years.

The 20-year-old striker, who joined the Reds in August 2015, put pen to paper on the deal at Melwood on Tuesday following a successful season in Belgium’s top flight with Royal Excel Mouscron where he scored 10 goals and made four assists.

Awoniyi told Liverpoolfc.com: “I feel excited and I feel very happy.

“It has been three years since I first came to Liverpool. So far, so good. The last year was the best for me, it has been an amazing year so far.

“I just have to keep working hard each year and I believe one day the dream will come true.

“Thanks to my family, who have been so supportive. I’m very glad and excited about this contract and hopefully, to have an even better year.”

Awoniyi joined Liverpool from the Imperial Soccer Academy in Nigeria.

He represented Nigeria at U-23 level and has spent the last three seasons on loan at FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen and Royal Excel Mouscron respectively.

Awoniyi, a U-17 World Cup winner is aiming to improve further in the coming campaign with a view to earning a call-up to Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles.

“That is a big part of the ambition for me,” he said.

“I have played for many years with the youth teams, and I look forward to hopefully getting a chance with the senior team.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/awoniyi-pens-new-liverpool-deal-eager-to-earn-super-eagles-call-up/

Super Eagles midfielder, John Ogu, made his first official appearance for Israeli club, Hapoel Be’er Sheva this season in their UEFA Champions League first qualifying round, second leg fixture against Estonia outfit, Flora on Tuesday, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Ogu, who started pre-season training with Hapoel Be’er Sheva last week featured from start to finish in the encounter which his side won 2-0 at the Yaakov Turner Toto Stadium.

Hen Ezra and Hanan Maman got the goal for Be’er Sheva who qualified on 6-1 aggregate scoreline having won the first leg 4-1 away from home.

Little known Nigerian defender, Faith Obilor also ended on the winning side as his Finnish club, HJK Helsinki recorded a 3-1 win against Vikungur of Faroe Islands.

HJK edged the contest 5-2 on aggregate having won the first leg 2-1.

Obilor, 24, who is a defender was on for the entire 90 minutes in the encounter.

Vikungur’s Nigerian forward, Adeshina Lawal, also started the game but was replaced in the 72nd minute by Andreas Olsen.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ucl-1st-qualifying-round-ogu-obilor-in-action-as-beer-sheva-helsinki-win-to-advance/

Oghenekaro Etebo is thrilled after having his first training with his new English Championship side, Stoke City at their pre-season training camp in Germany, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Etebo signed a five-year deal with the Potters shortly after the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia where he was one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the tournament.

The 22 year old took to his Instagram page on Monday to reveal that he was impressed with first training session and eager for the new challenge in the new season.

“Good first day at training, pleased to be here and excited for the challenge ahead. #EK# StokeCity,” Etebo wrote on his Instagram page on Monday.

Stoke City got relegated from the English Premier League to the English Championship last season.

Etebo joined Stoke City from Portuguese side Feriense after spending two years at the club. He played four seasons for Nigerian Professional Football League club Warri Wolves before leaving the shores of the country.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/etebo-raring-to-go-at-stoke-city-after-first-training-at-pre-season-camp/

Nigeria winger, Victor Moses, is expected to rejoin English Premier League side, Chelsea today (Tuesday) at the club’s Cobham training ground, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Moses’ international teammate, Kenneth Omeruo will also join him at Cobham as both players train for the first time under new manager, Maurizio Sarri.

The duo were granted extended break by the club after featuring for Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Moses played in all Super Eagles three games in Russia, while Omeruo featured in two games.

Omeruo, 24, is yet to feature in an official game for Chelsea since linking up with the Blues from Belgian club, Standard Liege in January 2012.

Moses was a constant feature under Antonio Conte after he initially found it hard to break into the first team.

The other Nigerian at the club, Ola Aina who was omitted from the squad to Russia 2018 has since reported for pre-season duties.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/moses-omeruo-start-pre-season-training-with-chelsea-today/

Nigeria defender, Tyronne Ebuehi, says he is ready to work hard and earn a regular playing berth at Portuguese club, Benfica, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Ebuehi, 22, linked up with Benfica in May following the expiration of his contract with Dutch club, ADO Den Haag.

The right-back only joined his new teammates in their pre-season training last week.

“The coach (Rui Vitoria) told me what he actually want from me which is to work hard and make myself important for the team,” Ebuehi told reporters on Monday at Benfica’s training base in St. George’s Park, England.

“I have to work hard, train well and we’ll see what happens next. Being in the first team is my main goal, but I have to work hard in training.”

Ebuehi who featured in one game for Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia also reckos that he face a tough battle to earn a starting spot in the team due to the quality of players available to the gaffer.

“The quality of my teammates is way above my previous club where I played, but it’s what I expected, because Benfica is a great club and has a lot of good players,” he added.

It’s something that will help me be a better player.

Despite the enormity of the task before him, the young defender says that he has enjoyed his stay at the club since arriving for pre-season training.

“Being here is a dream come true, it’s great to be in such a great club,” he declared.

“Everything is going very well, it’s a good experience. We’re working hard and it’s a different reality.

He also talks about his quality which he hopes will help him cement a place in the team.

“Speed ​​is one of my weapons. I am strong in defence, good in one by one duels and very strong and fast too.
For a right-back, I am an offensive player, ” Ebuehi revealed.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ebuehi-eagler-to-work-hard-for-regular-playing-spot-at-benfica/

Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, is set to be offered an improved deal by English Premier League club, Leicester City, as reward for his impressive showing in the past campaign, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Ndidi, 21, has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League since his £15million move to the King Power Stadium from Belgian club Genk last January.

EXPOSED!! The secret asian tonic that will regrow your hair
He won more tackles than any player in the Premier League last season.

The midfielder currently earns £35,000 per week at Leicester City.

A number of clubs are believed to be interested in signing the Nigeria international, but The Foxes, according to a report in Leicester Mercury, are said to be preparing to offer the midfielder a new contract.

Ndidi has made more than 60 appearances for The Foxes since arriving in English Premier League.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ndidi-set-to-earn-improved-leicester-city-deal/

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino has warned that Nigeria stands the risk of being banned from international football competitions if the current leadership crisis bedevilling the country’s Football Federation persists, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Amaju Pinnick has been the NFF President since 2014 but a Supreme Court ruling two weeks ago appeared to give Giwa the mandate, and he has since presumably assumed office.

The four year-old case was expected to be resolved at the Federal High Court in Jos, Plateau State on Tuesday but it was adjourned to 25 September.

Pinnick approached the court for the relief after the Supreme Court judgment which ordered him to comply with the lower court’s order that compelled him to vacate the office for Giwa.

Giwa is not recognised by FIFA as he is serving a ban. He also lost the case with Pinnick at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which is the highest adjudicator in sporting matters.

Giwa has however continue to parade himself as the NFF president following the adjournment, a move which could force FIFA to wield the big stick on Nigeria.

“The situation is very clear, there can be no interference in the running of the association… That’s the end of it. If any external body thinks they can change this, then of course Nigeria could be banned,” Infantino stated during his interaction with the media in Moscow on Friday.

Should FIFA placed a ban on Nigeria, the Super Eagles will not participate in the African Cup of Nations qualifier, while the other national teams will also be affected.

Two-time African champions, Enyimba who will also keep a date with Ivory Coast’s Williamsville in CAF Confederation Cup will also be disqualified from the competition.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/fifa-president-infantino-nigeria-risk-ban-over-nff-crisis/

Turkish giants, Galatasary have announced the capture of Nigeria forward Henry Onyekuru on a season-long loan deal from English club, Everton, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Galatasaray had confirmed on Monday that they are in talks with Everton over a potential loan transfer of the young striker.

Everton will be paid an €800,000 loan fee, while Onyekuru will be paid €1.2m plus €10K win bonus.

“✒ #Galatasaray are glad to make the signing of Henry Onyekuru official!
Nigerian �� 21-year old winger is joining us from @Everton on loan.
Welcome, @henryconyekuru!,”reads a tweet on Galatasaray official Twitter handle on Thursday.

Onyekuru joined Everton in the summer of 2017 after an impressive season at modest Belgian top flight club Eupen.

He was loaned out to Anderlecht where he overcame a slow start to hit very good form, scoring nine goals in 19 league appearances and 10 goals in 28 games in all competitions despite playing mostly as a wide forward.

His campaign was cut short by a long-term knee injury that ultimately blew his Russia 2018 World Cup chances.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/galatasaray-confirm-one-season-loan-signing-of-onyekuru-from-everton/

Super Eagles defender, Tyronne Ebuehi, has has joined his Benfica teammates in Portugal as they intensify their pre-season training, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Ebuehi, who linked up with the Eagles on a free transfer from Dutch club, ADO Den Haag in May, trained with his teammates for the first at the Jose Mourinho Training Centre in Troia on Thursday morning.

The 22-year-old was granted an extended break following his involvement with the Super Eagles at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.


Benfica posted pictures of Ebuehi training with his teammates on their official Twitter handle on Thursday.

The right-back featured once for the Super Eagles in the competition coming on as a second half substitute for Bryan Idowu in Nigeria’s second group game against Iceland which they won 2-0 in Volgograd, Russia.

The Super Eagles were eliminated from Russia 2018 in the First Round following a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in their last group game.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ebuehi-joins-benfica-pre-season-training-after-world-cup-break/

Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun, is still haunted by the team’s early ouster from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Gernot Rohr’s men failed to progress to the knockout round following a 2-1 defeat against Argentina in their last group game.

The West Africans opened their account in Russia with a 2-0 loss to Croatia but bounced back to record a 2-0 win against Iceland in their second game.

Balogun featured in all four games for the Super Eagles in Russia.

“Better late than never, but never late is better. It’s been 2 weeks since this exciting journey has ended for my team and me. Reminiscing it’s still painful, I won’t lie. But life goes on and it gives you so many reasons to smile,” he wrote on Instagram page.

“Meanwhile I turned 30 (thx for all the messages ��), am about to start a new chapter in Brighton and there will be a new world champion soon making their nation proud.

“I will be forever grateful for this invaluable experience with the Super Eagles. So this is to say thank you to my team, the complete staff, to everyone who was part of this great journey and supported us. To Russia and its people for their great hospitality.

” And last but not least, THANK YOU Nigeria for the endless support. It’s been a great honour representing you and we hope we could make you proud.
We will continue to strive for greatness in the future so one day we can hopefully bring a trophy back home ����� #.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/balogun-super-eagles-early-exit-from-russia-2018-still-painful/

Croatia qualified for their first ever final after defeating England 2-1 in their semi-final clash of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Moscow on Wednesday, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Mario Mandzukic scored in 109th minute of extra time to seal the win for Croatia.

Kieran Trippier opened scoring for the Three Lions with free kick after five minutes.
Ivan Perisic drew Croatia level in the second half.

Croatia will face France in Sunday’s final, while Belgium and England will fight for the third place on Saturday

England troubled Croatia with their pace in the opening minutes of the game with Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard all finding spaces behind the Croats defence.

In the fifth minute, Croatia conceded a free kick at the edge of the box after Luka Modric’s clumsy tackle on Lingard.

Trippier stepped up and curled in his shot past Danijel Subasic.

England had chances to double their lead but Sterling, Lingard and Harry Kane all missed.

Croatia also had opportunity to draw level through Ante Rebic but his shot was fired straight at Jordan Pickford.

Croatia were rattled in defence and that forced them in making too many errors in their defensive line during the latter stages of this first half.

Ivan Perisic and Ivan Rakitic had rare chances to draw Croatia level before half time but they wasted their opportunities.

ln the second half, Croatia added more urgency to their game and they started carving out chances to score but Mario Mandzukic, Perisic missed the initial opportunity they had.

Perisic drew Croatia level in the 68th minute after he had hit the post with a shot.

The Juventus striker stabbed in Sime Vrsaljko from the right flank his 20th international goal for Croatia.

With extra time looming Perisic threatened with another attempt at goal.

In extra time, John Stones saw his goal bound header cleared off the line by Rakitic.

Mandzukic scored the winner for Croatia inbthe 109th minute capitalizing on a poor clearance from the English defence.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/perisic-mandzukic-shoot-down-three-lions-as-croatia-reach-first-ever-world-cup-final/

Nigeria forward Anthony Okpotu has linked up with Moroccan club Difaa Hassani d’el- Jadida (DHJ) on a three-year deal, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Okpotu joined the Moroccan Botola club from Nigeria Professional Football League outfit Lobi Stars of Makurdi.

He was top scorer in the NPFL last term with 19 goals and was part of Nigeria’s home-based side that came second at the African Nations Championship in Morocco last year.

The striker once had stint with Libyan club Al Ittihad Triopoli.

DHJ, is a club based in El Jadida and they play their home games at 15, 000 capacity Stade El Abdi.

The modest club came fourth in the league last season and have been runners-up thrice.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/okpotu-joins-moroccan-club-dhj-on-three-year-deal/

Scottish club, Glasgow Rangers, have completed the signing of Nigeria forward, Sadiq Umar on a season long loan deal from Italian oufit, AS Roma, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

The loan move is subject to international clearance.

Sadiq, 21, has struggled to pin down a regular shirt since linking up with AS Roma from Serie B side Spezia in 2015.

He has scored twice in six appearances for the Giallorossi since the move.

The striker has spent the majority of his Roma career out on loan and has enjoyed spells at Bologna and Torino, as well as Dutch side NAC Breda.

“The plan was to stay in Rome this season but when
Steven Gerrard calls, you can’t say no,” Sadiq told Rangers TV.

“He told me about the team, the players, that everyone will be at my side if I come here and he will help me to go forward in my career.

“You don’t have to think twice when someone says that to you.”

Sadiq was part of Nigeria’s U-23 team that won bronze medal in the football event at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/sadiq-umar-finally-joins-rangers-on-loan-from-roma-eager-to-work-with-gerrard/

Former Super Eagles winger, Emmanuel Amuneke, has advised Amaju Pinnick and Chris Giwa factions to reach a truce and end the imbroglio currently rocking the the Nigeria Football Federation for the sake of the sport in the county.

A Jos court on Tuesday failed to deliver judgement on the case between Amaju Pinnick and Chris Giwa over who is the legimately elected president of the Nigeria Football Federation, a feud that has been unresolved for the past four years.

The case has been adjourned till September 25.

“We dont know why this issue is still persisting,” Amuneke told CSN.

“We have to put square pegs in square holes to move our football forward. It’s not easy going back and forth on court cases.

“This is unfair because its when we have little success we have this problem. I just hope we can change that and appease those aggrieved.”

The Nigeria Football Federation is now hoping to avoid a FIFA ban as it will stop Nigeria from playing their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles in September, while the Super Falcons, Falconets, other national teams and Enyimba, who are in the CAF Confederation Cup, would also be affected.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/amuneke-warring-factions-should-cease-fire-for-the-sake-of-nigerian-football/

Nigeria international, Henry Onyekuru opted to join Turkish side, Galatasaray after he was denied a work permit to play for English Premier League side Everton, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Onyekuru was expected to rejoin Everton this summer ahead of the new campaign but did not join the Toffees’ squad that flew out of England to Austria for pre-season on Sunday due to the club’s inability to secure a permit for the 20 year old petit striker.

The former RSC Anderlecht and Eupen striker according to Turkish Football has passed his medicals at Turkish side, Galatasaray with a loan deal set to be announced once both parties agree the financial terms.

Onyekuru was offered to Besiktas and Fenerbahce initially by agents but Galatasaray acted first and launched official talks with Everton for the striker who scored ten goals in 21 games in all competitions last season before his injury.

Onyekuru has five international caps to his name.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/revealed-why-onyekuru-opted-to-join-galatasaray/

IK Start’s Afeez Aremu says he is targeting an invitation to the Super Eagles squad ahead of their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles in Victoria in September, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Aremu scored his third goal of the season for his Norwegian side, IK Start on Sunday as they came from a goal down to beat Stabaek 2-1.

The former Akwa United star has been a regular for the IK Start this season featuring in 18 league appearances and he is ready to play anywhere on the pitch in his bid to merit an inclusion in the Nigerian squad in September.

“I’ve been enjoying football, playing well for Ik Start since I arrived and I feel I deserve the call-up to the Super Eagles soon,” Aremu told CSN.

“There are lots of good players in the position, but I think I can compete for a place too.”

“I’ve shown I deserve to be in the Nigerian squad, but I don’t just want a place in the squad, I want to be in the team.”

Aremu, who watched as the Super Eagles crash out in the group stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia posits that the team was unlucky to lose to Argentina.

Marcos Rojo scored an 86th minute winner for Argentina to send the three time African Champions out of the tournament. Victor Moses drew Nigeria level from spot-kick after Lionel Messi shot La Albiceslete into the lead.

“Super Eagles tried but I feel they were unlucky conceding a goal with less that five minutes to play.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/aremu-im-enjoying-my-ik-start-career-im-ready-for-eagles-invitation-on-merit/

FIFA Technical Study group member, Emmanuel Amuneke has urged the handler of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr to inject more creative midfielders in the team ahead of their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Seychelles.

The Super Eagles failed to make it out of the group stages of the World Cup for the third time in six appearances at the FIFA World Cup and Amuneke who is in the five-man FIFA Technical Study group revealed that the team missed out due to little details.

Nigeria lost 2-0 to Croatia in their opening game but bounced back to beat Iceland to boost their chances of qualifying for the next round, that was truncated by their 2-1 loss to Argentina.

“It was a good try. We were close, yet still far off,” Amuneke told CSN.

“We have seen some lapses and must correct them and inject fresh ideas to compete well against other teams that set up their team to nullify our threats.

“There were lots of positives from the tournament on the part of the Super Eagles which they must build on just like the creative aspect and the attack.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/amuneke-super-eagles-will-improve-with-more-creative-players-good-strikers/

Nigerian midfielder, Mikel Ndubuisi Agu, has resolved to stay and fight for his spot at Portuguese giants FC Porto in the new season, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

The combative player, who has played away on loan in the last three seasons, insists that he wants to stay with his parent club and seize the opportunity when presented with one.

“I don’t want to go on loan again. I’m staying at Porto and, so far, I’ve resumed for pre-season and everything is going on fine. I will work very hard and take my chance when I get it,” Agu told CSN.

Agu had previously played at Belgium’s Club Brugge, where he won the league title. He also had a stint at Rashidi Yekini’s former club, Vitoria Setubal, whom he helped to the semi-finals of the Taca da Liga before spending last season with Turkish Super Lig side Bursaspor where he played alongside Super Eagles teammates William Troost-Ekong and Shehu Abdullahi.

The 25-year old is confident of his ability to fit in with the current Portuguese champions.

He said: “I know I can make the grades and play with the team. I’ve been here before and I’ve also been training with the team since we resumed for pre-season, so I have an idea of what I need to do. If I continue to work as hard as I’m doing and I stay injury-free, I’m sure I have the quality to play here.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/agu-rules-out-loan-switch-eager-to-seize-fc-porto-chance/

Fast rising Nigerian midfielder, Afeez Aremu, grabbed the winning goal for his Norwegian club, IK Start who beat Stabaek 2-1 in a league game at the Sparebanken Arena on Sunday, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

IK Start who are battling to avoid the drop conceded a goal four minutes after the break before fighting back to win it.

Kevin Kabran started the comeback when he netted the equalising goal on the hour mark.

Aremu scored the winner a minute later to continue his start to life in Norway.

The former Akwa United star has now scored three goals in 16 league outings for IK Start.

Kjetil Rekdal’s men sit in 15th position in the 16 team Norwegian league table having garnered 14 points from 16 games.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/aremu-scores-winner-for-ik-start-in-norwegian-league/

Super Eagles defender, Shehu Abdullahi, says the team must now fight hard to secure a place in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon after their early ouster from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria. com[/url].

The Super Eagles have failed to qualify for the last two AFCON’s despite their pedigree as one of the strongest teams in the continent.

Gernot Rohr’s men already face a tough task in their bid to make it to Cameroon after losing their first qualifying fixture 2-0 at home against South Africa.

The Bursaspor of Turkey defender reckons that the team must concentrate on reaching Cameroon after their unlucky exit from the 2018 World Cup after First Round.

“It is important that we qualify for the next AFCON in Cameroon. We have not played in the competition for some time now and we can’t afford to miss the next one,” Abdullahi told CSN.

“I believe we have a team that can get the job done despite all the odds. The teams in our group won’t hand us the ticket on a platter of gold, so we have to work very hard to beat them to it.”

The three-time AFCON champions will face Seychelles in their qualifying game on September 7 in Victoria.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/abdullahi-super-eagles-must-qualify-afcon-2019/

Former Commonwealth Long Jump queen, Ese Brume, will make her debut in the money-spinning IAAF Diamond League this evening in Lausanne, Switzerland and in the process become the third Nigerian lady to participate in the prestigious one-day meeting this year after Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor and petite sprint hurdler Tobi Amusan, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Brume who made history four years ago as the second Nigerian woman to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal forty years after Modupe Oshikoya became the first Nigerian woman to win a Commonwealth Games gold.

The Delta-state born Brume who won the long jump gold at the African Championships in Athletics in 2014 in Marakech,Morocco and 2016 in Durban,South Africa holds a personal season’s best of 6.81m which she jumped in May to win the event at the Jamaica Invitational meet.

The Nigerian will battle a strong line up of jumpers including the reigning world leader,Britain’s Lorraine Ugen who leapt a distance of 7.05m on Sunday at the British championships,Germany’s Malaika Mihambo and Serbia’s Ivana Španovic who have both jumped 6.99m this term as well as another British jumper,Shara Proctor who has done 7.89m this year and Australian lady,Brooke Stratton who holds a personal season’s best of 6.88m.

Three time world champion and reigning Olympics long jump quuen,Tainna Bartoleta of the USA is also in the mix to battle for the $10,000 top prize on offer and the eight maximum points.

Ugen leads the Diamond League long jump standing with eight points following the 6.85m she jumped in Stockholm,Sweden on June 10.She is followed by Mihambo (7 points) and Canada’s Christabel Nettey who will not be competing in Laussane.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ex-commonwealth-queen-brume-set-to-make-diamond-league-debut-in-laussane-today/

Uruguay forward Luis Suarez reportedly limped out of a training session just three days before Uruguay’s quarter-final meeting with France in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

La Celeste are already sweating on the fitness of
Edinson Cavani , who has been unable to take part in any sessions since injuring his hamstring late on in the 2-1 win over Portugal last weekend.

According to Spanish publication Marca, Uruguay face a double blow as Suarez injured his right leg during training at the team’s base in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday.

The Barcelona star later returned to the field, but boss Oscar Tabarez is said to be concerned ahead of Friday’s showdown with France.

Speaking to reporters earlier on Tuesday, Suarez insisted that Uruguay can cope without Cavani if his strike partner fails to recover from injury.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/suarez-doubtful-for-uruguay-france-clash/

Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna moved up two spot in the latest ITTF World Ranking for the month of July reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

The Nigerian star, ranked 22nd in June, is now the 20th best player in the world.

It’s the second time this year, that the Sporting Lisbon player will be breaking into the top 20 in the world having made the same spot in January 2018 – being the first Nigerian to achieve the feat.

The 29 year old star is also the topmost ranked player in Africa surpassing Egypt’s Omar Assar who dropped from 17th to 21st

Aruna amassed 10234 points compared to Assar’s 10233 in the latest ranking.

China’s Fan Zhendong retained the number one spot in the world ranking for the fourth consecutive month. Timo Boll is second in the ranking after climbing two spots up

Lin Gaoyuan climbed up to third from fifth place. Dimitrij Ovtcharov now occupies the No.4 position. Zhang Jike makes up the top five.

Zhendong’s compatriots- Ma Long, the reigning Olympic and World champion and Lee Sangsu are sixth and seventh. Tomokazu Harimoto is No. 8, Hong Kong’s Wong Chun Ting is ninth while Hugo Calderano is now at No.10.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/table-tennis-aruna-now-20th-best-player-in-the-world/

Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has narrated how he played a key game for his team during the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup despite his father, Michael, being in captivity.

Nigeria needed a draw with Argentina to advance to the round of 16 last Tuesday but, unknown to his colleagues, Mikel had a much bigger issue to deal with.

Kidnappers had his father in their custody and were demanding a huge ransom. He had also been warned not to involve security agencies if he wanted his father back alive and in one piece.

“I played while my father was in the hands of bandits,” Mikel was quoted by The Guardian on Tuesday.

“I had to suppress the trauma. I took a call four hours before kick-off to tell me what had happened.

“I was emotionally distraught and I had to make the decision about whether I was mentally ready to play. I was confused. I did not know what to do but, in the end, I knew that I could not let 180 million Nigerians down. I had to shut it out of my head and go and represent my country first. I could not even inform the coaches or NFF staff and only a very tight circle of my friends knew.

“I was told that they would shoot my dad instantly if I reported to the authorities or told anybody. I also did not want to discuss it with the coach [Gernot Rohr] because I did not want my issue to become a distraction to him or the rest of the team on the day of such an important game. As much as I wanted to discuss it with the coach, I could not.

“Thankfully, my father was safely released on Monday afternoon. I thank the police authorities for their rescue efforts and the support I’ve received from friends and family members. Unfortunately, my dad is now in hospital receiving emergency treatment as a result of the torture he received during his capture.”

Mikel bravely went on to post an impressive performance against Argentina although his side still lost 2-1 and got eliminated.

The Enugu State Police Command on Tuesday confirmed in a statement that Mr Obi had been rescued from the kidnappers.

The kidnappers allegedly demanded N10m as ransom from Obi’s family, according to police.

“Michael Obi, the father of Eagles captain, has regained his freedom,” Enugu Police command spokesman Ebere Amaraizu said.

“He was rescued a forest in the Udi area of Enugu after a gun battle between the police and the kidnappers, who escaped during the shootout.

“He is right now in the office of the Enugu State police commissioner.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/mikel-why-i-played-against-argentina-while-my-father-was-in-kidnappers-hands/

Super Eagles defender Shehu Abdullahi has thanked Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal for his kind gesture after he received a land, house and cash gifts from the state’s number one citizen on Monday, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria. com[/url].

Abdullahi was hosted by Governor Tambuwal at the Sokoto State government house on Monday and got the reward for his exemplary performance for the national team.

“I want to appreciate my Governor (Aminu Waziri Tambuwal) for this great honour, it feels so good my hard work and being a good ambassador of this state is been celebrated and recognized. I am grateful to our darling Governor for this kindness and great gesture,” Abdullahi stated at the event.

“This is not an honour for me to slip off, but to work very hard with my club and the national team. What interests me most is the support for my Foundation and the land to build my sports complex, we have many talents in Sokoto and we must create the enabling environment to nurture them with modern facilities.”

As part of the effort to raise fund for the Shehu Abdullahi Foundation, a charity match will take place on Thursday between Team Shehu and a team to be led by Super Eagles forward, Ahmed Musa.

“We have concluded plans to host a Charity Match in Sokoto State, the match will be between Shehu Friends and Musa Friends,”he added.

“Apart from the charity angle to it, we want to motivate the youths and give them hope, I am optimistic Sokoto will produce more football stars in years to come.”

The Bursaspor of Turkey defender was part of Super Eagles side that got eliminated in the group stage at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/abdullahi-thanks-sokoto-governor-for-cash-land-house-gifts/