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The Nigerian Nightmare, Kamaru Usman, speaks to TUNDE KOIKI on Sports Planet ahead of his Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight with legendary Jujitsu maestro Damien Maia of Brazil on Saturday, 19th May...

Sports Planet: Who is Kamaru Usman and how did you get into the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)?
Kamaru Usman: I’m Kamaru Usman, born and raised in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria. I moved to the USA with my family at the age of eight. While growing up in the USA in high school, I followed wrestling and through it, I developed a passion for the combat sports and eventually went to college to wrestle. And after college, I wrestled for a couple of years on the Olympic circuit and after that it was just a natural progression and I thought the next biggest thing to accomplish was MMA.

SP: You look like a superb athlete. You could have taken up just about any sport. Why MMA?
Kamaru: I couldn’t do anything else even when I was in high school. My dad was urging me to play baseball and of course being from Nigeria, soccer was the number one sport where everybody wanted to play. But there, there is baseball, American football, basketball, track and field which I love but it was just something about wrestling, something about the combat aspect of it and the fact that it was one on one; it was what my hard work was going to take me to the top, it wasn’t what anybody else was doing to do for me, it was what I was going to do. I had the ability to really control as much of the outcome as I could. With wrestling, I just want to compete in the sport which is what MMA is all about. And the reason why I went for MMA was because I liked boxing but at that time MMA was already big and it was time for me to go into it and I just didn’t want to forget the skill that I developed in the last 10-12 years with wrestling which happens to be the hardest sport to learn. So, I wanted to continue to use that skill, which was why I decided to go for MMA.

SP: How would you describe your journey in the UFC so far and how did you come about the moniker “The Nigerian Nightmare”?
Kamaru: Actually, in the UFC so far, it’s been tough because you always want to fight the best guys to elevate your status, elevate your ranking so that you can eventually fight for the world title. With me it’s being tough because it’s been hard for me to get those guys above me to step in and challenge me and fight me because they know that if they go up against me, they would come out victorious, so a lot of those guys try to maneuver around and not fight me, which has been frustrating. But the nickname “The Nigerian Nightmare” is something that Nigerian professional athletes have all tried to basically bring just glory and representation to their nickname because that nickname signifies excellence in professional sports. And there have been few Nigerian nightmares in sports while they were at the top of the sports and they were the symbol of excellence in their sport at that time. You had in boxing Samuel Peter in American sport, in football Christian Okoye, American football player; those guys were excellent and now I am the new ‘Nigeria Nightmare’ to bring glory and excellence to that nickname in combat sport.

SP: After you won your last fight, in the post-fight interview, you were proudly flying tour “Naija” roots. Whereabouts in Nigeria are you from and how close are you to your Nigerian roots?
Kamaru: As I said earlier, I’m from Auchi in Nigeria. My mum is from Esan and my Dad is from Etsako and my family is also spread out in Lagos, Benin and all over the place. But I’m very close to my Nigerian roots. I could remember everything because I was born and raised there; my parents are full-fledged Nigerian, I still speak pidgin to them up till now. So, I’m very close to my Nigerian roots because it is a place where I’m proud to be from, it is something that gave me the heart and kind of shape that moulded me into the man that I am today, so I am going to represent Nigeria more and more.

SP: Let’s talk about the welterweight division of the UFC. You have persistently called out “monsters” like Rafael dos Anjos, Rory McDonald and even champion Tyrone Woodley. You seem to be in a hurry. Don’t you think you should gradually work your way up the rankings?
Kamaru: I’m not in a hurry. I have been working for a long time. And when you’ve been working for a long time, it is something that my dad told me, when you don’t know yet, you have to sit back, close your mouth, listen, learn and work. Once you do it that way, it’s time to make headway because then you are not wasting your time. I’m not getting younger; I close my mouth, open my eyes and my ears. I have learned, I have listened and I have seen all. I know what I’m capable of achieving without wasting my time so I’m ready for those guys now. I’m very ready for those guys which is why said so. Four years ago, I didn’t say anything like that but now I’m very ready for them.

SP: Your next fight is in Santiago, Chile where you were supposed to fight Santiago Ponzinibbio who has pulled out due to injury. His replacement is a man regarded as one of the greatest grapplers in MMA history, Damien Maia of Brazil who is ranked no 5. I know they say styles make fights, but surely you gotta admit that this is a tougher fight. How prepared are you for Maia and how confident are you of getting a win?
Kamaru: Yes, it’s going to be a tougher fight. I knew Damien Maia is a tough fighter. I asked for the fight because he was a tough fighter and nobody wanted to fight him. But I have stated before I believe I am the most dangerous grappler in the division. Maia is a tough guy truly, throughout the history of UFC, he has been the most dangerous grappler in the division but it’s a new day, a new age, but I am the new guy in the division. I’m the most dangerous guy in the division, everybody knows that and if he can do what he does best, he has no chance to win the fight. My confidence is very high because I’m not one of those guys who have false confidence. I have confidence because I put in a lot of effort; I work in the gym, I put in the time, I put in a lot of effort in the gym and I know that I would come out victorious by God’s grace.

SP: MMA is a tough sport for tough men. We see the fierce battles, the blood, the Spartan training sessions. Just how challenging is it to enter and stay relevant in this sport?
Kamaru: MMA is a superbly tough sport; I don’t think people really understand how tough it is. I think people see us on TV and say I can do but they don’t understand how tough it is. The moment you see us on TV is just the glorious moment. The job is being in the gym training, learning new and different arts of fighting every day, learning wrestling, striking, kick-boxing, learning other aspects, putting it together all the while in training to prepare for just that 15-25 minutes you are going to see us on TV. It is a very tough sport and the sport keeps changing so fast. It is just the level of hard work I have put and how blessed I have been to be able to stay here at this moment.

SP: You describe yourself as “a problem in the welterweight division”. Where do you see yourself in this sport in the future?
Kamaru: Yes, I describe myself as a problem because I am the problem. I am the guy in the division that nobody else wants to fight; nobody else can see a win within the fight. I can out-grapple anybody, I can out-strike anybody and I may say that I’m better than anybody in the division. So, that is why I’m the problem in the division and everybody knows that. I believe by the end of next year, the belt will be mine. I will be the welterweight champion; if not the end of this year, by the end of next year.

SP: It seems MMA and the UFC have come to stay. We have big, strong and tough men back here in the motherland. Do you think we will have more Nigerians following in your footsteps someday? Or could we even see a UFC Africa circuit that will include Nigeria someday?
Kamaru: Absolutely. I believe one of the biggest aspects or one of the biggest reasons we have not been to get as many of them is just the access. Africans (Nigerians) have not been able to gain access to the trainings so as to have our eyes open to the sport because this is a sport that is made for us Africans. If there is one thing that Africans know how to do, it is how to fight. We fight to survive everything everyday and now you are telling us this is the way for us to fight for better life, to improve our living conditions, that is something that is meant for us Africans. And yes, I believe, by the time I am done, I would want to open so many eyes to where Nigerians and Africans all over the world would know that we can do this as well.

SP: Finally, ahead of your big fight, do you have any words for your fans over here in Nigeria?
Kamaru: Nigerians, I know some of us might not know all the details of the sport but it is the fastest growing sport in the world and I am here to represent us to the fullest. I am here to carry this flag to the highest level. I have already said it, Naija, everybody knows “ we no dey ever carry last”. I have said it and I would continue to say it.
SPORTS PLANET is a news and magazine radio sports show produced by COMPLETE SPORTS STUDIOS. You can listen to it on our partner stations on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You can also listen to past episodes, including this interview with Kamaru Usman on our Podcast. Download the Stitcher Radio Podcast app on your mobile phones and search for Sports Planet to listen.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/nigerian-nightmare-kamaru-im-the-most-dangerous-guy-in-my-ufc-division/

Argentina goalkeeper and Manchester United second choice, Sergio Romero, has stated that Argentina’s pedigree in world football will make their 2018 World Cup Group D opponents be wary of the Albiceleste.

Argentina are in the same group with debutant Iceland, Nigeria and Croatia.

The two-time World Cup winners will open their campaign against Iceland on June 16.

Speaking ahead of their first game against Iceland, Romero however described the newcomers as a tough side.

“We know Iceland have strong players who had a great Euro, taking their team to historic new heights and who won’t give anything away at a World Cup,” Romero told Reuters in an interview.

“But we, as Argentina, such a football-mad country and so sentimental, have to look inwards and not at other teams. We’ve got to do our work and if we do that well, the other teams will have to worry about Argentina.”

Despite playing second fiddle to David De Gea at Manchester United, Romero expressed confidence that it would not affect his chances of being in goal for Argentina in Russia.

The 31-year-old could face stiff competition from uncapped River Plate goalkeeper Franco Armani, who was included in coach Jorge Sampaoli’s 35-man provisional squad on Monday after a stellar season that included 11 clean sheets in his last 15 matches.

“I have never felt the weight of being inactive. For me it’s not the same for a goalkeeper to lack matches as it is for an outfield player.

“Thankfully, I have shown over the years that whether I play or not (for my club), I’ll always be fit because that’s what I train for.

“I have shown I am worthy of playing in the Argentina national team. I’m always keen to join up with the Argentina team to play, to stop shots, that’s my goal and always has been since Diego (Maradona) gave me my debut (in 2009).”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/romero-warns-nigeria-other-world-cup-group-d-foes-to-beware-of-football-mad-argentina/

Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has lauded the inclusion of Kano Pillars sensational striker Junior Lokosa in Nigeria’s provisional 30-man list for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

The player, who has scored 18 goals in just 19 Nigeria Professional Football League games for former champions Kano Pillars this season, was one of only three home-based players to make the list and Adepoju insists Lokosa earned the right to be included following his goalscoring exploits this season.

“I have seen the list and I must commend the coach for assembling an interesting mix of young and hungry players who are ready to bring glory to the country. The most interesting name on the list is that of Junior Lokosa who has set the league on fire this season. He deserves to be in that list and the coach has shown that he’s abreast of happenings in the domestic league,” Adepoju said in an exclusive chat with Completesportsnigeria.com on Tuesday.

Adepoju, one of just two Nigerians to have played in three different World Cups, reckons it would have been a blow on the Nigerian Professional Football League if the country’s topscorer who is averaging a goal per game was left out.

He however admits that it is not a done deal that Lokosa must be in the final list of 23 for the competition in Russia.

He said: “I know he has to fight for his place in the team and the fact that he’s new may count against him but if he’s as good as or better than what we currently have in the Super Eagles, then the coaches should take him. However, if they drop him, the experience will certainly help him to become a better player so, either way, it’s a win-win for Nigeria.”

The Spanish LaLiga Ambassador also commended the Nigerian Football Federation for the quality of Super Eagles preparations for the World Cup and described it as the best ever in Nigeria’s build-up to the World Cup.

“I’ve been very impressed by the preparations for the World Cup and we must give kudos to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The quality of friendlies lined up for the team, the seamless arrangements for games and the absence of bonus row so far has made this our best preparation so far. Hopefully, the team will reciprocate with a standout performance at the World Cup but we must not put them under any undue pressure by giving them targets. Let’s take it one game at a time and see how it goes,” he told CSN.

The full squad:

Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba FC); Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Dele Ajiboye (Plateau United)

Defenders: Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Tyronne Ebuehi (Ado Den Haag, The Netherlands); Olaoluwa Aina (Hull City, England); Elderson Echiejile (Cercle Brugge KSV, Belgium); Brian Idowu (Amkar Perm, Russia); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Stephen Eze (Lokomotiv Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Teda, China); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (UD Las Palmas, Spain); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium); Joel Obi (Torino FC, Italy); Mikel Agu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai, China); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Nwankwo Simeon (Crotone FC, Italy); Junior Lokosa (Kano Pillars)

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/adepoju-npfl-hotshot-lokosa-deserves-world-cup-chance/

Nigeria forward Olanrewaju Kayode was in action for Shakhtar Donetsk who were crowned Ukrainian league champions after beating visiting Veres Rivne in their penultimate league game of the season on Sunday.

Kayode, who joined Shakhtar on loan from Manchester City in January, was brought on in the 78th minute of the game.

The former Austria Wien star has now added the league title to the Ukrainian Cup which Shakhtar won following their 2-0 final win against Dynamo Kyiv last week.

Shakhtar retained the Ukrainian league title and have now won it 11 times.

In the Belgian Championship play-offs also on Sunday, Super Eagles forward Moses Simon scored the only goal which gave Gent a 1-0 home win against Anderlecht.

Simon scored in the 66th minute to give Gent the win against Anderlecht who had Henry Onyekuru on the bench for 90 minutes. It was his Simon’s sixth goal in 28 league appearances this season for Gent.

Gent are fourth on 11 points in the six-team Championship play-offs and will qualify for the Europa League play-offs if they finish in the position.

Anderlecht are third on 12 points and will qualify for the Europa League automatic spot.

And in the final day in the Scottish Premiership, Nigeria defender Efe Ambrose was in action for Hibernian who played out a thrilling 5-5 home draw against 10-man Rangers in the six-team Championship group clash to decide qualification for Europe.

Ambrose was however replaced with 20 minutes remaining in the game.

The draw means Hibernian finished fourth on 67 points in the final league table (their points from the regular season added to points gained in the Championship group tie), and miss out on qualification to Europa League which was secured by Rangers.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/round-up-kayode-wins-ukrainian-title-with-shakhtar-simon-scores-onyekuru-benched/

Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko has congratulated the club of Nigerian forward Olanrewaju Kayode, Shakhtar Donetsk, for winning this season’s league title, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Shakhtar retained the Ukrainian top flight league title following their 1-0 home win against Veres Rivne on Sunday, thanks to Marlos’ fifth minute penalty.

Kayode who joined Shakhtar on loan from Manchester City, was introduced with 12 minutes remaining in the game.

Shakhtar’s league title triumph means they have now won it 11 times in their history.

“I want to congratulate Shakhtar Donetsk on the 11th championship gained in the tight sporting competition,” Shakhtar Donetsk’s official website quoted President Poroshenko as saying.

“I have no doubt that the time will come and this renowned football club will return to its home stadium in Donetsk and will glorify the Ukrainian state with new successes, including in the Champions League.”

It can be recalled that Shakhtar also won the Ukrainian Cup this season after defeating Dynamo Kyiv 2-0 in the final on May 9.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ukraine-president-salutes-kayodes-shakhtar-donetsk-on-11th-league-title-feat/

Antonio Conte has described Chelsea’s fifth-place finish in the just concluded Premier League season as unacceptable.

Chelsea’s top-four hopes were eventually crushed following their 3-0 away defeat against Newcastle United on the final day of the season on Sunday.

The defeat means Chelsea ended in fifth and could only secure a Europa League ticket.

Conte said in his post-match comments that Chelsea did not deserve anything in the game at St. James’ Park.

“We deserved to lose because our start wasn’t good and we suffered by losing every ball. Newcastle were more determined than us,” the Italian said.

“We didn’t lose our Champions League place today, we had chances in the last two games, but to finish the season this way is not good for anyone connected to the club.”

Conte admitted he is to blame for Chelsea woeful defeat to Newcastle.

“When you are at the end of the season, this performance can happen, but the first person to answer for this must be the coach. I wasn’t able to convey that determination to my players.”

He stated they must be at their best ahead of next weekend’s FA Cup final against Manchester United.

“We have six days to prepare for the final of the FA Cup and we have to change.”

Amd when quizzed if Sunday’s defeat was his last Premier League game in charge of Chelsea, Conte said: “I have a contract and I am committed to this club.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/conte-chelsea-finishing-fifth-unaccept/

Arsene Wenger says he is very proud of his time as Arsenal manager after taking charge of his final game in their 1-0 away win against Huddersfield Town in the final day of this season’s Premier League on Sunday.

After 22 years in charge, Wenger eventually stepped down as Arsenal manager, winning three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups.

“I believe I had an impact on the club as a whole because the club is in a strong position, it has a new stadium, a new training ground and new players,” Wenger said in his post-match interview after Arsenal’s win at Huddersfield.

“With the results, we won three Premier League titles, played 49 games unbeaten and I’m very proud to have won seven FA Cups too.”

Wenger expressed confidence that the new manager that will replace him will be inheriting a good side that can challenge for the league title next season.

“I see a bright future for my successor because the team has a good attitude and quality. The team needs some additions and if they get them I think they will compete for the Premier League title,” the Frenchman, 68, added.

“Of course it is very emotional after 1,235 games for the same club. To enjoy it we had to win it (the Huddersfield game), winning football games is what makes me happy and the boys did it. It was a good day for everyone with Huddersfield staying up too.

“Do I feel relief? Not really, I’m sad. At some stage it has to end, I wish everyone well, the fans have been great until the end and I wish the club well for the future.

“It will be hard to adjust of course but I will have to deal with that. I want to wish this group of players well and the staff coming in, I will remain an Arsenal fan above everything else.”

And on whether he will continue to manage and also the standing ovation he got from both sets of Arsenal and Huddersfield fans, Wenger said: “I will stay in football for sure. Whether that is managing or not… I am addicted and I don’t think that can be cured.

“I didn’t know that would happen, they were fantastic. I have a little bit of a special bond here because Herbert Chapman came from the club to our club and he is certainly our greatest manager. So it had a special meaning.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wenger-proud-of-arsenal-achievement-reveals-post-emirates-plans/

Family enclosure tickets for the June 2 pre-World Cup friendly game between the Three Lions of England and the Super Eagles of Nigeria are sold out and this is official.

The family enclosure is an area of the stadium that is set aside specifically for families. It allows parents to bring their children there to sit with other families rather than with the general crowd as long as the children are 15 years old or younger.

Tickets for this area, according to the official website of Wembley Stadium, venue of the high-profile game, are no longer available.

The ticket prices for the family enclosure area are £20 for adults and £10 for children under-16, while regualr ticket prices for the game range from £35 to £70 and there are limited tickets available, according to the website. The England versus Nigeria match should provide an electric atmosphere within the stadium, with lots of support for both nations and a highly anticipated 5.15pm kick-off on Saturday, June 2.

England have met Nigeria on two previous occasions at senior level, a 1-0 friendly victory at Wembley in 1994 when David Platt scored the winner, before sharing a goalless draw at the 2002 World Cup finals in Japan.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/family-enclosure-tickets-sold-out-for-england-vs-nigeria-friendly/

Super Eagles forward Victor Moses was one of four key players who modelled Chelsea’s new home kit for the 2018/19 season.

The new kit was announced on Chelsea’s official website on Friday.

The other three players who also modelled the new kit were Eden Hazard, Cesar Azpilicuerta and Willian.

A statement on Chelsea’s website on the kit launching reads: “The new kit takes inspiration from the famous and much-loved jerseys of the 1980s and 90s. Flashes of colour light up the shirt, with dazzling horizontal red and white lines vibrantly standing out against the famous Chelsea blue. The jersey is complemented by the traditional blue shorts and white socks, brightened by a horizontal red and blue trim at the knee.

“Meanwhile, two subtle inner pride features ensure this kit is fulsome with Chelsea pride and heritage. High up on the back of the neckline of the shirt sits a small lion, an instantly recognisable symbol borrowed from the club crest. Inside the jersey, the words ‘Blue is the Colour’ can be found, the opening line from the Chelsea anthem.

“As well as the men’s team, both the Chelsea Academy and Ladies teams will wear the new kit throughout the 2018/19 season.

“The new kit will be worn for the first time this Sunday 13 May in our final league game of the season against Newcastle and is available at nike.com/chelsea and the Stamford Bridge Megastore now.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/moses-hazard-willian-model-chelsea-new-home-kit/

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has blamed poor officiating for his side’s 3-1 away defeat to Leicester City in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

Goals from Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho, Jamie Vardy (penalty) and Riyad Mahrez, secured Leicester’s first Premier League win against Arsenal since 1994.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang drew Arsenal level, finishing off from a rebound after his initial effort was saved by Leicester keeper Eldin Jakupovic.

Arsenal January signing Kostantinos Mavropanos was sent off for pulling down Iheanacho who was clean through on goal following a mistake by the Greek defender.

Reacting to the outcome of the game, Wenger praised his side for their effort despite playing most part of the game with 10 men.

“Overall I believe we played a great game today. Even with 10 against 11 we should win the game. I’m convinced what changed the game was the penalty. I have complaints about the red card as well but I think we dealt well with the situation. I would like to praise the team for the spirit they showed tonight.”

“There is always a reason for the defeat, but if you isolate each game, it is unfortunate what happened tonight. I think the Premier League has voted against VAR and it is upsetting. It destroys me because we were in front of the rest of the world, and now we want to be behind.”

Asked whether it has sunk in that he will be leaving this summer, Wenger replied: “Yes, slowly, the last three or four weeks have been step-by-step so you have time to adjust. I realise it now. It was very nice to hear applause from both sets of fans and I’m very grateful for that.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wenger-blames-poor-officiating-for-arsenal-defeat-to-leicester/

The international friendly game between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo is in danger of being called off following a fresh outbreak of Ebola in the central African country.

Ebola is a deadly, fast-spreading disease that kills its sufferers in a matter of days. The virus spreads by direct contact with body fluids, such as blood, of an infected human or other animals. This may also occur through contact with an item recently contaminated with bodily fluids.

The Eagles are expected to face DR Congo on May 28 as part of their preparation ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

But according to BBC Africa, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced that it is taking swift action to make sure Ebola does not enter the country. This leads to the possibility of the game not holding in order to avoid the disease spreading to Nigeria.

Speaking on the outbreak, NIS spokesperson Sunday James told BBC Yoruba that immigration officials would tighten vigilance at airports and make more use of thermometers to screen passengers.

“We are sending a signal to all entry points in the country. The intention is to ensure that any suspected case can be promptly handed over to health officials at the airports. This is a matter which everybody must be concerned about. All hands must be on deck,” James said.

There was an Ebola outbreak in 2014 in West Africa which killed 11,000 people – mainly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The disease also spread to Nigeria when Patrick Sawyer, who was infected with the virus, flew into the country from Liberia.

Eight people died, including Dr Stella Ameyo Adadevo, who first attended to Mr Sawyer and helped to ensure a more devastating outbreak was avoided in Nigeria.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ebola-outbreak-threatens-super-eagles-dr-congo-friendly/

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has ruled out Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini from the English Premier League fixture against West Ham, while welcoming back Phil Jones and Alexis Sanchez from injury.

In his pre-match conference on Thursday, Mourinho also revealed that Michael Carrick will start Sunday’s final home game of the season against Watford as a mark of honour.

The former England international is retiring from playing at the end of the season.

Mourinho’s men will seal second place behind Manchester City if they beat the Hammers on Thursday.

“In terms of injuries, Lukaku and Fellaini the two players that are not available for tomorrow and apart from that Jones is back, Sanchez is back and no more problems,” Mourinho said.

“No. We will try [for the FA Cup final],” Mourinho replied when asked if Lukaku will feature in his team’s remaining two league fixtures.

“He will start the last match, Old Trafford,” said Mourinho, referring to Lukaku.

“The last match of the Premier League, our captain in front of our fans, he will start the match against Watford.

“The most important quality is to be a man – M-A-N – capitals. A proper man, and football is not full of them and not just football, society is not full of them.

“So when you find one of them you have to value and you have to keep and in this case it’s not about me, it’s about the club, the club had a great many years from him playing football and now, when his body says is enough, the club and myself will want to keep the man.”

Mourinho added that Sir Alex Ferguson illness will not in any way deter his team’s preparations for the remainder of the season.

Ferguson is still in intensive care in Salford Royal Hospital after undergoing brain surgery on Saturday.

“I can only think that if there is any relation, there is a positive relation,” the Portuguese said.

“It’s private.His family asked for privacy and that’s what I am going to respect.

“They are positive, they are very positive. We are confident.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/mourinho-lukaku-out-sanchez-back-for-west-ham-clash-ferguson-will-recover/

Debutants Iceland will name their final squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia on Friday, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

The modest European nation are in Group D along with Nigeria, two-time world champions, Argentina and 1998 semi-finalists, Croatia.

They will face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in their first ever game at the mundial on June 16 and then take on the Super Eagles in their second game in Volgograd six days later.

Their last group game is against fellow Europeans Croatia on June 26.

” Friday is the big day.
� The day we announce our final squad for the @FIFAWorldCup,” reads a tweet on the official Twitter handle of the Iceland Football Federation on Wednesday.

Heimir Hallgrimsson’s team has lined up a friendly match against the Black Stars of Ghana on June 7 in Reykjavik to get a first hand knowledge on the the playing style of the Super Eagles.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/iceland-to-name-world-cup-final-squad-on-friday/

The sixth IAAF silver label Okpekpe International 10km Road Race will be live on terrestial television come this Saturday, according to Mercy Etukudo ,head of secretariat of the one day race.

Etukudo told newsmen in Lagos that arrangements have been concluded with one of Nigeria’s best private television stations, Africa Independent Television (AIT), for a live telecast of the historic race on Saturday.

“We are delighted AIT will also televise the race live on Saturday morning.The television station is one of the partners of the race and we are happy all Nigerians will now be able to see the race as it is going on in the rustic,hilly and beautiful town of Okpekpe,” said Etukudo.

AIT’s head of sports, Omofoma Ebare, confirmed the agreement and said Nigerians will be able to see all the top African stars live on television as the race is going on.

“Nigerians will see the best of the IAAF silver label Okpekpe international 10km race on Saturday as we will join SuperSport to bring to Nigerians a live telecast of the race. They will have the opportunity of watching the race free of charge as it will be on terrestial television which means all homes with television sets can just tune to AIT as from 7am on Saturday to see the best of Nigeria in terms of ability to organise a world class event,” said Ebare.

Meanwhile, organisers of the race have announced the programmes for the event.

Zack Amodu, the director of organisation of the race, has revealed other events lined up for the first ever IAAF label race in West Africa.

“As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility we are going to be empowering the women from the host community,” he said.

“The empowerment programme which started on Monday will end on Friday and the presentation of skill tools will be presented to the participants on race day. It is going to involve selected women from the community.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/okpekpe-road-race-goes-live-on-ait-on-saturday/

Nigerian forward, Kayode Olanrewaju, will hope to win his first major silverware with Shakhtar Donetsk when they take on arch rivals, Dynamo Kiev in the final of Ukrainian Cup at the Dnipro Arena today (Wednesday), reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Kayode, who celebrated his 25th birthday on Tuesday – May 8, is on loan at the Miners from English champions, Manchester City.

He spent the first half of the season with Spanish club, Girona where he failed to nail down a regular berth which prompted his decision to move elsewhere.

The former Austria Wien striker was on target in Shakhtar’s 5-1 semi-final win against Mariupol on April 18

The one-time Nigeria youth international has scored three goals in five games in all competitions for Shakhtar.

It’s the 17th time the Miners will be appearing in the final of the Ukrainian Cup and the 10th time they will clash with Dynamo Kiev for the ultimate prize.

Paul Fonseca’s men have won the Ukrainian Cup 11 times and are on course to win the double this season as they enjoyed a five point lead at the top of the table ahead of Dynamo Kiev.

They won the double last season and added the Ukrainian Super Cup title to their trophy haul at the beginning of this season.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/kayode-eyes-ukrainian-cup-title-with-shakhtar-donetsk/

Father of Eddie Hearn – Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Barry, has hinted that Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, could host the British-born Nigerian world heavyweight champion’s next fight as talks continue over an opponent.

Joshua’s representatives are set to meet on Tuesday to discuss options to face World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Deontay Wilder, Jarrell Miller or mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin, following his points victory over Joseph Parker in Cardiff in March.

And Matchroom Sport boss Hearn, says a first fight in the United States is among the proposals being considered but that Old Trafford could also be in line to host the International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Organisation (IBO) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) heavyweight world champion.

“We’re meeting on Tuesday afternoon and it’s laid out – there are three main dishes on the menu,” Hearn told Betfred TV at the World Snooker Championship.

“They are Deontay Wilder home and away, Jarrell Miller – shall we fight in New York and start spreading the gospel of Anthony Joshua in America before we fight Deontay Wilder? And shall we honour our mandatory Povetkin challenge with a big Wembley, or even Manchester United, fight? It’s a possibility, no more than that.

“I can’t tell you what’s most likely because the decision is Anthony Joshua’s.

“My favourite would be to go to New York and fight Jarrell Miller. At the moment the pay-per-view buyers are estimated at a certain figure for Deontay Wilder. That will grow and grow and grow providing both fighters stay undefeated.

“And if they do, you’re looking at instead of 600,000 buyers, you’re looking at maybe two million.”

Hearn added that Joshua’s team are reported to have begun early negotiations over a unification fight with Wilder but insists the American is keen for the fight to happen but for a larger share of the purse.

“Wilder’s not dodging him, I think Wilder wants to fight,” he added. “Wilder wants some money – same as you, same as me.
“At the moment he’s earning $2.5million, he’d rather earn $25million.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/eddie-hearn-father-old-trafford-likely-to-host-joshuas-next-fight/

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed he is being courted by a lot of clubs but has not decided on what he will do once he steps down as the Gunners’ boss.

Wenger will step down as Arsenal’s manager at the end of the season after 22 years in charge.

Following his announcement that he will quit as Arsenal’s boss, there were reports that clubs including Paris Saint-Germain are interested in his service.

And the French coach has come out to confirm that he is wanted by clubs.

“Yes! More than I expected,” Wenger said in his press conference on Tuesday ahead of his penultimate Premier League game away to Leicester City on Wednesday.

“But I’m not analysing or considering anything. I want to work well here until the last day of my contract.

“For sure I will be active. My brain demands work and is active.

“I have huge experience in management. Overall, I will work.
“What will I do? I don’t know.”

Wenger however says that he does not see himself taking charge of another English club while thanking former Arsenal Vice Chairman David Dein for giving him the chance to manage in the Premier League.

“At the moment, that is difficult for me. I don’t envisage that (on handling another EPL club).

“I would like to finish one of my last press conferences to thank David Dein who brought me here.

“He had a special vision for the future and the Premier League. He gave a foreign manager a chance when no-one knew me.

“He deserves special thanks because he is a special man.”

Wenger describes the duo of Luis Henrique and Massimiliano Allegro who have been tipped to replace him at Arsenal, as very good managers.

“All these guys [Enrique, Allegri] are very competent,” he said

“As an Arsenal fan I will support the man to do it.

“I don’t want to come out publicly on that. If they want my advice, I will give it them.”

On the injury front ahead of the game against Leicester, Wenger said: “We have four players that are out. Cazorla, Koscielny, Ozil and Elneny.

“We have checked everybody today. We may leave one or two out tomorrow because we play again on Sunday.

“Some of them played in Madrid and on Sunday.”

And on the current Arsenal squad, the three-time EPL winning manager tipped the team compete for the title next season.

He said:“The squad doesn’t need much. There is huge potential in there and good spirit.

“There’s a good basis. We need two or three additions and this team will compete for the title next season.

“We don’t need massive spending. You are seeing defenders go for £70million.

“It is difficult to know what is a lot.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wenger-a-lot-of-clubs-want-me-current-arsenal-squad-strong-enough-for-epl-title-next-season/

Arsenal great Ian Wright has tipped Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi and other exciting young players in the club to excel under the new manager that will replace Arsene Wenger from next season.

Wenger took charge of his final Premier League home game as Arsenal ran out 5-0 winners against Burnley on Sunday to cement sixth position in the league table.

Iwobi was on target for Arsenal against Burnley, scoring the fourth goal in the 64th minute, his third league goal of the season.
January signing Pierre-Emerick Aubamenyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac all scored for Arsenal.

Speaking as a pundit on Match of The Day 2, Wright who is Arsenal’s second highest goalscorer of all time (185 goals from 288 appearances) stated that the incoming manager will not find it difficult working with the club’s young talents.

“When you look at (Ainsley) Maitland-Niles, Iwobi, (Kostantinos) Mavropanos, Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock, if that’s all they’ve got (on Arsenal’s young players), I feel those players are good enough to go to the next level with somebody who is going to coach them and help them progress,” the 1998 Premier League winner with Arsenal said.

“Anybody that is looking to progress the players, young or old (manager), as long as they are ready to promote people from the academy like the boys I’ve just named.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/arsenal-legend-wright-iwobi-other-youngsters-will-shine-under-new-manager/

Chelsea, wing-back,Victor Moses,has praised the team following their hard-fought 1-0 win against Liverpool in their Premier League clash at the Stamford Bridge on Sunday, [url]Completesportsnigeria. com[/url] reports.

The dethroned champions who sit in fifth position in the EPL table with 69 points, two adrift of fourth placed Tottenham Hotspur boosted their chances of securing a Champions League berth with the win.

Moses delivered the cross that led to Olivier Giroud’s header in the first half which eventually sealed the important victory.

It was Moses’ fourth assist in 27 league appearances for the Blues this season.

“Big win and great performance today! we go again Wednesday �� #CFC,” Moses wrote on his Twitter handle hours after the game.

Antonio Conte’s men will next face Huddersfield on Wednesday as they continue their push for a top four place.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/92947-2/

Enyimba started their campaign in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup on a fine note following a 2-0 win against Mali’s Djoliba at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar on Sunday, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

The Peoples Elephant dominated play in the first half but were unable to find a way past the Malian defence with goalkeeper Adama Keita in fine form.

Isiaka Oladuntunye however gave the home team the lead three minutes after break with a thumping shot following a corner kick.

Djoliba made a spirited effort to get back into the game but were unable to find a way past the Enyimba defence.

Enyimba were awarded a penalty 10 minutes to the end of the game when substitute Freedom Omofowan was tripped inside the box.

Another substitute, Stanley Dimgba, converted the penalty to make the points save for the Aba giants.

Paul Aigbogun’s men next game is against CARA Brazzaville of Congo on May 15.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/cafcc-enyimba-off-to-good-start-vs-malis-djoliba/

Ten-man Barcelona and Real Madrid draw 2-2 at Camp Nou on Sunday as the LaLiga champions maintained their unbeaten run in the league after 35 games.

Luiz Suarez volleyed in Sergi Roberto’s cross in the 10th minute to give Barcelona an early lead. It was Suarez’s 24th Liga goal of the season.

But Cristiano Ronaldo restored parity for Real Madrid five minutes later stabbing in Karim Benzema header.

The goal was Ronaldo’s ninth in consecutive La Liga games and his 18th in El Clasico equaling Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano.

The Portugues captain who hurt himself in the process was replaced at half time by Marco Asensio.

Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto was sent off before half-time for hitting Marcelo in the face.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/el-clasico-messi-suarez-score-ronaldo-injured-as-barcelona-stay-unbeaten/

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was full of thanks to the club’s fans for their overwhelming support over the last 22 years.

Wenger watched his side demolish Burnley 5-0 in his final home game in charge of the club at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

“It is impossible to feel nothing unless you are completely robotic. It is 22 years of total commitment and togetherness,” Wenger told the cheering crowd after Sunday’s match.

“Overall I would like to thank everybody. I had the luxury of doing this job for 22 years at the same club and I am grateful for that.

“It is difficult to analyse this season for what this team has done. At home is has been championship stuff, but away from home it has not been enough. We also went to the League Cup final and Europa League semi-final.”

He also called on the fans to support the new manager who will be appointed soon.

“The fans may be lost at the start, but they will have a new manager but they can continue the work as the basics are here,” the Frenchman said.

“I would like to thank everyone at the club who makes this club so special.

“This group of players has special quality, not only on the pitch, but off it too. Support them next season, because they deserve it.

“I will miss you. Thank you for being such an important part of my life. I hope to see you soon.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wenger-thank-you-arsenal-fans-ill-miss-you/

Former Super Eagles head coach, Lars Lagerback, says he is looking forward to seeing the Super Eagles doing well at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Lagerback coached Nigeria to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa where the team failed to qualify from their group that had Argentina, Korea and Greece.

In a 45-second video posted on Twitter through the handle of the media officer of the Super Eagles, Toyin Ibitoye, Lager back who is currently the Norwegian national team coach advised the three time African Champions, Nigeria to prepare well for the 2018 FIFA World Cup

“I just want to wish you all the best at the World Cup coming up in Russia,” Lagerback said in the video posted by Ibitoye on Twitter.

“I have so good memories during my time with the Nigerian team and the fans. So I hope you can prepare well and I really look forward to seeing you play in Russia even if I will probably be in Sweden watching the games on TV.”

The former Iceland manager also sent a goodwill message to the team administrator, Dayo Enebi.

“I also want to send a good luck message to my colleague and the team secretary, Dayo, I know you will make it, keep going.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/lagerback-to-eagles-im-looking-forward-to-seeing-you-in-russia-prepare-well/

FSV Mainz manager, Sandro Shwarz, has ruled out Nigeria defender, Leon Balogun out of his side’s German Bundesliga clash against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Balogun, 29, has missed Mainz’s last two league games against Augsburg and Leipzig due to a rib injury.

He last featured for Mainz in their 2-0 win against Freiburg at the OPEL Arena on April 16.

“Leon Balogun can only do part of the team training. Danny Latza (not yet), Suat Serdar is supposed to get in today, Emil Berggreeen is not yet ready,” Shwarz stated in his pre-match conference ahead of Dortmund’s game.

The club also provided an update on their Twitter handle on the centre-back’s injury.

“@LeonBalogun, has not been able to fully train,” reads a tweet on the handle.

He has made 14 league appearances for the Mainz this season.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/mainz-coach-shwarz-rules-injured-balogun-out-of-dortmund-clash/

Reputable research group CIES Football Observatory has emphatically ruled Nigeria’s Super Eagles out of contention for the Russia 2018 World Cup trophy, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

In the group’s weekly post (issue number 225), Nigeria are ranked the 22nd best out of the 32 teams that will be at the tournament whick kicks off on June 14.

The reserach group’s study looked at the number of matches players used in the 2018 World Cup qualification stage were involved in at domestic league level since July 2017 and the profile of clubs that they featured for before arriving at the decision that ranks Spain as the favourite for the title.

Nigeria’s Group D foes at the World Cup in Russia, Argentina and Croatia, are ranked seventh and eighth respectively in the table with Iceland coming in as 23rd best behind Nigeria.

Among the five African countries that will participate in the mundial, the Super Eagles are ranked the third best behind Sadio Mane’s Senegal, who are ranked the most likely African nation to spring a surprise and Morocco.

Mohammed Salah’s Egypt are the least ranked outsiders among the Africn nations behind Tunisia.

Meanwhile Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick, insists Nigeria are capable of springing that surprise in Russia by going all the way to the final to win the trophy.

“Again, people say why do I say that Nigeria can win the World Cup. If you have a child, what do you wish for the child- for him to be the best and nothing else. And if you have a younger brother, what do you pray for him to achieve? To be better than you. So, I don’t have any regret saying that Nigeria can win the World Cup,” Pinnick said.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/cies-observatory-rules-nigeria-out-of-world-cup-title-tips-spain-pinnick-disagrees/

Chelsea star Victor Moses is looking forward to Nigeria’s international friendly game against the Three Lions of England at Wembley Stadium on June 2, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Moses, who was instrumental in the Super Eagles’ Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, took to his Twitter handle to share his anticipation ahead of the game.

“Super Eagles are coming to Wembley! Not long to go until we meet the 3 Lions
#NaijaTakeover #SoarSuperEagles,” Moses tweeted on Tuesday.

The former Wigan Athletic and Liverpool winger has made 31 international appearances for the Super Eagles and has scored 11 goals since he made his debut in 2012.

Nigeria will face Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in Group D at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/moses-fired-up-for-super-eagles-wembley-clash-vs-england/

Nigeria forward, Henry Onyekuru, further stepped up his recovery from the knee injury which sidelined him for three months after starting in Anderlecht’s Reserves 2-2 draw against Standard Liege on Monday night, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Onyekuru returned to training last month after picking up the injury in a league game last December.

It was his second consecutive game for the reserves.

Last week, he played for 30 minutes as the Anderlecht Reserves beat Lokeren 4-1 to win the Reserve League title.

The striker will now hope to make the match-day squad for Anderlecht’s next league game against Club Brugge on Sunday.

Prior to the injury, he had scored nine goals in 19 appearances for Anderlecht in the Jupiler Pro League.

Onyekuru is on loan at Anderlecht from English Premier League outfit, Everton.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/onyekuru-set-for-anderlecht-return-features-in-in-reserve-teams-match/

Nigeria forward, Junior Ajayi, has been ruled out of his club , Al Ahly’s Friday’s CAF Champions League Group A clash against Tunisia giants, Esperance, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Ajayi sustained a muscular injury in Al Ahly’s 1-0 defeat to Assiouty Sport in their Egypt Cup quater-final clash on Monday.

He was replaced in the 28th minute of the encounter as result of the injury with Salah Mohsen coming on for him.

Al Ahly’s director of football, Said Abdel Hafiz, confirmed the former First Bank of Lagos player injury
via the club’s official website.

“Ajayi needs treatment for the injury he picked up in the Egypt Cup game against Assiouty and would be absent from the game against Esperance,” Abdel Hafiz told Al Ahly’s official website.

The former CS Sfaxien of Tunisia player has 32 appearances in all competitions for Al Ahly this season and bagged nine goals and 11 assists.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ajayi-out-if-al-ahlys-cafcl-clash-vs-esperance-over-injury/

Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has won Leicester City’s Young Player of the Year award for the season, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com [/url]reports.

Ndidi picked the gong at the club’s annual awards night on Tuesday night.

The former Genk of Belgium player beat the duo of Ben Chilwel and Demarai Gray to the award.

He was also nominated for the Players’ Player of the Season along with Harry Maguire and James Vardy with the Maguire going home with award.

The trio were also contention for the player of the season award which was also won by Maguire.

Captain of the team, Wes Morgan, went home with the performance of the prize.

Vardy’s superb volley against West Brom was voted the goal of the season

Ndidi who has been a key performer for the Foxes this season has made 33 league appearances for the club with four assists to his name.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ndidi-voted-leicester-city-young-player-of-the-year/

Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi picked up a harmstring injury in Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat against Manchester United in their English Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Sunday, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Iwobi played the entire 90 minutes in the number 10 role for the Gunners in the game.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed the 21-year-old’s injury during his post-match conference.

“I took off Mkhitaryan because he had a little knock on his knee again, on the same knee – we could see that just looking at him in the dressing room,” the Frenchman stated.

“Ospina has a rib problem and Alex Iwobi has a hamstring problem, so we’ll see how well everyone recovers. Thursday will come very quickly.

” Definitely? At the moment, no, but we’ll have to monitor them over the next 48 hours. We’ll know more on Tuesday.”

Iwobi has played 23 league games for Arsenal this season and scored twice.

His injury will be a big blow for Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr with midfielder Wilfred Ndidi also picking a knock in Leicester City’s 5-0 drubbing by Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wenger-iwobi-hurt-his-hamstring-in-arsenal-defeat-vs-man-united/

Liverpool assistant coach, Zeljko Buvac, has walked away from the club just days before the second leg of their Champions League semi-final clash against Italian club AS Roma.

The Bosnian-Serb has worked with Jurgen Klopp for 17 years during spells at German clubs Mainz and Borussia Dortmund.

But it appears Buvac has now left the club before one of the biggest clashes in the club’s history.

According to the Daily Record, Klopp and his number 2 have fallen out in recent weeks, which has contributed to the assistant coach’s exit.

“Klopp and Buvac had a big falling out,” a source close to Liverpool informed Daily Record.

“And Buvac has been left completely out of the loop of late.

“They stand apart in training, Buvac doesn’t go to tactical meetings, and he is no longer involved in picking the team.

“In the past, he was the only one who had Klopp’s ear.

“The relationship had broken down.”

Liverpool players have been told of the coach’s exit and are said to be ‘shocked’ at the news.

Buvac partnered Klopp at Mainz back in 2001, and the duo went on to ensure promotion to the Bundesliga for the lowly German outfit.

Mainz also qualified for the Uefa Cup under the partnership.

Buvac then followed his counterpart to Dortmund, winning two league titles and reaching the Champions League final.

It is unclear who will replace the No 2 at Anfield.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/liverpool-assistant-coach-buvac-quits-after-17-year-partnership-with-klopp/