₦airaland Forum

Nigeria’s table tennis star, Bode Abiodun has qualified for the men’s singles Round of 32 at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Abiodun defeated Owen Cathcart from Northern Ireland 4-1 ( 13-11, 8-11, 11-2, 11-7, 11- in the Round of 64 to advance to the next round.

Abiodun will face Liam Pitchford in the men’s singles round of 32 later today.

The Nigerian star had earlier defeated Pitchford in the men’s team semi-finals 2 event on Monday.

Abiodun came from two sets down to beat Pitchford 3-2 (8-11,9-11-4,13-11,11-5).

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Also Quadri Aruna will take on Brian Chan Yook Fo of Mauritius in the men’s singles Round of 32 in his second game later today.

Segun Toriola will face Aaron Wilson of Trinidad and Tobago in another men’s singles Round of 32 clash.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/abiodun-wins-qualifies-for-mens-table-tennis-singles-round-of-32/

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted that his side are not favourites to go through to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals when they face Manchester City in Tuesday’s quarter-finals second leg at the Etihad Stadium.

Liverpool won the first leg 3-0 at Anfield last Wednesday and just need to avoid conceding three to reach the semi-finals.

“First of all, I’m not interested in these kinds of labels – favourites and underdogs. It is common sense to say if you play in the Champions League [knockout] stage against the winners of the Premier League, that you are not the favourite. That’s what we were last week,” Klopp said during his pre-match press conference.

“For me, the whole game is about these two legs, so I am not interested in what changed. How it always is in football, you have to go into the lead, you want to score goals, and in the end the final whistle will decide who has won the game. That didn’t change. We are only in the lead, no problem with that and it is better than I could have expected – but we all know, and I think you all know, there is still a lot of work to do. That’s why we are here and not thinking about who is now favourite or whatever. It’s all about going to the next round – that’s what we will try to do tomorrow.”

Manchester City also lost 3-2 in the Premier League to Manchester United at the Etihad on Saturday but Klopp warned that City are still dangerous.

“When we played City, when we lost here 5-0 at the beginning of the season, everybody saw the quality of City; even though we were one man down, the quality of City was clear. It was clear when you saw the preparation for the season, the signings,” he added.

“We all know about Pep, the best coach or manager in the world, so it was clear they would be outstanding. But there is no perfect football team in the world, the games do not give you the chance to be perfect. You have moments, situations, days and sometimes only minutes, but they’ve had it most consistently and that’s why they’ll be champions at the end of the season.

“I knew before they can concede goals and if you can concede goals you can lose, that’s how it is. It is a tough moment for all teams in football, like for us as well – even when we won the first leg, we had to go to Everton for the derby and it was not easy. There are a lot of problems around, but I don’t think anybody thinks about problems in the moment – it is big excitement about the opportunity and the chance to go to the next round. It is not fixed so far, but I don’t need that. I don’t think that Barcelona thinks they are already through to the next round, because that’s football. You always have the chance to respond, you always have the chance to strike back, and that’s what City have the chance to do – and we have the chance to play really, really good again.

“To win the game? Why not. I think most of the people think, ‘OK, Liverpool will maybe go through’ but on the other hand they think, ‘They will probably lose here’ and all that stuff. Nothing is fixed. We have the chance to win, it will be difficult but I think when you start a football game that should be the target.

“To go through [up to] here you need to have at least similar numbers and to go to the next round you need to be better after that. That’s the chance we are working for. I still cannot forget when we played Middlesbrough last year and we knew we would be fourth in the league and qualification felt fantastic. And then we got Hoffenheim and it felt it was pretty tough. We were so excited about the opportunity to be part of the Champions League and now being here, playing against for me still the best team in the world at the moment, it’s a big job. But, of course, an opportunity as well.

“I don’t think that City will be worse next year. They had a fantastic season, an outstanding season, but they are human beings, thank God. They had now two results which maybe nobody really expected but we had to play our best to bring that and United for sure. [United were] a little bit lucky using the situation in the first half – everybody knows [City] could have scored five or six, it was an outstanding football game. And then, if the door is still open, United of course has the strength to go through.

“United didn’t have a game during the week, City made a few changes, that’s how it is. That’s our life, it’s easy from outside to say they are vulnerable or whatever. They’re human beings so sometimes because the quality of the opponents – we were strong, United were strong second half – it will always be possible. But I don’t think too many teams should hope that they will have big problems next season.

“They do it always. I would say that’s how City play. If you saw the first half against United… in a normal game for City, against one of the best teams in the world in United, they could have scored six goals, or maybe should have, four at least. That’s their quality, so it will not be a surprise for us.

“We have to be at our best again, that’s how it is. If what everyone expected would have happened then we would already be half out and have lost the first game against the best team in the Premier League. We would have lost at Anfield and come here more or less to keep our pride, to show some kind of reaction.

“Now we are in that situation, so it is our job to try with all we have to use that situation because the boys created it with an outstanding performance, very, very mature. I’m still excited about the opportunity and not anything else. I’m really looking forward to the game, it will be again a real football game. And that’s good.

“It’s pretty clear what the perfect game scenario [is] – if we score five then it would be difficult for Manchester City, but I know it’s not really likely. It’s all about being stable in the game in all the different moments, still being brave, being lively, being high energy, trying to cause them as many problems as possible and all these things.”

“It will be football, it’s all about football, but that’s normal. If we go through, if City go through, then waiting is Real Madrid probably, Barcelona probably, and Bayern Munich probably. It will be quite intense as well. Because it’s the Champion League, it’s the best team competition in the world, and that’s why it should be difficult to go through. We knew that when we started, I told you about the excitement we felt when we were qualified, now we are here. [Our] excitement didn’t stop since then, so we are still really happy to be part of the competition and we want to stay in it. That’s all.”

“There is a mood around [the club]. The experience I don’t think really helps, you can ask yourself if the experiences of your grandfather helped you a lot in your life? I’m not sure. You have to make your own experiences, but in the club it’s like this that the mood is special in these moments.”

“You can feel it, with the short period in between the games it’s never really easy to be part of the normal life and feel and hear what people are saying about the excitement and importance of the competition, but you feel that European nights for LFC are special – the expectation’s big. But we are not more experienced than the City players in this competition.

“We have been with a few of the boys, two years ago in the Europa League final. It’s an experience [but] when you lose a final it’s not an experience you need or you use a lot. We try to do our best to gain experience, to get experience, to collect information and all that stuff. That’s what we do and that’s what we did so far.Tomorrow night it’s again a big test for both teams, of course. It will be interesting to see how we will deal with that, 100 per cent.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/klopp-liverpool-not-champions-league-favourites-vs-man-city/

Nigeria’s men’s basketball team D’Tigers will play Scotland on Wednesday morning in a bid to qualify for the semi-final stage of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia despite losing all their preliminary games, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

New Zealand defeated the Nigerians 110-65 points in their opening game, while they lost 82-67 to Canada in their second game and got beaten 97-55 points by host nation Australia in their final group game on Monday.

But with the rules guiding the games, the 2015 FIBA AfroBasket champions still have a lifeline to remain in the competition and also compete for a medal.

According to the rules guiding the competition, top two teams from Group A which are Australia and New Zealand have qualified for the semi-final stage while the last two teams, which are Canada and Nigeria have been paired against the top two teams from Group B which is considered a weak group that needs to be developed.

With the pairing, Canada who came third in Group A will meet England for a semi-final ticket while Nigeria’s D’Tigers will face Scotland.

Winners between Nigeria and Scotland will face either Australia or New Zealand in the semi-finals while the winner between Canada and England will also advance to the last four stages.

After losing all three games in the preliminary stage, Nigeria finished the first round with three points in Group A while Scotland top Group B with six points.

The Nigeria versus Scotland match will be played at the Cairns Convention Centre on Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, in the game against Australia, D’Tigers’ captain Ike Diogu recorded 19 points and six assists, God’sgift Achiuwa contributed eight points and six rebounds while Eli Dung and Uchechi Ofoegbu added six points respectively to the 97-55 points defeat suffered in the last group game on Monday.

In the Classification released by the organizers on Monday, both Cameroun and India finished the competition in seventh and eighth positions respectively.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/commonwealth-games-dtigers-to-battle-scotland-for-semi-final-ticket/

Nigeria’s Russia 2018 World Cup opponents Argentina have lined up two friendlies next month ahead of the competition.

According to a tweet on Mundo Albiceleste, the Jorge Sampaoli led side will face a team possibly to be Boliva on the 24 of May with the second game on the 29th of May against either of Costa Rica or Nicaragua.

“Argentina National Team will play a friendly match (opponent to be confirmed, possibly Bolivia) on May 24. A second match on May 29 (either Costa Rica or Nicaragua). One of those matches will be at either Boca or Velez’s stadium,” Argentine outlet Mundo Albiceleste tweeted.

Nicaragua were earlier confirmed to be opponents for the 29th of May but there are still some confirmations to be made and Costa Rica have emerged a possible replacement, a report by Mundo Albiceleste claimed.

After the games, Argentina will then travel to Barcelona on May 30 to train for five days before taking on Israel in their final preparatory game on June 6 before traveling to Russia for the Mundial.

Argentina defeated Italy 2-0 in their first friendly game in March at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England but suffered an embarrassing 6-1 defeat to Spain four days later at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/argentina-to-face-bolivia-costa-rica-in-world-cup-friendlies/

Nigerian trio Roland Ezuruike, Esther Oyema and Ndidi Nwosu on Tuesday all won gold medals in the para-powerlifting events at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

The duo of Paul Kehinde and Lucy Kehinde each won silver medals in the men and women’s events respectively.

Contesting in the men’s lightweight final, Ezuruike became the first Nigerian to claim a gold medal at this year’s edition with a lift of 224.3kg.

The silver medal went to his compatriot Kehinde who lifted 219.9kg while Ali Jawad lifted 182.7kg to win the bronze medal for England.

In the women’s lightweight, Onyema made a lift of 141.6kg to create a new world record.

Ejike claimed the silver medal with a lift of 134.1kg and Zoe Newson from England took the bronze medal with a lift of 106.1.

And in the women’s heavyweight, Nwosu emerged tops with a lift of 110.4kg to finish ahead of Louis Sudgen of England (89.2kg) and Joyce Njuguna of Kenya (89.0kg).

Team Nigeria have now won three gold and four silver medals and are now 10th in the overall medal standings.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/gold-coast-2018-nigeria-win-three-gold-two-silver-in-powerlifting-set-world-record/

Football fans expected to be at the the MMArena in Le Mans, France tonight to watch the Super Falcons take on the French women’s senior national team will pay between €5 (about N2,200) and €20 (about 8,800) for the tickets, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Other ticket prices for the game will attract a fee of €10 (about N4,400) and €15 (N6,600), according to mmarena.com.

This will be the second meeting between both countries. The Les Bleues won their only game against Nigeria 1-0 at the 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany.

The French women’s national team are currently ranked sixth in the FIFA rankings while Nigeria are 37th.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/fans-to-pay-up-to-n9k-to-watch-france-vs-super-falcons/

Nigeria’s men’s national basketball team D’Tigers were heavily beaten in their first game at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games 110-65 by New Zealand in the men’s preliminary round Pool A on Friday, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

The Ike Diogu-captained side lost all four quarters.

Azuoma Dike led the way for the D’Tigers with 15 points, six rebounds and one assist while Diogu hit 12 points and 14 rebounds.

The quartet of Thomas Abercrombie, Jordan Ngatai, Finn Delany and Robert Loe were New Zealand’s top performers in the game.

Abercrombie recorded 21 points and eight rebounds while Ngatai scored 16 points and four rebounds. Delany had 14 points and eight rebounds. Loe on his part recorded 12 points and eight rebounds.

Nigeria will take on Canada, who also lost 95-55 to Australia earlier on Friday, in their next game at the Cairns Convention Centre on Saturday.

D’Tigers’ final group game is against hosts Australia on the 10th on April.

According to organisers, the top two teams in each group will proceed to the semifinals stage while the bottom two teams from Pool A will play the top two teams from Pool B in the qualifying finals.

Nigeria’s best finish in the basketball event at the Commonwealth Games was a fourth-place finish at the 2006 games.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/commonwealth-games-new-zealand-blow-out-dtigers-in-mens-basketball/

[url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] presents the three outstanding Nigerian players for the March Complete Sports Player of the Month: Victor Moses, Junior Lokosa and Wilfred Ndidi.

To vote, please go to the ‘Leave A Reply’ field below the players’ profiles and write in the name of the player you prefer. Voting closes on Sunday, 8 April.

VICTOR MOSES (SUPER EAGLES AND CHELSEA)

Despite being a tough month of March, Victor Moses featured regularly for struggling Chelsea and was also in action for the Super Eagles in their World Cup friendlies against Poland and Serbia.

Moses kicked off last month on a losing note as Chelsea lost 1-0 away to Manchester City in the Premier League on March 4, playing for 90 minutes.

Against Crystal Palace on March 10 at Stamford Bridge in a league game which Chelsea won 2-1, Moses was an unused substitute.

In the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg against Barcelona at the Nou Camp on March 14, Moses was in action as Chelsea lost 3-0.

He was later replaced by Davide Zappacosta on 67 minutes.

Chelsea bounced back to winning ways in the FA Cup against Leicester on March 18 with a 2-1 away win after extra-time.

Moses played for Chelsea and was on throughout the encounter.

Against Poland in an international friendly game in Wroclaw on March 23, Moses scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for Nigeria.

He converted a 61st minute penalty after he was fouled, playing for 90 minutes.

And in the second friendly against Serbia in London on March 27, Moses was in the starting eleven before he was replaced at halftime as Nigeria lost 2-0.

Moses was involved in five games out of six in the month of March involving Chelsea and Nigeria, scoring one goal.

WILFRED NDIDI (SUPER EAGLES AND LEICESTER CITY)

Wilfred Ndidi was a key player for Leicester City who were unbeaten in their three Premier League games in March.

Leicester won two of their three league games and drew one with Ndidi playing a big part.

Unfortunately, Ndidi’s impressive performance was tainted with a sending off.

He was also involved for the Super Eagles against Poland and Serbia in their friendly games ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

Leicester’s impressive start began with a 1-1 home draw against Bournemouth on March 3 with Ndidi playing for 90 minutes.

On March 10 in a league clash, Ndidi played for 90 minutes and helped Leicester beat West Brom 4-1.

In the FA Cup quarter-final at home to Chelsea on March 18, Ndidi featured for 120 minutes but could not prevent his side from losing 2-1.

The Super Eagles took on Poland in a friendly on March 23 in Wroclaw and they won 1-0.

Ndidi played for the Super Eagles and was one of the few players who saw out the game.

Against Serbia in another friendly on March 27 in London, Ndidi was in action again for the Super Eagles as they lost 2-0.

With five minutes left in the game, Ndidi was replaced by Mikel Agu.

And on March 31, Ndidi played in Leicester’s 2-0 away win against Brighton and Hove Albion in the league.

It was a game to forget for Ndidi as he was sent off with three minutes left after receiving his second yellow card.

Last month saw Ndidi play in six games – four for Leicester and two for Nigeria – and was victorious in three of the games, suffering two defeats.

JUNIOR LOKOSA (KANO PILLARS)

Junior Lokosa has continued to surprise everyone with his goalscoring exploits for Kano Pillars in the current Nigeria Professional Football League season.

So far, he is the NPFL leading scorer with 12 goals.

This is the second time and the second month running that Lokosa will be shortlisted for the Complete Sports Player of the Month award.

Lokosa continued his scoring feat for Pillars in their 2-0 home win against Go Round in the NPFL on March 4, netting the second goal.

In Pillars’ away clash against Yobe Desert Stars in a league encounter on March 11, Lokosa fired blanks as his side lost 2-0.

Lokosa returned to banging in the goals as Pillars forced Niger Tornadoes to a 1-1 home draw in the league on March 19.

After trailing in most of the game, it was Lokosa’s late equaliser that salvaged a point for Pillars.

And away to Kwara United on March 25 in another league tie, Lokosa scored Pillars’ goal but they went on to lose 2-1.

In four games for Pillars in March, Lokosa found the back of the net three times to maintain his leadership of the top scorers chart.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/moses-lokosa-ndidi-up-for-complete-sports-march-player-of-the-month/

Holland-based Sophia Omodiji, Cyprus-based Ngozi Ebere as well as the home-based players invited to the Super Falcons squad have joined their team mates at the Mecure Hotel base for Friday’s friendly game against France in Le Mans.

The players arrived on Wednesday night to complete the squad of 18 players invited by coach Thomas Dennerby for the high-profile friendly.

The Super Falcons twitter handle also revealed that the team will be having two training sessions before the game tomorrow.

The Super falcons first training session will come up by 10am France time at the Le Clos Fleuri ground while the second session will take place at MmArena by 6pm on Thursday.

“With the arrival of Holland-based Sophia Omidiji @vegas2nl and Cyprus-based Ngozi Ebere, we now have a full house of 18 players in camp at the Mecure Hotel ahead of Friday’s friendly against France

“With all invited players in camp, we will have two training sessions on Thursday before Friday’s friendly with France WNT in Le Mans. Our first training will come up by 10am at the Le Clos Fleuri ground and the second session will hold at MmArena by 6pm. #FRANGA #SoarSuperFalcons.”

The friendly will take place at the Stade MMArena on Friday.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/super-falcons-full-squad-train-in-le-mans-for-france-friendly/

Premier League top scorer Mohamed Salah and five other players have been nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award for March, the Premier League announced on their official website on Thursday.

The other players vying with Liverpool’s Salah are Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min, Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku, Manchester City’s David Silva, Everton’s Cenk Tosun and Burnley’s Chris Wood.

Salah was the league’s top scorer in March with six goals from four matches, taking his remarkable season’s total to 29 goals.

Son scored four goals in two games March, Lukaku scored twice and bagged one assist in three games, while Silva had three goals and three assists in four games during the month.

Tosun came into great form in March, scoring four goals in four EPL games, as Wood scored four goals in three matches.

Also goals by Bernardo Silva (Arsenal vs Manchester City), Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City vs Bournemouth), Nemanja Matic (Crystal Palacev Manchester United), Marcus Rashford (the first goal in Manchester United vs Liverpool ), Jamie Vardy (West Brom vs Leicester), Junior Stanislas (Bournemouth vs West Brom), Ashley Barnes (West Brom vs Burnley) amd Gabriel Jesus (Everton v Manchester City) are all up for Goal of the Month.

The winner will be announced on Friday, 13 April.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/salah-lukaku-silva-in-epl-march-best-player-shortlist-rashford-jesus-goals-nominated/

The Nigerian table tennis team began their campaign in the men’s Team – Group 4 at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia on a bright note by defeating Malaysia and Belize in their opening two ties on Thursday, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Olajide Omotayo defeated Chee Feng from Malaysia in three straight sets recording a 13-11, 15-13, 11-7 in his second match of the day.

Omotayo had earlier defeated Rohit Pagarani from Belize 11-4,11-2,11-2 in his first game.

Bode Abiodun also beat Mohammed Rizal from Malaysia 11-5,11-7,13-11 in his second game after he had outclassed Devesh Hukmani also from Belize 11-5, 11-3, 11-2 in his first game.

In the men’s team doubles, the pair of Azeez Jamiu and Olajide Omotayo lost 11-4, 11-9 and 11-7 to Javen Choong and Chee Feng Leong from Malaysia.

They had earlier defeated Terry Su and Devesh Hukmani from Belize 11-6, 11-4, 11-5.

Jamiu bounced back from the team’s doubles defeat to edge Mohammed Rizal from Malaysia 3-2 in a keenly contested game.

The 34 year old won the game 11-7, 9-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-8 to hand Nigeria a 3-1 win over Malaysia in their second group game.

Bode Abiodun will take on Javen Choong from Malaysia and Terry Su from Belize later in the day in his remaining games while Jamiu will Rohit Pagarani from Belize.

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will be Nigeria’s 13th since their maiden appearance in 1950.

The team Nigeria will also be seeking to surpass their best performance at the competition having won a record 37 medals at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Canada.

Nigeria won 36 medals (11 Gold, 11 Silver and 14 Bronze) at the last edition of the Commonwealth Games which held in Glasgow, Scotland 2014.

Nigeria’s Adeola Soyoye has crashed out of this year’s Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia after losing to Thadius Katua of Papua New Guinea in the men’s boxing event on Thursday, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Fighting in the round of 32 in the men’s lightweight category (60kg), Soyoye lost on points with the final decision of 3-1 going to Katua.

Katua dominated round one 10-9, 10-9, 10-9, 10-9, 10-9.

Soyoye took round two with a score card of 9-10, 9-10, 10-9, 8-10 and 9-10.

And in the third and final round, Katua edged it 9-10, 10-9, 10-9, 10-9 and 10-9.

Another Nigerian boxer Osita Umeh will also be in action on Thursday against India’s Manoj Kumar in round of 32 of the men’s welterweight (69kg).

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/commonwealth-games-nigerias-soyoye-crashes-out-in-mens-boxing/

Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been included in the Premier League’s 30 players who have been in the best form this season.

The 30-man list was drawn up by Sky Sports who updated their player power rankings following the 32nd round of fixtures.

According to Sky, The power rankings work by assessing each player’s performance with a complex system which analyses 32 different matchday stats.

Each position on the field is awarded a different number of points for their various achievements during the match.

The total points for each performance in the season are added up to form the season rankings – and the players with the most points are the ones having impressive seasons.

And according to the rankings, Ndidi is placed at number 23 on 41,985 points, among the 30 shortlisted players.

At number one is Premier League top scorer and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah who has garnered 83, 752 points. In second position is Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne on 74,746, Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur is in third spot on 67,466 and Manchester City striker, Sergio Aguero is in fourth position after amassing 58,440 points.

Other players in the list include Chelsea’s quartet of Eden Hazard Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso and Willian, Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku, Nemanja Matic and David De Gea of Manchester United, Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City pair David Silva and Leroy Sane among others.

Ndidi has played in all of Leicester’s 31 Premier League games this season but is yet to score his first league goal of the campaign.

Sky Sports Premier League 30 best in form players this season:

1 – Mohamed Salah/Liverpool (83,752 points)

2 – Kevin De Bruyne/Manchester City (74,746 points)

3 – Harry Kane/Tottenham Hotspur (67,466 points)

4 – Sergio Aguero/Manchester City (58,440 points)

5 – Roberto Firmino/Liverpool (57,530 points)

6 – Christian Eriksen/Tottenham Hotspur (56,592 points)

7 – Raheem Sterling/Manchester City (56,290 points)

8 – Eden Hazard/Chelsea (56,030 points)

9 – Riyad Mahrez/Leicester City (54,208 points)

10 – Romelu Lukaku/Manchester United (52,121 points)

11 – David Silva/Manchester City (52,062 points)

12 – Leroy Sane/Manchester City (51,067 points)

13 – Alexis Sanchez/Manchester United (49,927 points)

14 – Dele Alli/Tottenham Hotspur (49,347 points)

15 – David De Gea/Manchester United (48,850 points)

16 – Fernandinho/Manchester City (48,009 points)

17 – Heung-Min Son/Tottenham Hotspur (46,714 points)

18 – Abdoulaye Doucoure/Watford (46,405 points)

19 – Ederson/Manchester City (42,895 points)

20 – Nicolas Otamendi/Manchester City (42,886 points)

21 – Marcos Alonso/Chelsea (42,850 points)

22 – Xherdan Shaqiri/Stoke City (42,155 points)

23 – Wilfred Ndidi/Leicester City (41,985 points)

24 – Cesar Azpilicueta/Chelsea (41,474 points)

25 – Nemanja Matic/Manchester United (40,550 points)

26 – Nick Pope/Burnley (40,230 points)

27 – Willian/Chelsea (39,956 points)

28 – Sadio Mane/Liverpool (39,927 points)

29 – Pascal Gross/Brighton and Hove Albion (39,688 points)

30 – Jan Vertonghen/Tottenham Hotspur (39,659 points)

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ndidi-in-epls-top-30-power-rankings-ahead-of-matic-willian-mane/

The 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, will begin on Wednesday, April 4.

Ngeria will be one of 71 Commonwealth countries that will compete at this year’s edition.

In this piece [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url]’s highlights nine memorable moments by Team Nigeria at past Commonwealth Games…

NIGERIA’S FIRST MEDAL WON AT THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Nigeria’s first participation at the Commonwealth Games was at the sixth edition held in Auckland, New Zealand in 1950.

The country also won its first ever medal in any international sports, a silver medal in the Men’s High Jump event through the late Josiah Majekodunmi in Auckland.

Majekodunmi finished joint-second with Scotland’s Alan Paterson with a leap of 1.95 metres.

The gold medal went to John Winter of Australia with a jump of 1.98 metres.

NIGERIA’S FIRST COMMONWEALTH GAMES GOLD MEDAL

The 1954 edition in Vancouver saw Nigeria win its first ever gold medal at the Commonwealth Games thanks to the late Emmanuel Ifeajuna in high jump.

Ifeajuna, a Nigerian army major who played a principal role in the January 15, 1966 military coup, had a personal best jump of 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) which was a games record and a British Empire record at the time.

His feat in 1954 made him the first Black African to win a gold medal at an international sports event.

TEAM NIGERIA’S BEST EVER COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Victoria 1994 Commonwealth Games in Canada is still Team Nigeria’s most successful outing at the games since they made their debut in 1950.

At the end of hostilities, Team Nigeria garnered 11 gold, 13 silver and 13 bronze medals to finish with a total of 37 medals.

Their impressive performance saw them finish fourth out of the 33 countries that competed.

The closest Team Nigeria have come to equal the feat in 1994 was at the last edition in Glasgow 2014 when they won 11 gold, 11 silver and 14 bronze medals.

BLESSING OKAGBARE’S 100 METRES RECORD-BREAKING FEAT IN GLASGOW 2014

Prior to the final of the women’s 100 metres at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie of Bahamas was the record holder.

Ferguson-McKenzie ran a time of 10.91 seconds to set the record at the 2002 Manchester Games.

Okagbare eventually broke the record with a time of 10.85 to win the gold medal in Glasgow.

OLIVER OROK WON NIGERIA’S FIRST-EVER COMMONWEALTH GAMES GOLD IN WEIGHTLIFTING

At the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Australia, Oliver Orok became the first Nigerian to win a gold medal in weightlifting.

Orok lifted 350.0 kg in the sub heavyweight category to grab Nigeria’s first gold medal in weightlifting at the games.

In second place was Gary Langford from England while Canada’s Kevin Roy finished third.

MODUPE OSHIKOYA FIRST NIGERIAN WOMAN TO WIN GOLD AT THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Modupe Oshikoya created history at the 1974 Games in Christchurch, New Zealand as she became the first Nigerian woman to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Competing in the long jump event, Oshikoya won gold with a jump of 6.46 metres to write her name in the record books.

She beat Brenda Eisler and Ruth Martin-Jones both from Canada and Wales respectively.

Competing in other events at the same Commonwealth Games, Oshikoya went on to win silver in the Pentathlon and bronze in the 100 metres hurdles.

VIOLET ODOGWU-NWAJEI FIRST AFRICAN WOMAN TO WIN A MEDAL AT THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES

The 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica, would be remembered as one which Nigerian legendary track and field athlete Violet Odogwu-Nwajei created history.

Odogwu-Nwajei became the first African woman to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games after claiming a bronze medal in long jump.

A jump of 6.15 metres was enough to see Odogwu-Nwajei clinch a podium finish behind Mary Rand (6.36 metres) of England and Sheila Parkin (6.30 metres) also from England.

ABUBAKAR IDI GARUBA FIRST NIGERIAN TO WIN A MEDAL IN BOXING AT THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Nigeria took part in the boxing event at the Vancouver 1954 Commonwealth Games.

For the first-time ever, Nigeria won a medal in boxing at the games thanks to Abubakar Idi Garuba who picked up a bronze medal.

Garuba achieved the feat while competing in the bamtamweight category for men.

ADEKUNLE ADESOJI RECORD-BREAKING FEAT AT 2002, 2006 COMMONWEALTH GAMES IN PARA-SPORTS

Adekunle Adesoji picked up the gold medal in the 100 metres EAD in the para-sports event at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, thereby setting a games record of 10.76.

At the 2006 edition in Melbourne, he set another record in the 100 metres EAD T12, clinching the gold medal with a time of 11.07.

His run of 10.76 seconds at the 2002 Games was a world record for the T12 event.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/gold-coast-2018-10-memorable-team-nigeria-commonwealth-games-moments/

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has urge his players to be courageous as they welcome Manchester City to Anfield for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday.

“We beat them two months ago so we know it is possible to do it again…but hoping for a clean sheet against Man City does not make much sense,” Klopp said during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

“It is 100 per cent they will have a shot on target in 95 minutes. You need the balls to use the space. We have to be 100 per cent in all parts, offence and defence.

“We cannot avoid everything but with our skills we can cause them problems so that makes the game interesting.

“I like all this things but this club is already full of history and we have to write our own,” he said.

“I meet people who can tell me each goal Liverpool scored 37 years ago. This team we need to be proud of our history but we need to create our own history.

“I did that a lot in the past with my former teams: at one point you need to do your own things. The boys are ready and are really looking forward to it.”

Klopp believes City have weaknesses Liverpool can exploit:

“They are not perfect, that’s not possible. But this isn’t the moment to talk about weaknesses, it’s about showing respect. You can’t win it here by talking bullshit.”

Klopp also confirmed he will be without defender Joel Matip and his fellow centre half Ragnar Klavan for the game against City at Anfield, and he admits that it is a “big blow” on the team.

“It is a big blow. He (Matip) is a very good player and we need him. We need all the boys until the rest of the season,” he said.

“He was surprised, he didn’t think it was that serious until we saw the scan. If, at the same moment, we miss Ragnar who is a big doubt fortomorrow and we have no chance to take the risk as the season has not finished.

“We need to be sensible and make the right decision; Joe Gomez is not in for two or three weeks. The moment when you get the information is not really cool but then you start dealing with it.”

Klopp believes his side has the quality to defeat City like they did in their Premier League encounter in January.

“We know what we have to do at the end but is about doing it 100 per cent,” he added.

“It is a big game against one of the best teams in Europe if not the best team in Europe at the moment. That is nice but it is no coincidence we are in the quarter-finals.

“It wouldn’t be right to sit here and say City have no chance at Anfield but we can win football games as well. I like difficult jobs because it makes it most interesting for a manager.

“The worst thing that can happen is you lose a football game. It is a big opportunity and we will try everything to make it happen.”

Klopp has won five of his clashes with Pep Guardiola and lost only once, a 5-0 league defeat in Manchester in September that was avenged 4-3 in January. But he insists his record against Guardiola makes no difference in this game.

“The record is not important. Pep is not worried about that record and I am not happy or proud of it. If you can beat the best that is enough for that day. If you can be the best – brilliant.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/klopp-man-city-not-perfect-liverpool-will-attack-them/

Sofia Omidiji is delighted to have received an invitation to the Super Falcons squad ahead of their international friendly game against France this Friday, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Omidiji, a forward with Nigerian-Filipino heritage who was present at the Super Eagles World Cup jersey launch in February, plays for the women’s team of Dutch club S.B.V. Excelsior.

Omidiji was dropped from the Falconets squad that represented Nigeria at the 2016 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Papau Guinea but she has promised to give her best to the team.

“Honored and Proud to have gotten a callup with the Nigerian women’s National team @thenffofficial for the friendly against France this coming Friday. Will give everything I’ve got and then some for the country,” Omidiji wrote on her Instagram page.

“Can’t gram or tweet how this feels- it’s indescribable. Honored and delighted to go do battle with my sisters- all deserving and amazing players that I’ve watched over the years that have all made our country proud.

“Dreams definitely do come true. Just a small girl from vegas with passion for football and green white green runnin through her veins.

“Every and anybody that’s ever believed in me, said something positive about me, encouraged and motivated me and contributed to this- I thank you. Truly no words to describe the feeling but to thank everyone.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/omidiji-honoured-proud-to-be-invited-for-france-vs-super-falcons-friendly/

Obafemi Martins fired blanks in action for Shanghai Shenhua in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Kashima Antlers in an Asian Champions League in a Group H clash reports [url]Completesportnigeria.com[/url].

The draw was Shanghai Shenhua’s fourth in the competition.

The Nigerian star who scored a hat-trick for Shanghai Shenhua in their 4-2 Chinese Super League win against Hebei CFFC on Saturday, featured for 22 minutes on Tuesday before he was substituted off for Jianqing Mao apparently to a suspected injury.

Giovanni Andres Moreno gave Shanghai Shenhua a 13th minute lead from the penalty spot.

Jianqing Mao added the second goal in the 28th minute of the first half. Yuma Suzuki pulled one back for Kashima Antlers before Leandro made 2-2 in the 63rd minute.

Shanghai Shenhua are fourth in the group with four points from five games and they must win their last game to stand a chance of qualifying for the next round.

Martins’ Shanghai Shenhua will face Sydney FC in their last group game on 17 April.

In the other group game on Tuesday Suwon Bluewings from Korea lost 4-1 to Sydney FC from Australia.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/martins-feared-injured-as-shanghai-shenhua-draw-with-antlers/

World Boxing Council world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is ready to fight British-Nigerian Anthony Joshua in the United Kingdom this summer to decide the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, the American’s co-manager Shelly Finkel has stated.

Joshua, 28, called out Wilder after defeating Joseph Parker on Saturday via a unanimous decision to add the WBO title to his own IBF, IBO and WBA titles.

“We are really glad that Anthony Joshua said for the first time: ‘I will fight Deontay next…’ and we believe he is a man of his word. Deontay accepts the challenge,” Finkel told the Telegraph.

“We want to make it public that Deontay wants the fight, and we are prepared to come over, or meet here and get the deal done. Deontay is ready to sign and come to the UK to fight this summer.”

Only the 32-year-old Wilder, who is undefeated in 40 fights, can stop Joshua from unifying all the division’s belts for the first time in history.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, said on Sunday morning that there was an opportunity for a Wilder fight before Joshua must defend three other belts against mandatory challengers.

Finkel responded: “We’re ready. Let’s do it. Unification fights always trump mandatories.

“A unification between Wilder and Joshua would push the mandatories back.

“Assuming it will be Wembley Stadium in the summer, we are ready, and if they are ready as they say they are, we want to get it done. We want the fight, they want the fight, the public wants the fight. There is nothing to stop it going ahead.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wbc-champion-wilder-ready-to-fight-joshua-in-uk/

Shanghai Shenshua striker Obafemi Martins has played down the importance of his sterling performance against Hebei CFFC, saying picking three points was much more important than his first hat-trick this season, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

The Nigerian scored thrice as Shenshua defeated Hebei CFFC 4-2 in their Chinese Super League game on Saturday.

“I’m so happy to get the goal. I missed some chances, but I had to fight with my teammates and ended up scoring three goals.

“I feel great to have scored a hat-trick. I am happy for the team because winning the game is much more important. We did great today and I’m glad that we won,” Martins told sina.com.cn

The 33-year-old opened the scoring for Shanghai Shenshua in the 62nd minute after Hebei took the lead through Chengdong Zhang in the 48th minute.

Martins again ensured Shenshua rallied back with his second goal of the game in the 76th minute, after Ezequiel Lavezzi scored for Hebei.

Colombian attacking midfielder, Freddy Guarin put Shenshua ahead for the first time when he scored in the 82nd minute to give the home side a 3-2 lead. But Martins finally put the game to bed when he scored his third of the game in the 90th minute to complete his hat-trick.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/martins-shanghai-shenhua-victory-more-important-than-my-hat-trick/

Premier League club Newcastle are interested in signing Super Eagles winger Moses Simon.

According to Belgian outlet HLN Sport, Newcastle sent scouts to watch Simon who was in action for Nigeria against Serbia last week Tuesday in London.

Also, Newcastle representatives were present when Gent beat Anderlecht 2-0 away in the Belgian Championship play-offs with Simon featuring.

It was also reported that Simon told HLN Sport he will be interested in a move to the Premier League where he will be guaranteed regular playing time.

The 22-year-old has just over a year left on his Gent contract though, which could make him available in the summer transfer window.

He has netted five goals in 20 appearances for Gent so fat this season.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/newcastle-interested-in-signing-moses-simon-from-gent/

Leicester City manager Claude Puel has confirmed that Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho sustained a broken hand on international duty but could still feature in the club’s away trip to Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday.

Iheanacho did not play any part in the Super Eagles’ 2-0 defeat to Serbia in their friendly game on Tuesday in London.

He however played against Poland which the Super Eagles won 1-0 last Friday.

“Almost all the players are fit,” Puel said in his press conference on Thursday. “Just Iheanacho, who has a broken hand, and (Matty) James. We will see if Iheanacho can play with this injury.

“We will see tomorrow in the training session. He (Iheanacho) fell but it’s not a bad injury. We will see if this injury will prevent him from playing at Brighton or not.

“It’s not an important injury but it might be strange to play with.”

Puel hailed Jamie Vardy who scored for England in their 1-1 draw against Italy.

“It’s always important for a striker to score a goal. If he can score for the national team, it’s good for our squad also.”

And ahead of the clash against Brighton, the former Southampton boss said: “They are a team with confidence, but it is the same for us. They can play with freedom and quality.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/leicester-manager-puel-iheanacho-injury-not-serious-he-could-face-brighton/

Al Ahly striker, Junior Ajayi is pleased to have made his debut for the Super Eagles but remains keen to get more minutes to justify his inclusion in the team.

Ajayi made a cameo appearance in Nigeria’s 2-0 loss to Serbia when he came on for Alex Iwobi with three minutes left to play.
The former CS Sfaxien star however rued the loss to the Serbians.

“It was a dream come true but I wished I had more time but I will work hard to get another chance to play more,” Ajayi told CSN.

“There are more friendly games to be played before the World Cup and I hope to get in another chance. The result was not what we wanted but there are positives to be learnt from it.”

On his experience in the team, the former Shooting Stars striker added that he learnt some tricks from Changchun Yatai striker, Odion Ighalo.
“We learn everyday and I did learn some tips from Ighalo who was so pleasant in camp.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ajayi-pleased-with-eagles-debut-wants-more-playing-time/

Emmanuel Amuneke has stated that the Super Eagles deserved to lose Tuesday’s friendly against Serbia at the Hive Stadium, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

A second-half brace from Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic gave Serbia a 2-0 win over Nigeria after the Super Eagles’ 1-0 victory over Poland last Friday in Wroclaw.

The defeat was the first for the Super Eagles in three friendly games under Gernot Rohr.

“The Serbians deserved their win as we were so disorganized in the midfield and the defence,” former Super Eagles star Amuneke told CSN.

“They (Serbians) were very effective in their possession and were better that our team when they were regrouping.

“For many of us watching with keen interest, it was not clear which roles the trio of Wilfred Ndidi, Ogenyi Onazi and Joel Obi were playing.”

On Francis Uzoho who failed to keep a clean sheet in his second start for the three-time African champions, former Nigeria U-17s and U-20s coach Amuneke said: “Players get stronger when they play in games like this and I believe he needs more of these games to improve.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/amuneke-effective-serbia-deserved-victory-over-disorganized-super-eagles/

Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho and Bursaspor defender Shehu Abdullahi will miss Tuesday night’s friendly between Nigeria and Serbia due to injuries, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr revealed that Iheanacho fractured his right hand while Abdullahi is also injured.

Iheanacho who played in the No.10 role for the Super Eagles in the absence of Mikel Obi against Poland in Wroclaw failed to live up to the heights expected of him in the encounter before he was replaced.

The 21-year-old also missed the tactical session which the team had for the Serbia game.

The former Manchester City forward trained away from the main group along with Okechukwu Gabriel, Stephen Eze and Oghenekaro Etebo, who also did not take part in the main session.

“He (Iheanacho is out) but that is an opportunity for other players to come in and prove what they can do,” Rohr said during his pre-match conference on Monday ahead of the Serbia game.

Rohr also stated that he is pleased with the two goalkeepers in the team but rued Daniel Akpeyi absence.

“One of our goalkeepers (Akpeyi) had a problem with entry visa but so far I’m pleased with the two we have here. Ezenwa and Uzoho,” Rohr said.

“At the moment I’m satisfied with the young one (Uzoho). Before he arrived we were a young team and he’s here now and it’s good for the future.

“Other players in the team are helping him to do well in terms of positioning during corners.”

On the game, Rohr added: “The result is not the most important thing for us. It’s what we can see, learn and what the players can do. The players need competition and I think they are getting it.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/iheanacho-abdullahi-out-of-serbia-friendly-rohr-praises-uzoho-not-desperate-for-victory/

Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho and Bursaspor defender Shehu Abdullahi will miss Tuesday night’s friendly between Nigeria and Serbia due to injuries, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

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Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr revealed that Iheanacho fractured his right hand while Abdullahi is also injured.

Iheanacho who played in the No.10 role for the Super Eagles in the absence of Mikel Obi against Poland in Wroclaw failed to live up to the heights expected of him in the encounter before he was replaced.

The 21-year-old also missed the tactical session which the team had for the Serbia game.

The former Manchester City forward trained away from the main group along with Okechukwu Gabriel, Stephen Eze and Oghenekaro Etebo, who also did not take part in the main session.

“He (Iheanacho is out) but that is an opportunity for other players to come in and prove what they can do,” Rohr said during his pre-match conference on Monday ahead of the Serbia game.

Rohr also stated that he is pleased with the two goalkeepers in the team but rued Daniel Akpeyi absence.

“One of our goalkeepers (Akpeyi) had a problem with entry visa but so far I’m pleased with the two we have here. Ezenwa and Uzoho,” Rohr said.

“At the moment I’m satisfied with the young one (Uzoho). Before he arrived we were a young team and he’s here now and it’s good for the future.

“Other players in the team are helping him to do well in terms of positioning during corners.”

On the game, Rohr added: “The result is not the most important thing for us. It’s what we can see, learn and what the players can do. The players need competition and I think they are getting it.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/iheanacho-abdullahi-out-of-serbia-friendly-rohr-praises-uzoho-not-desperate-for-victory/

The top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) have paid a visit to stricken Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Wolves goalkeeper Ikeme became the Super Eagles first choice before the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup preliminary fixture against Swaziland and the first match of the group phase against Zambia in Ndola.

But nine months ago, he was diagnosed with acute leukaemia after returning “abnormal blood tests” during pre-season testing at English Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers and had to undergo chemotherapy.

On Monday, as the Super Eagles prepared for tonight’s World Cup friendly against Serbia in London, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, led a delegation of NFF top shots and team staff to visit Ikeme at The Christie Clinic in Manchester, where he is being treated, the NFF said in a press release on Monday.

In the delegation also were NFF 1st Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, Super Eagles’ Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi, Eagles’ goalkeepers’ trainer Alloy Agu and team media officer, Toyin Ibitoye.

Pinnick said: “We have come on behalf of the Government of Nigeria and the NFF to check up on you, find out how your recovery is going and to tell you that you are still very much on our minds and a member of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

“We have also come to seek your permission to be our special guest at the pre- World Cup friendly game against England at the Wembley Stadium on 2nd June. We want you to perform the customary kick-off of that game and if you approve of it, we will immediately request this of The Football Association.”

Pinnick further assured the goalkeeper that he would be fully captured in the team’s financial benefits for Nigeria’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup “as we all remember the role you played in helping us get off to a winning start in the final phase of qualifiers in Ndola against Zambia.

“We believe this is just a phase that will pass away. You will come out of it stronger and still be able to do what you love to do the best, both for your club and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.”

Enebi, said: “On behalf of the team, we want to reassure you of our love. The entire team would have been here to see you if we were not playing against Serbia. Coach Gernot Rohr, the technical and backroom staff are all praying for your speedy recovery. The team asked that I present this autographed jersey, signed by all the players, to you. It is our new kit for the World Cup.”

Agu, who is a former Super Eagles goalkeeper, said: “As your goalkeeper coach in the national team, I know you are a fighter, you never give up. I believe these attributes will see you through. We will always be there for you as you recover from this illness.”

An ecstatic Ikeme, moved by all the kind words, responded: “I am so overwhelmed by this show of love. I am indeed grateful to Nigerians who daily flood my phone with prayers and well wishes. I feel their love everywhere, everyday, on social media. I thank the Government of Nigeria and the NFF for all the support and I appreciate my teammates so much for being there for me.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/nff-top-shots-visit-ikeme-in-hospital-to-honour-keeper-at-england-vs-nigeria-friendly/

Former World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champion David Haye has warned New Zeland’s Joseph Parker he is about to face an “absolute monster” in Anthony Joshua.

Unbeaten duo Parker, 26, and Joshua, 28, will square off in a unification clash on Saturday night in Cardiff Wales.

Joshua holds the International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Organisation (IBO), while Parker is the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) champion.

Haye who has allowed Parker to use his London-based gym ahead of this title fight, says he has been impressed with Parker’s composed mindset before the biggest fight of his career.

“I’ve seen Joseph Parker in preparation for this huge, huge night at the weekend with Joshua, arguably the No 1 in the division,” Haye told Sky Sports.

“He seems cool, he seems calm, he seems focused. His weight looks good, his team are very comfortable. The gym is two minutes away.

“Everything behind the scenes in Team Parker seems calm, seems confident, and I’m expecting a very, very good fight.

“Everybody has an idea, everybody is confident that they have the key to beat Anthony Joshua, and every single person who has tried, has ended up unconscious.

“Twenty fights, twenty knockouts, and every single person going into the fight – they believed they had the key.

“He can’t take a punch, or I’m too fast, or he’s too slow.

“Everyone has got a reason why they believe they are going to win, but he seems to have the solutions, the answers to everybody, including Wladimir Klitschko, who once again said that he’s got too much experience.

“When he lands his right hand he’ll knock him out. It didn’t happen. It landed, he put Joshua down. Joshua was able to get back up and show great recovery skills to come back and force an 11th-round stoppage.

“It’s easy to say that from the outside, but when you’re in there, Anthony Joshua is an absolute monster of a man. The reality of Anthony Joshua, once he starts punching the face, gets real pretty quick.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ex-boxing-champ-haye-warns-parker-about-absolute-monster-joshua/

The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have sent birthday shoutouts to former Super Eagles defender Taribo West who turns 44 on Monday.

Both CAF and NFF took to their verified Twitter handles to send their birthday wishes to the former defender.

According to Africa’s football governing body:”Happy 44th birthday to former Nigerian international and Olympic gold medalist, Taribo West.”

While the NFF wrote:”Happy birthday to former Nigeria SuperEagles hard tackling defender, Taribo West. Thank you for the memories. Any one miss this super defence Trojan?”

West featured for AC Milan, Inter Milan, Auxerre, Derby County, FC Kaiserslautern and FK Partizan.

At Inter, he won the 1998 UEFA Cup (now Europa League) alongside the likes of Ronaldo De Lima of Brazil, Chile legend Ivan Zamorano, Argentina duo Javier Zanetti and Diego Simeone (current Atletico Madrid manager).

He was a member of Nigeria’s U-23 Eagles that won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

He represented Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana/Nigeria 2000 and Mali 2002 and also France 1998 and Korea/Japan 2002 World Cups.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/caf-nff-celebrate-ex-eagles-defender-taribo-at-44/

Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong, has pledged 1% of his salary to support Common Goal – a movement powered by players and managers donating one percent of their salary to high impact football for good organisations around the world.

The Nigerian international becomes the 43rd member of Common Goal and they are racing towards the 100 player mark in 2018.

According to a media statement made available to [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url], Ekong’s commitment to Common Goal comes just as the movement prepares to donate €400,000, a fraction of the funds generated from players pledges, to tackle some social issues like HIV/AIDS, gender inequality and youth unemployment.

“Winning the bronze medal for Nigeria at the 2016 Olympics and qualifying for the World Cup were both massive moments for me,” Troost-Ekong, the Rio Olympics Bronze Medal was quoted in the statement.

“However I’m hoping to outdo both of those this summer at the World Cup.”

“I’m aware that I’m a role model for children and football fans, and having travelled the world I’ve seen the impact that we have on people’s lives. It’s our responsibility, as players, to use that in a positive way.”

Common Goal founder, Jurgen Griesbeck, also added: “We are delighted that William is joining Common Goal. Not just because he is a fantastic player, but because he is a fantastic person,” Griesbeck,said.

“William and all of our players recognise the importance of aligning with a shared vision and using their status as footballers, to make the world a better place.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/troost-ekong-pledges-1-of-salary-to-support-common-goal/

Former undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson has hinted he could stage a return to the World Wrestling Entertainment after his last appearance in 2010.

Tyson revealed this to WWE.com at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards at the weekend.

The boxing legend made headlines in 1998 when he helped Stone Cold Steve Austin beat Shawn Michaels for the WWE title as a special enforcer at WrestleMania 14.

He returned as the guest host of RAW 12 years later when he knocked Chris Jericho out.

When quizzed about if he would stage a comeback, Tyson said he would love to.

“I’m always willing to come back, I love the WWE.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/boxing-legend-tyson-eyes-return-to-wwe/

Trabzonspor midfielder Onazi Ogenyi has told Nigerians to expect the best from the Super Eagles when they face Serbia in London on Tuesday, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] can report.

In an exclusive chat with CSN on Sunday night, Onazi said the 1-0 win over Poland is in the past and that beating Serbia is achievable.

He said the Super Eagles are aware of the quality of Serbia given the pedigree of players like Nemanja Matic and Alexandre Kolarov in the side, but all hands will be on deck to make it two out of two for Nigeria in March friendlies.

“We bless God for the win over Poland even though it was a tough game. We have put that win behind us now and Serbia is next on our mind at the moment,” Onazi told CSN.

“Nigerians should rest assured that we won’t get carried away, Nigerians should continue to support us.”

A Victor Moses penalty was enough for the Super Eagles to see off Poland on Friday.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/onazi-super-eagles-wont-get-carried-away-vs-serbia/

Changchun Yatai striker Odion Ighalo is targeting his fifth goal for the Super Eagles when they face Poland in a friendly in Wroclaw from 8.45pm tonight, but he insists he is not under pressure, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Ighalo, who will lead the Super Eagles attack on his return to the squad after missing the last two games against Algeria and Argentina due to injury, has scored four goals in 13 international appearances for the Super Eagles.

“Hopefully, I can get a goal or two but the most important thing is to see how we perform as a team. There’s no pressure,” Ighalo told CSN.

The 29-year-old striker scored on his official debut for Nigeria in a 2-0 win over Chad in Kaduna on the 13th of June, 2015.

The former Watford and Granada striker also scored against Cameroon in a 3-0 international win in Belgium on the 10th of November, 2015.

Ighalo went on a five-game goal drought before scoring his third goal against Luxembourg in another friendly on the 31st of May, 2016.

His fourth strike came against Cameroon in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Uyo. Nigeria won the game 4-0 on October 1, 2017.

Friday’s game will be the first time both Poland and Nigeria will clash at full international level.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ighalo-targets-fifth-super-eagles-goal-vs-poland-insists-no-pressure/