Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is getting close to returning to action for Premier League club Nottingham Forest after an injury layoff.

Awoniyi has been sidelined since picking up an injury in Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 win against Aston Villa on January 4.

The Nigeria international scored Steve Cooper’s side only goal of the game.

According to the Athletic, the striker has returned to light training and has intensified his regimen.

Read More: https://www.completesports.com/awoniyi-nears-return-from-injury/

Three of the goals scored by Flying Eagles at the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations have been included in the top 10 goals of the tournament by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Jude Sunday’s third goal in Nigeria’s 4-0 trouncing of Tunisia in the third-place match was also picked by CAF.


The winger dribbled past a number of Tunisian defenders before firing into the net.

Ibrahim Muhammed’s superb strike from outside the box in Flying Eagles’ third group game against Mozambique was also also among the goals selected by CAF.

Read more: https://www.completesports.com/2023-u-20-afcon-three-flying-eagles-goals-make-top-10-of-tournament/

Former Nigerian goalkeeper, Peter Rufai has commended the performance of the Super Eagles despite losing 2-0 to Costa Rica in an international friendly game on Thursday morning.

Oscar Duarte scored for the host in the 7th minute at San Jose before Kendall Waston added the second in the 73rd minute to condemn the Nigerians to another international friendly defeat.

Although it was the Super Eagles B team that featured in the encounter as the first team players were doing business for their various club sides.

However, reacting to the team’s performance, Rufai in a chat with Completesports.com, stated that the players didn’t disappoint despite the defeat to Costa Rica.

“This is a good performance form the Super Eagles against a Costa Rican side that paraded their best stars for the encounter.

“I am not really disappointed with the result but will commend the players for their brilliant performance in that game. This will further improve the confidence of the players and also gives the Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro an insight on players he can draft to the the main team.”



Source:https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-rufai-thumbs-up-eagles-despite-loss-to-costa-rica-in-friendly/

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has impressed Premier League giants, Manchester United.

The Red Devils will look to bring in a new striker in January or the summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to leave Old Trafford in January , which will open up a position in attack.

According to the Manchester Evening News, United have been assessing several strikers over the past few months.

Osimhen has caught the eye of the scouts following his superlative displays for Napoli.

The 23-year-old has scored nine goals in 13 appearances across all competitions for the Partenopei this season.

He has also been linked with a move to Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/manchester-united-scouts-impressed-with-osimhen/

Qatar 2022 World Cup-bound Costa Rica defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-0 in an international friendly game in the early hours of Thursday morning.

This is the first time ever both Costa Rica and the Super Eagles will meet at senior level.

Goals in each half from Oscar Duarte and Kendall Waston, secured the win for Costa Rica.

Both goals were set up by former Arsenal forward Joel Campbell.

The Super Eagles coached by Salisu Yusuf paraded only home-based players for the friendly encounter played inside the Estadio Nacional de in San Jose.

Costa Rica got off to a good start as they broke the deadlock in the seventh minute through Duarte.

And in the 73rd minute Waston doubled their lead to help his team return to winning ways, after their last game which was also a friendly with South Korea in September ended 2-2.

While for the Super Eagles it is now a third consecutive defeats.

Up next for the Super Eagles is another friendly game against Portugal who will also feature at this year’s World Cup.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/costa-rica-defeat-super-eagles-2-0-in-international-friendly/

Liverpool assistant coach Pep Lijnders says the team will approach Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 clash with the mindset to win and not to revenge.

Recall that the Reds faced Madrid in the final of last year’s competition, with the Spanish side ultimately coming out on top, beating Jurgen Klopp’s men 1-0.

The tie will be the fourth time in six seasons that the Reds have faced Madrid in the competition, meeting in the final twice as well as in the Quarter Finals in the 2020/21 season.

The first leg of the tie will take place at Anfield in February next year, with Liverpool then jetting off to Madrid three weeks later for a tie at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, in an interview with TribalFootball, Lijnders stated that Liverpool will be hoping to get one over Real Madrid.

“I don’t believe in revenge.

“It is a new season, new teams and a new moment. It’s the international Clasico – two of the biggest clubs with so much history in the competition competing early in the knockout stages.

“I am proud we are again in the knockout stages and can’t wait to compete with them again. The fans expect us to be in these kinds of games, let’s hope we can create new memories – it will be a massive game.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/ucl-revenge-not-in-liverpools-mind-against-real-madrid-lijnders/

Chelsea boss, Graham Potter has insisted that he’s not scared of facing the huge pressure at Stamford.

Potter stated this in a press conference ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

He noted that he would have love to remain at Brighton as manager due to the less pressure that comes with it but that he’s delighted with the job at Chelsea.

“I would say it is a little bit unfair to assess Chelsea now because the change of ownership has happened. We are on a new direction, a new path and ultimately that is part of the challenge.

“If I wanted a nice easy life, I could have quite easily stayed working at Brighton in the Premier League and signed a new contract and been absolutely OK.

“And I wouldn’t have had too many questions about myself or pressure or sacking or anything like that.”

He added that “one of the reasons to come here as there were many, it’s a fantastic football club, potentially one of the best in the world that can compete for any major trophy.”

Managerial style

Potter has been recognised for his “progressive” and “unconventional” coaching methods. At Östersund, he encouraged his players and staff to engage in community activities, such as performing in theatre and music productions designed to take them out of their comfort zone.

Potter describes his teams as “tactically flexible, attacking, [and] possession-based”. At Östersund, he deployed a flexible 3–5–2 formation centred on ball possession. Former Celtic and Barcelona player Henrik Larsson commented on Potter’s pattern of play, stating he “played all different kinds of systems, starting off a match one way, and then halfway through they started playing a different system, and then they ended up with a third system. And all the players knew exactly what they were doing.” At Swansea, Potter used ten different formations and his team completed the most passes per 90 minutes in the Championship.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/carabao-cup-i-would-have-loved-to-remain-at-brighton-potter-speaks-ahead-chelsea-vs-man-city/

Manchester United midfielder, Fred, has reiterated that the vociferous fans at Old Trafford will help spur the team to victory against Barcelona in the Europa League knockout stages.

Recall that The Red Devils finished second in their Europa League group, meaning they advanced to the playoff round, where they would face Barcelona, who dropped down from the Champions League.

Barcelona will host the first leg on February 16 before the clash will conclude at Old Trafford seven days later.

United and Barcelona have played each other 13 times previously, including in three European finals.

Ten of their 13 meetings have been in the Champions League but this will be their first competitive meeting in another tournament since 1991.

However, the Brazilian international, in a chat with Manchester United’s official website, stated that they are optinistic of overcoming Barcelona.

“We know that Barcelona is a great team,” Fred told Manchester United’s official website.

“It won’t be an easy game, there are no easy games in the Europa League. It will be a great game, I’m sure we are ready for it.

“We players like playing in great fixtures like these ones, and we are prepared for this game. God willing, we’ll qualify for the next round.

“Our stadium has always had a great atmosphere with the fans constantly behind us,” the Brazilian added.

He said further: “I’m sure they will be here against Barcelona supporting us, they will give us strength to get the win. That’s why it’s so important to play in front of our fans and get a result here.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/europa-league-old-trafford-atmosphere-will-subdue-barca-fred/

Former Nigerian winger, Tijani Babangida says he’s optimistic the Super Eagles will fair better against Costa Rica in Thursday’s international friendly game.

While the Super Eagles will not be in Qatar, they will look to put together a fine run of form ahead of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game against Serie Leone.

Costa Rica are currently unbeaten in four straight games, claiming one draw and three wins, including a 2-0 victory over Martinique in Group B of the CONCACAF Nations League on June 5.

Nigeria head into Thursday’s game on a run of just two wins in their last 11 outings across all competitions, losing seven and claiming two draws since January’s 2-0 victory over Guinea Bissau in the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, in a chat with Completesports.com, Babangida, stated that the Super Eagles will be determine to impress against Costa Rica.

“I am delighted that the the Super Eagles are playing quality friendly games to prepare them for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The game against Costa Rica will definitely be a good one for the Super Eagles and I am optimistic they will fair better.

“Most importantly, we want to see the team play quality football that Nigerians will be happy with and I hope to see that on Thursday.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-eagles-will-fair-better-against-costa-rica-babangida/

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has provided the Federation’s corporate partners and sponsors with strong assurance that the new NFF administration will put their monies to judicious use in developing the game of football in Nigeria to the benefit of all stakeholders.

At warm and insightful interactions with a number of the partners and sponsors in Lagos on Monday, the NFF supremo, in company with immediate past NFF boss and FIFA Council Member, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi and Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the frontline corporates and appealed for even greater support for the Nigeria game at this time.

Pinnick’s role, described as noble and in the national interest by Gusau, was to formally introduce the new NFF President to the corporate partners, most of them brought on board by the former helmsman.

“For the first time in decent memory in Nigeria Football, we had a rancour-free transition from one Executive team to the other. It is as a result of the deep respect and strong passion for Nigeria Football and the Nigeria nation that we all share. It is for this reason that I have decided to introduce the new helmsman to you in order that you can continue to interact with and support him and the Federation to achieve their vision and mission,” Pinnick said at the office of MTN Nigeria (NFF’s official telecommunications partner), with Chief Executive Officer Carl Toriola, Chief Operating Officer Hassan Jaber, Chief Corporate Services Officer Tobechukwu Okigbo and Chief Marketing Officer Adia Sowho all seated.

In his remarks, Gusau thanked MTN for their strong support to Nigeria Football and Nigeria sports generally: “We appreciate what you have been doing for the game of football and we want you to continue, and even do more so that the new Board can be enabled to work assiduously to lift the Nigeria game to new heights. We apologize for the inability of the Super Eagles to qualify for the FIFA World Cup starting in Qatar next week but we want to use this opportunity to commence the hard work necessary to avoid such mis-step in the future.

“I am assuring you that whatever funds come through you will be put to judicious use as we are presently cutting down on expenses to ascent prudence and manage available resources to achieve the best results.”

Toriola responded that having signed a long-term contract with the football body, his organization would not break same because of a missed World Cup tournament. “We will continue to support the Federation until Nigeria football gets to the level it should be internationally. We must re-energize ourselves for the work at hand. I must commend Mr. Pinnick’s exceptional dynamism and the MTN commits to supporting the new administration.”

The same theme of appreciation and pledges of judicious use of funds and optimization of resources ran through the other meetings, with Executive Vice President of AITEO Group (NFF’s official optimum partner), Mr. Francis Peters pledging his company’s continued support and encouragement to the new Board.

At Premier Lotto, the Managing Director Mr. Adebisi Adebutu said his company will explore even other areas they can support the NFF, in addition to the present partnership agreement. “I must say that we had a wonderful relationship with the Board headed by Mr. Pinnick and we believe we will have same cordial relationship with the new Board.”

Stanbic IBTC (NFF’s official bank) also pledged continued support to the NFF, through Charles Omoera, Chief Executive: “We are particularly interested in the women’s football and youth programs you have enunciated and are ready and willing to commit to these programmes to develop Nigeria’s future legends and icons of the game.”

NFF’s chief marketing consultant, Mr. Mike Itemuagbor lauded the peaceful elections that brought in Gusau, and commended the role being played by Pinnick. “Pinnick has stout corporate drive and high relevance, and I believe he will help the new Board in that area. We will give ample support to the new Board but we want you to beware of the antics of ambush marketers and put stern measures in place to discourage them.

“Pamodzi Sports Marketing will be there for the new Board and will provide advice when necessary, because football is a passion that runs through the blood of every Nigerian and brings all of us together.”

Sanusi added that indeed, without Pamodzi Sports Marketing, things would have been a lot more difficult for a number of NFF administrations over the past two decades.


[b]Source:https://www.completesports.com/we-will-use-your-money-judiciously-gusau-assures-nffs-partners-sponsors/
[/b

Former Arsenal defender, William Gallas has revealed that the Gunners blistering form and desire to win the Premier League title won’t be derailed by the fast approaching 2022 World Cup.

Gallas believes that the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup break could help Mikel Arteta’s side win the Premier League ahead of Man City.

Arsenal and Man City sit at the top of the table after 13 matches and look to be the clear favourites to claim the title.

“I think the World Cup can help Arsenal because they have a couple less international players who are going to the World Cup,” Gallas told Genting Casino.

“So that will be very interesting when you play the World Cup because in the middle of the season, you have to play in Qatar. It’s going to be very warm but after the World Cup, you come back to England and there will be a big difference in preparation and it will be hard.

“So that’s why I think Arsenal have a great opportunity because they have a few less players going to the World Cup. So they have to grab that opportunity.”

“I hope Manchester City don’t win it [the Premier League],” Gallas added.

“I hope it is a London club who wins the league. Arsenal have a great opportunity, and they have to carry on.”

Background

Gallas was born in Asnières-sur-Seine. He is the cousin of the deceased former footballer Ludovic Quistin and of Mathieu Bastareaud, a French rugby union centre playing for Lyon.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/2022-world-cup-wont-derail-arsenals-premier-league-title-ambition-gallas/

Former Manchester City defender, Micah Richards, has disclosed that Chelsea star, Raheem Sterling is finding life difficult under manager Graham Potter.

The England international has made an underwhelming start to his Chelsea career, scoring just five goals in 18 appearances across all competitions for Potter’s side so far.

In an interview with BBC Sports, Richards believes Sterling is still figuring out how he can play under Potter.

“I still rate Raheem very highly, but he looks a little lost,” Richards told BBC Sport.

“It’s like he is a bit frustrated in terms of Chelsea’s set-up and, tactically, does not know what they want him to do.

“Raheem joined another top club in Chelsea, and it looked like the perfect move for him. But then they changed their manager, and we have all seen the upheaval that has followed.

“The whole team are still figuring out how they play under Potter, so Sterling is not the only one who has to work that out.

“Using him in different positions has not helped. Ideally, I want to see him high and wide up the pitch, preferably on the left.”

Style of play

Sterling plays as a winger, attacking midfielder or striker, though he is more comfortable as a natural winger. Sterling has been praised for his adaptability and ability to play wide, at the tip of a midfield diamond and centrally, offering flexibility. Known for his pace, low centre of gravity, and dribbling skills,Sterling has been compared to Alexis Sánchez by his former manager Brendan Rodgers. Rodgers has also praised him for offering a “real threat,” his use of pace with composure and his maturity. Despite his small stature, he also possesses considerable upper-body strength, which aids him in withstanding challenges, and retaining possession


Source:https://www.completesports.com/sterling-totally-frustrated-under-potter-at-chelsea-richards/

Arsenal left-back, Oleksandr Zinchenko, says he’s optimistic the Gunners are capable of wrestling the Premier League title from Man City this season.

Recall that Arsenal are currently on top of the Premier League table with two points ahead of Manchester City, who are in the second position, after their latest victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

However, in a chat with Evening Standard, Zinchenko stated that Arsenal are looking beyond just the top four but the Premier League title.

“I got used to hearing that Arsenal were top four. I would say that I really want to kill and destroy this stereotype. We need to look further and I think this team, this group of people, the fans, they deserve more. That is what we need to do. We need to work hard on this and let’s see at the end of season,” Zinchenko said (via Evening Standard).

He added, “You ask me if we can challenge Manchester City and stuff. Of course, they are an amazing team, but you never know what can happen in football. We need to go step by step with every single game.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/zinchenko-arsenal-capable-of-challenging-man-city-for-epl-title/

Former Chelsea stars, Glenn Hoddle has praised midfielder, Denis Zakaria after the player’s impressive outing on his first appearance for the west London club.

Zakaria, who joined Chelsea on loan from Juventus in the summer, scored a goal as Graham Potter’s side defeated Dinamo Zagreb 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge.

Giving their verdicts on Zakaria’s display, Hoddle said the Swiss star is the perfect partner for Jorginho in Chelsea’s midfield.

Speaking on BT Sport after the match, Hoddle said, “I liked his character and his demeanour on the pitch, it was his first game for Chelsea and he looked as if he felt at home.”

“I think he was the perfect partner for Jorginho. While Jorginho provided a bit of experience in there next to him, he was getting around putting his foot in and to get a goal would’ve been a bonus.”

Style of play

Due to his characteristics and playing style has led Zakaria to be compared with former France international Patrick Vieira as well as Paul Pogba. Zakaria has been described as a midfield powerhouse due to his pace, strength, athleticism and aggressive playing style. He is also known for being a composed passer and for making surging forward runs from midfield. Primarily a defensive midfielder, he is also capable of playing as a central midfielder, in a holding role, or a box-to-box role, and has even played as a central defender.

International career

Zakaria played for various Swiss youth national teams. He could have represented either Switzerland, South Sudan or Congo at a senior level due to being born in Switzerland and having a South Sudanese father and a Congolese mother.

Zakaria made his debut for the senior Switzerland national team in a friendly 2–1 loss to Belgium on 28 May 2016. He was part of the squad for the 2016 European Championships. Zakaria was included in the 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

In May 2019, Zakaria played in the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals, where his team finished fourth. He was named in the 26-man Swiss squad for the UEFA Euro 2020. On 2 July 2021, he scored an own goal in Switzerland’s quarter-final match against Spain, which they went on to lose on penalties.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/zakaria-can-form-perfect-partnership-with-jorginho-hoddle/

The Olympic Eagles will take on Guinea in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final round qualifiying fixture in March 2023.

The Eagles will host the Guineans in the first leg at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan between March 20- 28.

The reverse fixture will take place in Conakry a week later.

The overall winners will qualify for the U-23 AFCON which will be hosted by Morocco in November 2023.

The competition will serve as the qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games which will be stage in Paris, France.

The Olympic Eagles failed to advance beyond the group stage at the last edition of the U-23 AFCON hosted by Egypt.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/u-23-afcon-qualifier-nigeria-to-host-guinea-march-2023/

Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp has tipped Napoli has favourite to reach this season’s final of the UEFA Champions League.

Klopp said that Napoli are the team in form in Europe at the moment, adding that the Serie A side plays incredible football.

The German spoke at his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League group stage match-day six tie with Napoli on Tuesday night at Anfield.

“It is a pretty quick turnaround since Leeds, so I am not fully aware of the situation with the players,” said Klopp.

“We don’t want to take risks, but Napoli is in incredible shape, plays incredible football and is maybe the best team in form in Europe at the moment.

“It’s not a game for rotation, probably. We want to win the game, but the result at the moment is not really important.

“I have to make the lineup later today, maybe tomorrow morning, and we will go from there.

“Yes, if they continue to play like this, they can go to the final. They are the in-form team in Europe.

“Did they copy our style? No, [their manager Luciano] Spalletti is a very experienced coach.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/klopp-tips-napoli-to-reach-champions-league-final/

The home based Super Eagles started preparation for the international friendly against Costa Rica in Ibadan on Monday.

The game is billed for San Jose on November 10.

A number of U-23 players, who were part of the squad that face Tanzania in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers trained under the supervision of Salisu Yusuf.

The team is based at the Owu Crown Hotel.

A number of foreign-based players are expected to link up with the team later.

The players and their officials are expected to travel to San Jose for the game on Thursday.

Costa Rica will use the game as part of their preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/home-eagles-begin-preparation-for-costa-rica-friendly/

Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens lost 2-1 to champions Mamelodi Sundowns in their Group B opening game at the 2022 CAF women’s Champions League in Morocco on Monday.

Lelona Daweti bagged the first brace of this year’s edition as her goals in each half put Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 up.

Mary-Magdalene Anjor pulled a goal back for debutants Bayelsa Queens late in the game which was only a consolation effort.

In action for Bayelsa Queens was Falconets forward Flourish Sabastine.

Bayelsa Queens will hope to bounce back from the defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns when they face DR Congo’s TP Mazembe on Thursday.

The Congolese will kickoff their campaign against Wadi Degla of Egypt later on Monday.

In Group A games which was played on Sunday, Green Buffaloes of Zambia hammered Determined Girls of Liberia 4-0 and hosts AS Far of Morocco pipped Simba Queens of Tanzania 1-0.

The maiden edition of the CAF women’s Champions League held in Egypt in 2021 was won by Mamelodi Sundowns.

The South Africans beat Ghana’s Hasaacas Ladies 2-0 in the final.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/2022-caf-wcl-bayelsa-queens-lose-to-champions-mamelodi-sundowns-in-group-opener/

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has praised the Flamingos after the team finished in third position at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India.

The Flamingos defeated Germany 3-2 on penalties on Sunday afternoon to win bronze in the biennial competition.

Bankole Olowookere’s side led 3-0 in the game but the Europeans fought back to level scores at 3-3.

The game went into penalties with Nigeria outscoring Germany 3-2.

It was Nigeria’s best ever finish in the history of the competition.

Peseiro took to the social media to celebrate the girls on the remarkable achievement.

“Congratulations to the Flamingos, who won the bronze medal in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in a penalty shootout against Germany,” Peseiro tweeted.

“The future of women’s football in Nigeria is bright. Congratulations to all the players, staff and directors for this notable achievement!


Source:https://www.completesports.com/2022-u-17-wwc-peseiro-revels-in-flamingos-bronze-medal-success/

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s 1-1 draw against Girona in Sunday’s La Liga game.

Vinicius Junior put Real ahead at the Santiago Bernabeu in the 70th minute , before Cristhian Stuani netted from the penalty spot 10 minutes later to level, when Marco Asensio had handled a shot.

Toni Kroos was sent off in stoppage time, his first red card in his career.

Ancelotti said, “I don’t like to talk about referees but I will today. the first situation is a clear one. It’s not a penalty because he doesn’t touch it with his hand. I asked Asensio and he said he never touched it with his hand, it came off his chest. The left hand was in an odd position. If he’d have touched it with his hand, there may have been doubts around it. He didn’t handle it, they’ve made it up.

“The second move is more open for debate. If the goalkeeper gets the ball in his hand, you can blow the whistle, or not. I won’t talk about that one. I’m most surprised by the penalty. It came at a crucial time because the game was all but wrapped up. We struggled to score goals, we didn’t play brilliant football and we found it tough to win the ball back. We had the chance to make it 2-0 through Asensio. This situation has cost us two points in the table.

“We could have scored in other moments. This episode impacted the game. We could have played differently, been more convincing, aggressive, quicker, but it’s tough at this stage of the season to deliver a high level. It was a difficult game. Through our hard work, the game looked to be going in our favour.”

He added, “We’re not at the level we showed last season due to a few issues. We’ve got injured players coming back but they haven’t played much: Kroos, Modric, Rodrygo, Valverde, Tchouameni was out. We’re dealing with all of that right now. We have an awful lot of games, it’s a tough spell which hasn’t affected us too much yet. On Wednesday we could finish top of the group. Everything is still in our hand.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/ancelotti-upset-with-real-madrid-after-girona-draw/

Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag has described Diogo Dalot as an exceptional player after his impressive display against West Ham.

Recall that the Portugal international displayed an outstanding performance to help the Red Devils beat the Irons 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday.

England international, Marcus Rashford scored the only goal, heading home a fine cross from Christian Eriksen in the second half.

West Ham made several attempts to equalise the game late on but the likes of Dalot, David de Gea, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire were outstanding in the back.

“I’m really happy with the development of Diogo,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports.

“His defensive positioning is growing from game to game, his time, also duels, are better from game to game and in possession I think he’s really good.

“He [Dalot] has the breath to go up and down [the flank] so the development is really good.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/hes-simply-exceptional-ten-hag-hails-dalot/

Paul Pogba has reportedly sustained a muscular injury in training and he is increasingly unlikely to make the France squad for the World Cup.

The former Manchester United man has not yet made a competitive appearance for the Bianconeri since returning to Turin as a free agent over the summer.

He tore the meniscus in his knee during pre-season training in the United States back in July and tried conservative therapy, which did not work, until he eventually had to accept going under the knife was the only feasible option.

Pogba has been back in training in Turin and working towards a full recovery so he could play for Juventus in 2022, but also to be ready for the World Cup, which kicks off on November 20.

However, La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Pogba has been diagnosed with a thigh injury caused by the long period off the field and will have to stay out for another 10 days.

It is very difficult now for France to consider risking Pogba as part of their squad for the tournament in Qatar.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/pogba-doubtful-for-qatar-2022/

Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is expected to return to action against holders Manchester City this weekend.

Ndidi has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since Leicester City’s 4-0 win against Nottingham Forest at the King Power Stadium early this month.

But the Nigeria international is fully fit again and is in contention to face the defending champions, according to manager, Brendan Rodgers.

“Wilfred Ndidi has been back training with the squad,” Rodgers was quoted by the club’s official website.

“The most important thing is he’s back training in the squad and he’s looked fine with the players.

“Availability is the important thing and thankfully he’s available.”

The 25-year-old has made eight league appearances for the Foxes this season.

Leicester City are 17th on the table with 11 points from 12 matches, two points clear of the relegation zone.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/rodgers-ndidi-fit-to-face-manchester-city/

Jamie Carragher has urged England manager, Gareth Southgate to ensure Jude Bellingham makes the squad for the 2022 World Cup.

The 19-year-old star is having a great season with Dortmund and has scored 8 goals in 17 games for his team. While he is expected to feature in Gareth Southgate’s final World Cup squad, Carragher believes he should play a key role in the Three Lions’ squad.

He told Sky Sports: “He’s a different type of player.

“He takes you back to a Steven Gerrard type of player, who’s going to go forward and supplement the attack, creating chances and scoring goals.
“What he makes you think about is England playing 4-3-3 a lot more than three at the back. When England play three at the back, they play two sitting midfield players and I don’t think that’s his game.

“It’s almost Declan Rice and one other and Jude Bellingham is at that stage where he has to play. Certainly his performances over the last few internationals, in the Nations League, deserve that.

“He’s more of an attacking midfield player than a sitting midfield player. Could he play central midfield? Of course he could. And if you’re playing that back three, Bellingham can go forward and you’ve still got the back-three defence, plus Declan Rice – four players behind the ball – and maybe one of the wing-backs as well.

“But in an ideal world, how he plays for Borussia Dortmund is in a 4-3-3 and he’s one of the attacking No8s. That’s him at his best.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/2022-world-cup-bellingham-must-play-key-role-for-england-in-qatar-carragher/

Chikelue Iloenyosi, a former Nigeria international and Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association has continued to seek divine guidance in his task of developing football in the South- East State, Completesports.com reports.

Nigeria Dream 2 defender to The Sydney 2000 Olympics on Wednesday visited the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Reverend Paulinus Okafor as he sought divine guidance and direction in his assignment.

Iloenyosi was confirmed as Anambra State FA Chairman on July 28 by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

Ever since, Iloenyosi, who is affectionately called ‘General’, apparently following his no-compromising stance while on the pitch during his playing days, has hit the ground running, embarking on several activities that have revived the game in the state.

Last Saturday, he held a church service at the Awka City Stadium in memory of fallen footballers and athletes of Anambra State.

He followed this up Wednesday with a visit to the Catholic Bishop of Awka, His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor.

While hosting the Anambra Football Association chairman in his St. Patrick’s Cathedral Awka residence, Bishop Ezeokafor advised him to use his wealth of experience to make Anambra State football great again.

He urged Iloenyosi to put in the same zeal that saw him play for all the categories of the Nigerian national football teams; U-20s, U-23s, and the Super Eagles, to work as the Anambra FA Chairman.

“Football activities will surely redirect the youths and take them away from vices, ” the Bishop noted.

He assured that “the church will collaborate and assist the Anambra FA in their activities”.

Responding, Iloenyosi, former Fenerbahce of Turkey defender, expressed gratitude to the Bishop for finding time to receive him.

“I’m also grateful for all the advice you gave to me, ” Iloenyosi said before highlighting the various activities he has undertaken within the three months of his assumption of Office.

Such activities, he pointed out, include memorial service for late footballers and administrators of Anambra State extraction, amongst others.

He assured the Bishop that he will not disappoint him as regards the expectations and confidence reposed in him.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/ex-eagles-defender-iloenyosi-seeks-divine-guidance-as-anambra-fa-boss/

Former Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher has advised Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic to leave Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window.

Pulisic is only 24, but his career appears to have stagnated, as he cannot get regular game time at Chelsea.

In a chat with CBS, Carragher, stated that Pulisic has been underutilized under Graham Potter.

“100 per cent [Pulisic should consider a smaller club].

“A lot of footballers are different, I do scratch my head when I see certain players at clubs for a long time and they never really get into the team.

“And that’s why I think Thierry [Henry] is saying he respects Timo Werner. Rather than just sitting on the bench another year or two he’s gone back to somewhere where he’s going to play week in, week out.

“And I just think Pulisic is sort of at that stage now where there’s been a few managerial changes.

“It looks like he’s getting more of a chance with Potter, but not just him, I think Graham Potter is a manager who changes it every game so everyone is getting a chance.

“So he may feel like he’s getting more of an opportunity to prove to the manager he can be in that recognised 11.

“But he’s been there a few years now, it hasn’t quite happened for him for whatever reason, and maybe Dortmund is a level down from Chelsea who are a team who are trying to win the Champions League – we know Pulisic was part of that win.

“But eventually you have to make that decision. I don’t think you can continue to be in that position that he’s been in for the last two or three years.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/your-potential-has-been-underutilised-at-chelsea-carragher-tells-pulisic/

Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry believes it will take mother-luck for the Gunners to wrestle the Premier League title away from Manchester City.

According to the former striker, Arsenal only have hope at the moment amid the Premier League title, adding that Liverpool’s inability to keep pace with Man City in recent seasons should serve as a warning to Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Frenchman said he would wait until after the 38 Premier League games are played before he can celebrate.

“It’s 11 games, you celebrate the title after 38 games, not before that,” Henry told CBS Sports.

“That is me, I have always had that mentality. What we are talking about right now with Arsenal is hope.

“Manchester City can talk, Man City can be loud because we have seen it before with them and we know what it takes for a team to stay with them.

“Look at Liverpool… twice they tried to maintain the rhythm of Man City but could not do it. So, let’s see what’s going to happen to us.

“I won’t get carried away. But we have hope and I have a lot of hope at the minute.”

Arsenal currently sits on top of the Premier League table with two points ahead of second position Manchester City.

The Gunners will face Nottingham Forest in their next Premier League tie on Sunday after their next Europa League clash with PSV on Thursday night.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/henry-it-will-be-tough-for-arsenal-to-wrestle-epl-title-from-man-city/

Confederation of African Football (“CAF”) has re-opened the bidding process for the hosting rights of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (“AFCON 2025”).

CAF today sent a notice to the Member Associations to express their interest in hosting the AFCON 2025 including the process that will be followed in the selection of the host country or countries.

AFCON 2025 Bidding Process Timeline

– 11 November 2022: Deadline for submitting the Declaration of Interest form

– 16 November 2022: Deadline for CAF to send the hosting documents to Member Associations that have declared their interest.

– 16 December 2022: Deadline for Member Associations to submit their final bid, including all bidding and hosting documents (hosting agreement, host cities agreement, Government guarantees)

– 05-25 January 2023: Inspection visits

– 10 February 2023: Appointment of Host Country/Countries by the CAF Executive Committee


Source:https://www.completesports.com/caf-re-opens-bids-for-2025-afcon-hosting-rights/

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson- Odoi has not ruled out the possibility of representing the Black Stars of Ghana in future.

Although he has already played three times for England, new Fifa rules mean that if those appearances happen before a player is 21, which is the case with Hudson Odoi, he can switch allegiance.

Asked if talks had taken place with Ghana, Hudson-Odoi, on-loan at Bayer Leverkusen, told BBC Sport: “Nothing I would say at the moment on camera, I would love to tell you, but I couldn’t say.

“At the moment it’s more just focusing on the best I can do here. You never know what will happen in the future.

“Obviously the Ghana-England situation has been on my mind for a while. But I think right now it was more of the focus of coming here, really getting myself back into shape, playing a lot of games and just feeling like myself. Right now my mind is just open.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/hudson-odoi-coy-on-ghana-commitment/

Flamingos defender, Miracle Usani is confident the team will beat Colombia in their semi-final encounter at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The Nigerian girls will face the South Americans in the semi-final encounter at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on Wednesday.

The encounter will start at 4pm (12noon Nigeria time).

“I believe we can get to the final,” Usani said in an interview with FIFA.

“If we can beat USA, I don’t see any obstacle standing in our way.”

USA enjoyed the better stats against Nigeria, but Usani said her team were focused on winning to go through to a historic semi-final after three failed attempts previously.

“It was just about winning the game,” she said. “That’s exactly what we had to do, and that was the key to our victory.”

The Flamingos defeated United States of America 4-3 on penalties to get to this stage of the competition.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/2022-fifa-wwc-flamingos-can-beat-any-team-usani/

Nigerian champions Bayelsa Queens arrived Casablanca, Morocco on Monday ahead of the 2023 Women’s Champions League.

The Restoration Girls are already lodged at the Magic Village Sports Centre in Casablanca.

Domo Okara’s side will continue their preparations for the competition which will kick-off this weekend.

Bayelsa Queens will confront defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in their first game on Sunday at the Stade Grande de Marrakech.

The Nigerian girls will face TP Mazembe of Congo Democratic Republic in their second group game three days later.

Their final group game will be against Egypt’s Wadi Degla at the Stade Prince Heritier, Rabat on November 6.

The top two teams in the group will proceed to the semi-finals.

The winner of the competition will smile home with $400, 000, while the runners-up will earn $250,000. The two losing semi-finalists will get $200,000 each.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/bayelsa-queens-arrive-morocco-for-caf-womens-champions-league/

Vice-chairman of West Ham United Karren Brady believes that Bayern Munich forward, Sadio Mane’s pedigree and influence on the pitch are transforming The Teranga Lions of Senegal into ‘the lion’s den of African football’ and is looking forward to seeing how Aliou Cisse’s team could live up to big expectation at 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Mane has scored nine goals and registered one assist from 18 games in all competitions for Bayern Munich this season.

In her column for The Sun, Brady lauded Mane’s qualities going into the winter World Cup.

“Sadio Mane’s second place in the FIFA player rankings is another sign that Senegal is fast becoming the Lion’s Den of African football,” Brady wrote.

“It will show whether the growl is bigger than the bite at the World Cup starting next month.

“Mane Is the player with claws– darting, challenging, and quick to expose loose defending. Undoubtedly, he’s the headline act.”

Mane has scored 34 goals in 93 games for Senegal. He has scored five goals in 11 Bundesliga games so far this season.

Senegal are in Group A of the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Qatar, Ecuador, and the Netherlands.

The Teranga Lions have qualified for three FIFA World Cup finals; Korea/Japan 2002, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/manes-class-making-senegal-the-lions-den-of-african-football-brady/