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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/

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr believes both his side and Poland will benefit immensely from Friday’s international friendly in Wroclaw, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

The Eagles will officially kickoff preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup when they face the Poles, who will also be in Russia, from 8.45pm Friday night.

After the game in Poland, the Eagles will then leave for London to face Serbia in another friendl.

Speaking at a press conference, Rohr stated why Poland picked the Eagles for a friendly.

“We know very well the Senegalese team who play good football, they have a strong team,” Rohr said during his pre-match press conference on Thursday night.

“I suppose we are invited because they (Poland) are playing Senegal (at the World Cup). And we and Senegal are the only two black African teams at the World Cup, the other three African teams (Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco) are from North Africa.

“It will be good preparation for Poland but also for us because Croatia has very high level. And we play Serbia next Tuesday in London so we have two good preparation games for the World Cup.”

Rohr also revealed that young Deportivo La Coruna goalkeeper Francis Uzoho will make his first start for the Super Eagles in the game against Poland.

Uzoho made his first appearance for the Eagles when he came on for Daniel Akpeyi in the 4-2 win against Argentina on November 14, 2017.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/89421-2/

Poland will launch their World Cup kit during their friendly with Nigeria in Wroclaw on Friday, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

The new Nike jerseys were officially presented on Wednesday in Wroclaw, while the players will on Thursday take part in a photo session in their World Cup suits, Polskie Radio reported on Wednesday.

According to the Polish outlet, the new jerseys will be first worn in Friday’s World Cup friendly against the Super Eagles in Wroclaw and four days later against South Korea in Chorzów.

The new jerseys, one predominantly red, the other mostly white, were presented in one of Wrocław’s shopping centres by national team stars Łukasz Piszczek and Piotr Zieliński in an unannounced event that surprised fans.

Polish FA spokesman Jakub Planckowski told Polskie Radio that the players are happy with the new jerseys which they noticed are lighter and more comfortable than the previous ones.

Poland are using the Nigeria friendly to have a feel of African opposition ahead of their Russia 2018 group clash with Senegal.

The Super Eagles will face Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in Group D at the World Cup.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/poland-to-launch-new-world-cup-kit-with-super-eagles-friendly/

Premier League giants Manchester United have confirmed they are finally forming their first-ever professional women’s team.
The announcement was made on United’s official website on Thursday.

Clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool all have women’s teams who compete in both local and international competitions.

Old Trafford chiefs have now applied for an FA licence to take the historic step of launching their own women’s side who would however feature in the second division of the Women’s Super League (WSL).

A statement on United’s website reads: “Manchester United has submitted an application to the Football Association to establish a professional women’s team in the second tier of the Women’s Super League.

“If successful, the move would provide a career pathway for players who graduate from the long-established and highly successful Girls’ Regional Talent Club, which has seen some 15 of its graduates playing international football this season alone.

“The squad would be based at the club’s historic training centre at The Cliff.”

Announcing the move, United’s vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: “We are pleased to announce that the club intends to establish its first ever professional women’s team and has submitted an application to enter WSL2.

“The FA has provided excellent support through the process and we believe that launching a team in WSL2 would give many more of our graduates from the Regional Talent Club the chance to establish themselves as first-team players.

“The Manchester United women’s team must be built in the same image and with the same principles as the men’s first team and offer academy players a clear route to top-level football within the club.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/manchester-united-form-pro-womens-team-apply-for-spot-in-womens-league/

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr will hand Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho the No.10 role, usually played by Mikel Obi, in the Super Eagles starting line-up when they face Poland in an international friendly on Friday, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Mikel will miss the encounter billed for the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw as he is battling to renew his work permit in China, where he featured for Tianjin Teda, but he is expected to join up with the squad in London for the game against Serbia on Tuesday.

According to a camp source, Iheanacho has been playing off centre forward Odion Ighalo in a 4-2-3-1 formation in training and he the Leicester star is expected to keep his place for the World Cup friendly.

“Iheanacho will play Mikel’s position against Poland barring any last minute tactical switch,” the source, a member of the squad, told CSN.

“That’s his preferred role and I think he will do well there. He is solid and quick in his decision making.”

The 21-year-old Iheanacho is expected the most advanced midfield ahead of the deeper central midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Ogenyi Onazi for the game.

In the Super Eagles last game against Argentina, Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi were paired in attack as Gernot Rohr deployed a 3-5-2 formation.

The former Manchester City forward curled in a brilliant free-kick as Nigeria came from a goal down to beat Argentina 4-2 at the Krasnodar Stadium in Russia last November.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/rohr-to-test-iheanacho-in-mikel-role-vs-poland-as-eagles-change-formation/

Poland assistant coach and head of data bank, Hubert Malowiejski, says coming up against three-time African champions Nigeria will give the side a clue of what to expect when they face Senegal in their Group H at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria. com[/url].

The Poles will intensify their preparations ahead of the mundial with the clash against Gernot Rohr’s men at the Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw on Friday.

Paired in the same World Cup as the Senegalese as well as Japan and Colombia, Malowiejski stated that facing a strong team like the Super Eagles will aid the team’s preparation ahead of the me mundial.

“Everyone is looking for strong rivals, because those are the teams that we will meet at the World Cup,” Malowiejski told www.laczynapilka.pl.

“Secondly, they (Nigeria) play almost the same style with Senegal, one of our group opponents in Russia.

“Nigeria is a strong team, from the African continent and is a team with players who have
similar characteristics and tactical similarity with Senegal.

“There are differences in the set-up of both teams but we will look at the details first.

” The opponent is a necessary condition to draw conclusions for the World Cup. The foreground is always our team, our assumptions to be implemented.

“If there are few players missing in the Nigeria team nothing will happen, but that does not change anything in our preparations.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/poland-coach-malowiejski-super-eagles-clash-good-test-for-world-cup-foes-senegal/

Portland Trail Blazers head coach, Terry Stotts has praised Al Farouq Aminu for his outstanding performance in their 115-111 loss to the Houston Rockets.

Aminu set a new personal record in the NBA on Wednesday for the most three points scored in a single game in the defeat.

The 26 year old scored six 3-pointers in the game, four of them coming in the first quarter. In all, the D’Tigers star racked up 22 points, eight rebounds and four assist for the Blazers who suffered their 27th defeat of the season.

“We had a good offensive night,” said Stotts in an interview with NBA.com.

“Al-Farouq Aminu was outstanding. I thought he was a terrific game. I thought both teams played very well, made runs, made big shots, made big plays.”

“I thought it was disappointing to lose, but I thought we really competed,” he added.

Aminu’s teammate CJ McCollum who accounted for just eight points, three assists and two rebounds in 34 minutes in the defeat to the Rockets also told NBA.com: “He (Aminu) was great. He was aggressive, knocked down shots; hit some big three’s for us.”

“Defensively, he (Aminu) was active; guarding a lot of different positions. He was huge.”

Read more:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/high-praise-for-outstanding-aminu-from-portland-blazers-coach-teammate/

World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has expressed confidence that he will knock out World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Joseph Parker on March 31 in Cardiff, Wales.

British boxer with Nigerian blood Joshua, 28, will put his World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) titles on the line when he squares up against New Zealand’s undefeated world heavyweight champion Parker.

Aside from Parker, Joshua who is yet to taste defeat after 20 fights, is also touted to take on World Boxing Council (WBC) holder Deontay Wilder.

As the 2012 British Olympic gold medalist prepares for his title defence, he said he is confident that all he has learnt in training will give him the edge.

“Joseph Parker is dedicated and I’m going to see him at 50 per cent better than I have before,” Joshua told The Sun.

“What I’ve learnt is that boxing is simplified when you incorporate your feet. Even though it’s a game of punching people, your feet get you in and out of range.

“If I can transform what I’ve learnt in the gym for the last ten or 12 weeks to the ring, hopefully I can get him out of there between six and eight.”

And when asked if he would seriously consider a crossover from boxing to Mix Martial Art (MMA), Joshua said:

“A good scrap would be with the guy from Congo [Francis Ngannou] who just lost recently. Big unit — that would be a good scrap.

“Yeah of course, obviously I’d have to have a couple of warm up fights because you have to learn the submissions and stuff.

“But, yeah, a fight is a fight at the end of the day. So yeah man, I’d do it.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/joshua-vows-to-knock-out-parker-considers-mma-switch/

Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain reckons the upcoming international friendlies against Spain and Italy will reveal La Albiceleste’s true potentials ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup which kicks off in Russia in June.

Argentina , two-time world champions, will face the Azzurri of Italy at the Etihad Stadium in England on March 23rd before battling Spain four days later at the Wanda Metropolitan in Spain.

Higuain, recalled to the Argentina squad after missing their last seven games told Mundo Albiceleste that he’s delighted to be back in the fold and looking forward to the challenge.

“I’m happy about it. Two important matches, one of them against Spain, which will be a good opportunity to show the potential of Argentina facing the World Cup,” Higuain told Mundo Albiceleste.

“I enjoy the national team and there are still important challenges.”

On how far Argentina can go at the World Cup, the 30 year old former Juventus striker added: “With humility, but we aspire to win everything, but first the two friendlies of this month and then to think about the World Cup. It’s time to be calm.

Higuain has been in rich vein of form for Juventus this season scoring 22 goals and providing six assists in all competitions (39 games).

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/higuain-spain-italy-good-test-argentinas-w-cup-preparations/

Romelu Lukaku opened scoring for Manchester United in their 2-0 win over Brighton on Saturday night for his 25th goal of the season and also leapt to the defence of under-fire team-mate Alexis Sanchez, who was an unused substitute in the FA Cup clash.

Sanchez has only scored once in 10 appearances for United – against Huddersfield Town in February – since his high-profile transfer from Arsenal.
“As long as he keeps working hard like he does, I think he’ll come good for us,” the Belgium international added. “He is a quality player with a lot of assets.

“Look at my situation. I started really well and then had the dry spell in November and December. But at the end of the day with hard work you are always going to get through it.”

Lukaku also claimed Manchester United are planning for a big off-season which will see “a lot of good players” moving to Old Trafford in 2018-19.

“We are Manchester United, we have to improve every year and I know that a lot of players, a lot of good players, will come in next season. That’s for sure,” said Lukaku.

“That is something I look forward to, in order to improve the squad, and what the manager also looks forward to because next year we have to win.

“We will have to try and win as many trophies as we can.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/lukaku-defends-sanchez-claims-ex-arsenal-star-will-deliver-for-manchester-united/

There is one reason Poland coach, Adam Nawalka, wanted to play Nigeria before their opening match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia aginst Senegal – sheer sentiment, he has big admiration for Nigerian football, Complete Sports’ correspondence in Poland writes.

Not many Nigerians knew that Nawalka has once ‘worked’ in Nigeria. Not Many knew that he is an astute fan of Nigerian football Here is the detail…

Anthony Egwuatu is a medical doctor – a gynecologist and endocrinologist, with two offices in Krakow and Kalwaria in Southern Poland. The Igbo man came to Poland 20 years ago, completed his medical study in Gdansk and stayed over here permanently.

Egwuatu is a doctor with good reputation, respect and esteem. However, his love is football. As a teeneger, he used to play in Lagos, but later decided to further his education. But his love for football stayed.

Living in Poland, he participated in some transfers of Nigerian footballers over here, and living in Krakow presented him with the opportunity of meeting Adam Nawalka, the current Poland head coach.

Nawalka and Zbigniew Boniek – one of the best Polish footballers in history and the present Polish Football Association (PZPN) president, were wonderful talents of the Polish football in in the 70s.

Nawalka represented Poland at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina alongside Boniek, playing five of the team’a six matches there. Although very talented, he couldn’t manage to make such a great career as Boniek’s due to the serious injuries he suffered.

He played for Wisla Krakow for several years and a few years in the USA. He later did football coaching training and became a coach.

Invitation to Nigeria

In 1999, Nawalka, as a Wisla Krakow’s scout, was invited to Nigeria by Dr. Anthony Egwuatu. His task was to comb Nigeria and find a decent striker for the top Polish club.

“He was a guest of my family and I must say that he was adored by everybody. My mum, till today, asks me, how is Adam?,” smiles Egwuatu.
The medical doctor adds, “He (Nawalka) was fluent in English, open-minded, friendly and easily made friends during his stay in Nigeria. He spent really good time in Nigeria. Of course, it was not a holiday, he came to Nigeria to spot talented players.”
.
During his stay in Nigeria, Nawalka started with the careful studying of daily newspapers. He asked his Nigerian friend for some dailies everyday as he searched for useful information that could help him make headway in his assignment.

Spotting Talented Nigerian Footballers

At that time, one of the best scorers in the Nigerian league was Kelechi Iheanacho (not the current Leicester City forward) from Enyimba of Aba.

Kelechi Iheanacho who still lives in Poland after retiring from football, takes up the story:
“As far as I know, Adam Nawalka found out in one of the newspapers that I was scoring lots of goals. He came to see me in action in Aba. That’s how Wisla Krakow later gave me a proposal to play for them,” says Iheanacho.

Iheanacho was later transferd to Poland from Julius Berger FC and started playing for Wisla Krakow in 1999.

Iheanacho adds: “Mr Nawalka was a very positive person, and he stood by me and my transfer to Poland. I spent a few years in Krakow before injury stopped me.

“And even though being injuried, Nawalka kept me as a coach at the club. He was a very open-minded person who was eager to learn. At that time, not many Polish people spoke English well like him. He was different,” recalls Iheanacho, who is now in football business while living in Poland capital, Warsaw, partnering with football agents and travelling a lot.

Nawalka moved around a lot too within Nigeria during his visit in March 1999. He went to Onitsha, where he met Chief Jude Ezechukwu (late), Jasper United president at that time.

This writer, as a journalist, had an opportunity to meet Chief Ezechukwu in 2005, during his stay in Nigeria, on the invitation of his close friend, Vincent Alumona, currently the owner of the sports business outfit, Krakovia Sports Ltd.

Chief Jude Ezechukwu, as Jasper United president, transfered some of the best Nigerian footballers to the Polish league at that time. In 1997, he transfered Kenneth Zeigbo to Legia Warsaw and Emmanuel Olisadebe – who later became a top striker of the Polish national team, to Polonia Warszawa. Eight years later Chief Ezechukwu complained in his office at Ajao Estate Lagos, that he still was not paid for those transfers – sometimes, a part and parcel of football business.

Poland’s Test Before Senegal

Dr. Anthony Egwuatu recalls that in 1999, Nawalka spoted some other Nigerian talents. Among them was Justice Christopher.

“Nawalka had an eye for the talented footballars. As far as I remember, he chose five players, who later played for the Super Eagles, among them was Justice Christopher, who later played for another Easter European club, Levski Sofia. It’s a pity that they didn’t play in Poland,” Egwuatu states.

The Nigerian medical doctor is still a friend of the Poland head coach and keeps in touch with him. Andv he knows how much invaluable the Super Eagles friendly is to Nawalka before he leads Poland out in Russia to face an African opposition in Senegal.

“When Poland drew Senegal in the World Cup and it was known that their first match will be against the African team, Adam opted for playing against Nigeria in a friendly, the country he likes a lot,” Egwuatu explains.

“That trip in 1999 was a great experience for Nawalka, leaving lots of good memories. He is very happy to have the Super Eagles now for a very important pre-World Cup friendly match. ”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/revealed-how-poland-coach-nawalka-worked-in-nigeria-reasons-he-endorsed-super-eagles-clash-in-wroclaw/

Argentina star Lionel Messi is aware time is fast running out on his international career and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia may be his last chance to win a senior international title.

In an incredible career in which he’s won virtually every title including five Ballon d’Or gongs, a senior title with the Albiceleste is the only chink in his shining armour.

Argentina have been three-time Copa America runners-up and also lost the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil in Messi’s 12 years with the senior team.

The 30-year-old is now desperate to go one better in Russia, with his team having been beaten by Germany in extra time in Rio de Janeiro four years ago.

“We feel that, if we won’t win the World Cup in Russia, the only way will be to give up the national team,” Messi told La Cornisa on Sunday.

“I dream of winning the trophy in Russia. My wish is to live something similar to Brazil 2014.

“You can do everything OK and fail, like Argentina in Brazil.”

Argentina are considered favourites in a World Cup preliminary group which has Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in Group D.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/messi-2018-is-my-last-chance-to-win-the-world-cup/

Leicester City’s Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has agreed to join Liverpool this summer, according to a report on the Daily Star.

The 21-ye21-year-old has been touted as a replacement for German midfielder, Emre Can, who is set to leave Anfield at the expiration of his contract.

Ndidi has become one of Leicester City’s key figures since he joined the club from Genk in January 2017.

The former Genk star is expected in the Super Eagles camp in Wroclaw later on Monday.

He has made 14 international appearances for the Super Eagles since he made his debut in 2016 and has featured in all English Premier League games for Leicester City (30) this season.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ndidi-linked-with-liverpool-move-as-emre-can-replacement/

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The two Premier League clubs left in the UEFA Champions League, Liverpool and Manchester City, will face each other in the quarter-finals, while last year’s finalists Juventus and Real Madrid will resume their rivalry, the draw revealed on Friday.

In other quarter-final pairings, Sevilla, who knocked out Manchester United, are up against Bayern Munich, as Barcelona face AS Roma.

Back-to-back winners of the UEFA Champions League Real Madrid will look to repeat their brilliant final win over Juventus, who have teach the final twice in the last three seasons but lost both times.

Manchester City who are on the verge of from clinching their first English Premier League title in four years will face Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League in an all English team affair.

Sevilla are making their first appearance in the quarter-finals of the competition in 60 years will look to continue their fairy tale run against 2013 champions Bayern Munich who thrashed Besiktas 8-1 on aggregate in the round of 16.

AS Roma who beat Shaktar Donestsk in the round of 16 tie will have a tough clash in the hands as they were handed Barcelona in the quarter-finals.

The first legs will be played on April 3 and 4, with the second legs on April 10 and 11.

Quarter-final pairings

Barcelona vs AS Roma

Sevilla vs Bayern Munich

Juventus vs Real Madrid

Liverpool vs Manchester City

More details to come…

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/breaking-liverpool-draw-city-juve-vs-real-in-ucl-q-finals/

Nigeria forward Ahmed Musa’s CSKA Moscow will face Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi’s Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

The UEFA Europa League quarter-final draw was conducted in Nyon on Friday.

Musa, who bagged his first goal in the competition in CSKA Moscow’s 3-2 second leg win over Olympique Lyon on Thursday, will travel to the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of the tie scheduled for the 5th of April.

The draw which was anchored by former France and Barcelona defender Eric Abidal also saw former winners of the UEFA Europa League Atletico Madrid take on Sporting Lisbon from Portugal in the quarter-finals while Italian side SS Lazio will take on FC Salzburg.

German club RB Leipzig, making their first appearance in the competition, will face Olympique Marseille.

The quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League will be played on Thursday 5 and Thursday 12 April.

The final of the competition will hold at the Stade de Lyon in May.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/musas-cska-moscow-draw-iwobis-arsenal-in-europa-league-q-final-atletico-face-sporting/

Junior Ajayi (Al Ahly, Egypt)

Junior Ajayi has developed so quickly in the Egyptian league playing for Al Ahly such that the 23 year old striker will be itching to make his debut and remind everyone of his value at the biggest stage for the Super Eagles.

The former CS Sfaxien forward missed a great chance to show his capabilities at the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil due to injury, but for the games against Poland and Serbia whether he gets a role as a striker or a cameo on the wings, Ajayi will need to underline his credentials to Gernot Rohr and show he has a lot in him to lead the lines for the Super Eagles.

Joel Obi (Torino, Italy)

After battling several spells on the sidelines due to his injuries, Obi will have the chance to prove he deserves his place again in the Super Eagles.

The Torino midfielder is currently having his best season in the Italian Serie A with Torino since he made his debut eight years ago. Obi missed Torino’s defeat to AS Roma due to a suspected hamstring injury and it remains to be seen if he will feature in the friendly matches.

The 26-year-old will be a vital cog in the wheel for the Super Eagles midfield at the World Cup, if he stays fit. So, a decent game in the friendlies will definitely put him back in the frame for a place in Nigeria’s World Cup squad.

Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow)

Since dropping down the pecking order in the Super Eagles squad, Ahmed Musa has played second fiddle to the trio of Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon.

With Moses, Iwobi and Simon preferred to the Russia-based winger in the Super Eagles starting lineup, a good performance in the games against Poland and Serbia will put Musa back in reckoning for a place in the starting lineup for the three-time African champions.

Brian Idowu (Amkar Perm, Russia)

Super Eagles left back Elderson Echiejile missed the game against Argentina and that gave Ola Aina and Brian Idowu an opportunity to showcase themselves playing in the left wing back role. Idowu capped his debut appearance with a goal, which gave the Super Eagles a 3-2 lead in the international friendly which Nigeria eventually won.

The FC Amkar Perm defender will be hoping to prove his mettle with the return of the first choice left back Echiejile and Ola Aina also in the squad. Idowu has scored once in 21 league games in the Russian topflight division. A fine performance in the friendlies may just make Rohr and his technical teams ponder about handing him a chance in the World Cup bound team.

Eze Stephen (Lokomotiv Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

Eze Stephen’s performance at the African Nations Championship gave him a rare chance in the main Super Eagles team and he must now grab the opportunity with both hands to hold on to his spot.

Even if the Home Eagles lost in two finals – the West African Football Union Nations (WAFU) tournament and the African Nations Championship, Eze’s form for the team earned him a place in the team of the tournament.

He will be up against the likes of Kenneth Omeruo, Uche Agbo and Chidozie Awaziem for the final two centre-back spots in the team for the World Cup.

Okechukwu Gabriel (Akwa United)

In 2015, Okechukwu Gabriel made the headlines after he was named on the substitute’s bench for the Super Eagles in an African Nations qualifier against Chad in Kaduna and he was handed the iconic No. 10 jersey by the late Stephen Keshi.

Three years on, the 22 year old Akwa United striker has developed very well but there is no guarantee that he will have a place in Nigeria’s preliminary squad for the World Cup.

With several players in the squad capable of playing as a backup striker to the team’s first choice, Gabriel will have to take his chance if he is to be assured of a spot in the team.

Odion Ighalo is already guaranteed of a spot for the World Cup barring any severe injury, the final spot for a striker currently in the team is a fight between Junior Ajayi and Gabriel.

So it’s safe to say that an impressive performance for the Super Eagles will however mean that the 22-year-old is all but guaranteed at least another chance in the team for the next friendly against DR Congo in May.

Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium)

Uche Agbo has not featured for the Super Eagles since he has been receiving invitation to the team. Getting an opportunity to play will give him a chance to prove his place in the team.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/7-super-eagles-who-must-use-poland-serbia-friendlies-to-prove-they-deserve-world-cup-spots/

Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA) have called for a fresh election into the board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Crisis in the NBBF began last year when two factional leaders Musa Kida and Tijani Umar emerged as President from two separate elections.

Kida emerged as President of the NBBF in the general elections into all sports federations in Nigeria organised by the Nigerian sports ministry at the Grand Ibro Hotel, Abuja and supervised by the Nigeria Olympic Committee Secretary, Tunde Popoola, and a sports ministry director Hauwa Kulu.

Umar, on his part, emerged President of the NBBF from an election held in Kano a day prior to the general election held in Abuja.

According to a letter signed by FIBA’s Secretary General, Patrick Bauman, and addressed to NBBF secretary, Chimezie Asiegbu, Musa Kida, Tijani Umar and the Nigeria Olympic Committee, FIBA noted that both elections in Kano and Abuja respectively failed to meet the general statutes of the global body.

The letter stated that the election held in Kano on the 12th of June, 2017 which ushered Umar as President did not comply with the article 9.3 of the FIBA statutes.

While the election in Abuja that saw Kida take over the reins failed to adhere to article 9.7 of the FIBA statutes.

“The statutes and regulation of national members must comply with the General statutes and Internal Regulations of FIBA,” the letter from FIBA noted.

“The General Statutes and internal Regulations of FIBA shall form part of the national member federations’ statutes and regulations. In the event of doubt or conflict the General Statutes and Internal Regulation of FIBA will prevail.”

While Article 9.7 of the FIBA statutes states that: “National members of the federation shall manage their affairs independently and with no influence from third parties. In particular they must ensure that their officials are either elected or appointed under a democratic process for a term of office for four (4) years. Their statutes must provide a transparent procedure that guarantees the complete independence of election or appointment.”

FIBA through the letter to the warring parties also stated that a new date for election will be announced but until then they will be communicating with the Kida-led board.

“FIBA will determine when the NBBF statutes are compliant per the above and reserves the right to oversee parts or the entirety of the elections process,” the letter continued.

“Communication still to be maintained with Musa Kida, Babatunde Ogunade and Chimezie Asiegbu until such time as the new elections are held as per our letter of 26 July, 2017.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/fiba-order-fresh-elections-into-crisis-ridden-nbbf-board/

The Super Eagles are non-movers in the latest FIFA World Rankings released on Thursday on FIFA’sofficial website as the Nigerian side remain 52nd in the world, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Also, the Eagles maintain their position in Africa as they are still number seven on the continent.

Poland, who will face the Eagles in an international friendly on March 23rd, are the only movers in the top 20 as they climbed one spot to joint-sixth with Spain.

Serbia who will also play the Eagles in another friendly billed for March 27, maintained 34th position.

The Eagles 2018 World Cup Group D opponents Argentina are still in fourth spot, Croatia remain 15th and also Iceland stay 18th.

For the Eagles’ 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group F opponents, South Africa moved one spot to 76th, Libya stayed at 99th and Seychelles rose one place to 191st.

The next FIFA Coca-Cola rankings come up April 12, 2018.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/fifa-rankings-nigeria-stay-52nd-poland-rise-serbia-argentina-maintain-postions/

Football fans willing to watch the Nigerian Super Eagles take on England at the Wembley Stadium in London on 2 June will pay between £35 (about N17,560) and £100 (N50,155) for tickets, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com reports[/url].

Other ticket prices for the pre-World Cup friendly are £45 (about N22,571), £55 (N27,587) and £70 (N35,105).

The tickets will go on sale on Monday, 26 March by 12:00 noon till the match day.

According to the official website of the Football Association of England, a limited number of premium level 2 tickets priced at £100 (N50,155) will also be made available to supporters for the game which will kick off by 5:15.

England have defeated Nigeria once on the two occasions both teams have met. The Three Lions were 1-0 winners at Wembley in 1994 before a 0-0 draw at the 2002 World Cup finals in Japan.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group D along with Croatia, Iceland and Argentina for the 2018 at the World Cup in Russia while England will take on Tunisia, Panama and Belgium at the World Cup in their group games.

Other friendlies lined up for the Super Eagles ahead of the 2018 World Cup are against Poland, Serbia, DR Congo and Czech Republic.

Source:[url]https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/%E2%80%8Bfans-to-pay-up-to-n50k-to-watch-england-vs-super-eagles-friendly/[/url]

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has slammed Jose Mourinho and the team for the UEFA Champions League defeat to Sevilla while advising the manager to drop Alexis Sanchez.

United were knocked out of the competition on Tuesday night after a shock 2-1 home defeat to Sevilla sent the Spanish side through to the quarter-finals 2-1 on agreggate.

The Red Devils had only four shots on target over the two legs, which Mourinho dismissed as ‘just statistics’. But Scholes claimed the two performances were indicative of the Portuguese’s reign.

“That’s the way the manager likes to play, on the counter-attack,” Scholes, who has been attacked by Mourinho for criticising United midfielder Paul Pogba, said on television after the match.

“It was difficult watching that and the first game. There is no desire, no energy, no speed. It’s unexplainable. Teams go and try. United didn’t try and win the game away from home.

“Surely the manager must see Sanchez’s not been good enough. He doesn’t know his best front three. He needs to choose his best and leave Sanchez out.”

Sanchez joined United from Arsenal in January in exchange for Henrikh Mkhitaryan but the Chilean has struggled.

However, Mourinho has insisted on starting Sanchez in all of United’s important games while leaving out either Juan Mata, Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/scholes-blasts-mourinho-united-players-after-ucl-exit-wants-sanchez-dropped/

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has admitted that individual errors could be attributed to their 3-0 loss to Barcelona in the second-leg round of 16 UEFA Champions League clash at the Camp Nou on Wednesday night.

Courtois was nutmegged twice by Lionel Messi either side of Ousmane Dembele’s rifling shot for a comprehensive victory for the Catalans.

The win saw Barcelona progress into the quarter-finals 4-1 on aggregate after the first-leg ended 1-1.

“Individual mistakes cost us in both legs,” the Belgian told Chelsea official website. “For the first goal, I didn’t expect the shot from Messi, and I was too late to close my legs, so it’s a mistake on my part and it’s not nice to start the evening like that. The others were missed passes and we paid for them, they scored from our mistakes.

“Apart from that we defended well, tried to play well and we had chances. We hit the [woodwork] twice, it was a bit unlucky but the individual mistakes cost us. We have to be honest about that, continue working and try to win on Sunday in the FA Cup because that’s the only silverware we might get this season.”

Courtois admitted Wednesday night was not the first time he would be nutmegged by Messi, that he had conceded goals like that from the Argentine during his time at Atletico Madrid.

He said:”Obviously I played against him a lot of times and conceded goals through my legs from him before. A goalkeeper like me, I am two metres, it’s maybe the weakest part, because there is always a space between.

“It’s annoying but I have to come out, say I made a mistake, I made some good saves as well, and it’s unlucky to go out to goals from mistakes. We just have to work hard and continue.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/courtois-we-lost-to-barcelona-due-to-individual-errors/

Nigeria forward Victor Moses was rated above average, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois got the lowest marks for their performances in Chelsea’s 3-0 loss to Barcelona in their second leg round of 16 UEFA Champions League clash at the Camp Nou on Wednesday night.

The rating was done by ESPN with each Chelsea player scored out of 10 for their display.A brace from Lionel Messi and a goal by Ousmane Dembele, secured Barcelona’s first home win against Chelsea since 2005.

According to ESPN ratings, Moses who featured from the start before going off for Davide Zappacosta in the second half, got six for his effort.

And commenting on his display, ESPN stated: “Dealt well with any Barcelona threat and was happy to take defenders on at the other end. Unfortunately, he struggled to get a decent cross into the box despite numerous attempts.”

Courtois, who let in three goals, two through his legs from the excellent Messi, got four out of 10.

N’Golo Kante was given a very high nine for his energetic display, while Marcos Alonso and Willian were given top marks, both with eight. Hazard got seven.

Up next for Moses and his Chelsea teammates is a trip to the King Power Stadium where they will face Leicester City in the Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.Chelsea player ratings vs Barcelona:

Thibaut Courtois (4)

Cesar Azpilicuerta (7)

Andreas Christensen (7)

Antonio Rudiger (7)

Marcos Alonso(

Victor Moses (6)

N’Golo Kante (9)

Cesc Fabregas (5)

Eden Hazard (7)

Willian(

Olivier Giroud (5)

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/moses-rated-average-courtois-poorest-in-chelsea-defeat-to-barcelona/