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With the 2018 World Cup four months away, Completesportsnigeria.com’s JOHNNY EDWARD presents how Nigeria’s Super Eagles Group D opponents are preparing for the tournament…

argentina

Argentina

World Cup Base Camp

Argentina will use the Bronnitsy training centre as their base camp in Russia. The camp is located some 40km from Moscow and the Bronnitsy training centre is less than one hour, 30 minutes by flight to the three venues Argentina will play their Group D games.

The Argentines will fly for less than an hour when they open their campaign against Iceland on June 16 at the Otkrytiye Arena, the home ground of Spartak Moscow in Moscow.

They will fly for exactly 50 minutes when they play their second game against Croatia on June 21 at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod while against Nigeria, Lionel Messi and company will fly for one hour and 20 minutes to St.Petersburg where they will play against the Super Eagles. The match will take place at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg on June 26, 2018.

World Cup friendlies

Two-time world champions Argentina have lined up four friendlies ahead of their 2018 World Cup campaign in Russia. The La Albiceleste who last won the World Cup in 1986 will play Switzerland in Basel on the 23rd of March before taking on Spain on March 27th at a venue yet to be finalised.

Argentina will play two other friendlies before they take on Iceland in their World Cup opener on June 16.

According to a report on the official website of Argentine Football Association, the Albiceleste have an offer to play Bolivia or Ecuador (though details of the game have not been finalised) in a farewell game at Boca’s La Bombonera Stadium on May 30 before departing to Barcelona on June 1 for a one-week training camp at the Joan Gamper Sports City on the outskirts of the city.

A final friendly game has been scheduled for Argentina on June 8 with Israel a likely opponent before their trip to Russia. Argentine, who booked a ticket to this summer’s tournament by winning their final qualifier 3-1 at Ecuador in October thanks to a Lionel Messi hat-trick, will take on Iceland, Croatia, and Nigeria in the group stages.

WORLD CUP FIXTURES

Argentina vs Iceland Spartak Stadium, Moscow Saturday 16 June

Argentina vs Croatia Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Thursday 21 June

Nigeria vs Argentina Saint Petersburg Stadium Tuesday 26 June

CROATIA

World Cup Base Camp

The Croatian team will use the Woodland Rhapsody Resort at Illichevo, in Russia. The camp is located approximately 60 kilometres from St. Petersburg. The Woodland Rhapsody is located in a peaceful resort between a forest and a lake which presents an excellent environment for the national team.

The Vatreni as the Croatian senior national team are called will hold their practice sessions at the newly completed and attractive small stadium at Roshchino, which is a 15-minute drive from the resort.

The Roshchino training centre has a capacity of 500 spectators and it was built for the World Cup. During the World Cup, this centre will also host the press centre for the media representatives.

Croatia World Cup friendlies

The Croatian Football Federation have confirmed two of the four friendly matches lined up for the Vatreni ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

According to a report on the CFF website, the Croatia will play Peru on March 23rd at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, United States of America and four days later take on Mexico at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

Also, a game against five-time world champions Brazil has been lined up for Croatia in May but a date and match venue are yet to be agreed upon with Chelsea’s home ground, Stamford Bridge, and Liverpool’s Anfield in the running to host the match.

Croatia are also keen on squaring up against an African team that play similar style with Nigeria in the first week of June. The Vatreni will start their World Cup campaign against the Super Eagles at the Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad on June 16.

WORLD CUP FIXTURES

Croatia vs Nigeria Kaliningrad Stadium,Kaliningrad Saturday 16 June

Argentina vs Croatia Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Thursday 21 June

Iceland vs Croatia Rostov Arena,Rostov-On-Don Tuesday 26 June

fifa-world cup-super eagles-2018argentina-croatia-iceland-world cup-rohr-super eagles-argentina-nigeria-completesportsnigeria.com

ICELAND

World Cup Base Camp

The Iceland team are yet to settle for a camp site in Russia with the official website of Iceland stating that the team will either be camped in Moscow or the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

World Cup friendlies

Iceland started off their preparation towards Russia 2018 World Cup on the wrong foot, losing 2-1 to the Czech Republic in in Doha, in November 2017. Goals from Tomas Soucek and Jan Sykora gave Czech Republic a 2-0 lead before Kjartan Finnbogason scored a late consolation for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side.

At the start of the year, Iceland returned to winning ways, recording back-to-back wins against an Indonesia selected side 6-0 and the Indonesian national team 4-1 in their second international friendly game in 2018.

Iceland topped Group I of their UEFA qualifying campaign that included Croatia, Ukraine, Turkey, Finland, and Kosovo, losing just twice in the 10 matches – scoring 16 goals and conceding seven. They will take on Mexico on the 23rd of March and three days later face Peru in friendly games.

Iceland are drawn in Group D alongside Super Eagles of Nigeria, Argentina and Croatia in this year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia. They will face the Eagles in their second group game on June 22 in Volgograd.

WORLD CUP FIXTURES

Argentina vs Iceland Spartak Stadium, Moscow Saturday 16 June

Nigeria vs Iceland Volgograd Arena, Volgograd Friday 22 JUN

Iceland vs Croatia Rostov Arena, Rostov-On-Don Tuesday 26 June

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/road-russia-argentina-croatia-iceland-preparing-super-eagles/

For the first time in History Nigeria’s flag will be hoisted at the winter Olympics bobsled event taking place in Pyeongchang County, South Korea.

This is a path never trailed by anyone in their Nation, the trio Seun Adigun, Ngozi Onwumere and Akuoma Omeoga will be making history at the XXIII Olympic Winter Games known as Pyeongchang 2018 billed to take place from February 9th to 25th.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/historic-nigeria-bobsled-ladies-pt-2/
Watch:https://youtu.be/cbt4NjvrgyQ

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has returned to training but remains a doubt to feature in the Premier League fixture against Newcastle United on Sunday.

Mourinho whose side are 13 points adrift of leaders Manchester City in the Premier League also ruled out Eric Bailly from his squad for the game.

The former Chelsea manager also insisted he has no problem with Paul Pogba after the French midfielder was dropped from the starting line-up for United’s 2-0 win over Huddersfield.

“Paul had a very professional behaviour,” said Mourinho during his pre-match conference on Friday ahead of the clash at Newcastle.

“The week was not different to what Paul is every week. He works well, he’s a good professional He likes to train. I’ve never had a single problem with him. He likes to train.

“I had a few laughs over the past week because I heard and watched, read a few things, and I’m not English but I think I understand English enough when you want to say box to box.

“But with some comments from some important people in football, I got a little confused. For me box to box means box to box. You have to be good in this box and have to be good in that box.

“It means you have to defend well in this box, the physical condition and desire and stamina to go until the other box. In the other box you have to be good at scoring, creating, heading and so on.

“For me Paul is a midfield player. He’s not a left back, he’s not a striker. When people ask his best position: he’s a midfield player. It depends on the tactical system but he will always be a midfielder.

“Then with so many opinions, and we are in a world of opinions, people can get confused. There is no confusion between me and Paul. It’s difficult to play a midfielder with more potential than Paul.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/mourinho-opens-zlatan-bailly-return-pogbas-best-position/

Nigeria’s Blessing Oborodudu is confident of claiming an eighth successive continental gold medal at the 2018 African Wrestling Championships in Port Harcourt.

The seven-time African wrestling champion will have to do so in a new weight category, 68 kg. She formerly competed in the 63 kg class.

Nonetheless, she told Nigeria Wrestling Federation Media that she is ready to defend her African crown in her new weight category, adding that preparation for the African Championships has been going on well.

“The preparation for the African Championship has been good, we have been in camp for about three weeks,” the Bayelsa-born freestyle wrestler said. “So I’m ready to go.

“This will be my eighth time of winning the African Championship, and this 2018 is in a different class (68kg). It is no more 63 kg again.

“I’m equally preparing for them (the wrestlers in that weight class); I know most of them there. I think I’m good to go.

“By the special grace of God, I have the full confidence that I will win the gold medal.”

The 2018 African Wrestling Championships takes place in Port Harcourt from 7th to 11th February at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre. It is the first time Nigeria will be hosting the competition.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/oborodudu-targets-8th-straight-gold-african-wresting-championship/

There is much debate as to which nation is the favourite to lift the World Cup after after the Final on July 15th in Moscow. Germany, Brazil, France, Spain and a number of other nations have all shown the credentials to be regarded as worthy winners, but there is no candidate currently looking like breaking away from the pack.

Bookmakers, too, look a little stumped on who the most likely winner will be, finding it difficult to separate the odds between favourites Germany and Brazil in the World Cup betting 2018. Indeed, many pundits don’t think those two most-decorated footballing nations should be favourites at all, feeling that France or, perhaps, Spain should be regarded as frontrunners.

Realated: World Cup Draw: Brazil Fans Predict Sixth Title For Samba Boys

France may have their best chance for twenty years

France, currently available at odds of 11/2 (Paddy Power), are arguably the most intriguing contenders for Russia 2018. Didier Deschamps has such a ridiculously deep pool of players to choose from that a coach could almost build two World Cup-winning squads. As an example, most coaches take around seven or eight attack-minded players to the Finals, meaning that the likes of Anthony Martial, Dimitri Payet, Kevin Gameiro or even Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman could be left at home.

While having the talent at their disposal, France’s fluency and cohesiveness could be their ultimate downfall. Brazil (5/1) have no such issues, with current coach Tite instilling new sense of verve and confidence in a team that seemed on its knees after the 2014 World Cup Semi-Final humiliation to Germany. Neymar is, of course, still the star man, but this Brazil side is now less about individuals and more about achieving victory.

German winning-machine rolls on to Russia

It almost goes without saying that 2014 winners Germany (9/2) will be widely backed to go deep in the tournament. Like Brazil, they have established a winning mentality, best summed up by their 100% record in UEFA qualifying. Experienced players are complemented by rising stars like Leroy Sané, Timo Werner and Julian Weigl, so there is a nice balance about this German team. However, defensive frailties might give bettors pause before backing them to win the World Cup.

It seems that Spain (6/1) have gone slightly under the radar since the disappointment of the last World Cup. However, the way they navigated a qualifying group, which included Italy, demonstrated that they could be back to their best. Like France, the depth of their squad almost seems unfair to other nations. But, the onus is upon coach Julen Lopetegui to find a settled XI.

Lack of expectation may suit England

What of the outside bets for World Cup glory? The lack of expectation in the UK media may actually suit England (16/1), who boast a potent forward line with Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling. Nigeria’s Group D rivals, Argentina (8/1) and, to a slightly-lesser extent, Croatia (40/1), are both fancied to do well. The former, of course, will have Lionel Messi in their ranks. Many neutrals will want the ‘little-man’ to finally lift the trophy his talent so richly deserves.

The odds are in triple-figures across the board for African sides, with Senegal (125/1) and Nigeria (150/1) leading the way. Egypt (275/1), Morocco (325/1) and Tunisia (500/1) are ranked among the outsiders for the tournament. The time may not yet be ripe for an African team to win the World Cup, but certainly the Super Eagles and Lions of Teranga will hope to upset the odds and progress to the knockout stages at least.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/little-to-choose-between-top-nations-at-russia/

Watch:https://youtu.be/ZCcnQiuyUlQ

Chelsea’s recent poor run continued as they were thrashed 4-1 by Watford at Vicarage Road in the Premier League in Monday night.

It was their second defeat in their last two league games following their surprise 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth.

A Troy Deeney penalty and goals from Daryl Janmaat, Roberto Pereyra and Gerard Deulofeu secured the convincing win for Watford.

Tiemoue Bakayoko was sent off after receiving his second yellow card for a foul on Richarlison.

Super Eagles forward, Victor Moses, played 90 minutes for Chelsea but could not prevent the hammering.

Former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud made his debut for Chelsea after replacing Pedro Rodriguez who went off injured.

Chelsea are fourth on 50 points while Watford are 11th on 30 points in the league table.

Willian had Chelsea’s first big chance in the 12th minute but hit effort just over the bar after Moses’ cross rebounded off a Watford defender.

Watford almost made Chelsea pay for a careless play in defence but Richarlison’s goal bound shot was well blocked by Gary Cahill.

In the 26th minute, a corner from Gerard Deulofeu was almost turned into his own net by Tiemoue Bakayoko.

Chelsea were reduced to 10 men as Bakayoko was sent off after receiving his second yellow card for a late foul on Richarlison.

Watford went close to making their one man advantage count as Richarlison tested Thibaut Courtois from range but the Chelsea keeper made a comfortable save.

In the 42nd minute, Watford went 1-0 up through Deeney who converted from the penalty spot after Courtois fouled Deulofeu.

On the stroke of halftime, Etiene Capoue hit a low shot close to the Chelsea area but Cesar Azpilicuerta blocked his effort away for a corner.

Deep into added time, Chelsea had a chance to draw level only for Pedro Rodriguez blazing his shot over the bar.

The game was halted for a few minutes due to head collision between Moses and Marvin Zeegelaar.

Deulofeu should have doubled Watford lead on 59 minutes but saw his curler go inches wide.

A minute later Richarlison also had a chance following a poor pass by Courtois but the Brazilian’s low shot just missed the target.

In the 66th minute, Courtois made a superb save as he dived full stretch to punch away Abdoulaye Doucoure’s left-footed strike.

Courtois made another good save in the 77th minute as he held Jose Holebas’ long range strike.

With 10 minutes remaining Chelsea had a chance to equalise only for Orestiz Karnezis.

In the 82nd minute Chelsea equalised thanks to Hazard who curled in a brilliant strike into the bottom left corner to make it 1-1.

Watford took the lead again on 84 minutes through Janmaat who danced into the box made a quick interchange of pass with Deulofeu before placing the ball past Courtois.

Things went from bad to worse for Chelsea on 88 minutes as Deulofeu ran towards goal, before slotting into the back of the net with his left-foot.

And in the 91st minute, Pereyra completed the rout as he ran on to Dacoure’s pass before slamming his shot into the net.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/86051-2/

Nigeria defender Osas Okoro has apologised to Nigerian fans following the home-based Super Eagles’ 4-0 thrashing at the hands hosts Morocco in the final of this year’s Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in Casablanca on Sunday.

A 10-man Home Eagles team were thoroughly trounced by Morocco with goals coming from Zakaria Hadraf (brace) Walid El Karti and Ayoub El Kaabi.Peter Eneji was sent off for the Home Eagles in the 48th minute after receiving his second yellow card of of the final.

Reacting to the defeat, Okoro stated that they have taken positives from the tournament.

He also expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support for the team.

“We really wanted to win for every Nigerian out there but we are sorry about the end result. A lot to learn from this and we thank you for your endless support, ” Okoro wrote on his Twitter handle on Monday.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/okoro-apologises-to-nigerians-for-home-eagles-chan-final-defeat-to-morocco/

[url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url]’s ADEBOYE AMOSU runs the rule over the performance of the Home Eagles in their African Nations Championship final defeat against Morocco…

DELE AJIBOYE 7/10
Conceded four times in the game but still posted an impressive showing. He was let down by his defence for all the goals.

OSAS OKORO 4/10
Failed to live up to his previous heights in the competition as he was badly exposed by the Moroccans.

STEPHEN EZE 4/10
Eze was not at his best in the game and was giv a run around by the Moroccans. It was no doubt his worst showing of the competition.

KALU ORJI 5\10
The stand-in skipper tried in vain to put the defence together especially after Moses Eneji’s dismissal without success. He made a couple of vital blocks but it was not enough to prevent his side from losing.

IKOUWEN UDOH 6/10
A slightly above average performance from the young defender who was Nigeria’s best defender in the game. Played a number of defence splitting passes and defended well too.

EMEKA ATULOMA 4/10
Returned to the starting line-up after missing the semi-final win against Sudan due to injury. The Rivers United player started the game well but fizzled out like most of his teammates and was forced off in the second half due to injury.

RABIU ALI 4/10
A below-par showing which summed up his performance in the competition. He was replaced in the 57th minute by Augustine Oladapo.

DAYO OJO 4/10
Toiled hard to impress in the game with no success. He was outnumbered in midfield by the Moroccans.

EMEKA OGBUBH 4/10
Another player who returned to the starting line-up after missing out against Sudan due to injury. He probably did not shake off the injury enough as never really get into gear in the game.

MOSES ENEJI 4/10
Looked lively in what was his first start of the competition but was dismissed early in the second half for a rash challenge.

GABRIEL OKECHUKWU 5/10
He was completely isolated upfront and did not get the kind of service he would have required.

SUBSTITUTES

ANTHONY OKPOTU 3/10
Came in for Emeka Ogbuh early in the second half and didn’t do anything positive to turn the game around.

AUGUSTINE OLADAPO 4/10
He was surprisingly left on the bench after impressing in the semi-final against Sudan. He could do nothing to change the fortune of his team after his introduction for Rabiu Ali in the 56th minute.

MUSTAPHA IBRAHIM 2/10
Another substitute who did nothing to affect the game.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/not-good-enough-home-eagles-rated-vs-morocco/

Former Nigeria international, Mutiu Adepoju, has expressed his disappointment following the home-based Super Eagles’ 4-0 thrashing against hosts Morocco in the final of the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) on Sunday in Casablanca, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN) reports.

Morocco claimed their first senior title since winning the Africa Cup of Nations way back in 1976 with the comprehensive win against Nigeria.

A brace from Zakaria Hadraf, Walid El Karti and Ayoub El Kaabi, gave the Moroccans the deserved the win.

They became the first country to host and win the CHAN tournament since it began in 2009.

Reflecting on the Eagles’ heavy defeat, Adepoju stated he had expected tight contest.

“I didn’t expect that the Eagles will lose with such margin. I expected the game to be competitive than what we saw. I think the result was not good,” Adepoju told [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Adepoju dismissed talks about stage fright for the Eagles’ players, positing that the team had been squeezing out results.

He said: “I don’t think the loss had anything to do with stage fright. Most of the players play in front of large crowds in the NPFL. Rather I will say in most of our matches before the final, yes we’ve been winning, but it had been difficult wins. I knew the game against Morocco will be different because they have a solid team. But like I said, even if we are going to lose, I didn’t expect us to lose this much.”

The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner, however picked the duo of Ikouwem Udoh and Okechukwu Gabriel as the home-based Eagles players that impressed him at the tournament.

He added:”I was impressed with the left-full back , Ikouwem Udoh. He did very well but he still has much to do, he needs to gain more experience. He attacks and also defends well and his movement was good.”

“Okechukwu Gabriel did well in the previous two games he played, but unfortunately, I didn’t see those runs behind the defenders against the Moroccans. But he has a lot to learn and improve his game.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/adepoju-disappointed-with-home-eagles-chan-2018-final-thrashing-by-morocco/

Last Updated: 12:57 RewardLast to first
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Morocco 0
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FT: Morocco 4-0 Nigeria


Ethiopia are the next host of the CHAN in 2020. Hopefully Nigeria will go one better and win in Addis Ababa in two years time

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FT: Morocco 4-0 Nigeria.


It's all over. Morocco are the new champions of CHAN



Nigeria also achieved their best ever performance, bettering the bronze medal from 2014


This is the heaviest defeat in a CHAN final, eclipsing the identical 3-0 victory of Tunisia over Angola in 2011 and DR Congo over Mali in 2016


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90' - Morocco has one last chance to increase the tally. Cornerkick wasted.

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12:45
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85' - Morocco 4-0 Nigeria

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82' - El Kaabi goes off to great applause. What a wonderful tournament he's had with nine goals.

1
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77' Captain Banoune cops a yellow card for foul on Ojo.

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75' - Eze cuts off the ball again for a corner kick. Everything is going south for Nigeria now. The fight is practically out of the players.

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74' - Goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Morocco 4-0 Nigeria



El Kaabi finally gets his goal, rifling home with his left foot for his ninth goal.

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12:32
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72' - Hadraf goes off to great applause. He's played a massive role in this game.

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70' - Morocco 3-0 Nigeria

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68' - Nigeria brutally exposed and it has nothing to do with the red card. El Kaabi almost getting a fourth one there.



Atuloma is limping, adding more to the team's problems.

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65' - Goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Morocco 3-0 Nigeria



Another punt down the flank, cut back and another goal. Morocco can finally breath easy. The game is all but over.

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63' - Nigeria one man and two goal down. The Moroccans have stayed true to their gameplan and exploited the Nigerian full backs.

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60' Goal!!!!!!!!

Morocco 2-0 Nigeria



Ajiboye's save was as far as El Karti who gratefully nods into the net.

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59' - Gabriel breaks but punts the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper. He's called for offside. Glimmer of hope that the Nigerian side are not willing to roll over for Morocco.



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57' - Rabiu Ali goes off for Austine Oladapo. Fresh legs in the middle of the park.



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54' Ajiboye saves again, parrying for a corner. Second corner for morocco in quick succession.

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53' Okpotu comes on for Ogbugh as Nigeria try to rescue something from this game.

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52' Badri is booked for a foul on Ogbugh. Nigeria down to 10, its an uphill task against the very mobile Moroccans.



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47' - Trouble for Nigeria. Eneji cops a second yellow card and is off. His competition started 45 minutes ago and it is ending prematurely. The Super Eagles are in trouble.

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46' - Welcome back for the second half. game underway and Morocco are starting the attack where they left off in the first half.

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HT: Morocco 1-0 Nigeria



The goal coming almost at the very end of the half. Nigeria have 45 minutes plus time-added on to reverse this. Morocco have taken one step closer to the trophy.

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11:46
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45' - Goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Morocco 1-0 Nigeria



Tenacity pays off for the hosts, Jibra's intelligent cut-back is fired into the net by Hadraf.

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11:44
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44' - Eneji is booked for dangerous tackle, the second for Nigeria.



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40' - Morocco 0-0 Nigeria

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34' - Eze has been magnificent in this game, intelligently reading and cutting out danger. He's surely one of the players of the competition.

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33' - Osas booked for impeding El Kaabi's movement. It is the first yellow of the game.



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30' - Morocco 0-0 Nigeria

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29' - Nigeria being harried off the ball by the Moroccans. El Hadadd is on the pitch, requiring medical attention. Freekick quickly taken but Ajiboye gratefully gathers Banoune's ball.



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11:28
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27' - Nigeria getting ambitious after the Moroccans fail to make their early dominance count. This game is living up to its billing as the championship game of the tournament.

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11:27
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25' - Good work from Eneji but Okechukwu slips and fails to connect in the Moroccan box. Best moment yet for Nigeria in this game.

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20' - Morocco 0-0 Nigeria


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11:20
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18' - Another freekick for Morocco. Nigeria break away but rabiu Ali's touch was too heavy and the ball rolls harmlessly to the Moroccan keeper.

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11:16
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15 - El Kaabi shows why he's the leading scorer in the competition, his outrageous overhead kick grazes the crossbar. Moment of respite for Nigeria.

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11:15
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12' - Nigeria clears into throw but the Moroccans regroup to attack again. They have one attack plan: long balls over the Nigerian midfield to the flanks. They are hoping to exploit the strength of Hadraf on the right flank.

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11:12
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11' - I warned the Eagles to be wary of Hadraf, the number 7 shirt. He's caused all sorts of problems for Nigeria already and won a freekick on the edge of the box.

0
11:10
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9' - Ogbugh picks the pocket of Jbira but before he could move ahead he's called back for a foul on the Moroccan.

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11:09
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7' - Nigeria is let off as Morocco's headed goal was chalked off. The ball had apparently gone off. On the other end, Peter Eneji blasts Nigeria's chance off the bar.

0
11:07
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6' - End to end action results in corner-kick for Morocco.


Morocco's Nahiri is on the pitch, apparently injured. He's up now, to the relief of his coach.

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11:05
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4' - Eze gets off lightly after a kick on El Kaabi but Morocco wins a freekick.

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11:04
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2' - Morocco show intent early, trying to attack Nigeria with long balls. Nearly paid off there but El Karti's ball goes off the near post. narrowly.

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11:02
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1' The stadium is filled to capacity with massive support for the Atlas Lions.

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11:02
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1' Nigeria gets the game underway.

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In the absence of Ezenwa, central defender Kalu Orji is stand-in captain for Nigeria.

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Apart from shirt number 9 El Kaabi who's scored eight goals so far in the competition, Nigeria must also be wary of number 7 shirt Hadraf, a cunny winger who's deceptively frail.

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10:55
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Line up for both teams:



Nigeria:



16 Ajiboye

2 Osas

12 Udoh

5 Orji

6 Eze

10 Ali

4 Atuloma

15 Ojo

7 Ogbugh

22 Okechukwu

11 Eneji



Morocco:



1 Zniti

5 El Yamiq'

6 Boulhroude

7 Hadraf

8 Saidi

9 El Kaabi

10 El Karti

11 El Haddad

13 Banoune

16 Nahiri

20 Jbira

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/live-blogging-morocco-vs-nigeria-2018-chan-final/

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that his side cannot catch city rivals Manchester City in this season’s race for the Premier League title.

United are second, 15 points behind City with 13 matches left in the campaign.

“They are doing so so well and not letting others come close,” Mourinho said during his pre-match press conference on on Friday ahead of the Premier League home clash with Huddersfield.

“With the points we have in normal conditions the distance that keeps the fight open and in this moment the fight is open for 2,3,4,5 but the fight for 1 is closed.”

“City have been strong, they’ve even won matches when they didn’t deserve to, they’ve scored late goals with last pushes and this is why there is such a distance. It’s too pragmatic to say the other five teams have failed.”

Mourinho insists his side have improved despite being so far behind their main rivals City.

He added: “I don’t remember us being fourth or fifth this season, we’re better than last season in every single aspect. You can do good work without winning titles.”

The match on Saturday will mark the 60th anniversary of the Munich air disaster which claimed a generation of Manchester United players on their way back from a European fixture in 1958.

“I was saying before that this is something that is part of my life, part of my football culture even before I was here, it was such a tragedy, as Manchester United manager it means much more, but it belongs to every sportsman,” Mourinho said.

“I think tomorrow is an amazing day to show respect and the passion for the club. It’s a day to play well and to bring happiness and joy, for people to be together and enjoying their colours.

“It’s not because of the Munich disaster that tomorrow’s game becomes important for us, it’s important for us because we need points to be the first of the lasts. We have to try to finish second.”

Mourinho confirmed that Marouane Fellaini will miss Saturday’s Premier League clash against Huddersfield Town at Old Trafford.

The Belgian midfielder picked up a knee injury in the Red Devils’ 2-0 midweek defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

“They [the medical team] are still working on it,” said Mourinho during his pre-match conference.

“It’s an injury and I feel sorry for him personally and I feel sorry for the team because he’s an important player for us.

“I don’t have news because I don’t want to give you news based on the initial approach.”

“But I don’t think the news is very good. He has a problem in his knee – it’s the same knee [as previous injuries] but not the same location. It was internal, now it’s external, so let’s wait probably a couple more days, but of course he is out of the game tomorrow.

“It’s not an ACL [anterior cruciate ligament], it’s not a complete rupture of any structure of the knee, so we are not going as far as that. But we need him and the Champions League is arriving, we have lots of tough matches to play. Probably we are going to lose him for a few weeks, but I cannot say if it’s two, three, four or five [weeks]. I cannot say at this moment.”

Mourinho also revealed that he hopes to welcome back Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic back to the squad after their long term injury.

“They are working on the pitch but not yet with us as a group so they are not very close to a return.

“But I want to believe that by Champions League time, around the end of the month, they will be back.”

“I think it’s a day to bring happiness to bring joy,” he said. “For people to be together enjoying the game and at the same time showing all the respect for the people and their families.”

Read more:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/mourinho-united-cant-catch-city-want-win-munich-anniversary/

Home-based Super Eagles goalkeeper, Dele Ajiboye, says the team will strive hard to make history by winning Nigeria’s first African Nations Championship title when they face host nation Morocco in the tournaments’s final game in Casablanca on Sunday, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN).‎

Salisu Yusuf’s men will be playing in their first final in the history of the competition against the North Americans.

The team finished third four years ago in their debut appearance in South African and failed to progress beyond the group stage in the last edition in Rwanda.

Ajiboye who came in for the injured captain of the team, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, in the semi-final win against Sudan and posted a superb display says the team is battle ready for the game.

“We are on the verge of making history and can’t afford not to go home with the trophy,” the Plateau United goalie informed CSN.

“The hosts (Morocco) have a lot of quality players in their team and have played very well in this competition, but they are beatable.

“We have fought hard to get to this stage despite the injuries and the weather issue and it’s important to end the competition on a high.

“We know it will be difficult as the Moroccans will have a lot of fans cheering them in the stadium but God and the Nigerian spirit in us will see us through. “

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ajiboye-home-eagles-want-make-history-chan-2018-title/

The venue for the Nigerian trials for the 2018 Gold Coast Commowealth Games scheduled to hold at the Goodswill Akpabio International Stadium Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, has been moved to the Abuja National stadium, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has announced.

The trials will hold from February 14th to the 17th, according to a statement from the AFN federation with the deadline for registration fixed for the 10th of February.

The XXI Commonwealth Games will be held on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia between 4 and 15 April 2018.

According to a media statement signed by Apeh Melvina, the secretary of the AFN, each state association will pay the sum 100,000 for the annual affiliation fee and register each athlete for the trials with 2,000.

Over 150 athletes across the country are expected to take part in the trials.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/afn-moves-commonwealth-games-trials-venue-uyo-abuja/

Fortuna Sittard’s manager, Sunday Oliseh, is eager to see his side return to winning ways tonight (Friday) when they face FC Volendam in a Dutch second division league clash, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN) reports.

Fortuna Sittard have suffered consecutive defeats to Dordrecht and FC Emmen in their last two games, a setback which has seen the Limburg side drop to third in the Dutch second division league table.

Oliseh’s men are now two points adrift leaders NEC Nijmegen and one behind second place Jong Ajax with 44 points from 22 games.

“We just have to pick ourselves up again and start another run till the end of the season,” the former Super Eagles captain and coach told CSN.

“Two of our first team defenders who missed our last two defeats are expected back in the squad and hopefully, we should get a positive result but don’t forget that Volendam are also on a decent run as well.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/oliseh-eager-end-poor-fortuna-sittard-run-step-promotion-bid/

Mainz 05 manager Sandro Schwarz has stated that the signing of Nigeria striker Anthony Ujah and Dutch star Nigel De Jong has brought competition into the squad.

Ujah returned to Mainz from Chinese Super League club Liaoning Hongyun in the January transfer window on a three-and-half year contract until 2021.

He first signed for Mainz in 2012 before departing for Cologne in 2015.

Since his return to Mainz, he has made two Bundesliga appearances without a goal yet.

Speaking in his press conference on Thursday, ahead of their Bundesliga home clash against champions Bayern Munich on Saturday, Schwarz however expressed satisfaction with the make-up of his squad.

“The squad size is just right at the minute. There’s a lot of competition for places, especially with Ujah and De Jong now in the mix,” Schwarz said.

And ahead of the big clash, the Mainz gaffer said they will be banking on home support to get a positive result.

He added: “Everyone is aware of Bayern’s quality. During the match we will have to withstand a lot of pressure but we’re hoping to create a special atmosphere in the stadium.”

They are currently 15th on 20 points, three points above the relegation play-off spot in the 18-team Bundesliga table.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/mainz-coach-ujah-de-jong-made-us-competitive/

Desert Hawks of Sudan coach, Zdravko Logarusic, has praised his players’ spirited performance in their CHAN 2018 semi-final loss to Nigeria, and insists that his side didn’t deserve to lose to the Salisu Yusuf’s team, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN) reports.

Gabriel Okechukwu made the difference scoring the only goal of the game in the 17th minute to end Sudan’s fairy tale run in the tournament.

Logarusic noted that his team created a plethora of scoring chances in the game. He also praised Nigeria’s substitute goalkeeper, Dele Ajiboye for the stunning saves he made during the game after he came on in the first half for injured captain and first choice goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

“Sometimes in football, you don’t deserve to lose, but end up losing. Other times, you don’t deserve to win, but end up winning. Today was one of such days,” Logarusic said during his post match interview after the game.

The Croatia added: “He (Oladele Ajiboye) started well and for me, he is the Man of The Match. He is the one who gave Nigeria the final slot. When they needed help at the back, he was the man who saved them.

Maaz Abdelraheem Gismalla of Sudan challenged by Moses Okoro Osas of Nigeria during the 2018 CHAN semifinals football game between Sudan and Nigeria at the Grand stade Marrakech in Marrakech, Morocco on 31 January 2017

“Nigeria put the ball in the net, and that made the difference. What is important after five weeks of being in charge is that we are seeing some progress and are playing nice football.

“We have boys who can compete against any country. Today, we did not play against just any country; it was Nigeria, which is a giant in football.

“It was good for African football. We have picked some experience and will prepare for the next game (Third Place match vs Libya).

“It was a very high level game with high challenges and many chances.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/sudan-coach-logarusic-didnt-deserve-defeat-nigeria-ajiboye-motm/

Nigeria striker, Brown Ideye, has congratulated the home-based Super Eagles following their qualification for the final of the 2018 Total African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Wednesday in Marrakech, Morocco, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN)‎ reports.
‎
A 17th minute strike by Gabriel Okechukwu, secured a 1-0 win for the Eagles against Sudan and a first-ever final berth in CHAN.

Both teams had a player sent off – Ifeanyi Ifeanyi received a second yellow card for a dangerous tackle, while Sudan’s Bachir Bakri was shown a straight red card for tripping Dayo Ojo who was goal bound.

The Eagles will face hosts Morocco in the final on Sunday in Casablanca.

Morocco also qualified for their first-ever CHAN final after defeating Libya 3-1 in extra-time also on Wednesday.

Reacting to the Eagles qualification for the final, Ideye who recently joined Spanish LaLiga outfit, Malaga, hailed Home Eagles’ goalkeeper, Dele Ajiboye for an outstanding performance after replacing the injured Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

“Waoh!!! Ajiboye! Congratulations guys. #TotalCHAN2018,” Ideye wrote on his verified Twitter handle.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ideye-hails-home-eagles-reaching-chan-2018-final-thumbs-ajiboyes-showing-vs-sudan/

Last Updated: 13:28 Last to first
0
SUDAN 1
NIGERIA
13:28
[url]completesportsnigeria[/url]
See you on Sunday

0
13:28
completesportsnigeria
FT: Sudan 0-1 Nigeria

Congratulations Nigeria and thank you for staying with us for this live-blogging....


0
13:26
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Its Nigeria against host Morocco in Sunday's final



0
13:24
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FT: Sudan 0-1 Nigeria



Its all over!!! Nigeria are in the finals.



0
13:23
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90+2 Nigeria have seconds to hold on now



0
13:23
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90+2 Ajiboye saves again.

0
13:22
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90' - Two minutes have been added. Nigeria is less than 120 seconds away from a first ever CHAN final



0
Updated: 13:22
completesportsnigeria
89'- Corner for Nigeria as they attempt to whine down the clock. Game still 1-0 in favour of the Super Eagles



1
13:19
completesportsnigeria
88' - Freekick for Nigeria. Osas plays but it goes narrowly wide.





0
13:18
completesportsnigeria
87' - Corner for Sudan. Nigeria break away. Red card for Bachir for hacking goal-bound Dayo Ojo. Game now 10-man each.





0
13:17
completesportsnigeria
86' - Nigeria throwing bodies on the line but Sudan are unrelenting





2
13:15
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83' - Ajiboye saves again! Sudan get second corner in quick succession. Nigeria living dangerously now





1
13:13
completesportsnigeria
81' - Goalkeeper Ajiboye has been a calming influence on the Nigerian backline. His assured performance has helped the Super Eagles to hold their own against Sudan's attack





1
13:11
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80' - Sudan 0-1 Nigeria

0
Updated: 13:11
completesportsnigeria
79' - Ibrahim attempts to make an instant impact but his header off Osas Okoro's free-kick goes wide



0
13:10
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77' - Ibrahim Mustapha comes on for Rabiu Ali who's been one of Nigeria's better performers on the night.





0
13:04
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73' - Oladapo still receiving treatment but game is back in play

1
13:01
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67' - Nigeria enjoy a moment of brief dominance but Sudan are not letting up on the pressure





0
12:55
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65' Sudan bring on Walaedin for Maaz as they go in search of that elusive equaliser





1
12:53
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62' - Okpotu is sacrificed for Abdulahi Musa with Nigeria needing to defend their goal. It's a long way to go for the Super Eagles





0
12:51
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60' - Sudan's Omer is also yellow carded. Game is very physical now





0
12:51
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58' - Red card for Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, a second yellow card for dangerous tackle. I saw that coming



Nigeria now reduced to 10 men with a goal to defend for over half an hour





0
12:49
completesportsnigeria
57' - Tackles flying but quality of the football has dropped considerably





0
12:43
completesportsnigeria
51' - Hashim is yellow-carded for dangerous play on Okechukwu. Bit of frustration setting in for the Sudanese





0
12:41
completesportsnigeria
50' - Extended periods of possession by Nigeria. Running rings round Sudan who have been prevented from largely playing their usually compact game.





0
12:41
completesportsnigeria
48' - It's same of the same, Nigeria continuing first half tactics which has served very well. The long balls still trouble Sudan





0
12:40
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46' - Second half underway

0
12:21
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HT: Sudan 0-1 Nigeria





5
12:20
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45+4 Okpotu attempts to set up Okechukwu but his touch is a tad heavy. 60 seconds left to play in this half





0
12:18
completesportsnigeria
45+2 Desperate defending by Nigeria.





1
12:16
completesportsnigeria
45+1 Five minutes added for the lengthy treatment to Ezenwa and other stoppages. Fair enough





0
12:16
completesportsnigeria
44' - Point-blank save by Ajiboye who practically hauled the ball out of the net with a desperate left hand. Nigeria just lucky to hold their lead

0
12:14
completesportsnigeria
43' - Sudan have been slightly dominant in the last few minutes but Nigeria must take this lead into the interval





0
12:11
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40' - Sudan 0-1 Nigeria

3
12:10
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39' - Injury scare for Okechukwu who limps to the sidelies for treatment. he's back on the pitch.





0
12:05
completesportsnigeria
35' - Sudan breaks with a lovely cross-field pass but the final delivery was nodded just inches from the crossbar by Saifeldin who's been quiet all game





0
12:04
completesportsnigeria
33' - Another long ball tries to find Okechukwu but Bakri scrambles it away for a corner.





0
12:03
completesportsnigeria
32' - Rabiu Ali tries a speculative long ball but it goes over the bar.





0
11:59
completesportsnigeria
28' - Nigeria employs the long kick forward once again but Sudan deal with it without much fuss.

The Super Eagles have had the better chances and more possession, coach Salisu Yusuf's strategy giving Sudan much to worry about





0
11:56
completesportsnigeria
25' - So far Rabiu Ali has been peerless, hardly getting any foot wrong.

Gabriel nearly gets a second but he drags his shot wide





0
11:53
completesportsnigeria
23' - Corner for Sudan but wasted.





0
11:52
completesportsnigeria
21' - The Nigerian strategy is simple but so far effective. Get the ball and hit it over the Sudanese defence, hoping the fast forwards will get there first. Working well so far





2
11:50
completesportsnigeria
20' - Nigeria 1-0 Sudan





0
11:49
completesportsnigeria
19' - Okpotu nearly makes it two, another thorough ball to him but he hits it straight at the body of the on-rushing goalkeeper





0
11:48
completesportsnigeria
17' - It's the first time Sudan have gone behind in this competition and just the second goal they're conceding. How will they react? We have 70 minutes plus to find out





2
11:47
completesportsnigeria
16' - Goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Nigeria 1-0 Sudan



Okechuckwu latches on to a pass and calmly slots past Akram in goal for Sudan. Lovely kbock down by Okpotu

4
11:46
completesportsnigeria
16' - Hearts-stopping moment as Sudan threatens with the first real attack of the game.





0
11:43
completesportsnigeria
12' - Forced substitution for Nigeria. Inspirational captain Ezenwa goes off for Ajiboye.





0
11:42
completesportsnigeria
Ajiboye, former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper is with current League champions Plateau United.





0
11:42
completesportsnigeria
10' - Moment of apprehension for Nigeria. Ezenwa still not looking good. He's to be stretchered off. Ajiboye Oladele is coming on to take his place.





0
11:40
completesportsnigeria
Not looking good for Nigeria. Ezenwa stands up but immediately lies flat on his back.





0
11:40
completesportsnigeria
7' - Ezenwa is still being treated but one must say he was quick-thinking to rush out in timely fashion. He was Man of the Match in the last game after pulling incredible saves. Will this be another night of Ezenwa heroics?

0
11:37
completesportsnigeria
6' - Timely save by Ezenwa as Aagla sneaks in behind the sloppy defence. Ezenwa is knocked in the process and is getting medical attention.





0
11:36
completesportsnigeria


5' - Nigeria makes some beautiful quick interchange of passes but are cut short before they could do much harm.

0
11:34
completesportsnigeria
2 - Nigeria is opting for a 4-4-2 formation, an indication of what coach Salisu Yusuf expects from the game. He's started the two goalscorers from the last match against Angola, Okpotu and Okechukwu





0
11:32
completesportsnigeria
2' - Sudan have a mean defence. They have conceded just one goal in four games so far. Nigeria must produce something special to break them down

0
11:31
completesportsnigeria
1' - KIckoff

0
Updated: 11:27
completesportsnigeria
NIGERIA XI:

1 Ezenwa

2 Okoro

5 Kalu

6 Eze

12 Udoh

8 Ifeanyi

15 Ojo

10 Ali

18 Oladapo

22 Okechukwu

9 Okpotu



SUDAN XI:

16 Akram

4 Omer

18 Samawal

5 Bakri

22 AbdelLatif Bouya

8 Hashim

19 Bisha

11 Maaz

2 Abu Aagla

23 Nasreldin

9 Saifeldin bakhit



0
11:26
completesportsnigeria
Nigeria got to this stage of the competition after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Angola which dragged into extra-time.



Sudan, on the other hand, shocked tournament favourites Zambia with a 1-0 win.



0
11:25
completesportsnigeria
Morocco have been excellent hosts and have demonstrated their readiness to host even bigger competitions. In actual fact, they are bidding to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026.



0
11:25
completesportsnigeria
The winner of this tie will therefore meet Morocco in Sunday's final match at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.



0
11:24
completesportsnigeria
Earlier this evening, host country Morocco zoomed into the final after a 3-1 victory over fellow North Africans Libya.



0
Updated: 11:24
completesportsnigeria
Ladies and gentlemen, good evening and welcome to www.completesportsnigeria.com CHAN 2018 between Nigeria and Sudan from the Stade de Marrakech in Morocco

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/live-blogging-sudan-vs-nigeria-2018-chan-semi-finals/

With the Home-based Super Eagles set to face Sudan in the semi-finals of the ongoing 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Wednesday, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url]’s ADEBOYE AMOSU picks Nigeria’s top five players so far at the tournament…

IKECHUKWU EZENWA

The captain of the team was at his best in Nigeria’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over the Palancas Negras of Angola on Sunday. The Eagles should probably have been home now and not thinking of a date with Sudan in the last four if not for his bravery and heroics in goal.

Ezenwa has led by example in the competition even though he was largely tested prior to the Angolan game but he has been a good leader on and off the pitch.

STEPHEN EZE

The tall defender was axed in a couple of test games ahead of the African Nations Championship and that seems to have motivated him as he has worked very hard to become a mainstay in the team’s defence.
Eze, who will link up with Bulgarian club Locomotiv Plovdiv at the end of the competition won the man of the match in the game against Rwanda.

DAYO OJO

Dayo Ojo was dropped from the squad to the 2016 African Nations Championship in Rwanda, but he has proved his worth with an impressive showing in Morocco.

The Sunshine Stars midfielder scored a screamer in Nigeria’s last group game against Equatorial Guinea and was duly named the man of the match.
He also did well in the quater-final clash against Angola, and he was one of Nigeria’s best performers in the game.

KALU ORJI

One of the four players in the team that were part of the squad to the 2016 African Nations Championship in Rwanda. He has formed a formidable partnership with Stephen Eze at the heart of the team’s defence and was sorely missed after going off injured in Nigeria’s quarter-final game against Angola.

OSAS OKORO

The right-back has done his job well in the competition. Originally a right winger, the Enugu Rangers player is a willing runner who always supports the attack and performs his defensive tasks.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/5-outstanding-home-eagles-far-chan-2018/

Roger Federer continued to defy his advanced age as he won his 20th Grand Slam men’s singles title in Melbourne, Australia on Sunday.

The Swiss maestro, 36, defeated Marin Cilic in five sets 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in the Australian Open final to extend his record as the most successful men’s tennis player in history.

Federer powered through the first set with an easy 6-2 win and looked to be coasting to his sixth Australian Open title.

But Cilic fought back gamely to win the second set 7-6 and tie the gripping final 1-1.

The next two sets were shared, with Federer first winning 6-3 and Cilic also winning by the same score.

But Federer was not to be stopped from claiming the title under the closed roof, ruthlessly winning the fifth and final set 6-1.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/unstoppable-federer-stops-cilic-win-20th-grand-slam-title/

Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has expressed his delight and relief after he completed a loan move from Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda to Spanish LaLiga club Malaga on Monday, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Speaking after he was certified fit by club doctors on Monday; the former Dynamo Kyiv striker said he is already looking forward to settle down to serious business at Malaga.

“I am happy and looking forward to it. I am looking forward to playing here at Malaga right from the first day I played against the club in a friendly match. I like it here and I am happy to be here,” Ideye told MalagaTV on Monday.

Tianjin Teda paid Olympiakos €12m to land Ideye in 2016 but has not featured the first team competition since last summer.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ideye-joined-malaga-loan/

Home-based Super Eagles coach, Salisu Yusuf, says the team may have passed their most difficult test of the competition so far following Sunday’s 2-1 quater-final victory against Angola at the 2018 African Nations Championship, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN) reports.

Yusuf’s charges were stretched for long periods in the encounter by the Palancas Negras who took a shock lead early in the second half and had goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa to thank for keeping the team in the game with a number of vital saves.

The Home Eagles rallied back late in the game to score the equaliser through Anthony Okpotu in added time before getting the winning goal courtesy of a fine strike by Gabriel Okechukwu in the second period of extra time.

The gaffer reckoned that he never lost faith in his players and had the belief that they will bounce back in the game.

“Today’s (Sunday) game was the most difficult for us in the tournament as we fought for 90 minutes against a good team,” Yusuf stated in his interaction with the media after the game.

“We never lost faith in our players because we were creating chances and the more you do that the chances of scoring are higher.”

Yusuf also backed under fire striker, Anthony Okpotu who missed a number of goal scoring opportunities in the game to come good in the competition despite widespread criticism about his performance.

“I’m so confident about Anthony Okpotu and we believe in him and he has been scoring despite missing some chances, but he will be much better in the coming matches,” the former Kano Pillars coach stated.

“We never understimated Angola. They play good football and are a good team, but the important thing was to win and we won.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/salisu-angola-game-toughest-okpotu-will-come-better/

Alexis Sanchez posted a man-of-the-match performance on his Manchester United debut in the 4-0 Emirates FA Cup win at Yeovil on Friday night and manager Jose Mourinho reckons the club got the Chilean, for all his qualities, very cheap.

United beat neighbours and Premier League leaders Manchester City to Sanchez, who arrived from Arsenal in a swap deal involving out-of-favour playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

And the Chile international forward showed why United were so desperate to sign him with two assists in Friday’s 4-0 rout of Yeovil.

“He was cheap wasn’t he? Free transfer! He was free,” Mourinho said with a wry smile. “So for that price he’s fantastic.

“I think everybody thinks the same in this country. Everyone has to agree that he is a fantastic player and the team that got him has a plus.

“We have a good group of attacking players you could see today we played with three of them, [Jesse] Lingard was on the bench, [Romelu] Lukaku was on the bench, Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] at home, [Anthony] Martial at home. So we have a good group.

“His [Sanchez] quality is a plus and his experience is another plus.”

Sanchez will make his Premier League debut when United travel to Tottenham on Wednesday evening.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/mourinho-claims-manchester-united-lucky-get-fantastic-sanchez-cheap/

Angola head coach, Srdan Vasiljevic, is disappointed to see his team bow out of the 2018 African Nations Championship after their 2-1 defeat to Nigeria on Sunday, but hopes they can learn from the experience in the future, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN).

The Palancas Negras took an early second half lead through Vladimir Va after substitute Timothy Danladi’s clearance bounced off him and went past goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

Nigeria however scored a late equaliser through Anthony Okpotu before winning the contest following an extra-time goal by substitute Gabriel Okechukwu.

“Football is sometimes not favourable. We scored and Nigeria equalized in the last minute before winning it in extra time,” Vasiljevic stated during his post match interaction with the media.

“We thought it was enough to hold on for a win but it wasn’t enough and we lost. I hoped to have a good result, but this is football for you.

“The tournament provides us with a lot of experience which will help us going forward because this is a tournament that gives great experience to the players.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/angola-coach-vasiljevic-sad-blames-unfavourable-football-chan-2018-semi-final-defeat-nigeria/

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has hinted that a player could arrive at the club before the end of the January transfer window.

Wenger who has added two players to his squad in the current window refused to divulge the name of the player expected to arrive on or before the transfer deadline day.

Arsenal signed Greek centre-back, Konstantinos Mavropanos, from PAS Giannina for a fee in the region of £1.8m and also brought in Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Manchester United in a swoop deal that saw Alexis Sanchez move in the opposite direction.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has also been heavily linked with a move to the Gunners.

“It is far from close. It is possible we will recruit someone else, but I won’t give you a name,” Wenger said during his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s game against Swansea City next Tuesday.

“I cannot tell you more. We have nothing to announce. At the moment, we stay where we are. We keep our players.

“We have added Mkhitaryan and lost Sanchez.

Wenger also believes new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan will fit into any position in midfield.


“He is a great footballer. I will know more about him in 2-3 days as we prepare and find out the best position for him. It doesn’t look like there will be any problems.

“I think he can play in all midfield positions. Box to box, not in a defensive role. All the other positions aren’t out of reach. He has usually been a wide player and can absorb the role as a winger, playmaker, but he can be a box to box player.

On the reported exit of Oliver Giroud, Wenger denied reports that the French international requested to leave the club.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Giroud, but Wenger assured that he will get his chance once he is fit.

“No. I have consistent exchange with him. We speak about it a lot. He has played a lot of games and scored important goals. He is an important player and every player has a lot of respect for him. He will get more games and can only leave if someone else comes in.

“I want Olivier to stay. If nobody comes in, nobody goes out. Maybe one or two young players out on loan, but the experienced side of the squad stays.”

He was however optimistic that Mesut Ozil will sign a new deal at the club. The German international’s contract at the Emirates runs out in the summer.

“Our intention is to keep Ozil at the club. Hopefully, we will manage to do that very soon. Not close enough to be optimistic, but not far enough to be pessimistic.

“The vibe I get from his commitment, focus and desire, he behaves like someone who is ready to commit. After that, contract negotiations are what they are. We aren’t close enough to tell you yes, he will stay.

On Cazorla, Wenger said it will be difficult for the Spaniard to return to action for the club in 2018. He also added that his fitness will be a major consideration handing him a new deal.

“He (Cazorla) was expected to be back in now. He had a new surgery. I am not informed about his medical situation. I wished him well about two weeks ago but he hasn’t come back yet.

“Medical people know better than I do if he will play again in 2018. It will be hard for him. We love him (Cazorla) and he is a great footballer, but you need to be right to play at the intensity of the Premier League.

“It depends on his medical availability at the top level. If he is fit, yes. If he isn’t then we have to see.”

On Arsenal’s game against Swansea, the Frenchman admitted it was difficult playing against teams at the bottom of the table. Swansea are 20th in the English Premier League table.

He said: “It is tougher. Teams are organised and ready to fight for 90 minutes. You see more teams with 30 percent possession who win the game. We see it more and more.

“When you don’t win, you are criticised. It is a good warning for us because Liverpool are a good attacking team. They are good going forward, but they couldn’t break down Swansea.”

Wenger also clarified his comments regarding Tottenham Hotspur, stating that Mauricio Pochettino had been mislead.

Prior to Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final win over Chelsea on Wednesday, Wenger had said to the media “celebrate some teams who have not been in a final for 25 years”, a statement which was taken as a dig at Tottenham and Liverpool, who together have lifted only two trophies in the last 10 years.

“I just complained that we are always in the hot spot. I didn’t speak about Tottenham at all or think about them. It was a general example.

“I have worked for 20 years here and respect the press but I don’t accept to be questioned about things I haven’t said.

“He said I have to focus on Arsenal and he is right.

“I have no problem with him or anybody else.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wenger-signing-one-more-player-this-summer-is-a-possibility-i-still-need-giroud-in-arsenal/

Phillipe Coutinho’s start to life as a Barcelona player started on a winning note when he came on in the 2-0 Copa del Rey win over Espanyol on Thursday night and has described the experience as “special.”

The Brazil international playmaker came off the bench and impressed in a 22-minute cameo Thursday, Barca sealing a 2-1 aggregate triumph at Camp Nou.

“It has been a special day because these were my first minutes with this club,” Coutinho said.

“It was a great night. I am very happy and excited, because of how the fans welcomed me.

“I was a little nervous and anxious because of how big a club this is, but the way everyone welcomed me helped me to relax.”

Coutinho’s bow came after ex-Barcelona attacker Ronaldinho had a message for his countryman pre-match.

In a Twitter video, Ronaldinho said: “It’s Ronaldo speaking here to wish you all the luck in the world.

“Give it everything and make people happy, that is what they like.

“Enjoy yourself and the rest will follow.”

https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/956668803215060992

Coutinho made a club-record transfer form Liverpool reportedly worth €160million and is seen as a long-term replacement for fellow Brazilian Neymar Jr who left the Camp Nou for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

He could make his LaLiga debut when leaders Barca host Deportivo Alaves Sunday.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/watch-coutinho-i-was-anxious-but-my-barca-debut-was-special/

Manchester United appear to have concluded their transfer business for the winter window with the successful capture of Alexis Sanchez despite strong links with OGC Nice midfielder Michael Seri.

Manager Jose Mourinho insisted the club will not make any more signings before the January transfer window closes which means Seri will not be making the reported move to Old Trafford.

A quiet month was expected at Old Trafford before United pipped neighbours Manchester City to the coveted signing of Sanchez from Arsenal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving in the opposite direction.

“No, I don’t speak about players,” Mourinho told reporters when asked about Seri.

“Tuanzebe goes on loan, nobody is leaving, nobody is coming. Our transfer market in the summer will be short.”

Mourinho ­­– who signed a contract extension Thursday – and United are preparing for Friday’s FA Cup clash at Yeovil Town, where Alexis Sanchez is in line to make his debut.

United return to Premier League action against Tottenham at Wembley Wednesday.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/mourinho-shuts-door-new-signings-denies-links-ogc-nice-midfielder-michael-seri/

The Nigeria Football Federation are mourning the untimely and shocking death of their former executive committee member, Deji Tinubu, who passed on Thursday evening.

Tinubu, who was the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Commerce, died after playing football at a retreat for senior government officials in Epe in the outskirts of Lagos.

He reportedly slumped while playing the game he loved with a passion and later died in the hospital.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of former Executive Committee member of the NFF, Mr. Deji Tinubu following his sudden demise last night,” the NFF tweeted on Friday morning.
“We are still in shock as we pray for the repose of his soul. #RIPDejiTinubu.”

Tinubu was the Special Adviser to Ambode on Sports until his recent redeployment to Commerce and he was one of Nigeria’s most recognised sports analysts on radio and television.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/nff-shock-mourn-death-former-exco-member-deji-tinubu/

Jose Mourinho has revealed that Alexis Sanchez could make his debut for Manchester United in their Emirates FA Cup fourth round away tie against Yeovil Town on Friday.

Sanchez moved from Arsenal to United a few days back while Henrikh Mkhitaryan moved in the opposite direction in a straight swap.
When asked if the Chilean would feature against Yeovil during his press conference on Thursday, Mourinho said: “We are going to rest a couple of players but we have to go with a very strong team.”

Speaking about Sanchez’s acquisition, Mourinho described the former Barcelona star as one of the best forward players who would be vital for United.
“He showed already the quality he has so we’ve got one of the best attacking players in the world. I think he’ll be very important for us because we want to have the best possible players.”

And commenting on the best position for Sanchez at United and what he will bring at the club, Mourinho said:“I saw him play on the right, the left, as a striker and behind the striker. I saw him play in different systems, I saw him successful in every country. He becomes more than a player because of that multi-functionality. He can play in four different positions.

“In big clubs, you have big players, competition and responsibilities – you have to try to go to every competition in a serious way. You cannot do that with 11 players, so the players at big clubs know that the squad is made of 20-something players where everybody wants to play and where there is space for everybody. Alexis is a very important addition for us. If the players are on the bench one day and they don’t like it, I’m happy with that.”

Following the departure of Mkhitaryan, Mourinho said the former Borussia Dortmund player will do well at Arsenal, while stating he does not regret he left.

Mourinho added: “I lost a fantastic player, Mr Wenger lost a fantastic player. I got a fantastic player, Mr Wenger got a fantastic player, so it was a great deal for everybody. I believe Micki is going to be even better than for us. Why? Because one-and-a-half years in England, adapted. Because of the way they play. That’s why I’m also happy for him.”

“Could he have performed better for us? Could I take more from his talent? Maybe. Could he also have given more to try to adapt to us? Maybe. But I don’t think regrets. In our history, he did important things for us, so a good feeling for everybody and a very specific transfer between two rivals in the same country is something that should happen more.”

And on rumours about Cristiano Ronaldo returning to United, Mourinho said: “Real Madrid is a club I care about, so I am the last one to add [to the] fire. To put some water on the fire, I would say Cristiano is the kind of player that everyone wants, but only one manager can have and only one club can have – Zidane and Real Madrid. That’s my feeling.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/mourinho-play-sanchez-vs-yeovil-expects-mkhitaryan-succeed-arsenal/

Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho is looking to emulate his illustrious compatriots Austin Jay Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu as Leicester City face Peterborough United away in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Iheanacho scored twice, including the first goal to be validated by the Video Assistant Referee in English football history, as Leicester defeated Fleetwood Town in a third round replay.

The Super Eagles striker has scored seven FA Cup goals in his professional career at both Manchester City and Leicester City.

“I think it’s a great competition and it’s a great thing to be scoring in the FA Cup,” Iheanacho told LCFC TV. “I’m happy to be scoring in the FA Cup and I’m working hard every day, so it’s a great cup to be playing in.

“I didn’t have the opportunity to watch all of the games [when I was younger] but I think playing in it now makes it more beautiful.”

Many Nigerian stars – including 2008 winner with Portsmouth Kanu – have played in the FA Cup and Iheanacho insists that their exploits have inspired him to continue to chase goals and success in the competition.

Nigerian stars Daniel Amokachi, Mikel Obi and Victor Moses have also starred in the prestigious competition.

He said: “I think the FA Cup has great memories and I think there have been Nigerian legends that have played in it as well, like Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu.
“They’ve played in it, so it’s a great thing to play in the FA Cup. I have great memories. I hope I’ll be in it and have one great memory, which is winning the FA Cup.”

When asked about his favourite FA Cup goal so far in his time in England, Iheanacho said: “If there’s a favourite, it should be the two goals against Fleetwood the other day.

“It was a great game and it’s going to be a memory that people are going to keep talking about, and I’m going to keep talking about it as well! It’s a great memory.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/iheanacho-hopes-emulate-okocha-kanu-fa-cup-goals-success/

After Alexis Sanchez’s move to Manchester United with Henrikh Mkhitaryan joining Arsenal in a swap deal, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url]’s JAMES AGBEREBI recalls FIVE memorable swap deals involving big clubs…

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC / SAMUEL ETO’O (Inter Milan and Barcelona)

In 2009, Zlatan Ibrahimovic left Inter Milan for Barcelona, with Cameroonian star Samuel Eto’o going the other way—along with around £35 million.

But it turned out to be a nightmare move for Ibrahimovic, while Eto’o had a memorable period with the Serie A giants.

While Eto’o won the treble with Inter (Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League), Ibrahimovic won the LaLiga, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup but however left on loan to AC Milan after just one season at Barcelona.

ROBERTO CARLOS / IVAN ZAMORANO (Inter Milan and Real Madrid)

Legendary Chilean forward Ivan Zamorano was one of the most prolific strikers in Europe in 1995, having scored 28 goals in 38 games to help Real Madrid win the Liga title.

But he found himself sidelined by the emergence of Raul, and left for Roy Hodgson’s Inter MIlan in exchange for left-back Roberto Carlos in 1996.

The Brazilian would establish himself as one of the best left-backs in the world, winning four LaLiga titles, three UEFA Champions Leagues, three Spanish Super Cups and one UEFA

Super Cup, while Zamorano won the UEFA Cup at Inter.

ASHLEY COLE / WILLIAM GALLAS (Arsenal and Chelsea)

Ashley Cole moved to Chelsea from rivals Arsenal in 2006 with William Gallas moving the other way, along with a fee of £5million.

Cole, a member of Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’, added another league title with the Blues as well as four FA Cups and the Champions League in 2012 in a successful eight-year spell.

Gallas, who was a two-time Premier League winner and also League Cup winner during his time at Chelsea, won nothing with the Gunners and moved to Tottenham on a free in 2010.

FRANCESCO COCO / CLARENCE SEEDORF (AC Milan and Inter Milan)

Inter Milan allowed Clarence Seedorf to join their city rivals AC Milan in a trade for defender Francesco Coco, who had once been labelled the next Paolo Maldini.

Milan were the happier from the swap deal as Seedorf won two more Champions Leagues and two Serie A titles.

On his part, Coco never hit it big with Inter due to off-field distractions which saw him eventually retire aged 30.

ANDY COLE / KEITH GILLESPIE (Newcastle and Manchester United)

A shock move in 1995 saw Newcastle swap their star striker Andy Cole for £6million plus Manchester United winger Keith Gillespie.

Cole who scored 121 goals in 275 games, went on to win five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League including the treble in 1999.

Gillespie was also a success at Newcastle, becoming a key figure in Kevin Keegan’s entertaining side which twice finished runners-up to United.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/sanchez-mkhitaryan-5-high-profile-player-swaps-big-european-clubs/

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has praised his players for their spirited display which saw them beat Chelsea 2-1 in the second leg semi-final of the Carabao Cup at the Emirates on Wednesday night.

Wenger also says that The Gunners are dealing with the challenge of losing a great player‎ in Alexis Sanchez who has joined Manchester United

Despite conceding early following Eden Hazard opener, an own goal by Antonio Ruediger and a Granit Xhaka strike, secured Arsenal’s place in the final where they will face Manchester City.

Speaking in his post-match analysis of the game, Wenger admitted they struggled in the early part of the game but still managed to pull through.

“In the first half we gave Chelsea too much respect and distance. We were a bit scared to go for it and we suffered from that.

“We were not playing in the right position but we amended that in the second half and took control of the game. We knew we could perform better in the second half and that’s what we did. In the first half we watched them play a bit but we were tighter after the break.

“We lost a great player in Alexis Sanchez but when a team doesn’t know what’s going on in the dressing room there is less clarity and focus on performances. We know we have to deal with it now.”

Wenger went on to express delight that Arsenal will be heading back to Wembley Stadium.

He said:”We have some time to prepare for the final but we are happy to take our fans to Wembley. We’ve been there a few times now and we’re happy to be going again.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wenger-admits-arsenal-dealing-losing-great-player-sanchez-hails-teams-win-vs-chelsea/