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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/

Super Eagles’ 2018 FIFA World Cup Group D opponents s Iceland and Croatia have been handed difficult draws ahead of the first UEFA Nations League.

The draw of the UEFA Nations League was held in Lausanne, Switzerland on Wednesday.

The UEFA Nations League is a new international tournament.

In a bid to improve the quality of international football and reduce the number of meaningless friendlies, UEFA has been planning the competition since 2011.

Uefa’s 55 teams will be split into four Leagues (A-D) based on their Uefa ranking, with four groups in each League.

Some of the groups will have three or four teams.

The four group winners of the top-ranked League A qualify for the Uefa Nations League finals in June 2019.

For the remaining sides there is promotion and relegation to play for, and a potential back-door route to EURO 2020.

Iceland are in League A, Group 2, and will face Switzerland and Belgium.

While Croatia, also in League A, are in Group 4 with England and Spain.

In other League A pairings, Netherlands, France and Germany are in Group 1 and League A, Group 3 has Portugal, Poland and Italy.

The first tournament is due to commence in September 2018, after the 2018 FIFA World Cup.


UEFA Nations League draw:

League A:

(Group 1)
Netherlands
France
Germany

(Group 2)
Iceland
Switzerland
Belgium

(Group 3)
Poland
Italy
Portugal

(Group 4)
Croatia
England
Spain

League B:

(Group 1)
Czech Republic
Ukraine
Slovakia

(Group 2)
Turkey
Sweden
Russia

(Group 3)
Northern Ireland
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Austria

(Group 4)
Denmark
Republic of Ireland
Wales

League C:

(Group 1)
Scotland
Albania
Israel

(Group 2)
Hungary
Greece
Finland
Estonia

(Group 3)
Slovenia
Norway
Bulgaria
Cyprus

(Group 4)
Romania
Serbia
Montenegro
Lithuania

League D:

(Group 1)
Andorra
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Georgia

(Group 2)
San Marino
Moldova
Luxembourg
Belarus

(Group 3)
Kosovo
Malta
Faroe Islands
Azerbaijan

(Group 4)
Gibraltar
Liechtenstein
Armenia
Macedonia

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/uefa-nations-league-france-draw-germany-iceland-croatia-get-belgium-england-spain/

Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr, says he can’t wait for the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia even as he hopes to lead the team to a respectable outing at the mundial, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN).

Rohr will handle a national team for the first time at the World Cup after masterminding the Super Eagles’ qualification for the mundial in a tough group which has”d African heavyweights, Cameroon, Algeria and onetime African champions, Zambia

“Yes, I’m impatient and a little excited too, we’re proud to have been the first Africans to qualify for the World Cup,” the German stated in a chat with French online news medium, tf1.fr.

“Now we have to make a good result at this World Cup.

“We have some hope of a good result in our first match against Croatia.”

The Super Eagles are drawn in Group D with Croatia, Iceland and Argentina.

The three-time African champions will face Croatia in their first group game at the Kaliningrad Stadium on June 16.

Their second game is against Iceland at the Volgograd Arena on June 22, while they will take on Argentina in their last group game on June 26 at the Krestovsky Stadium, St Petersburg.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/rohr-impatient-excited-ahead-russia-2018-eager-impress-super-eagles/

Kaliningrad Stadium in Russia which will host Nigeria’s opening Group D game against Croatia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup will be officially opened on March 22 2018, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN)reports.

Friendly game between Russia’s second tier league club, Baltika and German side Schalke 04 will commemorate the opening of brand new stadium.

Kaliningrad stadium has a capacity of 35,212 and will host four group matches at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The group matches are Croatia vs Nigeria; Serbia vs Switzerland; Spain vs Morocco and England vs Belgium.

According to a report on sports.ru, the governor of the Kaliningrad region, Alexander Shenderuk-Zhidkov confirmed that the friend game to mark the opening of the stadium will hold on the 22nd of March.

“We agreed on March 22 as the date for the friendly match between Baltika and Schalke,” Zhidkov told sports.ru.

“We provide the hotel. The organizer of the match is “Gazprom.”

Kaliningrad is the only venue that is separate to mainland Russia.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/nigerias-world-cup-venue-kaliningrad-opened-march-22/

Two Turkish clubs, Konyaspor and Karabukspor, are reportedly in the race to sign Nigeria’s midfielder Raheem Lawal who features for Osmanlispor,
[url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN) reports.

Lawal joined Osmanlispor from Eskisehirspor in 2016 on a two year deal and his current deal at the clubs runs out this summer.

According to Fanatik, the clubs have made contact with the 27-year-old who is keen on a move away from Osmanlispor and his representatives.

“Lawal is on the radar of Konyaspor and Karabukspor,” a report on Fanatik says.

“Both camps are weighing a move for the Nigerian player who could leave Osmanlispor for nothing at the end of the season.”

In 2017/18, Lawal made 16 appearances in all competitions for Osmanlispor.

The Nigeria international has featured for Kayserispor, Osmanlispor,

Eskisehirspor, Mersin Idmanyurdu and Adana Demirspor since moving to Turkey in 2013. He started his career in Europe with Spanish second division side, Atlético Baleares.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/konyaspor-karabukspor-join-race-sign-lawal/

Italian club Torino are looking to sell Nigeria midfielder Joel Obi to fund the purchase of other transfers, according to reports in Italy.

The Turin club are looking to bolster their squad during the current transfer window.

According to a report in Tuttomercatoweb.com, Obi has been identified as one of the players to be sold by the club.

Recently, there were talks between Torino and Bologna over the player but the move stalled over the transfer fee.

Torino valued the player at €10m but Bologna were willing to pay €6m for his services.

Clubs in England and Spain are also reported to have expressed interest in the 26-year-old.

Obi who has endured an injury ravaged career has featured 13 times for Torino this season and scored three times.

He was on target in the club’s 1-1 away draw against Sassuolo in the Italian Serie A on Sunday.

The midfielder joined Torino from Inter Milan in 2015 for €2.2m and signed a four-year contract. His contract with the club will end in 2019.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/torino-set-offload-joel-obi/

Super Eagles forward, Victor Moses, has stated that his goal in Chelsea’s 4-0 win against Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday was long overdue.

Moses scored Chelsea’s fourth goal against Brighton in the concluding stages, latching onto a through ball from substitute Charly Musonda.

The goal was his first since finding the back of the net in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal last August.

And the Premier League winner hopes to get on the score sheet more.

“It’s about time,” Moses told Chelsea official website.

“I was due one and I’m very pleased to get on the score sheet. It’s important to me and I want to keep on helping the team, working hard and hopefully score more goals in the future.”

Moses while expressing delight with his teammates’ performance in the weekend’s win, said their focus now is on Wednesday’s second leg semi-final against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup at the Emirates.

“I thought we started very well,” said Moses. “Getting the two goals early on really helped us and we showed great character. It was very important to get the three points.

“We’ve been working so hard in training, obviously on our finishing as well, and you could see that on the pitch – everybody did really well to put the ball in the net and we’re very pleased. We also defended very well from front to back.

“Once we got those two goals we wanted to control the game, which we did. We’re very pleased and now we’re looking forward to Wednesday’s game.”

Read more:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/moses-im-pleased-score-vs-brighton-long-overdue/

Nigeria forward Henry Onyekuru is hopeful of being fit in time to be able to fight for a place in the Super Eagles’ 2018 World Cup squad.

The World Cup starts in June in Russia.

The 20-year-old injured his knee in December while playing for Anderlecht against his former club Eupen in the Belgian Pro League and he was told he would be out for several months.

Onyekuru has returned to his parent club Everton for treatment and he believes the “love” he has received from everybody at the Premier League club will help him “recover even more quickly”.

Onyekuru joined Everton from Eupen during the summer, before being loaned out to Anderlecht for the 2017/18 campaign.

He scored 22 goals for Eupen last season and has added nine goals in 19 Belgian top flight appearances for Anderlecht while also impressing in the Champions League against Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Celtic.
Onyekuru initially feared he was set for an extended lay-off, which would have ruled him out of the summer’s World Cup finals in Russia.

“It is amazing here,” Onyekuru told evertonfc.com. “The people are good people, always friendly and showing care. I feel love and with that love I will recover even more quickly.

“When I first got injured the whole picture was quite bad, but fortunately it was not as severe as we first feared… so, hopefully, I will be back and ready to play before the end of the season.

“The first aim is to get back and finish the season in Belgium. There will be a few weeks of the league season remaining, so it makes sense for me to end the season there and prepare for the World Cup.

“When I got knocked by the goalkeeper I felt so bad and was worried.

“But since I came here and started having my treatment I have been happy. I am smiling every day.”

Onyekuru is confident that his time at Anderlecht will prepare him for the demands of playing in England.

He added: “That is the big difference between Eupen and Anderlecht – when you play in a top club like Anderlecht you have to win.

“Of course, you do lose some games but if you do… you have to lose fighting. That will help me cope with expectations at Everton.

“My main objective in Anderlecht was to do more than I did last season and to get that Champions League experience.

“I am learning every day, so to play in that competition and against those teams was so valuable for me.

“My first aim was to sign for a Premier League club. That has been my dream since I was a little boy.

“I had a couple of offers but I said to myself, ‘it has to be the Premier League’. It is not just the game, it is the passion people in this country have for football.

“Everton is a club that wants to win and always fights. With the facilities, staff and coaches here, I think they can really help me develop even further.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/onyekuru-hopes-everton-love-will-aid-recovery-eyes-super-eagles-world-cup-squad/

Home-based Super Eagles defender, Kalu Orji, insists the players must be at their best to secure a win in today’s African Nations Championship Group C clash against Libya, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria. com[/url] (CSN)

Salisu Yusuf’s charges started their campaign in the competition with a 0-0 draw with Rwanda on Monday.

Libya currently sit at the top of the group with three points following their 3-0 victory in their first game against Equatorial Guinea.

A win against the Home Eagles will see the Mediterranean Knights book their passage into the quarter-finals, a scenario Orji has urged his teammates to avoid.

“We can’t afford to go home early like we did two years ago in Rwanda. To avoid that, we must be ready to give our best and win against Libya,” Orji told CSN.‎

“We were a bit unlucky in the game against Rwanda. We would have won the game, especially with those chances that we created.

“The coaches have made us work harder in training and we believe things will be different this time around.

“The Libyans are a very good side too and we must be ready to fight hard if we want to beat them.”

Rwanda and Equatorial Guinea will also clash in the other Group C game in Tangier today.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/home-eagles-defender-orji-cant-afford-lose-libya/

Indiana Pacers’ Nigerian star, Victor Oladipo, outshone D’Tigers star and Portland Trail Blazers guard, Al Farouq Aminu in a NBA clash early Friday morning (Nigerian time) at the Moda Center despite the Pacers’ losing 100-86, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN) reports.

The defeat stretched the Indiana Pacers’ winless streak in Portland to 11 years. The last time Indiana Pacers’ won in Portland was in November 28, 2007, while the win was the Portland Trail Blazers’ fifth consecutive home game so far this season.

Oladipo who missed out on the NBA All-Star game starters was joint top scorer for his team in the defeat along with Darren Collison with 23 points.

The former Oklahoma City Thunder star also had seven rebounds and three assists for Indiana Pacers who suffered their 21st defeat of the campaign. The Pacers are sixth in the Eastern Conference despite the defeat.

Aminu, making his 31st appearance of the campaign, scored 12 points with nine rebounds and two assists in 32 minutes for the Portland Trail Blazers’ who recorded their 22nd win of the season to move up one place to sixth in the Western Conference.

The 27 year old Aminu has now averaged 13 points and 10 rebounds in his last four games against the Indiana Pacers.

The Portland Trail Blazers host the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday in their next NBA game at the Moda Centre where they are unbeaten in their last five games while the Indiana Pacers will look to return to winning ways at Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/oladipo-outshines-aminu-nba-clash/

VfL Wolfsburg manager, Martin Schmidt, says that Victor Osimhen is pushing hard for a starting place at the club following his impressive attitude in training sessions, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN) reports.

Divok Origi has been the club’s first choice since he joined fron Liverpool with Osimhen and Landry Dimata the second and third choice strikers at the club.

Osimhen has made five substitute appearances in the Bundesliga this term, totaling just 22 minutes.

“They (Landry Dimata and Victor Osimhen) are not far off and are putting pressure on him (Origi),” Schmidt said during his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s Bundesliga clash with Eintracht Frankfurt at the Volkswagen Arena.

“During the training sessions, it was made clear that we don’t just have Origi up front.

“What Divock has in his favour right now is that he scored in autumn. Dimata and Osimhen are doing really well though and I have every fate in the strikers I have available to me. The squad is better balanced now.”

The Green-Whites are 12th in the Bundesliga table with 20 points from 18 games.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/schmidt-osimhen-working-hard-earn-wolfsburg-starting-role/

Nigerian forward Imoh Ezekiel will not be joining Belgian Pro League club Royal Antwerp, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN) has been informed by his representative, Liammed Gafaar.

The Rio 2016 Olympics star, who terminated his contract with Turkish club Konyaspor six months after joining last summer over a breach of agreement, has been named as a potential target for Royal Antwerp, according to a report on Transfermerkez.com.

“There are lots of offers from Belgium for Imoh particularly, from Standard Liege. There are also teams from Russia and Croatia but his personal terms are stalling an immediate move,” Gafaar told CSN.

“But he won’t be signing for Royal Antwerp.

“Hopefully an agreement will be reached with a club for him to join before the transfer window closes.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/agent-ezekiel-wont-join-royal-antwerp-clubs-russia-croatia-interested/

Nigeria striker Olanrewaju Kayode is close to a switch to French club Amiens, according to reports in France.

Kayode is currently on loan at Spanish LaLiga club Girona from Manchester City but he has struggled for playing time and has not scored after 13 appearances in all competitions, 12 in LaLiga.

He has mostly played as a substitute and has registered two assists.

The Super Eagles star was linked with a move to Turkey but RMC claimed on Thursday that Kayode was on the verge of joining Ligue 1 club Amiens.

RMC insist that ‘some financial details remain to be settled’, and believe a deal is nearly done.

Kayode had issues getting back to Spain after his Christmas break in Nigeria due to paperwork hitches.

Amiens, who are 16th in the Ligue 1 table with 22 points from 21 games, just one point off the relegation zone, will be signing the 24-year-old Kayode on loan from Manchester City, before making the move permanent in the summer.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/french-club-amiens-set-seal-kayode-loan-deal/

Super Eagles defender, Shehu Abdullahi, has expressed his delight after Anorthosis progressed to the quarter-finals of the Cyproit Cup on Wednesday, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url](CSN) reports
Anorthosis held 10-man Ayia Napa to a 1-1 away draw in the second leg to advance 4-3 on aggregate. They had won the first leg 3-2.

Ayia Napa were reduced to 10 men following the sending off of Stylianos Stylianou in the 64th minute.

Anorthosis subsequently capitalised on their numerical advantage, and Douglao scored from the penalty spot on 65 minute.

Omar Rowe pulled a goal back for Ayia Napa in the 90th minute, but it was not enough as Anorthosis advanced to the quarter-finals.

Reacting to the win, Abdullahi who was in action for Anorthosis in the encounter admitted they were given a scare by Ayia Napa.

“Difficult final minutes, but we survived the scare! We are through to the quarters after first leg victory,” Abdullahi wrote on his Twitter handle.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/abdullahi-celebrates-anorthosis-reach-cyproit-cup-quarter-finals/

Home-based Super Eagles winger cum right-back, Osaso Okoro, has admitted that the team must be clinical in front of goal to stand a chance of advancing to the next round of the ongoing 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN) reports.

Okoro who is making his second tournament appearance at (CHAN) also rues the scoring chances the Home Eagles squandered during their their first Group C match against Rwanda, insisting the the team was unlucky in that game.

“Sometimes games end in that wa, but we must take our chances in the next game against Libya,” Okoro, an Enugu Rangers defender told CSN from Morocco.

“We were not lucky at all, and I hope we will be luckier in our next game.”

Okoro also told Completesportsnigeria.com that the home-based Super Eagles’ next Group C opponent, Libya, will be very tough to beat on Friday.

“Libya will be tough, and we will be ready to face them because only a win can guarantee us a place in the next round.

“To beat them (Libya) we must be clinical. if we don’t take our chances, then we will have ourselves to blame.”

Libya kicked off defeated Equatorial Guinea 3-0 in their first game, and a win over the the Home Eagles will seal their place in the quarter-finals.

Nigeria’s Home Eagles are joint second with Rwanda behind group leaders, Libya, who have three points from thei first game. Equatorial Guinea, without any point yet, are rock bottom in Group C.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/home-eagles-defender-okoro-must-clinical-goal-vs-libya/

Portland Trail Blazers’ forward, Al-Farouq Aminu, is pleased to see his side snap a three game losing streak on Wednesday, defeating the Phoenix Suns 118-111 at the Moda Centre, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN) reports.

The game was Portland’s first game at home after a four-game road trip. The Blazers lost three games on the bounce, to Houston Rockets, New Orleans and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Making his 30th appearance of the campaign, Aminu scored 14 points with nine rebounds and one assist in 28 minutes for the Portland Trail Blazers’ who recorded their 21st win of the season.

The Portland Trail Blazers are now seventh in the NBA Western Conference.

“I had a dream that came true today cause of me and my teammates. A blazers win!!!! #farouqisonfire��� #str8_shooters #str8up #ripcity,”Aminu wrote via his official Instagram page @chiefhasarrived.

The Portland Trail Blazers host the Indiana Pacers on Thursday in their next NBA game at the Moda Centre where they are unbeaten in their last four games.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/nba-aminu-celebrates-portland-trail-blazers-end-three-game-losing-streak/

Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has officially signed a new two-year contract extension with the Nigerian Football Federation, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN) reports.

Rohr was appointed Super Eagles head coach in August 2016 and has steered the team to the Russia 2018 World Cup, winning four games and drawing one in a qualifying group that also had Zambia, African champions Cameroon and Algeria. His previous deal will run out in July 2018.

The German put pen to paper during the a partnership ceremony between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and beverage giant Coca-Cola at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Wednesday.

The beverage giants signed a five-year deal worth $4 million to become the official soft drink partners of all Nigeria’s national team.

The Super Eagles amassed a total of 13 points from six games during their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign to finish as group winners.

Rohr will be hopeful that the five pre-World Cup friendlies lined up for his side (against Poland on March 23, Serbia March 27, DR Congo on the May 25, England on June 2 and Czech Republic on June 6 (Austria) ahead of the World Cup in Russia will help his side qualify for the round of 16 from Group D which houses Croatia, Iceland and Argentina.

Since Rohr took charge of the Super Eagles, he has recorded seven wins, drawn four and lost one game.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/rohr-officially-signs-new-two-year-super-eagles-deal/

PLATEAU UNITED LAY DOWN A MARKER
Champions Plateau United proved their title win last season was no fluke by claiming an impressive 1-0 win against Nasarawa United in Lafia. Rapheal Ayagwa’s 87th minute strike gave the Jos club the win.
Kennedy Boboye’s men were on the the back foot for the majority of the game with goalkeeper Okiemute Odah in fine form. They also stood firm in the face of hostile reception from the home fans.
They will look to build on the win when they host Rivers United in another tricky contest at the Jos Township Stadium on Wednesday.

LITTLE JOY FOR NPFL NEW BOYS
The quartet of Heartland, Go-Round FC, Kwara United and Yobe Desert Stars failed to record a win on the opening day of the season.
Heartland were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Sunshine Stars who defeated them 3-0 the last the two teams met at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri in 2015, while Go-Round were handed a 1-O defeat in their debut game in the Nigeria Professional Football League by Wikki Tourists.
Kwara United were humbled 2-0 by Niger Tornadoes at home with Yobe Desert Stars going down to a 2-1 defeat against FC IfeanyiUbah.

EL-KANEMI WARRIORS’ PORT HARCOURT NIGHTMARE CONTINUES
El-Kanemi Warriors’ previous nine trips to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt ended in defeat and even though they put up a spirited fight this time around against Rivers United, they ended up losing by 1-0 courtesy of Ivorian striker Guy Kuemian’s 66th minute strike.
The Maiduguri club will hope for better luck next time.

KENNEDY BOBOYE EXTENDS OPENING DAY UNBEATEN STREAK
Plateau United head coach, Kennedy Boboye, has never lost an opening day fixture in the Nigeria Professional Football League and he extended the impressive run by guiding his team to an away win against Nasarawa United on Sunday.
Boboye escaped defeats on match day one during his stints at Sunshine Stars and Abia Warriors. He did same in his first season with Plateau United.

MFM STRUGGLE WITHOUT ODEY, OLATUNBOSUN
Last season’s runners-up MFM FC may find the going too tough this season going by their performance in Umuahia against Abia Warriors on Sunday. The Olukoya Boys are yet to find a suitable replacement for last season’s top scorer Stephen Odey, now with FC Zurich of Switzerland, and other top stars who left the club at the end of last season.
With Sikiru Olatunbosun also missing in action against Abia Warriors, Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men lacked cutting edge upfront and the end product was a disappointing 2-0 loss against the hosts.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/5-major-talking-points-npfl-matchday-one

Super Falcons forward, Asisat Oshoala, has been appointed a sports ambassador by the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN) reports.

Oshoala who was named the 2017 African Women’s Footballer of the Year last week at the Aiteo CAF Awards in Accra Ghana, the third time she won the top honour, expressed her delight in a Tweet she posted along with a picture via her Twitter handle on Thursday.

“Meet the newly appointed Lagos State Sports Ambassador (Asisat Oshoala). God bless Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, God bless Lagos State. Itesi Iwaju Ipinle Eko Lo Jewa Logun…..AMBO LE’KAN SI. AkinwunmiAmbode #ProudLagosian #FatherFather @followlasg.”

Oshoala had a stellar debut season in China with Dalian Quanjian, winning the Women’s Chinese Super League and Cup title.

She also scored 12 goals to finish as the top scorer in the Women’s Chinese Super League and was named the league’s best player.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/oshoala-relishes-appointment-lagos-state-sports-ambassador/

New Aberdeen signing, Chidebere Nwakali, has vowed to give his best to the club after agreeing a six month loan deal with the Scottish side from Manchester City in the current January transfer window, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN) reports.

Nwakali who will play for the Reds until the end of the season featured in a test game for the club in their 2-0 loss to Uzbekistan’s Locomotiv Tashkent in Dubai on Sunday.

The 21 year old was free to play in the match as it was not classified as an official game, and he was impressive playing in the holding midfield role according to reports.

Nwakali who previously featured for IK Start and Futbol Sogndal both in Norway last year, is pleased with with the opportunity handed him by both clubs to further his fledging career.

“I’m so happy for this move and it’s another year and another challenge for me,” Nwakali wrote on his Instagram wall.

“I thank the people at Manchester City and at Aberdeen for the opportunity. I promise to give my best and nothing else.”

Nwakali was called up to Nigeria’s senior national team against Algeria in a 2018 World Cup qualifier and and an international friendly against Argentina in November last year.

The 21 year old midfielder is looking to get more regular playing to stand a chance of making Nigeria’s squad to the World Cup in Russia.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/nwakali-aberdeen-switch-offers-big-challenge-will-give-club-best/

Undefeated world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, will face New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in a unification clash in Cardiff on March 31, the Nigerian-born Briton announced in a video on his Twitter account on Sunday.

Joshua, who holds the World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) belts will fight Parker, World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales following weeks of intense negotiations.

In his last fight inside the Principality Stadium in October, Joshua claimed a 10th-round stoppage victory over Cameroonian-born French boxer Carlos Takam.

Joshua, 28, says he hopes to take another step towards becoming the undisputed world heavyweight champion.

“I like to fight. It’s like one step closer to adding a strap to my legacy. It’s my main objective, and it’s showing I’m never shy of a competition,” said Joshua, who is a Sky Ambassador.


“He’s (Parker) a respectable competitor, he is the WBO heavyweight champion of the world, so it’s like one step closer to adding a strap to my legacy.

“That’s what makes it exciting.”

Parker, 26, who is also undefeated, vowed to rip away Joshua’s two world titles by racking up his 25th straight victory.

“Anthony Joshua is in for a huge shock,” Parker said. “A couple of months ago I heard him say ‘why should I be worried about this little kid from New Zealand’?

“Well, now he’s about to find out. The world is about to find out whether AJ can really take a punch. My entire existence is now devoted to proving what the boxing world already knows.”

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn says it is going to be a classic.

“I’m delighted to get this fight made – it’s been a long time coming,” Hearn. “Champions should fight champions and AJ continues to step up to the challenges.

“It’s the first time in history that two reigning heavyweight world champions have met in Britain. It’s a classic match-up between two young, fast, undefeated belt holders and it’s going to be an explosive fight.

“This is another huge unification fight for Anthony as he continues to make history in the quest to become undisputed world heavyweight champion.”

Parker’s promoter David Higgins predicted that his fighter will ruin the perfect record of Joshua.

“Joseph Parker is the absolute epitome of the Kiwi sporting battler,” said Higgins. “It has been said that he is punching above his weight, but he didn’t become WBO heavyweight champion by being lucky.

“He’s never been stopped, never even been wobbled in the ring. He’s consistently fought fighters in the world’s top 10 and he’s beaten them all easily. It certainly won’t be a shock to me when he beats Anthony Joshua and takes his titles back home to New Zealand.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/joshua-parker-boast-unification-bout-confirmed-march/

Super Eagles defender, Shehu Abdullahi, was in action for Anorthosis who were forced to a 1-1 away draw by Apollon Limassol in the Cyprus top flight on Sunday,[url] Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Abdullahi was in action for 90 minutes for Anorthosis in the encounter.

The draw means Anorthosis drop from the top position in the league table to third on 41 points, two points adrift leaders AEK Larnaca.

In the German Bundesliga, Nigeria young striker Victor Osimhen was an unused substitute for Wolfsburg who held Borussia Dortmund to a 0-0 away draw.

It was Wolfsburg’s first game in the second half of the season.

Osimhen’s last league game for Wolfsburg was in a 1-0 away loss to Cologne on December 16, 2017 when he came on in the 81st minute.

And in the Portuguese Primeira Liga (first division), Oghenekaro Etebo featured for 90 minutes in Feirense’s 3-1 away loss to Tondela.

The defeat was Feirense’s 11th (five wins, two draws) which makes them the second team in the top flight alongside Estoril with the most defeats so far in the league.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/roundup-abdullahi-features-anorthosis-draw-etebo-suffer-defeat-feirense/

Katsina United midfield star, Destiny Ashadi, has been declared a major doubt for Nigeria Professional Football League opening day clash against Kano Pillars at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Saturday, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] (CSN).

Ashadi who was one of the shinning stars for Katsina United in the NPFL last season, suffered an ankle injury in a pre-season game against Wikki Tourists and recently returned to training.

The injury also stopped him from linking up with the home-based Super Eagles’ training camp ahead of the 2018 African Nations Championship ‎(CHAN).

“Destiny is fine, but it is advisable not to rush him. He has resumed full training with th rest of the team, and he may not be available because of his level of fitness,” the team’s doctor , Abu Sufian told Katsinaunited.com.

“I can categorically state here that he is fit, but not for Saturday’s game. Hence he may not be available for the game.”

Ashadi scored five goals and provided nine assists for the Chanji Boys last season.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/katsina-united-hotshot-ashadi-doubtful-league-opener-vs-kano-pillars/