Former Nigeria striker, Victor Ikpeba, has advised Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen to always be calm and avoid getting himself into the wrong books for both club and country.

Napoli and Super Eagles star, Osimhen has recently been grabbing headlines for the wrong reasons, following disagreements with his family and training ground bust up at Napoli.

However, in a chat with Comfort 95.1 FM, Ikpeba has urged Osimhen to calm down and focus on his career.

“Human beings are different. I remember my time as a professional footballer many years ago, I had my personality and character. I was very outspoken but had respect for senior players.

“Osimhen is still a young guy. I don’t care what people think about me. When anything is on social media, people tend to take sides. I honestly don’t have any problem with him.

“The sky is his limit but he needs to concentrate. People have to manage stardom. The Victor I saw at VfL Wolfsburg, Sporting Charleroi and OSC Lille carried himself decently. Going to Napoli might have changed his mind. He should calm down. The lad hasn’t achieved anything yet. He should try to emulate players like Mane and Salah.

“Before the boy went to Napoli, he was a decent young chap. I hope people around the boy advise him. He can’t continue to get into the wrong books as a star player of club and country.

“I honestly want Osimhen to do well, he has the attributes and talent to do so. Football can unforgiven sometimes. Look at Mario Balotelli, a lot of Nigerian footballers have had this opportunity and lost it. Osimhen is at the right place and right time.”

The ‘Prince of Monaco’ stressed further, “My advice for him is to calm down. He needs people who will tell him the truth. Players need to listen to people who are close to them. He should calm down, training ground issues can happen but they shouldn’t be constant.

“What I said after Nigeria vs Ghana game was the truth. I have played the game to the highest level, so I can’t be afraid to criticize these players. The problem with the media and fans in Nigeria is that we are afraid to criticize these players. As far as it is constructive, we shouldn’t be afraid. All that I said about Osimhen was constructive. He may not like it but that’s the truth.”


Source: https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-must-avoid-getting-himself-into-the-wrong-books-ikpeba-2/

Manchester United’s Brazil left-back Alex Telles is closing in on a loan move to La Liga side Sevilla, according to BBC Sport.

Telles has been squeezed at United after the arrival of new boss Erik ten Hag’s first signing, Tyrell Malacia.


With the former Feyenoord man vying with Luke Shaw for the left-back slot, Telles spent much of pre-season playing in central defence.

However, that will not continue into this Premier League campaign after Lisandro Martinez signed from Dutch giants Ajax.
It means Telles is risking his World Cup place if he does not get a move.

The 29-year-old was recalled to the Brazil squad in January after a 14-month absence.

Telles joined United in 2020, signing for 15m euros (£13.6m) from Porto.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/man-united-defender-telles-close-to-joining-sevilla/

Xavi said he would be open to the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona, though admitted that a deal is currently “impossible”, Eurosport reports.

Messi ended a 21-year association with Barcelona last summer, departing on a free transfer to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain after financial difficulties left Barcelona unable to renew his contract.

The Argentine endured an injury-disrupted first campaign at PSG scoring just eleven times in all competitions; his worst return since the 2005-06 season.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta suggested recently that he was keen for Messi to return to Barcelona for a “more beautiful ending” to his career.

And while seemingly dismissing any immediate prospect of the Argentina captain returning to the club, Xavi did not rule out a potential reunion with his former team-mate.

“At the moment, signing Leo Messi is impossible. He has a contract with Paris [Saint-Germain].

“We will see in the future. It’s not the time to talk about him.”

Messi signed a two-year deal when joining PSG last summer, with the possibility of a further year’s extension.

Laporta nonetheless fuelled speculation that the 35-year-old’s Barcelona career had not reached a full stop when he suggested it was his “responsibility” to make amends for a shock, unplanned departure from the club.

“Messi was everything,” Laporta said to ESPN.

“To Barca, he’s been possibly its greatest player, the most efficient. To me he’s only comparable to Johan Cruyff. But it had to happen one day. We had to make a decision as a consequence of what we inherited. The institution is in charge of players, coaches.

“I would hope that the Messi chapter isn’t over. I think it’s our responsibility to try to… find a moment to fix that chapter, which is still open and hasn’t closed, so it turns out like it should have, and that it has a more beautiful ending.”


Source: https://www.completesports.com/xavi-open-to-messi-returning-to-barcelona/

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan made history by winning gold medal in the Women’s 100m Hurdles on the final day of 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States of America, reports Completesports.com.

Amusan is the first African and Nigerian to achieve feat.

The Nigerian girl crossed the line with a scorching 12.06s (+2.5m/s) which would have been her second World Record (WR) of the evening but for the excess wind.

Jamaican Britany Anderson came second in
12.23s, while Olympic Champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn settled for Bronze with the same time.

Gloria Alozie was the first Nigerian to win a medal in the 100m Hurdles at the World Championships.

Alozie achieved the feat in Sevilla, Spain in 1999.

Also, Ese Brume claimed Silver medal in the women’s Long Jump.

Brume produced a huge 7.02m, her biggest jump of the year to come second in the event.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/oregon-2022-amusan-wins-gold-in-100mh-brume-claims-silver-in-long-jump/

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has debunked reports claiming that he has the intention of signing Paris Saint German (PSG) star, Neymar this summer.

The 30-year-old, who has been linked with City and their Premier League rivals, Chelsea, this summer, has been called into question this summer, with new PSG sporting director Luis Campos willing to offload him in the current window.

However, in an interview with the UK Sun, Guardiola noted that he admires the Brazilian international but has not plan to sign him to his squad.
“I’m sorry but it’s not true. Their information is not right.

“Neymar is an incredible player and the info I have he’s an incredibly nice guy. But it’s not right.

“Every summer City is going to buy 150 players!”.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/guardiola-speaks-on-signing-neymar/

President of the Nigeria Football Federation and FIFA Council Member, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick has showered encomiums on nine-time African champions, Super Falcons for a valiant display despite several odds and obstacles in their Women AFCON semi final encounter against host nation Morocco in Rabat on Monday night.

“Of course, we would have been happy to be in the Final and chase a 10th title. But I am happy with the performance of the team and the way and manner they approached the game despite all sorts of setbacks and intimidation.

“To play 50 minutes of a game with only nine players is not an easy task. The Super Falcons gave their all and were truly fabulous. They had the ‘Nigeria spirit’ in them and showed a sense of patriotism, were dogged and refused to give up. Penalties are forever a lottery, so it could have gone either way. I commend the team for the outing.”

The explusion of midfielder Halimat Ayinde in the 49th minute reduced Nigeria to 10 players, before referee Maria Rivet from Mauritius handed forward Rasheedat Ajibade a red card in the 70th minute, which cut Nigeria’s playing strength by two for the remaining 50 minutes (20 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of extra time) of the thrilling encounter,

Uchenna Kanu had a touch on Nigeria’s goal in the 62nd minute though it was recorded as an own goal by Yasmin Mrabet, and Nigeria could have put the match in the bag when substitute Gift Monday rocked the crossbar with a well-taken shot from outside the box 11 minutes into extra time.

“Our girls did a massive job on a night they were not only depleted but challenged by laser lights trained on their eyes by the crowd. I am enamoured by their resilience and tenacity. The next step now is for the Federation to do everything possible to prepare the team adequately for the FIFA World Cup finals coming up next year.”

Pinnick added that he is delighted with the strong pipeline at the moment, with the U20 girls and U17 girls having also qualified for their respective FIFA World Cup tournaments and boasting interesting prospects who can easily fit into the senior team.

“The supply line looks strong enough to continue to present us with good and ambitious players for the coming years. We will have a delightful combination of experienced and youthful players for the World Cup finals.”

Already, the NFF has secured a total of four friendly matches for the Falcons in the Fall, with the team scheduled to play the United States Women’s National Team in Kansas City and Washington D. C in September, and also to fly to Japan to take on that country’s women’s squad in Kobe in October. Both opponents offer diversity in style and approach.

Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa and Zambia have qualified automatically for the 32-team FIFA Women’s World Cup fiesta to be staged in five Australian cities and four New Zealand cities 20th July – 20th August 2023. Cameroon and Senegal will battle for slots at a 10-team Playoff Tournament in New Zealand early next year.

The Super Falcons have arrived in Casablanca on Tuesday for Friday’s third place match against Zambia at the Complexe Mohamed V.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/pinnick-assures-super-falcons-of-adequate-preparation-for-world-cup/

Former Nigerian midfielder, Henry Nwosu has revealed that the Super Falcons should keep their head high despite losing to Morocco in the ongoing 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Recall that Nigeria lost 5-4 on penalties after dragging the game into extra-time despite losing two key players in the second half to red card offenses.

In a chat with Completesports.com, Nwosu stated that the team must be commended for displaying great resilience and determination against the host nation.

“I don’t consider this as a defeat but a victory for the gallant Super Falcons despite going two players down and holding their own till the penalty shootouts.

---

“Credit should be accorded to the women because it was a spirited performance from them. They showed great character and determination as far as I am concern.

The loss makes it the third time Nigeria will not feature in a WAFCON final since its inception. The other two occasions ended in third and fourth place finishes in 2008 and 2012 respectively, and Equatorial Guinea the eventual winners.

Nigeria will face Zambia in a third place match on Friday while both South Africa and Morocco will face off in the final on Saturday for a chance to win a maiden WAFCON title.

Source : https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-wafcon-2022-falcons-showed-great-character-determination-despite-loss-to-morocco-nwosu/
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Nani has appealed to Manchester United star, Cristiano Ronaldo not to dump the club for any other club.


Reports have claimed that the 37-year-old wants to United this summer, with Ronaldo not on tour in Australia due to ‘family issues’.

Former United winger Nani came up against his old club with Melbourne Victory on Friday night.

Nani, 35, played with Ronaldo for two years at Old Trafford and 11 years with the Portugal national team.

“When he’s on vacation he doesn’t answer the phone to anybody,” Nani said. “I tried to talk to him, but he said: ‘I’m so busy now, we’ll talk soon’.

“I hope (he stays). He’s an important player and a player who always makes a difference. I hope he’s in a good mood to help the club, so hopefully.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/please-dont-leave-man-united-nani-begs-ronaldo/

Former Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo is set to re-join English Championship club Cardiff as they continue their major summer overhaul, Daily Mail reports.

Ojo has undergone a medical and is set to sign a three-year deal, becoming Cardiff’s 11th signing for manager Steve Morison.

The 25 year-old will join on a free after leaving Liverpool this summer at the end of his contract.

And Cardiff have held off interest from Championship rivals QPR to bring Ojo back to the Welsh capital.

Ojo enjoyed a successful loan spell at Cardiff during the 2020/21 season, making 42 appearances and scoring five times and creating seven goals.

That was one of a number of temporary spells he had while at Liverpool who he made 13 appearances for in total after joining the Anfield club aged 14 from MK Dons.

Ojo joined MK Dons’ academy when he was 10 years old. By the age of 13, he had played for the Dons’ U18 side and was training with the first team squad.

During his time at the club, Ojo became the first MK Dons trainee to receive an international cap at youth level.

On 11 November 2011, Liverpool beat off competition from a host of Europe’s top clubs including a multimillion-pound offer from Chelsea to sign Ojo, then 14, for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £2 million.

In April 2014, Ojo was joint top scorer alongside fellow Liverpool player Harry Wilson in the prestigious U17 Future Cup.

Having made a number of appearances on Liverpool’s bench over the festive period, Ojo joined Wigan Athletic on loan on 2 February 2015.

Five days later, he made his professional debut coming on as a 59th-minute substitute for Wigan in a Championship match against AFC Bournemouth, with Wigan naming Ojo as their Man of the Match after he had a positive impact on the game.

He was recalled by Liverpool on 7 January 2016. The next day, Ojo made his competitive first-team debut for Liverpool, as a substitute in the FA Cup Third Round tie against Exeter City that ended in a 2–2 draw.

He scored his first competitive goal for Liverpool in the replay against Exeter on 20 January; his goal was the second in a 3–0 victory.

Ojo made his Premier League debut on 20 March 2016, replacing Joe Allen in the 87th minute in a 3–2 loss away to Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium.

Source" https://www.completesports.com/ojo-set-to-join-cardiff-city-on-three-year-deal/

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is set to join Chelsea on a long-term, according to multiple reports.

Despite the departures of Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Romelu Lukaku, head coach Thomas Tuchel is still waiting to make his first addition of the summer transfer window.

The Premier League giants have been linked with numerous centre-backs, including Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt.

However, it has been widely suggested that Manchester City’s Nathan Ake is most likely to move to Stamford Bridge, returning for a second spell at the club.

In recent days, speculation has increased regarding the next move of Koulibaly with Chelsea known to want to bring another leadership figure into the group.

The Blues are allegedly prepared to meet the asking price of the Senegal international at a time when he has less than a year remaining on his contract.

According to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Chelsea are now closing in on wrapping up the transfer of the 31-year-old.

Hawkins says that Chelsea are ready to pay €40m (£33.91m) for Koulibaly, who is said to be ready to pen a three-year contract at the West Londoners.


The Blues are allegedly prepared to meet the asking price of the Senegal international at a time when he has less than a year remaining on his contract.

According to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Chelsea are now closing in on wrapping up the transfer of the 31-year-old.

Source::https://www.completesports.com/koulibaly-set-to-join-chelsea-from-napoli/

S
The football governing body revealed the nature of the injury and also stated that Oshoala will travel back to Spain on Thursday.

“Sad news from @NGSuper_Falcons camp: Top striker Asisat Oshoala is out of the ongoing WAFCON 2022.

“She sustained a Grade 2 Medial Collateral Ligament strain in the game against South Africa. She is due back in Spain on Thursday. Get well quick Asisat!“

Meanwhile, the Falcons will hope to bounce back from their defeat to South Africa when they take on debutants and Group C leaders Botswana on Thursday.

This year’s WAFCON also doubles as qualifiers for next year’s women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/breaking-oshoala-ruled-out-of-2022-wafcon/

President of the Botswana Football Association MacLean Letshwiti says his country’s women’s national team, The Mares, can defeat the Super Falcons in Thursday’s Group C tie.

Debutants Botswana kicker off their campaign with a 4-2 win against Burundi in Group C on Monday while the Falcons lost 2-1 to South Africa.

A win for Botswana against the Falcons, who were lackluster against South Africa, would guarantee qualification into the quarter-finals.

And looking ahead to the match, Letshwiti called on his compatriots to rally behind the team believing they can achieve the impossible.

“Let me congratulate The Mares for putting an excellent shift at work, defeating Burundi by a convincing 4 – 2 score line at the ongoing Wafcon Tournament here in Morocco,” Letshwiti said in a post published in Botswana FA’s Facebook page.

“The Ladies’ thrilling performances (against Burundi) demonstrated beyond doubt that together we can achieve. I therefore humbly urge the Ladies to continue to show their mettle against the best in Africa. A re kgotetseng!

```````````````````````````“Further, I wish to also thank the people of Botswana back home for their well wishes and their patriotic spirit, rallying behind this exciting team.We are more than excited about your collective support. Let’s rally more and more behind The Mares especially in the second match which is a critical encounter in the tournament with its associated pressure and international focus now squarely on The Mares.

“Nelson Mandela once said; ‘it is impossible until it is done.’

“Let’s go out once more and do it again. It’s possible!”

Meanwhile, in Monday’s second round of games in Group A, hosts Morocco and Senegal qualified for the round of eight.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wafcon-it-is-possible-to-beat-super-falcons-botswana-fa-president-letshwiti/

President of the Botswana Football Association MacLean Letshwiti says his country’s women’s national team, The Mares, can defeat the Super Falcons in Thursday’s Group C tie.

Debutants Botswana kicker off their campaign with a 4-2 win against Burundi in Group C on Monday while the Falcons lost 2-1 to South Africa.

“Let me congratulate The Mares for putting an excellent shift at work, defeating Burundi by a convincing 4 – 2 score line at the ongoing Wafcon Tournament here in Morocco,” Letshwiti said in a post published in Botswana FA’s Facebook page.

“The Ladies’ thrilling performances (against Burundi) demonstrated beyond doubt that together we can achieve. I therefore humbly urge the Ladies to continue to show their mettle against the best in Africa. A re kgotetseng!

“Further, I wish to also thank the people of Botswana back home for their well wishes and their patriotic spirit, rallying behind this exciting team.We are more than excited about your collective support. Let’s rally more and more behind The Mares especially in the second match which is a critical encounter in the tournament with its associated pressure and international focus now squarely on The Mares.

“Nelson Mandela once said; ‘it is impossible until it is done.’

“Let’s go out once more and do it again. It’s possible!”

Meanwhile, in Monday’s second round of games in Group A, hosts Morocco and Senegal qualified for the round of eight.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wafcon-it-is-possible-to-beat-super-falcons-botswana-fa-president-letshwiti/

Super Falcons head coach
Randy Waldrum is confident Asisat Oshoala will be able to shake off her injuy in time for his side’s next game against Botswana.

Oshoala sustained an injury in Nigeria’s 2-1 defeat to the Banyana Banyana of South Africa on Monday night.

The striker was hacked down by a South African player early in the game, but played on until the 82nd minute.

The Barcelona Femeni star was replaced by Francisca Ordega.

Waldrum is upbeat his star forward won’t spend too time on the sidelines.

“I think she will be fine, the doctors will check her and I am hopeful for a positive update,”the American gaffer told reporters.

The Super Falcons will take on Botswana on Thursday.
Botswana top the group on goal difference after a thrilling 4-2 win against fellow debutants, Burundi on Monday nigh

Source:https://www.completesports.com/wafcon-2022-waldrum-confident-oshoala-will-be-fit-for-botswana-clash/

Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has backed his team to bounce back from Monday’s defeat to the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, reports Completesports.com.

The holders fell to a 2-1 defeat against Desiree Ellis’ side in the Group C encounter at the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.
Both sides cancelled each other out in the first half, but South Africa took the lead through Jermaine Seoposenwe on the hour mark.

Hilda Magaia added the second with a finish two minutes later.
Rasheedat Ajibade reduced the deficit with an incredible finish in the 92nd minute.

“Despite the loss, we are still positive in camp. It is obviously the first game of the tournament so we have to go back and regroup,”Waldrum was quoted by CAFonline.

“We have to increase our urgency in the fighting spirit because we are encouraged by it. We have to play the way we played in the last 10-15 minutes so that we get going.”

n the other Group C game also on Monday, Burundi defeated Botswana 4-2.

Waldrum’s charges will face Botswana in their game on Thursday.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/waldrum-super-falcons-will-bounce-back-from-south-africa-defeat/

South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis has revealed the secret behind Banyana Banyana’s impressive 2-1 win against holders Nigeria in their opening Group C game at the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.

Banyana Banyana dominated the game even though the Super Falcons created few chances too.

South Africa took the lead through Jermaine Seoposenwe on the hour mark.

Hilda Magaia added the second with a fine finish two minutes later.

Rasheedat Ajibade reduced the deficit with an incredible finish in the 92nd minute.

“We forced them to play long balls,” Ellis said after the gam

“We knew we can force them to make mistakes at the back which they did, the players deliver our plans.”

Ellis also reflected on the win which put her side in a good position to qualify for next round.

“This is a very big win for us as a team. We needed to get this result because it sets the tone for the rest of the tournament. We had a meeting before we started training to talk about our goals and ambitions. We want to qualify for the World Cup and win the title here,”she added.

We know what happened in 2018, but we have matured over the past four years and there are changes in our team. Jermaine played about four positions today. That is the versatility we have now as a team.”

“This victory is for everyone back home and for all the coaches. This is for everyone connected to women’s football back home.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/south-africa-coach-ellis-how-we-clipped-super-falcons-wings/

Arsenal have officially announced the signing of Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City on a long-term contract.

The London club made the announcement in a statement released on their official website on Monday.

Jesus joined Arsenal in a deal reported to be in the region of £45 million.

He becomes the fourth player to sign for the Gunners ahead of the new season, following the acquisition of compatriot Marquinhos, Matt Turner and Fabio Vieira.
The statement from Arsenal read:”Gabriel Jesus has signed from Manchester City on a long-term contract.

“The 25-year-old forward joins us having established himself as one of the leading strikers in the Premier League in recent seasons. He scored 95 goals in 236 appearances in all competitions during his five seasons in Manchester.

“Gabriel has won the Premier League title four times, the FA Cup, and the League Cup three times. He is a regular in the Brazil national team, making 56 appearances and scoring 19 times since making his full international debut for his country in September 2016. He was a member of the squad which won the Copa America in 2019. During his international career Gabriel has also notably won a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, and featured at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

“Gabriel developed through the youth setup at Palmeiras, signing a youth contract in 2013, with his prolific goalscoring ensuring he quickly progressed into the first-team squad, making his debut as a 17-year-old in March 2015. During his time with Palmeiras, Gabriel was an integral part of the club’s Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A winning side in 2016, when he was voted as the league’s Bola de Ouro – Player of the Season.

“Gabriel will wear the number 9 shirt and will join up with the Gunners squad for pre-season training soon.

“Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Gabriel to the club.

“The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”

Arsenal Technical Director Edu said: “We are delighted that we have secured the transfer of Gabriel. Everyone who knows football well, knows the qualities of Gabriel Jesus.

“Gabriel is a player who we have admired for a long time now. He is 25 years old and an established Brazil international who has consistently demonstrated that he is a player at a very high level. We look forward to seeing him join up with his new teammates ahead of the new season. We all welcome Gabriel to Arsenal.”

And speaking on Jesus’ signing Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “I’m very excited. The club has done a tremendous job to recruit a player of this stature. I know Gabriel personally very well, and we all know him well from his time in the Premier League and being really successful here.

“This is a position that’s been on our radar for a long time now and we have managed to get a player that we all wanted, so I’m really happy.”

SOURCE: https://www.completesports.com/official-gabriel-jesus-joins-arsenal-in-45m-transfer/

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will be without first choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie for their Group C clash against the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, reports Completesports.com.

Randy Waldrum’s charges first game at the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations will hold at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat on Monday (today).

Nnadozie,who plays for French club, Paris FC is suspended for the game after receiving yellow cards in different matches in the qualifiers against Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.

Her absence will be a big blow for the Super Falcons, who have lost two of their last three outings to the Banyana Banyana.

Waldrum will however pick between Tochukwu Oluehi and Yewande Balogun for the game.

Botswana and Burundi will face each other in the other Group C game also on Monday.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/wafcon-2022-super-falcons-goalkeeper-suspended-for-south-africa-clash/

Golden Eaglets head coach Nduka Ugbade has expressed confidence that his side will subdue Cote d’Ivoire in the semi-finals of the U-17 WAFU B on Tuesday.

The last four of the regional qualifying tournament will kick off today (Tuesday) with Nigeria, hosts Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso vying for the two available tickets for next year’s U-17 AFCON in Algeria.

The first semi-finals is between the Eaglets and Cote d’Ivoire inside the Cape Coast Stadium.
While the second semi-final clash will see Ghana battle Burkina Faso.

And speaking ahead of the tie with Cote d’Ivoire, Ugbade described it as the most important match for his team.

“By the special grace of God we will subdue Ivory Coast and qualify,” Ugbade said on Brila FM.”Because like I said to them the trophy is not important you must win the last match to win the trophy and this is not the last match this is the most important match, win this one and you are assured to get to the finals in Algeria.”

To get to this stage the Eaglets beat Ghana 4-2 in the opening game in Group A before overcoming Togo 3-1 in their second group game.

The U-17 AFCON in Algeria will serve as qualifiers for the World Cup in Peru.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-u-17-wafu-b-we-will-subdue-cote-divoire-golden-eaglets-coach-ugbade/

Super Falcons forward Macleans Chinenye is determined to help the team win a record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, reports Completesports.com.

The West Africans have won nine out of 11 editions of the WAFCON.

Randy Waldrum’s side are aiming to win a record extending 10th title in Morocco next month.

The Super Falcons are pitted in Group C against title rivals, South Africa and debutants, Botswana and Burundi.

“it’s a dream come true for me, I can’t wait to add my quota as we aim to win the trophy again.” – Macleans told Super Falcons media team.

Macleans is currently the highest goal scorer in the Polish league with 20 goals in 20 matches.

She once played for Abia Angels and Bayelsa Queens.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/super-falcons-new-girl-macleans-targets-wafcon-success/[b][/b]

With the values of some Super Eagles players such as the likes of Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, Maduka Okoye and Emmanuel Dennis rising in the transfer market, some are on the other side of the coin.

Ahmed Musa, Terem Moffi and William Troost Ekong have seen their values on the decline at the end of the 2021/22 season. Complete Sports‘ FEMI ASHAOLU takes a look at SEVEN Eagles whose valuation in the market has suffered decline.

Terem Moffi

Terem Igobor Moffi had a disappointing season at Lorient in the 2021/22 Ligue 1 season. Moffi could only hit the net eight times and provided four assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.

The striker had raised the appetite of a lot of his followers after netting 14 goals with three assists in the penultimate season, when he joined the Ligue 1 side from Kortrijk in Belgium.

The 23-year-old striker, who is a regular at the club, failed to score in 30 domestic matches last term, which underscored the struggles Lorient had, as he is the club’s top marksman. The club finished just four points above the relegation zone.

Consequently, his market value has not remained the same. As at December last year, the attacker was worth €10million. According to the valuation carried out by Transfermarkt at the end of May, Moffi’s value has slightly dropped by €1million, leaving him with a market value of €9million.

His highest value was in October 2021, rising as high as €12million, three months into the just concluded campaign. It is worthy of note that Moffi only missed one game for the club in the league in the entire season.

However, the Nigerian is ranked as the most valuable player at the club. In value, Moffi is ranked 120th in the French Ligue 1, 140th globally as a centre-forward, and 14th most valuable Nigerian professional footballer.

William Troost-Ekong

Super Eagles assistant captain William Troosd-Ekong is one of the seven players who suffered decline in value due to dismal or unimpressive campaign in the just concluded season across Europe.

Troost-Ekong helped Watford secure promotion from the Championship to the Premier League before the kick off of last season in England. However, reality began to dawn on the defender that there is a massive difference between the two divisions, weeks into the 2021/22 season.

The 28-year-old started the first half of the season for the club as a regular and featured in 16 of the 17 games he played for Watford in the entire season under Xisco Munoz and Claudio Ranieri.

The Nigerian even captained the club in their 0-2 defeat at Vicarage Road against Wolves. But things quickly fell apart for him after former England manager Roy Hodgson took charge at the club at the turn of the New Year.

The former Udinese of Italy defender was subsequently relegated to the bench. He made only two appearances for the club in 2022 in 102 minutes of football. He finished the season featuring in less than half of the total Premier League fixtures for Watford. He was listed in the matchday squad 28 times this campaign, but only played 17 games.

Under Hodgson, he made only appearance and that was against Wolves in May; the game that potentially sealed the club’s relegation back to the Championship. Troost-Ekong played for 12 minutes in the clash.

His falling fortune in the season has also not left the Nigerian’s market value the way it was at the start of the campaign. His career highest value was €5million last December. But his value has now declined to €4million in the latest valuation of players who featured in the Premier League last season. His current value was the same as at the start of last year, while the club were still in the Sky Bet Championship.

But he is the 9th most valued player at his club despite the poor season they had last term which saw them drop from the elite league in England. Troost-Ekong is rated as the 24th most valuable Nigerian player and 345th in the Premier League.

It is not yet certain if the centre-back will continue with the Hornets next season.

Ola Aina

The summary of Ola Aina’s 2021/22 season is similar to that of Troost-Ekong. Both of them started the season well and lost their shirts in the second half of the campaign.

Aina had an erratic campaign with Torino last season. The Super Eagles right-back was a regular before the Africa Cup of Nations in January but after he returned, he struggled to get game time under coach Ivan Juric. The 25-year-old was benched for eight games after he returned from the AFCON, featuring in only five from a possible 16 Serie A games.

He endured the unpleasant situation and didn’t feature for the club from February 2022 to April when he played for 27 minutes in his club’s home draw against champions AC Milan.

And in the last seven corresponding fixtures, he featured in four matches and benched on three occasions. With the summer transfer window already opened, there are reports that the Turin-based side have resolved to let go the former Chelsea academy player for at least €10million.

According to Calciomercato, an Italian publication, Aina is unsettled at Torino and wants to leave the club this summer and the Maroons want to get the stipulated figure from a sale.

The situation at the club affected the Eagles star’s value, with the lack of matches affecting his ratings, according to transfer market. An updated valuation of players in the Italian topflight done this month, saw the Nigerian lose €500,000 from his previous €4million valuation.

Aina’s highest valuation was €10million which was in 2019, when he was on loan at Torino. With his current sliding value, he is the 16th most valued player at the Italian club, and 28th as a Nigerian player. In Italy, he is rankled 274.

Oluwasemilogo Ajayi

Despite having a commendable season, at least according to his coach at Championship side West Brom, Steve Bruce, Semi Ajayi could not help his stock from falling in the transfer market.

The Super Eagles defender had a decent season with West Bromwich Albion, making 31 appearances in the league, scoring once and providing two assists.

The 28-year-old had a patchy and challenging mid-season. He was benched for nine matches out of a possible 11 games between November 2021 and January 2022 under former coach Valerian Ismael. But the appointment of Bruce after Ismael’s sacking in February proved to be the game changer for the former Arsenal man.

Also Read: ‘What Osimhen Should Consider Before Leaving Napoli’ –Okunnowo Advises

Ajayi went on to play in 16 of the 17 remaining league fixtures, and featured for 90 minutes in 15 of the matches. He impressed the former Newcastle manager, who had been sacked from the club after it was taken over by a Saudi Consortium.

Towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign, the club tied the Nigerian down to a new three-year deal, and the coach described him as the best player at the club since he arrived.

“I’m absolutely delighted Semi has committed his future to us, ” Bruce had said.

“He’s arguably been our best player since I arrived at the club back in February, and I believe he has all the attributes needed to be a Premier League defender.

“This signing is key for us in terms of what we want to do next season and the rebuild which needs to happen. Semi is a crucial player in our team and I’m delighted he’s extended his stay.”

However, it is surprising that Ajayi’s valuation in the transfer market dropped from €5million to €4million last month.

Chidozie Awaziem

Awaziem also suffered a decline among Super Eagles players in the latest valuation of players across the world carried out by Transfer Market this month.

The Boavista of Portugal player spent last season on loan at Turkish club Alanyaspor and made 18 appearances in all competitions, netting once and also grabbing one assist.

As peculiar to Troost-Ekong and Aina, the defender also had a brilliant start to the 2021/22 season. He made 11 starts in 14 appearances and even netted in the first game of the season against Giresunspor.
However, he had pockets of injuries, including the one that denied him any appearance for Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon in January.

The 25-year-old had missed two matches through injury before the call up for AFCON, where he ended up nursing a mysterious injury. Upon his return to the club, he was benched for a whole month while he was listed in the matchday squads.

He featured in seven of the remaining fixtures for the season. According to a market valuation by Transfer Market, his value dropped from €4.5million to €4million. It is not yet certain if the Turkish side will opt to sign the former FC Porto right-back on loan.

Ahmed Musa

The Super Eagles skipper did not also survive the dwindling fortunes of some Nigerian players in the transfer market.

Musa, who moved to Europe in 2010 from Kano Pillars, joined Turkish side Fatih Karagümrük S.K. last year while he was not permanently attached to any side after he was released by Saudi side Al Nassr.

The 29-year-old made 34 appearances for the club in all competitions and scored four times; twice in the league in 31 games and two other times in the Turkish Cup, in which he played three times. The former Leicester City winger also registered two other assists.

The Eagles most capped player was regular for the club, despite not playing at the top level within the period he ended his relationship with Al Nassr.

Also Read: Besiktas, Galatasaray Battle For Onyekuru

However, goal scoring was his major undoing, even in matches during the 2021/22 season in which he would be used as the point man. Since October 2021, there has been a steady decline in Musa’s value, according to Transfer Market.

As at October 12, he had a value of €5million. However, it depreciated to €4.5million, €4million and he is currently valued at €3.4million.

Frank Onyeka

Frank Onyeka joined Brentford from FC Midtjylland at the beginning of the last campaign, and he went on to make 20 league appearances and 24 in all competitions in his first season in the difficult English football.

Onyeka started the season well, making 17 appearances in the first 19 league games for the Bees in the 2021/22 season.

The 24-year-old started in 12 matches and was used as a substitute in eight games. The combative midfielder was benched on six occasions and missed four clashes due to national duty for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Eagles star had a relatively fair season, helping the club to eight wins, four draws and eight defeats in the games he featured in.

However, he sustained an ankle injury in April, which effectively kept him out for almost eight league matches. But he contributed his quota to the club’s season, with their topflight status for another season already confirmed as at the period he got injured.

As a defensive midfielder shielding the backline, he made 25 tackles and recorded 68 percent tackle success, as well as 14 interceptions. He made 18 clearances and 74 total recoveries. The Nigerian, who loves to bump forward when the opportunities present themselves, has lost a slight of his value as a footballer.

He proved his worth and showed that he was not an accidental buy for the club, as his performances for the club saw his value rose to his career highest of €10million as at December 2021. His lowest was €50,000 back at his former club FC Midtjylland in 2017.

The 24-year-old joined Brentford with the highest value of €6million in June 2021, but four months later, his valuation had increased by €3million to €9million, before it rose to €10million three months later. He is currently valued at €9million and 14th most valuable player at the English side.

Onyeka is the 14th most valuable player in the Super Eagles and 278th in the Premier League.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/7-eagles-whose-market-values-dropped-in-2022/

Desire Oparanozie will not feature at this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month.

Oparanozie’s exclusion from the squad was confirmed on the Nigeria Football Federation’s Twitter handle.

However, no reason has been given for her exclusion from the squad.

The 28-year-old, who plays for Chinese Women’s Super League side Wuhan Jianghan University, will now be replaced by Sweden-based Anam Imo.

Also, Chiwendu Ihezuo will not be in Morocco and has been replaced by experienced midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene.

Oparanozie has been part of the Falcons squads of the African Women’s Championship of 2010 and 2014, 2016 and 2018, winning all four tournaments.

The Falcons are in Group C at this year’s WAFCON alongside South Africa, Botswana and Burundi.

They will open their campaign against South Africa on July 4 in Rabat.

Meanwhile, the 2022 WAFCON also doubles as qualifiers for the 2023 World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2022-wafcon-oparanozie-out-of-super-falcons-squad/

Golden Eaglets head coach Nduka Ugbade praised his players for their impressive display in the win against Togo on Tuesday, but warned they must keep fighting to secure the AFCON ticket, reports Completesports.com.

Ugbade’s charges recorded their second win of the competition after edging out the Togolese 3-1 at the Cape Coast Stadium.

The Eaglets defeated hosts Ghana 4-2 in the competition’s opening game last Saturday.

They are also through to the semi-final where they will face the second-placed team in Group B next week Monday.

Kevwe Iyede beat goalkeeper Komlan Igance Kiti for Nigeria’s first goal in the 10th minute.

Captain Precious Tonye Williams added another in the 22nd minute.

Togo halved the deficit 15 minutes from time, while substitute Light Eke restored Nigeria’s two-goal lead in the 81st minute.

“We are determined to get the AFCON ticket. It is not yet celebration time for the team until the semi-final is won,”Ugbade told reporters.

“The boys know the task ahead. we will keep working as a team and correct necessary mistakes noticed in the match against Togo. I want to salute the players determination and dexterity in both matches played so far”.

The two finalists in the competition will feature at the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Algeria next year.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/wafu-tourney-ugbade-thumbs-up-golden-eaglets-targets-afcon-ticket/

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has set a new record after the side’s empathic 10-0 win against Sao Tome and Principe in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Monday, reports Completesports.com.

Peseiro is now the first Super Eagles coach to lead the team to their biggest ever scoreline.

The Super Eagles’ biggest scoreline before now was a 10-1 win against the Squirrels of Benin Republic in 1959 at the Kwame Nkrumah Cup.

Napoli forward Victor Osimhen set the tone for the victory after putting the Super Eagles ahead on nine minutes.

Osimhen added three more goals in the second half.

Lorient star, Terem Moffi bagged a brace for the Super Eagles

Moses Simon, Oghenekaro Etebo, Ademola Lookman and Emmanuel Dennis were also among the goals.

The Super Eagles will face the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau in their next game in the qualifiers in September.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/peseiro-sets-new-record-after-super-eagles-demolish-sao-tome/

The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has described the Super Eagles’ emphatic 10-0 victory over Sao Tome and Principe in the 2023 AFCON qualifier played in Agadir, Morocco on Monday as soul-lifting.

The Eagles took their opponents to the cleaners in a devastating manner to position themselves at the top of Group A with the maximum six points from two games and a very healthy goal difference of eleven.

The Sports Minister said the convincing win is also a confirmation that the rebuilding process of the team is on course.
“I congratulate the Super Eagles for this historic victory. It was not just the result but also the performance. It clearly confirms that the rebuilding process of the team is on course. This is a morale boosting performance and I commend the team, the coaches, the players and their officials for this.”

Dare would then use the opportunity to assure the team that their home ground, the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja will be restored to an excellent state before their next AFCON qualifier in September.

“We, as a Ministry, take the responsibility for the state of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja when you played against Sierra Leone.

“The excitement of having the stadium back to life led to a few issues like the over use and the infestation by a specie of termites and bugs.

“We have engaged a new grass consultant and got a hold of these issues and in a few weeks, the pitch will be back in the excellent shape it was before the World Cup qualifier against Ghana last March.

“Every other thing like the water sprinklers, digital scoreboards, Media Centre, Conference rooms, change rooms, medical centre are fully functional and we will have the training pitches 100% ready as well.

“We will continue to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to sports and also thank Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his contributions in helping us restore the glory of the stadium from the farmland that it was then to what it is today,” Dare concluded.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/dare-hails-super-eagles-emphatic-10-0-win-over-sao-tome-promises-better-abiola-stadium-pitch/

Torino defender Ola Aina will miss Nigeria’s home clash against the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau in September, reports Completesports.com.

The 25-year-old has been booked twice in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Aina was first cautioned in Nigeria’s matchday one encounter against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone.

The versatile defender was booked for the second time in the Super Eagles’ 10-0 victory over Sao Tome and Principe on Monday afternoon.

Aina will however be available for the away tie against the Djurtus also in September.

The Super Eagles will host Guinea-Bissau in their matchday three encounter at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Sunday, September 18.

Jose Peseiro’s top Group A with six points from two games.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2023-afconq-aina-suspended-for-super-eagles-vs-guinea-bissau/

Victor Osimhen is reeling with excitement after helping the Super Eagles thrashed Sao Tome and Principe in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Monday, reports Completesports.com.

The 23-year-old netted four times in the 10-0 annihilation of the Falcons at the Adrar Stadium, Agadir, Morocco.

The 23-year-old is now the top scorer in the qualifiers with five goals from two games.

Osimhen has also now scored 15 goals in 22 appearances for Nigeria.

Lorient star, Terem Moffi bagged a brace in the game.

Moses Simon, Oghenekaro Etebo, Ademola Lookman and Emmanuel Dennis were also among the goals for the Super Eagles.

“Congratulations to the whole team and kudos to the coach,” Osimhen told reporters after the game.

“I am happy to get the four goals, I’m happy too for my teammates who scored, the likes of Lookman, Moffi and Dennis.

“I hope we can build on this momentum.”

The Super Eagles will face the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau in their next game in the qualifiers in September.

Source" https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-reacts-to-super-eagles-win-against-sao-tome/

Golden Eaglets head coach Nduka Ugbade is confident his boys will have a successful outing at the WAFU B U-17 Championship in Ghana, reports Completesports.com.

Ugbade’s charges are among the seven teams that will compete for the two tickets to the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations at the WAFU tourney.

The Golden Eaglets are in Group A along with hosts Ghana and Togo.

Ugbade, who has picked 20 players with five more players on standby after an intensive screening exercise at the FIFA Goal Project, Abuja is in buoyant mood ahead of the competition.

“I am happy with the squad that we have been able to come up with, and I can say confidently that we are going to Ghana to do the nation proud,” he told thenff.com.

The two finalists from the competition will feature at the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Algeria early next year.

“Our primary objective is to earn a ticket to the Africa Cup of Nations, and then we go full throttle for the trophy. Nigeria have a pedigree in U-17 football and we cannot afford to disappoint.”

The five-time world champions will open their campaign against hosts Ghana at the Cape Coast Stadium on Saturday.

S[b]ource: https://www.completesports.com/wafu-u-17-tourney-ugbade-confident-golden-eaglets-will-pick-afcon-ticket/
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Ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone, former Nigerian winger, Tijani Babangida has advised the Super Eagles to convert every goal scoring chances that comes their way.

The Super Eagles will face the Leone stars at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

In a chat with Completesports.com, the former Ajax stars posited that the Super Eagles has the opportunity of making a big statement of intent by beating Sierra Leone convincingly.

“This is a game the Super Eagles has no choice but to win and win convincingly if they are to win the hearts of Nigerians again.

” This is a game the strikers must ensure they bury every goal scoring chances that comes their way. The team can’t afford to drop points against Sierra Leone.

“I wish the team all the best against Sierra Leone at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-2023-afcon-qualifiers-convert-every-goal-scoring-chances-against-sierra-leone-tijani-warns-eagles/

Leon Balogun says the Super Eagles have put behind them their failure to secure a place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, reports Completesports.com.

The Super Eagles lost out on away goal rule to eternal rivals, the Black Stars of Ghana in the playoff round.

That’s behind us now. I played for my club (Rangers) four days after the game against Ghana, so it’s football. It goes on. There is no time to feel sorry for yourself,” Balogun told reporters.
“Obviously it hurts, but you have to move on. Like they say, time heals old wound. You have to move on because the next match is always around the corner.”

Balogun and his teammates have started a new era under Portuguese Jose Peseiro.

The centre-back reflects on what life is under the new manager.
“It’s exciting to be here, work under a new manager. To see what he comes up with. The fresh air he brings to the team,”he added.

‘I have only been here for two days, so it is a bit too early to make any kind of assessment.

“He is been nice, very friendly. He is trying to get used to what Nigeria is about.”

The Super Eagles were held to a 4-4 draw by Sierra Leone the last time both teams met in November 2020.

Balogun is confident things will be different this time around.

“That’s in the past, there is no point revisiting that. The lesson is not to underestimate any opponent,”he added.

“Sure they will come with a different team, but we will do our best to win the game.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/balogun-speaks-on-world-cup-disappointment-peseiro-sierra-leone/

Semi Ajayi has admitted he is yet to get over the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The Eagles were ousted by rivals Black Stars of Ghana in the playoffs on away goals rule.

Ajayi did not feature in both legs of the qualifiers as he was an unused substitute for the Eagles.

Commenting on the failure of not qualifying for the World Cup, Ajayi in an interview with Brila FM said:”It was very painful and I’m still dealing with it now the disappointment of not going to the World Cup.
“But we have to put that behind us. I’m trying to use that to fuel my motivation to make sure that something like that never happens again.”

Up next for Ajayi and his Eagles teammates is the 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone on Thursday in Abuja.

And Ajayi says he expects a difficult encounter from the Leone Stars but the Eagles will go into the fixture with the aim of securing the three points.

“We approach every game wanting to win, that’s the objective whether it’s Sierra Leone or any other team,” he said.

“We will go into the game looking for three points, we know it’s not going to be easy but we will take the game very seriously, we will listen to what the coach has to tell us in terms of the game plan and make sure we get the three points.”

“I’m really happy to be back especially back in Nigeria. We are looking to post some positive results for the game on Thursday and again the game on Monday so we are looking forward to the games,” Ajayi added.

On the new Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro, the West Brom star confessed that it has been a good experience.

“It’s has been really good he has come in and is trying to implement his ideas on the team. I think every session every game we are playing we are learning more and more what he is demanding from us and what he want from us and so far so good.”

On what lessons he learnt in the two friendly games against Mexico and Ecuador in the United States:”The biggest lesson for me in the friendly games in the US is that it just shows what we are capable of.

“There’s been a lot of positives to take from the games we know we didn’t get the result that we wanted but there’s a lot of positives to take from the games. I think the biggest lesson is that we can believe in ourselves.

“We played against two very good teams and arguably should have won maybe both of the games. That gives us a lot of confidence to take into these qualifiers now.”

And on his plans with West Bromwich Albion Ahead of next season, Ajayi stated:”My plan for next season is to make sure we achieve our objective https://www.completesports.com/im-yet-to-recover-from-2022-world-cup-disappointment-ajayi/
which is gaining promotion back to the Premier League. It’s definitely what I’m looking for so next season I will make sure I give everything to make sure we achieve that objective.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/im-yet-to-recover-from-2022-world-cup-disappointment-ajayi/

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro is sweating over the fitness of Emmanuel Dennis and Innocent Bonke ahead of his side’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, reports Completesports.com.

The duo sat out Monday’s training at the practice pitch of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
Dennis recently recovered from the injury he picked up while in action for his club, Watford.

The versatile forward missed the Hornets last three games of the campaign as a result of the setback.
Dennis however featured as a second half substitute in Nigeria’s friendly defeat to Ecuador last week.

Bonke is yet to fully shake off the injury he picked up in the first half of Nigeria’s
friendly defeat against Mexico .

The team has enough cover in midfield and attack should both players fail to recover before the game on Thursday.

The Super Eagles will host the Leone Stars at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Thursday.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/2023-afconq-dennis-bonke-doubtful-for-sierra-leone-clash/