₦airaland Forum

The hierarchy of Edel FC, a Nigeria National League (NNL) second-tier club, have exclusively informed Completesports.com that they are aware of the departure of their top scorer, Chindi Merpring, to Abia Warriors.

Merpring netted four goals during the concluded 2024/2025 NNL campaign, as Coach Sylvanus ‘Quick Silver’ Okpalla’s rescue mission achieved the desired outcome.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/nnl-edel-fc-confirm-departure-of-hot-shot-merpring-to-abia-warriors/

D’Tigress player Amy Okonkwo has been included in the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 All Star Team.

The All Star Team was announced on the X handle of FIBA women’s AfroBasket on Tuesday.

Okonkwo played a key role in D’Tigress’ successful run to this year’s AfroBasket in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/okonkwo-makes-fiba-afrobasket-2025-all-star-team/

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing in court on rape and sexual assault charges, Sky Sports reports.

The five charges relate to three women and the offences are reported to have taken place between 2021 and 2022. Partey denies all the charges against him.

The hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday lasted less than 15 minutes. Partey was not asked to enter a plea, but only if he understood the charges and the conditions of his bail.

Partey’s case has now been transferred to a Crown Court for trial. He is next due in court at the Old Bailey on September 2.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/partey-granted-bail-on-rape-charges/

Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has disclosed that Marcus Rashford is better than Athletic Bilbao star, Nico Williams.

His comments came in response to criticism from Inaki Williams after the younger Williams turned down a move to Blaugrana and instead signed a long-term extension with Athletic Club.

Gaspart, who was president at Barcelona from 2000 to 2003, has a reputation for explosive interviews and he is confident the situation worked out better for his old team in the end.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/rashford-better-than-williams-ex-barca-president/

Former Nigeria international Ifeanyi Udeze has charged players of the Super Eagles to use the Super Falcons Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 success as motivation.

The Super Falcons clinched a record-extending 10th WAFCON title after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final at the weekend.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/super-eagles-must-use-super-falcons-wafcon-2024-success-as-motivation-udeze/

Esther Okoronkwo has been voted Super Falcons’ Fans Player of the Tournament at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, reports Completesports.com.

Okoronkwo was one of the standout performers for the Super Falcons at the competition

The 27-year-old scored twice and registered six assists in six appearances for the Super Falcons.

Read More:https://www.completesports.com/okoronkwo-wins-super-falcons-wafcon-2024-fans-award/

Colombian international Luis Diaz has completed a £65.5m move to Bayern Munich from Liverpool

Diaz put pen to paper on a four-year contract with the Reds.

“We are happy that we were able to bring him to FC Bayern. Transfers like this work when everything meshes together. Our fans can look forward to an exceptional player.”

Diaz will wear the No14 shirt at Bayern Munich.

Liverpool have now generated more than £130m from sales this summer.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/done-deal-luis-diaz-completes-move-to-bayern-munich/

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Shehu Dikko has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his reward to the Super Falcons.

The Super Falcons won a record-extending 10th title at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations following a 3-2 victory over the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco.

In recognition of this remarkable achievement, President Tinubu announced a reward package that includes $100,000 for each player, $50,000 for each member of the technical and backroom staff, a three-bedroom apartment in the Renewed Hope Housing Estate, Abuja, and the conferment of national honours – Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all players and staff.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/dikko-gusau-appreciate-president-tinubu-for-honouring-super-falcons/

Como president Mirwan Suwarso has debunked reports circulating in the media that the club are willing to sign Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.

The legendary Argentinian forward was linked with a possible switch from Inter Miami to Como after his wife, Antonela, was spotted at their preseason game against Lille.

Fabregas, who is close friends with Messi, 38, and his family, refused to rule out a move, saying, “Never say never.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/messi-not-in-comos-plan-suwarso/

Nigerian striker Sixtus Ogbuehi has joined Belgian topflight club Kortrijk.

Ogbuehi was unveiled as a player of Kortrijk on Thursday

“Sixtus Ogbuehi is the next red-and-white reinforcement!

“The Nigerian striker moved to Spain at the age of 19 to play for Eldense in LaLiga2 in the summer of 2024 , after 18 goals in his first Spanish season .

“Since January of this year, the 22-year-old attacker has been on loan with Osasuna ‘s second team , scoring four goals and providing four assists .

“Sixtus also joined the first team’s training sessions during his loan spell and made several appearances for the La Liga club.

“The striker now comes permanently from Eldense and signs a contract at the Guldensporen Stadium until June 2028 .

“Welcome, Sixtus!”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/nigerian-striker-joins-belgian-club-kortrijk/

Banyana Banyana of South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis has blamed missed chances for her side’s loss to the Super Falcons of Nigeria.

The defending champions fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against the Super Falcons in their semi-final contest at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday night.

Nigeria took the lead through Rasheedat Ajibade, who converted a penalty late in the first half.

Linda Motlhalo levelled for South Africa from another penalty on the hour mark.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/wafcon-2024-ellis-rues-missed-chances-in-south-africas-loss-to-super-falcons/

Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo visited Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday amid reports linking with a nationality switch to Nigeria.

The centre-back is in Nigeria for his grassroot tournament tagged ‘ Tosin Adarabioyo Youth Cup’, which he is organising in conjunction with the Lagos State Football Association.

The competition will hold at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Lagos.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/adarabioyo-visits-lagos-governor-sanwo-olu-amid-super-eagles-links/

Henry Onyekuru has sealed a permanent transfer to Turkish Super Lig club Genclerbirligi, Completesports.com reports.

The 28-year-old put pen to paper on two-year contract with the Red and Black.

Onyekuru severed ties with Saudi Arabia Professional League side Al Fahya last month following the expiration of his contract.

He featured in 29 league games for Al-Fahya, and registered 10 goals.

The Nigeria international has previously played in Turkey for Galatasaray, and Adana Demirspor.

The versatile winger won the Turkish Super Lig and Turkish Cup with Galatasaray in the 2018/19 season.

Onyekuru stared his career at the Qatar-based ASPIRE Academy. He subsequently played for KAS Eupen, Everton, Anderlecht, Monaco and Olympiacos.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/done-deal-super-eagles-forward-joins-turkish-club-genclerbirligi/

Banyana Banyana of South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis says they are ready to tackle Nigeria in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The much-anticipated encounter will hold at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca on Tuesday (today).

The Banyana Banyana are desparate to defend the title they won three years ago in Morocco- becoming the first country after Nigeria to do so.

Nigeria are on Mission X – they have won a record nine titles and are gunning for the 10th trophy.

“Nigeria is a familiar team that we’ve played against over the last couple of years. We travelled yesterday and today, and we will have our final training session and there’s not much you can do in one day,” Ellis was quoted by safa.net.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/wafcon-2024-no-one-needs-motivation-to-face-super-falcons-banyana-coach-ellis/

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has disclosed that Noni Madueke will play an important role in the Gunners’ quest for title success next season.

Recall that Arsenal completed the signing of Madueke from Chelsea in a deal worth £52m last week.

The 23-year-old England international, who spent three seasons at Stamford Bridge, is the Gunners’ fourth arrival in the summer transfer window. He will wear the No. 20 shirt for Arsenal.

Reacting to his arrival, the England international believes Arsenal have made a “big statement” with the signing of Noni Madueke and is backing the winger to deliver in the big moments.

“Welcome to the Arsenal family. Noni, my brother. I’m buzzing for you to join the club,” Rice wrote in the letter.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/youll-be-incredible-for-arsenal-rice-tells-madueke/

Scudetto champions Napoli have set a deadline for Galatasaray to get their paperwork in order for Victor Osimhen, having agreed terms on the anti-Serie A clause and percentage issues, Football Italia reports.

The negotiations dragged on all summer after Osimhen spent last season in Istanbul on loan, where he scored 37 goals, provided eight assists in 41 appearances.

Napoli are finally getting close to a full agreement, but that does not mean they are prepared to wait forever to get this over the line.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/napoli-set-osimhen-deadline-for-galatasaray-to-complete-deal/

Former Nigerian international Odion Ighalo has advised Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen to make a move to the Saudi League and earn more money.

Recall that Osimhen has been left in the dark after Galatasaray’s €75m offer for him was turned down by Napoli last week.

Osimhen, who has scored 37 goals in 41 appearances during his loan spell at the Turkish giant, has been instrumental in the team’s success.

His impressive performance has made him a fan favorite, and the club is optimistic about retaining him.

However, reacting to the development, the former Man United striker, in a chat with Echo Room, stated that Osimhen has the opportunity to make more money for himself if he joins the Saudi League.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ignore-europe-join-saudi-league-to-make-money-ighalo-advises-osimhen/

Super Falcons duo Ashleigh Plumptre and Rasheedat Ajibade have been included in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Group Stage Best X1, reports Completesports.com.

The selection was compiled by the competition’s Technical Study Group (TSG).

Plumptre has impressed with her composure and defensive solidity on the left.

South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane, and Fikile Magama as well as Zambia’s Lushomo Mweemba are the other defenders on the shortlist.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/wafcon-2024-ajibade-plumptre-named-in-group-stage-best-x1/

Nigerian striker Umar Abubakar has sealed a permanent transfer to Portuguese Primiera Liga outfit Famalicão.

Abubakar, who linked up with the Famalicenses from academy side Footwork FC put pen to paper on a five-year contract.

The youngster spent last season on loan at Belgian club , Jong Gent where he scored 21 goals in 27 matches.

Jong Gent however failed to finalise a permanent deal for the player.

The 19-year-old expressed his delight after signing his contract.

Read More:https://www.completesports.com/done-deal-nigerian-striker-joins-portuguese-club-famalicao/

Arsenal are close to reaching a total agreement for the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon.

The Gunners are expected to pay a fixed fee of £55m while add-ons are still being finalised and could reach up to £8.6M.

It is understood there was a breakthrough in negotiations when Gyokeres’ agent agreed to waive a commission he was due from the deal.

This lowered the asking price for Arsenal on the guaranteed money without Sporting receiving less than they wanted.

Bringing in a striker has been a primary focus for Arsenal in this transfer window – they have explored conditions for a number of players, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/arsenal-close-to-agreeing-deal-for-gyokeres/

Thousands of Arsenal fans have signed an online petition in a move to stop them from buying Noni Madueke from Chelsea.

Madueke, 23, has emerged as a surprise target for the Gunners, as Mikel Arteta bids to reshape his attack.

Arsenal have reportedly submitted an offer worth £50million after agreeing personal terms with the England international.

Emirates chiefs have done their homework on Madueke, speaking to people who’ve previously worked alongside the Chelsea winger.

But according to Mirror, one supporter has set up a ‘#NOTOMADUEKE’ petition on the website change.org. It’s already gained more than 2,000 signatures after being set up on Wednesday.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/thousands-of-arsenal-fans-sign-petition-against-signing-of-madueke-from-chelsea/

Botswana head coach Alex Malete says his side will exploit Super Falcons’ mistakes when both teams clash in Thursday’s Group B clash at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Mares lost 1-0 to Algeria in their first game at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca.

They will face a more difficult test when they confront nine-time champions Nigeria.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/wafcon-2024-botswana-will-exploit-super-falcons-mistakes-malete/

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has blasted the club’s decision not to make a move for Victor Osimhen.

The Red Devils are one of the clubs reportedly interested in the Nigeria international.

Osimhen is however leaning towards a permanent transfer to Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray.

United finished in 15th position last season, and are in need of more firepower upfront.

Ferdinand believed Manchester United should have make a move for the striker.
“I’m like a broken record. If anyone listens to my podcast, I’ve said Osimhen for a while now,” the former Leeds defender said in an interview with TalkSPORT.

“He’s a centre-forward, he’s experienced, he knows how to score goals at the top level. I’ve seen today that Galatasaray have put a £50m bid in.

“I mean, £50m to get a top-class striker, one of the top strikers in the world, is absolute peanuts in today’s market.

“I’ll be disappointed if he goes to Galatasaray for that type of money when Man United are crying out for a striker.

Read More :https://www.completesports.com/ferdinand-laments-man-uniteds-failure-to-move-for-osimhen/

French club Montpellier have announced the signing of Nigerian striker Victor Orakpo on loan from OGC Nice.

Orakpo only linked up with Nice in January after impressing for Nigeria’s U-20 side at the 2022 FC Bayern Youth Cup.

The youngster was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the competition. Orakpo also finished as scorer with six goals.

The 19-year-old made five appearances across all competitions for Nice last season.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/done-deal-nigerian-forward-joins-montpellier-on-loan/

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper icon, Peter Rufai.

Rufai passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025, following a prolonged illness that had removed him from public life for an extended period.

His death marks the end of an era for many Nigerians who still cherish his heroic performances during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and Nigeria’s historic debut at the FIFA World Cup the same year.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the president’s Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Rufai as a patriotic sportsman who wrote his name in gold in Nigerian and African sports.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/great-sadness-tinubu-sanwo-olu-mourn-rufais-death/

Former Arsenal and Netherlands captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst has been appointed assistant coach at Premier League champions Liverpool.

The Reds confirmed Van Bronckhorst’s appointment in a statement on their website on Wednesday.

The appointment of the 50-year-old former left-back comes as the Premier League champions reshuffle their senior men’s coaching crew.

“Liverpool FC can confirm a number of new appointments and departures within Arne Slot’s coaching staff ahead of 2025-26.

“Former Netherlands international and captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst joins the Premier League champions in the position of assistant coach, subject to receiving a visa.

“Van Bronckhorst won a host of major honours during a playing career that included spells with Feyenoord, Glasgow Rangers, Arsenal and Barcelona, and since retiring as a player in 2010 after reaching the World Cup final that year with his country, he has moved into the dugout, starting out in an assistant role at Feyenoord.

“He advanced to take charge of the Eredivisie club himself from 2015 to 2019, and his time at the helm of Feyenoord featured a Dutch league title in 2016-17 and two KNVB Beker successes.

He also helped the team win the FA Cup in 2003 thanks to a 1-0 win against Southampton.

He left Arsenal in 2004 to join Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona where he won two league titles in 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 season.

He won the Spanish Super Cup in 2005 and 2006 and featured as Barcelona came from 2-1 down to beat his former club Arsenal, in the 2006 UEFA Champions League final.

Also, he made his international debut with Holland in 1996, had 106 caps and scored six goals before retiring in 2010.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ex-arsenal-star-joins-slots-coaching-staff-at-liverpool/

Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel says he’s optimistic Nigeria will win all their remaining games and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The three-time African champions currently find themselves in a precarious position in their qualifying group, sitting in fourth place and trailing leaders South Africa by six points.

With only four matches left to play, the pressure is mounting for the Eagles to deliver a stellar performance to enhance their chances of qualification for the World Cup to be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin while fielding questions from journalists, the Nigerian international Eagles can still qualify for the biggest football showpiece in the world.

“In terms of Super Eagles Qualifiers, I believe we will qualify for the World Cup. The aim is just to win every single game.

“Of course, it will be difficult, but for us and the team, I think we have a good chance,” he said.

He described the coach as fantastic, saying that the Super Eagles in an international friendly curtailed the Russian National Team, who he said had not lost their last six to seven games.
“For me, the coach is fantastic. The way he wants us to press and run, I think everyone in the team has aligned with his ideas,” the Super Eagles defender said.

“In our last game against Russia, we contained a team that hadn’t lost in six or seven matches. If we keep working together, we have a good chance,” the defender said.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/super-eagles-aim-to-win-every-game-qualify-for-2026-world-cup-osayi-samuel/

Arsenal have reportedly submitted an offer to Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, who could exit Stamford Bridge this summer amid another wave of new arrivals at Stamford Bridge.

It is believed talks have started and Madueke is among the players being considered to strengthen the Gunners’ attack.

Madueke was a regular under Enzo Maresca last season as Chelsea secured a return to the Champions League and also won the UEFA Conference League title.

But his future remains unclear due to strong competition in his position, with the Gunners attempting to bolster their attacking options, having struggled with a lack of firepower in 2024/25.

Now according to Sky Sports Germany (via Express) an offer has been made to the player, though no bid has been submitted to Chelsea.

Aside Madueke, the Gunners are also considering a move for Real Madrid Brazilian forward Rodrygo as well as Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.

A potential Rodrygo transfer remains conditional on the Brazil international seeking to leave the Spanish giants, which has been speculated as he continues to play a supporting role for Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.

Arsenal and Chelsea are no strangers to doing business with one another and are already in very advanced talks over goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is set to make the short journey to the Emirates.

Jorginho and Kai Havertz, who helped Chelsea win the 2021 UEFA Champions League have made the same move in recent seasons.

In 2006, Chelsea paid some fees and also added William Gallas for Arsenal academy player Ashley Cole.

Arsenal would hope to be fourth time lucky when hostilities for the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign kick off.

In the last three seasons, Arsenal have finished as runners-up, twice to Manchester City (2022/2023 and 2023/2024) while Liverpool also beat them to the title in the 2024/2025 league season, which was a record-equaling 20th with Manchester United.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/madueke-receives-offer-from-premier-league-giants/

Guardiola has described Manchester City’s shock defeat to Saudi Arabia topflight side Al Hilal as a pity.

City went into Tuesday morning’s clash as favourites but suffered a shocking 4-3 defeat after extra-time.

“It is a pity,” Guardiola said after the encounter. “We have been on incredible journey together and were in a good place. The vibe was really good.

“I cannot thank the players enough for training and playing how they have been.

“But it was a difficult game. The margins were minimal. We created a lot and (Yassine) Bounou made incredible saves but we were so open.

“We would have loved to have continued, it will only be once every four years, and we had a feeling that the team was doing well.

“But we go home and now it is time to rest and rest our minds for the new season.”

Read More:https://www.completesports.com/440567-2-al-hilal/

AS Roma, and Besiktas have agreed a €20m deal for Tammy Abraham, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Serie A club need to raise €13m by the end of June 30 to balance the books and avoid falling foul of Financial Fair Play requirements.

The striker spent last season on loan at AC Milan after falling down the pecking order at Roma.

The 27-year-old scored 10 goals and provided seven assists in 45 appearances across all competitions for the Rooseneri.

AC Milan, who endured a difficult campaign last term opted not to buy him outright.

Roma signed the England international from Chelsea for €41m in 2021.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/tammy-abraham-agrees-e20m-move-to-besiktas/

Premier League new boys Burnley, Serie A club Fiorentina, and Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart have Brentford star Frank Onyeka on their radar, Completesports.com reports.

Onyeka spent last season on loan at Bundesliga club Augsburg.

The Nigeria international’s future is not clear at the moment following manager Thomas Frank departure for Tottenham Hotspur.

According to transfer expert, Ben Jacobs, Burnley, Stuttgart, and Fiorentina are among the clubs interested in the player.

“Frank Onyeka’s future one to watch even though Arsenal’s landing Christian Nørgaard could influence Brentford’s position on a sale. Clubs expected to make approaches in the coming weeks,” Jacobs wrote on X.

“Several teams have Onyeka on their radar, including Burnley, Stuttgart and Fiorentina.”

The 27-year-old has one-year left on his contract with Brentford.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has expressed optimism that Nigeria will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions currently occupy fourth position in their World Cup qualifying group.

Eric Chelle’s men would need to take maximum points from their remaining fixtures to stand a chance of clinching the sole ticket.

However, in a chat with Brila FM, the Chippa United goalkeeper stated that the team will approach each game as it comes.

“It is football. Just because we are Nigeria doesn’t mean we’re guaranteed to win every game. You can see we still have a lot of chances to qualify, despite where we are on the table.

“We’re going to push in our next game, take it one game at a time, and we’ll see how our next four games go.”

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/nwabali-super-eagles-can-qualify-for-2026-world-cup/