₦airaland Forum

Adidas have released a number of stunning new retro kits as part of a link up with Humanrace.


European giants such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have all had their classic kits re-imagined with the help of award-winning hip-hop artist and producer Pharrell Williams, who is the Humanrace creative director and a long-time collaborator with Adidas.
The highly-artistic designs have been created using a “reverse engineered, raw, and expressive hand-drawn design technique” and are already being well-received on social media.

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https://sportingrave.com/2020/10/24/14074adidas-hip-hop-artist-release-humanrace-retro-football-kits/

Paris Saint-Germain winger Angel Di Maria received a four-match ban on Wednesday for spitting during this month’s fiery Marseille game which saw five players red-carded and claims by Neymar of racial abuse.


Di Maria’s suspension meted out by Ligue 1’s disciplinary commission was for spitting at Marseille defender Alvaro Gonzalez.

It takes effect from September 29, meaning he can play against Reims on Sunday, returning the weekend of November 8.

Read more Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/09/23/13690psg-star-angel-di-maria-gets-four-match-ban-for-spitting-during-marseille-game/

Italian referee Daniele De Santis and his partner Eleonora Manta have been stabbed to death at their home.

The violent attack has created shockwaves around Italy, where De Santis was a well-respected official in Serie C.

Witnesses reported seeing a man fleeing the scene in Lecce holding a knife.

The identity and motives of the perpetrator are still unclear, although it is also understood that certain witnesses heard Manta shouting the name of the attacker.

Read More Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/09/23/13698tension-as-italian-referee-daniele-de-santis-and-partner-are-stabbed-to-death/

Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, has confirmed Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva will be involved in their EFL Cup match against Barnsley on Wednesday.


Both players are part of the Blues’ summer spending spree, that has continued with the arrival of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

The £22m deal for Mendy takes Lampard’s outlay in the window to £222m.

Mendy could make his Chelsea debut for the game with West Brom this weekend, subject to passing the COVID-19 tests at Compton.

“Thiago Silva is in the squad for tomorrow. He’s getting fit so I’ll make a decision on how many minutes he may get during the game depending on what’s best for him.

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https://sportingrave.com/2020/09/22/13624chelsea-vs-barnsley-lampard-gives-updates-on-ziyech-pulisic-chilwell-injuries/

Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, has insisted that his side signed goalkeeper, Eduoard Mendy from Rennes in order for the Senegalese international to provide competition for the Blues first-choice keeper, Kepa at Stamford Bridge.


Mendy underwent his Chelsea medicals on Tuesday.

Chelsea and Rennes have agreed a £27.96m fee for Mendy, after weeks of negotiations.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s EFL Cup match against Barnsley on Wednesday, Lampard said at his pre-match press conference: “I don’t know what benefits in the long run, football is in your hands

“Competition is a regular thing. We have brought Mendy in for that competition. It’s in everyone’s hands to get into the squad.”

Read Also:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/09/22/lampard-gives-reasons-why-chelsea-signed-mendy-from-rennes/

The Premier League says it is “disappointed that the safe return of supporters to matches has been postponed,” following the latest COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the UK Government.


The planned return of fans to sports venues in England from October 1 could be delayed for up to six months, amid fears over a second wave.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday, announced restrictions in the House of Commons, including those related to mass gatherings.

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https://sportingrave.com/2020/09/22/13620premier-league-reacts-as-fans-return-to-stadium-is-been-stalled/

Manchester United have reportedly opened discussions with Barcelona to secure a season-long loan deal for France international Ousmane Dembele.


Borussia Dortmund appear to have ruled out a move for United’s first-choice attacking target, Jadon Sancho, 20, this summer.

And United have been forced to scour the market for alternatives despite agreeing personal terms with the England winger.

Read More Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/09/22/13589man-utd-at-the-edge-of-signing-ousmane-dembele-on-loan-from-barcelona/

Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr says he’s happy with the improvement the team has made since his arrival.




Since Rohr arrived in 2016 as a replacement for Sunday Oliseh, he has guided the team to the 3rd place 2019 African Cup of Nations and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The team also started their 2022 African Cup of Nations qualifiers with a bang, recording a back to back win over Squirrels of Benin and Lesotho.

The three-time African champions recorded another milestone last Thursday when the latest FIFA ranking saw them moved up to 29th place on the world ranking and retained their third spot on the continent of Africa.

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https://sportingrave.com/2020/09/22/13600gernot-rorh-express-happiness-with-super-eagles-fifa-ranking/

A former Barcelona president, Joan Gaspart, has insisted that captain, Lionel Messi, cannot leave the club this summer because the contract clause that would have allowed him departing the Blaugrana for free expired in June this year.


Gaspart explained that Messi would have to remain in Barcelona until June 31, 2021, when his current contract with Ronald Koeman’s side will expire before he can leave the La Liga giants.

Messi had on Tuesday, officially informed Barcelona of his desire to leave this summer.

The Argentine captain, who joined Barcelona in 2001, is keen for another experience, after playing all his career at the Catalan club.

But Gaspart believes if Messi leaves Barcelona for less than what his clause is worth, it will be more humiliating than the club’s 8-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in the 2019/20 Champions League campaign.

Speaking with Marca, Gaspart, who was president of Barcelona between 2000 and 2003, said: “Messi cannot leave [now]. He will have to leave in 2021.

Read More Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/08/26/12489why-messi-cant-leave-barcelona-this-year/

Barcelona has unveiled four players its new manager, Ronald Koeman, intends to sign this summer transfer window.


Koeman is keen to rebuild the Barcelona squad following a poor 2019/20 campaign.

Barcelona suffered a trophy-less season after losing the La Liga title to Real Madrid and also crashing out of the Champions League following a humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich.

The Blaugrana is also set to lose the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Arturo Vidal, Ivan Rakitic and Samuel Umtiti this summer with Koeman facing a huge task in turning the club’s fortunes around.

According to the Express UK, Koeman reportedly wants Barcelona board to sign Inter Milan’s Lautaro as Suarez’s replacement.

Read More Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/08/26/12496barcelona-unveil-four-players-ronald-koeman-wants-to-sign/

Nigeria international, Victor Osimhen believes he made the right choice signing for Seria A side, Napoli after initially expressing his doubts.


The 21-year-old told a press conference at the Azzurri’s Castel di Sangro training camp on Wednesday that he was initially worried because of racism which had always targeted black players.

“I’ve been made to feel very welcome – there are some great lads here. It’s a dream come true for me to be here and I’m delighted to be at such a great club with such a passionate fanbase. From a technical perspective, I’ve seen that you train hard under Gattuso and I like that way of working because it’s the right way to improve.”

The player who became the club’s most expensive players after completing a five-year deal worth €50m plus €10m in bonuses from Ligue 1 side, Lille last month also talked about the kind of striker that he is.

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https://sportingrave.com/2020/08/26/12513osimhen-i-made-right-choice-signing-for-napoli-reveals-reception-experience/

Newly promoted La Liga side Elche say they want to hire Diego Maradona as their new manager after returning to the Spanish topflight via the playoffs on Sunday.


According to Super Deporte outline the former football superstar could be appointed as the new boss as he is linked to a successful takeover of the club.

The influential Argentine Christian Bragarnik is now the majority owner of the Spanish club after completing the purchase of 70 percent of shares which had previously been owned by José Sepulcre for a fee of €30m.

The report claims that Bragarnik is the South American version of influential football agent Jorge Mendes, and he could exert influence and power to bring new faces into the club.

This explains why the newly promoted club decided to sack boss José Rojo Pacheta after guiding the rank outsiders back into the top tier of Spanish football following a five-year absence.

Read More Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/08/26/12429newly-promoted-la-liga-side-elche-set-to-appoint-maradona-as-new-manager/

Former football star Ronaldinho arrived home in Brazil on a private jet on Tuesday, following more than five months in detention in Paraguay over a fake passport scandal.

The former Ballon d’Or winner arrived at Rio de Janeiro’s international airport from Paraguay’s capital Asuncion just before 4:30 pm (1930 GMT.)


A judge on Monday released Ronaldinho, 40, and his brother, who had both been held for a month in jail and another four months under house arrest in a hotel in Asuncion.

The brothers arrived in Paraguay on March 4 because Ronaldinho was due to take part in an event in support of disadvantaged children.

However, two days later, the pair were taken into police custody when investigators raided their hotel following the discovery they had fake documents.

The former World Cup winner is now “free to travel to whatever country in the world he wants but he must inform us if he changes his permanent residence” for a period of one year, the judge said.

“He has no restrictions except for the fulfilment of reparations for damage to society.”

Read More Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/08/26/12415ronaldinho-lands-in-brazil-after-five-month-in-paraguay-detention/

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has already confirmed that the Arsenal have signed Gabriel on a 5-year contract from Lille.

According to his report in The Guardian newspaper, Mikel Arteta ‘still wants to add a midfielder and a forward to Arsenal’s ranks’ along with extending Dani Ceballos’ loan spell.


Arteta hopes Arsenal will agree a loan extension for Ceballos with Real Madrid for the second season.

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https://sportingrave.com/2020/08/23/arteta-reportedly-keen-on-getting-another-midfielder/

Arsenal chief, Edu has admitted there’s disappointment with Freddie Ljungberg’s decision to resign.


Ljungberg has announced he’s leaving his first-team coaching role.

Edu told arsenal.com: “I’m a little bit sad of course because as everybody knows we are very close friends. We worked together as footballers and then we had the opportunity to work together outside the field as well.

Read More Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/08/23/12338arsenal-chief-edu-disappointed-with-freddie-ljungbergs-decision-to-resign/

Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick has assured that he will pursue the implementation of the proposal made to retire the Jersey number six in honour of Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji whose death on August 12, 1989 in Lagos clocked 31 years yesterday.
Okwaraji who donned jersey number six for the then Green Eagles collapsed under his own weight in the 77th minute of the 1990 World Cup Qualifier against Angola at the National Stadium, Lagos.
Proposals have been made by previous administration of the NFF to rest the Jersey number so as to immortalise the Imo born midfielder but due to improper record keeping this has not seen light of day.
Pinnick in an interview he granted with a radio station affirmed that another proposal to retire the Jersey number worn by Okwaraji was made at the beginning of the year and that he is sending the proposal to his executive committee for onward implementation.
“Coincidentally I was right there at the National Stadium, Lagos on that fatefully day it was a game against Angola. The match was tensed and my late brother, Patrick Okpomo was the Secretary General of the then NFA so I was privileged to be there,” Pinnick said.
“I recalled when he was taken out of the stadium. Nobody thought he would die as a result of that. When we came out after the game I was looking for my brother but he was busy.


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https://sportingrave.com/2020/08/13/11860nff-set-to-retire-late-sam-okwarajis-jersey-number/

Manchester United’s attempts to sign Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund initially saw them propose for the attacker to take a pay cut, according to the Daily Mail.


The Red Devils’ first contract proposal would have seen Sancho make less money per week than he is currently on at Dortmund.

Read More Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/08/13/11838reasons-why-sancho-rejected-man-utds-ridiculous-pay-cut-offer/

Barcelona have confirmed that one of their players have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of their Champions League last-8 final fixture against Bayern Munich on Friday.

Barcelona disclosed this in a statement via the club’s official website on Wednesday.

The La Liga giants said that the player was among a group of nine players that tested for the virus on Tuesday, adding that he has now been quarantined at his home.

The statement read in part: “The player has no symptoms, is in good health and has been quarantined at his home.

“Following PCR tests conducted this Tuesday afternoon on the group of nine players due to begin the preseason today, one of them has tested positive for COVID-19. The player has no symptoms, is in good health and has been quarantined at his home.

READ MORE BELOW:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/08/12/11797barcelona-player-test-positive-for-covid-19-ahead-of-champions-league-clash-with-bayern-munich/

Two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has taken a swipe at critics who came at her over a recent photo-shoot in swim suit


Most of the critics have this completely innocent image of Japanese and would have preferred she maintained the status quo at all times.

But Osaka taken aback by the reactions said she is “creeped out” by fans who urge her to maintain her “innocent image” in response to social media comments on a recent swimwear photo-shoot just wanna say it’s creeping me out how many people are commenting at me to maintain my ‘innocent image’ and ‘don’t try to be someone your not’,” Osaka said in a tweet.

“You don’t know me, I’m 22, I wear swimsuits to the pool. Why do you feel like you can comment on what I can wear?

In May this year, Osaka had become the highest paid female athlete in the world, topping American great Serena Williams.

Two time Grand Slam Winner Naomi Osaka raises dust in swim suit photoshoot

According to Forbes, Osaka had earned $37.4 million in the past 12 months from prize money and endorsements, $1.4 million more than Williams, setting an all-time earnings record for a female athlete in a single year. Maria Sharapova previously held the record with $29.7 million in 2015.

Read More Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/07/28/11411tennis-star-naomi-osaka-takes-swipe-at-critics-over-swim-suit-photo-shoot/

In their usual tradition of keeping true to promises, the organisers of the annual Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will on Monday present two Kia Saloon cars to winners of the 10km races in the 2020 edition.


Oyebode Dada Sunday and Vera Yohanna Dovou emerged tops in the 10km men and women’s races respectively and they would effectively become car owners on Monday.

The 10km fun race is one of the innovative ways organisers have been encouraging more participation in the Lagos Marathon.

In a statement issued by Olukayode Thomas, Head of Media and Communications for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, he explained that while cash prizes have since been paid to winners, there is a slight delay in the presentation of the cars due to the unexpected coronavirus pandemic that has disrupted many activities around the world.

He said: “We are grateful that we now have a window to finally, do what we projected to do long ago but had to put on hold due to the peculiar situation we found ourselves”

“The winners have all been contacted and they would be officially presented with their prizes on Monday.”

Now in its fifth edition, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is proudly ranked high among road races across the world with a Silver Label.

Read More Below :
https://sportingrave.com/2020/07/28/114202020-lagos-city-marathon-winners-to-receive-kia-saloon-car-as-prizes/

Arsenal have nominated Bukayo Saka alongside the duo of striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and goalkeeper Bernd Leno for the club’s Player of the Season award.

Mikel Arteta’s side ended a poor Premier League campaign in ninth position, outside of a top-four finish and missing out on a UEFA Champions League spot.

But Saka has been one of the Gunners few success stories, emerging as one of the country’s most talented youngsters.

The 18-year-old showcased his fantastic attitude and versatility when deployed in a variety of different positions while scoring four times and claiming 12 assists.

But the England youth international faces a tough challenge for the top honour from Gabonese captain Aubameyang and German shot-stopper Leno.

Aubameyang enjoyed another prolific season in which he has hit 27 goals in all competitions. At the same time, Leno littered the campaign with a series of consistent performances until his season was ended prematurely at Brighton.

Read More Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/07/28/11407arsenal-player-of-the-season-bukayo-saka-battles-aubameyang/

Victor Osimhen is expected to earn five million Euros annually from his five year deal with Italian side Napoli.


Reports from Osimhen’s entourage revealed the deal 90% is done, and the 21-year-old will go to Napoli, despite claims that West Ham United are ready to enter the negotiations.

The salary figure is said to around five million euros net, bonuses, and image right included, and Lille will also give the player an exit bonus. For prosecutors there will be a 10% on the player’s gross salary, Lille will do their part on the commissions.

Napoli will pay Lille over sixty million Euros, but there are other bonuses included that could push the deal to around 80 million Euros, especially if Napoli qualify for the Champions League in the next five years.

Read More Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/07/28/11442revealed-osimhen-to-napoli-wages-breakdown-bonuses-and-total-transfer-fees/

Angel City’s new ownership have seen a two-year old Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr become the youngest club owner in football history.

Alexis Olympia Jr is the daughter of Alexis Ohanian and Tennis star Serena Williams.


The team newly formed to compete in the National Women’s Soccer League in 2022 have a star-studded ownership group made up of her parents, a dozen former US Women National team players, actresses including Natalie Portman and Jessica Chastain, YouTube star Casey Neistat, and other celebrities, executives and Venture Capitalists.

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https://sportingrave.com/2020/07/26/113062-year-old-girl-becomes-youngest-owner-of-football-club/

Liverpool star Fabinho’s home was burgled while he celebrated his side’s Premier League title win.


The Brazilian midfielder’s house in Formby was targeted while it was empty between 3 pm on Wednesday afternoon and 4 am Thursday morning.

Burglars are believed to have entered his home while he would have been at Anfield celebrating Liverpool’s momentous trophy win.

Jewelry as well as a grey Audi RS6 – which was later found abandoned in the Wigan area – were taken in the raid, police said.

The player discovered his house had been broken to when he returned to the property.

A Merseyside police spokesman said: “Detectives in Sefton are appealing for information following a burglary in Formby.

Read More Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/07/24/11180how-burglars-burgled-liverpool-star-fabinho-home-during-premier-league-title-win-celebration/

The Barcelona superstar has enjoyed another historic campaign – breaking records left, right and centre.
Lionel Messi has broken 11 records this season alone, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s LaLiga hat-trick tally.


The Barcelona superstar, 33, has enjoyed another historic campaign – breaking records left, right and centre.

Messi has endured a rocky relationship with his club’s bosses this season.

But it clearly hasn’t distracted him on the pitch.

We take a look at the 11 records Messi broke in his incredible 2019-20.. and it’s not even over yet.

1. GOALS GALORE
Messi has scored 25 goals this season, winning a record SEVENTH Pichichi award for LaLiga top scorer.

2. CAN I HELP YOU?
As well as his goalscoring feat, Messi has been sensational helping out his team-mates, breaking the LaLiga record for most assists in a single season, previously held by ex-team-mate Xavi, with 21.

3. 20-20 VISION
Messi became the first player in LaLiga history to score 20 goals and lay on 20 assists in a single season.

4. MONTHS ON END
This season, Messi took his career Player of the Month award tally to seven – the most in LaLiga history.

Read More Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/07/23/fantabulous-see-all-records-messi-broke-this-season-alone/

Enugu Rangers Football club has honored his pledge to his late striker Ifeanyi George who died in a car accident en route to Lagos.


On Monday Rangers presented N20 million cheque from the club insurance policy to the family of Late Ifeanyi George. – N10 million to his immediate family. – N8 million for his daughter’s education. – N2 million to George’s girlfriend as it was an emotional day in the city of Enugu.

Read More Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/07/23/11128enugu-rangers-present-n20m-cheque-from-club-insurance-policy-to-late-ifeanyi-george-family/

Nigeria Football Federation has sent congratulatory messages to former Nigeria international, Emmanuel Ndubuisi Egbo, who has become the first Nigerian and African to lead a European club to a top tier domestic title.


With three matches left in the Albanian top flight, KF Tirana coached by former Nigeria goalkeeper Egbo has an unassailable lead and thus guaranteed the diadem. In the event, he has also led the team to the UEFA Champions League.

On Monday, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick sent a message to Egbo: “I congratulate you and wish you only the best. This is also to say that we are very proud of your wonderful achievements.”

In his response, the former goalkeeper wrote: “Thank you Sir, I appreciate it so much. We thank God for his Grace and goodness. It is not my achievements; it’s our achievements as Nigerians, Africans and the Black race. Glory be to God Almighty. Na God win Sir. Thank you again for the best wishes.”

Read More Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/07/21/10968nff-hails-coach-ndubuisi-egbo-for-his-historic-feat-with-albanian-club-kf-tirana/

Victor Osimhen move to Napoli is very imminent and should be announced with the next 48 hours according to Ojbsport.


The Super Eagles forward has been involved in a protracted transfer with the Italian team all summer, despite holding talks with the Blues official in Italy weeks ago, the 21-year-old couldn’t make a decision on his future.

Despite speculations linking Osimhen to the Premier League, a rumour that was debunked by his brother-in-law Osita Ikolo, a change in agent occured, the move to Naples eventually came back on cards.

Osimhen has reportedly undergone a successful medical and an official announcement to Italy is expected in the next 48 hours.

According to his brother-in-law, negotiations over image rights has been the reason behind the delay.

Read More Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/07/21/10989exclusive-napoli-to-unveil-victor-osimhen-in-48-hours/

Niko Kovac, Ex-Bayern boss has replaced Monaco‘s Robert Moreno following his sacking, the Ligue 1 outfit and have announced, making him the club’s sixth manager in just over 18 months.



“Niko is recognised for his capacity to obtain very good results and the progression of young talents,” Monaco vice-president Oleg Petrov said.



Leonardo Jardim, Franck Passi, Thierry Henry and Moreno have all managed the club in the last 18 months.

After winning the league in 2017, Monaco have been on at terrible run of form finishing 17th and ninth in the last two seasons.

Paul Mitchell was appointed sporting director of the club in June with the mission of reducing the squad size and building a team capable of competing in the Champions League.

Read More:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/07/20/10877/

Jose Mourinho Led Tottenham Hotspur Secured a huge win against Leicester city to keep their European Football Hope Alive.


Leicester were left shocked by the counter attacking fire power of Tottenham Hotspur as England Striker Harry Kane scored two goals to add to his goal tally of the season.

Watch and Download Match Highlights below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/07/19/10843match-highlights-tottenham-3-0-leicester-city-watch-and-download-mp4-video/

Lionel Messi was rampant as Barcelona Cruise to 5 nil win over Alaves. Lionel Messi provided his twenty first assist of the season to set a new La Liga Record.


Lionel Messi is in a pole position to win the La Liga Golden boots after scoring twice today against Alaves and four Clear of Real Madrid Striker Karim Benzema

Watch and Download Match Highlights Below:
https://sportingrave.com/2020/07/19/10844match-highlight-alaves-0-5-barcelona-watch-and-download-mp4-video/