EPL: Paul Merson predicts Chelsea vs Tottenham, Arsenal, Man City fixtures

Marseille legend, Mamadou Niang has identified defender Calvin Bassey as the Super Eagles player that should replace William Troost-Ekong at the heart of Nigeria’s defence.

Recall that Troost-Ekong recently shocked football fans when he announced his retirement from international football last week.

The former Watford defender ended a decade-long Super Eagles career after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“With what I see at Fulham, the impact he has in Premier League matches, he is a talented, tough defender who has very good distribution with his left foot, and athletic quality which is above average,” Niang said via Canal+.

“He is a player I think is a leader of the Nigeria defence, who can replace Troost-Ekong, who took this Nigerian team to the AFCON final.

“Calvin Bassey is more than capable of succeeding him in that position.”

AFCON 2025: ‘He’s capable’ – Niang names Super Eagles player that should replace Troost-Ekong

Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala will take charge of the opening game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, between hosts Morocco and Comoros.

The tournament’s curtain-raiser will take place at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat on Sunday evening.

The encounter will kick off at 7 pm local time.
Ndala is one of the continent’s most experienced and highly regarded match officials.

He will be officiating at his fourth AFCON, having previously served at the 2019, 2021 and 2023 editions.

Ndala will be assisted by his compatriots Guylain Bongele Ngila (assistant referee one), Mwanya Gradel Mbilizi (assistant referee two), and Messie Nkounkou Mvoutou (fourth official).

The Video Assistant Referee, VAR, team will be led by Mauritania’s Dahane Beida, while Babacar Sarr, also from Mauritania, will assist Beida.

Congo’s René Daniel Louzaya will serve as the referee’s assessor.

AFCON 2025: Congo’s Ndala to officiate Morocco vs Comoros opener 

Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, has revealed that his player, Julian Alvarez, is wanted by Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Simeone stated this at his pre-match press conference ahead of Atletico Madrid’s Champions League semi-final tie against Arsenal at Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday.

“I’m not inside Julian Alvarez’s head,” the Argentine said when asked about reports linking his country man with Arsenal.

“I understand it’s normal that an extraordinary player like Julian Alvarez is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona.

“It’s normal because he is very good.”

Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid from Premier League giants Manchester City in 2024.

UCL: Diego Simeone names Atletico Madrid player wanted by Arsenal, PSG, Barcelona