Category: Sports

Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has replaced Calvin Bassey in the Super Eagles’ squad for international friendlies against Iran and Jordan, DAILY POST reports.

Bassey pulled out of the upcoming friendlies due to a back injury.

The centre-back sustained the injury during Fulham’s 3-1 victory over Burnley at the Craven Cottage last weekend.

It’s the first time Nwaiwu has been invited to the Super Eagles.

The 22-year-old joined Trabzonspor from Austrian club, Wolfsberger AC in January.

The Enyimba star has scored two goals and registered one assist in 10 league appearances for the Black Sea Storm.

Super Eagles: Nwaiwu replaces injured Bassey for Iran, Jordan friendlies

Former Turkish referee Ahmet Çakar has named Victor Osimhen as the greatest foreign player to ever come to Galatasaray in terms of sense of belonging and ownership.

Çakar stated this while speaking on the Libero TV YouTube channel.

He said, “Osimhen is one of the greatest foreign players ever to come to Galatasaray, perhaps even number one, in terms of feeling a sense of belonging and ownership.

“His misfortune was breaking his arm. He went to Nigeria to be with his family, then came back and had surgery. Should he just stay home and sleep because his arm is broken?

“As long as he doesn’t do anything with his arm, he can still have fun. What harm is there in him having fun at home in Nigeria for 3–4 days? He visited his family, then came back and had surgery.”

Osimhen joined Galatasaray from Serie A side Napoli on a permanent transfer last year.

Turkey: Osimhen named greatest foreign player ever to play for Galatasaray

Alex Iwobi’s stunning strike in Fulham’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the Craven Cottage has been shortlisted for the Premier League March Goal of the Month award, DAILY POST reports.

Iwobi doubled Fulham’s lead in the 34th minute with a long-range, side-footed finish from outside the box.

The goal was the Nigeria international’s fourth of the season for Marco Silva’s side.

The versatile midfielder has also registered three assists in 23 league appearances.

Iwobi has also been nominated for the Player of the Month award.

Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliott Anderson, William Osula, Bernardo Silva, Iliman Ndiaye, and John McGinn are the other players nominated for the Goal of the Month award.

Fans can vote for the winner, with the final decision combining public votes and expert panel input.

EPL: Iwobi’s stunning strike shortlisted for GOTM award

The head coach of Nigeria’s senior national team, Eric Chelle, has said that the team’s supporters will inevitably develop an affection for newly called-up winger, Yira Sor Collins.

The speedy player, who has received his first call-up to the Nigerian squad for the four-team tournament in Turkey, has already joined the team’s camp.

At 25 years old, the energetic winger from Genk in Belgium is expected to make his debut on Friday during their opening match of the tournament against Iran, who are heading to the World Cup.

Although he has recorded only four goals and one assist in 24 appearances this season, Chelle believes that Nigerians will appreciate his skills once they witness his performance.

“He is one of the players that Chelle mentioned who competes in less prominent leagues yet possesses significant talent,” he said, according to OwnGoal.

“He is thrilling to watch, and Chelle has great confidence in him. He even stated that Nigerians will have no option but to admire him.”

Nigeria will play Iran during the international break on Friday before taking on Jordan on Tuesday. The two nations, Jordan and Iran, are using the games as part of their preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the tournament.

Friendly game: ‘Nigerians will have no choice but to love him’ – Chelle on new Super Eagles star, Collins

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi is up for the Premier League Player of the month for March, DAILY POST reports.

Iwobi was recognised for his impressive performances for the Cottagers during the month under review.

The 29-year-old scored once in four league appearances in March.

The former Arsenal star was particularly outstanding in Fulham’s 2-1 home win over Tottenham Hotspur, where he scored a stunning goal.

Fulham recorded two wins, one draw, and one defeat during the period.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya are also shortlisted.

Other nominees are Everton midfielder James Garner, Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, and Brighton forward Danny Welbeck.

EPL: Iwobi battles Fernades, Raya, Welbeck, three others for March POTM

Everton are the latest club to be linked with Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez, DAILY POST reports.

Fernandez has attracted the interest of some of Europe’s top clubs following a stellar campaign for Rangers.

The Nigerian, who arrived Scotland from English League Two club Peterborough United last summer, has established himself as a key figure at the Ibrox.

The 24-year-old has registered five goals in 21 league outings for the Light Blues.

Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly interested in the player, while Bundesliga clubs Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen are also rumoured to be monitoring him too.

Rangers are open to selling Fernandez, but will demand around €40 million from suitors.

Transfer: Everton join chase for Super Eagles new boy Fernandez

Katsina United technical adviser, Azeez Mohammed, has expressed confidence ahead of their matchday 32 encounter against Barau FC.

The Chanji Boys will trade tackles with Barau FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano this weekend.

Mohammed declared that his players are aware of the demand ahead of the game.

He insisted that with fair officiating his team can secure a positive result from the game.

“The boys know what is at stake as we want to finish in a reputable position at the end of the season,” Mohammed told Katsina United’s media.

“Kano isn’t a new ground for us but I think we are going to get a good result against Barau FC.

“All I crave for is a good officiating in the game.”

NPFL: Katsina United battle ready for Barau FC clash — Coach Mohammed

Rivers Angels head coach Tosan Blankson has admitted his team struggled in the win over Pacesetter Queens.

The Port Harcourt-based side defeated Pacesetter Queens 2-0 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Wednesday.

Grace Saliu netted a brace to secure the maximum points for Rivers Angels.

Rivers Angels have garnered 27 points from 10 matches in this campaign.

“In the first half we played very well, while in the second half we struggled,” Blankson stated in a post-match interview.

“We’ve already qualified for the Super Six after today’s result.”

NWFL: Rivers Angels struggled in win over Pacesetter Queens — Blankson

The Super Eagles held their first training session in Antalya, Turkey on Wednesday night ahead of the upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan, DAILY reports.

The session was conducted under the supervision of head coach Eric Chelle, with 22 players present.

Team captain Wilfred Ndidi was the last player to arrive the team’s Bellis Deluxe Hotel base on Wednesday afternoon.

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey won’t join the team due to injury.

The Super Eagles will face Iran’s Team Melli in Antalya on Friday.

The encounter will kick-off at 4pm local time (2pm Nigerian time).

Super Eagles begin preparations in Antalya for friendlies

The Court of Arbitration for Sport, CAS, has confirmed that the Senegalese Football Federation has appealed the decision of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, to strip Senegal of their Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, title.

FSF submitted their appeal on Tuesday, March 25 and they are seeking “to set aside the CAF decision and declare the FSF winners of AFCON”.

They also requested an immediate suspension of the time limit to submit an appeal brief until the CAF decision is notified with full grounds.

A CAS Arbitral Panel will be appointed to consider this matter.

Following this, a procedural calendar will be established.

CAS Director General, Matthieu Reeb, said: “CAS is perfectly equipped to resolve this type of dispute, with the assistance of expert and independent arbitrators.

“We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final decision, and we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible, while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing.”

CAS confirms Senegal appeal against CAF’s decision to hand AFCON title to Morocco