Category: Sports

Flying Eagles head coach Abdu Maikaba has promised an improved performance from his team against Cote d’Ivoire, DAILY POST reports.

The defending champions will take on the hosts in a semi-final fixture at the WAFU B U-20 Championship in Yamoussoukro on Wednesday.

Nigeria missed the chance to secure top spot in Group B after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in their final group game on Sunday.

The Flying Eagles now face a difficult task against a Cote d’Ivoire side that won all three of its group matches and is yet to concede a goal in the competition.

Maikaba said it is important for his team to correct their lapses before the highly anticipated encounter.

“We need to improve our defensive approach. In our last game (against Burkina Faso), we conceded two goals from similar situations, and we are not happy about that,” Maikaba said during his interaction with the media on Tuesday.

WAFU B U-20 Championship: Maikaba promises better Flying Eagles against Cote d’Ivoire 

Former Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, has insisted that Arsenal’s target Bruno Guimarães is going to be a good signing for the Gunners.

Arsenal are keen to sign the Brazilian international from Newcastle United this summer transfer window.

“He is going to be a good signing for Arsenal,” Obi Mikel said on the Obi One podcast.

“I think him and Declan Rice in that midfield, and Martin Odegaard is going to be good.

“Mikel Arteta knows he has to play some attractive football this season. You can’t play the same way you played last season.”

Guimarães joined Newcastle from Lyon in 2022 and was part of the Brazil squad at the 2026 World Cup.

Transfer: He’ll be good signing for them – Obi Mikel on Arsenal target

Raphael Onyedika has penned an emotional farewell message to Club Brugge following his exit from the Belgian Pro League champions.

Onyedika completed a permanent transfer to Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday.

The Nigeria international spent four years with the Blauw-Zwart following his arrival from Danish outfit FC Midtjylland.

Across all competitions, the defensive midfielder played a total of 183 matches for Club Brugge.

Onyedika scored nine goals and provided six assists.

Transfer: Onyedika pens farewell message to Club Brugge 

Niger Tornadoes have wrapped up a one-week closed camping exercise in Bwari, DAILY POST reports.

The Ikon Allah Boys recorded two wins, one draw, and one defeat in four friendly matches.

The matches were used to assess the fitness, quality, and adaptability of both new and existing players as preparations intensify for the 2026–27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

Niger Tornadoes are scheduled to face newly promoted NPFL side Ranchers Bees next in another warm-up encounter in Zaria.

The Minna-based club will also participate in a pre-season tournament in Katsina later in the week.

Niger Tornadoes are expected to add more depth to their squad before the start of the new season.

NPFL: Niger Tornadoes end Bwari camp, set to face Ranchers Bees in friendly 

Reigning Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, champions Rangers will take part in a pre-season tournament in Ikenne.

The Flying Antelopes will do battle with top NPFL clubs in the tournament.

Rangers will use the competition as part of their preparations for the new season.

The nine-time NPFL champions are fortifying their squad for the 2026-27 season.

DAILY POST reports that Rangers recently confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Abuchi Okeke.

The Enugu club will be seeking to successfully defend their title next season.

NPFL: Rangers gear up for pre-season tournament in Ikenne 

Real Madrid winger, Vinicius Junior, has spoken for the first time since returning for pre-season training.

The 26-year-old’s future is up in the air, with one year left on his contract.

Arsenal are prepared to offer Vinicius Jr a route away from Madrid if he does not renew his deal.

Vinicius has said new Real head coach Jose Mourinho wants him to be “happy” at the club – and has called on his team to be prepared for the season ahead.

“It’s gone very well, meeting the new coach and the new players and training very hard,” Vinicius told Real’s official club channels.

“Mourinho wants me to be as I’ve always been: happy, cheerful, and that I play my football.

“We have to prepare physically so that during the season we have fewer injuries and we can count on everybody.

“[Monday] was a double session, [Tuesday] is one session. So let’s go. Today we did a bit of work in the gym and a short session to load our legs some more.

“It was a good training session and we all left very tired, but now it’s time to rest for tomorrow. Pre-season is like this. We have to be prepared.”

Transfer: Vinicius Jr reveals conversation with Mourinho after Real Madrid return

Chelsea midfielder, Moises Caicedo, wants teammate Enzo Fernandez to stay at the club beyond this summer.

Caicedo spoke to reporters at the Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong on Tuesday before the Blues’ pre-season friendly against Juventus.

Fernandez has been linked with a move away from Chelsea to Real Madrid.

“I really like Enzo,” Caicedo said. “I have a lot of respect for him because we all know what kind of player he is.

“And not just as a player, he is also a great person.

“I hope he stays, but I don’t want to talk about that. If he stays here, it will be very important for us.”

Transfer: I like him – Caicedo wants Chelsea teammate to stay at club

Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso, has made a decision regarding Mykhailo Mudryk’s participation in preseason training as the new season approaches.

During his pre-match press conference in Hong Kong, Alonso discussed the upcoming third match of the preseason tour for the Blues, confirming that the winger will be included in the lineup against Juventus.

On Sunday afternoon, Chelsea and Alonso traveled over 4,500 miles from Sydney to Hong Kong for the next phase of their four-country tour.

Juventus is set to face Chelsea tomorrow (Wednesday) evening at the 50,000-capacity Kai Tak Stadium, and Alonso has been previewing this latest friendly encounter.

While the match itself was a topic of discussion, the primary focus of Alonso’s press conference is likely to be on the returning Mykhailo Mudryk.

Following the resolution of his anti-doping suspension last week, the 25-year-old Ukrainian winger has received clearance to return to competitive football, and he was reunited with his Chelsea teammates yesterday.

Alonso said, “He has been training alone for a long time. It is different now; he needs to engage with his teammates. He is very professional. The goal now is to progress gradually.

“He arrived directly from the airport to the hotel. Yesterday was more about emotions and feelings rather than evaluating his fitness. However, he is eligible to play. While 90 minutes may be too soon, he can be selected and participate.

“We are excited that Misha is back with us. You could see his smile and the joy he feels to return. As for his fitness level, we will assess that. He has been putting in a lot of effort. Now, it is about integrating him into team activities.”

Pre-season: Xabi Alonso takes decision on Mykhailo Mudryk ahead Chelsea vs Juventus

Legendary Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has distanced himself from Gianni Infantino’s initiative to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup tournament.

Wenger emphasized that his responsibilities do not include involvement in FIFA’s operations.

In a statement to the press, as reported by Sportskeeda, Wenger expressed his commitment to youth football development, collaborating with 60 academies across several countries.

He reminded everyone that he is not accountable for any decisions made, stating: “The recent developments at FIFA warrant some clarification from my perspective. At FIFA, I hold the position of Chief of Global Football Development.

“Alongside my team, I manage the data analysis of the game, the FIFA online training center, the advancement of youth education through 60 academies in 60 countries where they are most needed, and youth competitions globally.”

Wenger also mentioned his role with IFAB, where he contributes to the formulation of rules aimed at enhancing football. He reiterated that the FIFA World Cup plans were outside the scope of his work but expressed his satisfaction with the decision to abandon the initiative.

“Additionally, I serve as a technical adviser to IFAB. I was not involved in this strategic plan and first learned about the project through media coverage. The decision to retract the project was absolutely essential and indisputable, as I strongly advocate for an independent FIFA that is dedicated to our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity.”

Gianni Infantino was pursuing private investors for FIFA by proposing the sale of stakes in the FIFA World Cup.

Infantino: ‘I’m not involved’ – Arsene Wenger distances self from FIFA President’s saga

Former Flying Eagles striker, Ahmed Abdullahi, has completed a move to Turkish Super Lig outfit Eyüpspor

Abdullahi linked up with Eyüpspor from Premier League club Sunderland.

The 22-year-old penned a two-year contract with the option of another year.

The Nigerian, who joined Sunderland from Belgian side Gent in August 2024, failed to make a senior appearance for the Black Cats due to injury struggles.

Abdullahi was included in the squads for the Carabao Cup and FA Cup clashes with Huddersfield Town and Port Vale last season.

He will be hoping to get his career back on track in Turkey.

Transfer: Turkish club Eyüpspor sign Nigerian striker on two-year contract