Copa del Rey: Lookman targets final spot with Atlético

Ademola Lookman will look to help Atlético Madrid secure a place in the final of Spanish Copa del Rey at the expense of Barcelona, DAILY POST reports.

Atlético will be the guests of Barcelona in the second leg on Tuesday night (today).

Diego Simeone’s men have a 4-0 advantage from the first leg.

Lookman registered a goal, and an assist in the game.

The Nigeria international, who arrived the Metropolitano Stadium from Atalanta last month has scored twice and provided two assists in the Copa del Rey.

Barcelona must score five goals without conceding to reach the final.

Atlético are aiming to reach their first Copa del Rey final since the 2012/13 season.

Copa del Rey: Lookman targets final spot with Atlético

NPFL: Nasarawa United will bounce back from Rangers’ defeat

Nasarawa United technical adviser, Mbwas Mangut, is adamant that his team will regain their form ahead of the final rounds matches in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

The Solid Miners failed to consolidate on their last home win as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Rangers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday.

Nasarawa United have recorded only one win from their last six league fixtures.

Mangut believes that the matches will continue to get tougher as every points matter a lot at this stage.

“It’s a bitter pill to swallow in the game,” Mangut told Nasarawa United’s media.

“We did our best, but it was not enough to earn us any decent outcome. The league is getting tougher as we approach the end of the season.

“Every point earned matters a lot at this closing stages of the league.

“We will keep fighting till the end of the season to reap our goals for the campaign.”

NPFL: Nasarawa United will bounce back from Rangers’ defeat

NPFL: Rangers best in the league – Ilechukwu boasts

Rangers technical adviser, Fidelis Ilechukwu has boasted about the quality of his team, DAILY POST reports.

Ilechukwu believes his team remains the best in every department in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

The Flying Antelopes moved to the top of the NPFL table after a 2-0 win over Nasarawa United in a matchday 28 fixture on Sunday.

Ilechukwu said the victory is a reward for hard work.

“We played against a very good team, we prepared very well and we defended well to get the win over them,”

“The records are there to be seen because converting chances we are one of the best, defending also we one of the best in that area.

“We will continue to work on the mentality of the players in subsequent matches.”

NPFL: Rangers best in the league – Ilechukwu boasts

EPL: ‘What a brain’ – Gary Lineker names Player of the Season

Former Barcelona star, Gary Lineker has named Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as his Player of the Season.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker praised the Portuguese midfielder for his exceptional intelligence on the pitch of play.

His comments come in the wake of Fernandes’ standout performance that contributed to Man United’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.

“He operates across the pitch, from the left wing to the right wing…what a brain!” Lineker said.

“For me, he’s the player of the season. I know they’ll probably give it [the award] to someone who’s going to win something.

“For me, it’s probably him or maybe Declan Rice if Arsenal go on and manage to clinch the title.”

EPL: ‘What a brain’ – Gary Lineker names Player of the Season

NPFL: Niger Tornadoes issue three-game ultimatum to technical crew

Niger Tornadoes have handed a three-match ultimatum to their technical crew led by Majin Mohammed, DAILY POST reports.

The management of the club took the decision following a string of disappointing results.

The Ikon Allah Boys have secured just six points from a possible 24 in second stanza of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

Tornadoes were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Warri Wolves in a matchday 28 encounter on Sunday.

They currently occupy 12th position in the NPFL table with 35 points from 27 games.

The Minna club will face Plateau United, Kano Pillars, and Rivers United in their next three games.

NPFL: Niger Tornadoes issue three-game ultimatum to technical crew

Turkey: Trabzonspor suffer Nwaiwu injury blow

Nigeria defender Chibuike Nwaiwu is expected to spend time on the sidelines due to a thigh injury, DAILY POST reports.

The centre-back sustained the injury during Trabzonspor’s 3-1 victory over Fatih Karamguruk last Friday.

Nwaiwu scored twice in the encounter played at the Papara Park.

The 22-year-old was replaced by Mathias Løvik 17 minutes from time.

His compatriot, Paul Onuachu, was also on target for Trabzonspor in the game.

Nwaiwu joined the Black Sea Storm from Austrian club Wolfsberger AC in January.

He has made six league appearances for Trabzonspor.

Turkey: Trabzonspor suffer Nwaiwu injury blow

LaLiga: ‘You’ve no reason to be sad’ – Romero comforts Akor Adams after miss

Super Eagles star, Akor Adams has been comforted by his teammate Isaac Romero after the striker missed an important opportunity in stoppage time.

That chance could have given Sevilla all three points in a thrilling derby match in Seville on Sunday night.

The game at La Cartuja Stadium ended in a 2-2 draw and Adams looked really upset because he missed a chance in the last few minutes of the match.

Romero, who was important in encouraging his teammates during the tight ending of the game, rushed over to comfort the Nigerian player.

After the game, Romero talked to DAZN and complimented Adams for his hard work and how much he helped the team in attack.

Ondacero quoted him as saying, “He has no reason to be sad, he worked very well, he did everything he could, and he should be happy about this important point.”

The Spanish striker said the result showed the team’s strong fighting spirit, especially since they came back from being two goals behind.

Sevilla found it difficult in the first half but pushed harder after the break, making a strong comeback that gave them an important result in a closely fought game.

Romero scored a goal to level for Sevilla and then talked about how important it is for the team to be united.

He said the team talked about staying focused during halftime and thought their teamwork helped them change the game’s direction.

Adams has been a valuable player for Sevilla this season.

He has scored six goals and given three assists in La Liga.

LaLiga: ‘You’ve no reason to be sad’ – Romero comforts Akor Adams after miss

NPFL: Bayelsa United coach Okara targets top-nine finish

Bayelsa United head coach Meremu Okara is targeting a top-nine finish in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, this season.

The Prosperity Boys moved to 14th position in the table following Sunday’s slim 1-0 victory over South South rivals, Rivers United.

Bayelsa United are however just one point above the relegation zone.

Okara is adamant they can move into the top half of the table before the end of the season.

“I would like the team to end the season among the top nine — I mean above 10th position — say from ninth going up the ladder. That’s what we’re pursuing,” Okara stated after the game against Rivers United.

The Yenagoa club will be away to Kun Khalifat FC this weekend.

NPFL: Bayelsa United coach Okara targets top-nine finish

NPFL: Ahmed Musa debunks Europe return rumours

Former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa is not interested in making a return to Europe, DAILY POST reports.

Musa has been linked with a move to Kazakhstani side, FC Kaysar.

FC Kaysar recently signed Musa’s former Super Eagles teammate, Victor Moses.

According to sources close to player, the forward is is firmly fixed on restoring Kano Pillars glory days.

The former Leicester City star doubles as a player-cum-General Manager of Kano Pillars.

The Sai Masu are currently battling relegation in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

Musa last played in Europe for Turkish Super Lig outfit, Sivasspor.

NPFL: Ahmed Musa debunks Europe return rumours

EPL: ‘Flimsy excuse’ – Onazi slams Man Utd for not signing Osimhen because of AFCON

Former Lazio midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi has criticized Manchester United for not signing Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, due to the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, tournament.

Onazi’s comments came in response to revelations from former Man United first-team coach Benni McCarthy, who stated that Osimhen was excluded from the club’s striker shortlist due to apprehensions about his availability for Nigeria during the AFCON tournament.

But Onazi has now dismissed these concerns as a “flimsy excuse,” insisting that the Red Devils should have prioritized Osimhen’s potential contribution to the team.

“I don’t see that as a valid reason for [Man United] not signing Victor,” Onazi told Footy-Africa.

“If they know the importance and what Osimhen could be bring to the table for Manchester United, that shouldn’t be an excuse because there are other players who go to the African Nations Cup in Manchester United and other clubs too, as well, that are very important, like Mo Salah in Liverpool.

“I think that is just a flimsy excuse,” he added.

EPL: ‘Flimsy excuse’ – Onazi slams Man Utd for not signing Osimhen because of AFCON

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