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Everton have already established contact with Wilfred Ndidi over a summer move.
Ndidi has less than two months on his contract with Leicester City and is not expected to sign an extension.
A number of clubs have already expressed interest in signing the defensive midfielder.
Anticipating they could face stiff competition for the Nigeria international, Everton have decided to send their proposal to the player early.
Ndidi, according to reports, is yet to decide his destination.
The 27-year-old played a crucial role in Leicester City’s promotion to the Premier League.
The Foxes won the Sky Bet Championship title after a 3-0 victory over Preston North End on Monday.
Finidi George has been appointed as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced Finidi’s appointment in a communique on Monday.
More to follow…
[TheCable]
Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, blocked manager Carlo Ancelotti’s request to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham last summer, according to Relevo.
Ancelotti had made Kane his top target ahead of this season.
It is believed signing the England captain was even a bigger priority for him than landing Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.
Ancelotti was looking to replace Karim Benzema, who left as a free agent for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
But Perez refused to sanction the move, as he has set his sights on signing Kylian Mbappe this year.
Peres was willing to let Madrid play without a real number nine, before signing Mbappe on a free transfer.
Kane ended up joining Bayern Munich and has scored 42 goals in as many games in all competitions, helping Thomas Tuchel’s team to the Champions League semi-finals, where they will come up against Madrid.
Paris St Germain, PSG, were crowned Ligue 1 champions for a record-extending 12th time on Sunday, as their third straight title was wrapped up.
This was following another dominant domestic campaign when second-placed AS Monaco lost 3-2 at Olympique Lyonnais.
PSG, who missed the chance to secure the title on Saturday when they drew 3-3 draw with Le Havre, have 70 points, 12 ahead of Monaco with three games remaining.
“Winning the league is fantastic, but winning Ligue 1 for the twelfth time is even more special for everyone connected to Paris Saint-Germain.
“We’re going to enjoy this moment as a family. And also keep working hard, game after game, until the last moment of the season,” PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi said on the club’s website.
Monaco were the only side left who could prevent PSG lifting the title, but their faint hopes were extinguished in Lyon as they fell to their first defeat in nine games, despite taking an early lead.
The visitors scored with a little over 20 seconds on the clock, with Wissam Ben Yedder tapping home Takumi Minamino’s cross at the back post.
But Monaco were 2-1 down within 25 minutes through goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Said Benrahma.
Ben Yedder brought the sides level again on the hour mark, heading home a floated ball into the box by Youssouf Fofana.
But it was Lyon who found a winner six minutes from time with Malick Fofana scoring from outside the area.
After Saturday’s draw which kept the champagne on ice, PSG manager Luis Enrique was unconcerned, safe in the knowledge that their far superior goal difference meant the title was all but assured.
“We’re champions. I don’t care if there’s a party or not.
“We have a goal difference of plus 29 on the second place, I already feel like champions. Even if we don’t score any more points, we’ll be champions,” the coach said.
The Spaniard, who took over at PSG at the end of last season, was proved right, as they secured their 10th title in 12 seasons without having to play another game.
The champions have suffered just one league defeat this season, against Nice in September and while they made a slow start to their campaign, once they took top spot after matchday 12, they never looked back.
PSG went 3-1 down to relegation battling Le Havre, but a Goncalo Ramos goal late in added time salvaged a point, and extended their unbeaten league run to 26 games, but the manager said that didn’t concern him.
“I don’t care if I’m undefeated. That goal gave us the title.
“That, and for the rage I had because we didn’t play much. We’re missing two titles, we’re going to do everything we can to get them,” Luis Enrique said.
PSG are still involved in the Champions League, and they also have the Coupe de France final against Lyon to come, in what could turn out to be the club’s finest ever season.
Striker Kylian Mbappe is leaving at the end of the campaign, and would love to bow out on a high, and this season is already his best in terms of goals scored, netting 43 times in all competitions.
It has long been PSG’s goal to win the Champions League, but few expected it in the manager’s first season.
Now that the league title is secured, the treble-bid is on, beginning on Wednesday with the semi-final first leg against Borussia Dortmund. (Reuters/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has said their remaining two away fixtures at Fulham and Tottenham will be “difficult.”
Guardiola was speaking after they beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Sunday.
The result keeps City one point behind leaders Arsenal, although they have one game in hand.
On the remainder of the season, Guardiola said: “Everything can happen, Liverpool have dropped points in the last few games but that can happen to us, can happen to Arsenal, so tough games for everyone. Fulham away and Spurs away will be difficult.
“I would prefer not to have a long week [off] and to play the Champions League semi final.
“But in the circumstances we have two or three days to recover and prepare for all the finals that we have.”
Former Arsenal midfielder, Paul Merson, has said the team will beat Tottenham Hotspur in their North London Derby on Sunday.
The Gunners have a chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League if they defeat their rivals.
Merson, speaking with Sky Sports, claimed that Mikel Arteta has better players than Spurs.
He said: “I expect Arsenal to win this game because Tottenham will play gung-ho football, almost saying you have a shot and then we have a shot.
“That won’t work against Arsenal – they’ve got better players than Tottenham. They’re a better team, more of a unit and they’ll win the football match.
“I can’t see anything but an Arsenal win knowing how Tottenham like to play.
“They just open the game up and say, ‘we’ll see who can score more goals’. That will be so hard to do against Arsenal, who are a far superior football team.”
[DailyPost]
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has appointed the Nigerian Chess Master cum Guinness World Record contester for the longest Chess Marathon in history, Tunde Onakoya, as the Sports Ambassador of the State.
Gov Abiodun made this known on Thursday when Onakoya visited his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Abiodun, who was impressed with Onakoya’s achievement on the global stage, said it could not have been possible without determination, resilience, and hard work.
The governor likened the travails of the Chess Master to those of millions of youths in Nigeria who are struggling to make something of their lives, stating that his achievements in the face of difficulties are a testimony that life does not recognize where one comes from, place of birth, or parent’s status in society.
Abiodun also announced the commencement of the State Chess Competition, which will be held in all parts of the state in honour of Onakoya.
He said, “I can see why you continue to be inspiration to many young people across the length and breath of this country. You have gone further by establishing a foundation called the ‘Chess in Slums Africa’ because you are determined to tell your story and encourage other children and get them out of the slums and give them hope and future.
“Today, we will be officially appointing you as our State Sports Ambassador. Coincidentally, Ogun State will be hosting the National Sports Festival in the next nine months or thereabouts and we are boasting that we are set to host the best National Sports Festival that has never been held in the history of this country and coincidentally, chess is one of the games that will feature in that event.
“I have decided that because of you and in your honour, we will begin an Ogun State Chess Competition across the length and breath of the state. Since you are now officially our Sports Ambassador and our Chess Ambassador, we will leave it to you to design that competition from the local government all the way to the state level.
“But we as your state, we will have a sponsor in the Tunde Onakoya Prize, for the winner of that competition.”
Italian Serie A side, Napoli, have reportedly lined up a series of strikers, including two Nigerians, they are considering signing as a replacement for Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen.
Victor Osimhen who has been the talisman of Napoli in the last three seasons is expected to leave the club at the end of this season if any of his suitors pay the club’s asking price.
Recall that Osimhen attracted the attention of top clubs like Paris Saint Germain, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal after scoring 26 goals and providing five assists in 32 league games last season.
The performance of the 25-year-old Nigerian striker helped Napoli to win their first league title in 33 years.
Even though Osimhen extended his contract with Napoli in December 2023, the Nigeria international and the Italian side are determined to part ways this summer.
Hence, a couple of strikers have been linked to the side as Osimhen’s replacement including Super Eagles stars, Victor Boniface and Terem Moffi.
Moffi has been one of the most prolific strikers in French Ligue 1 so far this season in which he has scored 11 goals for OGC Nice.
Though the 23-year-old Nigerian striker is currently under contract with Nice until June 30, 2027, PSG could price him away from the side this summer if they decide to.
Another alternative is Boniface, who has been unstoppable at Bayer Leverkusen since he joined the club last summer.
Even though injury kept him out of action for three months, the 23-year-old striker has scored 18 goals and provided 10 assists in 29 games in all competitions so far this season.
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Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna is also said to be a strong candidate to replace Osimhen if the Nigeria international finally leaves Napoli this summer.
Everton secured their first win in a Merseyside derby at Goodison Park since 2010 to leave Liverpool’s Premier League title aspirations in ruins after a 2-0 defeat on Wednesday.
The defeat leaves Jurgen Klopp’s men still three points adrift of leaders Arsenal and only one point in front of defending champions Manchester City, who have two games in hand.
“We need a crisis at City and Arsenal and we need to win football games,” said Klopp of his side’s shot at the title with four games to go of his reign.
Goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin took Everton eight points clear of the relegation zone.
The Toffees now look certain to extend their 70-year stay in the English top flight despite being deducted eight points on two charges of breaching financial rules.
Klopp had never lost on his previous eight visits to Goodison but his final taste of the Merseyside derby was a bitter one.
Hopes of a glorious goodbye for the German after a nearly nine-year tenure that has transformed the club’s fortunes are fading fast.
According to reports, Feyenoord boss Arne Slot is being lined up as Klopp’s successor and the past few weeks have exposed weaknesses that need addressing in a huge summer for the Liverpool hierarchy.
‘Energy, commitment’
The Reds have won just one of their last four league games and have also bowed out of the FA Cup and Europa League in recent weeks.
Klopp made six changes after resting a number of key players for Sunday’s 3-1 win at Fulham but did not get the response he desired.
Buoyed by their weekend win over Nottingham Forest to pull clear of the relegation zone, Everton are a side transformed from the one that went 13 Premier League games without a win between December and April.
“Delighted with the performance of our players and delighted for the Evertonians,” said Everton boss Sean Dyche.
“They’re a good side, we know that. The commitment and energy from us had to be there.”
Slow starts have been a recurring factor as Liverpool’s quest for four trophies has unravelled.
Everton thought they had a penalty in the opening minutes when Calvert-Lewin was tripped by Alisson Becker but VAR intervened to save the visitors as the striker was offside.
Alisson then clawed away a Calvert-Lewin header and Ben Godfrey nodded wide as Liverpool struggled to cope with Everton’s threat from set-pieces.
More comical defending from the Reds led to the opener on 27 minutes.
Alexis Mac Allister’s mishit fell perfectly for Branthwaite and the defender’s effort went in off the post despite Alisson’s best efforts.
Going behind woke Liverpool from their slumber and only a combination of wasteful finishing and Jordan Pickford preserved Everton’s lead until half-time.
Darwin Nunez blasted straight at the England number one when clean through before the Uruguayan teed up Luis Diaz to fire too close to Pickford.
Mohamed Salah’s loss of form has come at the worst possible time for Liverpool’s title challenge and the Egyptian sliced another good opening well over the bar.
Liverpool were camped in the Everton half after the break, yet the hosts pulled further clear just before the hour mark from another dead ball.
Calvert-Lewin was afforded a free header at the back post to power home Dwight McNeil’s corner.
Liverpool’s night was summed up when Diaz’s powerful effort came back off the post with Pickford finally beaten.
But it was Klopp who was crestfallen come the final whistle as he looks set to depart Anfield with just one Premier League title to his name.
[DailyTrust]
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, has said he did not apply to be the team’s next head coach because of two reasons.
Since Jose Peseiro’s contract elapsed, several former Nigerian players have been linked with the job.
Enyeama has admitted he would have also applied if he had secured his coaching certificate and wasn’t focused on his hotel business.
He told Afrik-Foot: “For you to be able to coach the Super Eagles, you must be certified. That’s the minimum standard.
“That’s the number one reason, and then for the fact that I have been very busy developing and managing my hotel has taken a lot of my attention, and that business is the most important thing for me now.”
[DailyPost]
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UEFA are set to increase squad size for this summer’s European Champions to 26 players.
This follows a vote on Monday, which gave the green light for expanded squads.
The idea was first brought up during a meeting of all the nations’ coaches in Dusseldorf a fortnight ago.
But at a meeting of the UEFA national competitions committee on Monday, delegates voted in favour of increasing the squads from a 23-player limit to 26.
Enlarged squads were used at Euro 2021, to help teams cope with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the decision is not yet set in stone, as the UEFA executive committee (EXCO) needs to sanction the rule change – but it is expected that will simply be a rubber-stamping exercise.
[DailyPost]
Former Super Eagles of Nigeria head coach, Samson Siasia has revealed how Nigerian coaches are being ill-treated by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Samson Siasia who was the captain of the national team during his playing days has coached all national team levels except the under-17 side.
Before he was banned from football activities due to alleged match-fixing issues, Siasia led Nigeria to win the African Youth Championship in 2005 and also led the same team to finish second at the 2005 under-20 World Cup in The Netherlands.
The 56-year-old Nigerian tactician went on to win Olympic silver and bronze medals while in charge of the Under-23 team in 2008 and 2016 respectively.
Samson Siasia who is seen as one of the most successful local coaches in Nigeria was expected to apply for the vacant Super Eagles coaching job but he couldn’t due to his ban which will expire later this month.
While the NFF is busy hunting for a new coach, Siasia made an appearance on a podcast alongside ex-international Emmanuel Babayaro and journalist Matthew Edafe on Saturday. During the podcast, Siasia lamented how the NFF hardly gives local coaches time to prepare for tournaments and how the coaches are often paid very low compared to how the football federation pay foreign coaches.
He said, “They didn’t give me Super Eagles from the beginning and give me four years.
“They didn’t give Nigeria people four years, you lose one match, they fire you. That’s the truth. The white people will come, you give them more time, you pay them more money.”
Samson Siasia continued, “And we (local coaches), they won’t send us anywhere and they want us to be better.
“They will pay the white man $50,000 monthly, and pay local hires one million naira. From the on million naira, the coaching staff will also take you inside, and you also have to feed your family.”
Siasia who has coached almost all the levels of football in Nigeria said the only side which is relatively easier to coach is the senior national team.
The Bayelsa state-born tactician noted that coaches in the under-age levels mostly have to use their star power to get some things sorted on behalf of the NFF.
“Trust me the easiest team to coach (in Nigeria) is the Super Eagles because they will give you everything that you need,” Siasia said.
“But U-20, U-23 and the U-16 are even worse because you won’t see food to eat. The U-20 is a big problem because if you don’t know people who can help you, you are in trouble. After all, the truth is if you don’t start on time there is no way you can qualify for a tournament.
“All those times that I qualified for tournaments are not a joke, I know people that own hotels. I will go to them and beg them to allow us to lodge and that we will pay later. They will give you a job one month to play a game and you want to screen players and select the best. How do you do that?”
He continued, “We have to go and look for accommodation because they will put us in Goal Project where there is nothing. Do you know how these people (NFF) deal with the national team coaches? That is why most of them cannot qualify because if you don’t have a name you cannot go to the hotel owners to keep rooms for you for free.
“I qualified the country for the Olympics twice, how many other coaches have been able to do that?”
Manchester City midfielder, Bernardo Silva, has admitted he “didn’t sleep” after his penalty miss against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final.
Silva was one of the City players that missed their kick as Madrid won 4-3 at the Etihad in midweek.
He, however, bounced back by scoring the winner in the 1-0 win over Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.
“It was a frustrating night for me [on Wednesday],” Silva said.
“[And a] frustrating week for me personally, for the whole team, because we wanted to go after another historic season and we can still go for it, but it was a big disappointment to get knocked out of the Champions League.
“First night, I didn’t sleep much, second night, you sleep a bit better, the third night you sleep almost the whole night, but it is what it is.”
[DailyPost]
Former Barcelona winger Emmanuel Amunike have won the race for the head coach position of the Super Eagles.
According to reports, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has decided to go with Amunike as the substantive head coach of the national team.
The Super Eagles head coach role will be the biggest challenge Amunike has had to handle.
The former Zamalek and Sporting Lisbon winger excelled as coach of the Golden Eaglets, leading the Nigeria U17 national team to win the FIFA U17 World Cup.
Amunike also impressed as head coach of the Tanzanian national team, guiding the Taifa Stars to qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations – their first in nearly forty years.
However, Amunike’s record with Egypt’s Misr Lel Makkasa and Zambia’s Zanaco left much to be desired.
The 53-year-old coach also fumbled when placed in charge of the Flying Eagles, failing to help the Nigeria U20 team qualify for the AFCON in 2017.
Aside from Amunike, USA U20 national team coach Michael Nsien, former Manchester City assistant manager Domenec Torrent, and Fortuna Sittard coach Danny Bruijs were all running to become the Super Eagles head coach.