Category: Sport

Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says the new Super Eagle coach Eric Chelle is a coach with a wonderful record.. He made this known in an interview on Arise TV, where he stated that Chelle will be coming with a team of backroom staff, a set-piece specialist, match reader, and goalkeeper coach.. “I got a lot of calls when he was announced. I shook my head because before now, I had already done my intelligence about Eric, and I came to realize that some people do not know him.. “They are just basing their argument on the colour of his skin. They are just being judgmental about the colour of his skin because he’s a black man not the content of his targets and his deliverables.”. Read Also: Osimhen Must Not Hesitate To Join Man United –Yobo. “He’s got a wonderful record. When he was in Mali, if you you at Mali the last two years they have been very consistent, consistent in the quality of their play.. “Based on what you have seen, statistics from Mali, out of 22 games, he won 14, he drew four (five) and lost just three, which shows that he is an offensive coach and Nigeria, traditionally, we are an offensive team.. “That has technically, automatically, and organically prepared him for the challenges to come.. “He’s not just a coach, he’s coming with a retinue of backroom staff – a set-piece specialist, match reader, goalkeeper coach.. “He’s also going to be supported by a retinue of backroom staff provided by the NFF Technical Department, so it’s not just him. “. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now

The appointment of Eric Chelle as the new Super Eagles head coach has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians, primarily due to his lack of top-tier coaching experience laden with trophy-successes.. Nonetheless, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has entrusted the former Malian coach with the task of leading the Super Eagles to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.. Completesports.com’s AUGUSTINE AKHILOMEN examines five critical aspects that Chelle must address to revitalise the Super Eagles and restore their greatness.. 1. Stability in the Super Eagles Line-Up. Eric Chelle has demonstrated a keen understanding of the game, irrespective of the calibre of players at his disposal. This was evident during his two-year tenure with the Malian national team.. As the Super Eagles head coach, Chelle is expected to bring stability to the team’s line-up, fostering healthy competition for every position and ensuring consistency in team selection.. 2. Instil Combativeness in the Team. When the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume in March, Nigerians could witness a more aggressive and determined Super Eagles team under Chelle’s guidance.. Read Also: Osimhen Must Not Hesitate To Join Man United –Yobo. Chelle’s success with Mali at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) stemmed largely from the combative attitude he instilled in his players. This quality, if embraced by the Super Eagles, could become a significant advantage.. His appointment is widely seen as a new beginning for the Super Eagles, with fans optimistic that his experience and fervour will rejuvenate the team and lead them to success.. 3. Technical and Tactical Excellence. One of Chelle’s standout attributes as a coach is his technical and tactical acumen.. While he may lack experience managing elite teams or clubs, Chelle showcased his abilities during the 2023 AFCON, where Mali defeated South Africa 3-1 in the group stage and narrowly lost 2-1 to eventual champions Ivory Coast after extra time in the semi-finals.. He also guided Mali to a historic 2-0 victory over Nigeria’s Super Eagles, then led by Finidi George, in a friendly at the Stade de Marrakech, Morocco, on 26 March 2024. It was Mali’s first win over Nigeria in 50 years at the senior international level.. Chelle’s technical and tactical inputs could prove transformative for the Super Eagles.. Read Also: ‘He’s Got A Wonderful Record’ –Pinnick Speaks On Eric Chelle’s Appointment As Eagles Coach. 4. Defensive Solidity. As a former centre-back renowned for his commanding presence, Chelle brings valuable defensive expertise akin to the late Stephen Keshi.. With a wealth of experience gained from playing in France’s competitive leagues, Chelle is well-equipped to enhance the Super Eagles’ defensive organisation and nurture defensive talent. This could be a cornerstone in rebuilding the team’s defensive strength.. 5. Attacking Football. Chelle is a strong advocate of attacking, free-flowing football, often employing wingers in a 4-4-2 formation—a system that has historically suited the Super Eagles.. Under his tutelage, the team’s attacking prowess is likely to flourish, with players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze thriving in his dynamic attacking setup.. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now

Mikel Arteta has said he is keen on clinching another FA Cup title at Arsenal as he prepares his side to face rivals Manchester United in the third round on Sunday at the Emirates.. Arteta’s first trophy at Arsenal as a player was the FA Cup in 2014 against Hull City.. It was also his first as a manager back in 2020, when the Gunners beat Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley.. Despite not going beyond the fourth round since lifting the trophy for a record 14th time five years ago, Arteta revealed his team is fully focused on collecting a record-extending 15th title.. “It’s a massive part of our history,” the boss revealed in his pre-match press conference. “We’ve won it 14 times and it is a competition very attached to us.. “It’s a beautiful game to play against a massive club, and a very special occasion as well with the amount supporters that they’re going to bring, so it’s a very big game.”. Arteta would be targeting another win against Ruben Amorim after getting the better of him in their first meeting earlier in the season.. Two goals from setpieces secured a 2-0 win for Arteta’s side.. Looking ahead to Sunday’s game Arteta praised Amorim for how far he has come.. “When you look especially at the big teams [they’ve played], how they perform and the results that they’ve got, it’s very impressive,” he said.. “I know him well, I followed him a lot when he was in Portugal and there is a big reason why he is where he is at the moment, and he deserves to be there.”. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now

Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has provided an injury update on Wilfred Ndidi, reports Completesports.com.. Ndidi sustained an injury in the Foxes 2-2 home draw against Brighton & Hove Albion last December.. The Nigeria international has been sidelined since then.. Read Also:5 Key Strategies Chelle Must Implement To Make Super Eagles More Formidable. Van Nistelrooy stated that the midfielder is pushing hard to return to full training.. “He’s continuing his individual training,” the Dutchman was quoted by the club’s official website.. “He’s not yet with the team. He’s pushing harder on an individual basis. Hopefully we can welcome him to team training over coming weeks.”. Leicester City will host Queens Park Rangers in an Emirates FA Cup third round tie at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.. By Adeboye Amosu. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now

Jo Bonfrère, the Dutch-born coach who guided Nigeria’s U-23 Dream Team to victory at the 1996 Olympic Games men’s football event with a 3-2 win over Argentina in the final, has declared that the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals depends on the players, not the coach, Completesports.com reports.. Jo Bonfrere. Bonfrère, 78, spoke exclusively to Completesports.com from his home country, the Netherlands, on Friday following the appointment of Eric Sekou Chelle as the substantive Super Eagles Head Voach, after Finidi George’s departure.. “Nigeria has many good players in Europe. It’s the players that will make the World Cup qualification happen, not the coach,” Bonfrère told Completesports.com.. Also Read: 5 Key Strategies Chelle Must Implement To Make Super Eagles More Formidable. “You [Nigeria] have fantastic players, and with these players, Nigeria can qualify for the Mexico/Canada/USA 2026 World Cup. It’s not the coach who makes it happen but the players.”. When asked about Eric Sekou Chelle’s technical capability to lead the Super Eagles to the 2026 World Cup from a group where they currently sit third, Bonfrère admitted he does not know Chelle but maintained that the players, not the coach, hold the key to qualification.. “I don’t know him. But yes, Nigeria must win, win, win in the remaining three games. That’s the only way forward. It’s the players, not the coach, who can make it happen,” Bonfrère reiterated.. Bonfrère has previously managed clubs such as MVV Maastricht in the Netherlands, Al Wahda in the UAE, Al Ahly in Egypt, and Qatar’s national team.. By Sab Osuji. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now

Former Italy star Antonio Cassano has disclosed that AC Milan will find it difficult to sign Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford.. In an interview with Viva El Futbol, Cassano says he’s a fan of the England international, but is concerned over whether Milan can afford him.. “We are talking about a fantastic player; I go crazy for him,” he told Viva El Futbol.. Read Also: ‘He’s Pushing Hard’ — Van Nistelrooy Gives Injury Update On Ndidi. “One and a half years ago, not three or five, he had finished the season with 28 goals playing as an attacking winger.. “But something has broken at Manchester United, first with Ten Hag and especially with (Ruben) Amorim. The problem is that he earns €12m per season. Who can afford him in Italy? Nobody can.. “He would be fantastic for Milan and Juventus, but I don’t think he can join our league.”. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now

Greg Ikhenoba has been confirmed new head coach of Nigeria Premier Football League ((NPFL) outfit, Bendel Insurance.. The gaffer’s appointment was announced by the chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Amadin Enabulele.. Enabulele also announced the appointment of Austin Iyamu and Peter Obanor as technical director and team manager respectively.. Read Also:Exclusive: Bonfrère – Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup Ticket Down to Players, Not Coach. Ikhenoba took charge of the team on interim capacity two months ago following the resignation of Monday Odigie.. The Benin Arsenals are currently battling to escape relegation.. The Benin City club currently occupy 16th position on the table with 21 points.. Bendel Insurance will host. Enyimba when action resume in the NPFL later this month.. By Adeboye Amosu. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now

Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has approved the renaming of the Honey Badgers of Makurdi to Benue Queens, following the successful takeover of the club by the Benue State Government, Completesports.com reports.. The approval, conveyed in a letter signed by NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, followed a rigorous verification process confirming that the Benue State Government met all requirements for the takeover and name change.. Effective immediately, Benue Queens will take over all fixtures, points, and standings previously held by Honey Badgers in the NWFL Premiership.. Commenting on the development, Shabi said: “After submitting to the very rigorous process put in place to ensure that only serious, business-minded individuals and corporate groups are admitted to club ownership, the NWFL is satisfied that the Benue State Government has substantially met all requirements and has been granted approval to take over Honey Badgers.”. She further lauded the potential positive impact of the transition: “The Benue State Government has demonstrated its commitment to operating and funding the club in line with NWFL regulations, which are designed to protect the integrity of the league and safeguard the interests of players and other stakeholders involved in the NWFL.”. The takeover comes as Honey Badgers celebrate a historic milestone, having earned promotion to the NWFL Premiership this season, marking their rise from the lower divisions to the top tier of Nigerian women’s football.. The Makurdi-based outfit will face tough competition from seasoned teams, including Naija Ratels, Ibom Angels, Adamawa Queens, Delta Queens, Bayelsa Queens, and Rivers Angels in Group B.. Benue Queens’ campaign will kick off with a highly anticipated clash against the formidable Robo Queens in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on January 15, 2025, marking their debut in Nigeria’s top-flight women’s league.. By Richard Jideaka, Abuja. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now

William Troost-Ekong provided the assist that led to Al Kholood’s dramatic late goal in their 3-2 away to Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Professional League on Friday.. It was Troost-Ekong’s first assist in 14 appearances in the Saudi Arabia league this season.. With the game heading for a 2-2 draw, Troost-Ekong set up teammate Myziane Maolida to net the winner in 10th minute of stoppage time.. It was Maolida’s second goal of the game after he had put Al Kholood 2-1 ahead on 54 minutes.. Jackson Muleka gave Al Kholood a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute before former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum made it 1-1 on 30 minutes.. The win took Al Kholood, now on 13 points, out of the relegation zone and they now occupy 13th spot in the league table.. On Thursday, former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo scored as Al Wehda beat Al Fateh 2-1 away.. It was Ighalo’s fourth goal in 14 league games for Al Wehda who are in the relegation zone.. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now. Got what it Takes?. Predict and Win Millions Now. Join Now

Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke has resumed full training with LaLiga club Sevilla following a prolonged injury absence. Ejuke missed three months due to a hamstring injury he suffered during Sevilla’s 5-1 defeat against Barcelona last October. The 27-year-old received a warm welcome from his teammates, who gave him a guard of honour, as shown in a photo posted by the club on social media. The ex-Royal Antwerp player is set to play for Sevilla in their match against Girona on Saturday. Ejuke had been performing exceptionally well for Sevilla prior to his injury. The skilled winger was awarded the Rojiblancos Player of the Month for October. By Adeboye Amosu. Do you have the necessary qualities? Forecast and Earn Millions Today. Sign Up Now. Do you have the necessary qualities? Forecast and Earn Millions Today. Sign Up Now