The New Dawn: May 2019

Friday, May 31, 2019

Charleroi Activate Purchase Option For Osimhen

Sporting Charleroi have activated the purchase option inserted into Nigeria international striker, Victor Osimhen's contract when he joined the club on loan from Wolfsburg in August 2018.
Mehdi Bayat, the managing director of Sporting Charleroi, confirmed on Friday morning that the club have officially exercised their purchase option to buy the Nigeria international and will therefore pay 3.5 million euros to the Bundesliga club, according to Belgian newspaper La Derniere Heure.

Flying Eagles striker, Success Makanjuola is confident that Nigeria will be a much improved team when they take on their Round of 16 opponents at the ongoing 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.
The Flying Eagles will face either Italy or Senegal in the Round of 16 after emerging as one of the four best third-placed team in the group stages of the tournament.

Inter Milan have reportedly made contact with Chelsea over the signing of former Nigeria's Super Eagles winger, Victor Moses this summer.
According to the Italian media, the Nerazzurri still see Moses as their first choice and have begun discussions with the Blues over a potential deal.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Umbro have unveiled the official match ball for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Sports equipment manufacturers Umbro and Africa football governing body, CAF entered into a new partnership that will see the iconic sports brand become the exclusive ball supplier for the AFCON 2019 in Egypt. The ball design is inspired by the colours of the Egyptian flag.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have qualified for the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland as one of the four best loser teams following their 1-1 draw with Ukraine in their last Group D match on Thursday.
The regulations for the organisation of the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup states that:,”The two teams finishing first and second in each group and the four best teams among those ranked third will qualify for the round of 16.”

I Prefer Galatasaray Stay -Onyekuru Tells Everton

Nigeria's Super Eagles striker, Henry Onyekuru has expressed his willingness to remain at Galatasaray despite rumours linking him with several clubs in Europe, including Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Marseille and Sevilla.
The Everton-owned winger had a successful spell at Galatasaray, finishing with 16 goals across all competitions as the Lions won the domestic double.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will look to secure a place in the second round at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland when they take on Ukraine in their final Group D game today (Thursday ).
The West Africans who started their campaign in the competition on resounding note by thrashing Qatar 4-0 went down 2-0 to the United States of America in their second game on Thursday.

Nigeria's Super Eagles will open their 2019 WAFU Cup of Nations campaign when they face Togo in Senegal this September.
Following Wednesday’s draw at the Radisson Blu Sea Plaza Hotel in Dakar, the tournament will run from September 28 till October 13 with all matches played at the Stade Lat Dior in the beautiful city of Thies.

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter has enjoined the newly sworn in Governor of Oyo State Engineer Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde to give sports more attention.
In a congratulatory message signed by Oyo SWAN Chairman, Niyi Alebiosu and the Association’s Secretary, Adewale Tijani, the Association of Sports Writers advised the eighth Executive Governor of Oyo state to make revival of sports in the state the top priority of his administration.

There is more trouble for Nigeria’s Flying Eagles as they will be without the pair of Valentine Ozornwafor and Jamil Muhammad for their crucial Group D clash against Ukraine at the ongoing 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland later today (Thursday).
Both players featured in the Flying Eagles’ opening two games against Qatar and USA.

The Super Falcons will travel from their Avita Resort camp in Bad Tatzmannsdorf to Slovakia on Sunday for a friendly against their Slovakian counterparts, the second time both teams would be meeting this year.
On 1st March 2019 at the Cyprus Women’s Cup in March, the nine time African champions edged a seven –goal thriller against the Slovakians, with goals from midfielder Rita Chikwelu (a brace), defender Osinachi Ohale and forward Anam Imo.

Turkish Super Lig giant, Fenerbahce are looking to be compensated €3 million from Chelsea if former Nigeria's Super Eagles winger, Victor Moses joins another club in the summer transfer window.
Fotospor claims the former Wigan Athletic player may be allowed to cancel the loan agreement if Chelsea return approximately three million euros, which is the loan fee they paid to the Premier League side in January.

NPFL Super 6: Enyimba, Rangers Clash In Opening Game

Enyimba international of Aba and Rangers International of Enugu will clash in the opening game of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Championship play-offs at the Agege Stadium, Lagos on June 4.
Rangers finished tops in the 2018/19 NPFL abridged championship Group A on 40 points from 22 matches to qualify for the Super 6. Enyimba finished third in the same group on 33 points, behind Lobi Stars (35 points), to also qualify.

Nigeria's Super Falcons stepped up their preparation for the 2018 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France coming from a goal down to beat Hungarian women’s first division club, Haladas Viktoria 5-1 in a pre-tournament friendly on Tuesday.
A brace from Asisat Oshoala and other strikes from Chinwendo Ihezuo, Francisca Ordega, and Ogonna Chukwudi sealed a comfortable win for the Super Falcons.

Chelsea has slammed £10.5 million asking price on Inter Milan target Victor Moses according to reports from Italy.
Former Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte has been touted as the manager to take charge of Inter Milan once Luciano Spalletti steps down in the coming days.

President Buhari Is Confident You Will Make Us Proud -Nigeria Ambassador To Austria Reassures Falcons

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Austria and Slovakia, Her Excellency, Mrs. Vivian Okeke on Sunday paid a visit to the Avita Resort camp of the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, who are in residential camping ahead of their participation in the 8th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals.
Speaking to the players, Okeke said the embassy received a letter from the Nigeria Football Federation on the arrival of the team and Her Excellency and Mission staff had come to ensure players and officials were happy and well-catered-for.

Lovers of grassroots football in Ibadan were excited seeing the oldest city league in Nigeria returned over the weekend in Ibadan after it was rested for five years as Shooting Stars maul CRIN FC by four goals to one in the opening match of Ibadan Football Association (IFA) League at refurbished Olubadan Stadium.
IFA according to record was formed in 1937 as Ibadan District Amateur Football Association (IDAFA) with the principal aim of popularizing and developing soccer within the district and beyond. This IDAFA metamorphosed into the present Ibadan Football Association (IFA) when Ibadan relinquished its District status to become a metropolitan city.

Nwankwo Kanu (left) with the owner of the newly built Ilaji Stadium and Resort Centre Ibadan, Engr. Dotun Sanusi

Former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu has canvassed for better use of the newly built Ilaji Stadium and Resort Centre during his check on Ilaji Soccer Academy while commending the high standard of facilities at Akanra, an outskirt of Ibadan where the ex-international spent about five days.
He gave kudos to the owner of the world class sports’ resort, Engr. Dotun Sanusi, describing the development as good contributions to the development of sports in Africa, especially the grassroots football but expressed deep concern over the under-utilization of the facilities.

Forward Sebastian Soto struck twice for the USA in rainy Bielsko-Bialo Monday night, powering the Stars and Stripes to their first victory in their second Group D game of the 2019 U-20 World Cup while handing Nigeria's Flying Eagles their first defeat.
USA coach Tab Ramos made just one change to the starting XI from his side's opener against Ukraine, and it paid doubly. First, Soto slipped his marker and nodded home Alex Mendez’s corner-kick service at the far post in the 18th minute, giving the USA a 1-0 lead.

2019 FIFA U20 World Cup: International Debut Goal Thrills Dele-Bashiru

Nigeria's Flying Eagles midfielder, Tom Dele-Bashiru has expressed his joy over his first goal in his International Debut in the colours of Nigeria.
The Manchester City prodigy was one of the players that inspired the Flying Eagles to a comprehensive 4-0 win against Qatar in their opening game at the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Former Nigeria's Super Eagles winger, Victor Moses has admitted that he wants to quit Fenerbahce at the end of the 2018-2019 season amid speculation linking him with a transfer to Inter Milan this summer.
Turkish sports daily Fanatik claims that the the Chelsea loanee has informed his inner circle that he's planning to leave the Yellow Canaries despite penning a 17-month loan deal in the January transfer window.

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria began their quest for the 2019 FIFA World Cup title with a resounding 4-0 victory over Qatar at the Mjieski Stadium, Tychy on Friday evening.
Paul Aigbogun sent out presumably his strongest line-up for the tricky clash, with Muhammad Tijani and Henry Offia leading the lines though Bournemouth's starlet, Nnamdi Oforboh was only good for a bench role.

Southampton Joins Osimhen Race

English Premier League club, Southampton, have joined the chase for Nigeria's Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, who has been in terrific form as a loanee at Belgian club, Sporting Charleroi.
But the Saints have to pay a fee in the region of €12m to land the VFL Wolfsburg forward this summer, according to Le Soir, cited by Sport Witness.

Italian giant, Inter Milan have expressed their readiness to acquire the service of Nigeria international forward, Victor Moses permanently from Chelsea.
According to Sky in Italy, Chelsea want to sign Romelu Lukaku and Moses this summer; once they have appointed Antonio Conte as their new head coach.

Chukwueze, 11 Others Top Liverpool Transfer Target

Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze has been listed among the top 12 attacking targets for Liverpool this summer.
According to a report on Daily Mail, Chukwueze, who is one of the most coveted young players playing in Europe, is valued at £30m by the CIES Football Observatory.

Chief Executive Officer, Forte Oil Plc, Femi Otedola paid a courtesy visit to Christain Chukwu who is recuperating at the Wellington Hospital, Circus London.
The African football legend had battled life-threatening ailment in an Enugu hospital for some months now.

Nigerian International midfielder, Frank Onyeka says he will continue to work hard to be part of the Midtjylland first eleven following his contract extension with the Club.
The 21-year-old midfielder agreed a new five year deal with the Club he joined back in 2015 and has reiterated his commitment to continue to succeed at the Club.

Ndidi Named Among Five Hardest Working Players In EPL

Nigeria's Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi has been named among the top twenty hardest working players in the Premier League for the 2018-2019 season.
According to The Sun, the Leicester City midfielder covered a distance of 408.3 kilometers over the course of the campaign to place fourth on the list behind Crystal Palace’s Luka Milivojevic (447.1km), Burnley’s Jack Cork (445.6km) and Chelsea's Jorginho (418.8km).

African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria have landed at the Avita Resort facility in the Austrian city of Bad Tatzmannsdorf for a two week residential camping ahead of the 8th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals.
A delegation including nine home based professionals and technical and administrative staff departed from Abuja on Monday night aboard an Air France flight, and travelled from Paris to the Austrian capital, Vienna on Tuesday morning before connecting Bad Tatzmannsdorf.

Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles, have been fully schooled on best practices and moves and gestures to avoid on-field at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals opening in Poland on Thursday.
Immediately after the FIFA arrival meeting, traditionally held to welcome participating teams to the FIFA World Cup, FIFA referee instructor Jerome Damon took the players and officials on the new laws of the game, which would hold sway at the finals.

Turkish giants, Galatasaray will make a move for Nigeria's Super Eagles striker, Henry Onyekuru but Everton’s stance over the player is making things difficult for the Super Lig club.
Galatasaray vice president, Abdurrahim Albayrak spoke to Trt Spor and said Onyekuru would like to continue with the Istanbul club after helping the them retain their league title.

Former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger is in the frame for the Bayern Munich job - as is Tottenham manager, Mauricio Pochttino.
That's according to Dutch reporter Valentijn Driessen, from De Telegraaf, who adds Mark van Bommel is also under consideration.

Ola Aina's Torino Stay In Doubt

Italian Serie A side, Torino may opt against extending the contract of Nigeria's Super Eagles defender, Ola Aina at the end of the season.
With one round to go before the end of the 2018-2019 campaign, Torino are mathematically out of the race for a Europa League spot due to their inferior head-to-head record with Roma, according to reports.
Calciomercato claims the outright purchase of Aina from Chelsea is at risk after Torino missed out on the top six positions in the Italian Serie A following their 4-1 loss to Empoli on game week 37.
The Nigeria international joined the Maroons on a season-long loan last August with an option to buy the defender for ten million euros inserted into the deal.
Torino president, Urbano Cairo is mulling over whether to execute the option to buy.
Turning a blind eye to his performance against Empoli on Sunday, Aina has largely impressed since moving to Italy, making 29 appearances including 21 starts and has shown the ability to play as a wing-back.

2019 Africa Cup of Nations: Black Stars Can Win AFCON With Prophet TB Joshua's Help- Richard Kingston

Ghana's Black Stars goalkeepers trainer, Richard 'Olele' Kingston has insisted that renowned Nigerian Prophet, T.B Joshua can help the country to win the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana, who are seeking to end the 37 years trophy drought in Egypt, last won the Africa's prestigious tournament in 1982 in Libya when they defeated the host on penalties to lift the trophy.

Okagbare Finishes 2nd In Doha, Booked Tokyo Olympics, World Championships Place

Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare-Ighotegunor clocked a Season Best 11.07s (+0.2m/s) to finish in second position in the women’s 100m event at the Shanghai Diamond League on Saturday and has now qualified for the 2019 World Championships scheduled for Doha and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games following the brilliant finish.
Aleia Hobbs won the race with a time of 11.03s, while double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson raced to third in 11.14 seconds.

Nigeria's Super Falcons head coach, Thomas Dennerby has called up Chidinma Okeke and seven others from the 2019 WAFU Women’s Cup team to join the provisional squad for the 8th FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup will hold in France from the 7th June to the 7th of July 2019.
Okeke alongside seven others, former junior international Uchenna Kanu who finished the 2019 WAFU Women’s Cup tournament in Abidjan on Sunday with nine goals, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Alaba Jonathan and Christy Ohiaeriaku.

Nigeria's Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has been named Sporting Charleroi’s player of the season following his superlative showing for the club.
Osimhen who is loan at the Belgian side Sporting Charleroi from German club Wolfsburg scored 17 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions for the club this season.

Nigeria's Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala is proud of Barcelona Ladies display against Olympic Lyon in Saturday’s UEFA Women’s Champions League final despite their 4-1 defeat to the French side.
The Blaugrana failed in their bid to win a first continental title following the defeat at the Groupama Arena, Budapest.

Manchester United supporters have given their take on the ideal replacement for Ander Herrera who is set to quit the Red Devils in the summer upon the expiration of his contract.
United are looking to sign at least one midfielder in the summer transfer window with Herrera set to leave and Marouane Fellaini ending his association with the club in January following his move to Shandong Luneng Taishan in China, while the future of Paul Pogba is up in the air.

NFF 'll Always Support Nigerian Football Legends -Pinnick

Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick has stated in clear terms that the NFF will soon institute a welfare foundation for former Nigeria international players in order to guarantee ready funding for them in case of unexpected health challenges.
Pinnick gave this assurance in London Thursday, hours after receiving former Nigeria captain, Christian Chukwu alongside his wife Lilian Nkeiruka and sister Mrs Edith Chinelo Motanya after the former Super Eagles captain and coach arrived for medical treatment.

Nigeria's Super Eagles striker, Kelechi Iheanacho may be sent out on loan ahead of the 2019/20 season in a bid to restore his lost confidence according to his Leicester City manager, Brendan Rodgers.
Iheanacho had a disappointing season and has only scored twice this season in 36 appearances, although the vast majority of those were as a substitute, and his last goal came in September in the win over Huddersfield Town.

The moribund Olubadan Stadium is now wearing new look ahead of the commencement of Ibadan Football Association League 2019 season schedule for Saturday 25th of May, this year.
A trip to the stadium revealed massive development taking place all at the same time after the monumental edifice had been shut down from football action for almost five years by Oyo State Football Association.

Porto goalkeeper, Iker Casillas is reportedly planning to announce his retirement from football following his recent heart attack scare.
The 37-year-old World Cup winner intends to call time on his career at the end of the season as he does not want to feed uncertainty about his future, according to Portugese outlet O Jogo.

Nigeria's Super Eagles winger, Ahmed Musa is in happy mood following Al Nassr’s Saudi Arabia Professional Football League win on Thursday.
Al Nassr claimed their third title win following a 2-1 home win against Al Batin at the King Fahd Stadium, Riyadh.

WAFU Women's Cup Of Nations: Super Falcons Pip Ghana To Final Ticket

Nigeria's Super Falcons are now through to the final of the ongoing WAFU Cup tournament in Abidjan after beating Ghana’s Black Queens 4-2 on penalties on Thursday.
The two arch-rivals battled to a barren draw in regulation time of the keenly-contested semi-final contest at the Stade Robert Champroux before the Falcons emerged victorious in the ensuing penalty kicks.

Former Super Eagles skipper, Christian Chukwu, has arrived London, United Kingdom for medical treatment.
Chukwu, who is one of the finest defenders to have come out of Nigeria arrived London on Thursday in company of his wife, Lilian Nkeiruka.

Nigeria's Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi has been named in Whoscored.com Premier League stats leaders XI for the 2018-2019 season.
The football statistics website has compiled an alternative team of the season with only the statistical leaders over the campaign making the list, and to be eligible to be included, a minimum of ten starts over the course of the season must be made.

Nigeria's Flying Eagles players have been assigned shirt numbers ahead of the FIFA U-20 World Cup scheduled to start in Poland next week.
Head coach of the side, Paul Aigbogun on Monday released his final 21-man squad for the biennial competition.

Nigeria's Super Eagles striker, Henry Onyekuru got his first taste of silverware with Turkish powerhouse, Galatasaray after helping them to beat Akhisarspor 3-1 in the final of the Turkish Cup on Wednesday evening.
The Everton loanee started and went the distance at the Yeni Sivas 4Eylul Stadyumu though he could not add to his two strikes in the cup competition.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons head coach, Thomas Dennerby has stated that Nigeria must step things up ahead of today’s WAFU Women’s Cup of Nations semi final tie against the Black Queens of Ghana.
Both nation rekindle rivalry in a repeat of the pairing that saw Ghana beat Nigeria at the last edition of the WAFU women’s cup of nations at this same stage.

Friday, May 31, 2019

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Monday, May 27, 2019

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Monday, May 20, 2019

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Friday, May 17, 2019

Thursday, May 16, 2019