SPORTS UPDATE

[Edoman]

Ighalo cries out: I don’t get enough passes to score goals
 
 

                      
Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has revealed why the team has found it difficult to score plenty goals at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Speaking in an extensive interview with SunSports/SportingSun, yesterday, at the team’s hotel, Helnan Palestine Hotel, the Shanghai Shenhua striker lamented that he has not been getting the ‘killer passes’ to enable him score enough goals.

The team’s attack has come under pressure after the Eagles managed just two goals in three games; even coach Gernot Rohr admitted his strikers must improve.

But Ighalo insisted it was unfair to single the strikers out for blame. He said he was being starved of the ball from the middle, as he was forced to always drop deep to look for the ball. He added that the coaching crew has been working on the problem and assured that things will be different in their subsequent matches.

“It’s my job, as a striker, to score goals; but, sometimes, when you don’t get enough balls, it is difficult.”

Tags # SPORT
 

[Edoman]

Tottenham breaks bank for Tanguy Ndombele deal
 
 
                         
Tottenham have announced the signing of Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon for a club record fee of £65million.

The midfielder travelled to London to complete a medical on Tuesday after agreeing terms on a six-year contract with the Premier League club.

Spurs will pay an initial £56.5m for France star Ndombele, although the future fee could rise to around £65m due to the add-ons included in the package

The fee for Ndombele tops the £42m Spurs splashed out for centre back Davinson Sanchez in 2017.

He has been a long-term target for manager Mauricio Pochettino and having been keen to sign him in the previous two windows, the Tottenham boss made the player his No 1 priority this summer.

The 22-year-old has drawn comparisons in style to former Chelsea favourite Michael Essien since his emergence at Lyon.


Capturing Ndombele represents a significant statement of intent from the north Londoners as they make an eye-catching return to the transfer market after two windows without spending

Spurs kickstarted their summer spree by landing winger Jack Clarke from Leeds for £8.5m ,before immediately sending him back on loan to the Championship club.

Pochettino also hopes to sign Nicolo Zaniolo from Roma, with the Italian club’s interest in Toby Alderweireld potentially boosting their chances.

The Argentine is willing to sell the defender, who has just a year left on his contract, in order to raise funds for his summer rebuild.

Alderweireld has a £25m buy-out clause which expires on July 25, while Roma could sell 20-year-old midfielder Zaniolo for around £40m.

[Edoman]

Man City Signs Rodri By Activating His €70m Atletico Release Clause

Man City activate Rodri's €70m release clause to make club-record signing, according to Athletic twitter.

Atletico write on their website as follows:

Representatives from the player and the English club went to the LaLiga headquarters to pay the release clause.

LaLiga has informed Atlético de Madrid that Rodrigo Hernández, through his lawyer, and representatives from Manchester City, paid the player’s release clause at the sports association’s headquarters on Wednesday, July 3.

Manchester City has paid the buyout clause on behalf of the player.

The player has therefore unilaterally terminated his contract with our club, which ran until June 30, 2023.

Source: https://m.allfootballapp.com/news?id=1535627&type=share&language=en

[Edoman]

Yaya Toure joins Chinese club Qingdao Huanghai






Former Manchester City and Barcelona star, Yaya Toure has signed for Chinese second division club, Qingdao Huanghai six months after leaving his previous club Olympiacos FC in Greece.

Back in May 2019, Toure’s agent announced that the former Ivory Coast midfielder had retired from professional football,  a claim which was later dismissed by the 36-year-old footballer.
After signing for Qingdao Huanghai FC in the Chinese League One, the second division of Chinese football, the footballer said: 
“Since the start of my football career, I have always loved challenges and now I have decided to take this new challenge and make history once again with Qingdao Huanghai Football Club!” said the Premier League winner in a statement on his official website.
“This is a very exciting young club with a lot of potential and we share the same philosophy – that is to play beautiful football! It will be my great honour to grow and succeed with this club,” he said.

by Linda Ikeji

[Edoman]

Cameroon Coach Seedorf Reveals His Major Worry Ahead Of Blockbuster Game Vs Nigeria


Cameroon coach Clarence Seedorf is worried about his team's blunt strike force ahead of their blockbuster Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 clash against Nigeria in Alexandria on Saturday.

Like the Super Eagles, the Indomitable Lions netted only two goals in the group stages but they have a better defensive record than the West Africans, with the highly-rated Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper André Onana yet to concede in the tournament.

Clinton N'Jie (Marseille), Stéphane Bahoken (Angers), Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (PSG), Karl Toko Ekambi (Villarreal), Joel Tagueu (Portugal Marítimo) and Jacques Zoua (Astra Giurgiu) are the players classed as strikers in the Cameroon squad.

''I do not think of Nigeria (opponent in the round of 16), we just finished the match, I'm very happy because we qualified, but we were disappointed because we wanted to win the match, we completely controlled this match,'' Seedorf was quoted as saying by France Football.

''We have to improve in several details, especially in attack, we have to be smarter to create more opportunities, we have not conceded a goal yet, there are positive things for the future. ''

The Super Eagles have not lost to Cameroon since they were beaten 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier in August 1989.

Source https://www.reportminds.com/2019/07/cameroon-coach-seedorf-reveals-his.html?m=1

[Edoman]

Arsenal Lose £210m In Four Years Thanks To Poor Transfer Dealings


Remember when Arsene Wenger picked up the world class Sol Campbell on a free deal from rivals Tottenham in 2001?
But the Gunners have been nothing short of a disaster over the past few years, a contrast to what WAS a well run club.
Not a coincidence that ever since Stan Kroenke took full control of the North Londoners, it's been a downhill.
And if you look over the last four years, it becomes 
clear where the problem lies with more than £200m thrown away.
Losing top stars on free transfers, selling too cheap and youngsters going for nothing, it's been that bad.
Ever since the 2016-17 season it's been bad, and there's nothing that Arsenal supporters are going to like.

2016-17
SERGE GNABRY
LEFT FOR: £5m to Werder Bremen
WORTH: £60m

Once touted as one of the best young players at Arsenal, it never quite worked out despite a lot of promise.
A shocking loan spell at West Brom under Tony Pulis didn't help, before he headed off back to Germany with Werder Bremen for just £5m.
The 23-year-old winger is now tearing it up at Bayern Munich and worth at least £60m, and possibly more.
2017-18
WOJCIECH SZCZESNY
LEFT FOR: £10m to Juventus
WORTH: £20m

The Polish goalkeeper was a firm favourite with the Gunners fans but was often prone to a mistake or two.
The Italian giants obviously saw something in him, and picked him up for a snip price.
Now their No1 and a Serie A title winner, he's worth double the amount he was sold for, and again, probably more.
ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN
LEFT FOR: £35m to Liverpool
WORTH: £50m

It might look harsh on Arsenal, but the simple thing is that Oxlade-Chamberlain went on the cheap.
At the time, it might have looked like good money - but it really wasn't and Wenger should have got more.
Now a Champions League winner and fighting for Premier League trophies, £35m looks good for Liverpool.
2018-19
JEFF REINE-ADELAIDE
LEFT FOR: £1.5m to Angers
WORTH: £20m

Another one of the Arsenal youngsters who had promise and never really got quite there at the Emirates.
He went to Angers for a fee not even worth talking about, to a club little known in Ligue 1.
But he impressed for the France squad at the Euro Under-21 Championships, and now he is worth a fortune.
SANTI CAZORLA
LEFT FOR: free to Villarreal
WOTH: £15m

One of the most gifted players to ever play for the Gunners in recent times, and that's no exaggeration.
He made an emotional free move back to his homeland, mostly down to a number of injury problems.
But he proved he still has a lot to give - even getting a recall to the Spain squad - and was worthy of another contract.
JACK WILSHERE
LEFT FOR: free to West Ham
WORTH: £15m

Once one of the most talked-about English players and touted as a dead certain Arsenal legend.
Only injuries have blighted the academy product from being up there with the true greats of the Premier League.
Now, at West Ham after a free, if he stays fit this season he is worth some cash - but they'll always be those question marks.
2019-20
DANNY WELBECK
LEFT FOR: free, no club
WORTH: £20m

He might not have fulfilled what they thought, but he scored some important goals for Arsenal.
The England striker is still going to do a solid job for someone next year despite a bad injury-plagued campaign.
There's no denying the ex-Manchester United forward is worth some cash and still has some years at the top left.
AARON RAMSEY
LEFT FOR: free to Juventus
WORTH: £60m

This is one that will hurt for years and years to come, arguably their best player gone on a free.
Yes, he's getting a good wage and going to a top side, but how could the Emirates hierarchy let this one happen?
The Welshman is worth at least, if not more than, £60m and it's nothing short of embarrassing he has left.
TOTAL: £210m

Sources: https://www.google.com/amp/s/shewore.com/2019/01/03/arsenal-lose-200m-due-to-poor-player-sales/amp/

[Edoman]

No Super Players made it to the AFCON 2019 Best Group Stage Players.

CAF releases the best XI at the group and also the bench.

Salah and Senegal’s Mane, who have scored two goals apiece, with Ghana’s Jordan completing the forward line.

Salah isn’t the only Egyptian who made it into the side, though, with goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, Ahmed Elmohamady and Ahmed Hegazi all making the cut.

El Shenawy’s heroics throughout the group phase were recognised, with his best performance coming in their final game against the Cranes, wherein he produced a string of fine saves to assist an eventual 2-0 win.

Captain Elmohamady scored two goals from right-back and was part of a defence which didn’t concede a goal – a rearguard which included Hegazi.

The defence is completed by Cameroon’s Yaya Banana and Achraf Hakimi, while the three-man midfield consists of Algeria pair Riyad Mahrez and Ismael Bennacer as well as Madagascar’s Anicet Abel Andrianantenaina.


Source: https://ngg.ng/2019/07/04/no-nigeria-pla...est-squad/

[Edoman]

Sport
Transfer: LaLiga club completes €126m deal for highly-rated forward
 

 

Atletico Madrid have announced the club record €126million signing of Benfica attacker Joao Felix.
Manchester City had been interested in exploring a deal for the player depending on the future of Leroy Sane, while the likes of Juventus, Barcelona, Manchester United and Real Madrid had all also been linked.

But it’s Atleti that have secured his signature, after Atletico CEO Gil Marin met with Benfica chairman Luis Filipe Vieira, during the Champions League final to kick off negotiations.
Manager Diego Simeone also played a key role in convincing Joao Felix to join Atleti, having contacted the 19-year-old directly.
Joao Felix becomes the third most expensive footballer of all time behind Paris Saint-Germain duo Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

He has been likened to Kaka and Antoine Griezmann, who is set to leave Atleti this summer.

[Edoman]

Sport
Transfer: Coutinho’s agent reveals Barcelona’s decision on player
 


Philippe Coutinho’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, has insisted the player will not leave Barcelona this summer.
Coutinho has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp, following an indifferent campaign with the LaLiga champions.

The Brazilian playmaker, who joined from Liverpool in January 2018, was the target of boos from fans towards the end of the season.
Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and even Liverpool have been touted as his destination this transfer window.
But his agent has claimed Barca want to keep the 27-year-old.

“I talked a few days ago with Pep Segura at Barcelona.
“He told me that the club does not want to sell Coutinho this summer, no matter what. And then, we have not had any contact with PSG,” Joorabchian told RMC Sport.

[Edoman]

Sport
Transfer: Lukaku’s agent gives update on striker’s move to Inter Milan
[url=http://contripeople.com/newreply.php?tid=18221][/url] 


Inter Milan are “all out” to sign Manchester United striker, Romelu Lukaku, according to his agent Federico Pastorello.
Speaking after a meeting with Inter chiefs in Milan on Wednesday night, Pastorello admitted the two clubs were in talks over the potential transfer of the 26-year-old.

It is understood that Inter are keen to bid for a one-year loan deal, with an obligation to buy for a total of €70m (£62.8m) next year.
“It was just a chat. I spoke with the director [Giuseppe Marotta] to understand the club’s intentions with the player. They will take the decisions, we can’t put a time frame on it.
“What is clear is that if Inter want the player, they will need to get a move on.

“Inter are seriously trying to sign him, they are all out for him. Goals are not always there to be reached, but it’s a declared target. At the moment, it remains a complicated dream,” Pastorello told Sky in Italy.

[Edoman]

Sport

Transfer: PSG finally sign Neymar’s replacement on five-year deal
 


Paris Saint-Germain have signed Pablo Sarabia from Sevilla on a five-year deal, the Ligue 1 champions announced on Tuesday.
It is believed Sarabia’s arrival, potentially paves the way for a move away from the club by Brazilian star, Neymar.

Financial details of the 27-year-old’s transfer were not disclosed, but Marca claims he was signed for around 20 million euros ($23 million).
Sarabia netted 23 goals and 17 assists for Sevilla in all competitions including Europa League qualifiers last season.
“We are delighted to announce Pablo Sarabia, the 27-year-old attacking midfielder from Sevilla, has signed a five-year contract with PSG,” the club said in a statement.

Neymar is being heavily linked with a return to Barcelona, only two years after he left in a world-record deal.

[Edoman]

What Lampard said after being unveiled as Chelsea’s new manager 


Frank Lampard has expressed delight at returning to Chelsea as manager.
Lampard signed a three-year deal with the Blues worth £4million-a-year and replaces Maurizio Sarri, who has since joined Juventus.

“I am immensely proud to be returning to Chelsea as head coach.
“Everyone knows my love for this club and the history we have shared, however, my sole focus is on the job in hand and preparing for the season ahead.
“I am here to work hard, bring further success to the club and I cannot wait to get started,” Lampard told the club’s website.

The 41-year-old becomes the first Englishman to be appointed as a permanent Chelsea manager by owner Roman Abramovich.

[Edoman]

Lampard includes two Nigerians in squad for pre-season games

 
on
 July 5, 2019



Newly appointed Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, has included two Nigeria-eligible players on the roster, for upcoming matches in Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
Young striker Ike Ugbo and central defender Fikayo Tomori were among the travelling party, that flew out on Friday.

Tammy Abraham has been omitted from the group, while promising youngsters Tariq Uwakwe and Faustino Anjorin were not been considered.
Of the five aforementioned players of Nigerian descent, only Abraham and Tomori have debuted for Chelsea’s first-team.
Ugbo returned for the second half of last season, after an unsuccessful loan spell at Scunthorpe United.

Chelsea will face Bohemians on Wednesday, before playing St Patrick’s Athletic next Saturday.


SPORT

[Edoman]

SPORT
Transfer: Barcelona president gives updates on Neymar, Griezmann deals

 
on
 July 5, 2019
By
 Ifreke Inyang [/url]


Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has revealed his club’s stance on a possible move to bring Neymar back this summer.
The Brazilian is believed to be keen on a return to the Nou Camp, just two years after leaving in world-record transfer.

Speaking at a press conference after unveiling new signing Frenkie De Jong, Bartomeu offered an update on Barcelona’s efforts to sign Neymar.
“We know that Neymar wants to leave PSG, but we also know that PSG do not want him to go,” said the 56-year-old.
Neymar is not the only forward Barcelona have been linked with this summer, with the Spanish side also keen on a move for Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann.

“There is interest in Griezmann. Yesterday (Thursday) our CEO, Òscar Grau, met with Miguel Ángel Gil (of Atletico),” Bartomeu added.
[url=https://dailypost.ng/]

[Edoman]

SPORT
Mourinho in talks with China’s richest man to take charge of Guangzhou Evergrande

 
on
 July 5, 2019
By
 Ifreke Inyang [/url]


Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho is in talks with the richest man in China, Hui Ka Yan, to take over at the Chinese Super League club Guangzhou Evergrande and probably the national team, the UK Telegraph reports.
Hui, who is the chairman of one of China’s biggest property companies, Evergrande Group, has dedicated himself to building up the country’s super league and also helping gain qualification for the World Cup.

The two men met over the Chinese New Year, with Hui determined to hire the best hands to achieve his vision.
China have only qualified once for the World Cup, in 2002.
But a development plan has been put forward, with the aim of eventually making the country a “world football superpower”.

Talks are believed to be ongoing, with Mourinho tempted by the prospect of helping to develop the league, but also the Chinese national team who are targeting World Cup qualification.
Mourinho has been without a job, since he was sacked at Old Trafford in December 2018.
[url=https://dailypost.ng/]

[Edoman]

SPORT
Transfer: Chelsea reveal price for Super Eagles star

 
on
 July 5, 2019
By
 Ifreke Inyang [/url]


Chelsea are asking for upwards of €7million (£6m/$8m) for Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, Goal reports.
Celta Vigo and Leganes are keen on the 25-year-old who is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Omeruo spent last season at Leganes, helping the La Liga side escape relegation from the topflight.
Although the Spanish club is keen on signing the Nigerian on a permanent basis, they are struggling to meet Chelsea’s asking price.
They still remain hopeful of doing a deal despite the interest from Celta, and are in negotiations to try to reduce the demands for Omeruo, who can play at centre-back and right-back.


[url=https://dailypost.ng/]

[Edoman]

SPORT
Nigeria vs Cameroon: Super Eagles’ players practise penalties ahead of AFCON clash
 
on
 July 5, 2019
By
 Ifreke Inyang [/url]


Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr has confirmed that his players have been practising penalties ahead of their Round-of-16 tie against Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.
Nigeria have only found the back of the net twice so far into the tournament. This was during their first two fixtures against Burundi and Guinea.

The Indomitable Lions have been resilient in defence in Egypt, having not conceded any goal in all their three matches played.
Rohr, feeling that both sides might cancel each other out in Alexandria, has instructed his players to work on spot kicks in training.
“We are practising penalties but we hope it doesn’t come to that.

“Cameroon are defending champions and they’ve got a very good team. We are not favourites,” Rohr told a press conference on Friday.
The clash kicks off 5pm West African time.


[url=https://dailypost.ng/]

[Edoman]

Breaking: Benin Republic stun Morocco, reach Quarter-Finals
[img=25x0]https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7fbd034682430e7e97f0ef3e528db012?s=80&d=mm&r=g[/img] 
 
 July 5, 2019

[/url]
[url=https://thenationonlineng.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Benin-Rep..jpg]

Benin Republic have qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Morocco 4-1 on penalties.

The match had ended 1-1 in regulation time

 

Details Shortly…….

[Edoman]

AFCON 2019: Senegal reach quarter-finals

 
 July 5, 2019

[/url]
[url=https://thenationonlineng.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Senegal.jpg]

Sadio Mane scored the winner before missing another penalty as Senegal beat Uganda in Cairo to reach the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

Liverpool’s Mane produced a clinical low finish then won a penalty after being fouled by keeper Denis Onyango, who had already been booked.

Mane, who had missed from the spot in the previous game against Kenya, was denied after the referee opted against sending the keeper off.

Allan Kateregga went close for Uganda.

Senegal, who are seeking a first Africa Cup of Nations triumph, will meet Benin, surprise winners over Morocco, in the last eight in Cairo on 10 July.

Despite his penalty miss, Mane is leading scorer at the tournament after scoring his third goal, two of which have come from the spot.

 

[Edoman]

Chelsea and Atletico Madrid have today agreed terms for the permanent transfer of Alvaro Morata.


Morata, who is on loan until the end of the 2019/20 season, will now join Atletico in a permanent switch after two years as a Chelsea player, in which he scored 24 times in 72 appearances.

A summer signing from Real Madrid in the summer of 2017, the striker scored on his Premier League debut, heading home after coming off the bench in our opening game of 2017/18 against Burnley.

The Spanish striker will play at Atletico Madrid on loan this season, as was agreed when he joined Atlético de Madrid in the January transfer window, and the move will become permanent at the beginning of the 2020-21 season.



See more here https://thickmatch.com/breaking-chelsea-confirm-alvaro-morata-joins-atletico-madrid-permanent-deal/