SPORTS UPDATE

[Edoman]

Sport

Kylian Mbappe chooses Liverpool




PSG striker, Kylian Mbappe, has chosen Liverpool over his club in an interview with ESPN.
The player has now helped ramp up the transfer speculation surrounding him by name-dropping Liverpool and giving his opinion on Reds’ manager Jurgen Klopp.

Former Liverpool star, Jamie Carragher, had on yesterday re-tweeted a bogus Sky Sports News account that falsely tweeted the Reds had agreed a fee with PSG to sign Mbappe.

And now the France international has actively name-dropped the club in an interview with ESPN.
When asked by ESPN presenter Mauricio Pedroza who he would pick to play on FIFA, if there was money on it, the France star answered: “Liverpool.”

Explaining his reason, Mbappe said it was because they (Liverpool) have just won the Champions League before admitting that Reds manager Klopp is “good.”

However, it still looks very unlikely that Jurgen Klopp’s side will sign Mbappe this summer.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, recently told France Football that, “Mbappe? I’m 200 per cent sure he will still be at PSG next season.”

[Edoman]

Sport
Copa America 2019: Messi speaks on “crazy” early exit for Argentina
 


Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has said “it could be crazy” if they don’t advance from the Copa America group stage, following their 1-1 draw against Paraguay on Wednesday night.
Messi scored from the penalty spot to salvage the draw for Argentina at the Minerao stadium in Belo Horizonte, cancelling out a first-half strike from Paraguay’s Richard Sanchez.

“Frankly, it’s a little frustrating not being able to get the win we need to take the next step.
“We knew this would be difficult, we’re still looking for the best group, for the best performance, to keep growing,” Messi said after the match.
Argentina are still bottom of Group B with one point from two games, but they could progress to the last eight with a win over third-placed Qatar in their final group game on Sunday.

“[The squad] is hurt by the situation because we can’t manage to win a game, and we know today was key for us.
“We know we have to win the next game to advance.
“We know we’ll be playing for our lives.

“It would be crazy if we can’t advance from the group stage, when basically three [teams] advance from each group. I have no doubt we’ll do it,” Messi added.

[Edoman]

FOOTBALL
Spain Coach Luis Enrique To Quit, Moreno Taking Over – Marca




Spain’s national soccer team coach Luis Enrique will quit as manager to be replaced by his number two, Robert Moreno, Spanish newspaper Marca reported on Wednesday.

The head of the Spanish soccer federation Luis Rubiales will hold a news conference at 4:00pm (1400 GMT) in Madrid.
Luis Enrique became Spain coach last July after the team’s exit from the 2018 World Cup to hosts Russia under interim coach Fernando Hierro after Julen Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of the tournament for negotiating a move to Real Madrid.

Luis Enrique took charge of Spain’s UEFA Nations League campaign, where they failed to reach the semi-finals, and began their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign but flew home hours before their second game away to Malta in March for personal reasons.


Moreno has taken charge of the team since then, with Luis Enrique remaining absent due to what the Spanish federation (RFEF) described as “a family matter of an urgent nature”.

[Edoman]

FOOTBALL
Chelsea To Offer Lampard 3-Year Deal
 
 



Chelsea will make a formal approach to Derby County for manager Frank Lampard this week and want to offer their former midfielder a three-year contract to succeed Maurizio Sarri, sources have told ESPN FC.

Sarri’s departure to take over at Juventus was confirmed Sunday, with Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia having said the 60-year-old had asked to be allowed to return to Italy to be closer to his family and friends.

Lampard has been identified as the preferred choice to take over, with former Chelsea academy coach Jody Morris and fitness coach Chris Jones expected to join him in returning to Stamford Bridge.

Derby want to keep Lampard after a positive first season in which he led a vibrant young team to the Championship playoff final, and they are understood to have offered him a contract extension to underline how highly he is valued at Pride Park.


Chelsea would be required to pay £4 million to release Lampard from his Derby deal, but they are well placed to do so after Granovskaia secured around £5m from Juventus in the agreement that took Sarri to Turin.
“There’s no change in the situation at present, except for the fact that Chelsea no longer have a manager,” Derby owner Mel Morris said in a statement to talkSPORT radio Monday.


“We have made it clear to everyone, but most importantly to Frank himself, that we want to retain him at the club for the long term.
“If Chelsea want to hire Frank, then it is in their gift to make an offer in pursuit of that. In the meantime, we will continue to put our best foot forward to continue with our plans for the coming season.
“We will work closely with Frank in that regard, so that he knows how much he is wanted by everyone associated with the club.”

[Edoman]

Sport
Lampard gives Chelsea condition to replace Sarri as manager
 


Derby County manager, Frank Lampard, has told his players he will leave for Chelsea if the right offer comes in, the UK Mirror reports.
The former Blues midfielder is the favourite to take over from Maurizio Sarri, who left to join Juventus last weekend.

Initial talks between the Rams and the Premier League giants are said to have been held, but the Sky Bet Championship side are yet to receive a formal offer for their boss.

Derby want £4million in compensation for Lampard, who is set to be offered a three-year deal by Roman Abramovich.
Meanwhile, Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has turned down an approach to replace Lampard at Pride Park, while Lee Bowyer signed a new contract with recently-promoted Charlton.

Lampard’s former Chelsea colleague, John Terry, has also extended his deal as Aston Villa assistant manager.

[Edoman]

Sport
Transfer: Real Madrid offers Neymar £510,000-a-week salary
 


Paris Saint-Germain superstar, Neymar, has been offered a £510,000-a-week salary by Real Madrid as reported by Mundo Deportivo on Thursday.
The Spain newspaper claimed that Zinedine Zidane’s side want to sign the former Barcelona star in a bid to strengthen their squad ahead of next season.

The report also claimed that the Los Blancos have made an offer of £115 million plus, either Gareth Bale or James Rodriguez to PSG to land the Brazilian international this summer.
DAILY POST recalls that PSG will consider selling Neymar this summer if they receive a substantial offer.
Chairman and CEO, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, told France Football that: “Players will have to be more responsible than before.

“It must be completely different. They will have to do more and work harder. They are not there for their own amusement.
“If they do not agree, the doors are open – Ciao! I do not want star behaviour anymore.”

[Edoman]

Sport
AFCON 2019: FIFA takes over CAF administration

 


A drastic and dramatic overhaul of African football is expected to be announced on Thursday, the eve of the kickoff of the African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in the wake of corruption scandals consuming the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The CAF executive committee took a stunning decision on Wednesday to cede control of the running of the organisation and have FIFA General Secretary, Fatma Samoura taking charge as “FIFA High Commissioner for Africa”, NAN reports.

No announcement has been made by African football governing body yet but CAF president, Ahmad Ahmad is scheduled to hold a press conference in Cairo on Thursday at 0900 GMT.
Ahmad, who is the subject of an ethics investigation by FIFA, after allegations of corruption and sexual misconduct, proposed the idea in a document shared with colleagues on the executive committee, the sources said.
Samoura is to lead a FIFA team that will conduct “a root-and-branch review of governance of the confederation, oversee operational management of the organisation, and recommend where needed a series of reform efforts,” the document read.

“This will be done in order to put CAF itself on a modern and sound footing, improve its image and reputation and thus ensure that CAF is better equipped to face future challenges and to grasp future opportunities.”
FIFA are to also undertake a forensic audit of the monies they have been giving CAF.
The idea of sending Samoura to Africa is said to have been put together by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and CAF vice president Amaju Pinnick in the wake of Ahmad’s brief detention by French police last week for questioning on corruption allegations.

Ahmad, who is seeking to hold onto some semblance of power or even walk away from his post without sanction, had been forced to accept the deal and then propose it to his own colleagues, CAF sources told Reuters on Thursday.
With FIFA seeking to improve football’s image, the Ahmad controversy has come as major embarrassment to Infantino, who has been claiming a new-look, clean and corruption-free FIFA.
Ahmad, by virtue of his position as leader of African football, is automatically a FIFA vice president.

African football has been rocked not only by the firing of CAF general secretary Amr Fahmy for whistleblowing but also a walk-off in the Champions League final and the alleged assault on a referee by another of CAF’s vice presidents.
The Cup of Nations kicks off in Cairo on Friday when hosts Egypt take on Zimbabwe.

[Edoman]

SPORT
Juventus: Sarri dares Cristiano Ronaldo

 
on
 June 20, 2019
By
 Don Silas [/url]


Juventus new manager, Maurizio Sarri, has challenged forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, to break Gonzalo Higuain’s Serie A 36-goal record for a single season.

Higuain achieved the record under Sarri at Napoli back in 2015/2016 campaign.

Sarri stated that it would be an enormous satisfaction for him to see Ronaldo break Higuain’s record next season.

The 60-year-old believes the Portugal captain, who scored 21 goals in his debut Serie A season, is at the top of the world.
“I’ve trained great players over the years, but with Ronaldo, I move on to the next level, a player who is at the top of the world,” Sarri said at a press conference in Turin on Thursday broadcast by Juventus.

“This is a lad with every record in world football and I’d like to help him set another, knowing I contributed to it.
“I trained a player with the all-time Serie A record for goals in a single season,” Sarri added.

“I’d like to make that two (Ronaldo to break the Serie A goalscoring record which Higuain set (36) at Napoli back in 2015/16). It’d be an enormous satisfaction,” he said.


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

[Edoman]

SPORT
Transfer: Guardiola’s Man City sign Nigerian winger


 
on
 June 20, 2019
By


Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have completed the signing of Nigerian winger, Samuel Edozie, from Millwall, according to The Sun.
The Premier League champions saw off competitions from Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig to land the youngster.

Edozie was signed for an initial fee of £1million, but it could rise to £2million once he makes his debut for the Citizens.
The 16-year-old is expected to play for Man City U18’s in next season.
Edozie is represented by one of the most influential agencies in the world, Unique Sports Management.

The agency also handles the affairs of England captain Harry Kane, Wilfred Zaha and Moses Odubajo.

[Edoman]

SPORT
Transfer: Madrid sign Llorente

 
on
 June 20, 2019



La Liga giants, Atletico Madrid, have completed the signing of midfielder, Marcos Llorente from Real Madrid, according to Marca.
Llorente joined Diego Simeone’s side on Thursday for a fee of 40 million euros.

The 24-year-old signed a five-year deal with Atletico and will serve as Rodri Hernandez’s replacement at the club.
Llorente joined Real Madrid in 2008 and made his debut for Zinedine Zidane’s men in 2015 before leaving the Santiago Bernabeu for Alaves on a season-long loan.
The Spaniard won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship with Spain in 2017.
[url=https://dailypost.ng/][/url]

[Edoman]

T
Transfer: Juventus send message to Man United’s Pogba


 
on
 June 20, 2019



Juventus Sporting Director, Fabio Paratici, has admitted that the club still loves Manchester United midfielder, Paul Pogba.
Pogba has been heavily linked with a return to Juventus in this summer’s transfer window but Paratici stated that the France World Cup winner is a Man United player.

This is coming after Pogba revealed on Wednesday that he prefers to join Juventus in this summer’s transfer window.
“Pogba is a Manchester United player, he was with us for many years, he grew up here and we love him, but he is a Manchester United player,” Paratici said at Sarri’s official unveiling on Thursday.
“There are many clubs who want Rabiot,” he said, adding: “We are in the running, not just for him, but the other targets in our minds. We’ll discuss it with Maurizio and try to find the right targets together for the team we want to see.

[Edoman]

AFCON 2019: The Top 10 Players To Watch Out For


Less than 24 hours to the start of Africa’s biggest football fiesta the whole of the continent is eagerly anticipating the Africa Cup Of Nation‘s as well as the actions and excitements that comes with it.




Furthermore, there will be array of stars on parade for their respective countries, and since this is the first AFCON to be held in the summer with the major leagues on break, there is no case of a big player missing out on the competition.

However, in this write up we take a look at the players who have the potentials to dazzle at the 2019 edition of the competition in Egypt, while some of them are prominent, others showed their potential weeks coming into the competition.

Nicolas Pepe
Position: Forward
Country: Ivory Coast
Club: Lille



Pepe is one of Africa’s most sought after player, having posted impresive display for Lille in the Ligue Un last season, scoring 22 goals just behind Kylian Mbappe on the top scorer chart

The 24-year old was born in France but decided to represent the Ivory Coast, the youngster has been courted by the biggest Clubsides in Europe including the current Uefa Champions League holders, Liverpool.

It will be interesting to see what Pepe has in him on display at the AFCON.


Wilfred Zaha
Position: Forward
Country: Ivory Coast
Club: Crystal Palace



Another Ivorian who would definitely add to the quality of the Elephants forward line and just like Pepe, Zaha is also courted by English Premier League top guns as well as European heavyweights.

Similarly, Zaha chose to represent Ivory Coast ahead of England after being neglected despite his impressive showing with the U21s in previous years.

The 26-year Old featured at the 2017 AFCON in Gabon and it is memory the Crystal Palace forward will he hoping to erase and better in Egypt as the 2015 Champions were dumped out of the last edition at the group stages.


Fitson Abdul Razak
Position: Striker
Country: Burundi
Club: Js Kabylie



Well before the start of the qualifiers for the AFCON, Abdul Razak was virtually unknown apart from his native Burundi and in the Algerian League where he plays his club football with JS Kabylie.

However, after guiding his country to it’s first ever Afcon appearance, the striker has become a name to reckon with after finishing the qualifiers with 6 goals in 6 games to finish second behind Odion Ighalo who top-scored the qualifiers with seven goals.

It is left to be seen how he would fare with a higher level of competition, a similar turnout of statistics for the striker could lead Burundi to an unprecedented showing at the AFCON.


Piqueti Djassi
Position: Forward
Country: Guinea-bissau
Club: Al Shoulla



Probably the least known player on this list, however Piqueti Djassi is a player with enough quality that can terrorise defenders and opponents.

Guinea-bissau are making their second appearance at the AFCON and it was at there debut at Gabon 2017 where Piqueti shone after scoring an impressive solo goal against Cameroon in their group game.

However, it is expected that the 2017 experience could push the 26-year old to a better showing in Egypt.

Hakim Ziyech
Position: Forward
Country: Morocco
Club: Ajax



After a stellar season with Ajax, the Morocco playmaker now has his sights set on the Africa Cup of Nations.

Ziyech has been making a name for himself with Dutch Eredivisie champions Ajax Amsterdam. This season, he netted 21 goals in all competitions and played an integral role in his club reaching the semi-finals of the Uefa Champions League.

Ziyech’s performances in the Eredivisie and the Champions League over his two-year spell at Ajax have attracted the attention of Europe’s top clubs

Hakim has powering left foot, searing pace and boundless energy, all of which will be on show at this year’s Afcon tournament, and will be looking to help his team to their first Afcon since 1976.


Alex Iwobi
Position: Midfielder
Country: Nigeria
Club: Arsenal



Alex Iwobi has been a regular member for the North London outfit with his impressive displays, which has seen him attrack interest from several European clubs

Since he made his Premier League debut in 2015, Iwobi has gone to provide 11 goals and 16 assists in 100 Premier League games for the Gunners

With John Mikel Obi stating that the 2019 AFCON could be the last tournament he would appear for Nigeria, fans have been anxious hoping to find a Midfielder who could take the mantle from the man who was touted in his early years as the heir to Jay Jay Okocha.

Alex Iwobi seems to be the most likely to fill into the big shoes to be left behind by the Chelsea legend and after featuring at the 2018 FIFA world cup and playing important roles in the qualifiers, there are high hopes on what the Arsenal midfielder would show at the competition.

Saido Berahino
Position: Forward
Country: Burundi
Club: Stoke City



Another Burundi striker, another English born player now turning out for his country of origin.
Berahino was heralded as the next big thing for the three Lions during his time at West brom.

Now with Stoke City in the Championship, the striker will be another source of creativity and threat for Burundi alongside Fiston Abdul Razak after a long period of drought in front of goal threw him into the wilderness of international football with England, now choosing to represent his county of origin.

Hopefully the forward can show the quality he had in his youth football, one thing many would be looking out for at the AFCON


Moussa Wague
Position: Defender
Country: Senegal
Club: Barcelona



Moussa Wague secured an unprecedented move to FC Barcelona last year after impresive showings at the 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea and at the FIFA World Cup in Russia where he scored against Japan

With his move to Barcelona alot has been expected from the defender especially from national team handlers and with the experience of the likes of Kalidou Coulibally to learn from, Wague could be one of the best defenders in the world, a good show at the AFCON could be a big step to that.


Percy Tau
Position: Midfielder
Country: South Africa
Club: Union Saint Gilloise



No longer an unknown name on the African continent and especially for Nigerians, Tau is not a name that would be forgotten quickly after his terrorising display against the Super Eagles in the qualifiers.

The diminutive attacker will be spearheading a hopeful South African team at this years Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) looking to bring glory to the nation from the Southern part of Africa.

Tau’s individual brilliance also earned him the prestigious Footballer of the Year award and Players’ Player of the Year award in his final season with Sundowns, and found himself among the list of nominees for African Player of the Year award as well.

The U-S Gilloise of Belgium striker could prove too much for South Africa’s opponents in group A including the hosts, Egypt.


Andre Onana
Position: Goalkeeper
Country: Cameroon
Club: Ajax

[Edoman]

Rohr wants Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi to score more



Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi celebrates scoring their first goal during a Europa League match between Stade Rennes<br />and Arsenal at Roazhon Park, Rennes, France on March 7, 2019. PHOTO: Reuters/Paul Childs
Nigeria’s Coach Gernot Rohr is banking on Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi for goals when they face debutants Burundi on Saturday in the Africa Cup of Nations Group B opener in Egypt.
“Although only 23, Alex is an experienced international and I want to see him scoring more regularly for the national team,” said German Rohr.
“He, Odion (Ighalo) and Ahmed (Musa) can cause a lot of damage to opposition defences if they click at this Cup of Nations.”
Rohr has cause for concern as Nigeria failed to score in two warm-up matches against fellow qualifiers, drawing 0-0 at home to Zimbabwe and losing 1-0 to Senegal in Egypt.

But a favourable draw — Guinea and Madagascar complete Group B — should ensure Nigeria top the standings and book a last-16 place.
Here, AFP previews the three Saturday matches with Guinea playing Madagascar in the other Group B fixture and the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda squaring off in Group A.

Nigeria v Burundi
Nigeria are the fourth highest ranked team in Egypt and Burundi the lowest with 89 places separating them in the world rankings.
But Rohr became upset the second a reporter described this match in the coastal city of Alexandria as one the three-time champions should win comfortably.
“The national football association president (Amaju Pinnick) says we must win this tournament, but we have a very young side.”
However, the coach can call on three of the 2013 Africa Cup-winning squad, captain John Obi Mikel, Kenneth Omeruo and Musa, to provide experience.
Ranked among the no-hopers, Burundi have impressed in preparatory matches against former champions, holding Algeria and losing in stoppage time to Tunisia.

Guinea v Madagascar
Both experienced Cup of Nations campaigners Guinea and newcomers Madagascar will aim to brush aside poor warm-up form and launch their campaign with maximum points in Alexandria.
Guinea lost to the Gambia, Benin and Egypt while Madagascar drew with Luxembourg after conceding two stoppage-time goals before failing against Kenya and Mauritania.
The Guineans hope Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita can play after injuring a thigh in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.
Keita and his team-mates can draw comfort from having Belgian Paul Put as their coach — he took outsiders Burkina Faso to the 2013 final before losing narrowly against Nigeria.
Madagascar coach Nicolas Dupuis — one of seven from France at the tournament — has worked wonders to get the Indian Ocean island state to the finals, but further progress is unlikely.

DR Congo v Uganda
Democratic Republic of Congo captain and Celtic midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu has raised the bar considerably by saying his country can win the competition.
“Provided we can fix a few things, there is no reason why this team cannot go all the way,” he said ahead of a Cairo clash with Uganda.
“We reached the semi-finals and the quarter-finals in the last two editions and I believe the team is better now under our great coach Florent (Ibenge).”
With Mohamed Salah-inspired hosts Egypt expected to win Group A, a tight contest is set to unfold between DR Congo, Uganda and Zimbabwe for second place, and a guaranteed last-16 slot.
Uganda coach Sebastien Desabre is less boastful than Mulumbu, saying: “We aim to achieve decent results, especially in our first match against the Congolese.”

[Edoman]

Gernot Rohr tips Egypt, Senegal, Morocco for title



Super Eagles’ Manager, Gernot Rohr.PHOTO: AFP.

‘Nigeria aiming for fourth title’
Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr believes Senegal, Cameroun, Morocco and host country, Egypt are the favourites to win the forthcoming African Cup of Nations, but he also insists that Nigeria has the qualities needed to triumph at the championship.
Speaking from the Eagles’ training camp in Alexandria, Rohr said the players he has in his squad could match any of the other top stars at the competition, stressing that all the teams are in Egypt to fight for glory.

“The Super Eagles are ready to face any opponent in Egypt. My major target now is to get the team to work as a unit and be psychologically prepared to win the first game against Burundi.

“Winning the first game at the AFCON is very important for the Eagles because it would instill more confidence on the players.”
He said the fact that 15 of the players in his team are making their debut at the Nations Cup is a plus, as they want to show that they can mix with the big boys.
“Apart from playing at the 2018 World Cup, they have not had any other big tournament experience and the Nations Cup requires a different approach.

“However, beating Burundi in the first game will help stabilize the team, but we are aware that at this point every team wants to establish its supremacy in the first game and so Burundi will not be an easy task.”Rohr is buoyed by the fact his team has not lost any game since the World Cup, apart from the friendly game against Senegal, adding, “We hope to keep this going in the AFCON.”

Although he has confidence in his boys’ ability to scale the first round, he is worried that most of the teams in their group are relatively unknown and would come with an element of surprise against the Eagles.Nigeria is in the same group with Burundi, Madagascar and Guinea.

Rohr said his major target is to ensure the Eagles win their group’s opening game on Saturday against Burundi, adding that the team has been working hard in training to ensure they are ready for Saturday.

[Edoman]

Sport
Transfer: Unai Emery tells Arsenal to buy PSG defender
 


Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, wants the club to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe, Le 10 Sport reports.
The Gunners are likely to be priced out of a move, due to their modest transfer budget.

But Emery is eager to bring in a new centre-back this summer and the Premier League side have already been linked with the likes of Sampdoria’s Danish defender Joachim Andersen and Saint-Etienne starlet William Saliba.
Emery is a huge fan of his Kimpembe, who he worked with during his time with the Ligue 1 champions and wants a reunion with the World Cup winner.
PSG are looking to offload Kimpembe after a difficult campaign, so they can make room for the expected arrival of Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt.

Thomas Tuchel has concerns about the defender’s declining performances, especially in the Champions League defeat to Manchester United, as well as his behaviour off the pitch.

[Edoman]

Sport
Transfer: Nigeria’s most expensive player joins new club
 


Nigeria’s most expensive player in history, Brown Ideye, has completed his transfer to Greek Super League side, Aris Thessaloniki.
In terms of combined transfer fees, Ideye who won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles, is Nigeria’s most expensive player in history.

He has a total fee of €43.18m which places him first ahead of Obafemi Martins (€42.35) and Ahmed Musa (€41m)
The striker, who had played West Brom, Sochaux and Tianjin Teda in China, signed a one-year contract with the Yellow and Blacks on Thursday.
He joined his teammates immediately in training after a brief conversation with manager, Savvas Pantelidis.

Ideye, who had also played for Greek giants, Olympiacos, scored 28 goals in 65 appearances and had 10 assists to his name with the club.
Apart from also representing Nigeria with the Flying Eagles squad to the 2007 FIFA U20 World Cup, Ideye had featured for Bayelsa United, Ocean Boys and Neuchâtel Xamax.

[Edoman]

Sport
Transfer: Barcelona sign Dutch defender
 


Barcelona have completed the signing of 20-year-old Dutch defender, Mike van Beijnen.
The La Liga champions made the announcement in a statement posted through the club’s official website on Thursday.

Beijnen joined the Catalan club on 2-year contract as a free agent.
The statement read, “Mike van Beijnen joins Barça. The Dutch defender joins reserves as free agent and signs for two seasons with a buyout clause of 100 million euros.
“Mike van Beijnen signed his contract with FC Barcelona this Thursday afternoon at the Ciutat Esportiva training ground in the presence of director Silvio Elías, head of professional youth football, together with Josep Segura, sports manager for football, and José Mari Bakero and Guillermo Amor, who are in charge of the youth setup at the club.

“The right back, who has previously played for NAC Breda, PSV Eindhoven and Willem II put pen to paper for the next two seasons, though to 2021. He arrives as a free agent and his buyout clause has been set at 100 million euros.”

[Edoman]

Sport
Nigerians react as Super Falcons qualify for 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16
 


Nigerians have reacted to Super Falcons’ qualification to the Round of 16 games, at the ongoing Women’s World Cup in France, following the completion of the group phase on Thursday.
The Super Falcons had to wait until the final Group F fixtures, to see if they would qualify for the Round of 16.

Nigeria has now taken the last slot reserved for the best third-placed countries. The other three are Brazil, China and Cameroon.
Africa will be cheering on Nigeria, who plays Germany on June 22 and Cameroon who will face England.
Some Nigerians took to social media to congratulate the Super Falcons on their qualification.

While some prayed for the team to defeat Germany, others advised and expressed fear that Nigeria will be booted out soon.
Here are some comments gathered by DAILY POST from Twitter:
@Lagatumuch “Congratulations Nigeria. Congratulations Super Falcons.
After all the permutations on how to qualify for the next round and finally meeting Germany. Lol.”

@Crowned_Iyke “We are meeting Germany.God we need your miracles again.”
@DanielJiboku “Finally,all thanks to Thailand.I am very sure, the ban on importation of rice from Thailand will be reversed by Buhari.”
@Lagos2Texas “Germany VS Nigeria lol, they shouldn’t have qualified Super Falcons because this humiliation will be bad!

[Edoman]

Sport

Women’s World Cup: Super Falcons qualify for Round of 16, to play Germany
 


Nigeria has qualified for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16.
The Super Falcons had to wait until the final Group F fixtures, to see if they would progress.

The USA beat Sweden 2-0 and more importantly, Chile could only defeat Thailand 2-0, despite needing to win by three unreplied goals.
Nigeria has taken the last slot reserved for the best third-placed countries.
The other three are Brazil, China and Cameroon.

Nigeria lost 3-0 in their opener to Norway, before beating Korea Republic 2-0 to claim their first win.
However, Thomas Dennerby’s ladies lost 1-0 under controversial circumstances to hosts France in their last Group A match.
They will now face Germany in the next round on June 22.

[Edoman]

Below are the Round of 16 fixtures at the 2019 FIFA woman's World cup which is held in France.

Germany vs. Nigeria
Norway vs. Australia
England vs. Cameroon
France vs. Brazil
Spain vs. USA
Sweden vs. Canada
Italy vs. China
Netherlands vs. Japan

Source: https://gidifeed.com/round-of-16-fixture...in-france/