Sports

Nigeria forward Odion Ighalo has completed a medical evaluation at Saudi Arabia Professional League club, Al Wehda. Unrestricted player Ighalo will finalize a two-year agreement with Al Wehda. The modest club is anticipated to introduce the 34-year-old today, as stated by Sky Sports. In June, the former Manchester United and Watford striker departed from another Saudi club, Al Hilal, after his contract expired. Ighalo scored 43 goals and contributed seven assists in 60 appearances throughout his time with Al Hilal. He secured the league championship with Al Hilal two years ago and also finished as the leading scorer in the top division.

The ex-captain of Manchester United, Roy Keane, has expressed his dissatisfaction with Liverpool star Mohamed Salah regarding his reaction when he was replaced during his team's 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. During the game, Salah was unhappy after manager Jurgen Klopp substituted him in the 77th minute. The Egyptian winger was substituted for young player Ben Doak and appeared irritated, tearing off his wrist tape on his way to the dugout. Keane disapproved of Salah's reaction and stated during his post-match analysis (via Liverpool Echo): "You witness him [Salah] off the field with his arms in the air – just take a seat and be quiet... it's acceptable if a player reacts like that, but don't continue doing it from the bench. "You have to ac...

Following Barcelona's 0-0 draw with Getafe in LaLiga on Sunday, Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has expressed his dissatisfaction with referee Cesar Soto Grado. Xavi maintained that Grado had no control over the match, citing his decision to give Raphinha a red card during the goalless draw between Barcelona and Getafe, resulting in both teams finishing with 10 players. Raphinha was the first player to be sent off in the 42nd minute for a second bookable offense. While attempting to connect with a long ball, the Brazilian player struck Getafe's Gaston Alvarez in the face with his elbow, leading to his dismissal. Just 12 minutes into the second half, Getafe's Jaime Mata was also shown a red card after receiving his second caution for a reckless foul on Ronald Araujo. During his post-matc...

Oheagbu Anthony has transferred to Kano Pillars in preparation for the upcoming Nigeria Professional Football League season. Anthony finalized a one-year deal with the Sai Masu Gida. The center-back departed from Rivers United, the winners of the 2022 NPFL, at the conclusion of last season. During his introduction to the supporters, Anthony referred to Kano Pillars as a team with a rich history. The player expressed his determination to compete for a championship at the club. "Kano Pillars is an esteemed NPFL club. “I am here to devote my entire effort to this team in order to accomplish our shared objective in the upcoming season," he declared.

Rivers United, a Nigerian Professional Football League team, has appointed Nyima Nwagua as their new captain. The forward will take over the captaincy from Austine Festus, a seasoned defender. The announcement was made by the former NPFL champions on their official Twitter handle on Monday morning.“We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Nyima Nwagua as our new team captain,” the club tweeted. “We wish @Nyimason28 great success in his new role as captain.” Nwagua joined the Port Harcourt club in August 2021. Prior to his move to Rivers United, the striker played for Kano Pillars for five seasons. He was part of the Kano Pillars squad that won the 2019 Federation Cup.

The World Athletics has refuted claims that Nigeria's track champion, Tobi Amusan has been given clearance to compete at the upcoming 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Amusan's name was excluded by Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) from the competition as she is presently under investigation for doping by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). Reports emerged last weekend stating that the 26-year-old has been given permission to take part in the World Athletics Championships. However, the organization has now denied these reports. "Please be advised, reports stating that Tobi Amusan has been authorized to compete in Budapest are incorrect," stated Nicole Jeffery, Head of Communications at World Athletics in an official statement. "No decision has been made in thi...

The manager of Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino, has revealed that Christopher Nkunku was the player his team missed during their match against Liverpool. Pochettino made these comments following Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. It should be noted that Nkunku was unable to participate in the game due to an injury he sustained over the summer prior to the commencement of the new Premier League season. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Pochettino stated, "It's true that we lack a player like [Christopher] Nkunku, who paired perfectly with [Jackson]. They performed exceptionally well during the pre-season." He added, "Our intention was to play [Nkunku] alongside [Jackson], but we have to adjust. "These situations occur in football, and we must always main...

Roy Keane, the Manchester United legend, has attributed the opening goal scored by Liverpool during their Premier League match against Chelsea on Sunday to the lack of effort from Reece James, the Chelsea captain. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea drew 1-1 against Liverpool in their first Premier League game of the season. Mohamed Salah made a remarkable run down the right wing and played an excellent pass to Luis Diaz, who scored the goal for Liverpool only 18 minutes into the game. However, Axel Disasi equalized shortly after, resulting in both Chelsea and Liverpool securing a point each. Keane, however, was far from satisfied with James' display in the lead-up to Liverpool's goal. The former Irish footballer believes that rather than making an effort to chase after Diaz, James gave up to...

Shooting Stars have finalized the acquisition of Anayor Ogbonna. Ogbonna joined the Oluyole Warriors from Gombe United, a team in the Nigeria Professional Football League, for an undisclosed fee. The 31-year-old inked a two-year deal with the Ibadan-based club. The seasoned striker played a vital role in Shooting Stars' successful campaign during the ValueJet pre-season tournament in Ikenne. Ogbonna scored one goal in the competition. He arrives as a direct substitute for Samuel Ayanrinde, who recently departed Shooting Stars to join Kwara United.

Following the pullout of RC Lens, Chuba Akpom is now set to join the renowned Eredivisie team, Ajax. Middlesbrough had agreed on a deal with Lens to transfer the Nigerian-born striker last week, but Lens ultimately opted not to proceed with the move. As reported by The Athletic, Ajax and Middlesbrough came to an agreement for the forward on Sunday. Ajax will pay a total of £12m plus an additional £2m in add-ons for the player. Akpom is scheduled to undergo medical examinations on Monday (today) and will then sign a contract that spans five years. Last season, the 27-year-old emerged as the leading goal scorer in the Sky Bet Championship with 28 goals. Due to injury, he has yet to make an appearance for Boro this season.