EBUEHI, ALAMPASU OUT OF ZAMBIA CLASH.

Super Eagles Coach has decided to axe Tyronne Ebuehi from the the team that will battle Zambia in Uyo. Ebuehi was a subject of transfer battle between Nigeria and Holland.
It has been confirmed that Rohr Preferred Ola Aina who is more physical as a right back and can also play as a left back.
Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah); Ayodele Ajiboye (Plateau United FC)
Defenders: William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Elderson Echiejile (Sivasspor FC, Turkey); Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Olaoluwa Aina (Hull City, England)

Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Teda, China); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense, Portugal); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Mikel Agu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Odion Ighalo (Chang Chun-Yatai, China); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Anthony Nwakaeme (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)
STANDBY: Dele Alampasu (Cesarense FC, Portugal); Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands); Aaron Samuel (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Afeez Aremu (Akwa United); Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Akwa United)

Enyeama can return but won't be our captain -Rohr Warns

 Gernot Rohr has suggested that former captain of the team Vincent Enyeama won’t replaced present captain John Obi Mikel if he returns to the team.
Enyeama’s return has been on for some time now, but issues escalated when first choice goalkeeper Carl Ikeme was diagnosed with Leukaemia leaving the team with Daniel Akpeyi who failed to convince in the 0-2 loss to South Africa.
Shortly before the back to back World Cup 2018 Qualifiers against Cameroon, Rohr revealed Enyeama has agreed to return to the team but said the 34 year old is currently injured and having issues with his future at French side Lille.
The coach suggested that he will be back as soon as he is fit and also sort out his club future, however he has also added a new line this time around by dropping a hint about how he will handle Enyeama if he eventually returns.

“On the case of Enyeama, I want to say that he is welcome to the Eagles any time he wants”, Rohr said.
“Every Nigerian player playing regularly for a good club would be welcome to the Eagles, but I will not accept any player, who wants to dictate his role on the area or position to play”.

EAGLES RATING AGAINST THE INDOMITABLE LIONS

Ikechukwu Ezenwa 6.5/10

 He was commanding and made himself big with brilliant saves late in game.

Some might have faulted him for the needless foul that resulted in the spot kick awarded against his team but aside that he gave a good account of himself.

Shehu Abdullahi 6/10

The former Kano Pillars star put up a good shift at the right side of the defence line. He often covered ground.

Elderson Echiejille 5/10

As usual the weakest link of the back four. Didn't offer much for the team. Couldn't defend nor attack properly. Still yet to justify his place in the Super Eagles squad.

Leon Balogun 7.5/10

You don't get anything less from the FSV Mainz versatile man. He kept Jean Pierre quiet in a physical duel.

Balogun was often overlapping and making productive runs.

William Troost Ekong 7/10

Ekong read the game well as the libero. He picked loose balls and commanded his lieutenants.

Ogenyi Onazi 6/10

Onazi performed the brawling job to the best of his abilities as he repelled the Cameroonians in a Tigerish way.

Wilfred Ndidi 6/10

The Leicester City youngster forced the hosts to make errors especially from the zone. He covered well for Onazi when he ventured forward.

John Obi Mikel 6/10

The Tianjin star coped with the physicality of the game and shone in few moments. Created a couple of chances before going off in the second half.

Moses Simon 7/10

Good outing from the Nigerian Ronaldo who netted Eagles' only goal of the game. He made some good runs for his team.

Odion Jude Ighalo 6/10

Not the best by his usual high standards. He laid the ball for Simon's strike after showing great strength at the right wing.

Victor Moses 9/10

Kelechi Iheanacho 5/10
Came in late for Odion Ighallo and barely had time to showcase his skills.

Mikel Agu    4/10
Replaced Nigerian mercurial captain but couldn't particularly hold his own against the improved Lions .

Rohr to call up Sampdoria's Stanley Amuzie if...

Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr who is short of options at left back has narrowed his search towards Nigeria’s Rio 2016 defender Stanley Amuzie, in his bid to provide cover for Elderson Echiejile.
Amuzie who moved to Sampdoria this summer after starring for Nigeria at the Olympics is viewed by many as an option at left back for the Super Eagles, who are incredibly short of options in that position.
So far Echiejile is the only option at left back for Nigeria as Kingsley Madu has failed to sufficiently challenge him for the position despite been included in the last three squads named by coach Gernot Rohr.
” We won’t rest in our search for options at left back even though am happy with the options at our disposal right now. There’s always a desire to improve on what you have, the boy who played left back at the Olympics is one of our options”

” He needs to play games for Sampdoria for us to properly assess him. We saw his qualities at the Olympics but that was just for few games, hopefully if he starts playing games for Sampdoria then there’s every hope he would be called up”.

Watford Star Isaac Success Back In Eagles Set Up For Cameroon Clash

Ahead of Nigeria next World Cup 2018 Qualifiers against Cameroon coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr has listed the names of some players he hopes to use in the encounter.
Nigeria are ahead of Cameroon in group B of the CAF World Cup 2018 Qualifiers, but the Indomitable Lions will be looking to narrow the current four points gap when both teams clash in back to back games, while Nigeria will be hoping to increase or maintain their lead.
The September 1st clash which will take place in Uyo will be followed by the return leg in Cameroon in four days time, and already coach Rohr has picked some players who are ‎going to be key to the success of his team in the double header.
Watford ace Isacc Success is one ‎of the players the coach is banking on provided he can stay fit as injuries and fitness issues have reduced his appearances for Nigeria. He presently has just one cap, which he picked in the friendly game against Senegal.

However his performance in the friendly game won the manager over especially his ability to use his power in full flow, plus his abilities to hold on to the ball will be vital against the power playing Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
The Eagles forward line lacks a physical presence and despite the inclusion of Odion Ighalo who has been recalled for the Cameroon clash, the coach wants more presence in attack hence the call up to Success.

Nigerian Kelechi Iheanacho joins Leicester City

Latest information surrounding the future of Nigeria and Manchester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho is that he has joined Leicester City.

Reports from England reveal that the player has completed a £25 million move from City to the Foxes after passing a medical.

According to sources close to KweseESPN, the fee makes the Super Eagles star the most expensive Nigerian player ever, displacing Odion Ighalo when he signed for Chinese club Changchun Yatai for £20m in January.

Meanwhile, the move is the second highest African transfer fee this season behind Egyptian international, Mohamed Salah's £34.3m move from Italian Serie A side, AS Roma to Liverpool.

Although the move was delayed by legal issues over image rights with his former agents, sources close to the player confirmed to KweséESPN that after passing his medical on Tuesday, the player signed a five-year contract with the Foxes.

However, an announcement is only expected within the next 24-48 hours as the club wants to tidy up legal details in respect of his former representatives.

It is also mentioned that the Citizens have inserted a buy-back option in the contract, which is reported to be in the region of £50m for one of Europe's brightest young footballers.

helsea Defender Kenneth Omeruo Confirms Offers From Turkey,Wants England Stay Published: July 23, 2017 Kenneth Omeruo has confirmed that he has received offers from Turkish clubs but his priority is to continue his career with an English club.

e Nigeria international is in talks with newly promoted Turkish Super Lig club Göztepe S.K, while Sivasspor and Yeni Malatyaspor are also interested in his services.

''Yes, I do have offers for Turkey but I am focused at staying in England should the right opportunity present itself. If not, I will consider alternative options,'' Omeruo told The Nation newspaper.

''The EPL is a great league. Very challenging and one that I know I can handle when given the chance.''

Chelsea are preparing to bid farewell to the Super Eagles star before the close of the summer transfer window, as they are seeking an outright sale, rather than loaning him out again.

The 23-year-old has spent the last five years on loan at ADO Den Haag, Middlesbrough, Kasımpaşa and Alanyaspor.

Magpies to bid N4.65 Billion Bid For Seyi Ojo.

  Newcastle United have stepped up their pursuit of English Under 20 world cup winner Sheyi Ojo.

The Sun says manager Rafa Benitez has opened a line of communication with Jurgen Klopp over signing Ojo on a permanent basis after a loan move was turned down by the Anfield side.

And it has been claimed that Ojo was omitted from Liverpool's trip to Asia on Sunday to enable him thrash out a deal with the Magpies.

Newcastle United will test the Reds resolve to hold onto the England U20 World Cup star by making a bid in the region of ten million pounds (N4.65 billion).

The 20-year-old Ojo joined Liverpool in 2011 from Milton Keynes Dons, and has 13 first team appearances to his name.

 Oghenekaro Etebo may Join Leicester.

Futbol Gastesi in a post on their official twitter handle says the CD Feirense star is a prime target for Leicester City and Turkish side Fenerbahce who are both looking to strengthen their team in this window.
While Etebo is more inclined to moving to Leicester City, the report has it that Fenerbahce have not given up yet on his chase, as they are also in Portugal to convince Feirense to do a deal.
Feirense are opened to the idea of letting the forward leave but their terms and valuation of the man who joined them 18 months ago must be ‎met by interested parties.
A price tag of around 20 million euros has been placed on him by the team, but it is believed he will be allowed to leave for a fee in the region of 10 million euros plus add ons.

Spanish La-Liga side Malaga are close to finalising the transfer of Nigeria Rio 2016 star Imoh Ezekiel,

The 23 year old who was ever present for Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympic where they won bronze is apparently frustrated with life in Qatar where he plays for Al-Arabi following his shock move two seasons ago.
Malaga cashed in on his unhappiness in Qatar, and with a year left to run on his current deal he could be allow to leave on a cheap by the Qatari side who risk losing him for free in 12 months time when his contract runs out.
This season, he has ‎found the back of the net 8 times in 24 games despite playing as a winger in most of the games he has featured for the team as opposed to his role as the main striker.

Odion Ighalo Scores In Third Consecutive Game For Chinese Side

Odion Ighalo has recaptured the form that made Chinese side Chanchung Yatai paid English Premier League side Watford big money to sign him in January as his brace powered them to a 3-2 win over Guangzhou R&F.
The brace took his goal tally to four in three game following his strikes in their previous game against Beijing Guoan and Shanghai SIPG respectively. Overall he now has six goals from 15 League games in the Chinese Super League.
Ighalo who is presently the highest paid Nigerian footballer ‎opened scoring for his team, but they were six minutes away from drawing 2-2 against Guangzhou R&F before he popped up with the winner one minute to regulation time.
His form in front of goal ‎has been pivotal in Chanchung Yatai rise in the table as they are now 9th on the 16 team table in the Chinese Super League as opposed to three weeks ago when they were 13th on the log.

‘Olivier more likely to leave than Alexis’

Olivier Giroud is now more likely to leave Arsenal than Alexis Sanchez, according to the Daily Telegraph.
With Alexandre Lacazette likely to complete his move from Lyon this week, Giroud ‘wants reassurances about his first-team future’ that will surely not be forthcoming.

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Arsene Wenger is keen to keep Giroud at the club as a more physical striker (and also because he is incapable of selling anybody he likes), but Everton, West Ham and Marseille are all said to be interested.
Giroud himself has said: “I won a few titles in my career, that is an important thing, but there is another thing which is important for me.
“And that’s [that] the people [see you as a] loyal warrior on the pitch – that you always give your best for the team.
“And that’s why I want to carry on my good journey at Arsenal and I always want to give my best.
“I would love to win another title, or maybe more until the end of my contract. The motivation is here, always doing your best to make your family proud.”
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have been priced out of a move for Sanchez and Arsenal are very reluctant to sell him to Manchester City.
The Telegraph go on to say that ‘Arsenal still want another attacking signing, with Monaco’s Kylian Mbappe or Thomas Lemar the two priorities’. It is thought that Riyad Mahrez is another option; it seems a long time since that was definitely a done deal.

TRANSFER UPDATE.,,,WHO IS IN?

ARSENAL
INS: Sead Kolasinac (free, Schalke).
OUTS: Chris Willock (free, Benfica), Yaya Sanogo, Stefan O’Connor, Kristopher da Graca and Kostas Pileas (all released).

ADVERTISING

BOURNEMOUTH
INS: Asmir Begovic (£10m, Chelsea), Jermain Defoe (free, Sunderland), Nathan Ake (£20m, Bournemouth).
OUTS: Matthew Neale, Jake McCarthy and Callum Buckley (all released).

BRIGHTON
INS: Pascal Gross (£2.55m, Ingolstadt), Josh Kerr (undisclosed, Celtic), Mathew Ryan (£5m, Valencia).
OUTS: David Stockdale (free, Birmingham), Chris O’Grady (free, Chesterfield).

BURNLEY
INS:
OUTS: Michael Keane (£25m, Everton), George Boyd (free, Sheffield Wednesday), Josh Ginnelly (loan, Lincoln), Michael Kightly, Joey Barton, George Green, RJ Pingling, Christian Hill and Taofiq Olmowewe (all released).

CHELSEA
INS: Willy Caballero (free, Manchester City).
OUTS: Juan Cuadrado (£17m, Juventus), Christian Atsu (£6.2m, Newcastle), Dominic Solanke (Compensation, Liverpool), Asmir Begovic (£10m, Bournemouth), Alex Kiwomya (free, Doncaster), Bertrand Traore (£8.8m, Lyon), Nathan Ake (£20m, Bournemouth), John Terry (free, Aston Villa), Alex Davey (released), Tammy Abraham (loan, Swansea)

CRYSTAL PALACE
INS:
OUTS: Kwesi Appiah (free, Wimbledon), Ben Wynter (free, Bromley), Luke Croll (free, Exeter), Ezekiel Fryers (free, Barnsley), Corie Andrews, Jonathan Benteke, Fraizer Campbell, Mathieu Flamini, Ryan King-Elliott, Joe Ledley, Randell Williams and (all released).

EVERTON
INS: Jordan Pickford (£25m, Sunderland), Davy Klaassen (£23.6m, Ajax), Henry Onyekuru (£7m, Eupen), Sandro Ramirez (£5m, Malaga), Michael Keane (£25m, Burnley).
OUTS: Tom Cleverley (£8m, Watford), Henry Onyekuru (loan, Anderlecht), Russell Griffiths (free, Motherwell), Delial Brewster (free, Chesterfield), Conor McAleny (free, Fleetwood), Gerard Deulofeu (£10.5m, Barcelona), Arouna Kone, Jack Bainbridge, Michael Donohue, Tyrone Duffus, Connor Hunt, Josef Yarney and James Yates (all released).

HUDDERSFIELD
INS: Laurent Depoitre (£3.5m, Porto), Aaron Mooy (£8m, Manchester City), Jonas Lossl (loan, Mainz), Tom Ince (Derby, £8.5m)
OUTS: Joe Murphy (free, Bury), Flo Bojaj (released).

LEICESTER
INS: Harry Maguire (£17m, Hull City)
OUTS: Michael Cain, David Domej, Brandon Fox, Cedric Kipre, Matthew Miles, Kairo Mitchell and Marcin Wasilewski (all released).

LIVERPOOL
INS: Dominic Solanke (compensation, Chelsea), Mohamed Salah (£34.3m, Roma)
OUTS: Andre Wisdom (£4.5m, Derby) Tom Brewitt (free, Middlesbrough), Jake Brimmer, Jack Dunn, Aju Gomes, Kane Lewis, Alex Manninger and Adam Phillips (all released).

MANCHESTER CITY
INS: Bernardo Silva (£43m, Monaco), Ederson (£34.9m, Benfica).
OUTS: Pablo Zabaleta (free, West Ham), Angus Gunn (loan, Norwich City), Aaron Mooy (£8m, Huddersfield), Willy Caballero (free, Chelsea), Ashley Smith-Brown (loan, Hearts), Bersant Celina (loan, Ipswich Town), Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, Jesus Navas, Callum Bullock, Billy O’Brien and Ellis Plummer (all released).

MANCHESTER UNITED
INS: Victor Lindelof (£30.75m, Benfica).
OUTS: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (released), Josh Harrop (free, Preston).

NEWCASTLE
INS: Christian Atsu (£6.2m, Chelsea), Florian Lejeune (£8.7m, Eibar).
OUTS: Matz Sels (loan, Anderlecht), Kevin Mbabu (undisclosed, BSC Young Boys).

SOUTHAMPTON
INS: Jan Bednarek (£5m, Lech Poznan).
OUTS: Jay Rodriguez (£12m, West Brom), Lloyd Isgrove (free, Barnsley), Jason McCarthy (undisclosed, Barnsley), Cuco Martina, Lloyd Isgrove, Harley Willard and Martin Caceres (all released).

STOKE
INS: Darren Fletcher (free, West Brom).
OUTS: Daniel Bachmann (free, Watford), Shay Given, Liam Edwards, Harry Isted, Joel Taylor and George Waring (all released).

SWANSEA
INS: Erwin Mulder (free, Heerenveen), Tammy Abraham (loan, Chelsea)
OUTS: Alex Samuel (free, Stevenage), Bafetimbi Gomis (£2.1m, Galatasaray), Josh Vickers (free, Lincoln), Liam Edwards (free, Hull), Daniel James (loan, Shrewsbury), Gerhard Tremmel, Marvin Emnes, Liam Shephard, Owain Jones, Tom Dyson and Tom Holland (all released).

TOTTENHAM
INS:
OUTS: Filip Lesniak, Tom McDermott, Joe Muscatt, Charlie Owens and Zenon Stylianides (all released).

WATFORD
INS: Tom Cleverley (£8m, Everton), Will Hughes (£8m, Derby), Daniel Bachmann (free, Stoke), Kiko Femenia (free, Alaves).
OUTS: Rene Gilmartin, Mathias Ranegie, Ola Adeyemo, Charlie Bannister, Ogo Obi, Juanfran and Rhyle Ovenden (all released).

WEST BROM
INS: Jay Rodriguez (£12m, Southampton), Yuning Zhang  (undisclosed, Vitesse Arnhem).
OUTS: Craig Gardner (undisclosed, Birmingham), Darren Fletcher (free, Stoke), Yuning Zhang (loan, Werder Bremen), Daniel Barbir, Zachary Elbouzedi, Callam Jones, Sebastien Pocognoli, Jack Rose and Andre Wright (all released).

WEST HAM
INS: Pablo Zabaleta (free, Manchester City).
OUTS: Stephen Hendrie (free, Southend), Reece Oxford (loan, Borussia Monchengladbach), Alvaro Arbeloa, Sam Howes, Sam Ford, Kyle Knoyle and Sam Westley (all released).

Tammy Abraham's First Words As A Swansea City Player Published: July 04, 2017 England U21 international Tammy Abraham is excited to complete his season-long loan move to Swansea City, and has targeted a place in their starting line-up when the new season begins next month.

The Chelsea striker effortlessly broke into the first team of Bristol City last term while on loan, and is confident he can do the same for The Swans.

Speaking to Swansea City's official website, Abraham said : ''I’m really excited,  enjoyed my time at Bristol City last season, playing regular first-team football and scoring goals. Hopefully I can do the same at Swansea.

“I watched Swansea a lot last season when they played Chelsea and on TV.

''I know it was a difficult season for them at times, but you could see that they always try and play nice football.''

Abraham will link up with his new Swansea City teammates during the club’s tour of America, where they will face Philadelphia Union,  Richmond Kickers and North Carolina in friendly matches.

 Tammy Abraham's First Words As A Swansea City Player

Published: July 04, 2017 England U21 international Tammy Abraham is excited to complete his season-long loan move to Swansea City, and has targeted a place in their starting line-up when the new season begins next month.

The Chelsea striker effortlessly broke into the first team of Bristol City last term while on loan, and is confident he can do the same for The Swans.

Speaking to Swansea City's official website, Abraham said : ''I’m really excited,  enjoyed my time at Bristol City last season, playing regular first-team football and scoring goals. Hopefully I can do the same at Swansea.

“I watched Swansea a lot last season when they played Chelsea and on TV.

''I know it was a difficult season for them at times, but you could see that they always try and play nice football.''

Abraham will link up with his new Swansea City teammates during the club’s tour of America, where they will face Philadelphia Union,  Richmond Kickers and North Carolina in friendly matches.

 Dessers – Rohr Told Me To Switch Teams If I Want Eagles Shirt

Sup‎er Eagles hopeful Cyril Dessers has confirmed few details of the chat he had with the senior nat‎ional team coach of Nigeria Gernot Rohr about his chances of representing Nigeria.
Dessers who is also eligible for Belgium has voiced out his preference for Nigeria ahead of senior national team of Belgium, and the 22 year old says he has been contacted by coach Rohr.
He reckoned he had a chat with the Franco-German coach of the Nigerian national team who told him to switch teams if he wants to challenge the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi and Olarewaju Kayode for a spot in his team.
Already he has heed to the manager’s advice as he left newly promoted NAC Breda, where he plundered 22 league goals to fire them to promotion to the top division for FC Utrecht also in the top division in Holland.
” Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa are the two undisputed men in my position, not forgetting Olarewaju Kayode who plays for Austria Wien. After them there’s a spot. I did had contact with the coach some few weeks back and he advise me to take a step higher. Hence my move to Utrecht to prove myself worthy of selection for Nigeria “, he told Sports/Football Magazine.

” I will be happy to play for either Nigeria or Belgium, but playing for Belgium is a little bit complicated, as all the strikers in front of me above 30 years and might all leave in the next three years, I would have been patient for an opportunity, but that is not the case.
” The World Cup 2018 is around the corner. If I score 20 goals for Utrecht and one of the strikers missed out through injury, I might have a chance. I hope my dream of wearing the Nigeria shirt draws near in few months time”.

Price and run ARSENAL in for Mbappe.

ARSENAL TO BREAK WORLD RECORD FOR MBAPPE?
‘ARSENAL are ready to make a real statement of intent and increase their offer for Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe to a world record £95 million,’ says the ‘world exclusive’ in the Sunday Express. Alarm bells start ringing when the bylines in the newspaper and online are different and then ring even louder when we read lines like this:
* ‘Monaco have already knocked out an offer of £105 million.’
* ‘The teenager is the hottest property in European football this summer after playing a starring role during Monaco’s run of the semi-finals of the Champions League.’
* ‘He is also on the radar of the Manchester giants United and City but Arsenal are seeking to steel a march on both of them.’
* ‘Monaco are determined to keep hold of their most prized asset but it seems that their won’t be any let up with the bids from clubs wanting to sign him.’
* ‘And the best way would be to land a marquee signing like Mbappe who has been likened to a Thierry Henry to Wenger helped shaped into a Gunners legend.’
It’s not been written by somebody with a basic grasp of English so we are struggling to believe they have inside knowledge about Arsenal suddenly breaking the world transfer record.

DE GEA COULD BE DE MAN FOR £80M
 that Manchester United’s interest in Raphael Varane could see lines of communication open with Real Madrid, and on Sunday the claim in the Daily Mail is that United are willing to sell goalkeeper David de Gea…for a hefty price ‘close to £80m’.
It is expected that Real will make a £40m move and United will raise their hands upwards in a bid to get mega-money for the Spaniard, though the bait of Alvaro Morata or Varane could force the price down. This is going to be a long, long old summer.

SZCZESNY TO LEAVE GUNNERS FOR JUVE
You would think that somewhere in north London, somebody at Arsenal would be wondering why Champions League finalists Juventus want their keeper Wojciech Szczesny to be Gianluigi Buffon’s long-term replacement, while they – who finished fifth in the Premier League – want to sell for just £14m.
Elsewhere, Marca repeat their usual claim that Hector Bellerin is Barcelona’s prime target for the right-back position, though they admit that Arsene Wenger’s decision to stay makes things more complicated. But they still believe a deal can be done for somewhere in the region of £43m.

VALENCIA WANT HERRERA
This is an odd one. We imagine that Valencia do want Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera, but we cannot think of a single reason why they would believe that a) United would sell and b) Herrera would join. He is a key part of a United side that will return to the Champions League next season, so even the lure of working with Valencia coach Marcelino again is unlikely to hold much sway. And United would want rather more than £30m.

AND THE REST
Manchester City have had an initial offer for defender Benjamin Mendy rejected by Monaco…Everton are keen on West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang…Brighton boss Chris Hughton is ready to make a £2m move for Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald…Watford are considering a move for 22-year-old Montpellier forward Steve Mounie, who is also a target for West Brom…Sevilla want to sign Manchester City forward Nolito…Lazio winger Keita Balde will turn down a move to Liverpool in favour of signing for Juventus.

TAM ABRAHAM SET TO REPLACE LUKAKU AT EVERTON.

Chelsea wonderkid Tammy Abraham has emerged as a summer transfer target for Premier League side Everton.

Standard Sport says the Toffees have identified Abraham as one of the best talents outside the Premier League.

Chelsea are interested in Romelu Lukaku as replacement for Diego Costa, and Abraham might be used as a bargaining tool to bring the Belgian ace to Stamford Bridge.

The England U21 international has been prolific in the Championship this season, scoring 22 goals for Bristol City, where he is on loan until the end of this season.

Everton did transfer business with a London club in January, signing English-born Nigerian striker Ademola Lookman from Charlton Athletic.

The 19-year-old Abraham has also been linked with Leicester City and Galatasaray ahead of the opening of the transfer window.

BREAKING:UGO EHIOGU DIES AFTER HEART ATTACK
 Tottenham Hotspur have announced the death of English-born Nigerian defender Ugo Ehiogu, their U23 coach.

On Thursday, Ehiogu suddenly lost consciousness after suffering a cardiac arrest at the Training Center and was transferred to hospital, where he passed away in the early hours of this morning.

Head of Coaching and Player Development John McDermott said : “Words cannot express the shock and sadness that we all feel at the Club.

“Ugo’s immense presence will be irreplaceable. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his wife Gemma and his family.”

Ehiogu, who was 44 years, previously represented West Brom, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Leeds United, Rangers and Sheffield United, before joining Spurs as a youth team coach in July 2014.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has explained why he made few adjustments to his team for tonight’s Premier League tie against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

Nigeria international Victor Moses was among the players named in the Blues provisional squad along with Ola Aina, but the right wing-back failed a late fitness test and watched on from the stands instead.

With no experienced like-for-like replacement for Moses, Conte handed a rare start to Kurt Zouma in central defense, Cesar Azpilicueta started at right wing-back and Pedro was part of a three-man attack.
“I think I decided for this starting eleven because there is still a miss of Moses and we finished the game with some problems for some players, ” stated Conte.

Moses, 26, had played 22 consecutive games as a right wing-back in the Premier League before his spell on the sidelines.

NIGERIAN PLAYERS WATCH...
 Moses In The Stands; Dele Stars; Ibe Returns To Liverpool Published: April 05, 2017 Catch up on the performances of players of Nigerian descent in the English Premier League on Wednesday night.

Alex Iwobi watched proceedings from the bench as Arsenal returned to winning ways, beating West Ham 3-0 in a London derby at the Emirates. Italy international Angelo Ogbonna is out for the season and didn’t feature for the Hammers.

Arsenal had no breakthrough at the halfway stage, but Ozil’s goal on 58 minutes started an excellent second half, Walcott got the second goal ten minutes later and Giroud rounded up the scoring with seven minutes left.

Injured Moses Odubajo was missing as Hull City recorded an impressive 4-2 victory over Middlesbrough at the  KCOM Stadium.

Alvaro Negredo gave the visitors the lead after five minutes, only for Lazar Markovic to restore parity on 14 minutes. Baye Oumar Niasse and Abel Hernandez scored to give Hull City a two-goal advantage, but Marten De Roon replied just before the end of the first half.

Harry Maguire put the game to bed when he scored with a header in the 70th minute.

Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to beat Swansea City 3-1 at the Liberty Stadium. The Londoners were a goal behind until the 88th minute when Dele Alli scored and the England international provided the assist for Eriksen’s third goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

The Spurs number 20 logged ninety minutes, teammate Josh Onomah was a non-playing substitute.

Olufela Olomola wasn’t involved in Southampton’s 3-1 home win versus Crystal Palace. The visitors struck first through Benteke, but goals from Redmond,Yoshida and Ward-Prowse secured a win for the Saints.

Chelsea remain in pole position for the title after a 2-1 win against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

Victor Moses failed a late fitness test and watched the match from the stands, Ola Aina and Dominic Solanke didn’t make the Blues 18-man squad. City number 72 Kelechi Iheanacho was frozen out for the second game in a row.

Eden Hazard scored two goals, including a 35th minute winner. Sergio Aguero had restored parity in the 26th minute.

Sheyi Ojo and Ovie Ejaria were not in Liverpool’s 18-man squad against Bournemouth. Jordon Ibe started against his former team and subbed out on the hour mark.

Joshua King rescued a point for the Cherries when he equalized in the 87th minute. Coutinho and Origi had found the net for the Anfield side after Afobe’s goal in the seventh minute.

MUSA MOHAMMED'S DAYS IN EAGLES IS NUMBERED

As coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr continue his search for options at right back, Musa Mohammed could be the odd man out according to Owngoalnigeria.com Michael James.
James who watched the duo of Tyronne Ebuehi and Ola Aina during the Super Eagles practice session in London reckons they could be the solution to the right back woes of the team.
” Ebuehi is highly technical, forget about what you read about his lack of physical attributes. He makes up for it with a near perfect reading of play and he is a modern day wingback. A cultured Dutch full back”, James wrote.
” The thing I like about Ebuehi is the speed at which he turns defence into attack and his coverage, but that said Aina is a hell of a talent to have at our disposal.
” Tall, quick and very confident. Never shy of getting stuck in, as a matter of fact he loves getting into tackles and in the air boy is very good as well.
” Their emergence will cost some players their spot in the team, particularly Musa Mohammed, for now he is fourth choice right back. Kenneth Omeruo, Aina and Ebuehi are all ahead of him talent wise, he could lose his spot”.
* Daniel Martins

Rohr Runs The Rule Over Chelsea Starlet Aina As Super Eagles Team A Play 1-1 Draw With Team B

Published: March 27, 2017 Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho was on target for Super Eagles Team A as they were held to a 1-1 draw by the Team B in a practice game held at the Hive Stadium on Monday evening.

Trabzonspor midfielder Eddy Onazi captained Team A while Chelsea loanee Kenneth Omeruo led the other team.

Iheanacho opened scoring in the first half before Austria Vienna striker Olanrewaju Kayode restored parity in the second half.

Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr ran the rule over Chelsea right wing-back Ola Aina, who lasted the entirety of the game for the Team B, plus ADO Den Haag defender Tyronne Ebuehi.

The Super Eagles would have been playing their second friendly against Burkina Faso tonight, but the Stallions were unable to secure entry visas into the United Kingdom for the entire squad.

ROHR UNLEASHES KILLER SQUAD FOR SENEGAL.

Carl Ikeme's illness and visa hitches for Akpeyi and Ezenwa has made it difficult for ROHR to pen down on who will man the post for the Eagles. Oghenekaro Etebo's late arrival may have been responsible for the tactics adopted as the impressive midfielder has been a very important member of the team in recent matches. The new invitees in the team like Success, Ebuehi ,Kayode and Bazee will watch from the bench and may be introduced as the match goes on. Captain Ahmed Musa, in the absence of Victor Moses will start from the right hand side of the attack while Kelechi Iheanacho will have to battle strong defense line led by highly rated Napoli's Kalidou Koulibally to produce the needed goals.

Nigeria Starting XI vs Senegal : Goalkeeper, Balogun, Troost-Ekong, Omeruo, Echiejile, Onazi, Ndidi, Iheanacho,Musa, Simon, Iwobi.

                                             GOALKEEPER.

OMERUO                            EKONG                     BALOGUN                     ECHEGILE
                                            

                                            ONAZI                           NDIDI
           

MUSA                                               IWOBI                                           MOSES. S
     
                                                    IHEANACHO

MIKEL, IGHALO AND IDEYE LEFT TO SETTLE IN CHINA.

The Super Eagles trio of Brown Ideye, Mikel Obi and Odion Ighalo were left out in the friendly to enable them settle down in their various clubs. This was made available by Super Eagles coach.
The trio were left out of the squad for the upcoming friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso which will take place in London on the 23rd and 27th of March at Barnet’s stadium mostly referred to as The Hive.
 Rohr confirmed our story on the reason behind their exclusion, saying they were not included because he wants them to settle down at their new team and environment. He further revealed to the players that they will however be included in the team for future games, if they maintain their form for their respective Chinese teams. He also said Chinedu Obasi Ogbuke and Anthony Ujah are also monitored in China.

GOAL KEEPING CRISIS, ROHR CALLS UP OKEOWO.

The goalkepper crisis currently rocking the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of their friendly game against Senegal has made coach Gernot Rohr hand a shock call up to a former Nigeria U-17 goalkepper.
Carl Ikeme is the only goalkepper available in the camp of the Super Eagles as Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi are yet to arrive London due to visa issues.
In the absence of the duo, Rohr has handed a first time call up to 27 year old Peckham Town shot stopper Tope David Okeowo, who was a part of the Nigeria U-17 team to the 2003 U-17 World Cup in Finland.
Okeowo was the deputy goalkepper to Ambrose Vanzekin who kept goal all through the tournament for the Nigerian team that also has now established stars like John Obi Mikel and Chinedu Obasi Ogbuke.
Peckham Town, where Okeowo keeps goal are playing in the Kent County Premier League, a non-league side in England, and the league is rated as the 7th division in English football League placements.

 10 Senegales Players Stranded In France. Only One GK Training

    The Senegalese squad started their preparations at the Hive Stadium for the international friendly against Nigeria in unfavorable weather conditions.

Of the 26 invited players, only sixteen have arrived in camp, with the remaining ten stranded in Paris because of lack of visas to the United Kingdom.

They were hoping to pick up the visas same day the applications were submitted, Monday, but the British Embassy in Paris informed the delegation that it takes a minimum of three days before the traveling document can be processed.

As reported by Dakaractu, the players with European passports that participated in the training session on Tuesday include Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, Abdoulaye Diallo, Mame Biram Diouf, Gana Guèye, Cheikhou Kouyaté, Alfred Ndiaye, Salif Sané, Cheikh Mbengue , Henri Saivet, Moussa Sow, Opa Nguette, Lamine Gassama, Zargo Touré, Famara Diédhiou and Sheikh Ndoye.

The Senegalese Federation are hoping that Diao Keita Baldé, Moussa Wagué, Saliou Ciss, Kara Mbodj, Babacar Khouma, Ismael Sarr, Pape Seydou Ndiaye and Adama Mbengue and Pape Alioune Ndiaye will be issued visas on Wednesday before linking up with the squad.

Ex-France U20 international Abdoulaye Diallo was the only goalkeeper that took part in training on Tuesday.

Etebo Misses Super Eagles Last Training After Arrival In London.  

 Oghenekaro Etebo of Fairense FC is now available for Rohr's selection for Thursday night’s international friendly between Nigeria and Senegal at the Hive Stadium.

Etebo’s initial plan was to participate in the team’s final training session, with the plane touching down at Gatwick Airport at about 1620 hours local time, but was disappointed he was delayed due to airport formalities and intracity transportation.

The invited players still being expected are Musa Mohammed, Kingsley Madu, Uche Agbo and Daniel Akpeyi, who left South Africa on Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles coach Rohr has a big decision to make in the coming hours, regarding who will be in goal against Senegal, as Carl Ikeme is ill and Akpeyi and Ezenwa missed the two workouts before the game

IWOBI, SUCCESS HITS CAMP
The Super Eagles is scheduled to take on the Burkinabes and the Teranga lions. Both games are to be played at Barnet Stadium popularly called The Hive. Nigeria will take on Senegal on the 23rd of March before tackling Burkina Faso on the 27th, at same venue.
Already, six players namely; Ogenyi Onazi, Isacc Success, Carl Ikeme, Noah Sarenren Bazee, Alex Iwobi and Chidozie Awaziem have hit the camp of the team ahead of the games.
We gathered from sources on ground in London that the team first training session won’t take place today as planned, and instead they will most likely train for the first time tomorrow.
 "Training will commence tomorrow morning as Kelechi Iheanacho, John Ogu and Uche Agbo is said to be on their way. Most of the players are expected to be in by this evening."

Gent's Samuel Kalu Named In Team Of The Week

 Exciting winger Samuel Kalu has been named in the Team of the Week following his imperious performance in Gent’s 3-0 rout of Mechelen in the final round of the regular season.

The official betting partner of the Belgian Pro League, Unibet, has announced the eleven most outstanding players in each position, with the former AS Trencin wonderkid the only player of Nigerian descent recognized.

Making his eighth appearance in the league, Kalu helped Gent qualify for the Play-Off 1 by netting just after the restart, and his inclusion is particularly not surprising as he has been impressive since his arrival in Belgium.



This season, Kalu has recorded 35 appearances in all competitions cumulatively for AS Trencin and Gent, scoring 5 goals and providing nine assists.