The Nation Newspaper

Category: SOS

  • UMAR SADIQ : I’ll be back sooner than expected

    UMAR SADIQ : I’ll be back sooner than expected

    INJURED Real Sociedad new striker Sadiq Umar may have been ruled out for the rest of the season by medical experts, but speaking for the first time after the unfortunate incident, the Nigerian international says, he could be back sooner than expected.

    Sadiq is recuperating after going through surgery on Thursday.

    “It was a tough one on me and the team to be injured when we were just starting to enjoy the game. The team (medical) has been kind to me. The management and players have been supportive too. I might be back sooner than you think.”

    He said he has spoken with the club president Jokin Aperribay and is positive that he would heal quickly.

    “I’ve been told I’m not alone and I look forward to returning to the pitch as fast as I can to repay the team and fans for their kindness.”

    Real Sociedad announced that Umar will miss the rest of the season after a scan showed he ruptured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).

    Sadiq suffered a major injury in last weekend’s La Liga clash against Getafe that could sideline him for as long as eight months.

    The 25-year-old striker joined Sociedad from UD Almeria on the transfer deadline and went ahead to score on his La Liga debut for them.

    Given the care and kind words he has received, the Nigeria international said he has no regret coming to la Real.

    “I chose la Real because it is one of the most important teams in Spain. It is a step forward and I am very grateful that they have signed me. I am very happy. Real was the best option, I couldn’t say no.”

    Born in Kaduna to a footballer father, the well-over six-footer, hinted that his dream has been to play for a big club in Europe.

    “I started playing football when I was very little on the streets of Kaduna. My interest in the game increased as I grew up. My father Umar Abubakar, known as ‘Mega’, was a footballer. He was a striker for Ranchers Bees back then. He was a major influence in making me choose football as a career.”

    The youngster grew up playing on the streets of Kaduna before joining the Future of Africa Academy and the Football College Abuja, where he was spotted by AC Spezia.

    The Nigerian was an instant hit during his first season at AC Spezia – scoring 14 goals in his first 18 Primavera outings.

    Moving to Italy at 17 wasn’t easy for Umar.

    “It was tough because it was my first time in Europe,” he says of the move. “It wasn’t easy as I had to adapt to a lot of things that I wasn’t used to, both in terms of the playing part and the life in general, but gradually I started getting used to it and things improved as time went by. It wasn’t easy but I really thank God that I can now say I’ve settled in nicely.”

    Read Also: Sadiq scores on debut for Real Sociedad

    He joined Roma on loan during the summer and made his Serie A debut for the first team on 21 November 2015 against Bologna, replacing Juan Iturbe after 88 minutes in the 2-2 away draw.

    It was at Roma that he blossomed.

    “I can say that my game improved both physically and technically at Roma. I became more aware of my role as a striker than ever because Italian football is very tactical. Defensively they are tight which makes it difficult for any striker. I’m very grateful to Almighty Allah for giving me the opportunity to start my career in Italy.”

    His love for Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu may have played a role in moving to Italy, where the former Nigeria international first made his European impact. So much so that he adopted Kanu’s style of play.

    “I feel honoured to be compared to such a legend and a great African football ambassador who also at one time in his career played in Italy. I loved watching him play when I was a kid and every day I work hard on my game to be the best. He is my role model.”

    Making an instant impact in Real Sociedad, he will be missed not only for his powerful shots in the box but also for his powerful runs off the ball.

    If shooting is definitely his prime attribute, the combination of his off-the-ball runs and his technique on the ball to beat his marker is what takes Sadiq beyond the average.

    Sadiq is one of the moulds of players that find ball-striking situations out of the blue; not only does he convert chances, but he also creates them out of situations that seem ‘locked’, through a hunch of defenders between Sadiq and the goal. Defenders find it hard to mark him, primarily because of his mobility (he tends to roam around the box to confuse defenders, finding space for either himself or his teammates), and because of his physique. At his height, much like Haaland, most would expect headers to be a primary scoring mechanism; but it is gameplay on the ground instead where Sadiq is most threatening.

    Sadiq started his Sociedad career with a debut goal against Atletico Madrid, but the Nigerian will play no further part for his side this season.

    His injury is also a big blow for Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro, who will have to rethink his squad for the friendly match against Algeria later this month.

    The Portuguese tactician is already without Victor Osimhen, while Calvin Bassey is also a doubt for the game. Sadiq’s injury means he will also miss Nigeria’s friendly against Portugal on November 17.

  • NEW TENNIS NO. 1 CARLOS ALCARAZ: Beating ‘Big Three’ player excites me

    NEW TENNIS NO. 1 CARLOS ALCARAZ: Beating ‘Big Three’ player excites me

    Winning a Grand Slam at 19 years of age and becoming the No. 1 in the ATP Rankings inevitably brings with it the impression that Carlos Alcaraz is a prodigal talent, a player with a God-given gift for tennis. However, the Spaniard is quick to distance himself from labels of such magnitude. “I’m not special, and nobody said I was going to be the best,” Alcaraz said. “I’ve worked for it.” The youngest World No. 1 in the history of the ATP Rankings, reveals the person hiding behind the premature success of his fledgling professional career.

    You’ve said many times that your dream was to be the No. 1. Is there anything left that excites you?

    Playing against Federer would excite me and beating a ‘Big Three’ player in a Grand Slam. I’ve always said that in order to be the best, you have to beat the best.

    In an interview a few years ago you denied being special. Now you are breaking all the records for precocity. Do you stand by that statement or are you starting to think you do have something special?

    My answer is the same. Nobody gifts you anything, I believe. You don’t just click your fingers and have the world at your feet. You have to work at things. I think what I have achieved, winning a Grand Slam and being No. 1 in the world, is because of the work I’ve been doing with my team for a very long time.

    It hasn’t been a bed of roses, I’ve had to suffer and go through bad times to get here. I’m not special, and nobody said I was going to be the best, I’ve worked for it.

    You always talk about your team, family, but what percentage of this success is related to your work on the mental side?

    I’ve been working with a psychologist for two or three seasons, with Isabel Balaguer. She’s a great professional, one of the main reasons I am able to be No. 1 in the world today. I’ve improved so much thanks to her.

    Having a mental coach is important as tennis is demanding week after week and during a whole year you have to be fresh mentally, you have to cope with the pressure, with everyone watching you and it’s important to be able to handle that. Without a psychologist, I wouldn’t say it’s impossible because nothing is, but it would be far more difficult.

    What tools has she given you?

    We talk, she gives me advice in certain situations: ‘You have to do this, you have to do that’. Things that help on court, she gives me a lot of tools.

    Also to deal with journalists or people?

    No, not that aspect. I am myself. She doesn’t give me tools for that. It’s more work on court, how to handle things. Also accepting that people recognise you, advice on how to cope with those situations.

    Have you incorporated new routines?

    I’ve reinforced what I had, always improving, incorporating them in a way that’s more natural for me.

    What things do you always do?

    Before matches I don’t have a specific routine, I do my warm up, where I always do the same, I try to always go to the same place with my team. If I feel like listening to music, I do, otherwise I don’t. In the match, I have some superstitions with towels, taking four balls, bouncing them five times, the bottles always neatly arranged, always drinking first from one, a bite of my energy bar always before the banana… [laughs].

    What is a day in your life like outside of tennis?

    Honestly, I’m a very basic person and that’s what I enjoy the most, being with five or six friends sitting on a bench, in a car or a house, talking peacefully, laughing, telling anecdotes, it makes me happy.

    Everyone describes you as a player with no fear on court. What is Carlos Alcaraz afraid of?

    Honestly, I’m scared of failure. That’s probably one of my fears. Letting a lot of people down.

    Failure in what sense?

    Not being up to their expectations. Although I’ve won a Grand Slam or now I’m No. 1 in the world, probably there will be tournaments in which there are expectations and I can’t meet them. Above all, letting down the people around me. In terms of everyone else, there are a lot of people who think and have opinions, but I’m talking about those that are close to me. That’s the thing I’m most scared of.

    And off the court?

    I’d say the dark. I’m not a fan of horror films either. I’m scared of lots of things.

     

    Nadal has the record with 22 Grand Slams. You’ve already got your first…

    I’ll always be proud when Rafa wins Grand Slams and obviously, if I lose at a Grand Slam, I’ll always be supporting a Spaniard. I’ve won one, I don’t feel closer, I’ve got 21 to go. For now, I’m going to think about trying to get the second, which very few people have managed, that’s my goal.

    Culled from atptour.com

  • WILFRED NDIDI: Leicester going through confidence crisis

    WILFRED NDIDI: Leicester going through confidence crisis

    Leicester City is feeling at the lowest point of their time, says Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi.

    City are currently rock bottom of the Premier League table with just one point from their opening six games. There is increasing pressure on manager Brendan Rodgers from supporters and pundits alike, but the defensive midfielder insists the squad is very much together.

    It is a case of one game at a time for City, he says, touching on the mood in the camp and the plan going forward.

    “To be honest, it (the start to the season) hasn’t been ourselves, like previous seasons,” Ndidi told BBC Radio Leicester. “The way we (usually) start the season, we just keep going.

    “It’s not been what we really want. It’s obvious that we’ve not been ourselves, but the confidence has been low in those games. We’ll get there, to be honest. We’ll get there.”

    When asked whether the squad is together, Ndidi said: “Of course. We know we’ve lost games and they’re not what we wanted, but we are still together. We know the fact we’ve got qualities in the team and know that we can still come up there (the table).

    “There are many more games but the most important is the next game. We go for the next game, go for the other one, just to build confidence. That’s our plan: being together for each other and still keeping going.”

    The City squad has their plan, but how do they go about achieving it? “It still boils down to us being together,” Ndidi said. “Knowing the fact that the confidence is a bit low, we’re trying to build the confidence. Being together really helps. Talking to each other, knowing our mistakes, and knowing we have to improve on this and that.

    “I think that alone – and most importantly, doing everything we can in training – those things transmit into games. We have to be together and look forward to what comes next.”

    Read Also: Man United’s Sancho sinks Ndidi’s  Leicester City

    Meanwhile, soccer pundits have delivered a brutal assessments of where it has gone wrong for Brendan Rodgers and Leicester City

    Recruitment hasn’t been great and pundits have outlined the transfer mistakes made by Leicester as pressure mounts on the gaffer.

    Brendan Rodgers is paying the price for Leicester City’s disappointing transfer window, according to pundit Alan Hutton.

    Wout Faes and Alex Smithies were the Foxes’ only incomings in a window that saw Kasper Schmeichel and Wesley Fofana as the headline departures.

    Leicester did hang on to James Maddison and Youri Tielemans despite fierce interest from a number of Premier League sides.

    However, Hutton said the uncertainty surrounding two of their most valuable players and Chelsea’s long, drawn-out pursuit of Fofana were distractions they could have done without.

    And, after a start to the season that has yielded just one point from a possible 18, Hutton admits the pressure is mounting on Rodgers.

    Speaking to Football Insider, the former Villa man said: “It is difficult, he’s been very public in speaking about not getting enough bodies through the door.

    “The recruitment hasn’t been great for them, other teams have been hovering about trying to pick off their players which aren’t helping. Of course, when you go through five or six games, you haven’t won yet and you’re at the bottom of the league, five goals have just beaten you, it’s not ideal.

    “You can tell that there are grumblings going on in the back from different sides so he’s in a sticky situation at this moment in time. If he doesn’t get that win soon then obviously the pressure is going to mount, that’s just what happens when you’re in this league. I’m pretty sure he’ll be feeling the pressure as we speak.”

  • Nasarawa Utd midfielder Nduka Chidera: My journey from safety marshal to pro-footballer

    Nasarawa Utd midfielder Nduka Chidera: My journey from safety marshal to pro-footballer

    While it’s common to see personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and other Military and other Para-military organisations choosing sports as a professional career, the same cannot be said of the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC). Even though, FRSC own and finance Road Safety FC, a Club that plays in the lower cadre of the Nigerian Football League, Nigeria National League (NNL) but it’s very rare to see any Road Safety personnel playing professional football. But one personnel of the agency who is breaking the stereotype is the Nasarawa United midfield Nduka Chidera. Reports Taofeek Babalola.

    ALTHOUGH, the gentle-looking teenage sensation, who hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, South-east Nigeria, holds a childhood dream of becoming a professional footballer before he became a safety marshal.

    Desirous to make his dream come through, Chidera popularly known as ‘Eshi’ would move from his former Club to play for Rising Academy based in Kubwa, a suburb of Abuja, spending the whole of 2013 and 14 seasons with the team.

    And due to his commitment and knowledge of the game, he was snapped up by the Road Safety Academy, Enugu, a team he went on to spend three seasons with, beginning from 2015-18.

    The intelligent player, who can both play as a defensive and attacking midfielder further caught the eyes of the Road Safety Corps football team, and it didn’t take long before he was snapped up by the Safety Strikers of Abuja, playing from 2019-2020, and helping the team to win games in the second tier of the Nigeria National League, NNL.

    Chidera initially combined his Road Safety job with playing football before he moved to Nasarawa United after signing a professional contract with the Lafia-cased outfit.

    “Playing football as a safety marshal wasn’t easy for me at first, but thank God that it eventually worked out well for me, and this is because the right thing was done and the right process was followed,” Chidera said.

    He added: “When I became a safety marshal, I thought that would be the end of me playing football because I became more dedicated to my job than any other thing, which made me stop playing for a while.

    “But one thing I learnt in life is that you can’t escape your destiny, even when you fail to respond, it will definitely find you, somehow. When I first joined the Road Safety Club, I never knew they were playing in the Country’s second division football league known as the Nigeria National League (NNL). So, I was working and hoping to be part of the team someday. As providence would have it, they called for trials for new intakes to join the football team. I went with God on my side and I passed the trial and got retained.

    Nduka

    “Then after some time, I started playing for the Federal Road Safety Corps team, and the sky became my starting point. I started getting offers from different clubs. At that point, I became confused because all the clubs coming for me wanted to secure my signature, and this could make me to lose my job with the FRSC and those I was working for.

    “So, I had to inform my superiors on what was happening, and they confidently told me that I have nothing to worry about. That the only thing I should be worried about is that I should continue making them proud and always do the right things.

    “They also told me that there’s a rule guiding such opportunity, meaning, for me to accept any offer from any club, it has to be on a loan deal, and such a club must be responsible for my monthly remuneration as my monthly salary with the FRSC would be stopped, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the agency. That I would continue to receive my salary with the FRSC once my loan sojourn expires. It’s a difficult decision, but I accepted it without regret.”

    The midfield maestro, whose pattern of play is likened to that of former Barcelona’s and Spain’s Andres Iniesta, urged anyone who finds himself in this kind of situation never to give up.

    “Football has been in me right from my childhood. It chose me, I didn’t choose it. So, today, I urge anyone who finds himself in my kind of situation never to give up.”

    Speaking about how his family reacted to the news of his intention to play football as a professional while still a corps Marshall, he said: “They welcomed it because they knew I had the talent and it makes them happy and they gave me their blessings that have kept me till today,” he said.

    The 1.80m tall and weight of 65kg sensation began his football career with Young Stars Academy at Iva Valley, in Enugu State, in 2011 where he spent two years.

    He equally played for another second-tier team, Yobe Desert Stars of Damaturu, for one season (2020/21), from where he moved to top-tier Nigeria Professional Football League side, Nasarawa United FC in the beginning of the 2021/22 League Season.

    The Road Marshal Assistant 1 described his debut season at top-flight football as wonderful. He admitted that the NPFL is a tough league but he is confident that the Solid Miners will have a nice outing next season.

    “My first season with Nasarawa United was wonderful. The team beat the odds to finish 6th. Though we didn’t win the league but we were working hard to win the Aiteo Cup before the unfortunate development which ended the FA Cup abruptly. But our plan is to make next season count and reward our supporters and fans alike. The NPFL is a difficult league, but nothing is impossible,” Chidera stated.​

    Like any other top player, Chidera is determined to continue to work harder and play in one of the best leagues in the world as well as playing for the national teams. ​ ​

    “My plans are to play in one of the best leagues in the World, like the EPL or La Liga, and also wear the national colours of my country, Nigeria,” he said

    With an unrepentant love for PSG of France and strong admiration for Toni Kroos, Chidera is rated as the best box-to-box midfielder for Nasarawa United and one of the best in the NPFL, providing defense-splitting passes and halting opponents’ penetration against his team.

  • WILLIAM TROOST-EKONG: I inherited my father’s stubbornness, tenacity

    WILLIAM TROOST-EKONG: I inherited my father’s stubbornness, tenacity

    Born and bred in Haarlem, Northwest Netherlands, William Troost-Ekong recalled the enduing times playing for small teams before breaking into top actions in England.

    He said his stubbornness and belief in his ability kept him going.

    Though, his father, Ekong, who hails from Akwa-Ibom, but at the time an immigrant in the Netherlands, did not support him to play football for a career, he went ahead with the blessing of his mother, Eleanore Troost.

    It was a difficult time for Troost-Ekong, but he said his stubbornness and tenacity kept him going.

    “We are stubborn in my family. I must have inherited it from my father. He did not want me to play football. He felt I should go to university, but I wanted football.

    Troost-Ekong has a Dutch mother and a Nigerian father and played for a long time at less appealing clubs such as FC Dordrecht, the Norwegian Haugesund, and Turkish Bursaspor. It was only two years down the line that he joined his dream league, the Premier League. With Watford.

    Watford struggled to stay afloat in the Premier League last season and ended up relegated to the lower league. Troost-Ekong mentions his parents as the main source of motivation. His father sent him to an English boarding school when he was 12 years old to be disciplined for university. After three years, he came on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur’s famed academy, but his father refused to sign, crucial to being admitted.

    His mother signed on the last day. “I’m still very grateful to her for that. It caused considerable friction between my parents, later they divorced.”

    The episode led to prolonged friction with his father.

    “For a long time, we did not speak with each other. He felt that school was my best chance for a bright future that is not in the offing for many Nigerians. Now that I am a father myself, I can understand him better.”

    His mother’s sacrifice and his father’s skepticism gave Troost-Ekong no other option but to succeed. So, he perseveres through the many mental setbacks along the way. He did not make it that way at Tottenham, FC Groningen, and KAA Gent. On gloomy evenings on the Krommedijk in Dordrecht, in cold Norway, sweltering Turkey, or during an impending strike at the Nigerian national team due to a financial conflict, he thought of his father shaking his head and then put his shoulders back under his life’s work: succeed as a professional football player. “We are both very stubborn. I wanted to prove him wrong. After the 2018 World Cup, we made peace.”

    He added: “I’ve always kept faith in myself, but you don’t make this up if you’re still playing at FC Dordrecht at 22. With more than fifty international matches, bronze at the Games, already allowed to play a World Cup, and now Premier League player and captain in the Africa Cup. Awesome.”

    Troost-Ekong knows the part he has to play as a team leader in Nigeria and he’s playing it well. “In Nigeria, there are too few good facilities for talented footballers in a crucial phase of their development. That is why many boys who were born outside Nigeria or who went abroad at a young age are called up for the national team. I know where the shoe pinches and I’m ready to offer a helping hand.”

    Last week, Troost-Ekong reached out to the Super Eagles B team while they were in Ghana playing to qualify for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

    Though the team failed to scale the Ghana hur dles as they lost in the penalty shoot-out, Troost-Ekong, did well to reach out to them.

    “I love to motivate the up-and-coming players.”

    As always, Troost-Ekong took two suitcases full of Watford shirts and tracksuits to Africa to distribute and will travel back at the request of friends and teammates with a load of shirts from the Nigerian national team. He pays for the clothes himself.

    However, he’s not only doing this in Africa, he’s a familiar face in secondary schools in Watford.

    The defender last week, visited Future Academies Secondary School in Watford to meet and talk to students.

    The session began with a short interview, with the 28-year-old opening up about his career path and progression in football.

    Following the wonderful insight, Troost-Ekong took excellent questions from the students in attendance, before posing for selfies and signing autographs.

    On a sunny day, the Nigeria captain said: “It was a pleasure to visit the school and speak to the students. They asked some really good and varied questions. I enjoyed meeting them and wish them all the best in their future studies.”

    Miss Davies, Deputy Head of PE at the school, added: “Students were invited to hear about William’s journey, from being an overseas student to becoming a top football player and captain of his national team.

    “He spoke passionately about his career, while also keeping students grounded about the trials and tribulations of the sport.

    “The students have been inspired to work hard for their dreams, and they all left with the desire to achieve!”

  • SEYI AKINWUNMI: My grand plan to reform Nigerian leagues

    SEYI AKINWUNMI: My grand plan to reform Nigerian leagues

    The First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi (BSA), was in Lagos to enumerate his plans and goals for a new NFF under his watch. Taiwo Alimi captures his words.

    From bottom to top

    “I have come to the conclusion that I needed to come out not because I’m egocentric or that I think I’m better than anybody, but because I honestly believe that I’ve been prepared for this job. I’ve gone through all the channels of Nigerian football, and I don’t think anybody else who is running or who has declared the intention to run can have the confidence to say that.

    I started from the grassroots like everybody else with little teams here and there, then I became the legal adviser to the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), after that, I was appointed to the Presidential Committee on Football Development, by then President Goodluck Jonathan. I was appointed as well as legal adviser to the then Minister of Sports on football matters. At that time, we were to be banned by FIFA for appointing the NFF and my legal advice help us do a turnaround and we were not banned by FIFA.

    Thereafter I was appointed the chairman of LSFA, and we then, turn around football in Lagos.

    As time went on, I chaired the organising committee of the CAF Beach Soccer Championship held in Nigeria. I was elected into the NFF as First Vice President and I believe I am the first to be re-elected into that office.

    I also showed the desire for reform and chaired the committee but, unfortunately, we did not get to present the report. I’m also a founding member of the League Management Board.

    I’ve gone from the bottom to the top. I’m equipped to be the NFF president. You can assume that the room has been swept clean, but I know where the cobwebs are. The NFF has come a long way, in spite of what a lot of people say, from where we were we took over. There are things we have done well and things we have not done so well, but I think history will see the things that have moved forward in Nigerian football for the past eight years.”

     

    League Reform

    “One of the things I’ve been discussing is how to bring bac the league on television. When I was in the league board, we were on TV. There are ways we can ensure that it remains on TV. It is not by sponsorship; it is by investment. There must be a partnership. The bodies that make up the league must be empowered to take decisions that benefit them. And the only way they can do that is when there is money at the end of it. That is a return on their investment. There must be an incentive to give properly. This is not about punishing when things are not done well, but also about giving incentives when things are done well.

    In terms of ownership, it is the job of the NFF to convince the states of the benefits of allowing the private sector to owe those clubs too. Free funding to these clubs. I was talking to a governor recently and he told me to embark on a journey, not to finish, of intercontinental, he has to bring out N200 million. Imagine if it was a private investor, he would not put N200m down unless he’s going to get a return on it.

    So, the issue is how we restructure the league. My answer is that getting the league back to a good state is to drive it on the four pillars that I enumerated: the football development to make it part of an ecosystem that works. The business of football, the infrastructure, which makes it good for the eyes to watch, and technology, which involves data retraction, which can be sold and invested in the league.

    One important thing is that we must be prepared to hold the team down to licensing regime that exists already must be followed. I’m not ready to compromise that.”

     

    Sponsorship and Investment

    “I found out that I could invest N500 million and get a return of N300 million. Guess which one I will do; I will invest the money and get N300 million extra by way of profit. What am I saying, we have to get to a point, where we have to invest in football, and where we have partners and sponsorship is the icing on the cake.

    The strong pillar is the infrastructure. If we encourage people to have a business and make money from doing this business, they will bring more value to it. If we make states to bid for national competitions, they will invest in infrastructure more than we have it now. And there will be infrastructure across the country. There are also housing funds that are available and that we can tie to our leagues, where our players can invest in housing from what they earn. If Whiz-kid and Davido can make that kind of money from entertainment why can’t our players? There must be values.”

  • VICTOR OSIMHEN: I’m still enjoying myself in Napoli

    VICTOR OSIMHEN: I’m still enjoying myself in Napoli

    Nigeria international Victor Osimhen may not be leaving Napoli anytime soon in spite of the transfer talks around him.

    Speaking with the club website, Napolifc.it, the goal poacher, said he is enjoying great relationship with manager Lucianno Spalletti and colleagues.

    The forward has been a subject of transfer in many quarters, the latest linking him to English club-side Manchester United.

    According to, Osimhen, who scored his second goal of the season against Monza, penultimate Sunday, the gaffer has great confidence in him, and he’s guaranteed playing time both in the league and EUFA Champions League.

    “[Luciano] Spalletti has great confidence in me, and the lads are helping me a lot. I’m proud to be part of this team.”

    He said of his tremendous season so far that has seen him bag two goals with one assist in three league games.

    He scored in the Serie A opener away to Hellas Verona. The match ended 5-2 in favour of Napoli with Osimhen netting the second shortly before the break.

    The 23-year-old slotted in his second of the season in the match 4-0 drubbing of Monza at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. He slotted in in the 45th minutes.

    He said of his two strikes. First, the one against Monza. “It was a fantastic performance from start to finish. I’m happy with the goal. It’s a pleasure to play alongside team-mates with so much quality.

    “(Khvicha) Kvara is an extraordinary talent. Our understanding is getting better and better and I think we can put some brilliant moves together along with the rest of the team.

    Then, about his first of the season. “I’m happy with my goal but most importantly because we won. We needed to get off to a good start for team morale at the start of this new cycle.

    “It shows we’re still a great team and that we’ve signed some talented players.

    “[Kvitcha] Kvara[tskhelia] scored a good goal – and just before then I said he was going to score! He’s a top-quality player but we have strength and quality throughout this squad.”

    The tall attacker said he’s focused on the club target this season.

    “We have some big targets in mind this year. We know what we’re capable of and we want to show that in every game. The next few matches will give us a good idea of what we can aim to achieve and how far we can go.”

    Meanwhile, Manchester United are interested in a move for Osimhen, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

    The Red Devils look set to be rather busy in the final few days of the transfer market, with deals in place for Ajax winger Antony and Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

    The Brazilian looks set to join for around £85m, while the Slovakian will make the move to Old Trafford on an initial loan deal with an option to sign permanently for £5m.

    All going well, the pair will become United’s fifth and sixth summer additions, and it looks like a new centre-forward is also of interest.

    Plettenberg took to Twitter, stating that Osimhen is ‘definitely a potential top transfer target’ for United.

    He said that the interest remains regardless of where Cristiano Ronaldo ends up, adding that no negotiations are ongoing at this stage.

    Plettenberg added: “Osimhen, who was claimed to be ‘the most terrifying striker in Europe’ by journalist and African football expert Saddick Adams, has just come off his best season in front of goal.

    “The Nigeria international netted 18 times in 2021/22 and has already scored twice in three games in the early weeks of the current campaign.

    “He is primarily a centre-forward, something that United currently lack, especially with Ronaldo’s future still up in the air, so the 23-year-old could be the perfect final addition.”

    However, Osimhen may come at a huge cost, as he is under contract until 2025 and currently holds a career-high £58.5m Transfermarkt valuation.

    Spalletti has insisted Osimhen was going nowhere as he is interested in playing the Champions League in the colours of Napoli.

  • MIKEL ARTETA: We’re showing great mentality, character

    MIKEL ARTETA: We’re showing great mentality, character

    After seeing his boys once again claim victory having suffered a setback, Manager Mikel Arteta was delighted with the response of his players to keep their 100 per cent record intact after beating Aston Villa 2-1, even as they go into Sunday’s testy tie at Old Trafford

    In making it five wins from five…

    We are obviously really happy because we are winning football matches that we deserve to win. The way we are performing and playing, and we need to continue. Again, there are a lot of things that we have to improve and you could see that in the second half, but the way we played in the first half, the amount of chances, how much we generated, how dominant we were, and the energy that we generated is really pleasing as a coach.

    On scoring so quickly after conceding…

    That’s the mentality that we want to show as a team and the character that we want to show to react immediately after disappointment. Conceding goals is part of the game, just like giving the ball away or having a bad action, it’s about the next action, it’s about the next phase. When you play in front of this crowd that helps because the energy that they generate is just amazing.

    On what gives the squad belief after conceding…

    Going through positive experiences and overcoming difficulties, it gives you the confidence that you can do it. That could be individually or as a team and when you start to get that belief and create those moments, it’s not only yours, that belief is the crowds’. When that connection happens, anything is possible.

    On using previous experiences to motivate us…

    Obviously, we try to improve our players, we have to try and improve the team and there are many things that are not just technical or tactical aspects that play a big part in football matches. That’s another tool that we are developing, that we need to keep developing, and especially when we are here that it is really powerful.

    On being ruthless in front of goal…

    It’s the most difficult thing in football to score goals, but today we had some big, big, big chances and we didn’t put them away, but obviously, the intention of the players is to score. The goal of Gabi Martinelli I think is a really difficult technique, the height of the ball, the angle he is getting, the way he is approaching the ball and he still managed to hit the target and that always gives you a chance. We are working on it all the time and I think we are getting much better as always, there is room for improvement.

    On Odegaard’s injury…

    He got a bad kick, and he was struggling. It was very recent so we’ll have to see over the next few hours how he recovers.

  • LEON BALOGUN: I’m a fighter, I work hard for all I’ve accomplished

    LEON BALOGUN: I’m a fighter, I work hard for all I’ve accomplished

    SUPER Eagles defender and the newest signing for Queens Park Rangers (QPR) is happy to be back in the English Premier League.

    The free agent has agreed on a one-year deal at Loftus Road following his departure from Glasgow Rangers at the end of last season.

    Balogun, 34, who has been in limbo since parting way before signing this deal attributed his staying power to hard work and fighting spirit.

    He said: “I’m a fighter and I think that is what I’ve had to do in all my career to accomplish all that I have. I work hard. I think I can complement myself with the ability to read games well. I have a strong mentality that never gives up. I have also been through the good old German school-10 years of my career- and as you have known, they really do like to be physically up there. That is my background and I’m still up to it.

    Balogun worked with QPR’s head coach Mick Beale at Ibrox and he is excited to be teaming up with him once again.

    During their time together north of the border, Rangers won the Scottish Premiership for the first time in 10 years, ending their league campaign undefeated with a club record 102 points.

    Balogun is especially glad to get back to action and also hook up with his former boss.

    “It is a big relief to know I can get back to action and I am looking forward to it. We have been speaking for some weeks so I am happy we got it done.”

    Having worked with Beale in Scotland, he noted that he was inspired to rejoin him in England. “The manager (Beale) is one of the main factors for me. When he left Rangers, I messaged him and said in terms of a football brain he is one of the best I have worked with.

    “I’ve not come across many coaches that are better than him. I’m more than delighted to work with him. I’m hoping to be a part of his team again and hopefully leave a big mark.

    “What I always like about him is the way he treats players and the way he talks to you. He’s like into your mind and sort of give you the confidence and if you stick to his game plan things will work out just fine. The majority of the time this method works fine in Rangers.

    “I’ve worked with him for more than a year and his understanding of players and I know that he worked in the academy for Chelsea and that gives him an understanding of young players and how to treat them and also senior players like me. He knows how to treat his players and his management is quite exceptional.”

    Beale is equally excited by his sixth signing of the summer and revealed he has been keen on Balogun for some time. “I am delighted with this one – I have been chasing him all summer,” he said.

    “He had a lot of offers so it is great we have been able to get him. He comes here on the back of two years at Rangers. He was absolutely fantastic in the season we won the league and last season he made 37 appearances in the team that won the Scottish Cup and reached the Europa League Final.

    “He has got huge amounts of experience, has played in the Premier League and Bundesliga as well and I am delighted now with the strength we have defensively.”

    Beale admits Balogun’s character off the pitch was also a big attraction, explaining: “I like the way he carries himself. He is a very special person in terms of his personality.

    “He has got elite standards and I have seen that first hand.”

    Balogun hasn’t played since leaving Rangers at the end of last season but he is confident he can get up to speed quickly as he looks to get his career in W12 up and running.

    “I’ve been keeping myself fit. I only need a little time to adjust to club action. Playing physically is part of my game and you see that a lot playing in the Scottish League. I’m also playing in African football for Nigeria and when we were younger, we always say that the tackle you see there is quite unique and that you no longer see them, but it is still physical. Scotland also has its surprising physical side, but as time went on, one gets used to it. That physical aspect is not something I will struggle with, but sometimes you raise your eyebrows.”

    However, he’s ready to adjust to any pattern of the manager.

    “It depends on the opposition really and probably that is why he wants the option to probably switch things up and to ensure that he has different options and not make his team unpredictable. He has a few things up his sleeve that is capable of rattling opposition and for me, it’s fine. Whether it’s back-three or back-four, I don’t really mind because both have their advantages.”

    On his plan for QPR, he said: “I’m 34 now and so I want to help the team, to support the team, and pass on experience. To try and lead in my own way. I’m not the most vocal person necessarily, in the dressing room, but I like to compliment players’ performances by instilling confidence in people around me. I think over the years, I’ve developed the winning mentality and I’ve seen exceptionally talented players that I can work with to bring out the best in ourselves, starting with me.”

  • Asisat Oshoala: Life more difficult for girl-child in Nigeria

    Asisat Oshoala: Life more difficult for girl-child in Nigeria

    Asisat Oshoala, five-time African women footballer awards winner, has been talking about her latest initiative, the Asisat Oshoala Academy (AOA). She shared insight into the girl-child in Africa and why she’s devoting her attention to supporting them.

    The FC Barcelona star in partnership with Nike and Women Win, launched the foundation last week in Nigeria, with a view to providing access to football and life skills for marginalized schoolgirls in Lagos.

    “I have always strived to give back to the girl child in my community and I believe this football academy will provide opportunities for more girls to excel through the combination of sports and education,” she said.

    She reminisced her experiences as a young girl with a desire to play football as a driving force.

    “I went to a mixed school for boys and girls, and that’s where I started playing football during playtime and after class. I played for fun in the streets of Lagos, mainly on Sundays. And then I joined a girls’ team in the city. I was happy because I could play football every day. I must admit it caused a lot of arguments with my mother, but I got my way. When I joined the Rivers Angels it opened the doors to the national team and for the first time I realised I could go on to become a professional.”

    “Five years ago I set up my own foundation, which basically encourages girls to go ahead with their dream of turning professional. We only work with women because men have enough opportunities anyway. I speak to them and play with them and try to make them more confident and help them to find a club. We’ve helped about 5,000 girls. It’s my little bit to help girls in Lagos. It basically encourages girls to go ahead with their dream of turning professional.

    “I think that it is hard for girls in Africa to play football and other sports in general. A lot of them have the same problems that I had when I was little in that their parents don’t want them to play and there aren’t many options for women footballers. I tell them never to give up, to keep fighting and believing in themselves. To love their football and play it whenever they can. If you believe hard enough, one day your dreams will come true.”

    Born to a modest polygamous family, Oshoala observed that she had to work harder to fulfill her dreams.

    “My parents are shopkeepers. My family is polygamous. I know that sounds very strange in Europe but it’s normal in my country. In a Muslim society, a man can have more than one wife. I think it’s quite natural because that’s the way it has always been for me. My father has two wives, and one of them is my mother. I have seven brothers and sisters, two from my mum and four from my father’s other wife.

    It was very difficult for me to play football at first but I was adamant and believed in my ability.

    “In 2012 I went to the U20 World Cup, as a defensive midfielder, and when I went again in 2014 I became a forward. I was the top scorer and MVP at that tournament and that convinced me that I was good enough to make a career out of football and play in other countries. The first was England. Well, I did have a trial with París Saint-Germain before the second U20 World Cup, but my first European club was Liverpool when I was just 20 years old. I got other offers, but as my only language is English, I took that option. I went outside of Europe to play before Barcelona came for me. By that time, I knew I was ready and confident that I will make it among the best. That is the message I’m passing on to the girl child.”

    Prior to setting up the Academy, Oshoala, 27, had established The Asisat Oshoala Foundation in 2015 and will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the academy with support from Women Win, the Amsterdam-based Global Women’s Fund, and Nike. “Women Win is very proud and excited to be partnering with our long-time partner Nike, Asisat, and the Asisat Oshoala Academy to leverage the power of sport to support girls in Nigeria to become better equipped to exercise their rights. This partnership and program will be key in ensuring that girls can thrive as they face the most pressing issues of adolescence and realize their inherent leadership potential.

    AOA will provide 30 girls (ages 12 – 18) with access to 90 minutes of football training three times a week. The program will be complemented with life skills education covering a range of empowerment and rights-based topics. Graduates from the academy will be encouraged to convert their leadership skills to make a positive impact in their respective communities.

    In addition to the weekly programming, the academy will host four ‘She Plays’ events a year. These events will broaden the reach of the academy’s activities and will host up to 100 schoolgirls, ages 12 to 18 years, every session.