Category: SOS

They were made by playing small-sided games in the London cages and they haven’t forgotten their roots as Joe Aribo, and Calvin Bassey joined up with Alex Iwobi for a kickabout in London. The Rangers duo were all part of Iwobi’s Project 7 team for the event in London. Clips were shared on the Back 2 Roots Instagram page and one of them shows Kamara and Aribo linking up exactly as they have for Rangers over the years. They were also joined by Ayr United striker Tomi Adeloye and former St Johnstone player Viv Solomon-Otabor.

The event saw some top players return with Aribo and Bassey’s international teammate Alex Iwobi leading the team. The Everton winger also played alongside Glen Kamara in the Arsenal youth team and they were all happy to get involved. It wasn’t all friendly though, with one clip showing the two sets of players needing to be separated so they clearly weren’t holding back ahead of the new campaign.

Aribo, Bassey, and Kamara returned to Rangers training before leaving for Portugal for a warm-weather training camp.

The duo was involved in international duty with Nigeria after the end of the club season.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be hoping none of them picked up a knock during the tournament, which played a huge part in their development as kids.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Football Scotland earlier this year, Aribo’s mentor Harry Hudson spoke about how important it was for his development.

Aribo hadn’t played serious organised football until he joined the Kinetic Foundation at 16 and Hudson had said: “In truth five or six years ago there was a stigma around. Rangers could sign anyone in Europe, why would they come to a grassroots organisation? It was especially prevalent if we dropped a player in at 16 who was better than everyone in that youth team then the argument became ‘why have we bothered to invest the money in these kids from 9’.

“It was almost like admitting defeat that you’re bringing in someone from grassroots that are better than what you’ve got. We’ve had to break that stigma down and I think the other factor is the coaching process used to be ‘stop and stand still, what can you do better?’.

“For young people like Aribo, they don’t want to be stopped. They might have a 3 v 1 against them and they might dribble past them and score, you can’t turn around and tell them that’s the wrong thing. Coaching became a very autocratic process of doing what I say. That has changed.

“The whole movement of letting the game be the teacher and letting them play instead of stopping them and giving them more freedom.

“When that happened so many doors opened for players like Aribo because they like what they are offering.”

Danny Drinkwater has opened up on the true extent of his Chelsea nightmare, which saw him brutally admit that he wasted some of the best years of his career.

The 32-year-old played a pivotal role in Leicester City’s fairytale title-winning side during the 2015-16 season, before he sealed a huge £35million move to Chelsea two years later where he put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

However, the big-money switch didn’t pay off for Drinkwater and the midfielder was cast aside for the majority of his time at Stamford Bridge.

Drinkwater, who only made 23 appearances for the club while scoring just once, has revealed the difficulties he faced less than a month after being released by the Blues, where he talked about how he ended up drunk driving after a number of deaths in his family.

‘I’m relieved because it’s clear it wasn’t a situation that was good for me or the club,’ Drinkwater told Sky Sports when he was asked about his Chelsea exit.

‘I’m angry because of how it’s gone and how I was treated – I’m not bitter about it, you can look back and say “what ifs” and have hindsight which is obviously huge. I think it was a long time coming.’

‘I was [suffering with mental health issues in 2019]. My nan and grandad passed, dad got diagnosed with leukemia, I lost my dog and was drunk-driving, which is just not me. I made a big mistake. I was also fighting for my son, which was going on constantly and takes its toll.

‘Can I help myself going forward? That’s why I went on loan, why I went to Aston Villa and Burnley on loan, which didn’t work, and going to Turkey at the age of 30 – I never thought I’d do that.

‘It’s also the reason I dropped down to the Championship (with Reading). I’ve been trying to do the right things. As I’ve tried doing them, something’s gone wrong.’

Drinkwater reveals he sought out therapy as a result of his Chelsea struggles and denied that he had an easy life not playing every week.

Holidaying Everton Nigerian star Alex Iwobi has been talking about his late renaissance that helped Everton beat relegation from the Premier League last season. Iwobi was a fixture in Frank Lampard’s team in the closing months of the 2021/22 campaign, with his relentless energy a vital component of the Blues’ high-octane performances.

The Nigerian completed the full match in each of Everton’s final 12 top-flight games of the season, a sequence that kicked off with Iwobi scoring a dramatic 99th-minute winner against Newcastle United at Goodison Park.

The Nigerian believes his towards-the-end season impressive run is born out of a desire to go all out and enjoy himself on the pitch.

Iwobi, who is currently on holiday, shortly, after, returning to the London cage with grassroots friends to express himself, says    that spirit has helped him at both club and country games.

He feels he can “run non-stop” during matches – and says his impressive stamina gives him the belief he can make key contributions until the final whistle.

Manager Lampard described Iwobi as “someone I can rely on”, paying tribute to the 26-year-old’s professionalism, work ethic, and endurance.

“In the games, I feel I can run non-stop,” says Iwobi.

“As soon as the final whistle goes, I am shattered and think, ‘How have I done that?’

“I have been dropping on the pitch, falling on my knees or to the floor. It comes on instantly, the feeling of, ‘I am done.’

“The manager has faith in my ability to run for 90 minutes, to give the same level of effort for the whole game.

“It gives me a massive confidence boost and I appreciate it.”

THE TALK WITH LAMPARD

In Lampard, Iwobi believes he has a manager who fully appreciates his wide range of qualities.

And he reveals the Everton boss’s message following a game Iwobi regards as the turning point in his season.

“When you get the chance in the team, you have you take it, and I feel the Leeds match [a dominant 3-0 on 12 February] was big for me,” Iwobi added.

“Evertonians demand you run around and give a lot of effort.

“The manager told me that was the first thing I needed to do. I did it – and showed what I could do on the ball.

“Since then I’ve shown faith in you and you’ve repaid me, keep it going.”

Iwobi says he would continue displaying the relentless work ethic that underpinned his excellent displays in Everton’s Premier League run-in.

Iwobi’s versatility proved invaluable for Lampard, with the former Arsenal man impressing when deployed as a central midfielder, wide forward, and wing-back.

Iwobi was the only Everton player to start the Toffees’ final 12 matches of the season, with his conditioning and application highlighted by the fact he played every minute of those games.

In another interview with evertonfc.com, Iwobi says: “Evertonians appreciate hard work and the physical side. If I have that energy, hopefully, it influences my teammates.

“It is important that I understand the culture of the city, the passion for football, and for Everton.

“I love playing and like to express myself through football, so when I get the opportunity, I just try my best.

“The manager spoke to me after the Leicester home game [a 1-1 draw on 20 April] about having a bit more tactical awareness.

“He says, ‘It is nice to have the energy to run and chase and get back, but maybe, sometimes, preserve it, chill out, so you’re not burned out.

“Other than that, he says to maintain the work ethic because it really helps the crowd engage with the team.

“The manager knows I have the ability to press and quickly get back into shape.”

DESERVING BREAK

Iwobi is now enjoying a well-earned break after following up his Everton campaign by playing four internationals in the space of 16 days for Nigeria, completing 90 minutes in each contest.

Though he did not let out his holiday spot on the Twitter posts, he’s somewhere with lots of sun and beach as he dresses down, letting down his long dread to enjoy the breeze.

Seemingly happy with himself he looks relaxed and in one post, he talked about making baked beans when life gives you lemons. In another post, he goes on a hip-hop spree and expresses consonance and eye-catching rhymes. “Droppin’ Leaves, Drippin, Honeys On Butterflies, Stormzy must be Proud.’ ‘Express and Be Free, Live Life”

In another tweet Iwobi echos Burna Boy’s lyrics, “Tell Me What You See When You Look At Me.”

With the start of the EPL 2022/23 season four weeks away, Iwobi says he is intent on sustaining his end-of-season momentum.

“My first couple of years here weren’t the greatest but this [the final weeks of the season] was my best period at Everton,” he added.

“I want to use it as a platform to kick on and make more positive memories with this club.

“I am youngish and have a lot of time ahead.

“I want to win something with Everton – and do my best for the Club.”

‘I’m no longer that young prospect, that young talent,’ he says. ‘I have to show why there was so much hype about me. The only way you can do that is in games. I feel I’m at that time in my career when I need to start doing that. I need to up my stats a bit more, and improve a bit more.

The Nigerian signed for Everton in 2019 for £35m but has endured a stop-start season. All that has changed with his commanding presence last season.

“The best part of a poor bunch,” says a fan described him after Everton’s home draw to Leicester. It was an apt description of his status in a team struggling to find a semblance of consistency or quality.

He has also become a rallying point for the team. He insists his side are capable of competing with anyone if they fight.

‘If we fight, we are capable of competing with anyone. It starts in training. Be the best you can, then transfer it into matches.’

Iwobi grew up in Plaistow, which is the West Ham territory. He had the chance to join them as a kid before going to Arsenal.

‘I’ve heard negativity all my life. Every time I hear it, it gives me that desire to prove people wrong. I’m sure that’s what many people on the team feel like.

“I won’t lie, relegation has been mentioned once or twice, but not a lot. We’re trying to look forward, not behind. We don’t want to play with fear but impose ourselves. We are in the Premier League and that is all we talk about now,” adds Iwobi.

It was an evening to remember for the family of Nigeria and Sivasspor star striker Olanrewaju Kayode, as his wife and agent, Dora, threw a lavish birthday bash for hubby in Lagos. It was a magical and colourful evening of glittering stars, celebrity footballers, WAGs, business associates, and top influencers.

The birthday bash, which was put together by Dora, whois also a lawyer, with the help of accomplished builder Ugochukwu Igboanugo, GMDZiloc Construction Ltd, and Zelo Homes Ltd, attracted present and former Super Eagles stars, entertainers, businessmen, and their WAGs (Wife and Girlfriends of Football Stars).

Their palatial Lekki home played host to their guests, amongst them; Super Eagles and Galatasaray forward Henry Onyekuru and Trabzonspor’s winger Tony Nwakaeme. Nigeria and Belgium goal-king Paul Onuachu was also on the ground alongside former Super Eagles attacker, Kalu Uche and Big Brother Naija Season 5 first runner-up, Dorathy Bachor.

Gaily dressed WAGs completed the beautiful night ofglitz and blitz. Dora said he organised the birthday bash to celebrate Kayode and wish him well.

“It was a magical night, a classy one. It was the way I wanted it to be with our friends and associates. It was another opportunity to let him know that the children and I appreciate him and the sky is the limit for him.”The lovebirds have gone through rough patches but have remained committed to themselves through it. Kayode said of her spouse in another interview: “I will forever be grateful to my wife because of her devotion to my career. When my career was nose-diving under fraudulent agents, she saved my life and career. She learned the rudiment of player intermediary and I did not regret that she’s managing me.”Dora, who received the Outstanding Female Football Agent of the Year award in the 2022 Diamond Special Recognition Awards Worldwide, added:

“As my husband’s manager, he knows I’ve got his back and cannot go wrong when it comes to him. And ever since I took over managing him, it’s been perfect. He’s my boss, he tells me what to do and I do it. He tells me how he feels and I act. This is the difference between an agent and their players. He’s my boss, he’s my husband so he tells me what to do and I doit. Then I advise him as a wife. He’s happy and I’m glad he’s happy and he’s giving all his best. That is our job; to keep him playing regularly and scoring goals.”

Like lovebirds that they are, Kayode and Dora, were glued to themselves and could not keep their hands off each other throughout the glamorous evening as their guests splashed attention on the celebrant and his wife all night long.

There were lots to eat and drink while the celebrating couple cut an extravagant cake to mark the event with good wishes and singing renting the air.

When it was time to hit the dance floor Kayode’s colleagues in Turkey, Nwakaeme and Onyekuru led as a flurry of crisp notes rain down on Kayode, not sparing the excited Dora. Kayode has been impressive since joining Sivasspor on loan in 2020. He scored 11 goals and made two assists in 40 games in the Super League, Turkish Cup, and UEFA Europa League last season.

Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye did not reckon that his new club Watford would be down to the Championship when he signed up in January.

He was looking forward to playing in the ‘most-watched League in the world’ the English Premier League (EPL).

“It’s a dream come true to play in the Premiership and I’m looking forward to it,” he said on penning his signature for Watford, while still on loan to Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam.

Concerning his summer coming he said further: “[Watford have] great facilities and I think this is the perfect step for myself. I’m very comfortable in the air and I like one-on-ones. I just love the game, of course, there’s room for improvement in everything but that’s what I am here for and I want to reach a new level. I hope to bring security at the back and achieve our goals with the team.”

Back then, he also thought he would meet fellow countrymen Williams Troost-Ekong, Peter Etebo, and Emmanuel Dennis at Watford.

“Ekong, Etebo and Dennis are my guys and I’m looking forward to seeing them,” Okoye said in January.

A lot has changed since then, Watford have suffered relegation from the EPL and back in the second tier and Etebo has left. Dennis isn’t looking forward to staying down with Watford and he would likely sign for a Premiership side. That leaves him with Troost-Ekong and another new signing Samuel Kalu, who is yet to break into the main team.

Okoye, however, is still optimistic that he would star in the Premiership with Watford.

“I’ve optimistic that we shall come back to the Premiership quickly. I’m committed to helping my team return to EPL and that is what we have signed up for. No going back. I’m happy to be here,” said Okoye.

QUALITY

Standing at 6ft 6in and part of last season’s Eredivisie Team of the Year, the towering shot-stopper possesses many desirable qualities as a goalkeeper, and the 22-year-old is eager to continue his development at Vicarage Road.

Okoye has 16 caps for the Super Eagles with plenty of experience at a top-level, despite his tender years, and looking forward to continuing his development at Watford.

He signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with the Hornets after completing a half-season loan with Sparta Rotterdam.

The former striker made his Nigeria debut at 19 when he was still playing in Fortuna Düsseldorf’s second team. He was brought on for the injured Francis Uzoho against Brazil with the score 1-1, and, saw out the game without conceding despite facing off against Premier League forwards Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison for the last half-hour.

Last season, Sparta Rotterdam secured eighth place in the Eredivisie, having only been promoted to the Netherlands’ first division in 2019.

This qualified them for the European play-off places in the Dutch top tier, and the Nigeria goalkeeper was presented with the club’s Player of the Year award. As well as his club achievement, Okoye was also named in the league’s team of the year.

Sparta Rotterdam won all three of their final Eredivisie games to remarkably beat the drop in the Dutch top-tier.

Fresh from being named Arsenal Player of the Year award after he got 11 Premier League goals and made seven assists, Bukayo Saka said his success is largely based on self-analysis.    “I’m not afraid of crowded stadiums, for me, I’d say I’m my own biggest critic so before anyone else criticises me I’ve already done it myself and told myself to do better. Big crowds don’t faze me.” Saka became the first person to retain the award since Thierry Henry in 2004. He enjoyed the best season of his career this time out, not missing a single Premier League game.

The 20-year-old ran away with the award in the end despite competition from the likes of Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe, registering 58% of the supporter vote.

Understandably, Arsenal are eager to tie down Saka for the long term. The forward’s current deal is set to expire in 2024 with the Gunners possessing the option to extend that by a further year.

This would explain why the youngster was so at home on the Wembley stage for England during last summer’s European Championships, and it speaks volumes about him that rather than dwell on the manner of England’s defeat in the final, he focuses on what it meant to get there in the first place.

“Wembley is probably my favourite stadium,” he admits. “If I remember correctly my England debut was behind closed doors, but it was still special because I grew up near Wembley and I always used to see it from the car driving past, so to make my debut for my country there was amazing.”

He does remember correctly, by the way – Bukayo’s England debut came when he started a 3-0 win over Wales at an empty national stadium in October 2020, little more than a year after he had lit up the Frankfurt Stadion. You get the sense that his memory is the sign of a sharp and analytical mind that, as well as being self-critical, stores away all of the highs, and all of the moves that come off, as well as the lows.

“I think Wembley at the Euros was one of the best atmospheres,” he adds – and that’s all he will say about a tournament that could have destroyed his confidence heading into this season – before making a point of praising our own supporters: “But this season the Emirates has been special as well.”

This is another hint that all the self-analysis Bukayo needs go on in his head, and that the memories are locked away for future reference. He doesn’t need the ego boost of watching himself on television, because for him there are always plenty of other footballers to watch.

“It’s hard to say exactly how much football I watch during the week because it depends on when we’re playing, but if I’m free I’ll definitely watch the two live games on a Saturday,” he says. “I mostly watch the Premier League but if there’s a big game on in LaLiga, the Bundesliga, or the French league, I’ll watch it.”

Surprisingly, perhaps, for someone who grew up idolising Thierry Henry and later, as a young professional, Alexis Sanchez in his Arsenal prime, the young Bukayo’s first experience of live football came a long way from north London.

“I’m not sure I should really say this, but probably the first big game I remember going to was when my dad took me to Old Trafford when I was little,” he says. “I have to say, though, it was really nice because there are some special players that have played there in the past so it was nice to go and watch a football game there with my family.”

It was also the ground where, famously, Arsenal clinched the league title in 2001/02, although Bukayo says that if he could be present at any match in history it would be a different title celebration. “If I had to choose one Arsenal match I’d probably want to watch us win the league at White Hart Lane in 2004. That would be so sick to watch, I think, and the vibes after must have been amazing. So I’d pick that game for selfish reasons, but I have to say that if I could be present at any game purely entertainment it would be Barcelona vs PSG in the Champions League from 2017.”

This isn’t the sort of game that anyone who saw it is ever likely to forget. This was when Barcelona, trailing PSG 4-0 after the first-leg thumping in France, completed the unlikeliest of comebacks to win 6-1 on the night, despite still trailing 5-3 on aggregate in the 88th minute. Two goals in three minutes from Neymar and a 96th-minute winner from Sergi Roberto created Champions League history.

“That’s probably my favourite game ever as a football fan – a fan of the game, rather than a club – because it was a really entertaining game and such an amazing comeback,” Bukayo adds.

“Obviously I haven’t played in any other leagues, but I’ve played abroad for Arsenal and England, and I think you realise wherever you go, both here and overseas, just how passionate English fans are and how much they love football. It’s really evident when you go to any stadium how much the fans want their team to win.”

We know that level of support can have its downsides, for example when passion oversteps the mark on social media and becomes something much darker, but Bukayo has long impressed the players and coaches around him with his maturity and calm authority. He is well educated, and well brought up and it shows. As a result, he is comfortable meeting fans, even when it’s least expected.

“I actually met a fan yesterday when I went to my local shop – a kid who wanted a picture,” he recalls with a laugh. “Then his dad came over to me afterward and told me we need to step up because we lost the last two games! Normally it’s positive when I meet fans but this one was a bit different!”

Thankfully he says it with a smile and the message appeared to be one of mostly polite encouragement rather than abuse. And thankfully fans do appear to be respectful in person because there’s no hiding place.

“I think the strangest experience I’ve had with a fan must have been before the COVID-19 restrictions were eased,” he says. “I was wearing a hat down past my eyebrows and a mask all the way up over my nose, so literally the only thing you could see was my eyes, and a fan came up to me and said, ‘Hi, Bukayo.’ I’d done everything I could to hide my face and cover my mouth so I could go out in public, and he still spotted me. I don’t understand how he could possibly have known it was me!”