Nigeria’ Rangers International F.C will this weekend be trading tackles with Egyptian top side, Al-Masry F.C complete with two Nigerian exports, in the last game of Group A, Total/CAF Confederation cup 2019/2020 fixture slated for Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, Enugu.
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CAF: FC San Pedro Game Will Be Tough- Enyimba Coach
Despite standing no chance of progressing from the group stage, Enyimba head coach Fatai Osho believes CAF Confederation Cup opponents FC San Pedro still have much to play for at the Stade FHB in Abidjan on Sunday.
Osho’s Enyimba are up against group D’s bottom side in their final match of the phase with sight firmly set on picking the group’s second quarter-final ticket.
While the Ivorians are already eliminated from the competition following an indifferent run that has seen them manage just three points from five matches, Enyimba need only a point to confirm progress to the last eight.
Speaking with the club’s media channel before his team’s departure to Abidjan, Osho squashed insinuations that the fixture against the already eliminated Ivorian side will be a mere stroll in the park.
Read Also: CAF: Enyimba, Rangers Progress To Group Stage
“San Pedro as at now are out of the competition completely and they stand to lose absolutely nothing, and when you’re playing with no pressure on you like that, some teams tend to play better in that situation and that’s why we have to be a bit careful. We have to really bring in our A-game to get the needed result.
“They should not be of an illusion that after all, the San Pedro team is out and they will be an easy picking. It’s not going to be that way. They have their honour to play for and they want to do well in front of their supporters.”
Transfer deadline: Chelsea striker Joins Belgian Club
Chelsea on Friday, confirmed that 20-year-old striker, Charlie Brown, has left the club to join Belgian club, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Brown joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town in the summer of 2016. He has scored five goals in 18 appearances this season for the junior Blues.
Chelsea made this known in a statement on their official website.
The statement read: “Academy striker Charlie Brown is the latest Chelsea player to move on loan for the remainder of the 2019/20 season.
“The 20-year-old, who has five goals in 18 appearances this season for our development squad side, is joining Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. It is his first loan.
“Brown joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town in the summer of 2016 and enjoyed a prolific maiden season for the Blues’ Under-18s, notching 10 goals in 20 league appearances, most of which were as a substitute. That form was rewarded with a development squad debut before the end of the campaign.
“In the UEFA Youth League in 2017/18, he scored during his first European appearance, a 5-0 victory against Qarabag, before netting in the return in Azerbaijan and at Atletico Madrid in the group stage.
Read Also: EPL: Lampard Blast Mourinho. Read His Statement
“That season he also helped Jody Morris’s Under-18s to an unprecedented quadruple with goals in the FA Youth Cup semi-final against Birmingham and the inaugural Under-18 Premier League Cup final against Tottenham.”
Breaking: Manchester United Sign Odion Ighalo From Shanghai Shenhua
Manchester United has signed former Watford striker and Nigerian international, Odion Ighalo from Shanghai Shenhua on loan until the end of the season.
The deal to bring the 30-year-old Nigeria international to Old Trafford contains no option to buy.
Ighalo, who is still in China but is expected to fly to the UK in the next few days, scored 39 goals in 99 matches for Watford between 2014 and 2017, BBC reports.
READ ALSO: Breaking: Man Utd Confirm Signing Of Bruno Fernandes From Sporting
He then moved to the Chinese Super League, first with Changchun Yatai. After two seasons he moved to Shanghai Shenhua and has scored 10 times in 19 games.
His form for his country has been eye-catching, finishing as top scorer in African Cup of Nations qualifying with seven goals, before scoring five at the tournament during the summer.
From Ajegunle to Manchester, Odion Ighalo becomes first Nigerian to sign for Man Utd
The former Watford striker becomes the first Nigerian to sign for the Red Devils.
It is believed the 30-year-old grew up supporting Man Utd and always considered this a dream move for his career, as reported by The Telegraph.
READ ALSO: Man Utd Revealed Bruno Fernandes’ Jersey Number
James Robson of The Standard earlier suggested that Ighalo would make for a better acquisition than Bournemouth striker Joshua King, who was strongly linked with a return to Old Trafford today, as per Sky Sports — hinting that a second offer would be made after the first was rejected.
Ighalo is convinced he’s secured his dream move to United. Have to say it makes a lot more sense than King #mufc
No way did he think it would happen at this stage of his career, but United had no other choice but to dip into the January transfer market to secure an emergency signing after losing Marcus Rashford to a long-term injury.
Reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano was one of the first with the news, as seen below:
Odion Ighalo to Manchester United, here we go! Total agreement with Shanghai Shenhua for a loan with buy option. He’ll fly to UK during the weekend. 🔴 #MUFC #ManUnited
Tottenham called him but the player decided for Man Utd – he’s #MUFC fan since he was a kid.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2020
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hope Ighalo can bring goals to his side, along with fellow new signing Bruno Fernandes, who completed his transfer from Sporting on Thursday.
His record in England is an impressive one, scoring 40 goals and registering 11 assists in 100 appearances for Watford, where he spent two-and-a-half-years. That’s a one-in-two ratio for goal involvements – a trait that wouldn’t go amiss at United.
Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail claims United will pay a £3m loan fee as well as the player’s £100,000-a-week wages until the end of the season.
Ighalo’s loan fee said to be £3m and Utd will pay him just over £100,000-a-week until the end of the season #mufc
— Chris Wheeler (@ChrisWheelerDM) January 31, 2020
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Man Utd Revealed Bruno Fernandes’ Jersey Number
Manchester United’s new signing, Bruno Fernandes, will wear the number 18 for the club, the UK Metro reports.
United completed the signing of Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon on Thursday for an initial fee of £46.5million (€55m), with up to £21.1m (€25m) to follow in add-ons.
The 25-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford.
Fernandes wore No.8 for Sporting, but that number is currently occupied by Juan Mata at Old Trafford.
United opted to not reveal the shirt number during his unveiling.
However, all was revealed by Fernandes’ agent, Miguel Pinho, who posted a picture of himself alongside Fernandes holding United’s No.18 shirt on Instagram.
Bruno Fernandes completed his transfer to Manchester United on Thursday and the Portugal midfielder can’t wait to get started at his new club.
Read Also: EPL: Solskjaer Is On Right Path To Restore United To Former Glory – Guardiola
The 25-year-old sat down for an exclusive interview with MUTV’s Mark Sullivan to discuss his switch to Old Trafford, the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo and his hopes for the future with the Reds…
Welcome to Manchester United. How does it feel to have signed for the club?
“I feel very well and I’m very happy to be here. It’s an honour for me to represent this club and a dream come true.”
Was it always a dream of yours to play in the Premier League?
“Yes, it was my dream to play in the Premier League and fortunately for me my dream is also to play for Manchester United.”
You join a young squad, and you’re only 25 yourself. How excited are you to grow with this young team and hopefully achieve something special with them?
“I’m really excited. I want to help everyone and learn from the experienced players.”
Read Also: Super Eagles Striker, Chukwueze Dares Messi With Customized Boot
You met Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the first time – how was that?
“It was a good meeting. He has a past in this club and I’m really happy to be training for him now.”
United fans are really excited that you’ve signed and are eager to see you play. How much are you looking forward to playing in front of them?
“I’m really excited. I want to play and be able to play as soon as possible and to give the best I can.”
Transfer Deadline: Chelsea Star Snubs New Contract, Set To Join EPL Rivals
Chelsea youngster, Tariq Lamptey, is set to sign for Brighton after snubbing the offer of a new contract, Goal reports.
The 19-year-old’s current deal expires in the summer, but the Blues were confident they would convince him to commit his future to the club.
Manager Frank Lampard brought Lamptey on against Arsenal in the Premier League and he has played in both their FA Cup fixtures this season.
However, Lamptey has informed Chelsea that he would not be signing an extension, prompting the Blues to accept an offer from Brighton to sell the youngster this month.
The teenager believes he is ready for first-team football in the Premier League and sees Brighton as the ideal next step in his development.
Read Also: Transfer: I Am Not Leaving Arsenal Soon – Aubameyang
The Chelsea Youngstar shocked Frank Lampard by agreeing on a deal for an undisclosed fee to leave the club for Brighton in January after rejecting a contract offer with the west Londoners.
Brighton have been searching for a new right-back for the last two transfer windows and have assured the 19-year-old he will get his first-team chances under Graham Potter.
Lampard rated Lamptey highly and used him off the bench in the 2-1 win away at Hull City in the FA Cup which was his third appearance of the season.
The January transfer season is expected to end 12 mid night today with many transfer is expected to be concluded today across Europe.
Chelsea currently needs a striker to boost its attack force having outline several attackers but are yet to sign one.
Transfer Deadline: Cavani Takes Final Decision On Leaving PSG
Paris Saint-Germain striker, Edinson Cavani has reportedly decided not to leave the club this January transfer window amid interest from Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, according to L’Equipe.
Cavani wants to remain at the Parisians this month as the January transfer window closes at 11pm on Friday (today).
The Uruguay international will make a decision about his next club in the summer when he will be available on a free transfer.
Cavani has drawn interest from Atletico Madrid and Chelsea in recent weeks.
The 32-year-old preferred to join Atletico Madrid, but talks between him, PSG and the La Liga giants have broken down just hours before the transfer deadline.
PSG have also announced Cavani’s price tag.
Cavani has started just four games in Ligue 1 this season for PSG, having lost his place to Mauro Icardi who is on loan from Inter Milan.
Read Also: Transfer: Gareth Bale Set For Sensational EPL Return
The former Napoli star was also dropped from PSG’s squad that defeated Lille 2-0 on Sunday in the French Ligue 1 encounter.
Soccer fans are patiently waiting to see the outcome of the transfer deedline and fingers are crossed.
Transfer: Gareth Bale Set For Sensational EPL Return
Tottenham have held talks over a shock swoop for Gareth Bale but the club are pessimistic over their chances of clinching the Real Madrid star’s return.
Sportsmail says Spurs have explored the possibility of trying to lure their former player back to north London but the finances attached to the deal mean it is unlikely Bale will return to the Premier League before Friday’s deadline.
And the club’s protracted loan move for AC Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek has fallen through in the final 24 hours of the transfer window as Spurs missed out on the Poland international to former hero Jurgen Klinsmann, who is manager of Hertha Berlin.
Bale’s mammoth £600,000-per-week wages are the main obstacle between Spurs completing a successful swoop for the Wales international.
Tottenham know they cannot get anywhere near matching the forward’s current salary and talks have centred around structuring a deal with Real to satisfy all parties.
Read Also: Transfer: Huddersfield Joins Race For Super Eagles Striker
But the vast finances involved means it is increasingly unlikely Tottenham can pull off what will undoubtedly be the most sensational deal of the January transfer window. Manager Jose Mourinho is keen to sign a centre-forward before Friday’s deadline as he looks to replace Harry Kane, who is missing until April through injury.
Piatek was the club’s prime loan target but have seen their main target join Hertha Berlin from AC Milan, who were keen to sell the striker permanently rather than loan him out.
Hertha Berlin’s £27million offer has sealed the deal with the Pole heading to Germany after successful negotiations between the two clubs. Spurs are now looking at alternative options in the dying hours. Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is under consideration, but a deal may be difficult given the rivalry between both clubs.
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Transfer: Huddersfield Joins Race For Super Eagles Striker
Huddersfield Town is among three Championship clubs targeting a move for Nigerian international, Isaac Success.
The Watford striker had seen his first team opportunities limited after returning to full fitness and went the distance as the Hornets U23 squad thrashed Colchester United 4-1 in the Professional Development League on Monday.
Talks with Huddersfield had taken place and the leadership of the Terriers were hoping their loan offer for Success would be accepted before the close of the transfer window on Friday, January 31.
The 2013 U17 AFCON Golden Boot winner also has interest from Cardiff City, who was chasing a play-off spot.
Read Also: EPL: Title Race Not Over Yet, Liverpool’s Coach Insists
Allnigeriasoccer.com had chosen not to disclose the identity of the third English second-tier club working on a deal to sign the Super Eagles star, so as not to derail negotiations between the parties, but they had played in the Premier League for seven seasons before suffering relegation.
Belgian giant, R.S.C. Anderlecht was also willing to take Success on loan for the remainder of the 2019-2020 season.
with less than 48 hours to the end of the january window transfer, all hands are on deck to strengthen the attack department of Huddersfield.
EPL: Solskjaer Is On Right Path To Restore United To Former Glory – Guardiola
Pep Guardiola says he believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is on the right track with Manchester United, and will restore them to their former glory.
Solskjaer became the first manager to beat Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium twice on Wednesday night, following December’s Premier League win with a 1-0 victory in the Carabao Cup .
City progressed to the final regardless thanks to their 3-1 win in the first leg of the semi-final, but Guardiola had plenty of praise for Solskjaer and his side.
“I like the way they play a lot,” he told reporters.
“The quality of players up front is incredible. I said before when we lost at home, I have the feeling they are trying to do what the manager wants. I think it works.
Read Also: EPL: Solskjaer Reveals Man Utd Players To Leave In January
“Maybe they are not consistent. Maybe at home they struggle against the teams who defend deep.
“I think in time they will come back to what United was for many, many years.”
Guardiola saved special praise for United’s midfield pivot.
“[Nemanja] Matic and Fred are incredible players,” he added. “Matic was outstanding.”
The Serbian was at the centre of attention throughout the game.
His superbly taken goal against the run of play in the first half brought United back into the tie, but his sending-off for a second yellow card 15 minutes from time appeared to kill their challenge off.
City’s star man Kevin De Bruyne said he “can’t comprehend” how United won the game, claiming they didn’t have a chance at any point during the game.
Read Also: Transfer: Man United To Sign Ex-Super Eagles Striker
Guardiola was more conciliatory in his assessment of the game, though he also said United had scored from their only chance.
“They played really well in both games,” he admitted.
“We were fantastic, we concede the goal from the only time they shot.
“We were solid and we create enough chances to score a lot of goals.
“The same at Old Trafford, we created even more chances [tonight] but didn’t convert; we have to learn from that to be more clinical.
“Of course, we have to take the chances we have, the clear chances.”
United and City next meet at Old Trafford on March 8 in the Premier League.