My Target is to Score 25 Goals this Season - Sunshine Stars Striker Afolabi Eyes New NPFL Record

Sunshine Stars striker Okiki Afolabi says his target is to score 25 goals to set a new record at the end of the season. Afolabi, who netted five goals in April, is current leading scorer at Sunshine Stars with 10 goals at end of the first round.

Speaking in an interview with npfl.ng at their Akure camp, Afolabi described his performance and team’s exploits in the first stanza of the league as “very fulfilling,” saying their best would come when the second round kicks off on 5 June.

“I’m glad about the goals I scored so far but I’m not done yet because my target is to score 25 goals this season. And, with the effort of my teammates and technical crew, I believe we can get something tangible at the end of the season,” Afolabi told npfl.ng.

Hodgson Names England's Euro 2016 squad - Marcus Rashford IN while Leicester Title-winner Drinkwater Left Out

Roy Hodgson has included Manchester United's wonderkid Marcus Rashford in his final 23-man England squad for Euro 2016. The forward scored on his Three Lions debut in the 2 – 1 international friendly against Jamaica on Friday and his inclusion cements a meteoric six month rise from youth player to senior international.

Rashford only made his first senior appearance for United as a last minute replacement for the injured Anthony Martial in February’s Europa League tie against FC Midtjylland, but has not looked back since, going on to net seven goals in 16 games.

Arsenal's Target, Alvaro Morata Confirms Premier League Offers Amid His Transfer Rumour

Former Real Madrid's youngster and Juventus striker, Alvaro Morata who is currently on international duty with Spain preparing for the upcoming European Championship finals, has confirmed that he has received tempting offers from Premier League giants and believes his style will suit the Premier League.

The Spain international is keen on resolving his future before the start of Euro 2016 and despite being keen to move back to former club Real Madrid, he is aware that he may not get regular football with the 11-time Champions League winners. The Los Blancos inserted a buyback clause in his contract when they sold him to the Serie A side in 2013 and according to Spanish daily Marca, they are planning to exercise it before selling him to the highest bidder to make a profit in the summer.

Chelsea on the Verge of Signing Paul Pogba as Discussion is Ongoing over £76m Transfer Deal

Antonio Conte is desperate to sign Paul Pogba this summer and Chelsea are in talks with the Juventus midfielder’s camp over a British transfer record £76million move to Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old was brought to Turin by new Chelsea manager from Manchester United in 2012 and he’s won four consecutive Scudettos with the Old Lady.

The Frenchman has attracted interest from the majority of European superpowers and, according to Get French Football, Chelsea are in constant contact with the midfielder’s representatives over a move to bring him to west London this summer.

Former United Chief Executive, Peter Kenyon Confirmed That Manchester United Have Made Their Biggest Signing Ever

Manchester United have made their ‘biggest ever signing’ in appointing Jose Mourinho as their manager, according to former United and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon. Kenyon, who first brought Mourinho into English football with Chelsea in 2004, believes United have made the right decision in hiring Mourinho and backed him to have an immediate impact at Old Trafford.

Mourinho was officially announced as United manager on Friday and takes over from Louis van Gaal, who paid for his failure to deliver Champions League football this season.

OFFICIAL: Manchester United Confirmed Jose Mourinho as Manager

Former Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho has been officially confirmed as the new manager of Manchester United. United broke the news of the appointment on Friday morning. In an official statement, the club announced that the Portuguese has signed a three-year contract with an option to stay at the club until at least 2020.

Mourinho replaces his former mentor Van Gaal, who was sacked on Monday despite last weekend’s FA Cup final victory against Crystal Palace. 

Announcing the appointment, Ed Woodward said:
“José is quite simply the best manager in the game today. He has won trophies and inspired players in countries across Europe and, of course, he knows the Premier League very well, having won three titles here.

I Have Missed Working with Mourinho - Zlatan Ibrahimovic Confirms United Imminent Move

PSG striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks to have stylishly announced his interest in joining Jose Mourinho at Manchester United. The Special One’s imminent arrival at Old Trafford has been one of football’s worst-kept secrets for months, with an official announcement expected this week.

Mourinho’s arrival has led to inevitable transfer speculation, with Ibrahimovic thought to be one of his priority targets. Now the man himself has strongly hinted he’s set to join after struggling to contain his laughter in a press conference.

I Don't Know My Chelsea Future Yet, I May Begin Looking for Other Clubs - Chelsea Striker Laments

Alexandre Pato is yet to be contacted by Antonio Conte over his Chelsea future, according to his agent. The Brazilian striker joined on loan this year but only made two appearances for the Blues.

Pato scored on his debut against Aston Villa but struggled for game time under Guus Hiddink. And his agent Gilmar Veloz has revealed that he’s yet to hear from any senior figure at the club whether Pato has a future at Stamford Bridge.

‘Chelsea has not given the player, me, or anyone any information regarding Pato’s future,’

Arsenal Announce the Signing of Borussia Monchengladbach Midfielder, Granit Xhaka

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Granit Xhaka in what has proven to be a rare piece of early business from Arsene Wenger. The Swiss international, who arrived from Borussia Monchengladbach, has become the club’s third most expensive transfer of all time and is expected to be a first-team regular for the Gunners.

Wenger now has a wealth of midfield options at his disposal and it could prove to be a real struggle to find his best system. Xhaka could form quite the midfield partnership with January addition Mohamed Elneny to protect the back four.

EPL Champions Leicester City Table £23million bid for Nigerian Striker Ahmed Musa

Leicester City has reportedly tender a £23million bid for Nigerian Striker Ahmed Musa as a preparation towards defending their title next season. CSKA Moscow manager Leonid Slutsky has confirmed Leicester's interest in the versatile attacker who can play from both flanks of the field and as striker. Ahmed Musa, who has also attracted interest from United is a fast and direct attacker who has represented Nigeria in all international levels.

 

He was very influential in just concluded season as CSKA Moscow secured Russian Football Premier League. According to CSKA Moscow manager Leonid Slutsky;

“[Leicester] offered a bit less than €30m (£23m)," Slutsky told Russian broadcaster Match TV.

Mourinho to Lure Chelsea's Midlfied Giant to Manchester United

Incoming Man United head coach Jose Mourinho is reportedly ready to bring his former midfield giant while in Chelsea, Nemanja Matic to Old Trafford in summer.

The 27-year-old Serbian enforcer is believed to be one of the Portuguese’s top targets in midfield as he prepares to take the job at Old Trafford.

Although the midfielder suffered a dip in form for Chelsea this term, he initially shone under the Portuguese manager when re-signed by the Blues from Benfica back in 2014.

He will be 100% Fit - Zidane and Ronaldo Plays Down Injury Scare Ahead of Champions League Final

Sequel to a widespread report yesterday that the Portuguese star suffered a knock in his thigh during the Tuesday training session, Cristiano Ronaldo has played down the injury report, given Real Madrid fans reasons to feel relax ahead of their Champions League final against Athletico Madrid on Saturday. The incident occured as Los Blancos continue their preparation for the Champions League final. The former Red Devil star, however, ruled out any major issue, telling supports he will be back to 100% within a few days.

Ronaldo later admitted he suffered a small "issue" during the session but played down a injury concerns ahead of the final, expressing his hopes to be back in training either on Wednesday or Thursday to continue the preparation for the crucial game with Atletico Madrid.

The Special One is Set to Sign 3-years Deal as United Agree Personal Terms with Mourinho

Former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho who enjoyed immense success with Chelsea, winning three Premier League titles during his two stints at Stamford Bridge as well as every other domestic honour has agreed three years contract and personal terms with Manchester United. According to Sky Sports News, the Special One is expected to be unveiled as Louis van Gaal's successor later this week, after the Dutchman was sacked despite FA Cup success this season.

Mourinho will bring success to Man Utd - Says Chelsea Goalkeeper

Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic lauded praises on his former manager who is highly expected to be the next United manager. Begovic believes Jose Mourinho will restore his reputation at Manchester United. Mourinho is close to agreeing personal terms with United and could finalise a deal in the next 48 hours.

"He is probably one of the best managers in the world and I don't see anything other than success happening at United," Begovic told the London Evening Standard.

Real Madrid Suffer Major Injury Blow in Training as They Prepare for Their Champions League Final against Athletico

Serious injury concern for Zidane as his talisman Cristiano Ronaldo limped out of training ground today. Real Madrid are sweating over the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo before Saturday’s Champions League final against Atletico Madrid after the forward limped out of training today.

The 31-year-old has been in sensational form again for Los Blancos this term, hitting 51 goals in 49 appearances.

LMC Demands Players Attestation From Clubs Before any Player Can Move as NPFL Midseason Transfer Window Opens

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs have a two weeks window starting from 8am on Monday, May 23 to 5pm on June 3 to register new players and sign up players on permanent or temporary transfer.

The League Management Company (LMC) in a circular to all clubs announced the opening of the midseason transfer window but also reminded the clubs that for any registration to be approved, attestation letter from the serving players and coaches of the clubs must be presented confirming that their obligations to the players and coaches have been fully met.

Giwa FC Appeals Expulsion, LMC Expunge Its Results From the NPFL Log

Just last week, Giwa FC were expelled from Nigeria Professional Football Leaguefor the failure to honour three matches cumulatively in a season, but Giwa FC have now lodged an appeal through the secretary of the club, Samson Adamu. Giwa FC expulsion is in line with violation Rule B13.28 of the NPFL Rules and Framework.

But in a letter dated May 21st, 2016 in response to the LMC Summary Jurisdiction Notice, the Secretary of Giwa FC, Samson Adamu wrote to acknowledge the decision but also notified the LMC of its decision to reject the ruling and appeal same.

FIFA Sack Deputy Secretary General Markus Kattner

Deputy to the secretary general of football world governing body FIFA, Markus Kattner has been fired after the organisation uncovered ‘breaches of his fiduciary responsibilities’. Kattner has been removed from his position with immediate effect.

A statement released on Fifa’s website on Monday evening read: ‘Fifa’s deputy secretary general Markus Kattner has been dismissed from his position effective immediately.

Manchester United Agreed Personal Terms with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Deal to be Announced in Few Days

Manchester United are set to announce their first signing of the summer after they agreed personal terms with the Swiss Giant. The 34-year-old played his last game for Paris Saint-Germain last weekend and is available on a free transfer.

The volatile Swede has had run-ins with numerous former managers in the past but he’s gone on record to express his admiration for Mourinho who he played under at Inter Milan.

Having sacked LVG on Monday, Mourinho is set to take charge at Old Trafford in few days and the Portuguese already has a number of transfer targets.

Chelsea Set to Complete the Signing of Manchester United's Target Joao Mario

According to the latest transfer news from the Daily Star, Man United have been stunned in their pursuit for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Mario, as another Premier League giants Chelsea have joined the race.

It has been reported exclusively by the Starsport last week that the Red Devils are closing in on a £45 million deal for the highly-demanded Portuguese ace. Manchester United officials have held a series of talks with Mario and his representatives and are confident of striking a deal.

Barcelona Secure World Record Kit Deal with Nike to Beat Manchester United Record Deal of $109 million Per Year

Barcelona have announced a monumental renewal to their current kit supply deal with US sportswear manufacturer Nike according a report from sportspromedia. The Calalunya Team have now surpassed Manchester United's record deal with Adidas which stands at US$109 per year.

The expanded agreement, which will run for the next ten years, is reported to be worth an annual US$112 million. It is a major expansion on the current partnership, which is worth around $37 million per year. That deal was set to expire in 2018, but the two brands will now work together until 2026.

Barcelona's partnership with Nike will surpass the deal Adidas currently hold with Manchester United, which is worth US$109 million per year, and will become the most lucrative kit supply deal in the world.

Arsenal Sign 7-year Old Wonder Kid, Theo Pires

Arsenal have completed the signing of 7-year old wonder kid Theo Pires, the son of former Arsenal start Robert Pires. The Gunners' legend who spent six years at Arsenal and won two Premier League titles took to Instagram to confirm that Theo, 7, will have the chance to follow in his father’s footsteps at the Emirates.

His dad had a remarkable six years at Arsenal, and Theo has now put pen to paper to join the club’s academy.

Liverpool Legend, Steven Gerrard to Take up Liverpool Coaching Role

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is set for a return to Anfield after being offered a coaching role at the club, reports say. The former England international and his wife Alex are homesick and set to quit the US. And Gerrard has been offered a coaching role by Jurgen Klopp and could return as soon as August, according to the Mirror.

A source said: ‘He’s been offered a job and could be back as soon as August or September.

Manchester United Finally Sack Van Gaal Despite FA Cup Glory

Manchester United have sacked manager Louis van Gaal, and several members of his staff have also left the club, according to reports from BBC. It is widely expected that former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will take over from the Dutchman.

Van Gaal leaves the club despite winning the FA Cup, with criticism rife of his failure to get the team in to the Champions League.

Granit Xhaka Arrives in London for Medical and to Complete Arsenal Move

Granit Xhaka is reportedly in London today to complete his medical with Arsenal and to agree personal terms with the Gunners. Though negotiations had stalled earlier this week when Arsenal appeared unwilling to reach Borussia Monchengladbach’s valuation of the midfielder but there’s been a breakthrough overnight.

The Switzerland international wanted his future resolved before Euro 2016 and, according to the Independent, he is in London today to complete the final touches of his deal with the Gunners.

Gary Cahill to Miss England Match vs Turkey

Gary Cahill missed the training session with the rest of the England squad ahead of their friendly against Turkey on Sunday (22 May) at the City of Manchester Stadium as they begin preparations for Euro 2016 in earnest. The defender missed it after he picked up a knock while playing for Chelsea in their final Premier League game against Leicester City at Stamford Bridge.

"Of the 18 players available for the trip to the Manchester City Stadium, all but one took part in the session. Gary Cahill sat out after picking up a knock playing for Chelsea at the weekend," a statement on the FA website read

Granit Xhaka to Join Arsenal Before the European Championships

Granit Xhaka who espects his future to be concluded before Euro 2016 has confirmed that he is keen on a transfer to Arsenal. The Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder who is he is likely to represent Switzerland having made Vladimir Petkovic’s provisional 28-man squad widely tipped to secure a move to the Emirates in the summer.

And the 23-year-old has added fuel to the fire by claiming Arsenal are ‘absolutely’ a team he would consider playing for.

Speaking to Swiss television station SRF, Xhaka initially suggested he’s the ‘wrong person to ask’ about Arsenal’s interest before confirming he’d be interested in a transfer.

Chelsea Starlet Charly Musonda Sends Cryptic Instagram Messages Over Uncertain Future

Chelsea starlet Charly Musonda has sent a cryptic message over his future through his Instagram account after Real Betis confirmed interest in extending his spell in La Liga for one more campaign. The Belgium offensive midfielder wrote a cryptic farewell with a picture of himself in the Betis shirt admitting that "you never know what might happen" but adding a "see you soon" to the Spanish fans. Later he confirmed he is "back home" in UK as his loan spell with the Spanish team is over for now.

Musonda moved on loan to the Andalucian side during the January window after having failed to break through to the Chelsea first-team since his move to the West London academy in the summer of 2012. Even though some questioned whether he was ready for the top flight the U-21 Belgium international made an instant impact in La Liga, scoring one goal in his second game for Betis while playing a crucial role to help his side to avoid relegation with a total of 15 appearances, 13 of them coming as a starter.

Nations Learn Their Fate in AFC U-19 Women’s Championship Qualifying

A host of nations discovered the teams standing between themselves and a ticket to the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2017 finals when the competition’s official qualifying draw was held in Malaysia on Thursday. The qualifiers will be held from October 29 to November 6, 2016.

Teams: Australia, Thailand (expressed an interest to host), Uzbekistan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Vietnam (expressed an interest to host), Jordan, Myanmar, Chinese Taipei, Palestine, India, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Singapore, Kyrgyzstan, Northern Mariana Islands, Pakistan, Philippines and Tajikistan (expressed an interest to host).

Medeama See Out Mamelodi Sundowns to Keep Ghana's Hope in the Continental Club Competition

Medeama defeated visiting Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa 2-0 to overturn their first leg deficit when both met at the Essipong Stadium on Wednesday, to progress to the group stage on the away goal rule.

The ‘Yellow and Mauves’ who need to win by a two-goal margin went ahead in the 35th minutes through Malik Akowah from the spot.

The opener light up the expectant stadium that was impressively filled to capacity with Ghana's sole representative in the continental club competition gaining clear confidence by the minute.

The home side mounted pressure in search of another goal and had to wait for half an hour to consolidate their lead.

Liverpool Striker Insists He's Not Leaving Anfield in the Summer

Liverpool’s out-of-favour striker Christian Benteke has revealed his desire of staying at Anfield and he believes Jurgen Klopp can improve him as a player.

The Belgian international has endured a difficult debut season since moving from Aston Villa to Anfield for a massive £32.5m transfer fee last summer. Benteke has struggled for form and fitness, with only 19 of his 42 appearances this term coming as a starter.

But his dramatic late equaliser against Chelsea this week took him into double figures with only Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino having scored more for Liverpool this season.

Several clubs are monitoring Benteke’s situation at Anfield, with West Ham United said to be preparing a £25 million bid for the 25-year-old during the forthcoming transfer window.

LBA Shortlists Eight for April NPFL Awards

The League Bloggers Awards (LBA), on Sunday, named its nominees to vie for the Player and Manager awards for the month of April in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The top-flight performance of the managers and players for their various clubs produced a neck and neck race for the month under review which led to carefully going through the figures to reach the eight shortlists.

Four coaches are in the running for the April Manager award. Rangers gaffer, Imama Amapakabo, makes the nominees for the second month on the spin and will have to compete for the award with Kennedy Boboye of Abia Warriors, Solomon Ogbeide of Sunshine Stars and Ard Sluis of
Warri Wolves.

Arsenal Keeper, Petr Cech wins Premier League Golden Glove for 2015/2016 Season

Petr Cech has won the Premier League Golden Glove in his first season as Arsenal goalkeeper. The former Chelsea stopper has kept an incredible 16 clean sheets in 34 appearances to claim the prize.

His clean sheet in Arsenal’s 4-0 drubbing of relegated Aston Villa moved his total one ahead of Manchester United glovesman David De Gea.

With United’s final fixture being ended in 3-1, it’s now confirmed that Peter Cech is the outright winner of the golden glove award for the just concluded 2015/2016 season.

Chelsea Finally Extend John Terry's Contract with a New Role

Chelsea captain John Terry has signed a new one-year contract with the club, ending months of speculation. The decision has been taken following the appointment of Antonio Conte as the club’s new manager last month, and consultation between Terry, Conte, the owner and the board. . Though the long-serving Blues defender was offered a new deal last week but revealed the club had outlined a ‘slightly different role’, but after considering his options he has decided to stay at Stamford Bridge.

The specifics of his proposed new role with the club have not been made clear, though both chairman Bruce Buck and director Marina Granovskaia also spoke of their joy at finalising an agreement.

New Chelsea Manager Want to Lure Ghana International and Juventus Star to Stamford Bridge

According to the English media outlets, Chelsea are considering a summer move to sign Juventus versatile midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah at the end of the season.

Highly-rated Ghana international has scored 5 goals in 105 appearances for the Serie A champions since making his debut for the Serie A outfit in 2012 but is now being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

All Hope Lost for Manchester Unitedas Bayern Munich Announce Renato Sanches Deal

Bayern Munich announced the signing of Manchester Unite's long time target and Benfica star Renato Sanches. This is a very big blow to United considering the fact that they are long time admirer of the  young exciting star. 

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Benfica star Renato Sancehs are over after Bayern Munich confirmed the signing of the exciting teenager.

Chelsea Fans Planning Stadium Walkouts to Protest Club’s Refusal to Hand John Terry a New Contract

Chelsea fans are planning to walkouts at their side’s last two remaining matches of the season to protest the club’s refusal to hand John Terry a new contract.

Some part of Chelsea fans are planning a mass protest in responds to Chelsea's board's refusal to extend their captain's contract by leaving in the 26th minute at both Anfield and Stamford Bridge during the Blues’ upcoming matches with Liverpool and Leicester City.

The fans posted a video which instructs those taking part in the campaign to return at half-time for both fixtures – it remains to be seen how many are actually persuaded to join in.