‘Make club licensing a priority’

Nigeria Football Federation

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July 26, 2023

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Gusau inaugurates, advises NPFL Board

NPFL Super 6 gets new date

By Rasheed Adewuyi

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Wednesday inaugurated the new board of the NPFL – the elite division of Nigeria’s domestic football league – while advising the board to take seriously and without caring whose ox is gored, the issue of enforcement of Club Licensing requirements.

“Club Licensing is a fundamental football development trajectory that the new Board must take very seriously. Therefore, I charge the new board to set a target which must be met by all Clubs as prerequisite for participation in the League. I also want you to set a percentage compliance on Club Licensing requirements for each Club, so that every season, you can measure the extent of adherence by each Club.”

On the issue of change of name, the NFF President insisted that the option must be tabled before the Congress of the Nigeria Football Federation for approval, and the necessary processes undertaken for a change to take effect.

In attendance were the Chairman of the NPFL, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye; Mallam Mohammed Nasiru Sa’idu (Member); Barr. Poubeni Ogun (Member); Mr. Daniel Amokachi (Member); Dr. Okey Kpalukwu (Member); Mallam Suleiman Umar (Member) and; Mr. Dominic Iorfa (Member).

There were also the Secretary/Legal Adviser, Barr. Danlami Ibrahim and the Chief Operating Officer, Prince Davidson Owumi.

The new NPFL board has a two-year tenure, same as the boards of the Nigeria National League, the Nigeria Women Football League and the Nigeria Nation-Wide League One that were inaugurated the previous week.

Also in attendance were His Excellency, Comrade Philip Shaibu (Deputy Governor, Edo State); Dr. Emmauel Ikpeme (NFF Deputy General Secretary); Mr. Charity Kadiri (NFF Director of Finance & Admin); Coach Augustine Eguavoen (Technical Director); Mr. Yohanna Mathias (Deputy Director, Audit); Dr. Robinson Okosun (Deputy Director, Technical); Dr. Ayo Abdulrahaman (Deputy Director, Competitions); Mr. Danlami Alanana (Deputy Director, Competitions); Mr. Barnabas Joro (Deputy Director, Protocol) and; Mr. Nelson Ine (Representative of GTI).

Leicester want £20m for Wilfred Ndidi

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July 25, 2023

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The Foxes place big-money price tag on player who had been linked with Celtic and Fenerbahce

Leicester City will want a fee of near £20m if they are to sell Wilfred Ndidi in the summer transfer window, Chris Gallagher reports for Football League World UK.

Leicester want substantial fee for Wilfred Ndidi

The Nigerian international joined the Foxes in January 2017 from Genk for around £17m, and he has gone on to be an important player for the club in that time.

Ndidi was influential as Brendan Rodgers’ side won the FA Cup, whilst he was excellent as they finished in the European places over the years.

However, his form dipped in the past 18 months or so, and Ndidi made 27 appearances as the Midlands outfit were relegated to the Championship.

Naturally, that cast doubt over his future, and it had been claimed that a reunion with Rodgers at Celtic could be on the cards.

But, Daily Mail reporter Tom Collomosse has revealed that Celtic, or any other club, would have to pay ‘close to £20m’ to get Ndidi from Leicester.

Will Leicester get £20m for Wilfred Ndidi?

In truth, this seems very ambitious by Leicester. Crucially, Ndidi has entered the final year of his deal, so he could sign a pre-contract with clubs outside England in January.

That obviously has a big impact on his value, along with relegation, so Leicester would be doing very well if they could recoup the money they paid for the player.

That doesn’t mean the offers won’t arrive, and if interest emerges from Saudi Arabia, Leicester could potentially ask for even more. But, realistically, they’re going to struggle to get to near £20m for Ndidi at the moment.

Could Wilfred Ndidi stay at Leicester?

Following on from that, you have to say it’s a real possibility that he remains at the King Power Stadium, unless Leicester drop their demands.

That’s a real possibility, as if fresh terms can’t be agreed with Ndidi, the club surely won’t want to lose the player on a free in 12 months time.

If he did move on, it would be a blow for Enzo Maresca, as Ndidi could potentially be a key player for him. But, he has been used in a box-to-box role in recent friendlies, so you could argue that Leicester would be better off using any funds from his sale to bring in someone more suited to that position.

Leicester City summer transfer plans

It was always going to be a busy window for Leicester after relegation, and there needed to be a focus on bringing money in, which the departures of James Maddison and Harvey Barnes have done.

Maresca still has a big squad, and he will want to move players on to ensure he can bring in his own new signings, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Ndidi did go due to his contract situation.

So, this is one to monitor in the coming weeks, and it will be interesting to see what happens, and whether Ndidi pushes to secure a move away this summer.

Leicester’s first game is against Coventry City on August 6.

Everton eye potential Kelechi Iheanacho signing

Transfer News

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July 25, 2023

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Everton eye potential Kelechi Iheanacho signing

The Nigerian is up for a move to Goodison Park, if Big El Bilal Touré transfer falls through

Almeria striker Big El Bilal Touré is hot on the transfer trail

Everton continues to track Almeria striker El Bilal Touré and are in negotiations for his potential signing, but may choose alternative targets such as Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfried Gnonto, while Che Adams is equally on their radar.

Despite conflicting reports suggesting the Mali star may join Atalanta, Goodison Park remain optimistic of landing the Almeria forward and are continuing talks with the La Liga side.

Touré acquired prominence for his form last term, notching seven goals with two assists to his credit, in 25 outings for Almeria. Touré’s future at Almeria is uncertain as conflicting reports swirl around the Almeria forward.

In his update on Touré earlier this week, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated on his handle on Twitter X: “Atalanta are closing El Bilal Touré deal — to be signed on Tuesday… here we go soon. More details after late night bid. €28m fixed fee, €3m add ons. 15% sell-on clause to Almería. 15% sell-on clause to Almería. Medical this week. Medical this week.”

However, journalist Alan Myers claims otherwise, as he also said on Twitter X: “Everton remain in negotiations with Almeria for El Bilal Toure’ despite reports suggesting the player had already decided to join Atalanta The 21-year-old Mali striker is set to decide his future in the coming days with Everton having agreed a deal with Almeria, EFC still in it.”

On the other hand, the influential L’Equipe claims that Almeria have started talks with Lorient for striker Ibrahima Kone, who would act as a replacement for Touré as he gets set to depart the Power Horse Stadium.

Blackburn Rovers will provide competition in the hunt to sign Kone, who is likely to cost in the region of €7-8 million to purchase from the Ligue 1 outfit.

As per Capology, Toure’ makes €11,154 (£9,648) per week on a contract at Almeria that will run through June 2028. Meanwhile, the Almeria man has a release clause worth €40 million (£34.4 million).

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Daily Express reporter Taylor expects to see ‘movement’ on Toure’s future ‘in the coming days’ in the midst of interest from Everton and Atalanta.

Taylor stated: “Yeah I think we’re likely to see that ramp up this week. I think talks were advanced from what I understand and we could see movement in the coming days.

“He’s a player that’s been tracked for a while by Everton. The links with him started sort of months ago.”

Everton boss Sean Dyche will be looking to perform some smart deals in the transfer market following the additions of Ashley Young and Arnaut Danjuma to his squad, as per Transfermarkt.

FootballTransfers claim that if a deal for Toure goes off the rails, Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho is a potential alternative that could be targeted at Goodison Park.

Leeds United attacker Wilfried Gnonto is another player being tracked by Everton and it is believed that they are frontrunners to acquire the Italy international, as per Football Insider.

Southampton striker Che Adams has also garnered attention from Everton alongside Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and overseas clubs, according to The Daily Mail.

Chukwueze joins AC Milan

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July 25, 2023

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Nigeria winger will sign Wednesday say Rossoneri

Roma, meanwhile are reportedly eyeing 24-year-old West Ham and Italy striker Gianluca Scamacca, with Atletico Madrid and Spain forward Alvaro Morata a possible second choice, Giallorossi sources said. (ANSA).

Falcons bank on current form to beat Matildas

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July 25, 2023

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Falcons bank on current form to beat Matildas

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Nigeria and Australia set for epic battle at the Lang Park in Brisbane/Meanjin on Thursday night

Suncorp Stadium (Lang Park) - Brisbane - The Stadium Guide Lang Park Stadium, Brisbane

By Rasheed Adewuyi

Nigeria and Australia will set alight the Lang Park in Brisbane/Meanjin on Thursday night in what is one of the most-anticipated clashes of the group stage at this ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals.

With the maximum three points from their opening match against Republic of Ireland in Sydney on 20 July, the Matildas know they have a fight on their hands against nine-time African champions, Super Falcons, who refused to bow to Olympic champions Canada in Melbourne the following day.

The Super Falcons know only a win will be good enough to stand them in good stead for a place in the Round of 16, as only the two top-placed teams in each of the eight groups will make progress in a tournament that has welcomed 32 teams for the first time ever.

“Of course, it is the World Cup. You have to accept the fact that you are going to play the best teams in the world and you have to be alive to that responsibility and face it with your full chest,” team captain Onome Ebi told thenff.com after the tournament draw that was conducted in Auckland, New Zealand in October 2022.

On Tuesday, Ebi reiterated the position of the Super Falcons: “We will go in there and play to win. There are no two ways about it. Only three points will be good enough for us.”

Ebi says their five-match unbeaten streak is one of the calipers that will keep the girls going strong on a turf much more familiar to their opponents and in front of dozens of thousands of a partisan crowd at the Lang Park.

Before the draw with Canada, the Super Falcons had pipped Costa Rica 1-0, edged Haiti 2-1, trounced New Zealand 3-0 and slayed Lions Women’s Football Club 8-1 before the World Cup.

Nigeria is one of only seven countries (the others being USA, Brazil, Germany, Sweden, Japan and Norway) to have featured in every single edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals since the competition was launched in 1991. Australia missed the inaugural edition in China, but have been at every other final tournament since then.

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has returned to training after being excused for one day following the MVP-winning performance against Canada in Melbourne, and consistency is expected in the selection of the rearguard, with Michelle Alozie and Ashley Plumptre on the wings, and veteran Osinachi Ohale and youthful Oluwatosin Demehin at central.

The co-hosts will have to do without their talismanic captain Sam Kerr, who has been the face on most advertisements pertaining to the tournament here.

Antithetically, Nigeria has gained with the return of the fabulous Rasheedat Ajibade – whose goal against Cameroon in the Women Africa Cup of Nations’ quarter-finals secured Nigeria’s passage to these finals – and midfield battering ram Halimatu Ayinde from suspension.

Asisat Oshoala, who suffered a knock against the Canadians, could be excused, with Nigeria sufficiently blessed in Desire Oparanozie, Jennifer Echegini, Gift Monday and Uchenna Kanu.

Gusau charges Falcons to beat Matildas

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July 25, 2023

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FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: NFF boss spurs Nigeria to ‘keep Africa’s hope alive’

2023 WWC: Super Falcons Not Afraid Of Australia - Ebi - Complete Sports

By Rasheed Adewuyi

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has charged the Super Falcons to “keep Africa’s hope alive” when they take on co-hosts Australia in their second match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals on Thursday.

With the first round of matches over on Tuesday, Nigeria is the only African flag-bearer yet to taste defeat.

“As nine-time champions of Africa, and one of only seven countries to have played in every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Nigeria is the real giant and hope of the African continent in Australia. While we expect Morocco, Zambia and South Africa to turn things around in their next matches, my message is that the Super Falcons must focus hard on the ball against the Australians in order to keep Africa’s song going,” Gusau said.

“We had an impressive game against Canada, but I want the girls to put that feat out of their minds and focus on the three points against Australia. It can be done.”

Zambia lost 0-5 to Japan while South Africa were edged 1-2 by Sweden, and Morocco fell 0-6 to Germany in the first round of matches.

“I am charging the girls to go all out. This is a match in which we need to score goals,” the NFF boss insisted.

Awoture Eleyae: A great loss-Collins

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July 25, 2023

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AFN 2nd vice president laments the passing away of a legendary sports administrator

By Rasheed Adewuyi

AthIetics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) 2nd vice president Rosa Collins-Okah has described the death of Dr. Awoture Eleyae (OON), as a great loss of a legendary sports administrator.

Dr. Eleyae’s death was announced Friday morning in Benin City, Edo State.

The former Africa and national triple jump Champion (13:80) said the vacuum created by Eleyae’s demise will not be easy to fill.
According to Collins-Okah, “Dr. Eleyae’s advise alone and his transparent way of administration of sports was legendary, we would miss his fatherly role.”

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) AthIetics board Chairperson said, Late Pa Eleyae cared for little details and never meddle in fraudulent issues which is rampant with today’s sports administrators.

“Chief Eleyae did so much for sports in Nigeria, Africa and the world as He laid a sustainable foundation for sports in Nigeria and by extension in the continent as well. He was an inspiration to many men and women including administrators in sports and became a father to so many of us. I will surely miss him,” Collin-Okah said.

Eleyae was a native of Uzere, Isoko-South Council of Delta State. He headed the SCSA from 1992 to 2004.
He was a member of many international professional bodies. While serving as a National Chief Track and Field Athletics coach, the late Eleyae captained the Nigerian Basketball team to the first All Africa Games in 1965.

He designed the Nigerian Institute for Sports (NIS), and became the first Principal of the Institute from 1975 to 1984. He rose to the substantive post of Deputy Director of Sports, National Sports Commission, and acted as Director General of National Sports Commission of Nigeria from February 1981 to May, 1982.

Born on April 10, 1927, the late Dr. Eleyae attended the then Native Administration School (N.A.) Uzere from 1940 to 1947.
The late Dr. Eleyae attended the University of Illinois at urbana-champaign Campus (August 1970, to May, 1974), and obtained a Master of Science degree in Physical, Health Education and Recreation in 1971.

In this capacity, he attended all the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games and all the All Africa Games until 1976.

Late Dr. Eleyae competed in many sports at all levels, from local and school levels to international level, representing Nigeria. He was Nigeria’s record holder in 880 yards race from 1956 to 1960. He was also a member of the 4×440 yards relay team that set a national record in 1950.

After retirement, he served as Chairman, Bendel State Sports Council; Chairman, National Sports Awards Committee and Chairman Sports Information Centre, among others. was announced Friday morning in Benin City, Edo State.

Hon. Gara who was former Gombe United Football Club Chairman said the vacuum created by Eleyae’s demise will take millions of years to fill.

“Eleyae did so much for sports in Nigeria, Africa and the world as He laid a sustainable foundation for sports in Nigeria and by extension in the continent as well. He was an inspiration to many sports men and women including administrators in sports and became a father to so many of us. I will surely miss him.”

Eleyae was a native of Uzere, Isoko-South Council of Delta State. He headed the SCSA from 1992 to 2004.

Born on April 10, 1927, the late Dr Eleyae attended the then Native Administration School (N.A.) Uzere from 1940 to 1947.

The late Dr. Eleyae attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Campus (August 1970, to May, 1974), and obtained a Master of Science degree in Physical, Health Education and Recreation in 1971.

In this capacity, he attended all the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games and all the All Africa Games until 1976.

Late Dr. Eleyae competed in many sports at all levels, from local and school levels to international level, representing Nigeria. He was Nigeria’s record holder in 880 yards race from 1956 to 1960. He was also a member of the 4×440 yards relay team that set a national record in 1950.

After retirement, he served as Chairman, Bendel State Sports Council; Chairman, National Sports Awards Committee and Chairman Sports Information Centre, among others.

‘Eleyae; huge loss to Global sports’

Editor

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July 24, 2023

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Gara Gombe laments loss of an Icon, to setup AthIetics Competitions in his memory

By Rasheed Adewuyi

Chairman, Gombe State AthIetics Association (GAA) Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe has described the death of Dr. Awoture Eleyae (OON), as huge loss to sports globally and promises to setup AthIetics Competitions in his memory.

Dr. Eleyae’s death was announced Friday morning in Benin City, Edo State. Hon. Gara Gombe who was former Gombe United Football Club Chairman said the vacuum created by Eleyae’s demise will take millions of years to fill.

To this end, and for being so dutiful to sports development all his life, Gara Gombe disclosed that he would personally set up an Athletics Competition in Chief Eleyae’s memory.

“Chief Eleyae did so much for sports in Nigeria, Africa and the world as he laid a sustainable foundation for sports in Nigeria and by extension in the continent as well. He was an inspiration to many men and women including administrators in sports and became a father to so many of us. I will surely miss him,” Hon. Gara Gombe said.

Eleyae was a native of Uzere, Isoko-South Council of Delta State. He headed the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA) from 1992 to 2004.

He was a member of many international professional bodies. While serving as a National Chief Track and Field Athletics coach, the late Eleyae captained the Nigerian Basketball team to the first All Africa Games in 1965.

He designed the Nigerian Institute for Sports (NIS), and became the first Principal of the Institute from 1975 to 1984. He rose to the substantive post of Deputy Director of Sports, National Sports Commission, and acted as Director General of National Sports Commission of Nigeria from February 1981 to May, 1982.

Born on April 10, 1927, the late Dr. Eleyae attended the then Native Administration School (N.A.) Uzere from 1940 to 1947.

The late Dr. Eleyae attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Campus (August 1970, to May, 1974), and obtained a Master of Science degree in Physical, Health Education and Recreation in 1971.

In this capacity, he attended all the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, and all the All Africa Games until 1976.

Late Dr. Eleyae competed in many sports at all levels, from local and school levels to international level, representing Nigeria. He was Nigeria’s record holder in 880 yards race from 1956 to 1960. He was also a member of the 4×440 yards relay team that set a national record in 1950.

After retirement, he served as Chairman, Bendel State Sports Council; Chairman, National Sports Awards Committee, and Chairman Sports Information Centre, among others.

Oparanozie closer to full fitness

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July 24, 2023

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As Aussie ‘Captain Fantastico’ Kerr, still uncertain

Super Falcons forward Desire Oparanozie could return against Australia

By Rasheed Adewuyi

Nigeria’s power forward Desire Oparanozie could play some part in Thursday’s cracker with the co-hosts at the Lang Park, as she appears to have substantially recovered from the injury she copped on the last day of the final training camp in Gold Coast, days to the FIFA World Cup.

She trained on her own, kicking the ball on the side of the pitch as the other 21 players were drilled by Waldrum and his assistants. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who saved a penalty taken by nonpareil Christine Sinclair and won the MVP award on the day, was allowed off perhaps to relax her nerves.

The China-based star could play some part in Thursday’s game, with the need to get goals and the knock to Asisat Oshoala.

The technical crew also have the versatile Jennifer Echegini on the roster, as well as Uchenna Kanu.

Meanwhile, Australia captain Sam Kerr is still doubtful for the clash as she continues to nurse the injury that ruled her out of the first game against the Irish.

‘Matildas will cage Super Falcons’

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July 24, 2023

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FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Matildas’ defender Charlie Grant brags, as Nigeria and Australia clash assumes huge importance

Charlotte Grant (in number 22 shirt) ready to lead Matildas defensive line against Super Falcons on Thursday

By Rasheed Adewuyi

Thursday’s encounter between the Super Falcons of Nigeria and the Matildas of Australia has assumed high importance for both teams following the declaration of Matildas’ defender Charlie Grant that the Aussies have a good idea of how to cage the Super Falcons.

Grant said on Monday that the Republic of Ireland sat deep in the two teams’ clash at Stadium Australia on the opening day of the tournament, but that she would expect the Super Falcons to play more adventurously at the Lang Park on Thursday evening.

Nigeria captain Onome Ebi said the nine-time African champions have no reason to reveal their strategy for the game, but they would certainly surprise the Matildas.

“It is interesting that they have an idea of how to play us. We also have our own idea of how to play them. It is a very crucial game for us and we will throw everything we have into it.”

Australia, with three points, top Group B after the first round of matches, with Nigeria and Canada joint second with one point each.

“It is very important to us to collect the three points on Thursday. That will put us in a great position before we play the Irish.”

For the Matildas, victory will take them to six points and all but guarantee a place in the Round of 16, ahead of their much-anticipated clash with Olympic champions Canada.

With the championship hosting 32 teams, it means only two top-placed teams in each will make progress to the knock-out rounds, where more cash is available for the players. Ebi said the Falcons also want to earn more money in the tournament, with the sum of $60,000 to go to each player whose team attains the Round of 16, and $90,000 for any team that gets to the quarter finals. Players of teams that exit the group stage will only earn $30,000 each.

“Much more than money, it is a matter of pride. Of course, we will like the money. However, Nigeria comes first. We were in the quarter-finals in 1999 and that is a long time ago; we want to work to go far in this tournament. Last time, in France, we got to the Round of 16. We are looking beyond the group stage here,” said the veteran who is attending her sixth World Cup finals and could play her 15^th match of the finals on Thursday.

Ever-present Nigeria is the only African team to have earned a point here after their first round of matches, with other flagbearers Zambia, South Africa and Morocco having been denied of any point by their respective opponents.

The Falcons returned to training on Sunday evening after having Saturday off, following Friday’s draw with Canada in Melbourne, and also trained on Monday evening at the match time (8pm).

With midfield powerhouses Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde back from suspension, Coach Randy Waldrum is most likely to juggle the starting line-up, with Ayinde possibly the clear replacement for the impressive Deborah Abiodun who got a red card against the Canadians.

The lithe and lethal Ajibade is ambipedal, and could be deployed on either wing, meaning either Francisca Ordega or Ifeoma Onumonu could start from the bench.

Ajibade told thenff.com: “Personally, I’m fine. Really pumped up for the game. It’s going to be a difficult game because we’re playing the host team in front of their own fans, and at their own stadium with so much crowd. A lot of factors.

“However, I think we’ve got this. I trust the team. We have the capacity; we have the talent and we have the energy. We just have to bring our ‘A’ game to the party and we can do it.”

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Pulses PRO

‘Make club licensing a priority’

Gusau inaugurates, advises NPFL Board

Leicester want £20m for Wilfred Ndidi

The Foxes place big-money price tag on player who had been linked with Celtic and Fenerbahce

Leicester want substantial fee for Wilfred Ndidi

Will Leicester get £20m for Wilfred Ndidi?

Could Wilfred Ndidi stay at Leicester?

Leicester City summer transfer plans

Everton eye potential Kelechi Iheanacho signing

The Nigerian is up for a move to Goodison Park, if Big El Bilal Touré transfer falls through

Chukwueze joins AC Milan

Nigeria winger will sign Wednesday say Rossoneri

Falcons bank on current form to beat Matildas

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Nigeria and Australia set for epic battle at the Lang Park in Brisbane/Meanjin on Thursday night

Gusau charges Falcons to beat Matildas

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: NFF boss spurs Nigeria to ‘keep Africa’s hope alive’

Awoture Eleyae: A great loss-Collins

AFN 2nd vice president laments the passing away of a legendary sports administrator

‘Eleyae; huge loss to Global sports’

Gara Gombe laments loss of an Icon, to setup AthIetics Competitions in his memory

Oparanozie closer to full fitness

As Aussie ‘Captain Fantastico’ Kerr, still uncertain

‘Matildas will cage Super Falcons’

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Matildas’ defender Charlie Grant brags, as Nigeria and Australia clash assumes huge importance

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