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Super Eagles stars in UCL action

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Osimhen others prepare for World Cup Qualification playoff with Champions League games

 

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. Photo by: Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images. Source: Getty Images

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen leads compatriots in UEFA Champions League action in preparation of next month’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers (WCQ) playoffs in Morocco.

 

Super Eagles face Gabon’s Panthers on November 13 in a semifinals Africa WCQ playoff. The winner of the clash then square up against the winner of the other semifinal clash between Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions and DR Congo’s Les Léopards three days later in the final.

 

With no other international friendlies in line before the playoffs, players of all countries involved must make do with league and continental matches to stay in form.

 

For the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League season, Nigerian players are representing several clubs across Europe.
A plethora of Super Eagles are part of the initial squads, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Raphael Onyedika. Nigerians vying in the ongoing 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League included:

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray): A high-profile striker who joined the Turkish club in the summer of 2025.

 

Osimhen’s Galatasaray hosts Bodo Glimt Wednesday October 22 in a UCL fixture before taking on Ajax in Amsterdam on November 5 .

 

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta): The reigning African Player of the Year, he was included in Atalanta’s Champions League squad despite a difficult start to the 2025/2026 season.

 

Lookman’s Atalanta takes on Slavia Prague at home on October 22 before visiting Marseilles November 6 in scheduled UCL matchups.

 

Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge): The midfielder has been a consistent presence for the Belgian club. He’s currently on recovery following a recent injury.

 

Bayern Munich hosts Club Brugge at the Allianz Arena Thursday, October 23. The Belgians then takes on Barcelona in another UCL date on November 6.

 

Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos): A defender for the Greek giants. Spanish giants Barcelona hosts Olympiacos at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic Tuesday. The Greek team then hosts PSV Eindhoven on November 4 in another UCL schedule.

 

Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague): A center-back who was initially injured for the start of the campaign but was included in the squad. After Slavia Prague’s visit to Atlanta on Wednesday, the Slavs then take on Arsenal at home on November 4.

 

David Moses (Slavia Prague): A midfielder for the Czech side.

 

Vince Osuji (Club Brugge): Another Nigerian defender in the Belgian club’s squad same as Onyedika. See Club Brugge’s UCL fixtures above.

 

George Ilenikhena (AS Monaco): The young forward scored a winning goal for the French club early in the competition. Tottenham comes calling on Wednesday in Monaco’s principality in the French giants next UCL date. Another UCL tie then awaits Ilenikhena’s Monaco at the Norwegian side’s Aspmyra Stadium fortress on November 4.

 

Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen): The forward is part of the squad for the German champions. On Tuesday, Nathan’s Leverkusen hosts French giants PSG at the Bay Arena before visiting Benfica’s Estádio da Luz on November 4 in another UCL fixture.

 

 

Raw Results for October 20, 2025

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Jey Uso wins Battle Royal, will face CM Punk for vacant World Title

 

 

After Seth Rollins was injured and forced to vacate the World Heavyweight Title, Jey Uso reigned supreme in a No. 1 Contender’s Battle Royal to earn the right to face CM Punk for the championship. Plus, AJ Styles and Dragon Lee captured the World Tag Team Title from Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh and more.

 

Raw Results : Full Details

 

Seth Rollins was forced to vacate the World Heavyweight Title while Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed and Paul Heyman justified their attack on Rollins.

 

 

AJ Styles & Dragon Lee def. Finn Bálor & JD McDonagh to capture the World Tag Team Title

 

 

In an explosive title showdown, Dragon Lee took out JD McDonagh at ringside. Moments later, Finn Bálor attempted a Styles Clash on AJ Styles, but The Phenomenal One denied his attempt and hit the classic maneuver to pick up the pin and the World Tag Team Title.

 

Dominik Mysterio def. Rusev in an Intercontinental Championship Match

 

 

After Penta disrupted the action, Dominik Mysterio attempted to once again use the ring hammer in his belt to hit Rusev with a loaded 619. Although Rusev caught his opponent mid-attack and exposed the hammer, “Dirty” Dom took advantage when the official turned his back to get rid of the weapon and delivered a low blow to The Bulgarian Brute. The titleholder then hit the 619/flog splash combination to retain the Intercontinental Championship.

After the match, Penta delivered a springboard tornado DDT to Rusev.

 

Maxxine Dupri def. Becky Lynch by Disqualification in a Women’s Intercontinental Title Match

 

 

Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch suddenly lost her composure and hit Maxxine Dupri with the Women’s Intercontinental Title to hand her opponent a disqualification victory.

Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer def. Roxanne Perez 

 

 

Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer leaped off the top rope to take out Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez at ringside. She then pinned Perez with Angel’s Wings. After the match, WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella returned to help the titleholder halt a 2-on-1 attack by The Judgment Day.

 

Jey Uso won a World Heavyweight Title No. 1 Contender’s Battle Royal

 

 

In the final moments, Jey Uso made contact with Jimmy Uso and LA Knight as they went over the top rope to their defeat. He then threw out Dominik Mysterio to emerge victorious and earn the right to take on CM Punk for the vacant World Heavyweight Title at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

 

 

Muhammad claims to have slapped Usman

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Says Kamaru Usman is avoiding him after getting slapped on a podcast

 

 

By Sayan Nag

 

Belal Muhammad believes Kamaru Usman isn’t brave enough to avenge getting slapped.

 

While Muhammad and Usman have never been the best of friends, things allegedly came to a head earlier this year during a podcast.

 

Muhammad and Usman’s common manager, Ali Abdelaziz, set a meeting between the two at a podcast where Henry Cejudo was also present.

 

While the episode is yet to be released, Muhammad and Usman allegedly got into a physical altercation.

 

Usman was apparently offended by Muhammad’s comments when “Remember the Name” taunted him about his knockout loss to Leon Edwards. Cejudo reportedly had to intervene along with crew members to prevent further damage.

 

Muhammad recently claimed that he slapped Usman during the incident. The former champ believes Usman is ducking him after feeling the force of the slap. Since Usman allegedly doesn’t want to avenge the slap, Muhammad has now moved on from that matchup.

 

Muhammad Rips Usman: ‘He’s a Coward’

 

“[Kamaru Usman] was the fight that made the most sense,” Muhammad said on the “No Scripts” podcast.

 

“We had our podcast where I slapped him. And you’d want to get your get back. The fact that he didn’t, he knows that the slap hurt him. And he knows that it’s just a bad matchup for him.

 

“So for my mentality, as a man, for somebody to slap you and you to say no, and for you to not post it or talk about it, it just shows what type of person you are. He’s a coward. So I moved on.”

 

Usman lost his title to Edwards in 2023 and failed to regain it in their immediate rematch. “The Nigerian Nightmare” then dropped a decision in a one-off middleweight clash against Khamzat Chimaev. Usman returned to action after nearly two years this past June and rebounded with a decision win over Joaquin Buckley.

 

Meanwhile, Muhammad defeated Edwards last year to win the title and lost it in his first defense against Jack Della Maddalena earlier this year. Muhammad is now scheduled to co-headline UFC Qatar against Ian Garry on Nov. 22 at the ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar.

 

 

Raw Preview for October 20, 2025

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The Vision are DONE?! | Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed betray Seth Rollins: Raw highlights, Oct. 13, 2025

 

Raw General Manager Adam Pearce is set to give an update on World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins after what transpired on the Oct. 13 episode of Monday Night Raw.

 

The Visionary was on top of the world after defeating Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to win the Crown Jewel Championship, but it all came crashing down in unforgettable fashion.

 

Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed destroyed The Visionary, leaving him down while Breakker held up the World Heavyweight Title.

 

What is next for Breakker and Reed as well as “The Oracle” Paul Heyman? Find out live on Monday Night Raw at 8e/5p on Netflix.

 

Maxxine Dupri challenges Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Title

 

WWE Photo

The Women’s Intercontinental Championship will be on the line when The Man defends her title against Maxxine Dupri.

 

Becky Lynch toyed with Dupri the last time the two faced off in a non-title bout, and she made the crucial mistake of underestimating her opponent.

 

Dupri won via count-out, which catapulted her to No. 1 Contender to the Women’s Intercontinental Title.

 

Can Dupri pull off the upset, or will Lynch once again prove that she is the Superstar to beat? Find out live on Monday Night Raw at 8e/5p on Netflix.

 

WWE Photo

Dominik Mysterio defends the Intercontinental Title against Rusev

Dominik Mysterio is set to defend the Intercontinental Championship against one of the most dangerous Superstars in WWE, Rusev.

 

The Bulgarian Brute came up short the last time he faced “Dirty” Dom, who cheated to retain his title.

 

 

Raw General Manager Adam Pearce confirmed that Rusev will get his rematch tonight on Raw.

 

Who will walk out as Intercontinental Champion? Find out live on Monday Night Raw at 8e/5p on Netflix.

 

WWE Photo

AJ Styles and Dragon Lee challenge The Judgment Day for the World Tag Team Title

“Dirty” Dominik Mysterio ran his mouth, and it may have cost his Judgment Day teammates.

“Dirty” Dom questioned Raw General Manager Adam Pearce as to why he was defending his title against Rusev, prompting Pearce to make a World Tag Title Match.

The beneficiaries of the encounter are AJ Styles and Dragon Lee, as the duo now has a title bout.

Can Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh overcome this challenge, or will Styles and Lee become champions? Find out live on Monday Night Raw at 8e/5p on Netflix.

 

Stephanie Vaquer battles Roxanne Perez

WWE Photo

 

Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer will be in action when she takes on Roxanne Perez of The Judgment Day.

 

Vaquer and Perez have a ton of history dating back to their days in NXT, and their animosity has been amplified with La Primera holding the Women’s World Championship.

 

The title won’t be on the line, but that won’t stop Vaquer and Perez from pulling out all the stops.

 

 

Proteas get off on wrong foot in second Test

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Pakistan hold upper hand on first day with 259/5 at stumps

 

Simon Harmer was the only SA bowler to achieve success in the morning session. Picture: BACKPAGEPIX/CHRISTIAAN KOTZE

 

Even though they were the superior team in the second half of the first day, Monday was still a deeply frustrating start to the second Test for the Proteas.

 

Pakistan were 259/5 at stumps and hold the upper hand even though they weren’t as progressive as they were in Lahore, when Shan Masood also won the toss and chose to bat.

 

The Pakistan captain led from the front with a well-constructed 87 and was a beneficiary of what was an awful day in the field from the Proteas.

 

Most of SA’s irritation was self-inflicted. They dropped four catches, wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne missed a stumping, edges flew between and through the slip region and in the one bizarre instance that wasn’t their fault, Marco Jansen, hit the off-stump, but the bail remained in its groove giving Abdullah Shafique his second “life” at that time.

 

Before then the Pakistani opener was dropped at third slip by Tristan Stubbs in the first over – a horrible miss by a player who must count himself lucky to be part of the starting XI in Rawalpindi.

 

Shafique lived a charmed life for the majority of the three hours he spent batting; he was also dropped by Keshav Maharaj off his own bowling, Aiden Markram also grassed a catch at slip off Maharaj when Shafique had 41 and Verreynne missed a stumping chance when the batter had 53 – once more Maharaj was the bowler.

 

The left-arm spinner was, as forecast, slotted straight back into the starting team in place of Prenalen Subrayen, while SA added Jansen’s additional pace by surprisingly omitting Wiaan Mulder, who two Tests ago made a triple hundred, and retaining Stubbs who in his past five Tests averages nine with the bat.

 

Stubbs’ dreadful miss in the first over off Rabada’s bowling illustrated a player whose confidence is at a low ebb and batting will again be hard on a pitch that is assisting spin, though has more pace and bounce than last week’s surface in Lahore.

 

Pakistan’s only change to the team that won last week was to add another spinner in Asif Afridi who at 38 is the second oldest player to make his Test debut for Pakistan, with Hasan Ali dropped.

 

Masood’s assertiveness gave Pakistan the upper hand in the first session, with the left-hander using his feet well against the spinners to launch a couple of sixes, while his play off the backfoot was equally authoritative.

 

Between the chances missed and bowlers again struggling to find rhythm, SA grew gradually annoyed, knowing that, already disadvantaged by not having the toss go their way, they allowed the opposition to gain the ascendancy too easily.

 

Simon Harmer was the only bowler to achieve success in the morning producing a peach to dismiss Imam ul-Haq in his first over.

 

Given that his confidence would have been high after taking 11 wickets in the first Test, it was strange that Senuran Muthusamy only bowled four overs on the first day, the same number as Markram.

 

Instead it was Maharaj who did the bulk of the bowling, finishing with 2/63 in 31 overs. After Harmer snared Shafique, caught down the leg-side by Verreynne for 57, Maharaj then had Babar Azam, who had struck four boundaries, magnificently caught by Tony de Zorzi at silly point.

 

It was another for the De Zorzi collection of stunning close-in catches, this one a diving effort to his right, where he hung onto the ball with one hand.

 

After being dropped on 71 by Muthusamy, Masood was caught at square leg after miscuing a sweep and the late dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan, with the second new ball, would have lifted the mood in the SA camp.

 

However, their ill-discipline proved costly on Monday making their route to a win extremely difficult.

 

 

Pakistan up ahead 95-1 at lunch

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Holding strong in second South Africa test in Rawalpindi

 

Pakistan were well placed on 95-1 at lunch on the opening day of the second and final Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi on Monday.

 

Opener Abdullah Shafique lived dangerously in reaching 37 and with him Shan Masood was on 38 after Pakistan won the toss on another spin-friendly pitch at Rawalpindi stadium.

 

The skipper Masood batted aggressively, hitting three sixes and a four, while Shafique scored four fours as the duo made 60 for the unbeaten second wicket.

 

South Africa’s only breakthrough came by off-spinner Simon Harmer, who bowled Imam-ul-Haq for 17 with a sharp turner that beat the bat and hit off-stump.

 

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada initially swung the new ball but saw Tristan Stubbs drop Shafique in the slips off the fourth ball of the match for nought.

 

Having won the first Test in Lahore by 93 runs, Pakistan strengthened their attack by including a third spinner in Asif Afridi, dropping fast bowler Hasan Ali.

 

At 38 years and 299 days, Asif becomes the second oldest Pakistani Test debutant, behind Miran Bakhsh, who made his debut at 47 years and 284 days against India in 1955.

 

South Africa included experienced spinner Keshav Maharaj, who missed the first Test with injury, and added Marco Jansen to partner Rabada in the pace attack.

Report: Liverpool 1 United 2

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Mbeumo leads Manchester United route of Liverpool at Anfield

 

Maguire got the winner Image credit: Getty Images
By Matthew Holt

 

Manchester United ended our Anfield hoodoo with a brilliant 2-1 win against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.

 

Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire ensured a hard-fought victory for Ruben Amorim’s side, who were asked to dig deep for large parts of the contest.

 

Cody Gakpo did level the game with 78 minutes on the clock, but it was to be the Reds’ Day, earning a first win at Anfield since 2016.

 

That result was met with wholesale admiration from our traveling fans, as United jumped to ninth in the early-season table.

 

FIRST HALF

It took Ruben Amorim’s side just over a minute to open the scoring on Merseyside, with Virgil van Dijk colliding with his own man to leave the home side one short.

 

The subsequent attack saw fluidity personified, as Fernandes picked up the scraps before playing in Amad. The Ivorian’s neat assist left Mbeumo with the simplest of tasks, as he thrashed home past Giorgi Mamardashvili.

 

After that Arne Slot’s men upped the ante as Van Dijk headed wide, before Gakpo saw his penalty claims waved away as the encounter began at a staggering pace.

 

Gakpo picked himself up as we reached the 20-minute mark to go again, latching onto a sublime pass from Mohamed Salah, before crashing his effort off the post.

 

Anfield burst into a touching tribute for the late Diogo Jota soon after, as football continues to mourn the tragic loss of the 28-year-old Liverpool forward.

 

On the pitch, you couldn’t take your eyes off the action, with Bruno smashing a rasping shot off the post, after some brilliant work from Amad on the right flank.

 

Chances quickly followed for Mason Mount and Mbeumo, before the woodwork came to United’s rescue again as Gakpo again struck the frame of the goal with his cross.

 

The final action of the first half saw Alexander Isak force an important stop from Senne Lammens, as Merseyside rested momentarily.

 

SECOND HALF

It was the hosts who flew out of the blocks as the second half began, with Gakpo crashing a third effort against the woodwork with a right-footed strike.

Salah shot into the ground as Liverpool continued to come forward, with Slot opting for wholesale change soon after.

On came Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Curtis Jones, with fresh impetus soon proving to be the correct call from the Dutchman.

Ekitike was involved pretty much straight away as a breakaway chance saw him drive forward on the left. His curling drive sailed wide of Lammens’s goal.

Sub Benjamin Sesko made his presence felt following his introduction shortly after, forcing Ibrahima Konate into a wonderful tackle as United’s lead remained.

For all his efforts, Gakpo got what he asked for after 78 minutes, steering home Federico Chiesa’s low cross into the box to make it 1-1.

 

But as we all know by now, cometh the hour, cometh the man, and there was still to be late drama on Merseyside.

Fernandes’s brilliant ball into the box looped and looped in the air for what felt like an eternity, before Maguire came up clutch to steer home the Reds’ second.

The towering England international was left with a free header to guide into the Liverpool net, with just six to go on the clock.

Liverpool missed a glorious chance to instantly bite back with Gakpo squandering an equally as inviting header from close range, which most of Anfield could not believe he had spurned.

Matthijs de Ligt also went close to adding a third with his own effort late on, but it was Ruben’s Reds that hung on for a famous victory.

MATCH DETAILS

 

Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Kerkez, Van Dijk (c), Konate, Bradley (Wirtz 62); Mac Allister (Ekitike 62), Gravenberch (Jones 62); Gakpo, Szoboslzai, Salah (Frimpong 85); Isak (Chiesa 72).

Subs not used: Woodman, Gomez, Robertson, Ngumoha.

Goal: Gakpo 78.

 

United: Lammens; De Ligt, Maguire, Shaw (Yoro 85); Amad (Dorgu 59), Casemiro (Ugarte, 58), Fernandes (c) (Mainoo 85), Dalot; Mbeumo, Mount (Sesko 61); Cunha.

Subs not used: Bayindir, Heaven, Mazraoui, Zirkzee.


Goals: 
Mbeumo 2, Maguire 84.

Booked: Amad, Casemiro.

New Formula 1 deal for COTA

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United States Grand Prix’s future is secured!

 

George Russell and Max Verstappen shaking hands after the Sprint – Photo: Race Pictures
It’s now official: COTA will continue to host the United States Grand Prix, Kada Sarkozi writes for GP Blog.
The track first appeared on the Formula 1 calendar in 2012, hosting a Grand Prix every year except in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other major series, such as MotoGP, WEC, and NASCAR, also visit the circuit at some point during the year.
The circuit’s previous deal ran until 2026, but it has now been extended to 2034.
The USA will continue to host three F1 weekends in the future. Earlier this season, it was announced that the Miami Grand Prix would remain on the calendar until 2041.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix’s place is currently secured until 2027. The track was already on the 2026 calendar when it was announced, despite the ‘Sin City’ not having a deal announced at that point.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, celebrated the partnership for playing a significant role in the sport’s increased growth in the United States.
He said: “Since 2012 the United States Grand Prix has continued to grow in strength and popularity.
“Each year, the event at the Circuit of the Americas stands out as a true highlight for fans, drivers, and teams alike, drawing hundreds of thousands of passionate supporters who come to witness the thrilling on-track action and soak up the vibrant energy of the circuit and the city.
“As Formula 1 continues to grow and thrive in the United States, we are proud to extend our partnership with Bobby Epstein and his outstanding team in Austin, as well as with Governor Abbott, whose leadership has been instrumental in supporting the sport’s development in Texas and beyond.
“Both have shown unwavering commitment to F1, and their shared vision and investment have played a vital role in establishing the strong foundation we now enjoy in the U.S.
George Russell at the helm of Mercedes’ W16 at COTA. Photo: RacePictures
Bobby Epstein, Chairman of Circuit of The Americas, highlighted the fact that F1 could call Texas ‘home’, as the Circuit looked to surpass a legendary American track’s record in F1, in what would suppose a significant milestone for COTA.
“We’re glad Formula 1 has found a home in Texas, and are grateful to the fans, teams, and the entire F1 community who have consistently supported us and made The United States Grand Prix a favorite stop on the global calendar.
“Equally, we’re proud of – and appreciate – the people of Central Texas who have been such welcoming hosts! With this contract, COTA will overtake Watkins Glen as the longest serving Formula 1 track in the United States.
“Thanks to the great support and a wonderful host city, the United States Grand Prix has grown to be one of the world’s biggest single weekend sporting events – with an unrivaled annual economic impact.”

The US Grand Prix delivers the spectacle once again

It was a crazy Saturday, to say the least, in Austin, Texas.
Max Verstappen managed to cut the gap to Oscar Piastri by eight points in the drivers’ standings after winning the Sprint. The two McLarens scored 0 points after making contact on the opening lap.
Later, Verstappen claimed pole position again for today in qualifying.
The 2025 United States Grand Prix begins at 20:00 BST (14:00 local time).

Osayi Samuel returns for Gabon clash

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Birmingham star benched in 3-2 thrilling loss to Hull City

 

Bright Osayi-Samuel of Birmingham City(Image: Phil Bryan/Shutterstock)
By Ed Emeanua
Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles continues to enjoy a turnaround of fate as Nigeria’s defensive injury haze steadily clears up.
The Nigeria boss will now have Birmingham City’s defensive stalwart Bright Osayi-Samuel available for selection for the November 13, CAF, FIFA 2026 World Cup semifinal playoff against Gabon.
The Nigeria international stretched Super Eagles defensive injury problem when he joined the growing list of fullbacks for October’s crucial World Cup qualifiers early that month.
He joined Nottingham Forest’s right  wing back Ola Aina and  Werder Bremen’s right wide defender Felix Agu in an already dire defensive injury crisis for the Super Eagles.
The former Fenerbahce defender having sustained a foot injury against Wrexham, was forced to miss several weeks of action for Club and Country.
Osayi-Samuel has now returned from injury sideline Saturday in his side’s 2-3 thrilling loss to Hull City following weeks on injury-induced sideline.
The Birmingham City right wing back and compatriot, Hull City’s center back Semi Ajayi,  were both unused substitutes in the encounter.
His return from a foot injury sustained in early October is considered a boost for Nigeria manager Chelle’s World Cup qualification dream.
He missed several matches, including the World Cup qualifiers for the Super Eagles, but his manager Chris Davies had also stated that the injury is not serious and he was recovering well.
Osayi-Samuel sustained a foot injury after blocking a cross during a match against Sheffield Wednesday in early October. The injury is not considered long-term, and he is expected to be back in action shortly. 
He missed a period of games for both his club, Birmingham City, and the Nigerian national team.
Club Brugge’s defensive midfielder Raphael Onyedika and Lazio play maker Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who also both missed October’s WCQ for Nigeria, are expected to return to action in late October.
Lazio’s Dele-Bashiru has reportedly commenced full training with Mauricio Sarri’s side.

Wolves must bond and stay together

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Pereira: ‘A moment to believe in the team’

 

 

By Wolves FC

 

Vitor Pereira says now is the time to help and support his players, as he looks to turn Wolves’ fortunes around after a disappointing afternoon at the Stadium of Light.

 

The Old Gold’s winless run in the Premier League continued after a 2-0 loss at Sunderland, and taking chances once again proved the problem, which frustrated the head coach, particularly after a dominant second half performance.

 

Wolves carved out a number of good opportunities to draw level when 1-0 down, but failed to take any, and Pereira knows only hard work and support for his players can turn fortunes around in front of goal.

 

On the performance and result

 

“For my point of view, a poor first half from both teams. To talk about the first half, I need to talk about throw ins, free-kicks, and the time that we wasted. I didn’t see any game. The game was very poor in my opinion. Second half, 30 minutes, we changed completely the way to played, we played in the way that we work every day, doing the movements, creating chances, playing with possession, keeping the ball, not allowing them to play in our defensive midfield, because they could create problems with the throw ins and free-kicks, this is part of the game.

 

“30 minutes with quality, three or four chance to score the goal, but we missed the chances. This is our problem, because in the Premier League we cannot miss these kinds of chances. The last 15 minutes we stopped playing, we started to play long balls for the strikers. It means that the game was again a poor game, in my opinion, and they scored the second goal.”

 

On not taking chances

 

“I see a team mentally connected with good spirits, with character, trying their best to change the situation. In football sometimes we have a moment – one shot, one goal, two shots, two goals. We had two chance to score the second goal against Brighton, and we didn’t, and after we concede the goal.

 

“Today was very important for us, but we need to improve the way that we are attacking the box, the way that we are crossing, the way that we are assisting in the box, and when we assist well, we need to score.”

 

 

On being frustrated for the players

 

“I feel that they are frustrated because they know the work that we do every day and we lost a chance to get points again, but this is a moment that I need to help them, the moment that I’m worried about them, about my team, and about the club, about the supporters, because I want to help the club to win games.

 

“I understand the supporters are worried, they are angry. I understand, but I must look at the effort of the team, the players. They are our players, they are our team, and this is a moment to help them. This is a moment to support, this is a moment to have faith and believe in the team, to believe in the players and to support them.”

On Strand Larsen playing through injury

“The problem of your Jorgen is he’s not working every day, in the last weeks he worked one or two times in the week, and it is difficult to get at his best level, because he cannot have two, three training sessions in a row, because he needs to control the pain on the tendon.

“But, this is a moment to forget the pain and he’s trying to help. He’s not in Jorgen I saw last season, pressing everybody, now he is struggling in the pressing, struggling to do he wants to do, to attack the space, but he’s trying. I need to defend him because he’s working not at the 100 per cent.”