Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles confront fresh injury headaches as Osayi Samuel and Cyriel Dessers join the injured list.
Both players are in the list of players invited for October’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.
Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi and Crystal Palace attacker Christantus Uche are late call ups in their place.
Zaidu last featured for the Super Eagles at the last Africa Nations Cup in Cote d’Ivoire having been on extensive injury sideline for a year.
Uche was in last month’s Super Eagles WCQ qualifying side but was not in the initial list for this month’s two encounters.
Nigeria’s injured players list could grow with Werder Bremen defender Felix Agu now listed as doubtful for this month’s fixture.
The wing back suffered a knock in a club game and will now be assessed when he joins other invited players in the team’s camp in South Africa.
Nigeria’s current injured players include Ola Aina who was sidelined while on international duty last month against South Africa.
Players will begin arriving the team’s base in South Africa today ahead of Friday’s game against Likuena in Polokwane.
Super Eagles will take on Benin four days later in Uyo to wrap up the qualifiers. Nigeria lie third, with three points adrift of first and second placed Benin and South Africa respectively in Group C of the qualifiers.
Dele Fisayo who was also in the squad for the South Africa game was equally not invited for this month’s series due to club related injury.
Nigeria must win its two WCQ games this month to stand a chance of qualifying for next year’s World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada.
First-half strikes from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko delivered a crucial victory for Amorim that relieved pressure on the United manager ahead of the international break.
Amorim insisted his squad supports him and doesn’t want another managerial change, but demanded they demonstrate this commitment through consistent performances – with a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool next up for the Red Devils.
“I witnessed it today and I understand they want to give their utmost and I understand they don’t want to change the coach all the time,” said Amorim.
“But, like I said during this week, to be with the manager is ‘I will kill myself to go in every transition’.
“We need to show it with actions and sometimes, when we look at our team, I know for sure that when we see the games in the end they know that sometimes we can do better. So I feel that during the week, but we need to show that on the pitch, not just at home but also away.
“There is no momentum with our team. We know what happens when we win one game, the frustration is not to see the same team at home and away.
“We didn’t play well in the second-half but we focused, we fought hard for the second balls and these small things are going to help us win games.”
Amorim gave United debutant goalkeeper Senne Lammens his first appearance and commended the composed manner in which the deadline day acquisition managed the occasion.
“Senne performed exceptionally well,” said Amorim. “The important thing is that his teammates helped him a lot to have a very good performance.”
Arsenal midfielder shares that he ‘does not take moments for granted’
Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring his penalty. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Image credit: Vavel
Bukayo Sakasealed the deal for Arsenal in a 2-0 triumph against West Ham on a day that would mean much more than the three points, Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere reports for Vavel. He has settled back into his role of seniority, but the attacker was clear that he “does not take these moments for granted” after the adversity of the last 9 months.
‘There’s a lot to celebrate’
Saka completed his second century of Premier Leagueappearances in this victory against the Irons, getting his 100th goal involvement in the competition with a successful effort from the penalty spot.
“There’s a lot to celebrate – a beautiful win, another goal and 200 appearances as well. Happy days.”
He has suffered a disjointed start to the season. A hamstring injury forced him off the field against Leeds Unitedin August and he returned in the second half of a 1-1 draw against Man City a fortnight ago. That setback came after the hamstring tear that ruled him out of action for four months this year.
“I don’t take these moments for granted, especially the last few months when I’ve had to miss games and watch from the stands as I’ve been injured.”
His appearance at Newcastle Unitedlast weekend marked his Premier Leaguestart since the trip to Old Trafford on opening matchday, and now he is looking forward to consistent minutes on the field.
“I’m very proud, I’m going to enjoy it tonight and come back after the break ready to go again. I just want to give my best, give my best for my teammates and try and push this club to win.”
The 24-year-old is also keen to pull on the shirt for the Three Lionsagain after a lengthy absence.
“I’m feeling good that I’ve got the 90 minutes out of the way now. Towards the end, I’m a bit tired if I’m honest, but that’s normal. I’m happy to get the 90 minutes in my legs and get a win and go away to England: I’ve had to miss a lot of games for the national team too. So, I’m happy to be back there.”
Club action must wait until the trip to Fulham in a fortnight, and for now, the Gunners are sitting pretty at the top of the table, having already encountered Newcastle and three ‘Big Six’ clashes.
“We’ve had some really tough fixtures, some tough away fixtures. But I think we can be happy with what we have now going into the break, and we’re in a strong position to come back and push on to the end of the season.”
Liverpool equalised in the second half when Cody Gakpo capitalized on Alexander Isak’s control inside the box from Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross.
Chelsea’s winning goal came in the 95th minute from summer signing Estevao, condemning the Premier League champions to their third straight defeat, marking the worst run of Arne Slot’s tenure on Merseyside.
Liverpool lost to a 90th minute winner(Getty Images)/Daily Star
Giorgi Mamardashvili, 7 – Made two impressive saves in quick succession to deny Gittens and Estevao in the second half and was helpless against Caicedo’s opening goal. Developing a rapport with his back four.
Conor Bradley, 5 – Substituted at half time after receiving a yellow card. Not his finest performance, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Ibrahima Konate, 6 – Made a crucial clearance from Neto’s low ball across the face of goal. Showed improvement from recent games but was substituted as Slot wanted more midfielders on the pitch.
Virgil Van Dijk, 6 – Managed to keep Joao Pedro at bay but couldn’t prevent either goal. Made a crucial header clearance from a corner.
Milos Kerkez, 4 – Chose to pass when he could have taken a shot and messed up the pass to Salah. A challenging day for the Hungarian international who was replaced by Robertson.
Ryan Gravenberch, 5 – Struggled to control the ball in the intense midfield battle. Was forced to retreat further back as a result. Moved to centre-back when Jones came on.
Mohamed Salah had another poor display(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)/Daily Star
Alexis Mac Allister, 4 – His lack of pre-season training has significantly reduced his early-season impact. At times, he was overlooked in midfield and could use the break to regain his sharpness.
Mohamed Salah, 4 – Delivered an excellent cross for Isak towards the end of the first half but should have done better with Wirtz’s pass and wasted several opportunities. He seems out of form at the moment, which is becoming a concern.
Dominik Szoboszlai, 6 – Led the pressing from the front but didn’t get involved as much as he would have liked in the first half. Performed well once again at right-back.
Cody Gakpo, 6 – Was on the fringes in the first half as his link-up play with Kerkez faltered. Struck back to equalise in the second half.
Alexander Isak, 6 – Missed a header late in the first half but set up Gakpo’s equaliser well. Got more playing time and led the line before being substituted.
Florian Wirtz, 6 – His beautiful flick to Salah just after coming on deserved an assist. Neat and tidy, but we’re still waiting for his standout moment.
Estevao scored a last-minute winner(Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)/Daily Star
Curtis Jones, 7 – The team’s performance significantly improved after his arrival, and his ability to control the ball helped push the side up the field.
Andy Robertson, 6 – Robertson made a crucial block that prevented Neto from scoring a header for 2-0 and cleared a dangerous low ball into the box. He still has a significant role in this squad, but Estevao was too quick for him during the late winner.
Hugo Ekitike, 6 – Ekitike performed adequately as a forward but didn’t receive much service. His clever dummy set up Jones for a promising opportunity towards the end.
Wataru Endo, 5 – Endo was often too slow when in possession and failed to provide enough protection for the defence.
Nigeria striker cracked completely in crazy epic Super Lig Istanbul derby
Victor Osimhen Image credit: Footmercato
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen clashed with compatriot Wilfred Ndidi to a 1-1 stalemate Friday, in their epic Istanbul derby.
Victor Osimhen cracked completely this Saturday in the Super League Allan Brevi reports for Footmercato. It got hot from the Istanbul derby between Galatasaray and Besiktas at Rams Park.
Besiktas faced a reigning champion Galatasaray, still at the top of the league. The match was electric, with tugging at jersey collars and physical confrontations going on throughout the clash.
On the ground, as in the galleries, the atmosphere was unbelievable, offering a real shock in Turkish football.
In the 40th minute, he was given a simple yellow card despite several very muscular head-to-heads. Davinson Sanchez had already been excluded in the 34th minute, adding even more tension to this absolutely crazy match.
Galatasaray, currently at the top of the table with a six-point lead over its nearest rival, was trying to make it eight out of eight by winning the season’s first derby.
Beşiktaş, with one league match remaining, had accumulated 12 points from six matches with four wins and two losses.The Black and Whites entered the week in fifth place.
Former Hammers’ captain Declan Rice opened the scoring as he fired into an empty net from inside the box before Bukayo Saka sealed the victory with a penalty on his 200th appearance for the club.
The Gunners now head into an international break and will hope to continue their fine form that has seen them keep within touching distance of last season’s champions, Liverpool.
Raya was largely untroubled by West Ham as the Hammers struggled to really threaten Arsenal. Again, it is another clean sheet for the Spaniard, who is on course to win a third successive Golden Glove.
One of the standout players on a blustery afternoon in North London. The Gunners’ right back made six tackles and won eight duels against a West Ham left-hand side that has been one of their few bright sparks this season.
The Italian would have been aware that Myles Lewis-Skelly put in a great performance in the week, but responded with a solid display of his own. He will probably feel he should have scored after hitting the post with a ranged effort on the stroke of half-time.
Martin Ødegaard – 6
Ødegaard became the first player in Premier League history to be substituted in the first half of three consecutive home games. His injury record has become a real concern, especially as he was influential in his spell on the pitch.
Arteta’s gamble to start with two attacking midfielders was not really put to the test due to Odegaard’s injury, but Eze was solid nonetheless. Should have scored early on as he put the ball over from around six yards out.
Saka has been a consistent performer through the good and the bad at Arsenal and capped off his 200th appearance with a goal in front of the Emirates crowd. He also caused West Ham a number of problems with his pace and trickery.
The Swedish striker has gone on a barren run at the moment and probably should have done better on occasions. Could have had his goal from the penalty, but it was only fitting for Saka to score.
Changed the game when he replaced Odegaard. A lovely threaded pass into Eze allowed the Gunners to open the scoring as Rice pounced on the rebound. It is easy to see why the Spaniard was courted by Liverpool and Real Madrid.
NFF main culprit should Super Eagles fail to qualify
The blame game should Nigeria miss out of next year’s FIFA World Cup qualification is on.
The main culprit on everyone’s lips for the impending doomsday event is not even the players who have equally failed to deliver during the qualifiers, but the nation’s football authorities.
Should a subject ever befits the brutal phrase ‘bungling bureaucrats,’ look no further-Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), surely cuts a sorry sight for sore eyes in consideration for suck a lowly nomenclature.
Tasked with ensuring Super Eagles World Cup qualification, the compadres fret the body’s inexcusable ineptitude could cost them direly.
Super Eagles now face the likely ignominy of back-to-back failure to make the major world footballing rendezvous due to the Federation’s mismanagement.
Super Eagles start preparations for a make-or-mar final World Cup Qualification push
Super Eagles
Edwin Emeanua
Super Eagles boss Éric Chelle, has unfurled his 23-man football paraphernalia for October’s 2026 CAF, FIFA World Cup qualifying (WCQ) games against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
Nigeria now begins preparations for a final push for qualification for next year’s 3 nation World Cup event in USA, Mexico and Canada.
Chelle’s side who occupy third place in Group C just three points short of leaders Benin Republic and South Africa in second position, travels to Lesotho in 5th place.
They meet at the Peter Mokaba Stadium fortress of Likuena (Crocodiles) in Polokwane, South Africa, Friday, 10th October in a Matchday 9 fixture.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles then head back to Uyo to challenge Benin Republic in a tricky final Matchday setup four days later.
Invited Super Eagles are expected to fly directly from various bases to a Polokwane camp on Monday, October 6.
The 23 Super Eagles Invited For Lesotho And Benin WCQ Games
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium).
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey).
Victor Osimhen’s penalty goal sinks Arne Slot’s Reds
Osimhen celebrates his goal [Umit Bektas/Reuters] Image credit: AlJazeera
By Ed Emeanua
Victor Osimhen’s 16′ penalty goal Tuesday, in Istanbul, helped Galatasaray make Liverpool see red in a 1-0 defeat in the current UCL campaign.
The victory handed ‘Cim-Bom’ a first UCL home win in seven years, sinking Arne Slot’s side to consecutive defeats in the push for Europe’s biggest Club glory.
It was an evening Galatasaray striker Osimhen and winger Baris Alper Yilmaz devoted to tormenting the visitors’ defence, direly exposing Liverpool’s fragile backline.
Slot has built a lethal offensive line no doubt, but the rate of his attackers’ profligacy on the evening far exceeded their productivity.
Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah were left on the bench with Jeremie Frimpong given starting role on Liverpool’s right wing.
Okan Buruk’s side seized opening minutes initiative with Yilmaz freed to go through but could only force a save from goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz shoots but his shot is blocked [Ozan Kose/AFP] Image credit: AlJazeera
Almost immediately, Hugo Ekitike was passed through on goal, but his skill failed him in evading goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir at the point of impact, allowing Ismail Jakobs to boot off the line Cody Gakpo’s rebound.
Next in the see saw spell and within only seconds, Liverpool’s defensive flaws played its hands. Yilmaz’ domination of right back Dominik Szoboszlai was uncontrollable allowing him through again.
All the bumbling Szoboszlai could do was to paw Yilmaz in the face as he was cutting in. Referee Clement Turpin pointed to the spot for Osimhen to score the penalty kick firing low into the middle and over Alisson.
The Reds reacted well as Florian Wirtz forced Cakir into a save with Milos Kerkez and Ibrahima Konate fluffing close-range opportunities from back-to-back corner kicks.
Liverpool then spurned several fist half opportunities only to pep-up their unpardonable profligacy in the second.
For the English giants, it was a remarkable evening for ruing what could have been, if and only if, Liverpool’s defence had held its ground, midfield was up to it, and Reds’ attack line had buried chances that came in droves.
Above all, a denied late penalty by VAR could just as well have helped in altering the sad complexion of the outcome, perhaps, sending home joyous, dancing and singing Liverpool fans back to Anfield instead, even if by the odd penalty goal. But it was just not meant to be.
Reds must now nurse double injuries to Alisson and striker Ekitike, the cumulative aftermath of an evening antecedents had destined from the start to go south.
Sports minister incensed over Bafana points deduction
By Ed Emeanua
South African has decided to appeal FIFA hammering of Bafana with three points deduction for fielding Teboho Mokoena on March 21 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
South African Football Association (SAFA) expressed being “deeply disappointed” at the decision they called “unprecedented,” in a statement posted on their website.
Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture of South Africa Gayton McKenzie, in a media response to the news, is vowing a “thorough investigation into the incompetence that led to this sanction.”
Midfielder Mokoena was played against Likuena in Polokwane in March instead of serving out his suspension for accumulated yellow cards. Bafana won 2-0 with Relebohile Mofokeng and Jayden Adams scoring, but the win has now been reversed with Lesotho getting a 3-0 win by forfeit, which is however subject to appeal by SAFA.
SAFA has also been mandated to pay CFA 10,000 in fine by FIFA for competition rules infringement. The sanction disassociated Bafana from the top of CAF, FIFA World Cup Qualifying (WCQ) Group C following football’s governing body’s decision on Monday.
However, SAFA has now vowed to appeal the ruling, intending to know FIFA’s reasons for building their case within the 10-day window allowed.
Bafana is currently tied on points with Benin in Group C, but are only lying in second place on goal difference, making the remaining two games very crucial for most of the teams involved.
However, Bafana stand a better chance to win the Group as both of their remaining games will take place in South Africa. On October 10, South Africa clashes with Zimbabwe.
Technically an away fixture for Bafana, the game is billed for Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium in South Africa due to lack of approved grounds in Zimbabwe. South Africa will play their final WCQ game at home against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga on October 14.
Super Eagles who lie in third place on 11 points will be on the road to Lesotho on October 10, before clashing with Benin at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo four days later.
Current Group leaders Benin, have a couple of the trickiest games of all. Gernot Rohr’s ‘Cheetahs’ face Rwanda in Kigali on October 10 followed by another harsh trip to Uyo to face Nigeria on October 14.
