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Super Eagles Players Appluads Osimhen

Super Eagles Players Appluads Osimhen For POTY Award In Camp

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Super Eagles Players Appluads Osimhen For POTY Award In Camp—-Super Eagles players and coaches have officially honoured Victor Osimhen at the team’s Abu Dhabi camp, after winning the men’s African Player of the Year (POTY) award.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osimhen became the first Nigerian after Nwankwo Kanu in 1999 to win the CAF POTY award as the best player on the continent in December.

This was after he powered Napoli to their first Scudetto title in 33 years  and topping the goalscorer chart during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

However, since Osimhen’s triumph at the CAF award ceremony, the Super Eagles had not met as a team.

Nigeria’s last engagement was in November when the Super Eagles, who had Osimhen out injured, were forced to two consecutive 1-1 draws by Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are, however, gathered in their training camp in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, as they step up preparations for the AFCON in Cote d Ivoire  this month.

The national team camp opened on Tuesday, with 24 out of the 25 invited players already working with head coach Jose Peseiro.

Only Leicester City’s striker Kelechi Iheanacho is being awaited as he recovers from an injury threatening his participation at the tournament.

Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong were among the last players to arrive in camp.

The team’s first dinner together on Friday, therefore presented the Super Eagles the perfect opportunity to officially congratulate the current African king.

A video shared on the team’s official X account on Saturday, saw Patrick Pascal, the team’s coordinator, call out Osimhen for special recognition.

He was honoured with a standing ovation and resounding claps by his teammates and officials.

“On behalf of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Gusau, the board members, the coach, team officials, the Captain and the players of the Super Eagles, please help me welcome the king, Osimhen ,” Pascal said.

He officially welcomed Osimhen and praised him for winning the prestigious award, adding that the NFF as well as the entire country was proud of his achievements.

Prayers were thereafter offered to thank God for giving him the victory.

NAN also reports that Osimhen will be Nigeria’s primary goal outlet when proceedings kick off at the 34th edition of the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Napoli forward was Nigeria’s most prolific goalscorer in 2023.

As the best striker on the continent, he will be expected to lead the Super Eagles’ charge for a fourth continental crown.

Osimhen could become the first Nigerian player since Rashidi Yekini to win the AFCON as the Best Player on the continent.

The 2023 AFCON which kicks off on Jan. 13 will end on Feb. 11.

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BREAKING: Arsenal Defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Emirates to Extend Unbeaten Run

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BREAKING: Arsenal Defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Emirates to Extend Unbeaten Run—-The Gunners came from behind after Morgan Rogers’ early opener, with Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard completing a comeback victory to maintain Arsenal’s perfect start to the Premier League season.

Arsenal produced another statement performance at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, coming from behind to defeat Chelsea 2-1 and maintain their perfect start to the Premier League campaign.

Chelsea stunned the home crowd after just 77 seconds, when Morgan Rogers fired Xabi Alonso’s side into an early lead. Arsenal, however, responded strongly and gradually took control of the contest.

Kai Havertz restored parity in the 25th minute against his former club, finishing Arsenal’s sustained pressure to make it 1-1 before the break.

The Gunners continued to dominate after the restart and completed the comeback through captain Martin Ødegaard, who struck early in the second half after Havertz’s clever movement helped create the opening.

Chelsea pushed desperately for an equaliser late on, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced a crucial save to deny Estêvão and preserve all three points for the hosts.

The victory means Arsenal remain on nine points from three matches, level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. Chelsea, meanwhile, suffer their first league defeat of the season and remain on six points.

For Mikel Arteta, the comeback further underlined Arsenal’s championship credentials. The reigning champions showed composure after conceding their first goal of the campaign and once again demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure.

Chelsea’s defeat will be frustrating for Alonso, particularly after his side made such a fast start. Despite their attacking threat, Arsenal’s control and defensive resilience ultimately proved decisive.

The result also extends Arsenal’s remarkable unbeaten run against Chelsea to 12 matches across all competitions, further strengthening the Gunners’ recent dominance in the London derby.

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BREAKING: Manchester City Agree £125m Deal to Sign Enzo Fernández From Chelsea On Deadline Day

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BREAKING: Manchester City Agree £125m Deal to Sign Enzo Fernández From Chelsea On Deadline Day—-Cityzens have reached a British record-equalling agreement with Chelsea for the Argentina international on Deadline Day, with Fernández set to undergo his medical.

Manchester City have agreed a £125 million deal with Chelsea to sign Enzo Fernández in one of the biggest transfers of Deadline Day.

The agreement, reported by Sky Sports and other leading outlets, will see the Argentina international leave Stamford Bridge for the Etihad Stadium in a move that matches the British transfer record previously set by Liverpool’s £125m signing of Alexander Isak.

Fernández is expected to undergo his medical before completing the transfer, with City working against the clock to finalise the deal before the summer transfer window closes.

Maresca Reunites With Fernández

The move will see Fernández reunite with Enzo Maresca, who previously coached him at Chelsea and is now Manchester City’s manager.

Maresca is understood to have been a major driving force behind City’s pursuit of the midfielder as he looks to reshape his squad and strengthen the centre of midfield.

Fernández played an important role during Maresca’s time at Stamford Bridge, helping Chelsea win major silverware before the Italian manager’s move to Manchester.

Chelsea Accept Record Fee

Chelsea signed Fernández from Benfica in January 2023 for approximately £107 million, making him one of the most expensive players in Premier League history at the time.

Just over three years later, Chelsea have agreed to sell the 25-year-old for £125 million, representing a significant return on their original investment.

The Argentine had recently been left out of Chelsea’s squad for successive matches, increasing speculation that his Stamford Bridge future was coming to an end.

City Make Deadline-Day Statement

Manchester City had been pursuing Fernández for much of the summer, but negotiations intensified dramatically as the transfer deadline approached.

Chelsea had previously valued their midfielder at around £120 million and had initially expected him to remain at the club after an earlier deadline for bids passed without a formal offer. However, City’s interest never disappeared, and the two clubs eventually found an agreement on Deadline Day.

The final £125 million package now puts Fernández level with the British transfer record.

Fernández Begins New Chapter

For Fernández, the transfer brings an end to a turbulent period at Chelsea and opens a new chapter under a manager he already knows.

The World Cup-winning midfielder arrived in England with enormous expectations after starring for Argentina and Benfica.

At Manchester City, he will be expected to become a central figure in Maresca’s midfield and help the club compete on multiple fronts.

A Record-Breaking Transfer

The £125 million agreement places Fernández among the most expensive players in football history and makes the Deadline Day transfer one of the biggest stories of the summer window.

City are now racing to complete the remaining formalities, including the medical, before the deadline.

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