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People Didn’t Understand Zadok’s Super Eagles Invitation – Chelle Boast

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Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle says a lot of people didn’t understand his decision to hand a first time invitation to new Brighton signing Zadok Yohanna to the team for the Unity Cup, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Zadok was at AIK of Sweden, when Chelle handed him a first call up to the Nigerian team and he recently completed a £21m move to Brighton. A new record sale in Swedish football.

Chelle said he already saw enough to hand him a senior call up after watching his games in the Swedish League, and he wasn’t in anyway surprised that he was signed by Brighton.

” People didn’t understand why I called him up for the Unity Cup, but I already saw a lot of good things that I want in my team but unfortunately he wasn’t released for the games. I am not surprised that Brighton signed him”, Chelle said.

However he urged the 18 year old to know that the real hardwork starts now, and urged him to be focused, dedicated, respectful, humble and also open to learning new things to elevate his game.

” Now is the time to cut the celebration and get down to work. He has to be focused, dedicated, respectful, humble and also learn things that will make his game continue to improve. He is in a good environment”, he stated.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Super Eagles Training: Akpan Pushing To Start, Bewene Gets Attacking Role

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The senior national team of Nigeria yesterday stepped up their training ahead of tomorrow’s international friendly game against Portugal, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Head coach Eric Chelle was with 21 players in the session following the exit of Igho Ogbu who suffered an injury setback and had to return to his club for proper treatment.

Chelle had the players engage in a practice match after a drill on shooting, goal scoring and defending set pieces that has been an issue to the coach in the games they have played this summer.

Christian Akpan who was called up by the coach as a late replacement for Bright Osayi-Samuel, continue to make an impression with another performance that has put him in the frame for a start.

Comfortable as a right or left back, the 21 year old Genk defender filled in at both roles and put up a very good performance. His performance made the coach to push Abdullahi Bewene who distinguished himself at right back against Portugal to move up to an attacking role.

Bewene who started off as a winger before he was moved to a right back at the camp of the Nigeria U17 four year ago, showed no sign of a player playing out of position.

His performance has further gave Chelle a lot of options going into the game.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

NPFL Predictions in Nigeria and How Bettors Can Read the League Better

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NPFL predictions are never just about guessing who will win before kickoff. In Nigeria’s top football league, home advantage, travel stress, squad depth, pitch conditions, local pressure, and late-season motivation can all change the direction of a game. A smart prediction has to look beyond the club name on the betting slip and ask whether the match situation supports the expected result.

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The NPFL remains one of the most interesting football competitions to analyse because results can be tight and unpredictable. A team may look strong at home and struggle away. A title-chasing side may play with more urgency than a mid-table club. A relegation-threatened team may defend deeply and treat one home game like a final. Those details are what separate proper analysis from ordinary guesswork.

Why NPFL predictions need Nigerian football context

The first mistake many bettors make is treating the Nigeria NPFL like every other league. Some football leagues have deeper public data, faster injury updates, and more predictable market movement. The NPFL is different. Local conditions matter. Venue familiarity matters. Squad news may not always be widely available early. Coaches may adjust depending on travel, fixture congestion, or the opponent’s style.

That means a strong Nigeria league prediction should begin with football context. Rangers International, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, Ikorodu City, Remo Stars, Enyimba, Bendel Insurance, Abia Warriors, Kano Pillars, Plateau United, and other NPFL clubs all come with different strengths, histories, pressures, and expectations.

Some teams are more comfortable protecting a narrow lead. Others are better when the game opens up. Some clubs build results around defensive shape, while others rely on quick attacking transitions or set pieces. If a bettor does not understand those differences, even a good-looking bet can become risky.

The aim is not to find a guaranteed winner. There is no such thing in football betting. The aim is to ask better questions before placing a stake.

Nigeria NPFL facts every bettor should understand

The official NPFL table currently presents the league as a 20-team competition, with each club listed across 38 games. That full-season structure gives bettors a useful base for reading team consistency, but the table should never be used alone.

A club that finishes high on the league table usually has strong overall quality, but one fixture can still be affected by injuries, suspensions, motivation, travel, weather, tactical changes, or pressure from supporters. A bottom-half side at home can still frustrate a stronger opponent if the match conditions suit them.

For current standings, points, goals for, goals against, and goal difference, the official NPFL table is the cleanest source to check before analysing a fixture.

One important fact is that a 38-game league season reveals patterns. If a team consistently concedes too many goals, that matters. If a team often draws, that matters. If a team wins most of its home games but rarely wins away, that matters too. The best football predictions use these facts carefully rather than turning them into guarantees.

NPFL Premier League table and what it says about team strength

The league table is one of the best starting points for predictions and statistics. It does not tell the whole story, but it helps bettors understand which teams have been consistent.

A team near the top of the table usually has a stronger win record, better goal difference, or more reliable home performance. A team near the bottom may be struggling with confidence, squad balance, defensive errors, or poor away results. Still, the position alone is not enough. The way a team gets its points matters.

For example, a team with many narrow wins may not always be a safe pick at short odds. A team with many draws may be hard to beat but difficult to back for a straight win. A club with a strong goals-for record and a weak goals-against record may be useful for BTTS or over 2.5 goals markets, depending on the opponent.

NPFL table signal

What it may suggest

How bettors can use it

Strong goal difference

The team is usually balanced in attack and defence

Useful for 1X2, double chance, and handicap thinking

Many draws

The team may be hard to beat but not ruthless

Useful for draw no bet or under goals markets

High goals for

The team creates chances regularly

Useful for over 2.5 goals or team goal markets

High goals against

The defence gives opponents chances

Useful for BTTS and opposition goal markets

Poor away record

The team may struggle outside familiar conditions

Useful when judging home advantage

Low-scoring pattern

The team may play cautious football

Useful for under 2.5 goals or correct score analysis

A league table should also be read alongside fixtures. A strong team playing away after a congested schedule may not be as reliable as the table suggests. A lower-ranked team at home, with survival pressure and a full squad, may be more dangerous than many bettors expect.

How to analyse a Nigeria league prediction

Good Nigeria NPFL predictions are built from layers. The first layer is recent form. Look at the last five to ten games and ask whether the team is improving, declining, or simply inconsistent. Do not only check the final score. Try to understand how the match was played.

Did the team score early and defend well? Did they concede late? Did they dominate but fail to finish chances? Were they missing important players? Was the coach forced to change formation? These details help explain whether the result was deserved or misleading.

The second layer is home and away performance. In the NPFL, home advantage can be powerful. Travel, crowd pressure, pitch familiarity, and local conditions can all affect a match. A team that looks average on the road may become much stronger at home.

The third layer is goals data. Before betting on over or under 2.5 goals, check whether both teams usually create open games. If both sides defend well and score few goals, an over 2.5 goals tip may be weak. If both teams score regularly but also concede, BTTS may be more logical than trying to pick the match result.

The fourth layer is team news. One injured striker can reduce a team’s scoring threat. One suspended centre-back can damage a clean-sheet prediction. A tired midfield can affect the tempo of the game. A rotated squad can make even a favourite less reliable.

The final layer is motivation. Late in the season, title races, continental ambitions, and relegation battles can change the emotional level of a match. A club with something urgent to fight for may approach a game differently from one with little pressure.

Main NPFL betting markets

NPFL betting markets should be chosen based on the type of match, not just the odds available. Some games are better for match result predictions. Others are better for goals, BTTS, double chance, or under markets.

The 1X2 market is the most common. It asks whether the home team will win, the match will end in a draw, or the away team will win. This market is simple, but it can be risky in tight NPFL fixtures where the draw is a serious possibility.

Double chance gives more cover because it allows two outcomes. A bettor can back home win or draw, away win or draw, or either team to win. This can be useful when a strong team is likely to avoid defeat but may not be certain to win.

Over or under 2.5 goals is popular because it focuses on the match score rather than the winner. If both teams have strong defensive trends, under 2.5 goals may be attractive. If both sides score and concede regularly, over 2.5 goals may be worth studying.

BTTS means both teams to score. It can be useful when both sides have attacking quality but are not defensively solid. However, it should not be used blindly. A team that struggles away from home may not contribute to the bet.

Correct score is much harder. Predicting a 1-0, 1-1, 2-1, or 2-0 result requires accuracy and luck. It may offer higher odds, but it is usually better for small stakes.

Market

Best for

Risk level

NPFL betting note

1X2 match result

Predicting the winner or draw

Medium

Avoid backing favourites blindly away from home

Double chance

Covering two possible outcomes

Lower

Useful when a team is likely to avoid defeat

Over or under 2.5 goals

Reading scoring patterns

Medium

Check recent goals and defensive strength

BTTS

Predicting both teams to score

Medium

Best when both teams create chances

Correct score

Predicting the exact score

High

Use small stakes because variance is high

Cards

Reading rivalry and match tension

Medium to high

Useful when fixture history suggests physical play

Player markets

Backing individual player outcomes

High

Requires reliable team news

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Best markets for beginners and experienced bettors

Beginners should not rush into complicated markets. The best starting point is usually a simple market that is easy to understand. Double chance, draw no bet, and under 3.5 goals can be easier than correct score, player props, or long accumulators.

Intermediate bettors can study 1X2, BTTS, and over or under 2.5 goals. These markets require more attention to form, goals data, and team news, but they are still understandable.

Experienced bettors may look at handicap markets, cards, corners, or live betting. These markets can offer value, but they also require better timing and stronger information.

Bettor level

Better market choices

Markets to treat carefully

Beginner

Double chance, draw no bet, under 3.5 goals

Correct score, long accumulators, player scorers

Intermediate

1X2, BTTS, over or under 2.5 goals

Handicap bets without strong data

Experienced

Asian handicap, cards, corners, live betting

Any market with poor team-news visibility

The key is to choose the market that matches the game. A match can be difficult for 1X2 but useful for under 2.5 goals. Another match may be hard to call as a winner but suitable for BTTS. The best market is not always the most popular one.

How NPFL odds should be used with bookmakers

Odds are prices, not promises. This is one of the most important ideas in football betting.

If a bookmaker gives a team low odds, it means the market expects that team to have a strong chance of winning. It does not mean the result is certain. A bettor still has to ask whether the odds are worth the risk.

For example, a favourite may look attractive because of its name or league position. But if that team is away from home, missing key players, coming off a tiring fixture, or facing a motivated opponent, the short odds may not offer good value.

A smarter bettor compares probability with price. If the odds imply that a team has a very high chance of winning, but your analysis suggests the match is closer, it may be better to avoid the bet. Skipping a poor-value bet is part of good betting discipline.

Live betting can also be tempting, especially when the game tempo becomes clear. But it should be handled carefully. A red card, early goal, injury, or tactical switch can change the match quickly. Emotional live bets after a missed chance or late equaliser are rarely wise.

Pros and cons of NPFL predictions

NPFL predictions can be useful because they organise the thinking process. They help bettors check form, compare teams, understand market options, and avoid guessing. They also make watching the league more interesting because fans begin to notice tactical and statistical details.

The downside is that predictions can still be wrong. Football is unpredictable. A goalkeeper mistake, penalty, red card, poor pitch, deflection, or late goal can ruin a well-researched tip. That is why no bettor should treat a prediction as a guarantee.

Advantage

Limitation

Helps organise match analysis

Cannot guarantee the result

Encourages use of stats and table context

Data may be incomplete or delayed

Points bettors toward better markets

Odds may move before kickoff

Helps compare team form

Team news may change late

Reduces emotional betting

Still requires staking discipline

The real value of predictions and statistics is not certainty. It is better decision-making. A bettor who checks the league table, recent form, goals data, team news, match motivation, and odds value is usually making a stronger decision than someone who follows a random tip without context.

Prediction tips for NPFL bettors

Start with the match before looking at the odds. Ask how the two teams are playing. Look at recent results, but also think about performances. A team may win without playing well, or lose despite creating good chances.

Respect home advantage. In the NPFL, venue conditions can matter a lot. Some teams are far stronger at home than away. A club’s home record should always be part of the analysis.

Do not overvalue big names. Clubs like Enyimba, Rangers International, Rivers United, Remo Stars, Shooting Stars, Bendel Insurance, and Kano Pillars naturally attract attention, but reputation should not replace current form.

Avoid too many games on one slip. Long accumulators look attractive because the possible payout is high, but every extra selection increases the risk. One wrong pick can ruin the entire bet.

Check goal patterns before using 2.5 goals markets. If both teams are cautious or struggling to score, over 2.5 goals may be weak. If both teams attack well and defend poorly, BTTS may be more logical.

Read bonus terms carefully. Promotions, live codes, and rewards should never push a bettor into staking more than planned. A bonus can add value only when the conditions are clear and realistic.

Responsible gambling and safer staking

Betting should be entertainment, not a financial plan. This matters even more in football, where emotions can run high. Nigerian football fans care deeply about their clubs, but that passion can lead to rushed bets.

A safe approach begins with a fixed budget. Decide how much you can afford to lose before the matchday starts. Do not increase the stake because of a loss. Do not chase. Do not borrow money to bet. Do not treat football predictions as income.

It is also wise to separate betting from support. You can love a team and still admit that the odds are poor. You can believe a team will win and still decide not to bet if the price is too short.

Rewards should never push a player to increase their stake. Even when Fair Gambling offers benefits such as Wager Share or exclusive code drops, the safer approach is still to set a budget first, read the terms, and avoid chasing losses after a bad result.

Common NPFL betting mistakes to avoid

Many losing bets come from poor habits rather than bad luck. A bettor may pick too many games, ignore team news, follow hype, or stake emotionally after a loss.

Mistake

Why it hurts

Smarter choice

Backing a club only because of its name

Big teams can struggle in difficult away fixtures

Check recent form and venue record

Ignoring team news

One missing player can change the game

Wait for reliable updates

Chasing losses

It leads to emotional staking

Set a fixed budget before kickoff

Overloading accumulators

One wrong pick ruins the slip

Focus on fewer stronger selections

Trusting every online tip

Many tips lack context

Compare the tip with your own analysis

Ignoring odds value

A likely winner can still be poor value

Compare price with probability

Misusing bonuses

Terms can reduce real value

Read conditions before claiming

The biggest warning sign is any prediction that sounds too certain. Phrases like “sure odds,” “fixed match,” or “100 percent win” should make bettors cautious. A reliable football prediction explains risk, not just confidence.

How FairGambling can support smarter gambling decisions

FairGambling fits this topic best as a gambling rewards and value platform, not as an NPFL prediction tool. Bettors still need to study form, home advantage, team news, fixtures, odds, and motivation before choosing any football market. WhereFairgambling becomes useful is after that decision-making process, helping players get more structured value from the gambling activity they already choose to do.

Its Wager Share feature allows eligible users to earn up to 30% of the house edge on every bet, paid automatically whether the result is a win or a loss. Its Bonus Code Drops provide exclusive codes across partner casinos, while its Cross-Casino Leaderboard lets wagers across linked casinos count toward one monthly leaderboard with real prizes. That gives players a clearer reason to check FairGambling beyond simply looking for another bonus.

The important point is balance. Rewards can improve value for eligible players, but they should never be treated as guaranteed profit. A strong bettor reads the match carefully, reads the offer terms carefully, and knows when to skip both a bad bet and a poor promotion.

FAQ

How reliable are NPFL predictions?

NPFL predictions can be useful when they are based on form, team news, table position, home advantage, goals data, motivation, and odds value. They are not guaranteed because football can change through red cards, injuries, penalties, tactical decisions, or individual mistakes.

How many teams are there in the NPFL?

The official NPFL table currently lists 20 clubs, with each team shown across 38 games in the completed table.

Which teams are in the NPFL this season?

The official table includes clubs such as Rangers International, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, Ikorodu City, Bendel Insurance, Nasarawa United, Abia Warriors, Barau, Katsina United, Plateau United, Enyimba, Kun Khalifat, Warri Wolves, Niger Tornadoes, Kano Pillars, Kwara United, Remo Stars, El-Kanemi Warriors, Bayelsa United, and Wikki Tourists.

What are the best betting markets for NPFL matches?

The best market depends on the fixture. Beginners may prefer double chance, draw no bet, or under 3.5 goals. More experienced bettors may study 1X2, BTTS, over or under 2.5 goals, handicap, cards, or live markets when they have enough information.

How should beginners start betting on the Nigeria league?

Beginners should start with small stakes, simple markets, and fewer matches. They should follow form, table position, home and away records, team news, and goal patterns before placing any bet.

How are NPFL predictions made?

Good NPFL predictions are made by combining recent form, historical stats, league table pressure, team news, tactical matchups, home advantage, motivation, and bookmaker odds. The best predictions explain the reasoning, not just the final score.

How should NPFL odds be used with bookmakers?

NPFL odds should be used as prices, not promises. A bettor should compare the odds with their own estimate of probability. If the odds are too short for the risk involved, it may be better to skip the bet.

Can NPFL results today and updated standings improve predictions?

Yes. Latest results and updated standings help bettors understand form changes, goal trends, table pressure, and confidence levels. They should still be combined with team news and match context before deciding on a bet.

A smarter way to approach NPFL betting

The NPFL rewards attention. A bettor who follows the league table, tracks team form, studies goals, checks injuries, and respects home advantage will usually make better decisions than someone who only follows random tips.

That does not mean every bet will win. It means the process becomes stronger. Betting should remain entertainment with risk, not a guaranteed way to make money. Set a budget. Avoid chasing losses. Read bonus terms carefully. Do not allow emotion to control the stake.

For Nigerian football fans, the real edge is understanding the match in front of them. NPFL predictions are most useful when they explain why Rangers International, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, Ikorodu City, Remo Stars, Bendel Insurance, Abia Warriors, or any other team may have an advantage on a particular matchday. Combine that with careful odds reading, safer staking, and practical offer comparison through Fair Gambling, and the betting experience becomes more informed, more disciplined, and less dependent on guesswork.

Explaining the Calciopoli scandal

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Calciopoli was one of the biggest scandals in the history of Italian football. The Serie A right now is an extraordinary competition to try a sports bet only with 1xbet.sl/en site.

The controversy erupted in May 2006 and involved accusations that several top clubs in Italy’s Serie A had influenced the selection of referees during the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons. The name combines the Italian word “calcio” (football) with “-poli,” a suffix associated with political corruption scandals in Italy. And now, only with 1xBet, you can make a sports bet, or a football wager in particular, on the best Italian football teams too.

Selecting favorable referees

The scandal began after Italian authorities released telephone wiretaps that showed conversations between club executives and officials responsible for assigning referees. And speaking about football referees, it is also possible to enjoy your live sports betting at 1xBet on the decisions made by referees on the field too.

 

The most prominent figure was Luciano Moggi, Juventus’ general manager, who was accused of pressuring officials to appoint referees considered favorable to Juventus. Other 5 implicated clubs were:

 

  • Juventus;
  • AC Milan;
  • Lazio;
  • Fiorentina;
  • and Reggina.

 

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Huge consequences

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) launched a rapid investigation before the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Juventus received the harshest punishment: the club was stripped of its 2004-05 Serie A title, while the 2005-06 title was awarded to Inter Milan. Juventus was also relegated to Serie B for the first time in its history and started the following season with a points deduction. Other clubs avoided relegation after appeals but still received penalties and fines. If you visit football online betting site 1xBet today, you will also be able to wager on Juventus as well.

 

The scandal had enormous consequences for Italian football. Many star players left Juventus after the relegation, although legends such as Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluigi Buffon stayed with the club in Serie B. The affair also damaged the international reputation of Serie A, which had previously been considered the strongest league in the world. Still, the Serie A remains a fantastic competition to wager once you visit the online football betting site 1xBet, where creating an account is very easy.

 

Years later, debates about Calciopoli remain. Some later investigations suggested that communication between clubs and referee officials was more widespread than initially believed. This led Juventus supporters to argue that the punishments were unfairly severe.

How Football Fans Are Turning to Digital Games for Extra Entertainment

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Football has always been more than just a sport. For millions of fans across Nigeria and beyond, it’s a lifestyle. From watching local NPFL matches to tracking Super Eagles stars in Europe, supporters are constantly finding new ways to engage with the game. One trend gaining attention is how fans are turning to football-themed digital games and social slot experiences to keep the excitement going even when no live matches are on.

Many of these casual games are designed to recreate the thrill of football moments while offering a light, risk-free way to play for fun. Platforms like Highroller, the trustworthy and transparent gaming partner give fans access to football-themed slots and other virtual games where players collect coins, unlock features, and chase big in-game wins—no real money needed.

Why Football and Digital Games Go Hand-in-Hand

Football is all about unpredictability. One goal can change the entire flow of a match. That same excitement drives many fans toward digital games that simulate this feeling. Social slots, in particular, use football graphics, animations, and sound effects to create a game-like stadium atmosphere.

Players don’t just spin reels; they get to unlock new levels, chase virtual prizes, and celebrate in-game victories similar to a last-minute goal. These games are designed to be purely for entertainment, making them popular with fans who want to experience football in a different way without stepping onto the pitch.

Football-Themed Games Are Gaining Global Popularity

It’s not just Nigerian fans who are exploring this trend. According to a FIFA Global Football Report, digital engagement with football is growing worldwide. From interactive apps to social slot games, fans are consuming football content in new ways.

Football-themed digital games include everything from fantasy league apps to mobile football manager simulations. Social slots are simply part of this wider ecosystem, giving fans more options to stay connected to the sport they love—even during off-season breaks or during halftime.

 

How Social Gaming Works for Football Fans

Unlike traditional games of chance, social slots are built for casual play. Players use coins instead of real currency, and the focus is on having fun, collecting features, and enjoying the game experience. For football fans, these games often feature:

  • Football stadium backdrops

  • Iconic player animations

  • Soundtracks that mimic crowd chants

  • Virtual prize structures that feel like match victories

These features make social games appealing for fans who want more than just watching games or reading transfer news. They provide an interactive way to keep football excitement alive, even when no matches are happening.

Safe, Responsible, and Purely for Fun

One of the main reasons football fans are drawn to social gaming is that it removes the pressure of real-money risks. Social slots are strictly for entertainment. Players are never wagering with actual currency, and the prizes are virtual. This makes social gaming platforms a safe space for fans to unwind, compete with friends, and enjoy football in a fresh way.

Platforms like Highroller provide a secure, transparent way to explore these games while promoting responsible play. Fans know they’re engaging with a trusted social casino experience, making the fun more relaxing and worry-free.

Connecting Football Culture to Digital Play

For Nigerian football fans, combining football culture with social gaming is becoming part of the modern fan experience. Whether it’s keeping up with the Super Eagles, following grassroots talent, or spending a few minutes spinning a football-themed slot, fans are finding new ways to stay entertained between matches.

As football continues to grow globally and digitally, expect to see even more of these crossover experiences in the future. From Lagos to London, and from stadium seats to mobile screens, the beautiful game is evolving beyond the pitch—bringing fans along for the ride.

 

Kayode’s Decision To Shun Super Eagles In Chaos After Recent Snub By Italy

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Brentford defender Michael Kayode who turned down an approach to play for the senior national team of Nigeria in favour of Italy has not been given the recognition he expected.

Kayode who was born in Italy to an immigrant Nigerian father had a breakthrough season in the English Premier League, where he can arguably be in the list of the best right backs in the league.

Despite that he is yet to find favour with the selectors of the senior national team of Italy. It was said that new coach Silvio Baldini who replaced Gennaro Gattuso will likely hand a spot to the defender.

Baldini knew Kayode very well from their team in the U21 of Italy before his recent elevation as interim coach of the main team. Despite that he hasn’t looked the way of the former Fiorentina defender.

What’s even more bewildering is the fact that the coach has made three adjustments to his team before and their recent friendly games against Luxembourg and Greece respectively.

Baldini was forced into calling replacements , including in the full back positions but didn’t look the way of the 21 year old. A sign of how lowly rated he is in the set up.

It makes his decision not to consider a chance with Nigeria at international level weird. He clearly doesn’t stand a chance at the moment unlike with Nigeria where he will walk into the team.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Osimhen II: Chelle Laments Dearth Of Young Nigerian Strikers In Europe

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Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle has lamented the lack of young Nigerian strikers in Europe as he begin his search for an alternative to top striker Victor Osimhen, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Chelle has been very active in the addition of young players to the team since his appointment as coach one year ago, but it has been mostly in other areas and not in the top striker’s position.

Although he has the trio of Akor Adams, Terem Moffi and Paul Onuachu as options when Osimhen is unavailable but they are all at the same age with Osimhen, and Onuachu is even older.

It’s a situation that is troubling to the coach and it’s largely why he is still interested in luring 19 year old Saudi Arabia based George Ilenikhena to Nigeria, despite his desire to play for France.

He is also keen on 18 year old Angers forward Prosper Peter who is also eligible for France, and turned down the option of switching to Nigeria when he was approached at the end of last season.

The idea for Chelle is to hope that a young Nigerian breakout in Europe before one of his above mentioned options begin to decline.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Christian Akpan Steals Attention In Super Eagles Training, Otele Shines

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Newly invited defender Christian Akpan has become one of the most talked about players in the camp of the senior national team of Nigeria ahead of Wednesday’s friendly game against Portugal, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Akpan was handed a late invitation to be a part of the team by head coach Eric Chelle, a day after making his senior debut for the first team of Belgium side Genk.

The 21 year old was voted as the man of the match, and he carried that form to the national team camp of Nigeria, where he has caught the eyes of all that have trained or witness the session.

One of the players said he is so two footed that you can’t guess where he wants to go or what he wants to do. He has now put himself in a position to play some part in the game against Portugal.

Another player who has looked really exciting lately is FC Basel winger Philip Otele, who spent last season on loan to Hamburg. Fresh from a very enterprising performance against Poland he hasn’t dropped his level since that game.

Otele is slowly making his way into the plans of Chelle who likes his directness, pace, build up and passing ability particularly in tight spaces.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

How Brighton’s New Boy Zadok Was Dropped By Nigeria U17, U20

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English Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion won the race for signing of highly rated Nigerian teen sensation Zadok Yohanna from Swedish side AIK.

Yohanna emerged as one of the most wanted teen in Europe at the moment after a whirlwind start to his career with Swedish side AIK. A host of teams came for his signing but Brighton beat all comers to agree a fee worth £21m.

His rise is coming less than a year after leaving Nigerian Academy Ikon Allah FC based in the northern city of Nigeria called Kaduna.

What many didn’t know is that he was dropped from the U17 team of Nigeria and later the U20 team, the same year that scouts in Sweden came for him.

” Yohanna was dropped from the U17 team and one year later the U20 team. That same year after he was dropped by coach Aliyu Zubairu he was picked by scouts from AIK. It was a huge battle for his signature but they won because they had a better plan for him”, a member of Ikon Allah FC told OwnGoalNigeria.com in an exclusive chat.

Explaining the decision to drop the 18 year old from the Nigerian U17 team two years ago, one of the coaches said he was very young at that time and not physically ready like the other players picked ahead of him.

” Yes they ( Zadok Yohanna and Mubarak Suleiman of Salvia Prague) were a part of our U17 team three years ago, but they didn’t make the team due to two factors that is common with players at that level’, a backroom staff of the team revealed in an exclusive chat.

” First and foremost they were really young around that time. They were like babies but the talent was there for all to see just that physically they weren’t there. Then we had other players who were ahead of them in their positions”, he stated.

Igho Ogbu Suffers Suspected Achilles Injury In Super Eagles Training

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Slavia Prague and Nigeria international defender Igho Ogbu has been ruled out of the friendly against Portugal after sustaining an injury in training this evening, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Ogbu has been heavily involved with the Nigerian team in their summer friendly games starting from the Unity Cup tournament in England.

He starred in both games against Zimbabwe and Jamaica respectively, and was also involved in the first half of the 2-2 draw against Poland.

Team medics describe the situation as a suspected rupture of his left achilles tendon, and it will effectively rule him out of the game against Portugal on the 10th of June.

Head coach Eric Chelle won’t be calling up a replacement, and will instead rely on the trio of Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Emmanuel Fernandez.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman