Super Eagles goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa has said the international friendly match against England will help Nigeria to get in top shape for the 2018 FIFA World Cup coming up in Russia this summer.
The Enyimba goalkeeper is expected to make coach Gernot Rohr’s squad to the World Cup where Nigeria will do battle with Argentina, Iceland and Croatia in the group phase.
The Nigeria Football Federation and Arsenal FC have a sent congratulatory messages to Super Eagles forward, Alex Iwobi, who turns 22 Thursday, Complete sports reports.
Iwobi who has been certified fit for tonight’s (Thursday’s) crucial UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg clash against Atletico Madrid was born in Lagos, Nigeria on May 3, 1996.
“Happy birthday to the very promising @alexiwobi. Keep soaring,” a tweet on the NFF’s handle reads.
Argentina coach, Jorge Sampaoli, has assured the duo of Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala that they will be part of his squad to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Sampaoli overlooked Higuain during the qualifiers but called up the former Real Madrid and Napoli striker for the Albiceleste’s last two friendlies against Italy and Spain.
The 2018 CAF Champions League group phase kicks off this weekend with mega matches in Egypt, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa among the eight fixtures.
North African giants Al Ahly of Egypt and Esperance of Tunisia clash this Friday followed by TP Mazembe of DR Congo against Entente Setif of Algeria the following day.
David de Gea has been named as Manchester United’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year for a record fourth time.
It is the fourth time in five seasons the Spanish goalkeeper has won the award. He succeeds compatriot Ander Herrera, who won it last season.
It means De Gea eclipses Cristiano Ronaldo, who won it on three occasions, in 2004, 2007 and 2008.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has been named the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year, the association announced on Tuesday.
Salah also won the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year award in April.
Belgium and Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne came second with Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane third.
