Exclusives

Former Arsenal star, Paul Merson says Chelsea will be happy to earn a draw when the club play against Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday. Merson stated this in a chat with Sky Sports. He enthused that the game would be great and entertaining but predicted a 1-1 situation.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Wednesday in Abuja said the 2017 NFF Annual General Assembly (AGA) will now hold in Jos on October 19. A statement by the Federation’s Communications Department said the Federation has informed Youth and Sports Minister Solomon Dalung of this development on Wednesday.

Sky Sports reports that Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar have been nominated as finalists for the Best FIFA Men's Player award billed to take place on October 23. Cristiano Ronaldo who is the current holder of the award helped Real Madrid to a second consecutive Champions League title and also finished the tournament as the top scorer with 12 goals. The Portuguese also assisted the Club to win the La Liga title.

Manchester United striker, Sergio Aguero has reportedly suffered broken ribs following his involvement in a vehicular crash on Thursday in Amsterdam. According to ESPN, the incident occurred when the City star was travelling in a taxi to Amsterdam airport to take a flight back to Manchester ahead of his side's Premier League clash with Chelsea on Saturday.

Chelsea's legend, Frank Lampard has described the eventual exit of former striker, Diego Costa as a relief for Chelsea and the players as the club get ready to battle Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday. Diego Costa who was declared surplus by manager, Antonio Conte at the end of last season via a text message refused to resume training after break, preferring to remain in Brazil with his family.

Tiemoue Bakayoko on Thursday escaped unhurt after a minor car crash at Cobham, Chelsea's training ground. SKY Sports reports that the incident occurred after the France midfielder left the club's training ground. The report however added that it is unlikely that the incident would affect his availability for the trip to Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.