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Friendly: Russia deserved more in draw with Super Eagles – Karpin

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4 weeks ago

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Russia head coach, Valery Karpin has hailed his team’s display in the stalemate against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Karpin’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Nigeria in their international friendly at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow on Friday night.

Semi Ajayi diverted the ball into his own net for Russia’s only goal, while Tolu Arokodare equalised f

Russia thrilled the fans with their high pressing and direct play.

The hosts were also resolute at the back limiting the Super Eagles to few shots on target.

Goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye was the hero, making a number of vital saves in the game.

Karpin stated that his players played well aside from the cheap goal they conceded.

“Absolutely everything: from pressure to… I can’t remember a single moment except a mistake when playing an out. You remember? Maybe I just forgot,” he said after the game.

“They didn’t create threats for us, but we created chances. Melekhin has — after a free kick, Barinov has — after leaving defense. The goal we missed can hardly be called created by Nigeria — there wasn’t even pressure there,” he said.

Russia defeated another African side, Zambia 5-0 in their previous friendly.

The gaffer admitted that the Super Eagles were more superior to the Zambians.

“They are all – very athletic, powerful, strong teams. Cameroon and Nigeria are noticeably higher in level than Zambia and Kenya. Even the FIFA rating confirms this. They cannot be compared. Nigeria and Cameroon – more interesting,” he added.

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Transfer: You’re free to go – Maresca tells Madueke amid Arsenal interest

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10 hours ago

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July 5, 2025

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Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, has told Noni Madueke that he is free to leave the Premier League club this summer.

Arsenal are believed to hold an interest in adding Madueke to their squad.

The Gunners have reportedly initiated fresh round of transfer talks, with Chelsea valuing the 23-year-old at £50 million.

Madueke only moved to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2023 and has a contract with the club until 2030.

However, Jamie Gittens’ arrival from Borussia Dortmund could now lead to Madueke’s exit.

Speaking to reporters, Maresca said: “Noni has been very important for us during this season. Today, again, he has been important.

“But my message to the players and to the club is that I want just players that are happy to be with us. The ones that are not happy, they are free to go.”

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‘He’s born to Nigerian parents’ – Atalanta confirms new signing Ahanor could play for Super Eagles

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11 hours ago

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July 5, 2025

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Nigerian left-footed defender, Honest Ovonranwen Ahanor, has joined Ademola Lookman at Atalanta.

The club announced the player’s arrival on Friday, confirming he was born to Nigerian parents.

They signed the defender from another Serie A side, Genoa to bring their summer signings to three.

The Italian side have already signed the likes of Odilon Kossounou from Bayer Leverkusen and Kamaldeen Sulemana from Southampton.

Ahanor became first player born in 2008 to appear in the Italian Serie A last season.

He was 16-year-old when he made his full Serie A debut for his former club against Juventus.

He went on to play as much as six games in the top-flight last term.

Atalanta confirmed that the highly rated defender is eligible to play for Nigeria through his Nigerian parents.

Atalanta wrote on their official website, “Born on February 23, 2008 in Aversa to Nigerian parents, Honest joined Genoa’s youth sector when he was still a child.”

He has not played for Italy at any level, making it easy for Nigeria to call him up.

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Club World Cup: Gittens joins Chelsea squad ahead of semi-final

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11 hours ago

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July 5, 2025

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Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, has revealed that Jamie Gittens has joined up with his squad ahead of an official announcement of his transfer.

The Blues have reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for Gittens.

The 20-year-old was spotted on the pitch following Chelsea’s quarter-final win over Palmeiras.

After the 2-1 win, Maresca said: “Jamie was here tonight, he was on the pitch.

“And he will be with us probably one more day, two days more.

“Then he will go for a holiday and come back when we’re going to start the new season.”

Chelsea had hoped to sign Gittens in time to play a full part in the competition but a deal could not initially be struck.

It is instead set to be announced ahead of the semi-final against Fluminense next week.

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