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‘They showed a very high level’ — Okoye speaks on Super Eagles vs Russia

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Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has admitted that Russia made things difficult for the team in their international friendly.

Nigeria and Russia battled to a 1-1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, on Friday night.

Okoye made a number of crucial saves to prevent the Super Eagles from losing the game.

The Udinese shot stopper claimed they had to dig deep to come out unscathed.

“The Russian team showed a very high level. We had to give it our all to play on equal terms with them. I think it was a great match for the fans,” he told Match TV.

Okoye also commented on the atmosphere at the stadium and the match ball.

“The balls were a little easier than usual,” he added.

“But overall, everything was fine. I really liked the atmosphere at the stadium.”

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

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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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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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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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