AFCON 2021: Five Players Who Have Withdrawn From Super Eagles’ Squad [Full List]

Published

4 years ago

January 6, 2022

At least five players have withdrawn from the original 28-man Nigeria squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Al Shabab striker, Odion Ighalo, is the latest to pull out following contractual obligations with his Saudi Arabian club.
Ighalo’s place will likely be taken by Feyenoord forward, Cyril Dessers.

Prior to that, Napoli hotshot Osimhen was left out of the final list, after contracting COVID-19. His Serie A club also threatened legal action as the player continues to recover from facial surgery.

Watford forward, Dennis Emmanuel, was also excused after his club blocked his departure, claiming the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) sent his invitation letter late.

Leon Balogun and the versatile Abdullahi Shehu are both out with injuries.

Tyrone Ebuehi and Semi Ajayi return to the squad, while Osimhen has been replaced by Henry Onyekuru who was also at the last tournament in Egypt.

Dennis’ place will be taken by the Czech Republic-based forward Peter Olayinka.

EPL: Chelsea Set To Sanction First Summer Transfer Under Alonso

Published

1 hour ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Chelsea are set to sanction their first summer transfer under their new manager, Xabi Alonso.

According to the BBC Sport, the Blues are ‘open’ to selling Filip Jorgensen this summer after the goalkeeper indicated his desire to leave Stamford Bridge.

Jorgensen joined the Premier League west London club two seasons ago from Villarreal.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper was expected to compete for the number one position with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but he made just 11 Premier League appearances over the two seasons.

However, while the arrival of Alonso to Stamford Bridge could lead to a change in fortunes for Jorgensen, the report added that the Danish star has already expressed his desire to leave Chelsea this summer to get more regular playing game-time elsewhere.

Chelsea had blocked a potential exit for Jorgensen in the January transfer window, but the Premier League west London club are now open to a sale, with European and English clubs expected to explore a deal for the goalkeeper.

Sports

EPL: ‘Go For Alvarez’ – Paul Merson Hands Arsenal Two Signings To Make

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has handed his old club two signings to make in the summer.

Merson wants Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and a new midfielder.

“I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez,” Merson said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

“I am a big fan. If they could get him, I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well.”

Arsenal is expected to bolster its squad in the summer after winning the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season.

Sports

EPL: Wayne Rooney Picks Most Improved Player This Season

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has picked the Red Devils defender Luke Shaw as the most improved player in the Premier League following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said, “I think, for me, Luke Shaw. I think Luke Shaw has been the most improved player this season.

“I know he is an experienced player now, but I think his level this season has been much better than it has been in recent seasons.

“People might look at Kobbie Mainoo but I don’t think he’s improved. It was just the fact he wasn’t playing under the former manager so it wasn’t good or bad.”

Shaw enjoyed one of his most consistent seasons at Man United and started all of Man United’s Premier League games.