AFCON 2021: Five Players Who Have Withdrawn From Super Eagles’ Squad [Full List]

Published

4 years ago

January 6, 2022

Editor

At least five players have withdrawn from the original 28-man Nigeria squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.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Tyrone Ebuehi and Semi Ajayi return to the squad, while Osimhen has been replaced by Henry Onyekuru who was also at the last tournament in Egypt.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: Why I Won’t Stay One More Year At Man Utd – Casemiro

Published

44 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro, has explained why he won’t stay one more year at the club.

The 34-year-old is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the current season.

The Brazilian, however, had been urged by the club’s fans to extend his contract by one more year due to his brilliant display for Michael Carrick’s side this term.

Speaking on the development, Casemiro told ESPN Brasil, “There is no chance [for me to stay one more year].

“It is leaving through the front door. It has been four wonderful years, and I am eternally grateful not only to the club but to the fans.

“I think it is over. The cycle has ended here. I am moving on to a new chapter in my career.”

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

20 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.