Kicking off!
At the moment, the Chinese Super League is like a magnet that is attracting some of the best players in world football and the reason is not far-fetched. The Chinese clubs are paying outrageous salaries and players, old and young are trooping to the Asian country for their share of the pound sterlings.
Nigerian players are not left out of the sudden rush to China as at least seven of them have signed to play for different clubs in the Super League. Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi signed for Tiajin Teda and he will be joined by compatriot Brown Ideye who is the latest player to join the bandwagon.
The move to China by Super Eagles players has become a source of concern to Nigerian football fans who feel the development will jeopardise the chances of the country qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Our cover story therefore takes a look at the movement of Eagles to China and what Nigerian football analysts are saying about the development which is coming at a time the country needs her best legs to qualify for Russia 2018.
We also have for your reading delight an interesting interview with one of the best wingers in the Nigerian Professional Football League, Sheriff Bashir of Abia Warriors. He spoke to us on the disappointment of losing to El-Kanemi Warriors at home and his future plans.
It may also interest you to know that Australian Adam Scott has changed his golf routine in order to enhance his chances at winning more major titles.
And our ace columnist, David Billington who knows the Premiership like the back of his hand is still at his best with short and witty stories on happenings in the clubs.
We rounded up with the Euro Round Up page which is filled to the brim with juicy stories that will surely make your weekend memorable.
Have a pleasant weekend.
“I can’t guarantee I am here next week. I can’t guarantee that a player is here next season. If Wayne one day leaves the club it is not because I want him to leave the club. I will never push a legend of this club to another destiny. I am happy to have him.”
Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho answering questions from journalists on the future of Wayne Rooney at the club.
“We didn’t give up and scored the goal which is important for three things. It gives us strength, it gets Vardy back among the goals and it opens up the tie.”
Leicester City Manager, Claudio Ranieri reacting to his team’s 1-2 loss at Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg clash in Spain.
“Everyone fought and everyone pulled together. It was more of a war than a football match. We came out on top and I’m buzzing.”
Destiny Ashadi, Katsina United’s match winner against FC IfeanyiUbah expressing happiness over his team’s victory after a run of four draws in the NPFL.