Ashley Young has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40, bringing the curtain down on one of the most versatile and decorated careers in modern English football. The former Manchester United, Inter Milan, and current Ipswich Town star enjoyed a remarkable 22-year journey that saw him excel as both a winger and a full-back. Known for his pace, crossing ability, leadership, and longevity, Young remained a reliable performer right until the end. Young’s trophy cabinet highlights his success at the highest level — winning major honours in both England and Italy. He will bow out…
Author: Chisom
Sportblits.com presents a full round-up of the UEFA Europa League and Europa Conference League semifinal first legs featuring players eligible to play for Nigeria. Europa League City Ground, Nottingham:Super Eagles right-back Ola Aina was named in the starting lineup as Nottingham Forest edged Aston Villa 1-0. Chris Wood scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in the 71st minute after Lucas Digne handled inside the box. However, Ola Aina went down in visible discomfort with 15 minutes remaining. After on-pitch treatment, he was substituted by Zach Abbott, raising fresh Ola Aina injury concerns ahead of the…
Fulham manager Marco Silva has confirmed that star midfielder Alex Iwobi will not feature in Saturday’s Premier League encounter against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The Nigeria international picked up a hamstring injury during Fulham’s 0-0 draw against Brentford two weeks ago and has already missed the team’s 1-0 win over Burnley last weekend. Silva gave the update on the club’s official website, revealing Iwobi is still recovering alongside other concerns in the squad. “Alex [Iwobi] is out still, plus Kevin. Kenny [Tete], we will have to see how he reacts from the last two sessions. He can probably be…
Mason Mount has boldly declared that Manchester United have what it takes to challenge for the Premier League title next season and finally end their 13-year drought. The England international, who has enjoyed a strong 2025/26 campaign under manager Michael Carrick, expressed his optimism during an interview with the club’s official website. “I think we have the quality to. I have a goal of winning the Premier League. Obviously I’ve won the Champions League already, but can we do that? Yes, I think we can as a group. We have to have that kind of mentality.” Mount emphasised the importance…
Khadiri Ikhana, former Super Eagles defender and ex-Enyimba head coach, has thrown his weight behind Samson Siasia, Daniel Amokachi, and Abdu Maikaba as the ideal coaches to lead Nigeria’s U-23 Olympic Team and U-20 Flying Eagles. In an exclusive interview with Completesports.com, the 74-year-old Ikhana insisted the trio possesses the required experience and track record to revive Nigeria’s age-grade teams — but only if the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) stays out of player selection. “I believe any or all of them are good enough to handle the junior national teams,” Ikhana told Completesports.com.“They are experienced enough, tested and with verifiable…
El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Daddy Abdulrahman has declared his ambition to claim the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Golden Boot this season. The dynamic midfielder has already enjoyed a breakout campaign, scoring 10 goals in 33 league appearances for Kabiru Dogo’s side. While he sits just behind the current leader, his hunger for more goals remains unmatched as the season enters its decisive phase. Ikorodu City forward Joseph Arumala currently tops the scoring chart with 12 goals. However, Abdulrahman is unfazed by the narrow margin and is fully focused on overtaking the frontrunners. “I feel very excited to be among the…
Nigeria’s Nigeria U-20 women’s national football team are expected to have their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying first-leg clash against Malawi moved from Ikenne to the MKO Abiola Stadium, according to unconfirmed reports. The development was revealed by the Nigeria Football Federation Director of Communications, Demola Olajire, who confirmed that the switch is strongly being considered. “There’s a likely chance the game will now take place in Abeokuta… the possibility is very high.” Although no official reason was given for the proposed relocation, this would not be the first time the Falconets have had to change match venue…
Fulham F.C. are reportedly unwilling to meet the €24m buy option for Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze, despite his impressive performances during his loan spell from AC Milan. The 26-year-old forward joined Fulham last summer and has quickly become a fan favourite at Craven Cottage, contributing three goals and four assists in 20 Premier League appearances under manager Marco Silva. However, while Fulham are keen to secure his services permanently, the club is said to be reluctant to trigger the €24m clause included in the agreement. According to reports, “Samuel Chukwueze has become the symbol of the fans, who want to…
Nigerians have come out in strong support of Victor Osimhen following reports that Mercedes-Benz has initiated legal proceedings against the striker over an alleged unpaid leasing debt. The case, first reported by Il Giorno, centres on claims that the Super Eagles star defaulted on payments for a Mercedes GLE hybrid SUV acquired under a leasing agreement in 2023 during his time at SSC Napoli. According to the report, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Italia S.p.A. has filed a complaint in Milan, alleging that the 27-year-old failed to meet financial obligations, with arrears estimated at €90,000, while also claiming the vehicle was not…
A detailed review of football history has revealed the players with the most successful penalty conversions, highlighting some of the game’s most reliable finishers from 12 yards. At the top of the list is Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored an incredible 183 penalties, cementing his status as the greatest penalty taker in football history. “Ronaldo continues to extend his record, maintaining unmatched consistency from the spot.” Here’s the full top 10 list: 10. Alan Shearer – 72 The Premier League legend was deadly from the spot, missing just 11 penalties in his career. 9. Alessandro Del Piero – 77 Known…