Mohammed Alao has won the Kwara United’s Player of the Season award, DAILY POST reports.

Alao beat the club’s top scorer Emmanuel Ogbole to the award.

The midfielder scored six goals in 26 appearances for the Harmony Boys last season.

He was one of the top performers for the Ilorin- based club in the last campaign.

Alao was the link between the team’s defence and attack.

The player played a crucial role in Kabiru Dogo’s side escape from relegation.

Juventus are willing to offload Federico Chiesa this summer and will demand €25m for the forward.

New manager, Thiago Motta, has made it clear that Chiesa is surplus to requirements.

And football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X: “Juventus consider price tag around €25m with add-ons included for Federico Chiesa as current deal expires in June 2025, not being extended.

“Juventus are prepared to sell Chiesa who’s currently not part of Thiago Motta’s plans, as confirmed yesterday.”

In other developments, Vivianne Miedema has joined Manchester City after leaving Arsenal.

The 27-year-old, who is the all-time leading goalscorer in the Women’s Super League, joins as a free agent.

“The reason I chose City is because they have the same ambitions as me – they want to win the league and titles,” Miedema said.

Football transfer expert, Dean Jones has revealed that Victor Osimhen could start his pre-season at Napoli.

Jones said this while insisting that Premier League clubs, Arsenal or Chelsea could still make a move for the Nigeria international.

Osimhen had been linked with a move to the Premier League before signing a new contract with Napoli a few months ago.

The former Lille star is widely expected to leave Napoli this summer transfer window.

Speaking about Osimhen’s situation, Jones said as quoted by The Sun UK: “I still can’t shake the feeling that Chelsea or Arsenal will go in for him.

“It’s such a big moment to let pass you by when you have guaranteed goals staring you in the face. Osimhen is that man, but it sounds like he will be starting pre-season at Napoli.”

Rwanda head coach, Torsten Frank Spitller, has reacted to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying draw, DAILY POST reports

The Amavubi are drawn in a tough looking group with Nigeria, Benin Republic and Libya.

Rwanda are also in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group with the Super Eagles and Squirrels.

Spitller expressed his disappointment with the outcome of the draw.

“It’s actually a little bit sad that we have two teams in the group, Nigeria and Benin, with whom we are playing in the same group in the World Cup qualifiers. But it is at it is,” the gaffer was quoted by the official website of the Rwanda Football Federation.

The AFCON 2025 qualifiers will kick-start in September.

Benin Republic head coach, Gernot Rohr is optimistic the Squirrels can beat the Super Eagles again.

The Squirrels claimed a famous 2-1 victory over their close door neighbour in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers last month.

The two countries were drawn again in the same group for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday.

Rohr, who managed the Super Eagles for six years is adamant his team what it takes to record another victory against the three-time African champions.

“It’s a difficult draw, because there’s Nigeria again. And we have Rwanda, an adversary that we know well and of whom we are wary. There is also Libya who have a good team, it will be a difficult trip there,” Rohr was quoted by the official website of Benin Football Federation.

“Another reunion with Nigeria. That’s going to be three more games with them [including the upcoming second leg, counting for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers]. It’s a reunion against a very good team. But we gained confidence and we know we can beat them.’

Argentina manager, Lionel Scaloni has commented on captain Lionel Messi’s penalty miss against Ecuador at Copa America 2024.

Messi missed his penalty during La Albiceleste’s Copa America 2024 quarter-final victory against Ecuador on Thursday.

Scaloni’s side won 4-2 on penalties after the match had ended in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes, thanks to goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who made two saves.

Speaking after the game, Scaloni said even with Messi’s penalty save, his team knew that something positive was going to happen.

Scaloni said, as quoted by All About Argentina on X: “In penalties, the team has blind confidence in their goalkeeper, and for us, that is fundamental.

“Even with Leo missing, the team knew that something positive was going to happen.”

French born Coach Éric Chelle of Mali has expressed his desire of coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Chelle, who guided the Malian team to the quarter-finals of the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and secured a 2-0 victory over Nigeria in a recent friendly match, shared his aspiration in a recent interview.

The former Lens captain stated that it would be an honour and a proud moment for him to coach Nigeria.

He said Super Eagles have a rich history and immense talent, and he believes he could contribute to their success.

Nigeria’s football scene has experienced significant turbulence recently.

After parting ways with Coach José Peseiro following the AFCON, the Nigerian Football Federation appointed Finidi George, who was subsequently dismissed after just two games.

This instability has left the Super Eagles in a precarious position, with their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hanging in the balance.

The tactician has taken charge of 22 matches, winning 14, drawing 5, and losing just 3, between 2022 and 2024.

Fans and analysts alike are keen to see if the Nigerian Football Federation will consider Chelle’s candidacy as they seek to stabilise and strengthen the Super Eagles ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures.

Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum, is positive of a good outing at the 2024 Olympic Games despite his team been drawn in a tough group.

The West Africans are in Group C with Brazil,

former world champions Japan, and reigning world champions Spain.

Waldrum unveiled his squad for the women’s football event on Thursday.

The Super Falcons made a big impact at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying from a tough group that has reigning Olympic champions Canada and Australia.

The American is optimistic his players can repeat their performance in Australia and New Zealand at the Olympics.

“I think this one could be a special group,” Waldrum told ESPN.

“We’ve shown our quality against some of the best teams in the world at the World Cup and hopefully, we’ll do the same at the Olympics.”

The Super Falcons will be up against Brazil in their first game at the Stade Bordeaux on July 25, before confrontations with Spain on July 28 and their final group game against Japan on July 31.

The matches against Spain and Japan will hold at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.

Argentina’s captain, Lionel Messi, has reacted to his penalty miss against Ecuador at the Copa America 2024.

Recall that Messi missed his penalty kick as Argentina defeated Ecuador 4-2 in the quarter-final clash on Thursday to qualify for the semifinals.

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made two saves during the penalty shootout.

The match had ended in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Messi said he was angry after missing his penalty kick.

“I was very angry because I was convinced to take it that way if the opportunity arose.

“I had talked with Dibu and Rulli in advance,” Mrssi told the press.

France captain, Kylian Mbappe has revealed that Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo always tries to give him “advice and keep up to date with what is going with him.”

Mbappe spoke ahead of France’s Euro 2024 quarter-final clash with Portugal on Friday night.

According to him, it is “an honour” to play against the Al Nassr forward.

“It’s the admiration I have always had for Cristiano, for the player.

“Over time, I have had the chance to get to know him and talk to him many times. We’re still in touch,” said Mbappe at his pre-match press conference ahead of the match.

“He’s always trying to give me advice and keep up to date with what is going on.

“Playing against him is an honour for everything he has done in football.”