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Fatoumata Kanteh was on the scoresheet despite Sporting Huelva bowing 2-1 to Real Sociedad in Wednesday’s rescheduled Primera Iberdrola game.

The Spanish-born Gambian had grabbed her first goal of the season, with the opener in a 2-1 victory over Tenerife three weeks ago.

Having starred in a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday, the 23-year-old was handed her 16th league start and made a fantastic contribution, despite her side crashing at home against the visitors.

Antonio Sanchez's side made a false start to the encounter as Nuria Mendoza assisted Amaiur Sarriegi to give Real Sociedad the lead after just 18 minutes of action.

Four minutes later, Natalia Arroyo's team doubled their lead when Cecilia Marcos set up Nahikari Garcia for the second of the match.

After the break, the hosts started a fightback in the contest when Kristina Fisher teed up Kanteh to pull one back two minutes after the restart but that was not enough to rescue her side from the defeat. 

The defeat left Sporting in 14th position on the Spanish Iberdrola table after gathering 24 points from 23 games this season.

Kanteh was in action for 79 minutes of the match on her 23rd league appearance and got her second goal of the season for Sporting. 

The Gambian will keep up her fine goalscoring form in the final third when Sporting face Madrid in their next fixture on March 28.

Mason Mount says Thomas Tuchel used him in five positions over 90 minutes in one match for Chelsea, but explained how he has developed rapidly under his new manager.

Tuchel's side are on a 14-game unbeaten run since the sacking of club legend Frank Lampard in late January. Despite many doubting whether the 22-year-old would retain his starting spot under a new coach, Mount has continued to be regularly picked.

Ahead of England's upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against San Marino, Albania and Poland, Mount discussed his development since the last international break.

What did he say?

"It has been a bit of a roller-coaster over the last couple of months but it has been a valuable experience; I have learned a lot after being captain for the first time," Mount said.

"I've played five positions in a match, not three! I changed a couple more but all good experiences for me to learn. I'm versatile and I can change positions. That's what the modern game is about.

"Coming into the international break, we're all excited, buzzing to be back together. We're ready to be down to business and play the games. It feels like yesterday that I made my debut at Wembley and it has gone so quick.

"You gain confidence and learn more in each camp. You want to keep getting better and better; that's the main thing. That's both personally and as a group. We are on the right track. It starts with these World Cup qualifiers and the game tomorrow."

What's Mount's status with England?

Having earned 10 caps for the Three Lions, Mount is increasingly becoming a fixture in Gareth Southgate's team, who is similarly having him rotate positions within a 3-4-3 system.

Southgate has been able to rely on the fact that Mount is always available and he was the only player to start in all three matches during the last meet up with England.

Speaking on his fitness, Mount says that he has learned how to handle himself through the loan moves and alongside experienced team-mates at Chelsea.

"Going on loan certainly helped me, speaking to players who've been in the game longer than me at that young age, especially at Derby," Mount said.

"That helped me make my game better. It's not just on the pitch, but off the pitch. It is a massive part in controlling what you do on it. I learnt a lot while on Derby and at Chelsea as well from people who have done it longer than I have.

"Touch wood, I have not had many injuries so far. I am someone that loves football. Any opportunity to play or be involved, I'll be ready. I'm still young, that helps when playing a lot of games in a short space of time.

"It's something I've learnt over the years since going to the Championship and experiencing a lot of games in the short space of time. Then coming back to Chelsea, I played 54 in that season in a short space of time.

"You gain that experience as the season goes on. You learn how to look after your body and to be available for every single game. That's what you want as a player to play as much as possible. It's a positive of mine to be able to play. Hopefully, I continue to look after myself and continue to be 100% for most games."

Further reading

Nigeria will travel to Benin by boat for their penultimate 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game in Porto Novo, Goal can confirm.

The Super Eagles who are currently camped in Lagos, are scheduled to leave the Southwestern part of Nigeria a day before Saturday’s clash at the Charles de Gaulle Stadium.

There is the assurance of adequate security for Gernot Rohr’s men and they will be expected to return to Lagos by Sunday for their final Afcon qualifying fixture against Lesotho at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Nigeria lead the Group L table after picking up eight points from four matches and Benin trail the three-time African champions by just a point in second spot.

Back in November 2019, Nigeria defeated Benin 2-1 in their first qualifying match as goals from Victor Osimhen and Samuel Kalu cancelled out Stephane Sessegnon's opener to give the hosts maximum points at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Earlier this month, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick said the FA was contemplating either going to Benin by road or by boat with support from the Lagos State Government.

"Going to Cotonou by boat, I do that all the time when we were going to inspect, we did it, there's nothing wrong in exploring other forms of adventure in Nigeria,” Pinnick said .

"There's nobody in Lagos that has not been to Ilashe or been to Tarkwa Bay, so it's the same thing, so what's the big deal?

"Look at the Lagos boat terminal, it's one of the best in the world that I've seen, so why don't we use all those things if we have them?

"So it's just a projection, we have not agreed on it. We are looking at going by road to Cotonou which is our next-door neighbour because even if you want to leave Eko Hotel to the Murtala Muhammed Airport it is half the journey of going to Cotonou, so why do you need to fly and go to Cotonou?

"We might either go by road, we are working with the Lagos State Government, from here I have a meeting with the Lagos State Governor.

"All those are things we want to explore and see what is best suited for that and once we say we are going by the creeks to Cotonou, of course, we'll provide every requisite, will provide the enabling environment for them to go in terms of security, in terms of everything.

"But people should look at Nigeria beyond that, there's no country in this world that doesn't have black spots but we live and try to live."

Strasbourg defender Alexander Djiku is devastated to miss Ghana's upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying games against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe.

The centre-back was one of the conspicuous absentees as Black Stars coach CK Akonnor unveiled a 29-man squad for the double-header, his absence being a result of a fitness setback.

Since switching his international allegiance to Ghana last year, the France-born has featured in all four games played by the Black Stars until now.

"Sad not to be with my Black Stars brothers now, but I give you all my strength," Djiku posted on Twitter.

Ghana are set to take on South Africa in a penultimate matchday fixture of the qualifiers on Thursday before returning home to square off against Sao Tome and Principe on Sunday.

Born in the French city of Montpellier but of Ghanaian descent, Djiku was eligible to represent either nation at international level.

In October last year, he was called up by Ghana for the first time for friendlies against Mali and 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar.

Playing in defensive midfield, he made his debut in what ended in a 3-0 loss to Mali but returned to his more familiar central defensive role as the Black Stars bounced back with a big 5-1 victory over Asian champions Qatar.

He received a second successive invitation for back-to-back matches against Sudan in the Afcon qualifiers last November, going on to feature in both games. 

"It was a source of great pride for me [to play for Ghana]. The international experience is not nothing, it brings me a lot of things. We still have two matches in March to qualify for the [Afcon]. I can't wait to go back and win these two matches to qualify," Djiku recently told Goal about his Ghana experience.

"I was called four-five years ago, but I had not yet found stability in a club. I first wanted to become an executive somewhere before joining the selection.

"We had to wait for the right moment, I was reaching maturity and it was time to go. Playing an [Afcon] would be really nice, but first you have to qualify.

"Then we will think about qualifying for the World Cup. It would be a dream to play in a World Cup too, I hope we will do what is necessary to go there."

Djiku could make a return to Ghana when Africa’s 2022 World Cup qualifying group stage commences in June. 

Former Nigeria women's national team coach Sam Okpodu has been named as head coach of American third division side Maryland Bobcats.

The ex-Nigeria international who holds a Uefa A license will take charge of the team for this season’s National Independent Soccer Association campaign.

“Maryland Bobcats FC are excited to announce the hiring of Sam Okpodu as head coach for 2021,” a statement from the club website read.

“Okpodu brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the club and has an extensive resume from playing and coaching teams and players at the highest level."

The 58-year-old tactician led the Super Falcons to their third African Women's Championship staged in Nigeria (2002). He also took charge of the team at the 2003 Fifa Women's World Cup in the USA (2003).

Prior to this appointment, he was director of coaches at Lee-Mt. Vernon Sports Club in Alexandria, VA.

“I believe that the Maryland Bobcats, as a young pro team, presents me with an opportunity to team up with a great organization looking to take professional soccer to the next level in the DMV area,” Okpodu told the club website.

“After a brief phone conversation with the president and vice president, I immediately realised that Jide and Evan are serious about taking professional soccer to a higher level in Maryland.

“I am excited about this relationship. And I look forward to our collaborative goal of establishing a competitive club in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), and for youth soccer in Maryland.”

“I am looking forward to sharing my professional experience with the coaching staff as we prepare our young Bobcats for a major competition in the National Independent Soccer Association, as well as to play with purpose and rhythm,” he continued.

“In addition, I am really excited to work with management to create a short and long term strategic plan for player development in the DMV.”

In the same vein, Bobcats president Jide Saba is pleased to have the veteran tactician in their fold – whom he believes would help the club reach their future goals.

“Our goal as a club is to always bring in people that we believe can continue to grow the organisation and move us in the right direction,” said Saba.

“From the moment we had a conversation with Sam we felt comfortable and excited. We are grateful that Sam decided to come on board and help us build to reach our future goals. From the entire Bobcats family, we welcome him to our family!”

Okpodu is expected to make his debut in the club’s first professional game against San Diego 1904 on April 16, 2021.

Nampalys Mendy has denied claims he once turned down the chance to represent Senegal.

Born in La Seyne-sur-Mer, France, the midfielder represented the French national team at U18, U19, U20 and U21 levels. Nonetheless, he remained eligible to represent the West African giants at senior level.

He was recently handed his maiden call-up to Senegal by Aliou Cisse for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo and Eswatini.

In a no-holds-barred chat with Galsenfoot, the 28-year-old stated he had never snubbed the Lions of Teranga – insisting coach Cisse remains the first tactician to have invited him.

“No, never! I have never snubbed Senegal and I have never pushed Senegal away, either. I was never called,” said Mendy.

"This is the first time that a coach from Senegal called me without hesitation, I came to answer present. After that, there were things that were said.

“But I confess that I am very proud and very honoured to be part of the history of this beautiful team from Senegal. All my loved ones are as happy as I am.

“Aliou Cisse is the only Senegalese coach who called me and explained his project to me. But before he got his phone call, no one else spoke to me, either a manager nor a coach.”

The former Nice and Monaco star has stated he is not scared of competition in the squad.

“Other than what I see on television. But what you see on TV is very different from what you experience in action,” he continued.

“I was able to train for the first time with my teammates and I have an idea of what awaits me on the different African lawns. We have seen the conditions and we have to adapt quickly.

“Competition is everywhere and if, today, I find the competition here, it means that Senegal have an excellent group with footballers who are equal.

“It's part of a player's life and we're used to it. As soon as I decide to come here, I have to expect tough competition in all positions.”

Mendy could make his debut against the Red Devils on Friday in Brazzaville’s Stade Alphonse Massemba-Debat.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has been given a new ban of six years and eight months by the world football governing body, which will keep him out of the game until 2028.

Blatter, 85, has been given the additional ban for "various violations" of the FIFA code of ethics, as well as a fine of CHF 1 million (£780,000).

Former FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke - who is also currently banned from the game - has received the same punishment after also being found guilty of a string of charges.

What has been said?

A FIFA statement said: "The investigations into Blatter and Valcke covered various charges, in particular concerning bonus payments in relation to FIFA competitions that were paid to top management officials, various amendments and extensions of employment contracts, as well as reimbursement by FIFA of private legal costs in the case of Mr Valcke."

The bans will only come into effect once the current suspensions Blatter and Valcke are serving for various corruption charges have expired. Blatter is currently banned from football until October 2021, while 60-year-old Valcke is banned until October 2025.

This means Blatter cannot hold an official position within football until 2028, when he will be well into his 90s.

What has Blatter been found guilty of?

FIFA's adjudicatory chamber ruled that Blatter accepted "an undue economic benefit" of CHF 23m (£18m) "split over the years 2010 to 2014, as a result of the conflict of interest created by the allocation and execution of extraordinary bonus payments between limited top-ranking FIFA officials."

It was also ruled that Blatter and Valcke, with former Argentina football federation president Julio Grondona and ex-finance director Markus Kattner, had "set up a scheme through which they were allowing themselves to obtain extraordinary benefits with a minimum of effort," according to FIFA ethics investigators.

"This vicious circle saw three of them (Blatter, Grondona and Valcke) signing the amendment contracts of the others and approving the respective extraordinary bonuses, while the fourth (Kattner) was in charge of implementing the payment of such bonuses as well as of keeping the matter 'off the books'," FIFA's statement says.

Blatter is currently serving a six-year sentence - reduced from eight - for making a £1.3m "disloyal payment" to ex-UEFA boss Michel Platini, as part of a raft of corruption convictions against former FIFA officials.

Further Reading

Egypt striker Mohamed Salah has been accorded tight private security while in Kenya ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Harambee Stars on Thursday.

The Pharaohs touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 9 pm on Tuesday night and they were whisked away into a waiting team bus which drove them to Villa Rosa Kempinski, a few metres from the city centre in Nairobi, where they are residing ahead of their match at Kasarani Stadium.

However, what puzzled many at the airport was the security which swung into action immediately when Salah came out of the airport heading into the waiting bus, as four strong men in black suits surrounded him and protected the Liverpool striker from even taking selfies with fans, who had waited for the team’s arrival.

Goal can exclusively confirm extra security was assigned to the player via the Egyptian Embassy in Kenya.

“Ahead of their trip to Kenya, the national association reached out to the Egyptian Embassy in Kenya and requested to make sure they provide enough security specifically for the player [Salah] and it was granted,” a source from the Egyptian Embassy, who did not want to be named, told Goal.

The source, however, not give further details as to why the association only selected Salah for extra security, while Egypt arrived with a star-studded squad which also has Mohamed Elneny who features for Arsenal, and Mahmoud Trezeguet of Aston Villa also from the Premier League.

“The request we know was only made for Mohamed [Salah], I don’t know about the rest or any other player,” the source further explained.

The Pharaohs currently sit on top of Group G in the qualifiers with eight points, just ahead of second-placed Comoros on goal difference, and will need just one point from the two remaining encounters to officially secure a spot in the finals, set to take place in Cameroon next year.

Karim Benzema is one of the most accomplished and prolific strikers in world football, shining for Real Madrid over the course of the past decade.

However, his success at club level - which includes four Champions Leagues, three Liga titles and four Club World Cups - has not been mirrored at international level with France.

The Madrid frontman missed out on Euro 2016, in which France - the hosts - were beaten finalists, and he was forced to watch on in envy as Les Bleus clinched their second world title at the 2018 World Cup.

With no end in sight to his France exclusion, there have even been suggestions that he could potentially play for another national team, but is it possible? Goal takes a look at the story.

Contents

Why is Karim Benzema not playing for France?

Benzema's exile from the France squad began in 2015 in the aftermath of an acrimonious sex tape dispute with former Les Bleus team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.

The Madrid striker has not featured for the national team since then, having been placed on an apparently indefinite suspension by the president of the French Football Federation (FFF), Noel Le Graet.

Despite repeated assertions from France icons such as Zinedine Zidane in 2019 that Benzema merited a recall to the international team, Le Graet insisted that the "adventure with France is over" for the forward.

That pronouncement from the FFF chief prompted a furious response from Benzema, who subsequently challenged the federation to allow him to play for another country.

“Noel, I thought that you did not interfere with the decisions of the national team coach!" the striker wrote on Twitter in 2019.

“Know that it will be me and me alone who decides when my international career is over.

“If you think that I am finished, let me play for a country that I am eligible to play for and we will see.”

Later, in 2021 in the build-up to Euro 2020, Zidane reiterated his bemusement over Benzema's continued exclusion from the French panel, but admitted it suited him as a club boss.

"How can we understand why Karim doesn't go with the national team? There are many who don't understand it," Zidane told reporters prior to France's opening World Cup 2022 qualifier against Ukraine.

"But it's better for me as coach of Madrid that he stays. He has done a great job for us."

Others have echoed Zidane's sentiments, with seven-time Ligue 1 winner and ex-France international Jean-Michel Larque suggesting the exclusion should be ended.

"I don't blame Deschamps for what has happened in the past, but ask simply that he pardons Benzema," Larque told RMC Sport. 

"I believe that after all he (Benzema) has been subjected to, offering a pardon to the player would make Deschamps a bigger man."

Eric Cantona is another former France star who has expressed a desire to see Benzema back in blue, saying, back in 2017: "I want to see Karim Benzema in the French team and, in my opinion, I'm not the only one."

Which international teams is Karim Benzema eligible to play for?

Benzema is currently only eligible to play for France, strictly speaking. The reason for that is because he has played competitively at senior level for Les Bleus, meaning he is effectively cap-tied.

A general principle in FIFA eligibility rules for national teams is that, once a player has been capped competitively at senior level they cannot switch to a team they may have also been eligible to play for.

Changes to the eligibility rules in late 2020, which have extended opportunities to switch in specific circumstances, have no bearing on Benzema's potential eligibility for another team.

In addition to France, Lyon-born Benzema was previously eligible to play for Algeria thanks to his familial links to the north African country.

In 2006, prior to his senior debut for France, he was approached by representatives from the Algerian football association (FAF) who sought to persuade him to play for them.

However, he declined the invitation, telling RMC: "Algeria is my parents' country and it is in my heart, but I will play for the France national team."

Interestingly, following Benzema's comments in November 2019, Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi simply replied: "I'm very happy with the players I have."

Had Benzema not played competitively for France or any other national team, he could well have become eligible to represent Spain due to his long-term residency in the country while playing for Real Madrid.

The striker has been living in Spain for over a decade and would be able to apply for Spanish citizenship, which is the first step in being eligible to represent La Roja.

Can Karim Benzema switch international team?

Unfortunately for Benzema a change of international team is not likely any time soon, unless FIFA makes an exceptional ruling in his favour. 

The fact that he has played competitively at senior level for France means that he is not free to switch allegiance to another team under world football's universally applied eligibility rules.

FIFA's position on not allowing competitively capped players to switch international team allegiance was upheld in 2018 when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled against Munir El Haddadi.

The former Barcelona forward played only once for Spain - in a competitive match in 2014 - and wished to change allegiance to Morocco. However, his case was dismissed by FIFA and subsequently by the CAS.

FIFA did update the eligibility rules in 2020 and, while the organisation now allows for changes to occur after competitive appearances in some cases, it appears that Benzema does not meet the requirements.

Benzema has played 81 times for France (roughly half of those being competitive games), scoring 27 goals - a strike tally that places him in the top 10 goalscorers of all time in the history of the national team.

However, he has not featured for Les Bleus since the 4-0 friendly victory over Armenia in October 2015, a game in which he scored twice.

Under current eligibility rules, the only way Benzema will be free to change national team allegiance is if he suddenly loses his French nationality without his consent or against his will.

Failing that, it would require a rule change or an extraordinary allowance made just for him by FIFA.

Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr believes the Republic of Benin will be a hard nut to crack, given their recent performances.

The three-time African champions will square off against the Squirrels at Porto-Novo’s Stade Charles de Gaulle on Saturday.

Michel Dussuyer’s men are on a five-game unbeaten run, having last tasted defeat against the Super Eagles in their first Afcon qualifying game in November 2019

Their home form has also been spectacular, given they have not lost for eight years, having last tasted defeat against Algeria in 2013 and Rohr has warned his side to be battle-ready for the encounter.

"Benin have not lost a match for eight years at home, the last time they lost was in 2013 so you can imagine that we want to be the first team to win there in eight years," Rohr told reporters.

"It will not be easy, they have a very good defence, they were quarter-finalists in the last Afcon. They eliminated Morocco.”

Rohr also revealed Benin have all the players needed for the game as the country provided a private plane for their stars based in France to ensure they honour the match.  

The provision of a private plane has been part of the conditions given by the French government before players in the top two leagues can be allowed to leave for international duty.

The rule prevented Nantes forward Moses Simon from honouring the Super Eagles invitation and Genk forward Paul Onuachu was drafted in as his replacement.

"They have a private plane to help the French-based players, what we could not have, unfortunately,” he continued.

"They found the money to take a private plane and to bring them back by charter. This was the condition to get the French players."

The Super Eagles will take on Lesotho in their final qualifying game on Tuesday at Teslim Balogun Stadium Lagos.

Nigeria lead Group L of the qualifiers table with eight points from four games and victory over Benin or Lesotho will seal their place at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Cameroon.

The three-time African champions finished third at the last edition of the Afcon tournament in Egypt, behind winners Algeria and Senegal.

Kenya defender Joash Onyango has promised to deal with Mohamed Salah when Harambee Stars takes on Egypt in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on Thursday.

The Kenyan side will host the Pharaohs at Kasarani Stadium from 7 pm, with the visitors arriving with a star-studded squad led by Salah, who features for Liverpool, as well as Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny and Mahmoud Trezeguet of Aston Villa.

Egypt landed in Kenya on Tuesday night and as they prepare to have a feel of the match venue on Wednesday night, former Gor Mahia defender Joash Onyango, who plays for Simba SC in the Tanzanian Mainland Premier League, has promised to keep the left-footed Salah on check throughout the match.

“We all know they have arrived with their big-name players, and we all know what Salah can do, he is a good player and we have seen him win matches for Liverpool, but it will be a different ball game, I will deal with him,” Onyango told Goal on Wednesday.

“I like to cherish such opportunities because they give me the chance to gauge my level if I am improving or I am still where I am, so I will keep Salah in check, not only Salah but any player Egypt will use to attack us, we will deal with them.”

Onyango also said coming up against Salah and the Egyptian team was not anything new as he had already faced an Egyptian side this season as Simba beat Al Ahly 1-0 in the Caf Champions League Group A fixture in Dar es Salaam.

“We played against Al Ahly and they have equally good players in their squad and most of them are from Egypt and they are in the squad for the Kenya match,” Onyango continued. “So there is nothing to fear about them, we know them, we have played against them before and we will handle them the way they come, I don't have any pressure.

“The only thing I want to promise the fans is that we will give them a good game, we will not disappoint them, they should be assured of a win from us.”

On Wednesday, Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa confirmed to Goal that fans will not be allowed to attend the match owing to Covid-19 restrictions.

“We will not allow fans to watch the game, and that is the message from Caf,” Mwendwa told Goal. “We will only allow a few essential workers, including journalists to attend, it is not our wish but it is because of the Covid-19 rules.”

After playing against the Pharaohs, Kenya will travel to Lome via a chartered flight to face Togo on March 29.

Moses Simon has been nominated for Nantes’ Player of the Month award for March following his impressive performances.

The winger delivered eye-catching displays, scoring twice to help the Canaries secure four points in the month under review.

Antoine Kombouare’s men started the month with a 2-1 defeat against Reims, where Simon scored the consolatory goal of the encounter.

The Super Eagles star again shone against Paris Saint-Germain, helping the Canaries to stun the Ligue 1 champions 2-1 at Parc des Princes.

The fleet-forward scored the match-winning goal with a sublime finish past goalkeeper Keylor  Navas after Randal Muani had cancelled out Julian Draxler’s opener.

The 25-year-old also featured prominently as Nantes shared the points with Lorient just before the international break.

The winger has now been shortlisted for the best player award of the month and will compete with Pedro Chirivella, Alban Lafont and Randal Kolo Muani for a chance to scoop the coveted trophy.

Simon has now scored five goals and provided one assist in 26 appearances for the club across all competitions this season.

Despite his effort, however, Nantes remain in the relegation zone after gathering 28 points from 30 games.

The forward has been with the Canaries since the summer of 2019 from Levante, initially on loan before a permanent deal was agreed on.

The winger has since been a key member of Kombouare’s side and featured in more than 30 games across all competitions.

Simon was initially part of Nigeria’s 24-man squad for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Republic of Benin and Lesotho but a Covid-19 rule from the French government prevented him from honouring the games.

Although the rule was later adjusted to allow players from the French top two leagues to leave their clubs for international engagements with some conditions attached, it was too late for the forward to join the Super Eagles as he has been replaced by Genk attacker Paul Onuachu.

Simon will be expected to continue his fine form for Nantes when they take on Nice at La Beaujoire-Louis Fonteneau on April 4.

Juventus vice-chairman Pavel Nedved has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo will not be leaving the club in the summer transfer window and will see out the rest of his contract.

It has been an underwhelming season so far for Juve despite Ronaldo's impressive scoring contribution, with the Turin club well off the pace in Serie A and having been dumped out of the Champions League by Porto.

A lack of collective success this term has led to suggestions that Ronaldo could leave the club come the end of the season, with former side Real Madrid mooted, but Nedved is convinced that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will stay put.

What has been said?

“For me, Ronaldo can't be touched,” Nedved said in an interview with DAZN. “He has a contract until June 30, 2022 and will stay. What happens after that remains to be seen.

“Cristiano, both technically and in terms of image, pushed us towards the peak of football. On a technical level, you can't fault him. He's scored more than 100 goals in 120 games and he dragged us into the Champions League.

“We can criticise him – we all have to be open to criticism when we make a mistake – but to question his numbers and what he gives us in every game, for me, isn't fair.

“He's a simple guy, even if it doesn't seem like that from the outside.

“Kids will study his physique and his career. He's the prototype of the modern player who, with immense talent and a lot of work, has achieved incredible goals.”

Full faith in Pirlo

Another person whose future has been called into question is head coach Andrea Pirlo, with fans wondering if his lack of experience at the top level is to blame for Juve's perceived regression this season.

For Nedved, however, the Italy legend still enjoys the full faith of the club's hierarchy.

“Pirlo is, and will be, the Juventus coach. 100 per cent,” he said. “We committed to a project with Andrea knowing the difficulties that would arise. The difficulties were foreseen.

“We have a new coach with a very rejuvenated squad at our disposal. We are very calm – we're on the path we wanted to be and will continue on this path.

“He has everything to become a great coach.”

Further reading

Real Madrid should sign Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe this summer, according to club legend Fernando Hierro.

Haaland has emerged on Madrid's transfer radar after a stellar start to his Borussia Dortmund career, while Paris Saint-Germain striker Mbappe has long been mooted as a potential target for the Spanish giants.

It has been reported that the Blancos will try to sign one of the two men later this year, as Zinedine Zidane seeks to bolster his attacking ranks, but Hierro sees no reason why his old club can't land both players.

What's been said?

Hierro, who played over 500 games for Madrid at the height of his career while picking up five La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns, told Radio Marca: “If I were Real Madrid, I would sign Haaland and Mbappe."

How much would Haaland and Mbappe cost?

Haaland moved to Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020 for the bargain price of €20 million (£17m/$24m), but his stock has sky-rocketed since then.

The 20-year-old has scored 49 goals in his first 49 games for Dortmund, and recent reports have suggested that he is now being valued in excess of €80m (£69m/$95m).

Mbappe, meanwhile, is currently the second most expensive player in history, having been snapped up from Monaco by PSG in a €145m ($171m/$125m) deal in 2017 - which included €35m (£30m/$41m) in add-ons.

Like Haaland at Westfalenstadion, the Frenchman's worth has only gone up at Parc des Princes as he has helped the French champions earn three successive Ligue 1 titles and reach the Champions League final, while also becoming a World Cup winner at international level.

If Madrid do indeed decide to try and broker a double transfer when the market reopens, they will almost certainly have to part with over €300m (£259m/$355m) in order to prise Haaland and Mbappe away from their respective clubs.

The bigger picture

Madrid could be one of the few clubs in Europe capable of making big-money deals in 2021 amid the coronavirus crisis.

The Liga champions decided not to spend any money during the last summer transfer window due to the financial uncertainty caused by the pandemic, and could therefore, have funds available for new players at the end of the season.

However, they probably won't be the only clubs in the market for Haaland and Mbappe, and it is unclear exactly how Zidane would be able to fit both players in his starting line-up at any rate.

Much could also depend on whether or not Eden Hazard can overcome his fitness issues to aid Karim Benzema in the final third of the pitch.

If the Belgian could stay injury-free, it would make more sense for Madrid to add just one new striker to their ranks instead of two, and Hierro has urged the club's backroom staff to put an arm around the winger as he recovers from his latest problem.

He added: "Hazard seems to me a great player, one of the top 10 in the world. Maybe during his recovery, it would be good to put in a little word with him."

Further reading

Mallorca midfielder Luka Romero has revealed the details of the conversation he had with Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos following the teenager's record-breaking debut last season.

Romero became the youngest player in La Liga history at the age of 15 years and 219 days when making his bow off the bench for Mallorca against Madrid in June.

And the playmaker, who has been dubbed 'The Mexican Messi' despite opting to represent Argentina at international level, recalled Ramos' shock when the legendary defender found out how young he was.

What was said?

"As a child, you always dream of playing against Real Madrid and Barcelona, ​​so seeing and being close to their players was amazing," Romero told Goal in an exclusive interview after he was named on the 2021 NXGN list of the world's top teenage footballers.

"(I spoke) with Sergio Ramos. He asked me how old I was, and I said 15. He was surprised."

Romero added that he does not know the exact age he was when setting the record, but he has kept the shirt from the match, as well as the jersey he scored his first professional goal in, against Logrones in November.

Why does 'The Mexican Messi' represent Argentina?

Romero's nickname of 'The Mexican Messi' is born out of the fact that he was born in Mexico, where his father, Diego, was playing lower-league football at the time.

The youngster only spent two years in the country, however, as his father's career as a footballer soon saw the family move to Spain, where they have settled in Palma, the capital of the island of Mallorca.

As such, when it came to international football, Romero was left with a choice, with Mexico, Spain and Argentina – his family's homeland – all keen for him to commit to representing them.

He chose the Albiceleste, despite Mexican officials travelling to Mallorca in a bid to convince him of the benefits of playing for El Tri.

Though Covid-19 has largely brought a stop to youth internationals in South America, Romero is hopeful of soon joining up with the country's Under-17s, who are coached by ex-Valencia and Argentina star Pablo Aimar.

"In January, we spoke," he said of Aimar. "We had meetings with the whole squad. They explained everything to us, and we watched some of the previous South American games at our age-group.

"I'm very happy [to work with Aimar]. I try to listen a lot and learn a lot from him, because he knows a lot."

Romero keeps track of developments in Argentine football from afar, and recently tuned in to watch the Superclasico between Boca Juniors and River Plate.

His aim, though, is to follow in the footsteps of his hero Lionel Messi, who he has had one brief interaction with previously as a five-year old.

"He was eating at a hotel restaurant and the security guard approached him to tell him that my brother and I were waiting at the door," Romero recalled. "He got up and came to take his picture.

"I don't remember if he said anything to us. We just got our picture and left."

He added on the six-time Ballon d'Or winner: "Last season, I was in the squad against Barcelona. When he came off the pitch, I followed him downstairs, but I didn't dare speak to him!"

Messi is not the only player Romero models his game on, saying: "I really like [Paulo] Dybala, [Luka] Modric, Isco. I pay attention to those who play in my position."

Could Romero leave Mallorca this summer?

Romero will not turn 17 until November, and is in negotiations with Mallorca over his first professional contract.

His time this season has been split between the first team and reserve side, but there is interest in his signature from elsewhere, with Juventus, AC Milan, Inter and Napoli all keen on the youngster.

"I am comfortable in Mallorca," Romero said when asked about his future.

"In five years' time I want to be a settled, first-team player, and playing regularly."

Further reading

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana has described the impression that he might have had a fallout with club’s technical team or is being sidelined to spite him as “childish and petty.”

The veteran defensive midfielder has made 10 appearances across all competitions this season and with Sundowns in good form, his absence has not been felt much.

Rivaldo Coetzee, Mothobi Mvala and Andile Jali have been the favoured choices for the defensive midfield role ahead of Kekana, whose last appearance was the 2-1 league win over Black Leopards on January 27.

But the skipper says he does not take his continued snub personally, as he pours cold water on talk of a rift between him and his coaches.

“I respect and accept the decisions the technical team have taken because the team is winning‚ but I hope my not playing is not [an attempt] to spite me as an individual because that would be childish and petty‚” Kekana told Times Live.

“I think it is important to clarify there is no problem between myself and the technical team. I can’t take personal issues onto the pitch and I hope that whatever decisions have been taken by the technical team are not trying to prove anything to anybody.

“I am not injured at the moment. I am waiting for an opportunity like any other player who has not been playing regularly, and I hope mine will come soon.

“It is an opportunity for other guys to play and those who are playing must do so knowing they must help the team to win matches. I am still a player for Sundowns.”

Last weekend, co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi said Kekana is still the team captain.

The armband has, however, recently been exchanged between Ricardo Nascimento and Mosa Lebusa.

Kekana admits that he misses playing as he describes his season as “dry.”

“I have involved emotions‚ attachment and love for this club and I celebrate every win and every goal we score because I am captain of the club,” said Kekana.

“As Sundowns players we have a responsibility to make sure the team continues to win games and delivers trophies for the supporters. It is not about me or any individual.

“I miss the game‚ I miss being out on the pitch‚ but I always train well so that when an opportunity comes I am ready. I don’t know when that opportunity is going to come‚ but the only thing I can do is to continue training well like I have always done in the past.

“It would be nice to have a few minutes under my belt this season because it has been dry.”

Under Kekana’s captaincy, Sundowns won the last three Premier Soccer League titles.

Sebastien Migne has claimed he will not hesitate to take up the vacant coaching role at Mainland Premier League side Yanga SC.

On Monday, reports emerged the Jangwani giants had turned their interest to the former Kenya national team coach as they look to appoint the successor to departed Cedric Kaze, who was fired on March 7.

Initially, French tactician Hubert Velud was seen as the front runner to take charge of the Dar es Salaam club, but the latest reports have indicated the club could have changed their mind and have now set focus on the French tactician.

The 46-year-old tactician has confirmed to Goal there has been some contact from Yanga but nothing had been agreed on yet and went further to explain why he would gladly take up the role.

Asked how his situation to Yanga switch was, Migne told Goal: “Nothing new at the moment, just some contact from other different clubs.”

On whether he is willing to take up the coaching role at Yanga, Migne explained: “Depends on different parameters but why not…you know my love for East Africa.”

Pressed further to reveal the last time Yanga made contact, Migne said: “I guess it is your job to have this kind of information, not mine, just ask Yanga but in the meantime, just wait and see what happens.”

Migne was Harambee Stars coach when they qualified for the 2019 African Cup of Nations, and although the team did not do well in the competition held in Egypt, the coach helped the country make an appearance at the continental podium for the first time since 2004 in Tunisia.

Migne left the Harambee Stars job when they were defeated in an African Nations Championship qualifier by Tanzania in August 2019 at Kasarani.

He was later appointed Equatorial Guinea head coach where he led them in an Afcon qualifier against Tanzania in Group J, but he left the position due to family issues as of a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Apart from Migne, other reports had indicated AFC Leopards coach Patrick Aussems was potentially considered for the job too. Aussems understands the Tanzania Mainland Premier League terrain well having been in charge of Yanga's arch-rivals Simba SC and won the league title with them in the 2018/19 season.

So far, Juma Mwambusi has been appointed as the interim head coach as the club go into the market for yet another new tactician in a season they have been relatively stable and top the table.

Alvaro Morata has expressed his belief that Cristiano Ronaldo is "happy" at Juventus and is optimistic he will stay put amid links with a return to Real Madrid.

Ronaldo is fast approaching the final year of his contract at Juve, who have yet to offer him the chance to extend his stay at the Allianz Stadium beyond 2022.

It has been reported that Madrid will seek to capitalise on the 36-year-old's situation by luring him back to Santiago Bernabeu this summer, but Morata sees no reason why his team-mate would want to leave Turin.

What's been said?

Five-time Champions League winner Ronaldo has yet to make it beyond the quarter-finals of the competition with Juve, but Morata doesn't think the club's latest failure in Europe will have caused the Portuguese to start contemplating his future.

"He’s used to playing in Champions League finals. But he would have been the same in another club," Morata told Cadena Ser.

“It’s not a Juve problem. He’s happy with the group but he’s used to winning, so it’s normal that he’s angry.

“I think he’s happy with the team. Juventus and I want him to stay, because Juventus must have the best players in the world.”

Morata added on the criticism that has been fired in Ronaldo's direction since Juve's Champions League last-16 defeat to Porto earlier this month: “They criticised us all.

"Of course, it bothers us. I’m the first to know about the criticism and Cristiano too. I don’t have to explain who Cristiano is, he always tries to defend the Juventus shirt.

"We are a team and I repeat, with the Supercoppa Italiana and hopefully the Coppa Italia, it won’t be a bad season.”

Juve's stance on Ronaldo

Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with an interest in Ronaldo, alongside Madrid, with both clubs reported to be eyeing a cut-price deal for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner when the transfer market reopens.

Zinedine Zidane has even spoken out publicly to admit that Ronaldo would be welcomed back in the Spanish capital, but Juve have made it clear they have no plans to sell a prized asset.

The club's managing director Fabio Paratici told reporters last weekend: "We’ve decided to keep Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s the best player in the world and we are holding on tight."

Morata's future

Morata joined Juve on loan from Atletico Madrid last summer, and they have the option to extend that agreement by an extra year at the end of the current campaign.

The Italian giants could also sign the 28-year-old outright for €45 million (£39m/$53m), but he claims to be in the dark with regards to what his short-term future holds.

“When you are on loan and there are many clubs involved, your opinion doesn’t really matter,” said Morata. “I was happy at Atletico, I’m happy at Juventus.

“I have a contract, at the end of the year they will tell me something about it.

“For now, I haven’t talked to the club about this. I’m happy at Juventus, we are at the beginning of a new project and I’m happy here.”

Further reading