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Nigeria midfielder John Ogu has apologised for calling on his teammates to boycott the double-header 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone in November.

Following the killings of peaceful protesters who were demanding an end to police brutality at the Lekki Toll Plaza last Tuesday, the former Hapoel Beer Sheva star took to social media in outrage.

Ogu who was actively involved in the #EndSARS protest on Lagos' streets, stated that 'politicians should ask their children to represent the Super Eagles in the next upcoming games' which are billed for next month.

The 32-year-old tendered an apology for his comments on Wednesday and he wants football to continue to unite the country in this crucial period.

He was part of the Nigeria team that won bronze at the 2019 Afcon in Egypt.

"I want to sincerely apologise to Nigerians, the Nigerian Football Federation and the players of the Super Eagles, both past and present and even those dreaming to wear the green and white jersey that I wore with great pride and honour,” the statement read.

“My comments about the Super Eagles boycotting the Afcon qualifiers, was said in the heat of the moment from a place of pain, frustration and anger for the shooting of harmless, flag carrying and national anthem singing Nigerians, at the Lekki toll gate.

“A national anthem and green and white flag that I have sung and carried all my life with joy and pride. I admit that I crossed the lines, by asking players to boycott the Afcon qualifiers. I have honoured all national team invitations with great joy and delight, with a deep desire to be part of a team that give joy to Nigerians and make them happy, football is the strongest unifying force in Nigeria.

“I wish that my comments that were spoken out of anger and pain would not cause more division in our football and even at a time such as this that the nation needs to pull together. Thank you.”

Gernot Rohr’s Super Eagles will resume competitive football at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin when they take on Sierra Leone on November 13.

They are scheduled to battle their West African neighbours in a reverse fixture four days later.

Former Manchester United star Paul Scholes has called on the Reds to complete a move for Dayot Upamecano, suggesting that the centre-back might be the answer to their defensive problems. 

Upamecano, 22, has become one of the highest-rated young defenders in world football in recent seasons thanks to his exploits with RB Leipzig. 

He particularly impressed in 2019-20, playing a huge part in the club's historic run to the Champions League semi-finals with his commanding performances at the back. 

Reports suggest that this could prove his final campaign in the Bundesliga, with United apparently determined to land their man over the summer. 

The Reds moreover may be able to complete a deal for the bargain price of £38 million, Upamecano's reported release clause as stipulated in his most recent contract extension. 

And while no official bid has yet been tabled, Scholes believes the France international could make a huge impact at Old Trafford. 

“This is the type of defender I think United need, he’s very different to Maguire and Lindelof," the ex-England international explained to BT Sport. 

"He absolutely loves one-on-ones, he loves getting down that channel because he knows he’s gonna beat them. It’s very much the same as what Rio used to do, what Jaap Stam used to do.

"It frees the rest of the team to worry about attacking play, because you know you’ve got a centre-half who is going to defend and he’ll do it all day.”

Upamecano faced his possible future employers in Wednesday's Champions League clash. 

United, however, apparently had the chance to sign him as a teenager but declined to make a move after sending scouts to see the defender in action. 

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was asked about Upamecano prior to the game, although he steered away from confirming United's interest. 

"There's always rumours and speculation about good players for Manchester United," Solskjaer said. "I've always tried to respect they are players for other teams and don't want to comment on every player we are linked to.

"But since he's playing against us tomorrow, I know he's a very good player and we can see him close up tomorrow."

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Juventus' Champions League fixture against Barcelona on Wednesday after being left out of the squad following his positive Covid-19 test.

Ronaldo has been self-isolating since he tested positive for the virus while away on international duty with Portugal this month.

The Bianconeri star has made just two appearances for the Serie A club this season, having last played in the 2-2 draw against Roma at the end of September.

The 35-year-old attacker had hoped to feature in Juve's Group G fixture against Barca, meaning a chance to once again go up against Lionel Messi, but needed a negative test 24 hours prior to kick-off in Turin.

The former Real Madrid player, who has been Juve's top scorer for the past two seasons, enjoyed a fierce rivalry with Messi on the pitch during his time in La Liga.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Ronaldo said he was "feeling good and healthy", but the five-time Ballon d'Or winner then followed that up with a comment questioning the accuracy of the Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. 

"PCR IS BULLSH*T", he wrote, before eventually deleting the comment.

PCR tests are the most common way to test for coronavirus and is believed to be the most accurate. The test is performed by collecting a swab or sputum sample - mucus coughed up from the lungs - from the nose or throat. The sample is then enlarged in a machine and inspected for coronavirus genetic material.

Juventus confirmed the forward's absence from the squad for the midweek clash in Turin, while centre-back Leonardo Bonucci was included in Andrea Pirlo's list, however, having passed a late fitness test.

Juve are unbeaten in all competitions so far this season, but have won just two matches and drawn four. Pirlo's side started their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win against Dynamo Kyiv in Ukraine, while Barca beat Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros 5-1 at Camp Nou last week.

John Stones has been backed for a return to Manchester City's first team by Joleon Lescott, who thinks the defender will still have plenty of opportunities to shine despite increased competition for places at Etihad Stadium.

Stones was initially a regular in City's starting line up after being signed by Guardiola from Everton in the summer of 2016. The Blues invested £48 million ($62m) in the England international, who has since helped the club win two Premier League titles and the FA Cup.

He has, however, gradually fallen out of favour amid a string of niggling fitness issues, and only managed 16 top-flight appearances in total for the Manchester outfit in 2019-20.

Guardiola moved to bolster his defensive ranks in the summer transfer market after seeing his side knocked off their domestic perch by Liverpool, bringing in Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias from Bournemouth and Benfica respectively.

As a result, Stones has been restricted to just three senior appearances for City this season, with his latest outing coming from the bench during the 3-0 win away at Marseille in the Champions League.

Lescott, who also joined City from Everton at the height of his playing career, was delighted to see the 26-year-old return to Europe's biggest stage, and hopes he can force his way back into contention for regular minutes.

“I’m just glad to see him out there,” the ex-England centre-back told City's official website. "Obviously it’s been a difficult time for him with injuries and minutes out on the pitch, so I’m grateful he’s back and fit again.

“I think when everybody is fit, Pep could potentially have a headache and he’ll have a decision to make.

“I think the fact he’d brought two centre-halves in this season in Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake is due to the fact that there hasn’t been a consistency in terms of fitness and form.

“Hopefully, he can see a partnership forming with Dias and Aymeric Laporte this season, but once again, Stones is a top player and given the opportunities, hopefully, he can perform.”

Lescott added on the importance of rotation amid a congested fixture list: “I’m sure the incentive for the team is to get the job done and qualification confirmed as soon as possibly so players can be rotated and rested. It’s important that happens because there are so many games in such a short space of time."

The former City star also offered an assessment of his old club's win at Marseille, insisting Guardiola's men looked back to their best after a mixed start to the season.

“Overall, it was important to get a good performance against Marseille," said Lescott. "We’ve seen a few inconsistencies in certain games this season, but this was what we are used to seeing – dominant City from start to finish. Marseille didn’t have any chances and we set the tempo and everyone looked happy, so it was a good night’s work.”

Kenya international Michael Olunga registered two assists as Kashiwa Reysol bounced back with a 3-1 win over Tokyo FC.

Olunga was not lucky to get what had become a routine goal as he chases his Golden Boot dream. The Harambee Star has 23 goals – with the last goal coming up against Gamba Osaka - from as many matches and remains the clear leader in the top-scorers’ chart after 25 games.

Ataru Esaka scored the opener for Kashiwa Reysol in the 28th minute before Cristiano da Silva added the second two minutes after the start of the second half. Da Silva’s goal came courtesy of Olunga’s first assist of the match as they dominated the tie away from home.

Adaliton da Silva scored the only goal for the home side that denied Olunga’s team a win and a clean sheet.

A combination between the Brazilian and the former Gor Mahia striker again in the 75th minute led to a third goal for Kashiwa Reysol.

Da Silva scored his second goal with Olunga’s direct involvement through an assist as the 2019 J2 League champions picked up a victory that saw them hit a 40-point mark.

Olunga had scored his 22nd goal of the season against Shonan Bellmare when they were defeated 3-2 on October 18. The centre-forward recorded a brace that helped Kashiwa Reysol down Vissel Kobe 4-3 on October 10.

The Wednesday assists came as former Harambee Stars defender James Situma praised him for work done in Japan.

“He has been scoring for the national team and he is currently doing a good job for the club,” Situma told Goal. “So, I believe when he turns out for the national team again, his form will not be affected by the coaching changes.

“It is an advantage for the national team that he is in good form because it will be very easy to transfer the form to the national side.”

The win was not enough for Kashiwa Reysol to close in on Tokyo who are fourth with 47 points. Olunga is expected to lead Kashiwa Reysol’s attack again when they will host Shimizu S-Pulse on October 31.

Amaju Pinnick has confirmed the receipt of one million dollars ($1 million) from the Federation of International Football Association (Fifa) as a palliative for the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the Nigeria football body’s chief, the breakdown is composed of five hundred thousand naira dollars each for men’s and women’s football, while half a million dollars would be received from the body governing the beautiful game in January.

Also, Pinnick confirmed in a series of tweets that the NFF received the sum of six hundred thousand dollars ($600,000) for Fifa Forward 2.0 projects in Birnin-Kebbi and Ugborobo.

“Huge appreciation to football's world governing body Fifa for the $1 million (one million dollars) the federation has received in the frame of Covid-19 palliatives,” he tweeted.

“The money was received by the Nigeria Football Federation and we re-confirmed the purpose from Fifa two days ago.

“Fifa also sent $600,000 to the federation for the Fifa Forward 2.0 projects in Birnin-Kebbi and Ugborodo. At $300,000 each, it will enable the mini-stadia in both centres to start at a very good pace, as we earmark completion by the end of March 2021.

“As a further breakdown, the $1 million for palliatives is composed of $500,000 for men's football and $500,000 for the women's game. Fifa has also promised to send the federation an additional $500,000 sometime in January 2021, also as part of Covid-19 palliative efforts.”

“On the continent, we have received confirmation from Caf that the federation will receive the expected $300,000 from the confederation on or before Sunday, the 1st of November. With the $200,000 we have already ring-fenced from our sponsors' funds for the purpose,” he continued.

The former Vice President of the Confederation of African Football assured that the distribution will be made outlining the drives for the funds.

“The coast will then be clear for us to start the disbursement of funds to the beneficiaries, as captured in our approved template, from next week. Even though we are bolstered by the guidelines from Fifa strictly outlying the purposes of these funds,” he continued.

“As well as the approval of the NFF Executive Board, we will also interface with our auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, on each and every line item, to ensure the disbursements conform to global best practices.

“Beneficiaries must ensure 100% compliance to guidelines by ensuring that all funds are paid into designated accounts. I would also like to thank all beneficiaries for their patience and understanding at these trying times.

“Finally, I would like to wish Fifa president Gianni Infantino God's speed as he recovers. Thank you.”

Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt has expressed the importance of Tuesday’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) win over Chippa United as crucial ahead of their MTN8 semi-final clash against Orlando Pirates on Saturday.

Chiefs beat the Chilli Boys 1-0 in what was some recovery from an “embarrassing” 3-0 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in their league opener last Saturday.

They will now arrive at Orlando Stadium on Saturday on a high after the Chippa win.

“Last weekend [against Mamelodi Sundowns] I heard that we should have lost five or six nil,” Hunt told the media.

“They scored a goal from a penalty, from a corner. We had some good opportunities ourselves so I think there was a little bit of pride and I saw it tonight [against Chippa United].

“Anytime anywhere I would not say it brings confidence but it certainly should put us in a better perspective for the next game and the next game happens to be on Saturday. I was more embarrassed about Saturday from a personal perspective but it’s history now.”

In the win over Chippa, Hunt started Njabulo Blom ahead of Willard Katsande and has justified the 20-year-old making forays upfront instead of being the link between the defence and midfield.

“That’s my way I have always played, it is good for my eyes,” said Hunt.

“The football we played was some excellent football. I’m trying to play with energy, obviously with support. I don’t like defensive players or attacking players, they must be able to do both jobs. That’s not my way, it has never been my way.

“Every game will give you different problems. We didn’t press much [against Chippa]. The next game we will be pressing more. That’s a learning curve certainly for a lot of players.”

Hunt’s faith in young players saw midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo being named Man-of-the-Match and the Chiefs coach wants the 20-year-old to keep his head down.

“I won’t say much to him but if he drops below the standards he won’t play,” Hunt said.

“He knows, every young player does. What he does off the ball is the most important thing. He has so much ability - the boy. He should have scored tonight. He has two, three chances to score in the last two or three games.”

Simba SC have moved to fire four members of the team after they suffered two defeats in a row in the Mainland Premier League.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi, who were looking unstoppable when the 2020-21 campaign started, have now lost two matches in a row - a 1-0 defeat against Tanzania Prisons before falling to Ruvu Shooting by the same margin two days ago.

According to Sokaletu, four members of the team – team manager Patrick Rweyemamu, keeper trainer Mwarami Mohamed and media officials Ally Shatry ‘Bob Chico’ and Jacob – have been shown the exit door.

The sports online has further revealed while the first two have been fired because of the team’s poor displays, the other two from the media section have been let go because they have a relationship with former CEO, Senzo Mazingiza, who left to joins rivals Yanga SC.

On Wednesday, Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck revealed he is yet to come to terms with the team’s two consecutive defeats in the top-flight.

“First of all, I want to apologise for the two losses in a row to the Simba family and it is very hard for us to digest,” Vandenbroeck said as quoted by Daily News. “If you look at the game, we missed some aggressiveness in the first half which was not our usual level of play.

“The second half was much better as we took some risks but in total, we were not efficient enough to take good results today [Monday]. It hurts all of us.

“At this point, it is very difficult to point out what is the problem and if I have to analyse everything, it is something which I cannot share with the members of the media.

“According to the way we pushed in the second half, I do not think match fitness is the problem to point at. I think the question is what we have available in the striking position which made me play with a false number nine.”

The defeat against Shooting saw Simba surrender third spot in the 18-team table as they dropped to fourth while their rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC) who are still unbeaten, moved to second behind table-toppers Azam FC.

Ghana have received good news ahead of October's 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Sudan but the return to training of Portugal-based fullback Gideon Mensah.

The Vitoria Guimaraes left-back has been off the pitch after being detected to have contracted the coronavirus disease on his return to the club from international duty with Ghana.

The Black Stars faced African counterparts Mali and 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar in two friendlies earlier this month as part of preparations for next month's Afcon qualifiers.

About seven Ghana players, including Gideon, Besiktas midfielder Bernard Mensah, Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew, Celta Vigo defender Joseph Aidoo, Hoffenheim centre-back Kasim Nuhu Adams and Trabzonspor forward Caleb Ekuban tested positive for Covid-19 after returning from the Ghana camp.

"Feels great to be back in training with the whole squad. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and motivation," Mensah posted on Twitter.

Back to training, Mensah is expected to be named in Ghana's squad for the Sudan double-header.

It is unfortunate our players have contracted the virus," Asante Twum told Asempa FM.

"We ensured that every player and management member followed the protocols before and after the games. There were automated hand sanitiser machines at the hotel the team was lodging and at the stadia we used for the matches.

"Tests were conducted every day to ensure we were all safe but it is unfortunate this had happened.

"We did not force these players to come and play for the national team but once they came, you take their health into consideration. We wish them well because we will still need their services next month.

"This is a virus that can be in your system and you cannot determine it but I don't think accusing the Ghana Football Association of failing to do the right thing is the right way.

"We did our best to ensure we all stayed safe but it did not happen."

During the summer transfer window, he made a loan switch from Red Bull Salzburg to Guimaraes.

He is, however, yet to make his competitive debut for the Portuguese club.

Red Bull Salzburg’s Patson Daka has offered a morale-boosting update on his fitness after sustaining a thigh injury in Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid.

With just 27 minutes of action at Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium, the 22-year-old went down on the pitch after winning a corner kick for his team.

He was subsequently replaced by Malian forward Sekou Koita when it was obvious he would be unable to continue in the five-goal thriller against Diego Simeone’s men.

Although his Austrian Bundesliga side is yet to give an update about his knock and the duration he would stay on the sidelines, Daka took to social media to play down the severity of the knock.

“The comeback will be stronger than the setback, in every disappointment, there’s an appointment. Thanks for all the messages!” the Zambia international tweeted.

Despite conceding first through Marcos Llorente’s 29th-minute effort, the Austrian top-flight side went into the half-time break leading 2-1 thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s strike and Felipe’s own goal.

However, Jesse Marsch’s men ended up losing 3-2 after 90 minutes with Joao Felix’s brace completing the comeback win for the Spanish top-flight giants.

Following their latest defeat in Spain, they sit in the third position of Group A after accruing just one point in two games alongside Russia's Lokomotiv Moscow.

The 2017 Caf Youth Player of the Year is expected to be out of action when the reigning Austrian kings welcome seventh-placed Swarovski Tirol to the Red Bull Arena in Sunday’s league fixture as well as Tuesday’s Champions League cracker against Bayern Munich.

It is unverified if Daka who has scored 12 goals across all competitions this season would be available for Chipolopolo when they take on Botswana in a double-header of Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Zambia.

Thanks to his goalscoring return, the striker was reportedly a transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur with Jose Mourinho aiming to strengthen his frontline before the close of the transfer window.

Last season, he scored 24 goals in 31 league games as Salzburg clinched the top-flight title for the fourth time in a row.

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has named her 20 players for the final squad for the upcoming Cosafa Women's Cup.
 
The South Africa women's senior national team will feature as defending champions in the eighth edition of the regional tournament which will run from November 3 to 14.

The usual selections include goalkeepers Andile Dlamini and Kaylin Swart, Bongeka Gamede, Sibulele Holweni, Robyn Moodaly and Gabriela Salgado, who were part of the 2019 title-winning squad.

On her decision behind the final selection, Ellis, who is fully aware of the threats Zambia and Malawi will pose, is optimistic her young talented players will leave a mark at the tournament.

“The Cosafa Cup is for local players and it is always great to give new players a chance to prove themselves," Ellis told Safa.net. 

"I have been impressed with the work that the current crop of players have put in and the pre-tournament week will be an important one for us to polish up before the tournament starts."

With the final squad out, the team had since departed for Port Elizabeth on Tuesday and will continue their camping preparations from October 28 to November 2, 2020.

Banyana are drawn against Eswatini, Comoros and Angola in Group B and will open their title defence against Angola on November 3 before meetings with Eswatini and Comoros.

The champions are eyeing their record seventh triumph and the third crown in a row at the third tournament on home soil.

South Africa squad

Goalkeepers: Kaylin Christen Swart (Unattached), Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)

Defenders: Karabo Makhurubetshi (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Koketso Mmathabo Tlailane (TUT-Pretoria), Bongeka Gamede (University of Western Cape), Sibulele Cecilia Holweni (University of Western Cape), Xiluva Tshabalala (Ma-Indies FC), Ongeziwe Ndlangisa (Sunflower FC), Kaylyn Octavia Jordaan (Spurs W.FC)

Midfielders: Oratile Dikgosi Mokwena (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Mamello Makhabane (JVW FC), Gabriela de Jesus Thomas Salgado (JVW FC), Robyn Kimberly Moodaly (JVW FC), Nonhlanhla Mthandi (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Mapule Nomvula Kgoale (TUT-Pretoria), Karabo Angel Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Lonathemba Mhlongo (Durban Ladies FC)

Strikers:  Hildah Tholakele Magaia (TUT-Pretoria), Neliswa Praiseworth Luthuli (Sunflower FC), Pride Itebogeng Nthite (TUT-Pretoria)

Mikel Arteta admits he has concerns about Arsenal's attacking play and not only the goalscoring drought of captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Gunners have lost back-to-back Premier League games 1-0 to Manchester City and Leicester City and have failed to score more than twice in any of their previous eight matches in all competitions.

After having an Alexandre Lacazette goal disallowed early in the first half, Arsenal attempted just one shot in the second period against Leicester before Jamie Vardy's 80th-minute winner.

This season, Arsenal are averaging just 8.8 shots per match in the league – their lowest such figure since at least 1997-98 – and 1.3 goals per game, their worst rate in 25 years.

Aubameyang has scored just once in six league games in 2020-21 and has an expected goals per game rating of only 0.07, by far the lowest in his Gunners career.

But Arteta, who has omitted playmaker Mesut Ozil from his Premier League and Europa League squads, thinks his side's overall attacking approach needs to improve.

"I think there were two different halves [against Leicester]," he told reporters ahead of Thursday's match with Dundalk.

"The first half we interpreted really well what the game needed. We were dominant and aggressive. We won the ball back in really good areas. We didn't give the ball away in any dangerous areas, we created enough chances to go ahead but we didn't manage to do that.

"We scored a goal that was disallowed and the second half we started fatigue-wise to make more mistakes in more difficult areas and not be as threatening as we should have been to finalise the game.

"The moment we created open space they had a really good action and we conceded a goal. We lost the game on a very small margin and I'm disappointed because we should have done a bit better there.

"I'm concerned in the second half that we should have done better. We only had the chance from Hector [Bellerin] but they didn't have anything until after 75 or 80 minutes, but it's still something we have to improve on. To attack better and to sustain attacks in long periods. We've been working on that, so hopefully we can improve it.

"The pressure is related to this football game that you have to win every game. We didn't win against Leicester or Man City. Consider the demands everybody puts on us because we are the club that we are and that should never change.

"In the last eight to 10 months, the improvement of teams, quality and organisation has been the biggest I've seen than in the last few years. It's not a coincidence, you can see that in every Premier League game. The league is in a great place at the moment."

Arsenal will be without David Luiz against Dundalk and Arteta said the Brazilian is also a doubt for Sunday's league game against Manchester United.

Willian could return this week after resuming training, while Bukayo Saka is fully fit again after a knock.

"We try to go game by game, but in the last 10 days we have had a lot of issues at the back with central defenders," Arteta said. "If we lose another one, we're in big trouble.

"We have to keep an eye on it and how to manage the squad."

Former Leicester City and CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa said he is aiming to return to Europe after departing Saudi Professional League club Al Nassr.

Musa left for the Middle East in 2018 after struggling to establish himself at the King Power Stadium where he played 21 Premier League matches in two years.

During his two-year stint in Riyadh, the Nigeria captain helped Al Nassr win the Saudi Premier League and the Saudi Super Cup in 2019.

After scoring nine goals in 50 Saudi top-flight matches, the 28-year-old is eager to come back to a familiar continent and challenge against the best players in the world.

"I have enjoyed my time in the two years that I have been here, and the club has been great to me," Musa told ESPN.

"But I have always wanted to return to Europe, and I feel that this is the best time for me to make that move.

"I want to get back to playing at the top level again against the best players in the world.

"I would like to thank everyone at Al-Nassr and all the fans for understanding and respecting my wishes, but especially for making me feel such a big part of the club and I will never forget them.”

Musa's exit might come as a shock to the Al Nassr faithful after the Nigerian star played the entire duration of their league defeat to Al Taawon on October 22.

He confessed to approaching the club management to terminate his contract before the close of the Saudi transfer window on Sunday.

"I met with the club and requested that they should terminate my contract, and they were kind enough to agree to let me go,” he added.

The former Kano Pillars star kicked off his European career in the Netherlands with a move to VVV-Venlo in 2010 before switching to Russian Premier League side CSKA Moscow two years later.

He spent four years in the Russian capital where he clinched three Premier League titles, and he teamed up with Leicester City in 2016.

In England, the Maiduguri-born forward struggled to gather first-team action with the Foxes which forced him to return to CSKA Moscow in January 2018 where he returned six goals in 10 league outings.

Zesco United head coach Numba Mumamba has claimed they have enough ammunition to deal with the 2020/21 Zambian Super League season opener against Napsa Stars.

Zesco will visit Napsa Stars and the new coach has said he is confident of his players and the ability to get good results then.

“Napsa Stars have shown that they are a good side in the last two seasons,” the former Zambia international told the club’s website.

“This can be seen through their qualification for Caf competitions meaning that they will be one of mother Zambia’s representative at the highest level of the African game.

“As we go to Napsa we need to be aware that this is a different team from what we were used to in the past. They are now another powerhouse in the country.

“We have enough ammunition in this team that can help get the desired results. What we need is to prepare the team and psych them properly for us to come back with a positive result.”

Napsa Stars defeated Zesco United 2-1 in their last game and the coach is far from worried about that result.

“This is a time to start afresh and not look at what happened in the past. You can lose a game but we expect ourselves to come back stronger. We are going there like a wounded team,” he added.

Since he was appointed, Mumamba has worked with Bruce Musakanya and Kelvin Kampamba who were promoted to the senior team and he says the two alongside the senior stars are ready for the season.

“These are senior players who have matured in the game and it is easy for them to adjust to what we want. We won’t have any problems because we know the type of players they are,” he concluded.

The 2020/2021 calendar opened with the Samuel Ndhlovu Charity Shield that was won by Nkana.  

The competition is held before every season begins to honour the football achievements of the late great Zambian footballer and coach after which it was named.

Week one fixtures:

Power Dynamos vs Young Green Eagles

Kitwe United vs Prison Leopards

Buildcon vs Lusaka Dynamos

Green Buffaloes vs Red Arrows

Napsa Stars vs Zesco United

Zanaco vs Indeni

Forest Rangers vs Nkana

Kabwe Warriors vs Green Eagles

Lumwana Radiants vs Nkwazi

AC Milan executive Ivan Gazidis says that he expects the club to chase "the best talent in the world" in January as the Italian giants look to build on a strong start to the Serie A campaign.

Milan lead Serie A with 13 points through five games, inspired in no small part by six goals in three appearances from January addition Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

They currently sit two points ahead of second-place Napoli and four points ahead of reigning champions Juventus, who currently sit in fifth place.

Following several down years, Milan appear to be pushing towards a return to Italy's elite, as the club looks to finally compete for a Serie A crown once again.

And, with that in mind, Gazidis says that he expects the club to strengthen when the winter window opens, even if the coronavirus continues to impact the transfer market for teams all over the world.

 "We are going through a positive moment, but the path is still long and challenging," he said. "The club has strong ownership behind it that has faith in the team.

"We have a clear strategy: to sign some of the best talent in the world and make them grow with us.

"The summer transfer window has just closed and we are very satisfied. The sports management, led by Paolo Maldini, is already preparing for the winter window and we are confident."

He added: "The world of football recognized, even before the coronavirus, that a more stable market would benefit everyone: clubs, players, agents and intermediaries.

"Personally, I have always been committed to bringing order and stability and I will continue to do so for the benefit of the world of football, both in Italy and internationally."

Gazidis announced that he would join AC Milan from Arsenal in September 2018, eventually taking up his current role with the club that December.

He was tasked with rebuilding a fallen giant in Milan, with the club falling on hard times as several competitors rose to power.

As talks continue regarding a potential European Super League including the world's biggest clubs, Gazidis says that Milan are playing an "active role' in those dicsisions, although he doesn't approve of any break from domestic leagues.

"For over 10 years, speculation has been heard about the Super League, there are many reflections underway on the so-called Super League," he said. 

"However, the main focus of the football world remains on the development of existing international competitions and there are no proposals that could lead to a break with the national leagues.

"Milan is playing an active role in all discussions on the development of football: our leadership and credibility make us influential and authoritative at the various discussion tables in Serie A, ECA, UEFA and FIFA."

Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Warburton is hoping Bright Osayi-Samuel will sign a new contract with the club.

The 22-year-old has been with the Superhoops since the summer of 2017 and has been delivering consistent performances for the club.

His impressive showings saw him linked to a number of European clubs, including Premier League side Crystal Palace and Club Brugge.

The Belgian side made a bid to sign the Anglo-Nigerian in the summer and despite QPR accepting the offer, Osayi-Samuel turned down the move.

The midfielder has one year left on his current contract and has been offered a new improved deal but has continued to stall on signing the contract.

Warburton is optimistic the Anglo-Nigerian will extend his stay at Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium to enable him to continue his development at the club.  

“There is still very much hope [that he will sign a new contract]. He is at a very good place at the club, he is developing well with us and I hope very much that he can see that is the case,” Warburton told the club website.

“For me, I just want him to make a clear decision. He is a very talented young lad, I think a lot of him, but it is a difficult time for a young player and he has to make a very clear decision."

Osayi-Samuel was left out of QPR's 3-0 defeat against Barnsley in Tuesday’s Championship game and Warburton has explained the reason behind the decision.

“Contract talks with Bright have been ongoing for a while now. He’s a great lad, everyone knows what I think of him, but his head has to be in the right place for a game of football and I just felt that tonight it wasn’t right for Bright and for the team as well,” he continued.

“There a lot of lads who are working really hard and it does him good just to have a think about things. Contract discussions are moving along at a certain pace and I just want him to have a clear head and make the right decision."

Osayi-Samuel has featured in more than 95 games for QPR across all competitions since teaming up with the side from Blackpool.

The midfielder could be involved when Rangers take on Cardiff City in their next league game on Saturday as they hope to end their unimpressive run of form.

Frank Onyeka has described Midtjylland's 2-0 loss to Liverpool in Tuesday's Champions League encounter as 'an experience to take along'.

He produced a solid display in the middle of the park at Anfield but second-half goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah condemned the Danish visitors to their second straight defeat in the elite European competition this season.

Despite being the strongest defensive force for Midtjylland in the encounter with most tackles (4) and most interceptions (3), Onyeka was the most fouled player on Tuesday night and he won five free-kicks for his team.

In his reaction, the 22-year-old applauded his teammates’ fighting spirit and wants them to learn from the result.

“An experience we take along. Great fight from the team,” Onyeka wrote on Instagram.

Earlier this month, Onyeka made his Nigeria debut in an international friendly match against Algeria in Austria which ended 1-0 in favour of the reigning African champions.

Meanwhile, Midtjylland manager Brian Priske reserved praise for his entire team for the performance on Merseyside despite the loss.

“There is no doubt that we are well satisfied with the performance that was presented today. We proved to each other that we can commit to the Champions League,” Priske told the club website.

“I am satisfied with the way we delivered as a team and that we were able to do it in just over 90 minutes without the big fluctuations. We gave very few chances away against a very strong opponent.”

Onyeka’s Midtjylland sit at the bottom of Champions League group D with no point after two games. They will be aiming for their first win when they welcome Ajax to the MCH Arena next Tuesday, after Saturday's Superliga fixture against Nordsjaelland.