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Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano have been nominated for Fulham Player and Goal of the Season awards.  

Onomah teamed up with the Craven Cottage outfit last summer from Tottenham Hotspur as part of the £25 million transfer that saw Ryan Sessegnon join Spurs.

The Anglo-Nigerian immediately became a key component of the Cottagers side and featured in 37 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing three assists.

The midfielder played 31 Championship games and made three appearances in the playoffs to help Scott Parker’s men secure promotion to the Premier League.

His performances in the campaign have seen him nominated for the best player of the season, while his well-struck effort in their playoff semi-final victory over Cardiff City has been shortlisted for the best goal in the campaign.

The 23-year-old will compete for the awards with his other teammates including the Democratic Republic of the Congo international Kebano.

Kebano has been with Fulham since the summer of 2016 when he arrived from Belgian First Division A side Genk.

The 28-year-old winger scored five goals in 19 appearances, including two in the promotion playoffs as his contribution for the Cottagers in the campaign.

Kobano is shortlisted for the best player award while his strikes against Wigan Athletic and Cardiff have also been nominated for the Goal of the Season.

While the winger has represented the Democratic Republic of the Congo 19 times, Onomah is yet to make his international debut.

The 23-year-old has featured for England U16, U17, U18, U19, U20 and U21 but he still eligible to play for Nigeria.

Onomah will join the likes of Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi, Shola Ameobi and Ola Aina who previously starred for the European country before representing the Super Eagles, should he end up switching his allegiance.

The African stars will be expected to play a key role for Fulham in the 2020-21 Premier League season, which begins on September 12.

Alphonse Areola has returned to Paris Saint-Germain from Real Madrid amid reports he is set for a Premier League move.

The goalkeeper joined Los Blancos on a season-long loan last September to provide cover for number one Thibaut Courtois, with Keylor Navas having moved in the opposite direction in a permanent deal.

Areola made just nine appearances for La Liga's champions, though, and the Frenchman has been tipped to move on again with game time unlikely at PSG.

"Real Madrid confirmed they have brought Alphonse Areola's loan spell to an end," a team statement read.

"The club would like to thank Areola for his dedication, professionalism and exemplary conduct this season and wishes him the best of luck in this new chapter.

"Real Madrid also thanks PSG for the chance to have had Alphonse Areola as part of our squad."

Reports in the English media said 27-year-old Areola has bought a house in London ahead of a potential move to the Premier League.

Last month Areola's wife, Marrion, posted a picture on social media of the pair standing outside their new house in the English capital with the caption: "A few years ago our dream was to have our home in London. Our dream came true."

Chelsea have been credited with an interest as the Blues appear keen to find a buyer for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was dropped for the final Premier League game of the season against Wolves as well as the Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich last week.

Arsenal were also touted as a potential destination to provide extra cover after Emiliano Martinez deputised when Bernd Leno sustained a knee injury in June, although the Argentinian's brilliant performances mean such a scenario may be unlikely.

France international Areola joined PSG's youth academy at the age of 16 and made his first-team debut in 2013 before being sent on loan to Lens followed by temporary spells at Bastia and Villarreal.

He returned to the French capital to compete with Kevin Trapp for a place in the starting XI and went on to feature 107 times for the club before the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Legon Cities are looking to become a regular top three outfit in Ghana and to join the elite league of clubs in Africa.

Formerly known as Wa All Stars, the Ghana Premier League club rechristened to Legon Cities ahead of comments of the 2019-20 football season last December and moved their base from Northern Ghana to national capital Accra.

The new management has invested heavily into the club's development, one which has earned them applause for a successful re-branding exercise and saw them gain a significant rise in social media following.

"We have a mission to be one of the top three teams after each league [season] in Ghana and also become one of the top five teams in Africa. This is part of our five-year development plan," management member John Paintsil, a former Ghana international, told Graphic Sports Online.

"There is a projected action plan to construct our own stadium to add value to the club. We are also establishing our own training facilities, and hostels to accommodate our players to motivate them to excel.

"We also want to groom many of our young players to play actively for the various national teams in Ghana and at the international level.

"We have now started a football academy to develop our young and talented footballers to enable them to play prominently locally as well as for clubs in Europe and beyond.

"Within the five-year period, we should be able to complete all these laudable projects to transform Legon Cities to be one of the most attractive and successful football clubs in Africa."

As part of their new ambition, Legon Cities made a big signing by bringing in Ghana's 2014 World Cup goalkeeper Fatau Dauda ahead of the commencement of the 2019-20 season.

The club also brought in Bosnian-German coach Goran Barjaktarevic to lead their technical team.

Despite strides off the pitch, Cities struggled to perform in matches as they sat just one place above the relegation zone when the Premier League was cancelled at matchweek 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic in March.

The club has also seen a significant increase in their social media following, their official Twitter account, for example, increasing from 19 300 before the start of the season to 53 300 at the end of the term - all within just three months.

Ghana U17 women's coach Yusif Basigi has explained reasons for the the team's inability to commence camp as originally scheduled. 

After receiving special clearance from the national government to regroup amid a ban on all contact sports, including football, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Black Princesses were unable to kick off preparations for an upcoming 2021 Fifa U17 Women's World Cup showdown with arch-rivals Nigeria on August 1 as planned. 

The U17 women's side joined the U20 women's team and the U17 male team to receive special dispensation to regroup ahead of various national assignments.

“We have not been able to go to start camping yet due to the safety measure being put in place by the Ghana Football Association as instructed by the government," Basigi told Happy FM. 

“I cannot tell when we will be given the go-ahead to be at camp but I am hopeful by the close of this week, something positive will come up. The players are all going to be tested before we begin preparations.

“For now, we have asked all the players to train on their own even before we resume camping."

Ghana's U17 women's clash with Nigeria is scheduled for October/November.

"Our female Under-20 and Under-17 national football teams have been given the clearance to go into their respective training camps to begin preparations towards their Fifa and Caf-sanctioned international matches, which begin in September," Akufo-Addo said in an address to the nation in June.

"Whilst in training, the playing, technical and management teams must observe strictly all the protocols issued by Government, Caf and Fifa against Covid-19. All other team and contact sports, and competitive sporting events remain suspended till further notice."

The first leg of the World Cup qualifier takes place in Ghana in October while the return fixture is set for Nigeria in November.

The matches were originally scheduled to take place in May but the coronavirus situation forced their postponement.

The Black Princesses are hoping to continue with their fine record as the only African nation to have secured qualification for all editions of the U17 Women's World Cup since its inception.

Gwambina FC have appointed Mwinyi Zahera ahead of the new Tanzanian Mainland Premier League season.

The Congolese tactician is returning to handle a team in the top-flight after his stint with Young Africans (Yanga SC) in the 2018-19 season ended when he was fired for poor results, with Belgian Luc Eymael taking over.

The promoted side have now unveiled the tactician after he agreed to pen a two-year contract with options of extending the deal if the team keeps their status in the top-flight.

“We have reached an agreement with Zahera to coach our side in the coming season, he arrives with experience having coach Yanga previously and we wish him well as he takes up the challenge of making sure that we remain in the league,” the club said in a statement seen by Goal.

Zahera has promised to do his best and help the club achieve its targets.

“I know what it means handling a promoted side in the top tier, the expectations are very high because their main target is to make sure they keep their status first and then start building from there,” Zahera told reporters after being unveiled.

“I will do my best and I know with the support of the management, we will do well and hit the targets they have already set.”

Gwambina were promoted to the Tanzanian Mainland Premier League from the First Division League (FDL) after they beat Pamba FC 1-0 in their final match of the season.

The club, which was only founded a year ago, earned promotion with two matches to spare as they had accumulated 44 points from 20 matches.

Gwambina won 13 games, drew in five and lost in two other matches. 

Gwambina were promoted alongside Ihefu and Dodoma Jiji while Mbao FC were relegated alongside Alliance FC, Lipuli FC, Ndanda FC, and Singida United. 

Sheffield United defender George Baldock has named Liverpool forward Sadio Mane as the toughest and best opponent he faced has in the Premier League.

Baldock played every minute of the Blades’ games in the English top-flight, and he featured against the 2019 African Footballer of the Year twice during the 2019-20 campaign.

Mane sealed the Reds' 2-0 victory against Sheffield United at Anfield earlier in January and the England-born defender recalled how daunting the challenge was against the 28-year-old.

“I always say the toughest opponent by far was Sadio Mane,” Baldock told the Telegraph via Liverpool Echo.

“If he’s not running at you with the ball then he’s running in behind you without it.

"He’s coming short, going long, making diagonal runs. He’s always looking to get behind you and that’s a nightmare for you."

Mane ended the 2019-20 season with 18 goals and seven assists as Jurgen Klopp's men clinched the league crown, ending the Liverpool’s 30-year wait for a top-flight title.

Baldock, meanwhile, helped Sheffield United finished ninth in the Premier League and revealed his eagerness to play against Mane next season.

“Sometimes when wingers want the ball to feet, it can be slightly easier, but he’s just a world-class player and by far the best I’ve played against," he continued.

"I want to play against him again, 100 per cent, and have another go, I relish playing against the best players and I want to play at this level for the rest of my career.”

Thanks to his outstanding displays in the Premier League this season, the Senegal international is in the running for the Premier League Player of the Season award.

He battles teammates Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson, Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne, Southampton's Danny Ings, Leicester City's Jamie Vardy and Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope for the honour.

Since he moved to Merseyside in 2016, Mane has established himself as a key player in the Liverpool side and he completes the formidable attacking trio of Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

He played a crucial role in helping the Reds win the Uefa Champions League title last season, and he was also involved in their Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup triumphs last year.

Former Ghana League Clubs Association (Ghalca) president Alhaji Ali Raji believes poor handling of the dispute between 2019 Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential aspirant Wilfred Kwaku Osei 'Palmer' and the football's governing body has left the nation's sport in jeopardy.

Seemingly on a new lease of life and calm after almost two years of impasse, Ghana football risks being thrown off balance once again as an imminent Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) judgement could land the nation's sport leadership in fresh trouble.

Palmer, president of former Ghana Premier League (GPL) club Tema Youth, was disqualified from contesting the October election which was ultimately won by Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku.

Displeased, the former is seeking redress from the global tribunal.

A verdict in his favour could see the new football administration terminated after just 10 months at the helm of affairs.

"Palmer was not treated well. Kurt didn’t manage it well; there was a lot of ego at play on the part of the GFA and now we are at the mercy of CAS," Raji told Graphic Sports.

"If things were handled well by this current FA and the aggrieved parties were given a hearing and brought on board, we would not have to contend with CAS."

Ghana football landed in chaos in June 2018 when an Anas Aremeyaw Anas-inspired bribery and corruption scandal crashed the Kwesi Nyantakyi-led GFA administration.

The Government of Ghana, Fifa and Caf then jointly set up a Normalisation Committee (NC) to run the nation's sport in the interim and oversee a new presidential election to restore normalcy.

Ahead of the polls, the NC disqualified Palmer from contesting the election on the recommendation of a Vetting Committee for breaching financial regulations following a transfer of a Tema Youth player abroad.

After an unsuccessful internal appeal, Palmer hauled the GFA to CAS, seeking a new election altogether and for clearance to compete in the polls.

The global tribunal initially set July for the announcement of its verdict before first postponing to August 5 and now to September 1.

In Palmer's disqualification, six contenders went head-to-head for the FA presidency. 

Celtic have blasted Boli Bolingoli's "stupidity" and apologised to the SPFL for his "irresponsible action" after the player breached quarantine restrictions. 

Bolingoli travelled to Spain without the club's knowledge and did not follow quarantine rules when returning from the country. 

He then featured in Celtic's 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock on Sunday, with his indiscretion coming after two Aberdeen players had tested positive for coronavirus. 

Eight Aberdeen players issued an apology for breaking guidelines by visiting a bar in the aftermath of their opening-weekend defeat to Rangers. 

The Scottish government threatened to pause the Scottish Premiership season and Celtic did not hold back in their condemnation of Bolingoli, who the club said has tested negative for Covid-19. 

"Celtic Football Club unreservedly condemns and apologises for the behaviour of the player Boli Bolingoli in travelling to Spain without informing the club and in failing to observe quarantine restrictions," a statement from the club read. 

"It is difficult to imagine a more irresponsible action in current circumstances and we find it beyond explanation. The club will take immediate action through our own disciplinary procedures. 

"Celtic are in touch with every SPFL club, and with all relevant authorities, to apologise for the fact that one of our employees has created so much additional difficulty through his actions. 

"All of our playing and backroom staff have been tested twice for Covid-19 since this incident and all, including the player in question, have tested negative. While this comes as a relief to all concerned, it in no way diminishes the seriousness or stupidity of the player's actions. 

"Since the Covid-19 crisis began, we have had a safe and healthy squad of players, recording not one positive test. As a club, we have worked tirelessly to ensure a sustained, safe environment for all.    

"We have led the way in working with the football authorities and Scottish Government to establish the most rigorous, effective protocols and working practices, which ultimately led to the resumption of football. We could have done no more in this area. 

"It is a matter of the deepest regret to us that the behaviour of one individual has jeopardised that reputation and reflected discredit on football more generally." 

Bolingoli apologised for his error, saying: "I have made a huge mistake. I want to apologise to my manager, my team-mates, the supporters, everyone at Celtic and so many others for letting them down so badly. 

"I am guilty of a major error of judgement. I know what I did was wrong and I know that I must now deal with the consequences." 

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said Celtic and Aberdeen's upcoming matches will likely be postponed as a result of their players' conduct, telling reporters: "I regret that some football players seem incapable of living up to their responsibilities. We can't have privileged players just deciding they won't bother.

"Don't expect Aberdeen or Celtic to play over the coming week. This is a yellow card. Next time will be red."

Liverpool have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Thiago Alcantara as Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted that the club are willing to sell a prized asset for a "fair transfer fee".

Thiago only has one year left to run on his current contract with Bayern, and has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool over the past few months.

Rummenigge confirmed in July that the 29-year-old has turned down the opportunity to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena, with it his desire to experience a new challenge away from Germany after seven successful years in the Bundesliga.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted to being a great admirer of the Spain international, but Bayern have yet to receive any offers for a man who is reportedly being valued at around €35 million (£31m/$41m).

Bayern head coach Hansi Flick addressed speculation over Thiago's future before his side's Champions League win over Chelsea on Saturday, conceding that he is not sure whether the midfielder will still be on the club's books next season.

“If he wants to try again in the Premier League now, I totally understand," said Flick. "But it would be a shame because Thiago gives our game that certain something.

“That's why I would like, as a coach, to have him on the team for the next few years, but that's life. It would go on.”

Rummenigge has now doubled down on his previous comments regarding Thiago's current situation, while admitting that Bayern are ready to sanction his departure if an appropriate bid is lodged in the coming weeks.

"Regarding Thiago, it's known that he told us he wanted to do something new," the Bayern chief told German publication Bild.

"If a club approaches us that is willing to pay a fair transfer fee, we will work on it."

The Spanish playmaker played 70 minutes of Bayern's 4-1 last-16, second-leg victory against Chelsea, which ensured that they progressed to the quarter-finals of this season's European Cup 7-1 on aggregate.

Flick is now preparing his team for a huge last-eight clash with Barcelona in Lisbon on Friday, when Thiago will look to mastermind the downfall of the club that gave him his start in the professional game back in 2009.

Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack has castigated the club for letting go of some of his key players whom he wanted to use in the coming season.

The British coach has admitted the financial situation at the club has forced him to start a rebuilding process after losing key players Joash Onyango, Charles Momanyi, Boniface Omondi, Peter Odhiambo, and Kenneth Muguna - and conceded it might affect the team's performance next season.

“That is not a good question to ask me, because you know from the word go, my intentions were to keep my best players for the new season,” Polack told Goal when asked why the league champions were losing key players this transfer window.

“I think you know why [the players are leaving] and why I am mad, all the players that are leaving they are quality players and I will be a selfish coach to say now I want to say I will want to keep them because you know the financial situation at the club.

“First of all, they have made their decisions to leave because of the circumstances the club finds itself in [in terms of finances], it is the big reason why they have left, I would have loved them to stay, but players come and go but the club will still be there.”

Polack continued: “It is a very big issue when you lose your quality players, it is a blow to any team be it at Barcelona, Arsenal or Real Madrid, it is not good to lose your quality players, but the problems we are facing now [financial issues] have even made the situation worse.”

On what he will do the fill the void left by the departing players, Polack said: “I don’t know, I don’t know what plans the club have, I have convened a meeting with the officials and I hope it will give us the direction now that the window is open.

“I have a number of players I want to sign but it can only happen with finances on the table, I am waiting for the office to give me direction, we might sign more players, I don’t know if we will, but I am waiting.”

K'Ogalo have only managed to sign keeper Levis Opiyo from Nairobi City Stars so far.

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Stanton Fredericks feels that the Soweto giants are firmly in control of their Premier Soccer League (PSL) title chances despite a serious challenge from closest competitors Mamelodi Sundowns.

Chiefs play their first match after the season restart on Wednesday when they host Bidvest Wits at Orlando Stadium.

After enjoying a 13-point gap at the top earlier in the campaign, before having that lead cut to four points by second-placed Sundowns, Chiefs’ title challenged appeared to be in trouble, but Frederick described his former team as “very resilient” and believes that all is not yet lost for the Soweto giants.

“Chiefs have their destiny in their hands to tilt the scale to their advantage. The first two games of the league’s restart will be crucial. If they win those, they will be in a good position,” Fredericks told the Kaizer Chiefs official website.

After the Wits match, Chiefs face relegation-threatened Polokwane City three days later.

But the Wits match comes on the backdrop of an uninspiring spell just before the season was suspended in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Before the break, Chiefs had won two matches, lost as many and drew one in their last five games and it was a run in which they dropped eight points and allowed Sundowns to close the gap.

It also compromised their chances of a first league title since 2015 but Fredericks feels going on a league title drought is nothing unusual.

“It happens... all great teams go through hardships at times,” said Fredericks who named the players he thinks could carry Chiefs to glory in their last eight games.

“This side, however, has some real quality players, like Samir Nurkovic, Lebogang Manyama, Khama Billiat and Leonardo Castro,” Fredericks said.

“If you look at Samir, it’s amazing how quickly he adapted to South African football, being from a different country and culture. It’s not easy to settle immediately in another country, but he managed to do just that. That’s class.

“The spark to the team’s success is Willard Katsande. He’s a real leader on the field, which he shows in his actions by chasing every ball. That motivates the other players to emulate him. Look at Nurkovic, he is always putting the opponent’s defence under pressure.”

Resuming action against a Wits side that has already endured a strong challenge from Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals could prove difficult for Chiefs.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta can use the club's FA Cup triumph as a springboard to compete for Premier League titles, according to Martin Keown.

The Gunners slumped to their worst top-flight finish in 25 years in 2019-20, after failing to recover from a disastrous start to the campaign under Unai Emery.

Their fortunes began to change when Arteta was drafted in to replace Emery in the Emirates Stadium hot seat, but they still ended up falling short of the European places.

Arsenal finished a whopping 40 points behind eventual champions Liverpool, and 10 adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, who ultimately secured the final Champions League spot.

Fortunately, Arteta's men were able to qualify for the Europa League via another route, as they overcame Chelsea at Wembley to win the FA Cup on August 1.

The Gunners saw off Manchester City in the last four before beating the Blues 2-1 in the showpiece, thanks to a double from star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Keown believes Arteta is capable of closing the gap on Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool after delivering his first piece of silverware at the Emirates.

The ex-Arsenal defender says his old club have the same core values in place which have served the Reds so well in recent times, as he told Football London: "We’ve heard Jurgen Klopp say about the history of that club, when they walk into that club and they see the trophies they’ve won and the players they’ve had.

“Arsenal is no different. With the FA Cup, we’ve almost moved competitions. Consistency wins you Premier League trophies, that’s the difference.

“You’ve only got to win six matches to win an FA Cup but nonetheless you’ve still got to beat the best teams. The last five winners have all done that.

"There has always been a big history and a big expectation at Arsenal. The minute I walked through the front door the photographs said it all. You’re here to win trophies.

"It was a bit of a barren spell in terms of championships but the club was emerging again, through the FA Cup.

“Maybe now he will use it again to win Premier Leagues."

Keown added: "By winning trophies you demonstrate that when things go well it clicks. You’re good enough to beat the teams that win the leagues.

"What you want to do is win the Premier League, get into that top four. Arteta will be ambitious to do that. It’s a great start and great for his confidence by the way, he’s a rookie manager but not anymore after winning a trophy.

"It keeps everybody on board. People listen more when you win things. You can roll out all the best ideas but you have to be able to execute the plan. They did that brilliantly since lockdown.

"I think it’s about the group realising that they’re good enough to win things. Then the name of the cup just changes. To win a Premier League you have to be far more consistent than we’re currently being.

"That’s the next step for Arteta but it’s good for the players to see that they’re capable of winning things, beating a very good Chelsea team in the process, but it’s still a rebuilding project for Arteta and Arsenal Football Club."

Yanga SC have continued bolstering their squad for next season with the signing of Burkinabe forward Songne Yacouba.

The 27-time league champions confirmed the arrival of the former Asante Kotoko SC striker via their official social media. 

"New signing; Yacouba Songne will land in Jangwani," Timu ya Wananchi said in a short post on their Facebook page. 

The West African forward becomes the first foreign player to land in the Tanzania Mainland League giants' side.

The 28-year-old Songne has also played for Etoile Filante de Ouagadougou before his exploits took him to the Ghanaian side in 2018.

In May 2018, his rich form in the pitch saw him win the Player of the Month Award. 

The new striker is set to take the position of Democratic Republic of Congo citizen David Molinga, who was let go by the team despite scoring 11 goals in the concluded season.

Yanga, who are currently without a coach after the exit of Luc Eymael, have reportedly listed former Simba SC coach Patrick Aussems among those who can replace the Belgian.

The Jangwani Street-based giants are currently in the market to hire a coach after they fired the Belgian on the final day of the 2019-20 Mainland Premier League season.

Goal understands Yanga are looking at several options including former coach Hans van der Pluijm but the name of Aussems, who guided Simba to the league title in the 2018-19 campaign before he was shown the exit door after a poor show in the Caf Champions League, has also emerged.

"It is true [Aussems] is also being considered for the job since the club is looking for a coach who has been in the country before, and one who will have no difficulties to settle in when he takes up the role," a source from Yanga, who did not want to be named, told Goal.

"We all know what Aussems did at Simba, he is a good coach, who can bond well with the squad we are building around, and I can confirm his name emerged recently during a meeting discussing the issue of the coach but we have not made contact, maybe we will if they zero in on him."

Robert Lewandowski is now the "best player in the world" ahead of Lionel Messi, according to Lothar Matthaus, who has described the Bayern Munich striker as the Barcelona superstar's "successor".

Lewandowski took his tally for the season to 53 in 44 games after netting a double in Bayern's 4-1 win over Chelsea in the Champions League on Saturday.

The final result at Allianz Arena saw Hansi Flick's side progress to the quarter-finals of the competition 7-1 on aggregate, with a heavyweight encounter against Barcelona up next.

The Blaugrana beat Napoli 3-1 to book their place in the last eight, with Messi grabbing the headlines for a stunning solo goal which saw him take on five defenders and pick himself up from the ground before curling the ball into the far corner of the net.

The diminutive Argentine is widely considered to be the greatest footballer in history, and he picked up a record-breaking sixth Ballon d'Or award in 2019 after another stellar year.

Messi has carried a disjointed Barca side once again over the course of the current campaign, but Matthaus believes Lewandowski has now overtaken the 33-year-old as the best in the business.

Ahead of Bayern's clash with the Spanish outfit in Lisbon on Friday, the club legend told Bild: "Messi faces his successor as the best player in the world: Robert Lewandowski. He is the best player, not just the best forward.

"The Barca of today is no longer the same as before. They have Messi, of course. A player like him is always capable of genius.

"But he alone will not be enough against this Bayern. Barcelona does not scare me."

Matthaus is confident that his old club will reach the Champions League semi-finals at Barca's expense, as he told Sky Germany: "Naturally Barcelona have enough quality to produce the best of themselves in one game, but I think Bayern will have to make many mistakes and do many things wrong to lose against this Barcelona."

Bayern striker Thomas Muller was asked to weigh in on the Lewandowski-Messi debate after their victory against Chelsea, and urged his team-mate to prove that he deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the Barca talisman.

"We'll see that on Friday. Lewy will have to answer this question," said the Germany international.

"Messi also played very well [against Napoli]. But it's up to Lewy and us to answer this question in Lewy's favour on Friday."

Anthony Martial looked a "£100 million player" and was labelled a "Ferrari" by Owen Hargreaves after Manchester United's Europa League win over Copenhagen. 

France forward Martial won the penalty from which Bruno Fernandes scored to send United to the semi-finals via a 1-0 extra-time win in Cologne on Monday. 

The Red Devils had 14 shots on target and hit the woodwork twice in the quarter-final tie against the Danish outfit, with Martial impressing while leading the line ahead of Marcus Rashford, Fernandes and Mason Greenwood. 

Former United midfielder Hargreaves was effusive in his praise when commenting on Martial's fine performance as part of his role as a pundit for BT Sport. 

"Everyone's got an opinion on Martial. He's a Ferrari," he said.  

"He just looked like a £100 million player."

His performance also drew applause from manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has been impressed by the 24-year-old striker's development over the course of the season.

"He was sharp," the Norwegian coach told reporters.

"Anthony has developed throughout the season, he was involved with the penalty. 

"He's impossible to stop at times when he gets the ball into his feet and he drives at people, his balance, he can go either way.  

"The only thing now is to put that ball in the back of the net again. I'm delighted with his performance, though." 

Ex-United forward Robin van Persie was also impressed by what he saw and described Martial as "world-class", while club legend Paul Scholes hailed him as “unstoppable”, adding: "Now I think he’s brought the all-round game. He’s got everything, he can beat a man, he can score goals, he’s got everything you’d want in a centre-forward."

Martial has scored 23 times in 47 appearances in all competitions this season, making him United's top scorer in 2019-20, with Rashford one goal behind.

United, who are chasing their first piece of silverware since 2017, will face the winner of Tuesday evening's tie between Wolves and Sevilla in the final four of the competition, while Shakhtar Donetsk and Basel will square off to decide who will take on Inter in the other semi-final. 

John Utaka has recounted how former Nigeria internationals Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha served as a source of encouragement to him.

The forward watched on television as Kanu inspired the West Africans to win the 1996 Olympic Gold medal in Atlanta.

Utaka then got a chance to play with the former Arsenal star in the Super Eagles in 2000 after he was handed his first call-up following his impressive performances for Egyptian club Ismaily.

The winger, who had 49 caps for the three-time African champions, revealed the roles of Kanu and Okocha in helping him to settle in the national team.

“Kanu competed in the Olympic games. He inspired me a lot because he was not a fast player but he is very smart and very technical in games,” Utaka told the Montpellier website.

“When I got my first call-up to Nigeria in 2000, he was there with Okocha and for me it was… I was watching them on TV and there I was playing with them. It was a dream fulfilled.  

“They encouraged me by telling me not to be afraid to express myself as I knew how to do and especially to listen to the coaches. It was good advice.”

Utaka explained there was a lot of pressure while playing for the Super Eagles as players have to give their best for the side at all times in order to continue enjoying the support of their fans.

“There are lots of expectations when playing for Nigeria. We are about 180 million in population and almost everyone loves football,” he continued.

“In each match, there is always immense pressure for the XI who starts the match. Every time I wore this jersey I knew there was no room for errors.

“Above all, you have to give your all whether we win or lose. We have to play well because the fans don’t forgive. It is very important you give it your all when playing for Nigeria because there is a lot of criticism.”

Utaka returned to France after leaving Portsmouth in 2011, joining Montpellier, having previously featured for Lens and Rennes.

The winger played a key role as the Stade de la Mosson outfit won the 2011-2012 Ligue 1 title for the first time in their history and scored 12 goals in 68 appearances during his two-year stay with the side.

“I think it was a collective strength. We could core in any way. Sometimes Mapou could score, other times it was Vito. It was not just one player even if it was obvious Olivier,” he added.

“Giroud did us a lot of good. He was like a scoring machine. When we make an effort to give him the ball he finishes well and we were champions of France.”

After leaving the Stade de la Mosson outfit, Utaka played for Turkish club Sivasspor before he made a return to Egyptian club Ismaily in 2016.   

The forward also featured for Nogoom El Mostakba, Aswan and Sedan before his retirement from professional football.

The 38-year-old former Nigeria international is currently Montpellier U19 assistant coach.

Ex-Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi believes “there is no way" Mamelodi Sundowns will beat Orlando Pirates in Tuesday’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) showdown, saying the Soweto giants’ biggest trump card could be Downs’ "weak" defence.

The two giants kick off the resumption of league action at Dobsonville Stadium.

Following Mamelodi Sundowns’ narrow 3-2 victory over Bidvest Wits in last Saturday’s Nedbank Cup semi-final match, their defensive frailties were badly exposed, especially errors by Motjeka Madisha, which led to the Students’ goals.

Although Lekgwathi acknowledged that Pirates have not been at their best defensive-wise, having conceded more league goals than Sundowns this season, he feels Pitso Mosimane’s charges currently have the worst rearguard between the two sides.

“I watched Sundowns play Wits and the way they play, there’s no way they will beat Pirates,” Lekgwathi told Far Post.

“If you look, the downfall of Pirates is conceding goals, lousy goals but we can score. Even if Pirates concede against Sundowns, Pirates are going to score more goals if they don’t change their defence. Sundowns’ weakest link is in central defence.”

Pirates forward Frank Mhango, who is the current league top goal-scorer, would be looking to add to his 14 goals and could be a nightmare to Sundowns if he picks up from where he left off before the break.

“Sundowns will be playing against the current top goal-scorer. It’s going to be difficult to mark him because he is hungry to be the top scorer. He wants to continue where he left off. He is still going to continue with the hard work and score goals,” continued Lekgwathi.

“Mhango’s close friends were talking about him. You can tell that he is happy to play for Pirates and he respects the badge. He is willing to die for the team. If you hear his story, then you will understand why he is so serious about his career.

“One thing I like about foreign players is that they take their jobs seriously. You can see when Mhango plays that he does so wholeheartedly. He respects his job. He understands the team he plays for. Pirates are not an ordinary team.”

But what could be Sundowns’ advantage is that they have match fitness, having already been involved in competitive action after the restart of football in South Africa.

They face a Pirates side that would be playing their first game after the season restart.

The race for the league title could also be a force to spur on second-placed Sundowns, who are four points behind log leaders Kaizer Chiefs and have played a game less than Amakhosi.