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Nigeria Professional Football League players are not good enough to play for the Super Eagles, according to the majority of Goal readers.

Nigerian clubs have performed woefully in continental competitions with Enyimba being the latest after they were knocked out of the Caf Confederation Cup by Pyramids on Sunday.

A 1-1 draw in Aba was not enough for Fatai Osho’s men to advance to the semi-final stage after they already suffered a 4-1 loss in Egypt a week ago.

Going by the poll set by Goal Africa, 225 fans voted with 43.1 per cent of the followers claiming the NPFL players are good enough for the Super Eagles while 56.9 per cent voted that they are not.

Interestingly, two fans left their comments – one claimed NPFL players’ performances in Caf competitions should be used as a guide by Rohr while the other suggested they lack technical abilities.

Ahead of next Friday’s international friendly game against Cameroon in Austria, Rohr has called up Heartland goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, and Enyimba duo Anayo Iwuala and John Noble, who earned their maiden invitation to the national team in March.

Also in the 31-man provisional squad is Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa, who currently plays in the Nigeria top-flight after he struggled to find a new club in Europe since October 2020.

Musa has played two matches for Kano Pillars with an assist under his belt since he returned to Sai Masu Gida in April.

Following the announcement of the international friendly match between Nigeria and Mexico in July, Rohr has hinted that he could call the home-based stars for the fixture in the United States of America.

The German coach questioned the timing of the encounter as Europe-based players who make up the majority of his team would be with their clubs for pre-season training.

"Mexico against Nigeria is a big match any day, and the venue is class," Rohr told ESPN. "To get the Super Eagles in Europe is impossible.

"They will all be in pre-season with their clubs. So I will be able only to make selection of players from Nigeria."

Thomas Tuchel is optimistic about Edouard Mendy ahead of Chelsea's Champions League final showdown with Manchester City.

Mendy has established himself as the Blues No 1 since moving to Stamford Bridge from Rennes for £22 million ($31m) last summer, recording 24 clean sheets in 44 games across all competitions.

The 29-year-old started again in Chelsea's final game of the Premier League season against Aston Villa but had to be withdrawn at half-time with a rib injury, leaving Tuchel sweating on his fitness for next weekend's European showpiece.

What's been said?

The Blues boss was able to give a positive update on Mendy's recovery at his press conference on Monday, telling reporters: "With Edou, the update is that we still have hope that he will join in with training on Wednesday with the group.

"He made a huge improvement with the management of pain from when the injury happened, which is good but of course we will need a further update on Wednesday. We hope to have him back."

Tuchel added: "Edou will play if he's fit, and if he's not fit on Wednesday, we will try Thursday, and if not then we will try Friday. We will be reasonable and take responsibility for the decision. At the same time, we have trust if he can't make it. We have a strong guy with Kepa on the bench who would take his place.

"So the race is on. We are happy the images didn't show the injury was too serious. So we are positive, but every hour and every day counts. Hopefully, the team around Edou and he himself can do enough that he is on the pitch. It would be a good boost for us."

Tuchel on Kante

The German tactician was also asked about N'Golo Kante's fitness ahead of the final, with the Frenchman having picked up a knock in last week's win over Leicester City which kept him out of Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Villa.

"For N'Golo, nothing has changed, I think about changing my tactics now to stop asking about N'Golo and just put him on the pitch in Wednesday's training," said Tuchel.

"I don't ask him anymore if there are any problems, just put him in training, and put him on the pitch when the game starts on Saturday. Maybe I will not speak to the doctors and the physios anymore so I hear no more doubts, no complaints or nothing.

"So maybe I need to think about changing my tactics! But it looks good and I hope it stays like that."

Tuchel assesses Chelsea's chances

Newly crowned Premier League champions City ended up finishing 19 points ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea, who are being billed as underdogs in Saturday's all-English final.

However, Tuchel masterminded the Blues' 1-0 win against Pep Guardiola's side in the FA Cup semi-finals and 2-1 triumph at Etihad Stadium in their last top-flight meeting, and has high hopes that his side can pull off another upset at Estadio do Dragao.

"It's City with Pep on the side, so maybe they are the best team in Europe at the moment and maybe the world. It's on again us to close the gap for 90 minutes," he said.

"The good thing is we have done it already. We played this exact team in exactly the same circumstances in a short period of time. This is the point to continue and the point to believe. Everything is possible in a final. Of course, everything is possible in every direction. We want to push luck and destiny and this game on our side."

Further reading

Sergio Ramos has insisted that he is at peace with his omission from Spain's Euro 2020 squad after a "f*cked up few months" at Real Madrid.

Luis Enrique named his final 24-man squad for this summer's European Championship on May 24, with Ramos the most notable absentee given his status as the national team captain.

Barcelona's Sergio Busquets will be taking up leadership duties for La Roja instead of the 35-year-old, who has conceded that he is not physically ready to participate in a major tournament.

What's been said?

Ramos endured an injury-plagued 2020-21 campaign at Real which saw him restricted to just 21 appearances across all competitions, and has only started two games since undergoing knee surgery in January.

The centre-back has reluctantly admitted that he needs more time to make a full recovery, writing on Twitter and Instagram: "After a f*cked up few months and a strange season unlike anything I have experienced in my career comes the Euros.

"I have fought and worked body and soul every day to be able to reach 100 per cent with Real Madrid and the national team, but things do not always go the way you want.

"It hurts me not to have been able to help my team more and not defend Spain but, in this case, it is better to rest, fully recover well and, next year, return as we have always done.

"It hurts not to represent your country, but you have to be honest and sincere. A big shout to everyone and #VivaEspana and #HalaMadrid always!"

Enrique explains why he left Ramos out

Enrique revealed that he informed Ramos of his decision after Real's final game of the Liga season on Sunday, which they won 2-1 against Villarreal.

"Ramos has not been able to compete this season, he has not been able to train with the group," said the Spain boss. "I called him last night, it was difficult and hard.

"I clearly see that it’s a complicated decision. I recommended that he be selfish and that he regains his level to play in his club and in the national team."

Ramos' record for Spain & future at Real

Ramos has been a mainstay in the La Roja starting lineup over the past 17 years, with Euro 2004 marking the last time that he was absent for a major tournament.

The experienced defender has racked up 180 caps for his country to date, scoring 23 goals, while also getting his hands on the World Cup and two European Championship titles.

After being left out of Enrique's final squad, attention will now switch to Ramos' future at Real as he edges towards the final month of his current contract.

The two parties have yet to reach an agreement over an extension, with the Spain international reportedly holding out for a fresh two-year deal.

Further reading

John Stones says Manchester City have the "passion and desire" for Champions League glory, with Chelsea warned that Pep Guardiola's side are in "perfect" shape ahead of European showdown in Porto.

Two domestic rivals are set to lock horns on Saturday with a prestigious continental prize on the line.

City head into that contest with Carabao Cup and Premier League titles under their belt, with Stones expecting any nerves in the Etihad Stadium camp to be countered by their determination to secure a historic European triumph.

What has been said?

Stones told reporters of the mood in Pep Guardiola's squad after ending the 2020-21 Premier League season with a 5-0 demolition of Everton: "I’m sure everyone will be nervous but the lads wouldn’t be where they are without knowing how to control those things, big pressure, big games.

"We’ve got the calibre of players for this occasion. It is a final and we’ve been in so many finals. We’ve got the passion and desire to win it.

"To finish the Premier League on a high like that is what we needed and to go into the next game, scoring so many goals and keeping a clean sheet, is perfect."

More silverware for City?

The Blues are now one game away from completing another treble and adding to the enviable collection of honours that have already been secured under Guardiola's guidance.

A 12-point lead over the chasing pack carried City to another Premier League crown, with an uncharacteristically slow start overcome en route to restoring domestic dominance.

On those efforts, Stones added: "It’s been an incredible season. From where we were in December, I think it shows the strength of the boys. Everyone has pulled their weight and come together as a team.

"We have got another game to go, we can make some more history but in these times – Covid times, everything different and difficult, games every three days – it shouldn’t be underestimated what we’ve all done this season as a club."

Farewell to Aguero

Whatever happens on Saturday, City will be bidding farewell to Sergio Aguero this summer.

The club's all-time leading scorer added another two goals to his tally against Everton, taking him to 260 in total, and Stones feels privileged to have worked with a modern-day great.

He said of a prolific Argentine striker that appears destined to join Barcelona as a free agent: "It’s been an absolute honour to play with Sergio.

"For me, he’s the best striker in the Premier League, maybe ever.

"For what he’s brought to the team – trophies and as a person – he’s just a pleasure to play with. I’ve got some great memories that will last forever."

Further reading

Thomas Partey said Arsenal’s failure to qualify for Europe gives the team an opportunity to fight for everything in the 2021-22 season.

Despite a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in their final league match on Sunday, Mikel Arteta’s side remains eighth in the Premier League table as other results did not go in their favour.

It will be the first time in 25 years the Gunners will have a season without playing European football.

Partey who played 33 matches in all competitions this term, described Arsenal’s finish as a disappointment.

"[Missing out on Europe] is disappointing, but now we have the opportunity to come back next season and fight for everything we can,” he told the club website.

The Ghana international played from start to finish on Sunday as Nicolas Pepe’s double sealed a 2-0 win over Brighton.

The former Atletico Madrid midfielder came close to scoring on several occasions, with his second-half shot hitting the bar.

Sunday’s encounter was the first time fans entered the Emirates Stadium since the coronavirus pandemic and Partey was thrilled to see the club faithful behind the team.

"I think we had their support today which was very beautiful," he continued. "We were encouraged and when we were down they supported us, they pushed us up and at the end this is what we need. We are very grateful.

"We had a good game and everybody gave their best, and at the end it’s part of the game, we have to keep working hard, we have to prepared, we have to end well and we did well, so we have to be prepared for the next season.”

Partey who joined Arsenal on a long-term contract in October, played 24 matches in his debut Premier League season with two assists under his belt.

Brighton boss Graham Potter has admitted the future of Liverpool and Arsenal-linked midfielder Yves Bissouma is uncertain ahead of the summer transfer window.

Bissouma enjoyed another fine individual season at Brighton in 2020-21, helping them avoid relegation while solidifying his reputation as one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old still has two years remaining on his contract at Amex Stadium but has been strongly linked with a big-money move, with Potter conceding he's unsure whether Bissouma will still be on the club's books next season after their final day defeat to Arsenal.

What's been said?

Asked if he can give any assurances over Bissouma's future amid rumours of interest from Liverpool and Arsenal, Potter told reporters: "Not really. He’s got a contract with us. As far as I know he’s going to report to pre-season like everyone else, but it’s football.

"Like anything, in the summer we have to make some good decisions and improve the football club."

Bissouma's stance 

Bissouma has kept relatively quiet with regards to his next move, but did insist that he remains fully committed to Brighton's cause at the end of April as Potter's side sought to maintain their Premier League status.

“I don’t have much to say about that because I’m at Brighton for the moment,” he said. “I consider myself a Brighton player, so the most important thing right now, is to stay up. We’ll try and God willing, we’ll see how things go next season.”

Bissouma's record at Brighton

Brighton initially snapped Bissouma up from French outfit Lille back in July 2018, tying him down to a five-year contract. The Malian has since racked up 96 appearances across all competitions for the Seagulls, while also recording four goals and one assist.

Further reading

Scott McTominay is not about to "cry" over comments from Roy Keane that have questioned him at Manchester United.

The Red Devils legend told Sky Sports after seeing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side suffer a 4-2 defeat to Liverpool on May 13: “I just look at the performance of the two midfielders, McTominay, he’s a good honest player. They’ve got Fred – as long as those two are playing in midfield for Manchester United, they will not be winning big trophies."

The outspoken Irishman is not the first to suggest that changes may be required in United's engine room in order for them to compete for the biggest prizes, but those words continue to be shrugged off by McTominay.

What has been said?

When Keane's jibe was put to him after the 2-1 win at Wolves, Scotland international midfielder McTominay told BT Sport: "What did he say?

"I didn’t see it, but it doesn’t ­matter. People talk. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and you have to respect that, but I’m not going to spit my dummy out and cry over ­something Roy Keane says.

"If that’s what he thinks, then that’s what he thinks. For me, it isn’t a drama. I’d be a fool if I went home worrying about what people think about me."

Support for McTominay

While Keane has been critical of the 24-year-old, former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes McTominay is capable of becoming the next great Scottish star at Old Trafford.

He said: "I signed him when he was seven or eight years of age. McTominay is of a similar type to Darren [Fletcher]. A bit long, lanky, a good winner of the ball, a good turn of pace going forward, a great attitude to the game.

"Going back to my time, we very seldom left Darren out of big games, especially against Arsenal. He was fantastic against them. If you put him against [Patrick] Viera, no problems.

"It's really rewarding for me to see a Scot coming through. Darren was one, McClair was a great Scot for us, a fantastic player. We've been blessed with great Scots right through going back to the king, Denis Law. It makes you proud."

On that show of support, McTominay - who has made another 48 appearances for United in all competitions this season - said: "Just to hear a man like Sir Alex mention your name is a privilege, never mind when he’s saying nice things about you, but I can never think to myself, ‘I’ve got his approval, he thinks I’m a good player’.

"I can’t ever be satisfied, even if I’ve got Ole’s ­approval, because it’s always about driving myself further to become a better player.

"I don’t want to feel settled. If I do that then I won’t push myself to the limits that I’ve got. I know where I’m at, and I know that I have got a lot more left in the tank to push myself more."

McTominay and United will be back in action on Wednesday when facing Villarreal in the Europa League final.

Further reading

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes topping Group B in the Caf Champions League could have been a disadvantage.

Masandawana collected 13 points to finish ahead of CR Belouizdad and were paired against defending champions Al Ahly in the quarter-finals who eventually claimed a 3-1 aggregate win to seal their spot in the final four. 

The experienced coach believes finishing second in the group would have impacted his team positively in the quarters.

"The lessons are a tough one because one of them we learned in the quarter-finals of the Champions League is that when you are fighting very hard to top the group, which sounds like an advantage that you will go and play your first leg away from home, it is not always the best," Mngqithi said in a recent interview.

"Maybe being second [in the group] is always better because when you are playing your first match at home, the opposition, when they play the second game, is always going to be difficult."

The 50-year-old went on to compare when Masandawana played the first leg at home against the Red Devils in 2019.

"If you remember, even when we beat Al Ahly, the first match was here, and we won 5-0. But when we went away, we struggled to beat them," Mngqithi continued.

Because of these back-to-back matches, when you start at home, it looks like you stand a chance of going through.

"If you can check, we topped the group, we are out. Simba topped the group, they are out. Maybe it's sending the message that this fight to top the group so that we can play away first is not always beneficial. Maybe we must try to fight to be at home first, where there are no permutations. You are just fighting to win the match, and the next game away, you are trying to consolidate what you have."

The South African is now aiming at performing better with the team, especially in the last eight, if recent experience is anything to go by.

"The truth of the matter is that in the past three seasons we had stiff competition in [the] quarter-finals. If you remember, we've played Al Ahly now three times in a row, and it’s proven to be one team. We've struggled to go beyond. We managed the first time around, and we had Wydad [Casablanca] after that.

"When Wydad took us out, they went on to win it. Al Ahly, when they took us out, they went all the way to win it. So it tells you that we're competing at a level where now it's about breaking through to the top four."  

Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed the departure of head coach Gennaro Gattuso after the team missed out on Champions League qualification.

Gattuso's side went into their final game of the season against Hellas Verona knowing that a victory would secure their place in Serie A's top four, but they came unstuck in front of their fans at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Napoli were held to a 1-1 draw while Milan beat Atalanta to move into second and Juventus thrashed Bologna to snatch the final Champions League spot, with De Laurentiis subsequently revealing that changes will now be made in the dugout.

What's been said?

The Napoli chairman took to social media to bid Gattuso farewell, thanking him for his work at the club over the past two years.

“Dear Rino, I am happy to have spent almost two seasons with you," De Laurentiis wrote on Twitter. "Thank you for your work and I wish you success wherever you go. A hug also to your wife and children."

Meanwhile, Napoli's official account posted an image of Gattuso with the caption: "Thank you, boss!"

Gattuso's record at Napoli

Gattuso was drafted in to replace Carlo Ancelotti in the Napoli hot seat back in December 2020, and seven months later he managed to deliver the club's first trophy in six seasons in the Coppa Italia.

However, Napoli finished 2019-20 down in seventh in the Serie A standings, and although they have picked up 15 more points this time around, Gattuso has paid the price for failing to guide the club back into the Champions League.

Who is in contention to succeed Gattuso?

Maurizio Sarri has been touted as the most likely man to become Napoli's next manager, with the Italian having already enjoyed a successful spell at the club between 2015 and 2018.

Sarri has been out of work since being sacked by Juventus last year and would be available immediately, but Lazio's Simone Inzaghi and outgoing Roma boss Paulo Fonseca have also been linked with the role.

Further reading

Luis Suarez has vowed to remain at Atletico Madrid for at least another season, with transfer speculation surrounding the Uruguayan frontman brought to a close.

There had been talk of the 34-year-old frontman having a clause in his contract that would allow him to walk away as a free agent in the summer with a return to Liverpool being mooted.

Former Barcelona star Suarez has fired Atletico to La Liga title glory - hitting 21 goals in the process - and admits he would find it impossible to sever ties with the Rojiblancos.

What has been said?

Suarez has told Movistar on his future plans: "Yes, I'm sure (I'll stay). Atletico welcomed me from the minute I arrived. I asked the club if there was room for me on the museum wall to make history at Atletico."

The bigger picture

Atletico showed faith in Suarez after he had been deemed surplus to requirements at Camp Nou. That support has been rewarded, with a domestic crown captured for the first time in seven years, but there will be no resting in Madrid.

Diego Simeone is another who will be back for more next season, as he sees a new contract lined up, and the Argentine intends to be as demanding as ever in 2021-22.

He has said of his methods: "I've no doubts that people can get tired, but I'm very hard-headed. I knew and know that this club can keep growing and I hope it will continue like this.

"The club keeps growing. All of the unseen people have given the club stability beyond results. They've always wanted this. They're not here celebrating, but soon we'll all embrace."

Further reading

AFC Leopards coach Patrick Aussems has categorically stated they are not ready to play any FKF Premier League matches at Ruaraka grounds.

Ingwe used the pitch on Saturday as they suffered a frustrating 0-0 defeat against Posta Rangers which saw the team reduced to 10 men after Isaac Kipyegon was red-carded in the opening minutes of the second half.

The Belgian tactician had told Goal despite the dropped points, they have already started focusing on their next league game on Thursday but was categorical they are not ready to play at the venue again.

“We have lost the points and have accepted the outcome and we now shift our focus to Thursday, so we all need to have a good recovery because on Thursday we have to be back in action but I hope not on this pitch but maybe another one," Aussems told Goal.

“It is one of the worst pitches I have seen for some time in my entire life, the ball is not moving on the ground and it is also causing player injuries, and it is unfortunate to play in such a condition, I just want to hope and pray we will not be forced to return and play here again.”

Football Kenya Federation is having difficulties securing better venues for the league matches after the government refused to allow them to use Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium which they stated was under renovation.

The decision forced the local federation to use Ruaraka, Utalii and World Hope Centre grounds as an alternative measure but with matches being played twice a week, the pitches cannot sustain the pressure.

Ingwe came into the match at Ruaraka grounds knowing a win will take them joint top with Tusker at the summit of the 18-team table but they could only manage a 0-0 draw and instead, it is KCB who are now at the summit after they thrashed Bandari 3-0.

But despite moving top, KCB coach Zedekiah Otieno has avoided suggestions they are on the right track to secure their first-ever ticket for the Caf Champions League considering FKF declared two weeks ago that the team at the top of the log by June 30, will get the chance to represent the country in the lucrative Caf competition.

“Even though we are focused on our next game against Sofapaka, it is our hope and prayer that we maintain the position until June 30. We are just taking it one game at a time,” Otieno said.

“I’m satisfied with the result and proud of my players’ performance today [Saturday], we stepped up against Bandari after a slow start in the Mathare United game.

“Winning 3-0 against a team of Bandari's calibre at this point of the league means we are a good team. The players know what’s at stake and I feel that’s sweet revenge after Bandari took six points from us last season.”

The Bankers have now moved to 36 points, one more than Tusker, who dropped to second while AFC Leopards are third on 33 points.

Harry Kane "is made to measure for Manchester United" according to Mark Hughes, who says the Tottenham striker could bring the Red Devils "back to a title-winning level".

Kane, who has spent the first 11 years of his career at Spurs, is being heavily linked with a move away from north London ahead of the summer transfer window.

A host of top clubs have been credited with interest in the 27-year-old, including United, with Hughes of the opinion that his old club can help the prolific forward secure the silverware he craves after another trophyless season with the Lilywhites.

What's been said?

"I think Kane could take United back to a title-winning level," the former Red Devils star told Sky Sports.

"From watching United this season, the one thing that's always struck me is that when they don't have that focal point to the attack, when [Edinson] Cavani isn't playing and the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial or Mason Greenwood are playing up top, it doesn't quite function as well as it should.

"I think United are always better when Cavani is actually down the middle. He's done great for United this year and I think it is great news for them that they've been able to keep him for another year.

"Whether that means they aren't going to pursue Kane really forcefully because they feel in the short-term that they've got a solution.

"I think from my point of view, with my red goggles on, I would love Harry Kane to be there because I think he'd be made to measure for Manchester United. He'd have a lot of good talent around him, and they'd give him that platform hopefully to win trophies because clearly Harry Kane is at the point of his career where that's what's missing from his career.

"He wants to make sure that the next step, if he does make a step, is going to guarantee trophies. It's not about money, it's not about prestige - it's about making your mark in the game."

Who else has been linked with Kane?

If United are to make a move for Kane this summer, it has been suggested that they will face fierce competition for his signature from their cross-city rivals Manchester City, who won their fifth Premier League title in 2020-21.

Chelsea have also been tipped to launch a bid for a man that recorded 33 goals in 49 outings for Tottenham this term, while Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly eager to lure him away from English football.

Has Kane given any hints?

Kane gave the biggest clue yet over his future during an interview with Gary Neville last week, as he admitted that it would be a "dream" for him to link up with Kevin de Bruyne at Man City.

"When I watch De Bruyne play he’s a special, special player and some of the balls I see him put in for City are just a striker's dream if I’m honest but yeah he’s an outstanding player," he said.

When pressed on whether taking up a new challenge abroad holds any appeal, Kane added: "Of course there’s always the option of maybe moving abroad one day but I don’t think that really interests me in the near future."

Further reading

Reinildo Mandava has become the first player from Mozambique to win any of Europe’s top five leagues.

The left-back achieved this feat following Lille’s Ligue 1 triumph with Sunday’s 2-1 defeat of Angers at the Stade Raymond Kopa.

Against the Black and Whites, the African star was on parade from start to finish as Les Douges secured the important win with Jonathan David and Burak Yilmaz finding the net.

"To be a champion you have to have an extraordinary season, especially when you have PSG in front of you,” manager Christophe Galtier told the club website.

“We had an exceptional season, full of emotions and obviously a total investment on the part of my group that we were able to lead to the end with my staff and especially my faithful assistant, Thierry Oleksiak.

“This wonderful group got to do it, again outside. We suspected that PSG was going to perform in Brest. To be champions and keep our place, we had to win. We played a very serious and applied game. It's an amazing night.”

Mandava joined the Stade Pierre-Mauroy giants on a permanent basis from Portuguese side Belenenses on May 31, 2019, after the French side triggered the €3 million option to purchase the player at the end of his initial loan spell.

In his second season at Lille, he featured in 16 league games as Galtier’s men finished fourth in the French elite division as the competition was ended abruptly following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

This season, however, the 27-year-old played a crucial role in the club’s historic triumph, playing in 29 matches – with five of them coming as a substitute.

He was sent off as the Mastiffs laboured to a 1-1 draw at home against Julien Stephan’s Rennes on August 23, 2020.

Mandava was dismissed by referee Clement Turpin in the 43rd minute after he launched a fatal tackle on Brazil’s Raphinha.

That was the first time the Mozambican would be given his marching orders since he began his career in 2012 at Ferroviario da Beira.

His impressive showing this term also saw him shortlisted for the 2021 Prix Marc-Vivien Foe alongside Karl Toko-Ekambi, Alexandre Oukidja, Nayef Aguerd), Farid Boulaya, Andy Delort, Idrissa Gueye and eventual winner Gael Kakuta.

A series of non-fungible token (NFT) releases for the Coppa Italia this past weekend resulted in a high sale of €3,500 for a one-of-a-kind virtual trophy designed by artist Diego Perrone, according to blockchain records. The item has been re-listed online for €57,000.

In an attempt to appeal to a younger, more tech-savvy audience, Lega Serie A partnered with cryptocurrency marketplace Crypto.com to release limited-edition digital collectibles related to Juventus' 2-1 cup win over Atalanta. Among the items were match highlights, rotating medals and a view of the victory ceremony, as well as the unique Perrone imagination of the Coppa Italia trophy.

But the set has not quite matched the success of NFTs stemming from other industries, such as a recent series unveiled by car maker Aston Martin. There is still time, however, for that to change.

Why does it matter?

Lega Serie A, the governing body for Italian football, created the NFT partnership to gauge interest from football fans in the crypto-driven market. If the project is deemed successful, it could invite Serie A clubs to release far more virtual collectibles in the coming year.

While the NFT drops from the weekend didn't generate an immediate bidding war of epic proportions, the €3,500 sale for the most scarce item available still indicated an initial price point that could surprise people not familiar with the rapidly growing market.

However, total sales from all Coppa Italia NFTs have not yet come close to the Aston Martin licensed drop from April that sold digital tokens worth well over €2 million.

Further reading

India are currently fourth in Group E of the World Cup 2022 qualifiers with three points from five matches. 

They will resume their campaign against Qatar on June 3, followed by Bangladesh on June 7 and finally Afghanistan in their last qualifying game on June 15.

While India does not stand a chance of qualifying for the next round of the World Cup, they can still finish third in the group stage and qualify directly for the third round of the Asian Cup. 

This is how things stand at the moment. 

What happens when three teams finish with the same points?

However, there is a possibility of India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan finishing on the same number of points. 

If India lose both against Qatar and Bangladesh and beat Afghanistan,then the Blue Tigers finish on six points. Whereas, if Afghanistan draw their first two games then both teams will finish on six points. Meanwhile, Bangladesh also can end up with the same number of points if they beat India and draw against Oman and Afghanistan. 

However, if India lose big against Qatar, by a narrow margin against Bangladesh and win against Afghanistan by a narrow margin then there is a possibility that we might see the three teams end up with the same goal difference and same goals scored. 

Then how will the ranking be decided?

Currently, the table looks like this. 

When will the 'Fair Play Point System' be invoked? 

However, after playing all the group matches and drawing up a separate table with the three locked teams the parameters remain the same, to break the deadlock, FIFA has devised an innovative method known as the 'fair play point system'. 

It considers the number of yellow and red cards in all group matches and the following deductions are made:

– first yellow card: minus 1 point

– second yellow card/indirect red card: minus 3 points

– direct red card: minus 4 points

– yellow card and direct red card: minus 5 points

If the three teams can't be separated even after this, there will be a drawing of lots by the FIFA Organising Committee. 

The Indian national team will resume their World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign against Qatar on June 3, followed by Bangladesh on June 7 and finally Afghanistan in their last qualifying game on June 15.

India started their journey in the qualifiers with a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Oman at home followed by a historic goalless draw against Asian champions Qatar in Doha. In their third and fourth matches, the Blue Tigers managed 1-1 draws against Bangladesh and Afghanistan respectively but again suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Oman away from home in their fifth match. 

While India does not stand a chance of qualifying for the next round of the World Cup qualifiers, they still have a lot to play for in the remaining three fixtures. If India can finish at least in the third position then they will qualify directly for the third round of the Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers.

This is how the table looks like at the moment. 

What happens when two teams finish on the same points? 

If two teams finish with the same number of points at the league stage then the following criteria will be factored in while deciding the rankings. 

Overall goal difference

Overall goals scored

The goals scored away from home count double between the teams
concerned (if the tie is only between two teams);

If two or more teams are equal on the basis of the above criteria, their rankings shall be determined as follows:

         5. Greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned.

         6. Goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned.

         7. Greater number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned.

         8. Fair play points system in which the number of yellow and red cards in all group matches is considered according to the following deductions:

– first yellow card: minus 1 point
– second yellow card/indirect red card: minus 3 points
– direct red card: minus 4 points
– yellow card and direct red card: minus 5 points

         9. Drawing of lots by the FIFA Organising Committee. 

In the event of a tournament being played in one of the countries of the participating member associations (in this case Qatar) or on neutral territory, if two or more teams are equal after the completion of the group stage in accordance with the above criteria 1-7 (barring number 3), the final rankings will be determined by rules 8 and 9. 

How can India finish in third place?

With Qatar and Oman locked in a battle for the top two spots, the rest of the three teams in Afghanistan, India, and Bangladesh are fighting for third place which will ensure a direct spot in the third round of the Asian Cup Qualification 2023. 

The easiest way for India to finish in third-place is to win all their games. Winning all their matches will take India to 12 points and since they will beat both Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the process, the third place will be sealed for the Blue Tigers. 

If India repeat their result against Qatar and win the remaining two matches they will finish on 10 points. In that case, even if Afghanistan win their two games against Bangladesh and Oman, they have high chances of finishing fourth as India have a better goal difference right now. However, if India lose against Qatar and win the last two games, then the Afghans must drop points against either Bangaladesh or Oman. Bangladesh do not have any chance to come third in this case. 

If India draw their first two matches then they must win against Afghanistan. Anoush Dastgir's men must also drop points in one of their first two matches. Whereas, if Bangladesh win their two games, they will finish level on points with India and then goal difference will come into play. India, right now, as a vastly superior goal difference.

If India lose both against Qatar and Bangladesh and beat Afghanistan, then The Lions of Khorasan must draw against Bangladesh and lose/draw against Oman. Bangladesh, must also lose/draw against Oman. 

India cannot afford to lose against Afghanistan as if they do so, things will get very complicated for Sunil Chhetri and co. Then even if they win their first two games, they have to hope that the Afghans do not pick up more than two points from their first two games. If India get a draw against Afghanistan then they will have leverage of three points.

What happens if India finish fourth? 

If India finish fourth then also they can qualify for the Asian Cup qualifying third round if they finish amongst the four best fourth-placed teams across all groups. The remaining four fourth-placed teams will advance to the Asian Cup qualifying play-off round.

Karl Toko Ekambi was on song twice as Olympic Lyon bowed 3-2 to Nice on the final day of the 2020-21 Ligue 1 campaign.

A win for the Kids could have guaranteed them a place in next season’s Champions League, however, they could only settle for a place in the Europa League after losing at home to Adrian Ursea’s men.

With just fourteen minutes into the game, Toko Ekambi put his team ahead after heading past goalkeeper Walter Benitez a cross from Memphis Depay.

That lead lasted for just 13 minutes as the hosts levelled matters through Kasper Dolberg after guiding home a pass from Pierre Lees-Melou.

Five minutes before the halftime break, the Cameroonian striker completed his brace with a simple header. Again, it was Depay who supplied the assist.

Nice stepped up their game in the second half and deservedly equalised through French midfielder of Gambian descent Hassane Kamara in the 50th minute.

Seven minutes later, Arsenal loanee William Saliba sealed victory for the visitors by heading Amine Gouiri’s free-kick past goalkeeper Anthony Lopes.

At the Stade Saint-Symphorien, Farid Boulaya was on target for Metz, nevertheless, they settled for a 1-1 draw against Olympique Marseille.

With the tight encounter looking destined to end 0-0, the Algerian midfielder powered Frederic Antonetti’s men ahead from the penalty mark following a handball incidence in the visitors’ box.

Almost immediately, Arkadiusz Milik ensured that the Phocaeans returned home with a point as he beat goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja from the penalty spot following a foul on Djamel Benlamri.

Elsewhere, Andy Delort helped Montpellier secure a 2-1 away win over Moses Simon’s Nantes.

The Algeria international made amend for his penalty miss in the 29th minute of the encounter by netting the winner.

Despite needing a win to avoid demotion to the French second tier, the Yellow House got pegged down in the 30th minute courtesy of Gaetan Laborde’s strike.

That lead lasted for just three minutes before former France youth international of Congolese background Randal Kolo Muani equalised for the hosts.

14 minutes before full time, Delort had the final say after he was set up by Elye Wahi.

Nantes will have to come through a relegation play-off to save their top-flight place.

Mali international El Bilal Toure ended the season with a goal, nevertheless, Reims suffered a 2-1 loss to Bordeaux.

The 19-year-old forward put the Red and Whites ahead in the 15th minute after he was teed up by Thomas Foket.

A minute before the halftime break, French youth international of Algerian background Yacine Adli restored parity for the Girondins.

Ghana prospect Enock Kwateng sealed victory for Jean-Louis Gasset’s men in the second half.

In another fixture, Mauritania international Aboubakar Kamara scored Dijon’s only goal as they pipped Saint Etienne 1-0 away from home..