Author: Brila

Nigeria Super Falconets have been eliminated from the ongoing Under-20 Women’s World Cup after losing 2-1 to Spain on Thursday. Spain took the lead after 13 minutes when skipper Aitana Bonmati curled a left-footed shot from the edge of the box beyond goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. The Europeans were then unlucky not to be awarded a second goal when an effort crashed against the underside of the bar with the goalkeeper beaten. Nigeria pulled a goal back in the 57th minute through a strike by Peace Efih to make it a keener contest.

West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini has stated the club will not make an approach for out of contract midfielder Yaya Toure. Sky Sports report that the Hammers had been linked with the Ivorian in national reports, but Pellegrini has now quashed those rumours. Toure’s eight-year affiliation with Manchester City came to an end this summer after Pep Guardiola decided he wasn’t worthy of a new contract at the Etihad. The 35-year-old was a lynchpin of the City side that rose to the domestic and European elite, making 316 appearances and scoring 79 goals in total. Toure played…

Former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze has called on Nigerian Football fans to respect Victor Moses’ decision to quit the National team even at a young age of 27. The former PAOK Saloniki of Greece defender made his points while responding to the mixed reactions that followed the shock retirement announcement made by the Chelsea player on Wednesday. “It’s a massive call by Moses” “I believe he must have considered every possible thing before reaching the decision” “He said he wants to focus on his club football and young family” “I think we all should…

Manchester United Manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly told Paul Pogba he can leave Old Trafford and all he has to do is ask for a transfer. Pogba hinted at unrest in the Old Trafford dressing room after United’s 2-1 win against Leicester, claiming: “There are things I can say and there are things that I cannot say, otherwise I will get fined.” The 25-year-old was linked with a move away from Old Trafford after apparent discontent with Mourinho. But he remained in situ when the window shut last Thursday in England. The La Liga champions have already added…

Super Falcons Coach Thomas Dennerby has backed the Falconets to secure victory in their quarterfinal clash with Spain in Concarneau on Thursday. The Falconets secured a late equalizer in their last Group D encounter against China to finish as runners-up, with four points despite their opening defeat to Germany. Despite their shortcomings, the Swedish tactician has hailed the organization and defensive quality of the Chris Danjuma-led Falconets side. “I think that they have a really good chance to advance because they really defend well and are organized,” Dennerby told Goal. “They are not attacking with the same…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have dropped to 49th place on the latest World Football Rankings released by FIFA today. Nigeria is joint 49th with 2018 World Cup hosts Russia, who moved up 21 places after an impressive World Cup campaign where they reached the quarterfinals. Argentina fall to 11th after flattering to deceive on the grandest stage, with both teams now below England, who reached the semi-finals. Gareth Southgate’s men are now sixth. The top five consists of France, Belgium, Brazil, beaten finalists Croatia and Uruguay. The Three Lions, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain and Denmark make up the top 10. Having failed to advance from the group stage…

Italian Serie A side Udinese is reportedly in talks to sign Nigeria-born England and Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham before the end of the transfer window. The 20-year-old has been seen as an alternative to Zenit man Sebastian Driussi, but Abraham – who recently signed a new deal with the Blues – is someone Sampdoria has been watching for a while now. According to Italian broadcaster Sportitalia, the Serie A club Udinese are interested in Abraham. Sampdoria do need extra steel in the attack, where Fabio Quagliarella is 35 years old and both Gianluca Caprari and Gregoire Defrel aren’t…

Super Falconets Chief Coach Chris Danjuma has insisted that his team’s ambition is to remain in the U20 Women W/Cup till the final match of the tournament. Danjuma disclosed this in a brief chat with www.brila.net that now is the time to strive in order to make a mark ahead of today’s FIFA U20 women world cup quarter-final against Spain. The Veteran tactician is very confident of the Falconets abilities to overcome their European counterpart in Thursday’s quarterfinal clash. “We don’t intend to lose against Spain” Danjuma stated “The aim we have as a team is to…

Turkish Super Lig club side Bursaspor has reached an agreement with Italian club Udinese to sign their Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong. Troost-Ekong moved to Bursaspor a year ago for €1m, having previously played for Tottenham Hotspur, Groningen, Dordrecht, KAA Gent and Haugesund. Born in the Netherlands of Nigerian descent, Troost-Ekong played for Holland at Under-19 and Under-21 level but eventually chose to represent Nigeria. Ekong made 32 appearances and scored 2 goals during his time with Bursaspor. The Dutch-Nigerian defender turns 25 next month and he played as a center-back alongside Brighton’s Leon Balogun and new…

Kevin De Bruyne has suffered a knee injury in training and looks set for a period on the sidelines, Manchester City have confirmed. The Belgium international enjoyed a brilliant campaign last season, scoring eight goals and setting up another 16 as City romped to Premier League success. However, Wednesday’s news will come as a blow to City and coach Pep Guardiola, who could be without the 27-year-old for a couple of months. “Kevin De Bruyne is undergoing tests on his right knee after sustaining an injury at training on Wednesday,” read a brief statement from City. “The extent of the problem…