Sport

Manchester City Puts Iheanacho’s Contract Talks on Hold

Published

9 years ago

January 12, 2016

Premier League giants, Manchester City have put contract talks with Kelechi Iheanacho on the back burner, due to a ‘contractual war’ between the agents representing the player.

US-based First Eleven Management, who helped the Nigerian starlet secure his first City deal, have asked the FA Arbitration to cancel a new management contract, which Iheanacho signed with UK-based Stellar Group.

According to reports, the tussle could end up in a civil court battle between the two agents.

“Talks over a new contract for Kelechi have been suspended until the FA arbitration decides on who his agents are. First Eleven who first managed him have asked for the FA to cancel a new management contract the player has entered with Stellar Group,” a top source informed AfricanFootball.

“It is only after the decision by arbitration that the situation will be a lot clearer. But even then, this could go all the way to the courtroom the way things are going.”

Sport

NFF Denies Blacklisting Leon Balogun from Super Eagles

Published

3 months ago

February 18, 2025

lagoslately

Leon Balogun, whose sudden absence from the Super Eagles squad raised concerns, especially after his comments on players’ welfare, has been cleared by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). The NFF has denied that his exclusion is related to his outspoken interview.

In a statement, NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire addressed the rumors, stating that the claims were incorrect.

“The interview in question was in June 2021. Since then, Balogun has participated in seven games for the Super Eagles. This is verifiable. He was included in the squad for AFCON but missed out due to injury. He returned in 2022, playing in both World Cup qualifier matches against Ghana and in the AFCON qualifiers under coach Jose Peseiro,” Olajire explained.

He continued, “Claims that Balogun’s absence is due to his interview are unfair to the NFF. We do not make player selections for coaches, and the concerns raised by Balogun in that interview were addressed by us. No directive has been given by the NFF to blacklist him from the Super Eagles.”

With Eric Chelle’s list on the horizon, fans are hopeful for a potential Balogun return. His wealth of experience and continued presence in top-tier football make him a valuable asset, and many, including this writer, believe his inclusion would still be beneficial for the national team. Fingers crossed!

Sport

Ghana Coach Relieved to Avoid Nigeria in Group Stages

Published

3 months ago

February 15, 2025

lagoslately

Ghana’s Black Satellites head coach, Desmond Ofei, has expressed his team’s relief at not being in the same group as Nigeria for the upcoming U-20 AFCON.

This follows their 2-1 loss to Nigeria in the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship in Togo last year.

“We’re happy not to be in Group B because it’s a very competitive group,” Ofei shared with Joy Prime Sports. “I believe we’re in a position where we can control the flow of this tournament from our side.”

Ghana has been placed in Group A for the competition.