Football
Ahmed Musa refutes retirement rumors, clarifies future with Super Eagles
Nigeria’s national football team captain, Ahmed Musa, has firmly denied recent reports suggesting his retirement from international football.
Despite not being selected for the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic by former Super Eagles head coach Finidi George, and missing Nigeria’s seven matches at the 2023 AFCON tournament, Musa has made it clear that he remains committed to the national team.
Speaking to journalists in Kaduna after hosting a friendly match, Musa addressed the speculation, calling it unfounded.
He clarified, “I only took a little break from the national team. But I didn’t exit the team.”
Musa’s last competitive appearance for the Super Eagles was in a World Cup qualifying match against Cape Verde in 2021.
He briefly returned for a friendly against Guinea in January before the AFCON, fueling rumors about his international future due to his absence from recent fixtures and his departure from Turkish side Sivasspor in February.
Throughout his illustrious career, Musa has achieved significant success on three continents. He has played in Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, England, Russia, and Turkey, collecting numerous titles.
His accolades include three Russian Premier League titles with CSKA Moscow, the Saudi League and Super Cup with Al Nassr, and the 2013 AFCON championship with Nigeria.
Despite his recent absence from the Super Eagles lineup, Musa remains an influential figure in Nigerian football, and his potential return to international duty is keenly anticipated by fans and teammates alike.
Football
Lookman Returns To Training Following Departure From Super Eagles Camp
Ademola Lookman has resumed light training with Atalanta, just days after leaving the Super Eagles camp due to an injury concern.
The winger featured for Nigeria in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny.
Despite his efforts, he did not find the back of the net as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Lookman left the camp before Nigeria’s subsequent 2-1 defeat to Rwanda on Sunday, missing the encounter entirely.
Now, the 27-year-old appears to be on the road to recovery.
Reports from Calcio News24 confirm that Lookman returned to light training on Wednesday, a positive step toward regaining full fitness.
BUNDESLIGA
Leroy Sane Breaks Silence On Arsenal Transfer Rumors
Leroy Sane has revealed ongoing talks with Bayern Munich about extending his contract at the Allianz Arena, signaling his reluctance to consider a return to the Premier League.
The German winger, who joined Bayern from Manchester City in 2020, is now in the final year of his current deal.
This situation has sparked interest from Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool, especially after Sane’s hesitation to commit to an extension last year.
From January, clubs outside Germany can legally initiate discussions with Sane regarding a potential transfer. However, the 28-year-old has delivered a significant setback to his suitors, expressing his preference to remain at Bayern if terms can be agreed.
Since arriving in Munich, Sane has made a strong impact, contributing 51 goals and 50 assists across 186 appearances.
Despite featuring mostly from the bench this season under Vincent Kompany, Sane has reiterated his commitment to Bayern. In an interview with BILD, he stated: “We are in talks. I feel comfortable in Munich. I feel really comfortable. Talks are very good. My focus is currently only on Bayern.”
Addressing the possibility of a Premier League return, Sane was clear about his priorities. “I follow Premier League football, but the attraction for me lies in the club where I can show my best performance, develop, and win titles. I have that at Bayern,” he said.
Although Sane has seen limited starts this season, Kompany—his former Manchester City teammate—has acknowledged the winger’s influence. Speaking after Bayern’s recent win against Benfica, Kompany praised Sane’s contribution: “Leroy changed the game, you could say that. Leroy did very well after he was subbed on.
“I’m very happy to have the quality of Leroy Sane and Michael Olise in the same position, not to forget Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry. They have all scored goals and contributed well so far this season.”
Manchester United and Arsenal, who were reportedly preparing to battle for Sane’s signature, may now be forced to reconsider their plans.
Both clubs were eager to secure the services of a player with proven Premier League credentials, including two league titles and a PFA Young Player of the Year award from his time at Manchester City.
EPL
Real Madrid Star Endrick Could Make Shock EPL Move After Transfer Talk
Southampton, currently rooted at the bottom of the Premier League table, are eyeing an ambitious January transfer window with a potential move for Real Madrid’s young talent, Endrick. However, the Saints may face stiff competition for his signature.
The 18-year-old Brazilian joined Real Madrid in the summer from Palmeiras in a £60m deal but has struggled for regular playing time. This season, Endrick has made ten appearances across all competitions, scoring twice. Despite these contributions, he has yet to start a game, with his league minutes limited to brief late appearances.
Reports suggest that Real Madrid might consider loaning him out to gain more experience, and Southampton are reportedly interested. According to Sport, the Saints have initiated discussions with Real Madrid about a possible deal.
However, they are not alone in their pursuit. Serie A club Roma and La Liga side Real Valladolid are also said to have expressed interest in the talented forward.
The decision on Endrick’s future is expected to take shape as the January transfer window approaches. Meanwhile, speculation surrounds another Real Madrid youngster, Arda Güler. The Turkish starlet has attracted interest from clubs like Arsenal, who have reportedly opened talks with Real Madrid about a potential move.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti recently addressed the situation regarding both players. He emphasized their quality and readiness to contribute but maintained that the team’s immediate focus is on improving collective results.
He acknowledged that Endrick and Güler could play key roles, saying, “They are ready to play and showing a lot of quality in training. They can help us in the next games, but the priority is to turn things around as a team.”
For Southampton, the stakes are high. With just one win in their first 11 games of the season and only seven goals scored, the Saints find themselves four points adrift of safety.
Manager Russell Martin will be desperate for reinforcements in January to boost their survival hopes and avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
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