Sports

Arsenal complete £42m signing of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna

Arsenal have completed the signing of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna in a deal worth £42m.

The 22-year-old, who can play at centre-back or left-back, has signed a five-year contract with the Gunners until 2029.

The North London club confirmed the transfer on Monday via their social media platforms, welcoming Calafiori with a warm “Benvenuto” – Italian for “Welcome”.

Calafiori was a key player last season for Bologna, the Serie A team securing Champions League qualification for the first time in six decades.

Arsenal complete �42m signing of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna

He was also part of Italy’s Euro 2024 campaign, starting all three of their group-stage matches.

Sporting Director Edu said: “It has been a great team effort in completing this transfer and we welcome Riccardo to the family.

“We identified Riccardo as part of our strategy to sign players who fit our profile and will reinforce our squad to compete at the highest level. He is 22 but brings quality and experience. He will quickly grow into being an Arsenal player.

“Riccardo has consistently shown his quality for his club and country. He was one of the best players in Serie A last season and gave strong performances for Italy in the Euros this summer. Mikel and our coaches are excited to start working with Riccardo, and we all look forward to seeing him in our shirt.”

Mikel Arteta added: “We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal. He is a great signing and gives us huge strength to reinforce our defence.

“Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies. He has already shown great development in recent seasons with his performances for both Bologna and Italy, with his progression and development in the past year being really impressive.

“We’re looking forward to working with Riccardo, integrating him into the squad, and supporting him in the years to come.”

Riccardo will wear the number 33 shirt and has travelled to the US to join up with his new teammates in Philadelphia for pre-season.

Sports

Chelle promises to work towards qualifying the Super Eagles to the 2026 World Cup

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has vowed to do his best to ensure the team qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Chelle was unveiled at an elaborate ceremony at the media conference room of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on Monday.

The 47-year-old signed a two-year contract with the option of another year.

“I want to thank my agent, the NFF, the NSC and indeed all Nigerians for this big opportunity.

“Coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria is an amazing job; I do not take this appointment for granted. I am elated and will do my utmost best.

“Football is about scoring goals, so I favour an attacking style. I know the expectations of Nigerians and I will settle down and work diligently with my assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” the former Mali international was quoted by thenff.com

Sports

NFF unveils Eric Chelle as Super Eagles coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled the newly appointed Nigeria Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle.

The ceremony took place on Monday, January, 13, at MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed Chelle’s appointment last Tuesday, making him the 42nd substantive head coach of the Super Eagles.

The NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, expressed confidence in Chelle’s ability to lead the Super Eagles to new heights

“We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about football, which is why there have been different reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle,” Gusau said on Sunday.

“However, the NFF appeals to Nigerians to come together and support him, as we believe he has the qualities to achieve success with the Super Eagles.”

Gusau further assured Nigerians that the Federation would provide the necessary backing to ensure Chelle’s success.

“The NFF will give him all the support that he needs to succeed in the job,” he added.

Chelle’s first assignment is to lead the Super Eagles B at the upcoming African Nations Championship in East Africa next month.

After that, the focus will shift to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with crucial matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March.

According to the statement, Chelle brings a wealth of experience to the role, having guided Mali’s Aiglons to the brink of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

He recently left his position at Algerian club MC Oran, where he had been managing the 1989 African Champions’ Cup finalists, to accept the Super Eagles job.