International Football
Manchester United can only become title contenders if they sign Victor Osimhen says Rio Ferdinand
Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has suggested that the Reds will become title contenders if they sign either Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen this summer.
With Kane being the much older player at 29, Ferdinand favours a move for the Nigeria international, given that he would have a greater resale value at 24 years old.
“I think if I was talking about investing and looking after my money, I’d probably go for Osimhen,” Ferdinand told BT Sport. There’s resale value with his age at 24 years old. It’s gonna be a huge outlay.”
However, the Reds legend did admit that he would be happy with either frontman arriving at Old Trafford, suggesting that they can transform Ten Hag’s side into title challengers.
The team have been impressive in recent months and are the only side in England still competing on four fronts.
The Reds currently sit third in the Premier League table and face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday afternoon.
However, while Marcus Rashford has been in scintillating form – registering 24 goals and nine assists in 36 appearances – United‘s other forwards have struggled for goals this term.
French striker Anthony Martial has scored just six goals, while loan attacker Wout Weghorst has only found the back of the net on one occasion.
United spent over £200m last summer, strengthening at centre-back, central midfield and on the wing. Despite this, the club are expected to spend big on a new striker at the end of the season. The Reds have a long-term interest in England skipper Kane, while Ten Hag is also an admirer of Napoli ace Osimhen.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle will put his impressive record on the line when the Super Eagles face Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in an international friendly on Wednesday.
Since assuming control of the national team 15 months ago, Chelle has transformed the Super Eagles into a difficult side to beat. The Franco-Malian coach has supervised 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in normal time.
That record will be severely tested against a Portuguese side brimming with quality and confidence ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has every reason to be optimistic. His team are unbeaten in their last four outings and possess one of the strongest squads heading to the World Cup finals.
The Seleção das Quinas will rely on the experience of Cristiano Ronaldo and the creativity of Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, while Ruben Dias marshals a defence that has been difficult to break down.
Nigeria will be without star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, but Chelle still has significant attacking options in Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams and Terem Moffi.
The Eagles have also received encouraging news with the availability of defenders Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Emmanuel Fernandez despite the injury-enforced departure of Igoh Ogbu from camp.
A positive result in Leiria would further strengthen belief in Chelle’s methods and provide another indication that the Super Eagles are moving in the right direction under his leadership.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. in both Portugal and Nigeria.
NIGERIA’S LAST FIVE MATCHES
- Iran I Nigeria 2 (International Friendly: 27/03/26)
- Jordan 2 Nigeria 2 (International Friendly: 31/03/26)
- Nigeria 2 Zimbabwe 0 (Unity Cup 2026: 26/05/26)
- Jamaica 0 Nigeria 3 (Unity Cup 2026: 30/05/26)
- Poland 2 Nigeria 2 (International Friendly: 03/06/26)
PORTUGAL’S LAST FIVE MATCHES
- Ireland 2 Portugal 0 (2026 World Cup Qualifier: 13/11/25)
- Portugal 9 Armenia 1 (2026 World Cup Qualifier: 16/11/25)
- Mexico 0 Portugal 0 (International Friendly: 29/03/26)
- USA 0 Portugal 2 (International Friendly: 01/04/26)
- Portugal 2 Chile 1 (International Friendly: 06/06/26)
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Ronaldo to Start for Portugal Against Nigeria in Friendly
Why Senegal Players Were Screened At US Airport
Nigeria, Portugal Renew Rare Rivalry in World Cup Dress Rehearsal
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- World Cup1 week ago
Attack-minded Ivorians bullish ahead of World Cup return
- World Cup6 days ago
Rema, Davido, Burna Boy and Ayra Starr Make FIFA’s Star-Studded World Cup 2026 Official Album
- World Cup6 days ago
FIFA bans vuvuzelas from World Cup stadiums
- World Cup6 days ago
Shakira to Headline FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony in Mexico
- International Football3 days ago
Eriksen Suffers Fresh Collapse During Denmark Friendly, Reviving Memories of Euro 2020 Ordeal
- World Cup1 week ago
Behold! Nigeria’s Gift to the World Cup: 11 Stars, No Super Eagles
- World Cup3 days ago
Pelé’s 1970 World Cup Hideaway Becomes Tourist Attraction as Mexico Hosts Tournament for Record Third Time
- Uncategorized5 days ago
Iran World Cup squad still in visa limbo 10 days before first match, ambassador says