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Mustapha Yatabare scored the only goal as Sivasspor pipped Denizlispor 1-0 in Monday's Turkish Super Lig match but Ogenyi Onazi suffered an injury in the encounter.

Yatabare broke the deadlock just before the half-time, to take his league tally to 12 goals after 26 appearances so far this season.

The Mali international was in action for 70 minutes before he was replaced by Ivory Coast's Arouna Kone while Onazi was introduced just after the interval, but he could only manage 13 minutes of action before he was replaced due to injury by Cameroon's Marc Mbamba in the 59th minute.

The triumph moved Sivasspor to third in the Turkish top-flight standings with four points behind leaders Trabzonspor while Denizlispor dropped to 11th with 31 points after 27 matches.

Following his recovery from an Achilles tendon rupture that ruled him out of action for the most part of the 2018-19 season, Onazi joined the Roosters on a free transfer in January after struggling for playing time at Trabzonspor.

The Nigeria international has played eight matches so far this term, including his seven league appearances.

Meanwhile, Yatabare has proven to be Sivasspor's main threat in front of goal this season with his tally of 14 goals after 30 games across all competitions.

The France-born striker has played 32 matches for Mali, and he has scored five goals since his debut outing for the West African country in 2009.

The 34-year-old is joined by Mali goalkeeper and his compatriot Mamadou Samassa in Riza Calimbay's side as they aim for a European spot this season.

On the international scene, Onazi played for the Nigeria U17 and U20 teams at the 2009 Fifa U-`7 World Cup and 2011 Fifa U-10 World Cup before making his international debut for the Super Eagles in 2012.

The 27-year-old has made 52 appearances for the three-time African champions so far and he broke his duck during an international friendly game against Venezuela eight years ago in Florida.

On Sunday, Yatabare will be hoping to help Sivasspor maintain their fine form when they visit Konyaspor on June 21, however, Onazi will be looking to be available in time for Denizlispor's next league match against Besiktas on Saturday.

Over the years footballers have used countless excuses to explain away late showings at training sessions - but Guillermo Marino's claim that his soul was removed by extra-terrestrials on the way to practice surely sets a new benchmark for players everywhere. 

Marino came through the ranks at Newell's Old Boys in Rosario and also enjoyed two brief spells at Boca Juniors, but the ex-midfielder's most successful spell came in Chile. 

As a member of Jorge Sampaoli's Universidad de Chile side at the start of the last decade he lifted three Primera Division titles as well as the 2011 Copa Sudamericana title, starring along the likes of current Leverkusen star Charles Aranguiz, Chile international striker Eduardo Vargas and fellow Roja stalwarts Marcelo Diaz and Eugenio Mena, now at Argentina's Racing Club. 

The player's spell in Santiago, however, was not without incident, with ex-team-mate Gustavo Lorenzetti explaining that a close encounter with little green men once held him up for one of Sampaoli's sessions. 

"Guillermo says that he arrived late to one training because he was abducted by aliens," Lorenzetti revealed to Lado B. 

"He gave us the entire explanation of what he felt and the rest of it.

"There are cases where the player says: 'I left and I came back two days later because I was kidnapped by aliens'. But Guille is not that kind of player. Guille was a very proper guy. Everyone knows him." 

Marino continued to give a graphic account of his abduction, leaving his team-mates in no doubt that he was telling the truth. 

"He started to explain that he was suddenly lost and abducted by aliens," Lorenzetti continued. 

"He explained that they take out your soul, analyse it and all the while on the journey they are looking after you. He said something like that. 

"Honestly I believe in aliens. He gave a great explanation and we'll have to believe him. So other types of channels will have to call him so he can tell it better. But in any case: he was abducted by aliens. 

"I don't know if Guille would have told [Sampaoli] the same story, honestly. They must have had a chat afterwards. But knowing Guille, I think he must have believed him. What can you say? This is worthy of the Discovery Channel or something." 

Aurelio De Laurentiis has accused Maurizio Sarri of forcing him into a change of management at Napoli, saying that the head coach made him angry with his "tasteless excuse of money".

Sarri managed Napoli from 2015-18, enjoying a successful spell in charge of the Serie A club before heading to Chelsea.

The coach had a fantastic reputation during his career in Naples, but that reputation in the city has taken a hit in recent years due to his abrupt exit and eventual decision to return to Serie A to lead Juventus.

With Sarri's Juve set to face Napoli in the Coppa Italia final, the club's chairman, De Laurentiis, opened up on Sarri's departure, criticising the manager for his last few months in charge while calling for recognition for his own role in the club's success.

“He made me angry with the tasteless excuse of money,” De Laurentiis told Corriere dello Sport. “He forced me to change [head coaches] and still had a two-year deal.

“In February, he invited me to lunch in Tuscany, close to his house and his wife was there. He didn’t mention stopping and led me on all the way to the day ahead of the last game. That created uncertainties for the club.

“Three unforgettable seasons? There are other factors: in football the rule of cinema applies where to make a good film you need an excellent director and an excellent producer, they are the parents of the work of genius.

“Who brought [Edinson] Cavani here? And [Walter] Mazzarri? What about [Rafa] Benitez? What about [Gonzalo] Higuain, Sarri? When I chose them, the city was plastered with banners against me.”

Sarri's replacement, Carlo Ancelotti, spent just a season and a half with the club before departing this past December.

And De Laurentiis has stated that he made a mistake in hiring Ancelotti while adding that he should have moved on sooner.

“He reminded me of my father. I chose his serenity, composure, his pleasant closeness. My father was a philosopher, an extremely sweet man. Like Carlo,” he said.

“But signing him, being able to resort to the release clause, I should have told him: ‘Carlo, I don’t think you are made for the type of football they want in Naples, let’s keep the great friendship because football here is different. I introduced you to a city that you now love and that surprised you, better to end it here.’

“Instead, I made the second mistake.”

Currently led by Gennaro Gattuso, Napoli are set to face Juve in the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday. 

In-demand talent Sandro Tonali will not depart Brescia as part of a player-swap deal, according to club owner Massimo Cellino.

The 20-year-old midfielder has been in the sights of Barcelona and PSG, while Italian giants Juventus and Inter are also firmly in the race.

Cellino revealed Tonali is keen to stay in his home country, giving a boost to Juve and Inter's hopes of snaring the Italy international in the off-season.

However, he noted Brescia were keen for financial remuneration for Tonali and would prefer to not receive any players in return.

"So far there’s only been a few phone calls, without anything beyond that," Cellino told Gr Parlamento.

"It’s difficult to talk about [the transfer market] after everything that’s happened, but I hope the lad keeps having fun on the pitch like he did before.

"I wouldn’t like all these rumours to lead to another problem, which hurts our chances of staying up.

"Inter and Juve have both asked me about him, as have other teams. What’s for certain is that the player wants to stay in Italy and we’ll accommodate him.

"I don’t like swap deals. We’re not that desperate."

Tonali, who played a key role in Brescia's promotion from Serie B last season, has again starred for the club despite their position at the bottom of Serie A.

He received his first Italian cap against Liechtenstein in October last year and has subsequently played twice more for his national team.

Speaking earlier this month, Cellino revealed the specific interest from Barcelona and PSG for Tonali, and also spoke of offers from Napoli and Fiorentina.

“[PSG president] Nasser [Al-Khelaifi] would like him in Paris, he wrote to me today, but Tonali doesn't want to go to France," Cellino told Corriere dello Sport.

“Inter and Juve are the destinations he prefers. [Napoli president Aurelio] De Laurentiis has offered me 40 million, Fiorentina wants him too, but his destiny is pretty much written.

“Before Covid, Barcelona had offered 65 million plus two very interesting young players, one was a full-back. I believe that the Catalans received an answer they didn't like, and not from Tonali.

“I'm not dealing with anyone. There are still 12 games to play and the boy must remain calm."

Real Betis played a 2-2 home draw against Granada in Monday’s LaLiga outing, with Zouhair Feddal and vice-captain Aissa Mandi put up a fine display.

Having bowed 2-0 at Sevilla, the Green and Whites came into the fixture with the ambition of returning to winning ways; however, their efforts met strong resistance from the visiting side who are unbeaten in their last six league outings.

Courtesy of Antonio Puertas' assist from an attacking move from Nigeria’s Ramon Azeez, Carlos Fernandez handed Granada a 29th-minute lead.

The hosts missed a big chance to level matters in the closing stages of the first half as Nabil Fekir’s long-range strike was saved by impressive Rui Silva.

Betis continued to torment the Nasrids’ backline but were unsuccessful as Jesus Vallejo and German Sanchez combined well to mark out Loren Moron and Joaquin.

However, Sergio Canales restored parity in the 85th minute from the penalty spot after the VAR confirmed that Domingos Duarte pushed Borja Iglesias in the goal penalty area.

This goal fuelled Rubi’s men and they shot into the lead for in the 88th minute through Joaquin’s replacement Cristian Tello who effort outside the box beat goalkeeper Silva.

With Betis looking destined for their ninth win of the league, super-sub Roberto Soldado powered in the equaliser which was unstoppable by Joel Rubles.

The duo of Feddal and Mandi lasted for the entire duration of the encounter. The encounter was Morocco’s Feddal 12th league appearance of the season, while for 28-year-old Mandi, it was 23rd so far.

For the visitors Cameroon youngster Yan Eteki was on parade from start to finish for his 19th of the 2019-20 season in his first year at Nuevo Estadio de Los Carmenes having joined from Almeria in July 2019.

Nigeria international Azeez was replaced by Antonin Cortes. The tie at Estadio Benito Villamarín was his 18 so far with two goals to his credit.

Owing to the draw, Granada climbed to eighth in the Spanish topflight log with 42 points from 29 matches and will host Samuel Chukwueze’s Villarreal on Friday, while Real Betis are 13th after garnering 34 points from same number games and are guests of Athletic Club on Saturday.

Le Harve defensive midfielder Pape Gueye has called off his proposed move to Watford.

The Franco-Senegalese player's contract at the Stade Oceane is set to expire on June 30 and was announced to have signed a deal with the Hornets back in April.

However his agent, Pierre-Henri Bovis made a statement via L'Equipe that the deal was not complete due to some "irregularities".

"We are wondering about possible irregularities around the signing of the contract," Bovis said.

"We do not deny the existence of an agreement concluded with Watford through the former agent of Pape Gueye, but we point the finger at what could appear to be anomalies."

Now two months after the announcement and two weeks away from leaving Le Harve, Gueye released a statement via L'Equipe he won't be moving to Vicarage Road.

"First of all, I want to thank Le Havre. After eight years at the club, it is time to turn the page," he said.

"In the evening of the 30th June, I will quit the club that formed me. I want to thank all members of Le Havre for their companionship and their faith in me. Thanks as well to the loyal supporters, ever-present, who have carried this team.

"For me, the future is still uncertain. My mistake in this story is having had faith in a person who advised me poorly. I want to warn my colleagues of the abuse that they could be subjected to in terms of contract signings.

"I am not the first that this has happened to and I sadly won’t be the last. I wanted to speak out against the circumstances surrounding the signature of a contract with Watford and what I consider to be irregularities with their representatives.

"After numerous discussions, I conclude that there has not been any considerable administrative action taken to resolve my case. As a result, and in consideration of the fact that the contract has not yet taken hold, I announce the end of all contractual links to Watford.”

The irregularities stem from reports that claim Gueye had a pre-contract with two clubs in Spain and Italy before January 1, 2020, all initiated by his former agent Bakary Sanogo. Football laws state a player can only sign a pre-contract with another club six months prior to the expiration of his existing contract.

Despite calling off his Watford move, the Hertfordshire club according to Watford Observer are still planning to go ahead with filing the necessary paperwork to register Gueye as their player from July 1.

Youri Tielemans has underlined his intention to continue learning from Belgium team-mate Kevin De Bruyne, whom he labelled the Premier League's finest midfield talent. 

Tielemans, 23, joined Leicester City from Monaco in January 2019 and has quickly established himself as a key part of Brendan Rodgers' engine room. 

He has featured in all but one of the Foxes 29 Premier League games to date, scoring three goals to aid their hunt for a spot in next season's Champions League. 

At international level Tielemans has also struck up a promising partnership with De Bruyne, and he admits the Manchester City star is a huge influence on his game.

“At the minute, we have a lot of very good midfielders in the game and I just try and pick all the positives from all the midfielders around,” Tielemans told the Athletic.

“I really try and improve myself through watching others play. So, when I see another player playing I’m like, ‘Oh yeah, that’s something I need to improve’ and then I’m trying it in a training session.

“At the moment, I think the best in the Premier League is De Bruyne. He just stands out. He is the complete midfielder. He is physical and runs a lot.

"Technically, he keeps it very, very easy. Tactically, he is very good as well. He’s got everything.”

Rodgers has suggested that his young charge could himself go on to coach at a high level, a thought that might not go down too well in the Tielemans family. 

“Don’t tell my wife that,” Tielemans joked. “She wouldn’t be happy about that.

“The manager hasn’t changed me but he’s trying to push me very, very hard, and to push me to my top level. He’s always trying to improve me as a player but as a person as well and with him, I’m really trying to think like a manager. I’m really trying to think about tactics.

"Whereas before, I understood everything that a manager asked me to do but I didn’t question why he had asked me to do that. So I was just doing it because he told me so.

“It would be way easier if every player would think and understand what the manager has asked him to do and not just do it because he was asked, but really understand it. If we all think the same, then we can only do great things on the pitch.

“Now I’m really thinking about it and asking questions if I don’t understand something. And, I think my tactical game has improved a lot under him and under Roberto Martinez as well with the national team. Those two have really improved me tactically and I learned a lot, and I still learn about it now.”

Leicester return to Premier League action on Saturday with a trip to Watford, as they look to consolidate their place in the top three with nine games remaining of the season.

Simba SC have urged their fans not to be worried after they posted a 1-1 draw against Ruvu Shooting in a Mainland Premier League match on Sunday.

The league champions took a deserved lead in the match played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam when Shiza Kichuya found the back of the net with a neat finish but the visitors drew level courtesy of Fully Zullu Maganga to ensure the spoils were shared.

The result coupled with their rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC) winning 1-0 against Mwadui and second-placed Azam FC beating Mbao FC 2-0 at the Azam Complex, left Simba fans a disappointed lot despite maintaining their lead at the summit.

The club’s information officer Haji Manara has now called on the fans not to be disturbed by the outcome, and urged them to stay focused, and continue their support for the team, terming the result as “a small setback which will be rectified in next match.”

“I am sure the fans were not happy with the result and even us the officials we were not happy after dropping the points,” Manara told the club’s official website.

“I want the fans to know in football, you must expect such a result, you either win, lose or draw and it happened we managed to draw and they must stay calm and not be distracted by the outcome.

“We must continue to support the team together, we must remain focused as we have always been, and I want to assure the fans we are still in the driving seat to win the title, the trophy is already in our hands and cannot let it to slip away.”

Manara also took his time to praise Ruvu Shooting for their display which denied Simba a chance to score the winning goal especially in the second half of the fixture.

“Ruvu showed a good game, they fought like lions and gave all they could and I want to clearly state they deserved the point they got,” Manara continued.

Manara also thanked Simba fans for adhering to the safety measures put in place by the Ministry of Health to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

“I also want to take this opportunity to thank the fans for their maturity in following the safety measures that were laid down by the government and also urge them to maintain the same spirit in subsequent matches.”

Simba are now on 72 points after 29 matches; they have won 23, drawn three, and lost as many matches, 15 points ahead of Azam.

Robert Lewandowski says the Ballon d'Or is not his focus but that "anything is possible" when it comes to winning the award, while insisting that his best years are still ahead of him.

The Bayern Munich striker has never been in the top three for football's most prestigious individual prize, his best record coming when he finished fourth in the standings in 2015.

The 31-year-old is likely to be in the running for the 2020 prize, though, having scored 45 goals in all competitions to put Bayern on the brink of another Bundesliga title.

Should Hansi Flick's side also win the DFB-Pokal and Champions League this term, Lewandowski would be a strong candidate to become just the second player other than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to win the award since 2007.

"I was at the award ceremony last December," Lewandowski told France Football.

"We'll see. What I try to do is to always show the best of myself, win trophies and score more goals. But that's something that comes with collective trophies. That's the most important thing.

"I don't even think about the Ballon d'Or, even if, in my life, I believe that anything is possible.

"I am not yet in the best period of my career. Soon (I'll be). But all of these are just numbers. I am confident that the best moment of my career will come quickly. I know this is not my last contract. I want to play longer and stay in shape.

"I have all the time in front of me to think about the future, but I feel really good. I'm going to celebrate my 32th birthday next August, but that doesn't mean that I feel this age.

"For me, it doesn't matter in terms of everything I do, my involvement in and outside of football. What I want is not just staying on top for the next two or three years, I’m looking at the longer term."

Lewandowski puts his spectacular form down to a careful regimen of diet and training to keep mentally and physically sharp.

"I don't eat meat on the day of a match. It's too heavy for my body. I eat light – that's what I need," he explained.

"The meal depends on several things: when is the game, what time is it...

"If you eat rice or pasta, it will bring you big benefits in terms of energy in the very short term. But, over time, you gain nothing.

"It's not easy [to score] especially when you are tired. With 90 per cent of goals, it's the head that does the work and it's influenced by your level of concentration.

"If you're tired, your thinking will automatically be slower. In the penalty area, we have only 0.1 seconds, maybe 0.2, to think, make our decision and interact with the ball.

"That's why we come to training, because there is no other place to build automatic movements and shots. Whether it's left foot, right foot, whatever, you have to be ready. You don't even have to think about it – you have to do it."

FIFA called for “tolerance, mutual respect and common sense” in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's criticism of U.S. Soccer's decision to retract the policy that would require players to stand for the national anthem.

U.S. Soccer confirmed over the weekend that the federation would be getting rid of the policy, which had been in place since Megan Rapinoe's decision to support Colin Kaepernick's protests of kneeling during the national anthem to combat police brutality and racism.

Trump, a highly-publicised critic of both Kaepernick and Rapinoe, said that he "won't be watching", adding that he also would avoid the NFL should players choose to kneel.

The President's tweets came in response to a bill proposed by senator Matt Gaetz, who called for national team players to be forced to stand; while adding: "I'd rather the US not have a soccer team than have a soccer team that won't stand for the National Anthem."

As a result, U.S. Soccer became the latest organization to emerge as a factor in the nationwide debate over the form of protest, which has been reignited amid ongoing demonstrations following the death of George Floyd.

On Monday, FIFA responded to Trump's criticisms, calling for "common sense" to be used.

“FIFA strongly advocates for tolerance, mutual respect and common sense when such important matters are debated,” read a FIFA statement to The Associated Press when asked about Trump’s comments. “FIFA has a zero-tolerance approach to incidents of all forms of discrimination in football, as outlined in the FIFA Statutes. We must all say no to racism and no to violence.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino had previously praised several Bundesliga stars, including U.S. men's national team and Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie, for their displays and solidarity during the first round of matches after protests began.

Responding to Trump's tweet, FIFA stated that Infantino’s “position on the player’s rights to express themselves against racism, discrimination and violence was clearly stated two weeks ago and it has not changed.”

Infantino had previously introduced Trump at a dinner at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this past January and has also met with Trump as part of the U.S., Mexico and Canada's successful bid for the 2026 World Cup.

Ghana midfielder Alfred Joseph Duncan believes his output for the national team has been affected by unfamiliar roles assigned to him in games.

The Fiorentina man has been criticised for below-par performances when on international duty as compared to his explosive performances at club level.

On his last appearance for the Black Stars, the central midfielder was deployed wide, culminating in an underwhelming showing in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa in November last year.

"It’s something people have noticed from a distance," Duncan told Citi TV.

"When you watch me in my club and see the kind of contribution I make, you’d notice there’s a difference.

"I’ve been made to understand that I must be able to adapt to any role required in order to help the team.

“But sometimes it’s very frustrating when you’re asked to play a role you’re not used to. You don’t get to enjoy the game in the way you want.

"I’m a player who loves to get a lot of touches on the ball, so it becomes problematic when I’m deployed in a role that doesn’t allow me to do that."

After the underwhelming performance against South Africa, Duncan was left on the bench as the Black Stars faced Sao Tome and Principe four days later.

He was, nonetheless, called up for a doubleheader of games against Sudan in March but the matches were later postponed due to the coronavirus disruptions.

He would hope to earn an invitation when the Black Stars assemble for their next round of fixtures in October.

Last year, he missed the Afcon final in Egypt as he sought permission from Ghana’s officials to be excused for the tournament to enable him to undergo surgery on a persistent ankle problem.

He similarly missed the 2017 gathering due to injury.

Duncan first represented Ghana at youth level, playing for the West Africans at the 2013 Fifa U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

At club level, the 27-year-old has made 15 appearances in Serie A this season, scoring once and providing five assists.

The former Inter Milan man joined Fiorentina from Sassuolo in January. 

Patson Daka has admitted that he has a responsibility on him at RB Salzburg following Erling Haaland's exit.

Haaland left the Austrian giants in January to sign a four-and-a-half-year at Borussia Dortmund.

Prior to his exit, the Norwegian star scored 16 league goals but Daka is now the leading top scorer in Jesse Marsch's team with 23 goals after 25 league appearances.

The Zambia international disclosed that the presence of his compatriot Enock Mwepu has earned Die Mozartstadter support from the African country.

"It doesn't matter if we're playing against Manchester United or Real Madrid - everybody's supporting Red Bull because of us," Daka told BBC World Service. 

"Right now it's really crazy in Zambia. Most of the time people ask, 'how can we get the jerseys?'

"He [Haaland] made sure he left us in a very good position - so it was now up to us, up to me also, to take the responsibility.

"It has always been there but this time it was kind of different. When you're given this kind of opportunity, you have to utilise it and grab it with both your hands and I felt like this is the time now."

Before Daka, Liverpool duo Sadio Mane and Naby Keita are some of the established stars that rose through the ranks at Salzburg.

The 21-year-old, who was crowned the 2017 Caf Young Player of Year, was spotted by former Mali and Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute during a continental youth tournament, and he said playing for the Austrian club is an opportunity.

"After we went for the under-17 Africa Cup, that's when he saw me and he contacted my club manager," he added.

"I was then with Kafue Celtic and we started talking. That's how we finally got to meet and that's how he also gave me the opportunity to come to Europe.

"I think it has been proven. Look at the likes of Sadio Mane, Naby Keita and Minamino - a lot of players that have played here really excelled.

"The club gives opportunities to every person, so I feel for me to be here is a blessing and I also want to utilise this opportunity."

Christian Kouame has stated how "fantastic" it would be to make his Fiorentina debut whenever he is fit.

The 22-year old Ivory Coast international has been sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury for more than six months and has been unable to feature for the Viola since moving on loan from Genoa in January.

Serie A action returns after a three-month suspension this weekend and Kouame is hopeful he gets to play in the remaining round of fixtures having stepped up his fitness during the lockdown period.

The Florence-based outfit will take on Brescia at the Artemio Franchi next Monday evening.

"The team is working more and more to be ready to return to the field. It will probably take a little more time for me," Kouame told TuttoMercato.

"I certainly really want to go back to playing, but everything must be done without haste. I am constantly followed by medical and technical staff and only when it is all right and the doctor will give his ok then I will return to full capacity with the group, with which, however, I am already doing various parts of training and preparation.

"I am sure it will be an extraordinary emotion [making Fiorentina debut]. When the time comes, it will be fantastic to be able to wear this shirt. Since my arrival I have received so much affection from clubs and fans, I hope to be able to return as soon as possible."

Kouame also spoke about the issue of racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd's death.

Football has stood in solidarity with black people across the world who have been protesting and Kouame says the problem must be tackled, hence discussions must continue.

"It is important that we never stop talking about racism," Kouame explained.

"At this moment what is happening in America and all over the world makes it clear how much this issue is felt, but when the media hype for the death of George Floyd will be over, then yes, it will be important to continue to focus attention on a problem that exists and must be fought at all levels."

Olatunji Samuel Okuku believes resuming the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season is a sheer waste of time and feels cancelling the campaign might be a healthier option.

Numerous leagues across Africa including that of Nigeria were suspended following the outbreak of Covid-19 which claimed many lives as well as crippled numerous activities worldwide.

Football is gradually returning owing to the relaxation of lockdown restrictions across the globe. For instance, leagues in Spain, German, Portugal and Turkey have resumed while the Premier League will resume on Wednesday.

For the West African nation, no decision has been made despite receiving a letter from the Confederation of African Football (Caf) asking football associations to stipulate when and how their leagues will be determined.

Nevertheless, the Tripple 44 Academy CEO suggests ending the league will be the best verdict while advising the League Management Company and clubs to start thinking about next term.

“I don’t think the Nigeria Professional League should be allowed to resume, instead, we should focus on preparing for next season,” Okuku told Goal.

“The NPFL and Nigeria National League have got nothing to lose because our games are not live on television where we would have talked about TV rights.

“In addition, the majority of the teams are state-owned which means that players’ salaries are paid by the government plus incomes are not generated from gate fees.

“The LMC can choose some teams at random based on points and organise a mini-tournament for them where the country’s representatives in the Caf Champions League and Caf Confederation Cup will be decided.

“Then, they can rule that no club would go on relegation while teams will be promoted to the top-flight. And next season, there would be more numbers of relegated teams.

“To be frank, the fitness of Nigerian clubs will be really affected because they have not been training and playing together as a team – and resuming the league would mean we should be ready for several injuries – which will not be good for the image of the competition."

Unlike other leagues, especially in Europe where games are now played behind closed doors, Okuku believes that would be a tough standard to achieve in Nigeria.

“If we say the league should resume, we do not have the resources to keep the fans out of the stadium like in Europe,” he continued.

“Nigerian fans are so passionate about their teams and they would break lockdown rules to come and watch their darling clubs in action.

“However, if the league organisers want the league to continue then they consider playing the remaining games on neutral grounds to control excesses of home fans.

“Also, the players should be tested for Covid-19 as soon possible so that they can resume training in groups. But I’m unconvinced if the League Management company has the resources to do that.”

Julian Green has signed a new deal with Greuther Furth, the club announced on Monday.

The 2014 World Cup veteran's new deal sees the midfielder extend his contract by one season with the potential of adding another season on top of that down the line.

Green has been with Greuther Furth since joining the club on loan in 2017 from Stuttgart.

The former Bayern Munich attacker has gone on to make a total of 85 appearances for the 2. Bundesliga club, scoring 11 goals in the process.

According to SBI Soccer, the deal, which sees Green re-sign amid interest from several clubs in Europe and in MLS, includes a buyout clause.

"We have improved every year now and I want to do my part to ensure that we continue to pursue this development," Green said. "Working with the coaching team, the whole team and everyone in the club has been a lot of fun. I am convinced of the quality that is in our team."

Greuther Furth currently sit seventh in the 2. Bundesliga, with Green scoring four goals in 21 appearances this season.

The club sits nine points back off a promotion spot through 31 matches, with Green providing an assist in the team's recent 1-0 win over Nuremberg.

“Julian plays an important role in our planning and he should take on even more responsibility in our team in the coming season," said managing director Rachid Azzouzi.

"We are pleased that we were able to convince him of our path. This means that a large part of our group this year already has valid contracts for the coming season and we can continue on our path with a healthy level of continuity."

Added manager Stefan Leitl: “I am happy that Julian has extended because he is an important player in our system who has had a good season so far despite an injury break. 

"With his strong right foot, he can not only finish himself, but, as shown on Saturday, can also use his teammates well. We would, of course, like to see scenes like this in the future."

Green was a member of the U.S. men's national team's 2014 World Cup squad, famously scoring against Belgium in the team's final match that summer.

He has gone on to earn 15 total caps, scoring four goals, but has not made an appearance for the U.S. since 2017.

Marcelo has urged others to use their platforms to instigate change after taking a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement following his goal against Eibar.

After scoring his team's third goal in Madrid's 3-1 win on Sunday, left-back Marcelo dropped to his knee and raised his right fist .

The idea of taking a knee was adopted by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2016 when the NFL player protested racial injustice and police brutality in the United States.

Kneeling has been prevalent at the protests that have followed the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis last month.

Borussia Dortmund and Hertha Berlin players all took a knee prior to their Bundesliga fixture earlier this month, a week after Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram knelt following his goal against Union Berlin.

LaLiga returned for the first time since the coronavirus-enforced break last week and, while revealing his happiness at being back playing, Marcelo also used lyrics from 2Pac's song 'Changes' when addressing his celebration.

"Happy to be back with Real Madrid!" Marcelo wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of him kneeling.

"Happy to have scored a goal!

"But even happier to see all the CHANGES in the world! Now it's time. We must use the power we have and start making real CHANGES."

Marcelo then quoted 2Pac: "We can never go nowhere unless we share with each other. We gotta start makin' changes.

"Learn to see me as a brother instead of two distant strangers. And that's how it's supposed to be...

"I'd love to go back to when we played as kids but things change, and that's the way it is..."

NBA star Kevin Durant has purchased a stake in the Philadelphia Union, the club announced on Monday.

The Brooklyn Nets forward has acquired a five percent ownership stake in the club, with the option to purchase an additional five percent stake in the near future.

Durant, a 10-time NBA All-Star, is a two-time NBA champion as a member of the Golden State Warriors while also earning the 2014 NBA MVP award and two Olympic gold medals.

With Durant's deal, he becomes the second NBA All-Star to join an MLS ownership group, following Houston Rockets guard and Houston Dynamo owner James Harden, while also joining NFL star Russell Wilson, who owns a piece of the Seattle Sounders.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has also made soccer part of his non-basketball business, having bought a stake in Liverpool in 2011.

As part of the deal, Durant and his partner, sports business executive Rich Kleiman, will use their Thirty Five Ventures project to help grow the Union brand while the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation (KDCF) will help expand the club's community outreach.

According to ESPN, the Union are valued at over $325 million, which would put the valuation of Durant's stake at a minimum of $16.25 million

“I’m excited to partner with the Philadelphia Union for years to come. My team and I connected instantly with the Union coaching staff and leadership, as well as the team’s story,” said Durant.

“Off the pitch, I’m looking forward to working in the Chester and Philadelphia communities and making an impact in the same way that the KDCF has been able to in my hometown of Prince George's County.”

The Union are riding high after a successful 2019 campaign, with the club's heavy focus on youth paying off with a playoff berth and the team's first postseason victory.

“The partnership between Kevin and the Philadelphia Union is based on a set of shared values and philosophies,” said Union owner Jay Sugarman.

“We want to be known as an innovator in our league and a team that is never satisfied with the status quo. Kevin brings us unique perspectives as a person, as a champion, and as a sports icon.

"His work with the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation has shown he has a community-first mindset that resonates with our club’s DNA. Combined with his competitive drive and forward-thinking mentality, we believe Kevin adds a key piece in reaching our ambitions for the club.”

The Union are set to return, alongside the rest of league's' 26 teams, at the upcoming MLS is Back tournament in Orlando, which begins on July 8.

Drawn into Group A, the Union will compete with Orlando City, Inter Miami, New York City FC and the Chicago Fire.

Azam FC have received a major boost after two of their foreign players finally arrived in Dar es Salaam ahead of their second match after the resumption of the Mainland Premier League.

The ‘Ice Cream Makers’ were the only team in the top-flight yet to receive most of their foreign players, who relocated to their native countries when the league was halted in mid-March owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

But after managing to secure a chartered flight for Ugandan midfielder Nicolas Wadada, the club has now confirmed the arrival of Zimbabwean players Bruce Kangwa and Never Tigere.

The two players arrived in Dar es Salaam on Monday after managing to manoeuvre their way from Harare, as Zimbabwe is still under lockdown owing to Covid-19.

“We can now confirm left-back Kangwa and striker Tigere have joined our camp ahead of the next match,” Azam confirmed on their official Facebook page.

“The two players were still stranded in Zimbabwe despite our efforts to have them return to the country owing the strict rules put in place to help curb the spread of the virus.”

Azam further confirmed that only three players – Ghanaians Razack Abalora, Daniel Amoah, and Yakubu Mohammed - are now missing from the squad.

“We are now waiting for the trio to have a full house because we already received [Wadada from Uganda] last week,” the club further revealed.

The arrival of the players will excite coach Aristica Cioaba who in an earlier interview confessed that their absence will affect the team’s display in the league and also the FA Cup.

“It will be difficult for us to win matches without our key players, which includes our number one goalkeeper,” Cioba told reporters.

“I have already started planning without them [the seven players], I don’t think they will be able to make it here in time for the first matches, it is a huge headache for me, but something coaches have to go through.”

Azam, who beat Mbao FC 2-0 in their first league match on Sunday, are currently second on the league table behind leaders Simba SC, and are also in the quarter-finals of the domestic Cup.

Bungoma County government has confirmed works at Masinde Muliro Stadium are set to be completed in mid-2021.

The renovation of the iconic stadium in the Western region of the country, built in the 1950s, will see the facility expanded so it can accommodate 5000 spectators, but the second phase of construction will see the number increased to 20,000.

The contractor had started the upgrading works by casting the sitting terraces and laying formwork for the second-floor suspended slab which will host offices.

“Sitting on 20 acres, the upgrade of the facility is split into two phases. The first phase of the upgrade will see the stadium built to accommodate 5,000 people,” the Bungoma County statement regarding the works and obtained by Goal read.

“Other works in the first phase include pitch construction and landscaping of green terraces for the rest of the stadium.

“This phase will also include the construction of the main terrace, balcony and offices. This first phase is earmarked for completion mid next year.”

The Masinde Muliro Stadium has been out of use for some time now with Sudi Stadium, home to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Nzoia Sugar, the only high-level facility in the region.

“The second phase will see the stadium expanded to a 20,000-seater capacity facility – the biggest anywhere in the Western region,” added the statement.

“The facility, then called Kanduyi Stadium, hosted sporting activities in Bungoma and from neighbouring regions. At its prime, it hosted tops leagues in the country. The infrastructure then comprised 500-seater pavilion and the fencing.”

The completion of the facility was one of the salient features of Governor Wycliffe Wangamati's manifesto before he was elected during the 2017 general elections.

It is hoped the Masinde Muliro Stadium will help nurture and grow football in an area known for producing many players.

“The move attests to Governor [Wycliffe] Wangamati’s commitment to growing sports and talent in the county. Specifically, the stadium lies at the heart and desire of Governor Wangamati to identify, nurture, groom, grow and promote talent in different sports fields in the county,” added the statement.

“The stadium has produced some of Kenya’s sporting greats like [Ben] Jipcho, the Silver Medalist in 3,000 metres in the Summer Olympics of 1972, George Situma and Tom Wanjala who were winners of Gossage Cup 1959 [now known as The Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup], and Mary Nakhumicha, a Paralympian, in Javelin.

“Besides playing host to key league matches, the facility will offer a platform to identify, groom and nurture talent for the youth and all sportspersons to grow and showcase their talents.

“The facility will also open room for investment in the sporting industry and guarantee the County revenue.”

Apart from Nzoia Sugar, Bungoma Supers Stars, plying trade in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division One, is another famous team in the region.