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Umar Sadiq scored a brace as Almeria defeated La Liga club Real Betis 2-1 in a pre-season friendly match on Wednesday.

The encounter took place at the Nuevo Mirador Stadium and it was Almeria’s sixth-preseason friendly as they get ready to begin the new Segunda Division campaign.

Sadiq fired the Rojiblancos ahead in the 10th minute but the lead was short-lived as Robert Gonzalez grabbed Real Betis’ equaliser, seven minutes later.

On the half hour-mark, the former Rangers and Roma striker restored Almeria’s lead with his second goal of the evening.

The first-half efforts separated both teams as Rubi’s men secured their fourth win in their sixth pre-season outing.

The Nigeria striker was later replaced in the second half and he was given a standing ovation as he walked off the pitch.

Following their impressive run of results, Almeria will now turn attention to their Segunda Division opening fixture for the 2021-22 season, with a trip to FC Cartagena scheduled for August 16.

Before the trip to Cartagena, they will try to keep the Nigerian striker who has four years left on his contract at the club.

Sadiq moved to Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos last October but he is said to be attracting interest from several European clubs following his notable goalscoring record in his debut season.

The 24-year-old scored a total of 20 goals in 40 league appearances – his best tally in a league season –  as the Rojiblancos narrowly missed out on promotion to La Liga.

They lost to Girona in the semi-final stage of the play-offs, but Rayo Vallecano picked up the sole promotion ticket after beating Girona 3-2 in the play-offs final.

New Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has declared he's determined to hold onto star winger Wilfried Zaha heading into his first season in charge of the squad, despite the Arsenal-linked player reportedly informing management earlier this summer that he wants out.

Vieira said he's "looking forward to working with him" after holding a "good conversation" with the attacker about his future.

The Gunners are just one of several Premier League sides who could register interest in Zaha in the next month, as the 28-year-old set a career-best with 11 goals in the Premier League last campaign and provides a level of creativity with the ball few others potentially on the market possess. However, rumours about the forward departing have gone quiet of late, which will boost Vieira's confidence in keeping him through the 2020-21 campaign.

What has been said?

"I'm aware about Wilfried [Zaha and his situation] in the last couple of years but we had a really good conversation and I'm looking forward to working with him," Vieira told Sky Sports.

"He's one of the most talented players in this league and we don't want to lose one of our best players.

"All the players are smart enough to see what the club is trying to build and where the club want to go - we've made some really exciting young player signings and I think that shows the direction the football club wants to take."

Zaha's previous comments

In June, the former Manchester United winger made it clear he would welcome a move from Vieira.

“I feel like I can have another shot at the top teams, because my dream is to win things," Zaha told The Face.

"I’m good enough to go out there and compete with the best.

"If the opportunity came, I wouldn’t turn it down, because I feel like I deserve it. It’s so I can show my kids, 'This is what daddy won.'"

Bigger picture

Palace are in a period of transition following Roy Hodgson's resignation, but Vieira, a former Arsenal great himself, believes big things are ahead for his new side. In Hodgson's final year, they finished 14th in the Premier League.

As a result, losing a key forward like Zaha now would certainly hurt, particularly as the deadline draws closer, though this month could represent one of the last chances to fully cash in on his talents in the market.

Further reading

Monterrey center back Hector Moreno has suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain, the club announced, in news that will prove a short-term disappointment but can still be considered best-case scenario under the circumstances.

His muscle injury diagnosis is the mildest variety, and he will miss at least two weeks but could be back shortly thereafter.

Moreno was forced off the pitch last week on Mexico duty in the Gold Cup final against the United States, but he only underwent testing for the problem when he arrived at Rayados camp.

What has been said?

“Hector Moreno has a grade one muscle injury in the hamstrings of the right thigh," announced the club. "After conducting the pertinent studies, the prognosis for recovery is at least 14 days."

Monterrey arrival

Moreno was a summer pick-up for Rayados after becoming a free agent at the end of last season. He had spent two years in Qatar with Al-Gharafa but has since admitted he never felt the organization was the correct fit for him.

His return to Liga MX is a homecoming long in the making, as he last played domestically in Mexico in 2007.

World Cup ambitions

Earlier this week, Moreno said part of the reason he has come back to Liga MX is to ensure he's a leading candidate for El Tri's backline in the 2022 World Cup, having felt the time in Qatar lowered his national team stock.

"[Monterrey is a] club where you have all the tools, where I can keep myself physically as well as possible," he said.

The news he could be back within a month, then, will be seen as a positive as it means he could be in contention for Mexico's World Cup qualifier against Jamaica on Sept. 2.

Further reading

The U.S. women's national team will look to ensure they end a disappointing Olympic campaign on a high note against Australia in the bronze-medal match at Tokyo 2020, in Kashima.

Watch Australia vs USWNT on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

The World Cup holders fell short of golden glory in Japan, but can still leave the games with a podium finish if they can overcome the Matildas in a Group G rematch in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), this year's USWNT Olympics soccer games can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news and rosters

Having battled through extra-time to beat Great Britain, the Matildas couldn't muster the energy to trump Sweden in the semi-finals and now will face off with a side they have already held to a goalless draw for the honour of a podium finish at Tokyo 2020.

Tony Gustavsson - unable to beat his home country in the final four - is unlikely to ring wholesale changes, but he could be persuaded to hand teenager Mary Fowler a start alongside Sam Kerr up front, while Ellie Carpenter's late red card should open the door for Laura Brock.

Predicted Australia starting XI: Micah; Brock, Kennedy, Polkinghome; Raso, Van Egmond, Yallop, Catley; Fowler, Kerr, Foord.

Overwhelming favourites with a 44-game unbeaten streak ahead of the Olympics, the Stars and Stripes have struggled to make their mark throughout, with a single regular-time win to their name across the women's tournament before Canada beat them on Monday.

Now, for their golden generation, it is bronze or bust. Vlatko Andonovski is likely to deploy Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd from the start after they came from the bench in defeat to Canada, while Adrianna Franch could start after Alyssa Naeher was ruled out through injury.

Predicted USWNT starting XI: Franch; O'Hara, Dahlkemper, Sauerbrunn, Dunn; Horan, Ertz, S Mewis; Morgan, Rapinoe, Lloyd.

Recent results and head-to-head

Last five results

Head-to-head

Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye signed a new contract with Sparta Rotterdam that will keep him at the Eredivisie club until 2025.

A year ago, Okoye moved to Rotterdam on a free transfer following the expiry of his deal at Fortuna Dusseldorf where he developed his game within three years.

The 21-year-old initially played two games for the reserve team in the Tweede Divisie before he broke into Henk Fraser's team, and he has established himself as the team's first-choice goalkeeper.

Okoye capped his debut season in the Dutch top-flight with impressive performances between the sticks and he was rewarded as Sparta Rotterdam’s Player of the Season for the 2020-21 campaign.

Following his commitment to the Sparta Stadion outfit on Wednesday, the Super Eagles shot-stopper disclosed that he was able to achieve last season's targets which include becoming Nigeria’s no. 1 goalkeeper.

“When I signed with Sparta, I did so with clear goals. I wanted to develop further and become the first goalkeeper in the Eredivisie and for the Super Eagles,” Okoye told the club’s website.

“So after the first season I can't help but be satisfied, but I'm certainly not done here yet. I really enjoy my time at Sparta and I feel appreciated by my teammates and the supporters. In my first year I have already experienced many beautiful moments here, I hope that next season, at a full Castle, we will add even more moments.”

After their pre-season friendly game against Willem II on Saturday, Sparta Rotterdam will begin their 2021-22 season with an Eredivisie trip to Utrecht on August 15.

Meanwhile, the club’s technical director Henk van Stee hinted that the new deal is an effort to fend off transfer interest in Okoye.

“Last season he proved us right. With ten clean sheets in 28 games, he contributed to the club's eighth-place finish and was even voted Player of the Season by the supporters,” Van Stee said.

“He made great strides last season, he is also the first goalkeeper of the Nigerian national team. Obviously this meant there was a lot of interest in him, but we both had the intention to continue longer and are very happy that we are extending his contract.”

Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has said that the club will “solve the problem” of Harry Kane's no-show for pre-season before he speaks any more on the matter.

Kane failed to return to Spurs on Tuesday, with the striker due back at the London outfit following a holiday after reaching the final of Euro 2020.

In doing so, however, he has only served to intensify speculation that he is pushing for a move away from the club this summer, most likely to join Manchester City.

What has Nuno said?

“We have to solve the situation internally with the club speaking and trying to reach a better solution and conclusion,” Nuno told reporters after Spurs' 2-2 friendly draw with Chelsea.

“The pre-season for all the clubs has been very hard. This is a different one, I know, but it has been difficult for all the teams and players through absences. It has been very hard for everybody. 

“We have to solve the problems ourselves and then I will speak.”

What do we know about Kane's situation?

Kane's current contract with Tottenham does not expire until 2024, but it has been reported that the England frontman has a gentleman's agreement with chairman Daniel Levy which will allow him to move on ahead of the new season.

Goal understands that Pep Guardiola is extremely keen on signing Kane, with City willing to spend in excess of £100 million to land their man.

At the moment, however, no formal negotiation have taken place.

What has Kane said?

Speaking back in March, Kane made it clear that he would look to move elsewhere if he felt Spurs' project was not moving at the same pace as his own ambitions.

“I'll always love Spurs,” he said. “But if I don't feel we're going in the right direction then I'm not someone who will just stay for the sake of it.

“I'm an ambitious player, I want to become one of the best players.”

Further reading

Ghana and former Asante Kotoko centre-back Rashid Sumaila has described Hearts of Oak as worthy winners of the Premier League.

Last month, the Phobians beat arch-rivals Kotoko to the championship title, sealing the triumph with a match to spare.

It was their first GPL success since 2009.

“Hearts of Oak deserves to win this year’s league because they fought a good fight. Although Kotoko did well but I believe Hearts were on top, so they deserved it,” Sumaila told Bryt FM.

“At some point in time, both teams were tied on points and that revived the competitiveness of the league. At the end of the season, the points gap ws not so huge and it tells you how exciting the season was.

“I believe the season was great, even there was a solid competition in the relegation battle.

“I don’t agree with those claiming our league has fallen, there are still quality players in the scene.”

At the end of the term, only four points separated Hearts and second-placed Kotoko.

Also, only one point separated Kotoko and third-placed Wafa, and the latter and fourth-positioned Aduana Stars. Again, interestingly, there was only one point difference between Aduana and fifth-placed Medeama.

At the bottom end of the table, Inter Allies, Liberty Professionals and Ebusua Dwarfs suffered relegation, the latter just falling behind King Faisal Babes and Elmina Sharks, who only kept their Premier League status due to a superior goal difference.

“This season has been competitive. We enjoyed a great season, and we hope it continue in subsequent league seasons,” Sumaila added.

“Should the standard of our league continue to improve it will help lift the name of Ghana to the world.

“I have followed the league always, even while playing abroad I still monitor our league.

“This particularly season, I have been able to monitor it well because I have been in the country for some time now and I believe the entire 18 teams have given a good account of themselves.”

For winning the Premier League, Hearts have been rewarded with a ticket to represent Ghana in the Caf Champions League last season.

Former director-general of the National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye, suggests reasons why Sunshine Stars have struggled to impress in the Nigeria Professional Football League this season.

Following their semi-final finish at the 2012 Caf Champions League – where they were sent packing by eventual champions Al Ahly – many predicted that the Owena Whales would become a dominant force on the local scene.

This optimism is yet to become a reality as the Akure-based outfit struggled to impress season in the Nigerian top flight, season in and season out.

As the 2020-21 campaign comes to an end on Thursday, Sunshine languish in the relegation zone - occupying the 17th position with 42 points from 37 games.

To avoid demotion, they must defeat Rivers United at home while hoping either Heartland, Abia Warriors, Jigawa Golden Stars or Wikki Tourist falter on the last day.

Goal engages one of the club’s elder statesmen in a no holds barred chat to find out why the Stars have gone dim this campaign.

Elegbeleye was a member of the Ministerial Committee on Reform of Football Administration in Nigeria and former president of Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria, Ondo State.

“The supporters are more of a problem to the club. You can imagine Sunshine Stars getting suspended from its own ground because of the unruly behaviour of their own fans,” he told Goal.

“They get banished by the LMC to places like Ijebu Ode and Lagos where they play their home matches. Games played there are like away games because the home support would not be there.

“This has not worked well for the team. Apart from this, you consider logistics problems and a lot of money that has to be spent going out of their comfort zone to play in an unfamiliar environment.”

Furthermore, he pointed to the non-payment of players and officials’ salaries when due, while questioning the intentions of some of the club’s big wigs.

“Before Governor Rotimi Akeredolu was sworn in, the players and officials of the team were being owed salaries of eight to ten months. How do you expect them to get results playing on an empty stomach?” he queried.

“The morale of the players was so low because so many of them were breadwinners of their families. So, how were they expected to give out their best?

“As you know, a hungry man is an angry man. These are some of the key problems of Sunshine Stars.

“I’m sorry to say this, a lot of people wants to be a part of the club’s management because of the benefits they think they can get.

“They failed to realise that in football, it is not about what you get but what you want to give. I remember when I would pay these players winning bonuses from my pocket.

“My dream is to see players from Sunshine Stars getting transfers to Europe and travelling down to play for the Super Eagles. That should be the vision, not people looking for benefits from the team.”

Even at the sorry picture he painted, he is not ruling out the ability of Deji Ayeni’s men from escaping demotion to the Nigerian second tier.

“To me, to escape from relegation is possible. Having pulled a win at Enyimba, all they must do now is win their last home game against Rivers United,” he added.

“This I believe is very possible. But any slip would make things more difficult. Sunshine need to work hard.”

Former Ghana goalkeeper coach Richard Kingston has been reappointed to take up the role he lost in 2019.

He replaces Najawu Issah, the man who replaced him two years ago, and who has now been re-assigned to the Ghana home-based Black Stars side.

The ex-Birmingham City shot-stopper was first handed the position in 2017.

“The Ghana Football Association has appointed former International Richard Kingston as Goalkeepers trainer of the Black Stars,” the GFA has announced on its official website.

“The 43-year-old replaces Najawu Issah who has been reassigned to the Black Stars B.

“He [Kingston] is expected to bring his rich vein of experience to bear in upcoming International competitions.”

Kingston, who played for Ghana between 1996 and 2012, graduated into a coaching role in 2017 after a spell with local side Great Olympics.

In his first technical stint, and as head of Ghana’s goalkeeping department, Kwasi Appiah's Black Stars squad produced a disappointing performance at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt, failing to reach the quarter-final of the competition following a Round of 16 defeat to Tunisia.

It was the West Africans’ first time failing to make the last eight since 2006.

Following the underwhelming outing, the GFA decided against extended Appiah’s expiring contract and went on to dissolve the entire Black Stars technical team.

“I am always grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the national team as the trainer for goalkeepers but what hurt me was the manner in which my appointment was terminated,” Kingston said last year.

“I received a WhatsApp message on one Monday from the GFA to furnish my CV and certificates. I did that and never heard from the GFA again.

"The next thing I heard was that the technical teams of national teams have been dissolved. This is not how things should be done. It really hurt me.”

His first assignment with the Black Stars, now led by coach CK Akonnor, will be to secure wins against Ethiopia and South Africa when the 2022 World Cup qualifiers open in September.

Known as the Premier Soccer League's Big Three, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Orlando Pirates are the biggest clubs in South Africa.

However, the debate as to which is the biggest club in the land has raged on and on for many years and will no doubt always continue.

Goal compares the three clubs in terms of success, average stadium attendance, infrastructure, and fanbase: 

Infrastructure 

The Chiefs Village in Naturena, Johannesburg is a world-class facility that features complex playing fields, offices, dressing rooms and a retail store.

The infrastructure is widely considered to be the best in the country and they also have a strength training facility which has gym equipment, a swimming pool, saunas, ice baths, and showers.

While Sundowns' headquarters are in Chloorkop, Kempton Park and their top-class facilities include offices, training fields, a recovery pool, dressing rooms and jacuzzis. 

Unlike Chiefs and Sundowns, Pirates do not own their headquarters and they are currently renting offices in Houghton, Johannesburg having previously leased offices in Parktown, Johannesburg.   

The Buccaneers are currently using the Rand Stadium in Rosettenville, Johannesburg which is owned by the City of Johannesburg as their training ground. 

It is important to note that none of the current  16 PSL clubs own stadiums. 

Fanbase

Chiefs have long been known as the most popular football club in the country and this is evident when looking at their following on the biggest social media platforms in the world.

With over 3,5 million likes on Facebook, 2,2 million, followers on Twitter, and 690,000 followers on Instagram, Amakhosi boast of a fanbase that’s over six million followers on social media.

Their Soweto rivals, Pirates are second with over 2,3 million likes on Facebook, 1,7 million followers on Twitter, and 479,000 on Instagram and they are current on over 4,5 million followers. 

While Sundowns have just over 2 million followers on social media - over one million likes on Facebook, 867,000 million followers on Twitter, and 315,000 on Instagram.

Average stadium attendance 

The country's biggest stadium, FNB Stadium is unsurprisingly home to the most popular club in the land, Chiefs.

With a capacity of 94,736, the iconic venue is not only the biggest in South Africa but on the continent.

According to Transfermarkt, the average attendance at Amakhosi's home matches was 22,015 during the 2019/20 season, before fans were barred from stadiums due to Covid-19.

The FNB Stadium is usually full to capacity during the Soweto Derby match featuring Chiefs and their main rivals, Pirates.

Pirates' home ground is the Orlando Stadium which has a capacity of 40,000 and they draw an average home attendance of 14,873. 

While Sundowns draw an average home attendance of 9,000 at their home venue, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, which has a 51,762 capacity.

Success

Chiefs remain the most decorated club in the country despite having won their last major trophy in 2015.

The Glamour Boys have won the most major trophies - 55 -  including a record 13 league cups (Telkom Knockout), a record 15 South African FA Cups (Nedbank Cup), and a record 13 Top 8 (MTN8) titles, 13 national league titles (PSL) and Caf African Cup Winners' Cup. 

On the other hand, Pirates have the second most trophies with 30 titles having clinched nine national league titles, eight South African FA Cups, eight Top 8 titles, league cup, Caf Champions League, and Caf Super Cup.

Sundowns are the third most decorated club in the land with 28 trophies including a record 14 national league titles, five South African FA Cups, four league cups, three Top 8 titles, Caf Champions League, and Caf Super Cup.

Verdict 

Chiefs are undoubtedly the biggest club in South Africa in terms of average stadium attendance, success, popularity, and infrastructure. 

After battling economic problems due to the coronavirus, La Liga has secured a incredible €2.7 billion (£2.3bn/$3.2bn) loan that should pave the way for Barcelona to finalise Lionel Messi's new contract.

CVC Capital Partners has provided the massive injection of funds and will have a 10 per cent stake in a newly-created company that La Liga will lead which will focus on growing revenue.

Of the funds invested, a majority percentage will be distributed to clubs, with Barcelona and Real Madrid receiving €280m (£238m/$331m) each.

What will clubs receive?

Speaking exclusively to Goal, football finance expert Marc Ciria said: "90% of the €2.7 billion will fall to the clubs in the form of a 40-year soft loan".

In addition, Ciria says that "70% of that will be used for investments in infrastructure, 15% to refinance debt and 15% to extend the salary limit." 

Ciria also believes that the new cash injection will prove to be a blow to any remaining hopes for a European Super League, with Real Madrid and Barcelona joining Juve in recently discussing their ongoing hopes for change in European football.

"[President Javier Tebas] has been intelligent and has sought ways to raise an important economic income for big clubs. They now have less incentive to launch a European Super League," Ciria said.

"This agreement is clearly associated with a desire to inject money into the clubs to improve La Liga's competitive balance and get closer to the Premier League."

How does this help Barca?

Barcelona will receive approximately €280m euros, of which about €42m (£36m/$50m) will be used to increase the salary limit.

That injection will allow the club to register the four signings of the summer and finally confirm their new deal with Messi.

What about Real Madrid?

Meanwhile, Real Madrid will bring in similar figures that will allow them to reinforce their own squad.

The club has been heavily linked with Kylian Mbappe in recent months, and the injection of money could allow them to begin plotting a move.

Further reading

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Danny Ings, the club announced on Wednesday, in a deal with a reported £30 million.

The striker has signed a three-year deal with the club as he makes the move from Southampton, where he scored 13 goals in all competitions last season.

Ings now joins the likes of  Leon Bailey, Emi Buendía and Ashley Young at Villa Park as the club continues a busy summer.

What was said?

“Danny is an outstanding Premier League footballer who has scored goals wherever he has played," said manager Dean Smith.

"He is also a top professional with a great character who will be a leader in our squad and a role model for our rapidly developing young Academy players who are now in and around the first team. I am delighted to welcome Danny to our great Club.”

Ings' Premier League record

After breaking through with 11 goals for Burnley in 2014-15, Ings made the move to Liverpool, where he struggled to make an impact due to injuries.

The striker has since returned to form as a member of Southampton, though, scoring 46 goals over the last two seasons while establishing himself as one of the Premier League's top goalscorers.

Ings has also earned two caps for England recently after earning a debut all the way back in 2015, with Ings scoring against Wales in an October friendly.

A busy summer

The Ings deal continues a big summer for Villa, who confirmed the signing of Bailey earlier on Wednesday.

The club also brought in former Norwich star Buendia in June while confirming the signing of Ashley Young from Inter on a free transfer.

Villa do look set to lose a star of their own, though, as Jack Grealish looks set to complete a £100m ($139m) move to Manchester City in the coming days.

Further reading

Oghenekaro Etebo opened his Watford goal account with a powerful shot as they cruised to a 4-0 win over League One club Doncaster Rovers in Wednesday’s pre-season friendly outing.

The Super Eagles midfielder, who moved to Vicarage Road on a season-long loan from Stoke City last month, broke the deadlock at St George's Park within the first five minutes of the encounter.

After collecting the ball from outside the penalty area, Etebo drove forward a bit before firing his right-footed shot to the back of the net.

It did not take long for the Hornets to double their lead through captain Troy Deeney's header in the 15th minute, and then Dan Gosling capped the dominant first-half performance with their third goal.

Etebo started alongside his compatriot William Troost-Ekong and Morocco’s Adam Masina, but the trio, as well as seven other players, were replaced at the break, leaving only goalkeeper Ben Foster unchanged.

Nigeria youth star Tom Dele-Bashiru and Super Eagles forward Emmanuel Dennis were thrown into the fray as Xisco Munoz opted for fresh legs to execute the second 45 minutes.

However, new signing Dennis suffered an injury in the 57th minute and he was immediately replaced by a trialist.

Some minutes later, Ashley Fletcher made it 4-0 for Watford with his strike from the penalty spot after the trialist was brought down.

Meanwhile, Nigeria's Isaac Success was not listed for the clash.

Wednesday's encounter was Dele-Bashiru's first game with the Hornets after he underwent surgery to treat an anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered during a Championship match against Reading in October.

Watford will aim to conclude their preparations for the 2021-22 season when they face Crystal Palace for their last friendly match at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

They are scheduled to host Aston Villa at Vicarage Road for their Premier League opening fixture on August 14.

Ovie Ejeheri has signed his first professional contract with Premier League outfit Arsenal.

The goalkeeper joined the North London side when he was eight years old and his steady progress saw him promoted to the U18 team in 2019.

During the 2020-21 campaign, Ejeheri was drafted into the U23 squad where he was able to garner just three appearances.

Still in the nascent stages of his career, the 18-year-old is expected to continue his development under coach Kevin Betsy at Meadow Park.

“Ovie Ejeheri has signed his first professional contract,” a statement from the English topflight giants read.

“The 18-year-old goalkeeper joined our academy aged eight. A towering keeper, Ovie developed through the Arsenal Academy age groups and made it into the matchday squad three times for our U23s side last season.

“Everyone at Arsenal would like to congratulate Ovie on his first professional contract and we look forward to seeing his continued development.”

In 2020, he was invited to England’s training camp for goalkeepers. That invitation presented him with a chance to earn a call-up to England’s squad for the 2021 Fifa U20 World Cup billed for Indonesia.

Unfortunately, the tournament was cancelled due to the outbreak of Covid-19 which affected football-related activities globally.

Meanwhile, Ejeheri attributed his steady rise to the efforts devoted by his parents even in difficult times.

"It’s a very, very special day for me," he said.

"My mum and my dad, they’ve helped me from my whole career, taking me to training, even when it was very, very hard for them.

“So, it’s a good moment for me and them. I'm really excited to keep this journey going."

Born in Greenwich, London to a Nigerian father and a mother from Uganda, the goalkeeper could spark a selection war between Uganda, Nigeria and England in future.

Ejeheri, whose football role model is Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon, had told Goal about his desire to represent the Super Eagles and the heights he would love to reach.

“My goal in the next three years is to play regular first-team football at club level and represent England or Nigeria at the international level,” he told Goal.

“I look forward to the challenges of professional and international football at the highest level.”

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, Carlos Vela and Nani are among the 28 players named to the MLS squad for the upcoming All-Star Game.

The best of MLS are set to face a team of Liga MX All-Stars on August 25 at Banc of California in Los Angeles in what is the first iteration of a new format for the All-Star Game.

Also among the squad are U.S. men's national team Gold Cup stars Miles Robinson, Matt Turner, Cristian Roldan, Walker Zimmerman and James Sands, as well as young stars in FC Dallas' Ricardo Pepi and San Jose Earthquakes forward Cade Cowell.

Who was named to the MLS All-Star squad?

GOALKEEPERS: Pedro Gallese (Orlando City), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)

DEFENDERS: Julian Araujo (LA Galaxy), Yeimar Gomez Andrade (Seattle Sounders), Jesus Murrillo (LAFC), Nouhou Tolo (Seattle Sounders), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United), Alex Roldan (Seattle Sounders), James Sands (NYCFC), Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)

MIDFIELDERS: Eduard Atuesta (LAFC), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Damir Kreilach (Real Salt Lake), Joao Paulo (Seattle Sounders), Emmanuel Reynoso (Minnesota United), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Lucas Zelarayan (Columbus Crew)

ATTACKERS: Gustavo Bou (New England Revolution), Tajon Buchanan (New England Revolution), Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes), Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez (LA Galaxy), Nani (Orlando City), Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas), Diego Rossi (LAFC), Raul Ruidiaz (Seattle Sounders), Daniel Salloi (Sporting KC), Carlos Vela (LAFC)

A closer look

A total of 15 clubs and 14 countries are represented in the MLS squad, with the Western Conference-leading Seattle Sounders featuring the most with six, including brothers Cristian and Alex Roldan.

Of the 28 players, 24 are first-time All-Stars, with Vela, Nani, Zimmerman and Diego Rossi the only players with experience in this game.

The roster was assembled through a combination of fan, player and media voting, which provided 13 players, as well as 13 additional selections by All-Star Head Coach Bob Bradley.

The remaining two selections were made by MLS commissioner Don Garber, who selected Cowell and New England Revolution rising star Tajon Buchanan.

Further reading

Algeria international Amir Sayoud, who was linked with a move to Mamelodi Sundowns after expressing an interest to play for Masandawana or Kaizer Chiefs, has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Tai FC.

The 30-year-old moved from Algerian side CR Belouizdad and was unveiled by newly-promoted Al-Tai after signing a two-year deal.

“Amir Sayoud signed for two seasons. Welcome the ‘Desert Warrior’ to the Knight of the North brigade,” announced A-Tai.

The player managed three Caf Champions League goals including scoring two against Sundowns home and away.

His first goal was a consolation when the Tshwane giants beat Belouizdad 5-1 away, before he grabbed one of the goals in his side’s 2-0 win in Pretoria.

His scoring exploits against the Brazilians could be what sparked their reported interest in the player.

Reports indicated that Masandawana were targeting him as a potential replacement for Gaston Sirino had the Uruguayan gone to Al Ahly.

Sundowns have since signed other midfielders Sifiso Ngobeni and Neo Maema while defender Grant Kekana can also play in the middle of the park.

In April this year, Sayoud expressed his desire to play in the Premier Soccer League for Sundowns or Chiefs.

“I'm grateful to hear that I'm appreciated but I'm a humble man, I'm under service for the team [Belouizdad],” he told KickOff at the time.

“I don't see why I wouldn't [play in South Africa], I'm a professional player... I don't know who, maybe Sundowns or Kaizer Chiefs, who knows I'm playing for a big team so it needs to be a big team also.

“Of course [I want to return to the national team], I'm working hard and at a good level now, every game I'm playing well. I'm doing my best and hoping that I can earn that call-up.”

The experienced midfielder has two caps for Algeria and previously played for Al Ahly, Ismaily, MC Alger, CS Sfaxien and USM Alger.

He also had stints in Bulgaria and Kuwait.

At Al-Tai, he will play alongside former Chiefs striker Knowledge Musona, who also recently joined the club from Belgium.