The 2016/17 European season is around the corner with teams preparing in earnest for the campaign. Arsenal have lined up friendlies to shake off the rust form the holidays.

  • July 22 – vs RC Lens
  • July 29 – vs MLS All-Star
  • August 1 – vs Chivas de Guadalajara
  • August 5 – vs Viking FK
  • August 7 – vs Manchester City

A selected Arsenal XI lost 3-0 to Boreham XI over the weekend. The team was made up of U-21s. Thiery Henry opted for the Sky pundit role instead of the junior coach. Wenger had the reins tight.

The internationals who were on duty in the Copa America and Euro will be coming in later on. Arsenal will need to trim their team up to begin the Premier League challenge on August 14 when they host Liverpool at the Emirates.

Can Iwobi secure first team shirts like last season? He has overlooked the Olympics in order to confirm first team place in the Arsenal team. Nigerians are watching. He has only one option now: Regular first team action. There are uncertainties over Akpom, Sanago et a host of other young guns. Wellington Silva has left, Jon Toral is out on loan as the crave for first team action.

It is the pre-season and it is the time to tell your manager that you are ready. Nigeria’s Ahmed Musa will hope to shine with Champions Leicester City.

Nigeria appointed Paul Le Guen as her Technical Adviser yesterday. Interim-coach Salisu Yusuf, who initially rejected to work as an assistant will work with Le Guen as the Chief Coach and will be assisted by current Rangers coach Imama Amakapo. Alloy Agu was appointed as goalkeeper trainer with Bitrus Bewarang as Technical Director.

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It will be recalled that the NFF had not appointed any full time coach since the resignation of Sunday Oliseh who they tagged “African Guardiola”. Although the NFF had appointed Samson Siasia and Salisu Yusuf as interim coaches within the period.

The appointment seems to have taken another twist with reports that Frenchman Le Guen is set to rejected Nigeria because of some terms and conditions.

This drama never ends.

If you play Fantasy Premier League, rejoice for the FPL is back. Time to check my team.

Less I forget, I made a 7/9 scores prediction in the NPFL. Check the predictions here.

Enjoy your week.

@AmosCP

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