Former African Footballer of The Year Victor Ikpeba is optimistic newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, will use his knowledge of the country’s domestic league to maximum effect by giving the Nigeria Premier Football League opportunities in the national side.

Ikpeba, a member of the Nigerian Football Federation Technical Committee that endorsed Finidi for the Eagles job, also highlighted the significance of integrating players from the Nigeria Premier Football League into the national team, a move largely overlooked by previous coaches.

“Being actively involved in Nigerian football, Finidi understands the local talent pool,” Ikpeba said on SuperSport programme, Monday Night Football.

“As the coach of NPFL champions Enyimba, he’s in touch with the domestic scene and will provide opportunities for homegrown talents, just as he once emerged as a star player himself.”

The Eagles missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a heart-wrenching loss to West African rivals Ghana in the World Cup qualification playoffs, falling short on the away goals rule.

Ikpeba admits the new Eagles coach faces a tough task in the upcoming qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Currently third in Group C with two points garnered from draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe last November, Nigeria are behind Rwanda and South Africa in the quest for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

“In the upcoming matches against South Africa and Benin in June, Nigeria faces crucial fixtures that could define our World Cup aspirations,” Ikpeba said on SuperSport programme, Monday Night Football.

“We find ourselves in a challenging position having drawn our initial qualifiers, so securing victories in the upcoming games is imperative. With the talents at our disposal, if Finidi can extract the best from the players, qualification is within our reach.”

The Eagles are set to face South Africa on June 7 in Uyo, followed by a clash against Benin in Abidjan two days later. These matches carry immense importance in determining Nigeria’s path to World Cup qualification.

Additionally, Ikpeba revealed that Finidi has been offered a one-year contract with the possibility of extension, though he remained discreet about the specifics regarding the coach’s salary.

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has promised that the team will be “fully focused” on the Premier League title race after they exited the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The Gunners lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich in Germany and 3-2 on aggregate.

Arteta’s men’s only chance of winning silverware is in the Premier League where they are two points behind Manchester City.

Arsenal are away to Wolves on Saturday, having lost 2-0 at home to Aston Villa last weekend.

“We have to be close to the players. What they need to do is stand right next to them, give them our support and our love.

“We have to pick it up because we have a big, big game on Saturday.

“We really want it and we have to show that we’re capable of turning it around,” Arteta told reporters.

Borussia Dortmund are relishing a rematch with Paris St Germain in the Champions League semi-finals. This was after knocking out Atletico Madrid in a thrilling tie on Tuesday to set up a meeting with the French side they played in the group stage.

Dortmund overturned a 2-1 deficit from their quarter-final first leg against Atletico to win 5-4 on aggregate.

They will now renew their acquaintance with PSG, who beat Barcelona 6-4 over two legs to book their semi-final berth.

Dortmund coach Edin Terzic feels his side, who won the Champions League in 1997, are now better prepared to face the French champions.

This was after the Germans lost away and drew at home in the group stage.

“Our first game against them wasn’t good. In the second game, we adjusted to them better and were closer to victory.

“I think we’re a better team today than we were against them in the group stage,” Terzic said, following the win over Atletico.

Midfielder Julian Brandt, who opened the scoring in the first half for Dortmund, could scarcely believe that his side had made it through to the last four after taking a two goal-lead, conceding two goals, and then scoring twice more.

“It was a crazy game for the fans and for us. A great game for us, for our fans and for all football fans around the world,” he said after receiving his man-of-the-match award.

“It’s going to be very serious now against Paris. We played well against them at home in the group stage, but not well away. We want to do better now and, of course, reach the final,” he added.

For striker Niclas Fuellkrug, who also got on the scoresheet, the Champions League semi-finals will be a new experience.

“I’ve never played at this level before and I’m very proud to be in the semi-finals of the Champions League with my team,” he said.

“Things will certainly be different against Paris than in the group stage.”