Nigeria’s friendly against Burkina Faso in London today has been called off because seven of the Burkinabe players were unable to secure visas to Britain.

“The match in question is called off due to no fault of either the organisers or the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF),” said NFF chairman Chris Green.

“The Burkinabe Football Federation on Friday telephoned the match organisers to say some of their players and officials were unable to secure entry visas into the UK and therefore would not be able to honour the match.”

The match was scheduled for Barnet’s Hive Stadium.

Honda relishing fight for Japan place

Japan midfielder Keisuke Honda has vowed to win back his starting place in the national side after a lack of playing time at Milan saw him lose his spot to the in-form Yuya Kubo.

Honda said the competition for places proved how strong the Japan team is.

“This is what football is about, there’s nothing weird about it,” Honda said. “This is just about me having lost my place in the first team here and back in Milan – which hasn’t happened before.

“But it happens and says how competitive things are on the national team now. If I come and win the job back, it’ll make us even better.”

Rooney still has role to play – Scholes

Paul Scholes believes Wayne Rooney still has a role to play for the Three Lions.

The former Man. United midfielder says his old  team-mate Rooney is far from finished on the international stage.

Captain Rooney was left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to Germany and yesterday’s World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.

“Wayne has been a sensational footballer for England and Man. United for nearly 15 years. He is greatly respected and I still think he has a part to play with United and England,” he said.

“He has great experience, he can pass knowledge on to young players and it’s up to Gareth if and when he wants to use it.”

Coleman foot surgery a success

Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed the surgery on Seamus Coleman’s broken leg has been a success.

The Everton defender suffered a double break of his right leg following a tackle by Wales’ Neil Taylor in Friday’s 0-0 draw in Dublin.

O’Neill said: “He had the operation  on Saturday, that was successful. He has realised everything that has happened and is obviously very disappointed.

“It will take some time to heal, it’s a double break but it has been pinned up now and screwed in. I know the doctors are pleased with the way the operation has gone.”

Belotti has no plans to leave Torino

Andrea Belotti says that he has no plans to leave Torino next summer despite speculation linking him with several clubs.

The Italy striker is the current Serie A scorer with 22 goals and has recently signed a new contract until 2021 which includes a €100m release clause valid for overseas clubs.

“Of course I am staying. I want to remain at Torino. In fact, I will stay at Torino next season,” Belotti told Tuttosport.

“Let the Torino fans know! I am definitely staying.”

Chelsea and Arsenal are among the clubs to have shown interest in the 23-year-old.

CAF secretary quits after Hayatou defeat

The Confederation of African Football’s secretary general Hicham El Amrani resigned yesterday, just over a week after elections swept long-standing president Issa Hayatou from power.

El Amrani, in a letter to African football associations, said he would be departing today, but gave no reason for his decision.

The 37-year-old Moroccan had served as secretary general for the last six years.

Hayatou was deposed as CAF president 10 days ago at elections in Ethiopia, where six of his allies on the body’s executive committee also lost their positions. The 70-year-old Hayatou had served as president for 29 years.

Mourinho denies Perisic transfer talk

Jose Mourinho did not attend Friday’s match between Croatia and Ukraine in a scouting capacity but to soak up the sunshine, the Manchester United boss said.

The United manager was in Zagreb for Croatia’s 1-0 win in World Cup qualifying and his visit elicited suggestions he was on hand to meet with the representatives of Inter’s Ivan Perisic, who did not play due to suspension.

But Mourinho said: “I have no hidden cause, I just came to enjoy my free days and visit some friends like Predrag Mijatovic and Davor Suker.

“I came as a person that wants to relax and enjoy the nice weather, unlike the rain in Manchester.”

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