Godfrey Oboabona joins Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli FC

Nigeria international Godfrey Oboabona has signed a one-year deal with Saudi Arabian heavyweights Al-Ahli Saudi FC.

The centre-back moves to the Jeddah-based outfit on a one-year deal - with the option of a one-year extension - after leaving Caykur Rizespor, the Saudi side confirmed on their official Twitter handle.

Oboabona had spent the last four years in Turkey after joining Rizespor in August 2013, but departed the club at the beginning of the month following the Black Sea Sparrowhawk's relegation, having come to the end of his contract.

The 26-year-old was a key figure in the Nigeria side that won the Africa Cup of Nations under the late Stephen Keshi in

2013, but has lost his place in the Super Eagles in recent months, following the appointment of Gernot Rohr.

Prior falling into out of favour group, Oboabona made about 34 appearances for the national team.

He represented Sunshine Stars in the NPFL before departing for Europe in 2013 and was once forced to deny speculation that he'd criticised Arsene Wenger after being offered a trial at Arsenal.

His new club were one of the founding members of the Saudi Pro League and have never been relegated, having won three league titles, 13 King Cups and one Super Cup during their existence.

Last season they finished second in the Pro League - 11 points behind rivals Al-Hilal - and will be hoping that the addition of Oboabona can help them win their first title since 2016.

In what could pass for being his brother's keeper Oboabona recently called for national prayer for health challenged number one goalkeeper Carl Ikeme. Oboabona who described Ikeme as a worthy ambassador and a dedicated Eagle expressed optimism that fervent prayer will join in fast tracking his return to perfect health.

“This is the time for all us to be united in praying for the quick recovery of Carl, this is the time for us to raise our voice to heaven and seek divine intervention

“We must try as much as possible to always remember Carl in our daily prayers and it is my believe that he will come out stronger," he submitted

Iwobi, Lacazette dream victory against Chelsea

Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi and his Arsenal teammate and latest Emirates Stadium import Alexandre Lacazette will be hoping to hit target when they face Chelsea on Saturday in Beijing, China.

The duo have been in super form scoring goals and posting impressive assist when not in a better position to personally score in the club's on going pre-season  tour.

The Arsene Wenger tutored side were hit by stomach bug which earlier ruled out some of the players but have now recovered ahead of the clash with Chelsea with Wenger submitting that any match between the two rival teams cannot be dubbed a friendly.

A handful of players fell ill before Wednesday's game against Bayern Munich at Shanghai Stadium, but Per Mertesacker,

Olivier Giroud, Sead Kolasinac and Aaron Ramsey both took full part in an open training session at the Bird's Nest Stadium on Friday.

Theo Walcott, who like Ramsey finished the Bayern game feeling unwell, only watched the final part of the session from the sideline. Mertesacker and Giroud missed that game, while Kolasinac came off in the first half. Manager Arsene Wenger identified the illness as food poisoning in Shanghai, but the team has since changed the diagnosis to a stomach bug.

Regardless, it should give Wenger a few more options when he picks his team for their final game of the two-week trip to Australia and China.

"Today we had 21 players fit. Theo Walcott was not ready and I don't think he'll be ready for tomorrow. But there's nothing major," Wenger said.

Laurent Koscielny also declared himself available after missing the Bayern game with a back problem. The French centre-back also took full part in Friday's session to boost Wenger's defensive options.

"My back is better," Koscielny said. "I had a little pain on Tuesday morning, so I did treatment. Today I trained and I was

OK. Not 100 percent, but I'm OK for playing. So we'll see tomorrow."

Over 50,000 fans were at the Bird’s Nest on Friday, with several hundred local Arsenal fans cheering the team on during training. Before his news conference, Wenger exchanged gifts with the local organiser, handing over a signed Arsenal shirt in exchange for a personalised Chinese stamp.

Even though this is only a friendly, the Gunners are keen to maintain their unbeaten record on this tour -- especially given the fact that their rivalry with Chelsea will pick up again at the start of the season. They play each other in the Community Shield in a fortnight and Arsenal then travel to Stamford Bridge in the fifth game of the Premier League season.

"It's a friendly between Chelsea and Arsenal, and that means it's not really a friendly," Wenger said. "There's always some pride at stake and some London desire to have superiority.

"We know each other very well, and it's difficult to know how prepared Chelsea are, and how far we are with preparations but tomorrow will be a good indication. It was good against Bayern, and this is another test for us before the season."

LMC hammer for 'chairman' Christian Chukwu

Former super Eagles coach and current General Manager of Rangers international has been suspended from all league activities pending his appearance before the Ethics and Disciplinary committee.

The League management Company (LMC) that is yet to find a perfect solution to crowd trouble at match venues despite the use of banishing to neutral ground and playing behind closed doors, revealed the decision on the social media Friday, just

Rangers prepare to face ABS away on Sunday.

"Rangers General Manager, Christian Chukwu has been suspended from all NPFL activities with immediate effect pending his appearance before the Ethics Committee of the NFF," LMC announced via twitter on Friday.

The suspension which takes immediate effect is not unconnected with his alleged role in the sacking of Rangers former coach and Super Eagles assistant coach Imama Amapakabo.

Amakapabo who led the Flying Antelopes to win the NPFL title last season after 35 years in limbo, was shown the exit door following strings of poor run afterwards. Christian Chukwu who was appointed subsequently General manager of the club did not hesitate to throw out the coach even as the club's poor run failed to halt.

The LMC had referred the case to its Ethics and Disciplinary Committee adding that the referral is in pursuant to the provisions of Rule C17.5 of the #NPFL Framework & Rules"

Rangers who were sent packing in the early stages of the CAF Champions league have continued to struggle in the local scene, occupying the 14th position on the log with 39 points in 30 matches. Rangers will be going into Sunday match fresh from a 2-0 home victory against second placed MFM.