Former Morocco coach Abdelhadi Sektioui has urged Roma to be patient with Neil El Aynaoui.

Sektioui says it’s important the Moroccan prospect is protected in terms of how he is managed by club and countrty.

He told Africa Foot: “His situation is unusual, but he is a complete player. He is used sporadically, it’s not a question of his level, but of his harmony with the coaching staff’s decisions.”

“Having continuity is essential for stability and performance. Some coaches favor established balances: in these contexts, a player can take time to carve out his own space. His contract until 2030 is a double-edged sword.

“On the one hand, it protects the club, on the other, it can become a constraint for the player if he can’t assert himself. He needs trust to perform at his best.”

Sektioui added: “El Aynaoui is the future of the national team’s midfield. Patience is needed: gold doesn’t rust in its casket. He has the quality to reach the highest level.”

AC Milan legend Zvonimir Boban insists Barcelona were never good enough to win the Champions League.

Barca were dumped out at the quarterfinal stage by Atletico Madrid last night, despite winning the second-leg 2-1 at the Metropolitano. Atletico won the tie 3-2 on aggregate.

Boban told Sky Italia: “Barcelona will never win the Champions League with this team. With this defence and a striker like Ferran Torres, with all due respect…

“If you think about it, the same things have been happening with (Hansi) Flick for two years: the high line gets caught in the back, he doesn’t know how to correct.

“It’s right to stay high if you’re pressing, but if you don’t manage it, it’s too risky.”

Celebrity Nigerian businessman Linus Williams Ifejirika, also known as Blord, has reportedly been relocated from a criminal cell over health concerns.

This comes two weeks after the Federal High Court in Abuja remanded Blord in Kuje prison for 26 days.

Recall that Blord was arraigned on multiple counts, including impersonating VeryDarkMan and forgery.

However, giving an update on the issue in a post on his Instagram story, VeryDarkMan disclosed that Blord has been sick since April 6, 2026.

He further shared a WhatsApp message alleging that Blord has been transferred from “Egypt 2” to segregation. “Egypt 2 na the Ajegunle part of Kuje prison where armed robbers and other criminals stay. They had to move him because he was sick.”

While mocking Sowore for not being able to secure Blord’s release, VeryDarkMan announced his willingness to “temper mercy.”

He also wrote on his story: “Sowore and his avengers don’t have power to bring Blord out and discontinue the case like he claimed. We are willing to temper mercy.”

Recall that popular human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, had condemned the manner and speed at which Blord was remanded and accused VeryDarkMan and his lawyer of oppression.