Author: Nurudeen Obalola
By Kayode John Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidera Ejuke and Bright Osayi-Samuel were the only players not available on Tuesday, as 20 Super Eagles players participated in the team’s first training session for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying game against Libya this Friday. The team’s camp opened on Monday in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, but only Amas Obasogie and Stanley Nwabali reported from their bases. Eighteen more players arrived on Tuesday, swelling the number to 20, with just three being expected to join for the double-header. Osayi-Samuel, who recently shook off an injury that kept him out…
By Kayode John Super Eagles caretaker coach Austin Eguavoen has admitted the absence of Victor Osimhen is a big miss for his team. Osimhen picked up a muscle problem in the first half of Galatasaray’s 3-3 draw with Kasimpasa at the RAMS Park on September 28. The 25-year-old was replaced at half-time in the game and will not be fit again until after the international break. Following his injury, in-form Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke was called up for the double-header against Libya in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Speaking on Tuesday at the team’s camp in Ikot Ekpene,…
Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo has not made a formal move to switch allegiance to Nigeria from England. Adarabioyo recently reportedly expressed an interest to play for the Super Eagles after featuring for England at age-grade level. The 27-year-old was born in England to Nigerian parents and is eligible to represent the West African nation despite playing for England at U-16 to U-19 levels. He is yet to make any senior appearance for the Three Lions which is why the Manchester-raised footballer is considering Nigeria as an option. According to ESPN Africa, a source in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) revealed…
Former Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta, who won two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup with an all-conquering Spain team, announced his retirement from football on Tuesday at the age of 40. “Being on the pitch is over,” a visibly emotional Iniesta told reporters at a news conference in Barcelona. “I can’t stay away from football, it’s my life and will continue to be my life. Now I need to continue educating myself, I’m in the process of doing my coaching diploma and that’s the next step.” “I will try to come back and do a great job, but it…
Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke has been named Sevilla’s Player Of The Month for September, following impressive performances. Ejuke made five appearances for the club in LaLiga last month and scored the winning goal in their 2-1 victory over Real Valladolid on September 24. Since arriving at the Sanchez Ramon Pizjuan Stadium in a permanent deal from CSKA Moscow last summer, the 26-year-old has been one of Sevilla’s key players. Last week, he was named as one of Europe’s top dribblers, beating the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal. Ejuke’s impressive form earned him a…
LeBron James and his son, Bronny, made NBA history in the early hours of Monday when they played together during the Los Angeles Lakers’ pre-season game against the Phoenix Suns in Palm Desert, Calif. They are the first father-son duo to play at the same time and on the same team in NBA history. Bronny James entered the contest in the second quarter while his dad, who is preparing for his 22nd season, was on the court, earning cheers from the crowd at Acrisure Arena. Bronny James, who turned 20 on Sunday, committed two turnovers during his first two minutes…
By Kayode John Enyimba have been handed tough opponents in the group phase of this season’s CAF Confederation Cup. In the draw which took place in Cairo on Monday, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club were placed in Group D alongside defending champions and Egyptian giants Zamalek, and another tough opponent from the North African country, Al Masry. Black Bulls Maputo of Mozambique are the other team in the group. In Group A, Tanzania’s Simba SC will battle CS Sfaxien, CS Constantine and Bravos do Maquis. Group B has RS Berkane, Stade Malien Bamako, Stellenbosch FC and Desportivo…
By Kayode John Ahmed Musa has promised to deliver more goals for Kano Pillars in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) this season after his scoring twice to help the club to a 2-0 victory over Sunshine Stars on Sunday. Musa began his third stint at the club with a brace on matchday 5 of the 2024/2025 NPFL campaign after another return. He was close to bagging a hat-trick but his penalty hit the post. His outstanding performance ended Kano Pillars’ back-to-back defeats in the league. “Back in familiar colours, and it feels so good! Grateful to the entire backroom…
By Kayode John Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed he will return from injury after the international break. Osimhen sustained a thigh strain on September 28, during Galatasaray’s 3-3 draw against Kasımpaşa in the Super Lig at the RAMS Park. The 25-year-old watched from the stands on Sunday, as the club continued their unbeaten start to the 2024/2025 league season with a 1-0 win over Alanyaspor 1-0 at home. According to Fanatik, Osimhen said: “after the international break,” when asked about a possible return date. Osimhen has made an impressive impact at Galatasaray since joining on loan this summer.…
By Kayode John Former Atalanta coach Cesare Prandelli has drawn a comparison between Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman and Udinese legend Antonio Di Natale. Lookman has had a good time since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022, and last season registered a personal best 17 goals and 10 assists, including a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, to earn the club their first-ever European title at the expense of Bayer Leverkusen. He was subsequently named the club’s Player of the Year. The winger picked up a nomination for the 2024 Ballon d’Or as the only African on the…