Paradise News

Tag: General Sports

  • Kennedy Boboye returns to Akwa United as head coach for NPFL mid-season revival

    Akwa United Football Club has officially announced the return of Kennedy Boboye as head coach, signing a mid-season contract on Monday, January 6, 2025. The deal was finalized at the club’s office in Uyo, with Boboye set to resume duties later this week.

    The club Chairman Elder Paul Bassey hailed Boboye’s return as a strategic move, citing the coach’s impressive track record and past achievements with the club.

    “Boboye’s return to the team was necessary,” said Bassey. “His experience and previous success with the club give us confidence that he will turn things around in the second half of the season.”

    Boboye first joined the “Promise Keepers” during the 2019/2020 NPFL season and led the team to a historic league title in the 2020/2021 season—his second NPFL crown as a coach, following his championship win with Plateau United in 2017.

    Under Boboye’s guidance, Akwa United made their debut in the CAF Champions League in 2021. However, after a series of underwhelming results, he stepped down as head coach in 2022.

    READ MORE:Kanu sets bold targets for Enyimba FC in 2024/25 Season

    Since then, Boboye has had brief spells with Heartland FC and Sunshine Stars before reuniting with Akwa United.

    His return comes at a critical time, as Akwa United looks to revive their campaign in the second stanza of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League season. The club’s management and fans are hopeful that Boboye’s leadership will restore their competitive edge and push the team toward success in the coming months.



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  • Victor Boniface suffers injury setback

    Victor Boniface return to the field for Bayer Leverkusen will be delayed after the Super Eagles striker experienced a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.

    The 24-year-old had made a promising start to the season, netting eight goals and providing one assist in 15 appearances.

    However, a hamstring injury in mid-November halted his momentum, and he has been sidelined ever since.

    While Boniface was thought to be nearing full fitness, with reports suggesting he could feature in Leverkusen’s first Bundesliga game of the year against Borussia Dortmund on January 10, it now seems he will need more time to fully recover.

    According to Werkself Xtra, the striker has encountered a minor setback in his rehabilitation.

    As a result, Boniface’s exact return date is now unclear, and he is likely to miss the match against Mainz on January 14.

    However, he is expected to be fit in time for the game against Borussia Monchengladbach on January 18.

    In the meantime, Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso can rely on Patrik Schick, who was in excellent form before the winter break.

    Schick’s continued good performance should ease the impact of Boniface’s absence.



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  • 10-man Godswill Akpabio United secure historic first NNL win

    Godswill Akpabio United Football Club of Uyo earned their first victory of the 2024/2025 Nigeria National League season with a 3-1 triumph over Madiba FC at the Uyo Township Stadium.

    Kennedy Energy was the star of the first half, scoring twice in quick succession.

    He opened the scoring in the 18th minute and doubled the lead in the 25th minute.

    However, Madiba FC pulled one back just before halftime with a penalty in the 43rd minute, narrowing the score to 2-1.

    Things took a turn for the home side when defender Harrison Ibukun was shown a red card in the 43rd minute, leaving Godswill Akpabio United to play the second half with 10 men.

    Despite the numerical disadvantage, the home side remained in control.

    Dung Eugene sealed the win with a brilliant goal in the 63rd minute, restoring a two-goal cushion and securing all three points for Godswill Akpabio United.

    Godswill Akpabio United secure first ever win in the NNL

    GAFC players acknowledging their fans after a their first ever win in the NNL

    With the victory, Godswill boys now sits on five points from four matches.

    READ MORE:caf-announces-date-and-venue-for-2025-chan-draws

    OTHER NNL CONFERENCE A RESULTS 

    Dakkada 1-0 Inter Lagos

    Smart City 2-0

    Abia Comets 0-0 Warri Wolves

    Igbajo 0-0 Ijele

    Edel 1-0 1472

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  • Osimhen denies encouraging Osayi-Samuel to join Galatasaray

    Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has dismissed rumors claiming he encouraged fellow Nigerian Bright Osayi-Samuel to leave Fenerbahce and join him at Galatasaray.

    Osayi-Samuel’s future has been one of the most discussed topics in Turkish football recently.

    Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has dismissed rumors claiming he encouraged fellow Nigerian Bright Osayi-Samuel to leave Fenerbahce and join him at Galatasaray.

    Osayi-samuel involved in a scuffle with a Galatasary player in the Istanbul derby

    Despite his contract with Fenerbahce expiring at the end of the season, he has declined to sign an extension.

    The defender has been frequently linked with a move to Galatasaray, with speculation suggesting that Osimhen had been speaking to Osayi-Samuel about joining him at the Istanbul club.

    However, Osimhen addressed these rumors after Galatasaray’s 2-1 victory over Goztepe on Saturday, denying any such conversation had taken place.

    ” We didn’t have any conversation concerning Galatasary, he is my friend but nothing happen”

    As Osayi-Samuel enters the final six months of his contract, he is free to negotiate with potential suitors.

    READ MORE:brown-ideye-scores-first-goal-as-enyimba-thrash-black-bulls-in-caf-confederation-cup-clash

    There are also reports suggesting he could make a move to the Premier League, with Crystal Palace showing strong interest. The defender’s next move should become clearer in the coming months.



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  • Brown Ideye scores first goal as Enyimba thrash Black Bulls in CAF Confederation Cup clash

    Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye scored on his CAF Confederation Cup debut to help Enyimba secure their first victory in the group stage with an emphatic 4-1 win over Black Bulls at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

    The nine-time Nigerian champions entered the match following a 10-game winless streak, which led to the sacking of Coach Yema Daniel and the return of Coach Eguma.

    Determined to turn their fortunes around, Enyimba entered the game sitting at the bottom of Group D, having failed to win any of their first three matches.

    Joseph Atule gave Enyimba an early lead in the 6th minute, but Black Bulls’ Ijomi Ejaita quickly equalized for the Mozambican side in the 15th minute.

    After several attempts, Ifeanyi Ihemekwele put Enyimba back in front, scoring their second goal just before halftime in the 44th minute.

    READ MORE: 10-man-godswill-akpabio-united-secure-historic-first-nnl-win

    In the 62nd minute, Coach Eguma made two substitutions, bringing on Brown Ideye and Ifeanyi Iweke for Abdulahi Fatai and Ekene Awazie.

    Within five minutes, former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye marked his CAf Confederation Cup debut with Enyimba by scoring his first goal for the club, making it 3-1.

    Atule sealed the victory with his brace in the 90th minute, ensuring a dominant 4-1 win for the two-time African champions.

    This victory moves Enyimba to 4 points from 4 games, same points with Black Bulls in 3rd position, Al Masry stay 2nd on 5 points while Zamalek are top with  8 points in CAF Confederation Cup Group D.

    With two matches remaining—against Zamalek away and Al Masry at home—the Aba giants still hold hopes of advancing to the knockout stages.



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  • CAF announces date and venue for 2025 CHAN draws

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the date and venue for the draw of the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN).

    The home based Super Eagles are set to return to the Championship after they knockout eternal rivals 3-1 on aggregate in the final qualifying round.

    Coach Daniel Ogunmodede recently listed 26 players for camping ahead of the championship.

    READ MORE:super-eagles-b-coach-names-26-man-squad-for-2025-chan

    According to CAF, the draw will take place on January 15, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.

    This year’s African Nations Championship, set to run from February 1 to 28, will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

    These three countries, selected to co-host the 36th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, will use this tournament as a test of their facilities and operational capabilities.

    A total of 18 teams will participate in the 8th edition of CHAN, including the joint hosts—Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda—along with Nigeria, Morocco, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Niger Republic, Congo, Sudan, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Angola, and Madagascar.

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  • Super Eagles B coach names 26-Man squad for 2025 CHAN

    Super Eagles B head coach Daniel Ogunmodede has announced a 26-man squad to commence a closed-camping exercise at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo, starting Monday, January 6.

    The camp is part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals, scheduled to run from February 1 to February 28.

    The squad, led by veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali and captain Nduka Harrison Junior, features a mix of experienced players and promising talents across Nigeria’s local leagues.

    Notable call-ups include goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC), defenders Sadiq Ismail (Remo Stars) and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International), midfielder Saviour Isaac (Rangers International), and forward Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars).

    The Super Eagles B earned their spot in the CHAN finals after a historic 3-1 aggregate victory over Ghana’s Black Galaxies, ending a six-year absence from the tournament. The decisive win in the second leg showcased the team’s grit and determination following a goalless draw in Accra.

    CHAN Finals Overview

    This year’s CHAN finals will feature 18 nations, including joint-hosts Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Nigeria will compete alongside football powerhouses like Morocco, Guinea, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    READ MORE:Rashford linked to stunning swap deal with Napoli for Osimhen

    With the CHAN title still elusive, Nigeria is keen to make an impression and potentially clinch their first championship in the competition’s history. The Super Eagles B’s return to the tournament is seen as an opportunity to affirm their dominance in African football.

    Full Squad List:

    Goalkeepers:

    • Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC)
    • Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)
    • Badmus Gbadamosi (Kwara United)

    Defenders:

    • Sadiq Ismail (Remo Stars)
    • Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City)
    • Imo Obot (Enyimba FC)
    • Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United)
    • Nduka Harrison Junior (Remo Stars)
    • Victor Collins (Nasarawa United)
    • Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International)
    • Steven Manyo (Rivers United)
    • Abiam Nelson (Kano Pillars)
    • Afeez Bankole (Smart FC)

    Midfielders:

    • Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars)
    • Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars)
    • Saviour Isaac (Rangers International)
    • Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors)
    • Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
    • Kazeem Ogunleye (Rangers International)

    Forwards:

    • Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United)
    • Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United)
    • Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United)
    • Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars)
    • Temitope Vincent (Plateau United)
    • Samuel Ayanrinde (3SC)
    • Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors)

    The Super Eagles B are poised to begin their journey towards CHAN glory with a blend of talent, experience, and determination.



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  • Olawoyin hits milestone – But can he revive his Scoring form?

    Super Eagles winger Ibrahim Olawoyin hit a significant milestone on Friday, making his 50th Turkish Super Lig appearance for Çaykur Rizespor in their 1-1 stalemate with Besiktas.

    Olawoyin, 27, joined Rizespor from A. Keciörengücü in January 2023 for €245,000. Renowned for his exceptional dribbling skills, he has proven to be a key player for the team.

    Since his arrival, he has recorded 11 goals and seven assists in 55 matches across all competitions.

    In the game at Çaykur Didi Stadyumu, Olawoyin started for Rizespor and delivered a solid performance before being substituted in the 51st minute.

    READ MORE:Super Eagles B coach names 26-Man squad for 2025 CHAN

    Currently, Rizespor sits 10th in the Turkish Super Lig standings with 21 points after 17 matches. Olawoyin has contributed one goal and two assists in 16 league appearances this season.

    The winger’s output has seen a decline compared to last season, where he registered eight goals and three assists in 36 league games. He will aim to improve his form in the coming matches to help Rizespor climb the Super Lig table.

    On the international stage, Olawoyin debuted for the Super Eagles in 2019 and has earned two caps since then.



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  • Caleb Okoli: Nigeria-Eligible defender set for move to Parma

    Parma is reportedly interested in signing Leicester City defender Caleb Okoli during the January transfer window, just months after the Italian youth international joined the Foxes.

    Renowned journalist Nicoló Schira, via Forza Parma, reports that the Serie B club is eager to bring the 22-year-old back to Italy, where he developed his football skills and gained recognition.

    Since his summer transfer from Atalanta, Okoli has been a key player for Leicester, making 12 appearances in 19 Premier League games this season. However, despite his contributions, rumors of a potential return to Italy are gaining momentum, with Parma seeking to strengthen their defense.

    Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy may resist letting Okoli leave, as the Foxes are battling relegation. Currently in 19th place with just 14 points, Leicester is two points away from safety, having secured only three league wins this season.

    Okoli’s Career Progression

    Caleb Okoli’s rise has been marked by consistent improvement. He joined Atalanta’s youth academy in 2015 and showcased his talent in the UEFA Youth League.

    Loan stints at SPAL and Cremonese in Serie B refined his game, and by the 2022/23 season, he earned a spot in Atalanta’s senior squad, debuting in a 2–0 victory over Sampdoria.

    READ MORE:Iwobi shines at Fulham: Lineker labels him EPL Standout

    In the following season, he spent time on loan at Frosinone before Leicester City signed him on a five-year deal in July 2024.

    Despite adapting well to the Premier League, Okoli might find the prospect of returning to Italy appealing, especially to a familiar football environment.

    International Prospects

    On the international stage, Okoli faces a crucial decision. Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, he has represented Italy’s youth teams, including the U21s. In 2024, he was called up to Italy’s senior squad for UEFA Nations League matches but did not feature, leaving an opportunity for Nigeria to secure his allegiance.

    As Parma pushes for his return, Okoli’s next move could shape the trajectory of his career on both club and international fronts.



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  • Osimhen scores first goal of 2025

    Victor Osimhen continued his sensational form into the new year, scoring a composed penalty in Galatasaray’s opening Turkish Super Lig fixture of 2025, as they defeated Goztepe 2-1.

    The Nigerian forward, whose future remains a hot topic in transfer rumors across Europe, wasted no time in making an impact for his club.

    Having ended 2024 with a brace against Kayserispor, Osimhen picked up right where he left off.

    Galatasaray was awarded a penalty early in the match after defender Djalma Silva fouled Kaan Ayhan inside the box.

    With the opportunity to extend his goal tally, Osimhen stepped up to the spot and confidently slotted the ball down the middle, past Polish goalkeeper Mateusz Lis, putting Galatasaray 1-0 up.

    However, Goztepe responded swiftly. Romulo equalized for the visitors in the 27th minute, bringing the game back to level terms.

    But Galatasaray kept pushing forward, and in the 61st minute, Yunus Akgun scored the winning goal, assisted by Dries Mertens, securing all three points for the home side.

    Osimhen’s clinical penalty not only gave his team the lead but also extended his incredible run of goal involvements, bringing his total to 13 in just 16 appearances this season.

    His performance further solidified his place as one of the most prolific strikers in Galatasaray’s history.

    The 26-year-old’s consistency in front of goal has made him a key figure for coach Okan Buruk, who is hoping Osimhen’s form will lead the team to further success this season.

    READ MORE:caleb-okoli-nigeria-eligible-defender-set-for-move-to-parma

    Osimhen’s impressive showing in 2025 has only fueled speculation around his future, with top European clubs reportedly keeping a close eye on the Nigerian’s progress.

    For now, though, he remains focused on leading Galatasaray to more victories as they continue their charge in the Super Lig.



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