Tag: General Sports

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly agreed to join Turkish giants Galatasaray, bringing an end to the prolonged uncertainty surrounding his future.

The Super Eagles forward, who has had a turbulent relationship with his current club Napoli, particularly after a controversial social media incident last season, is now poised to make a move to Turkey.

Osimhen was previously linked with high-profile moves to Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli and Premier League side Chelsea, but both deals ultimately fell through. Paris Saint-Germain had also shown interest in securing the services of the prolific striker. However, it is Galatasaray who have emerged as the frontrunners, with the club keen to finalize the deal swiftly.

According to reports, Osimhen has agreed to join Galatasaray on loan, but he is seeking a review of certain terms in his contract with Napoli.

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One key point of negotiation is Osimhen’s request for a reduction in his release clause from €130 million to €75 million, as well as the inclusion of a break clause in January that would allow him to explore potential moves to other top European clubs.

Galatasaray is reportedly prepared to cover €9-10 million of Osimhen’s salary for the duration of the loan, with the deal not including any buy option or obligation clause. The Turkish club has already arranged a private jet to bring Osimhen to Istanbul once all details are finalized.

Fabrizio Romano, a prominent sports journalist, provided further insight into the situation, stating, “Victor Osimhen has accepted to join Galatasaray on loan. Understand Osimhen is now asking for his release clause at Napoli to become €75 million instead of €130 million. He also wants a break clause for January in case top clubs approach him over a move.”

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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has seen a significant surge in his social media following after his transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray was confirmed.

The 25-year-old forward, who moved on a season-long loan from Napoli, has quickly gained over 100,000 new Instagram followers within 24 hours of the announcement.

Galatasaray confirmed the loan deal with Napoli on their official social media pages, which sparked an immediate reaction among fans. Osimhen, who was already one of the most followed Nigerian footballers, saw his Instagram followers jump from 4.4 million to 4.5 million in less than a day. This rapid growth further highlights his influence as one of Africa’s most prominent football stars.

The loan move comes after a dramatic transfer saga that saw Osimhen nearly join Chelsea on deadline day. However, the deal collapsed, and the striker opted to continue his career in Europe rather than accept a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli. The offer, which was reportedly worth a staggering €30 million per year, would have made Osimhen one of the highest-paid players globally.

READ MORE: Nigerian forward Isaac Success quits Udinese

Despite the setback with Napoli, where he was excluded from Antonio Conte’s plans for the 2024/25 season, Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray offers him a fresh start. The Turkish club, known for its passionate fanbase, is likely to provide the Nigerian international with a platform to further elevate his career.

Osimhen’s decision to stay in Europe, despite the financial allure of the Middle East, has garnered mixed reactions from football pundits and fans. However, his growing social media presence indicates that his popularity continues to rise, reinforcing his status as a global football icon.

As Osimhen prepares to make his mark in the Turkish Süper Lig, his growing follower count serves as a testament to his enduring appeal and the excitement surrounding his future performances with Galatasaray.

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The national under-18 basketball teams of Nigeria have been denied visas by the South African government, preventing them from participating in the 2024 FIBA U18 Afrobasket tournament scheduled to take place in Cape Town from December 14 to 22. The Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) expressed shock and disappointment over the unexpected visa denial, labeling it as an act without justification.

Ugo Udezue, Vice Chairman of the NBBF’s Youth Development Committee, described the actions of the South African authorities as “total sabotage,” according to reports. The decision has jeopardized Nigeria’s participation in the biannual tournament, particularly as the teams were set to face Egypt in Pretoria.

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The players, who had been training and camping in Abuja after returning from Abidjan, were left disheartened and in disbelief as their hopes of competing in the FIBA World Championship were dashed. The South African Consulate in Abuja refused the boys’ visas, although it was reported that the girls’ team had already been granted permission to fly and were in Pretoria preparing for their opening game against Egypt.

The NBBF had submitted the names of both teams in a single letter to the South African Embassy, raising suspicions that the refusal of visas for the boys’ team might have been intentional to hinder their participation. The NBBF has lodged complaints with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the South African hosts, and FIBA Africa, but so far, efforts to resolve the issue have not yielded any positive results.

The situation has cast a shadow over Nigeria’s involvement in the tournament and raised concerns about the fairness and integrity of the competition.

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Crawley Town’s new signing, Benjamin Tanimu, has been called up to the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification matches against Benin and Rwanda.

Tanimu replaces Fenerbahçe fullback Bright Osayi-Samuel, who is sidelined due to an ankle injury that has also kept him out of Fenerbahçe’s recent league games against Caykur Rizespor and Alanyaspor.

Osayi-Samuel was expected to compete with Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina for the right-back position in the Super Eagles squad.

READ MORE: Crawley Town sign another Super Eagles defender for N1.4b

However, with his injury, interim coach Austin Eguavoen is now left with Aina as the sole natural right-back option. Tanimu, who primarily plays as a center-back, has demonstrated versatility and can cover the right-back role if needed.

The 22-year-old Tanimu has experienced a significant rise in his career this year, moving from Bendel Insurance to Tanzanian club Singida Black Stars in February before securing a transfer to League One side Crawley Town just before the closure of the transfer window. He signed a two-year deal with the English club.

Tanimu first earned a call-up to the Super Eagles in March for international friendlies and subsequently started in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification games against Benin and South Africa in June. His ability to play as a right-back in those matches has likely influenced his selection as Osayi-Samuel’s replacement for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.

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In a bid to reclaim their dominance in Nigerian football, 2021 league champions Akwa United have bolstered their squad with 17 new signings ahead of the 2024-25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The club, known as the “Promise Keepers,” has brought in players from various clubs within and outside Nigeria, aiming to build a formidable team capable of challenging for top honours.

Among the new recruits is former national U-17 and U-20 utility player Charles Etim, who joins from Blessed Stars Football Club. Etim, known for his versatility, will add depth and experience to the squad. Other notable signings include striker Mare Abson from Societe ASPAC in Benin Republic, Ghanaian forward Paul Acquah from Al Anwar in Libya, and strikers Chijioke Alaekwe and Ruben Bala from Tayaran FC and Coton Sport FC, respectively.

The club has also strengthened its goalkeeping department with the acquisition of Ghanaian shot-stopper Seidu Mutawakilu from Rivers United and former Heartland FC goalkeeper Darlington Ovunda. In defense, the team welcomes left-back Ubong Williams from Katsina United, centre-back Ebedebiri Endurance from Rivers United, and right-back Eric Oguocha from Plateau United.

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Midfield reinforcements include Samuel Mathew from Doma United, Chiamaka Madu from Rivers United, and Olakunle Akala from Nasarawa United. The midfield is further bolstered by Kunle Oyetosho from De-Carddendal FC and Agu Samuel from Giant Brillars FC. Defensive solidity is provided by Ferinyaro Abdullahi from Gateway FC and Stephen Wisdom from Bendel Insurance.

Head coach Muhammed Baba Ganaru has expressed confidence in his new squad, describing the players as core professionals with the necessary skills and quality to lead Akwa United to glory in the upcoming season.

Akwa United will kick off their 2024-25 NPFL campaign against Lobi Stars at the Lafia City Stadium on Saturday, September 7, 2024. The club’s fans will be eagerly watching to see how these new signings blend with the existing squad as they aim to reclaim their status as one of Nigeria’s top football clubs.

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The Super Eagles camp in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is alive with activity as the Nigerian national team gears up for their first training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

This session, set to take place on Tuesday evening, marks the beginning of their preparation for the crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

As of Tuesday morning, 20 out of the 23 players invited to camp had already arrived, with more players expected to join before the end of the day. The influx of players reflects their commitment to ensuring a solid preparation for the qualifiers.

Among the early arrivals were key players like Captain William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Olisa Ndah, who reported for duty on Monday. They were soon joined by Victor Boniface, Wilfred Ndidi, Amos Obasogie, and Stanley Nwabali later in the day.

Tuesday saw further reinforcements with the arrivals of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Frank Onyeka, boosting the squad’s readiness for the challenges ahead.

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The players’ prompt arrival and early commencement of training are seen as a positive indication of their dedication to the team’s success.

The Super Eagles, under the temporary leadership of interim coach Austin Eguavoen, along with his assistants Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, are focused on building a cohesive and competitive squad capable of securing qualification for the 2025 AFCON.

With 20 players now in camp, the team is set for an intense preparation period at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The remaining three invited players are expected to arrive shortly, further strengthening the team as they prepare for their upcoming qualifiers.

The Super Eagles will be looking to make a statement in their upcoming matches, and the strong early turnout in camp suggests that the team is ready to put in the hard work necessary to achieve their goals.

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Following their hard-fought victory over Korea Republic, Falconets’ head coach, Christopher Danjuma, acknowledged the difficulty of the match, praising his team’s resilience in securing the win. The Nigerian U20 women’s side edged out Korea Republic with a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to a crucial strike from Sebastian Flourish.

Speaking after the game, Danjuma admitted that the encounter was challenging, especially as it marked the team’s first match in the tournament. “It was a tough match, being the first match,” Danjuma said. “The victory is sweet because it puts your foot in the group. My team performed well, but I know we’re going to perform much, much, much better than this.”

The win provides the Falconets with a vital three points, placing them in a strong position as they prepare for their next challenge. However, Danjuma is aware that the road ahead will not be easy, with a formidable German side up next in their second group game on Wednesday.

As the team continues their campaign, Danjuma’s confidence in their ability to improve will be key. The Falconets are expected to build on this victory as they aim to advance in the tournament and continue their pursuit of glory on the international stage.

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Interim Super Eagles manager Augustine Eguavoen has enlisted the help of Fidelis Ilechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede to assist him in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

In an official statement released on Monday, Ademola Olajire, the Director of Communications for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), confirmed the appointments of the two coaches. Ilechukwu, who currently manages Enugu Rangers, and Ogunmodede of Remo Stars, will join Eguavoen’s coaching staff for these crucial fixtures.

“Ilechukwu led the Flying Antelopes to triumph in Nigeria’s elite division last season, with Ogunmodede’s Remo Stars finishing in second place,” Olajire noted, emphasising the pedigree and experience the two coaches bring to the national team setup.

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The coaching team will also be bolstered by Tomaz Zorec, a fitness trainer from Slovenia, goalkeeper coach Olatunji Baruwa, and match analyst Eboboritse Uwejamomere, who will all be joining the Super Eagles camp in Uyo.

The Super Eagles squad, along with the coaching staff, are expected to arrive in Uyo on Monday to begin preparations for their first qualifying match against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, scheduled for Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. The match is set to kick off at 5 p.m.

Following the match in Uyo, the team will travel to Kigali on Sunday for their second qualifying fixture against the Bees of Rwanda. That match is slated for Tuesday at the Amahoro Stadium, with a kickoff time of 2 p.m.

These two matches are critical for Nigeria’s quest to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON, and the addition of Ilechukwu and Ogunmodede is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the Super Eagles’ technical bench. With the stakes high, Eguavoen and his team will be keen to start the qualifiers on a strong note, aiming for maximum points in both encounters.

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Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong led a group of seven early arrivals to the team’s camp in Uyo ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The squad, which has been unveiled by the Nigeria Football Federation, is preparing for crucial matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

Among the first to report for duty were Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Olisa Ndah, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

Troost-Ekong, who was named Man of the Competition at this year’s AFCON, returns to the fold after missing several matches due to injury. He is joined by Aina, Awoniyi, and Victor Osimhen—Africa’s reigning Player of the Year—all of whom have also recovered from injuries that sidelined them in recent fixtures.

The 25-man squad features a balanced mix of experience and emerging talent, with three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards. Notable inclusions are AFCON 2023 star goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Bendel Insurance’s Amas Obasogie. South Africa-based defender Olisa Ndah also makes his return, as does Taiwo Awoniyi, who has been absent from the team since their World Cup qualifier draw with Lesotho last November.

The Super Eagles will face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on Saturday, 7th September, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Following this, they will travel to Kigali for a clash with Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, 10th September. All players are expected to be in camp by Monday, 2nd September, to finalize preparations.

READ MORE: Falconets secure crucial victory in FIFA U-20 World Cup opener against Korea Republic

Full Squad List:

Goalkeepers:

• Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
• Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
• Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC)

Defenders:

• William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
• Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey)
• Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
• Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)
• Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)
• Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
• Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)

Midfielders:

• Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
• Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
• Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA)
• Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy)
• Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
• Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards:

• Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
• Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy)
• Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain)
• Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
• Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France)
• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
• Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)

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