Tag: General Sports

Nigerian football administrator Amaju Pinnick has encountered a significant hurdle in his push for a second term on the FIFA Council, as two major African football blocs have thrown their weight behind his rivals.

COSAFA & CECAFA Unite Against Pinnick

In a decisive move, the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) and the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) have formed a powerful alliance to support Zambia FA president Andrew Kamanga and Djibouti FA boss Souleiman Hassan Waberi in the upcoming election.

Pinnick had initially expected strong backing from English-speaking nations, but with 25 CAF Member Associations now rallying behind his competitors, the dynamics of the election have shifted dramatically, giving Kamanga and Waberi a significant edge.

Pinnick’s Historic Election to the FIFA Council

Despite this challenge, Amaju Pinnick made history in 2021 when he was elected to the FIFA Council after a landslide victory, defeating Malawian FA president Walter Nyamilandu by 43 votes to 8 during the CAF General Assembly in Rabat.

READ MORE:Former Super Eagles defender Taye Taiwo inducted into Olympique Marseille hall of fame

Pinnick became the third Nigerian to be elected to the prestigious FIFA Council, following Oyo Orok Oyo (1980-1988) and Amos Adamu (2006-2010).

He serves alongside six African representatives, including Egypt’s Hany Abou Rida, Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa, Mali’s Mamoutou Toure, Benin’s Mathurin De Chacus, and Sierra Leone’s Aisha Johansen.

A Tough Road Ahead for Pinnick

Pinnick’s second-term bid now faces significant challenges, as the alliance between COSAFA and CECAFA has strengthened his competitors’ positions.

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His initial victory in 2021 gave the former NFF President a taste of the workings of the FIFA Council, Pinnick must now regroup and refine his campaign to overcome the renewed political landscape and secure another term.

Source: The Athletic NG

Nigerian forward Folashade Ijamilusi has secured a move to Chinese Women’s Super League side Liaoning Baiye FC, marking a significant step in her career after an impressive season in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership.

Ijamilusi made the switch from NWFL Premiership champions Edo Queens, where she played a crucial role in the club’s domestic and international success. She was instrumental in Edo Queens’ triumph at the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League in Côte d’Ivoire and helped the team achieve a fourth-place finish at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco.

Her goal-scoring prowess was undeniable throughout the 2023/24 NWFL Premiership season, as she finished as the league’s top scorer with eight goals.

A Product of FC Robo Queens’ Talent Factory

The 23-year-old forward is a graduate of the famous FC Robo Queens academy, which has produced some of Nigeria’s biggest stars, including Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Chidinma Okeke, Gift Monday, and Esther Onyenezide.

READ MORE:COSAFA and CECAFA unite against Pinnick as his FIFA council bid faces major obstacle

She was a key player for FC Robo Queens, a dominant force in the Lagos State FA Cup before moving to Edo Queens.

Rising to the International Stage

Ijamilusi’s outstanding performances in 2024 earned her a call-up to Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, where she featured in a double-header friendly against Algeria in Ikenne and Lagos.

Her goal-scoring ability caught the attention of selectors, further solidifying her status as one of Nigeria’s emerging stars.

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Her move to China presents a new challenge and an opportunity to further develop her game on the international stage, as she joins Liaoning Baiye FC in their quest for success in the Chinese Women’s Super League.

Source: The Athletic NG

Former Super Eagles defender Taye Taiwo has been inducted into Olympique Marseille’s prestigious Club of Legends, a moment of celebration for both the football world and Nigeria.

The 39-year-old, who made 271 appearances for the French club between 2005 and 2011, scoring 25 goals and contributing 23 assists, now joins an elite group of footballing icons including Samir Nasri, Lori Cana, Mamadou Niang, Fabrizio Ravaneli, and Paulo Cezar in Marseille’s Hall of Fame.

Taiwo’s induction into the Club of Legends comes as a recognition of his outstanding contributions to the club.

His time at Marseille was marked by success, including winning Ligue 1, the League Cup, and the French Super Cup before his departure for AC Milan in 2011. Known for his powerful left foot and attacking runs from defense, Taiwo quickly became a fan favorite at the Stade Vélodrome, with his thunderous free-kicks and long-range goals earning him cult status.

Now retired and residing in France since 2019, Taiwo is one of just four Nigerians to have played for Marseille, alongside Wilson Oruma, Joseph Yobo, and Victor Agali.

READ MORE:Maduka Okoye returns from Injury – but a betting scandal could change everything

On the international stage, Taiwo made 54 appearances for the Super Eagles between 2004 and 2011, scoring five goals and establishing himself as one of Nigeria’s finest left backs of his generation.

Taiwo’s induction into the Club of Legends also honors his crucial role in helping Marseille win their first Ligue 1 title in 18 years during the 2009/10 season.

𝗡𝗮𝗶𝗷𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱

Taye Taiwo is in the house tonight as the former Olympien and Super Eagle is inducted into the #OMLegends club

pic.twitter.com/yJ83cllkXB

— Olympique de Marseille (@OM_English) February 2, 2025

After his time at Marseille, he went on to play for AC Milan and briefly featured for Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League before retiring in 2019.

French fans also expressed their admiration, recognizing Taiwo’s legacy at the club. His induction cements his status as one of the most successful African players to have worn the iconic white shirt.

Source: The Athletic NG

Nigeria’s Super Falcons face a tough road to reclaiming the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, with defending champions South Africa stepping up their preparations to retain the crown.

Nigeria has yet to confirm any warm-up matches, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana is set to host two friendly games against Lesotho in Johannesburg this month.

The matches, scheduled for February 22 and 25, 2025, are part of a nine-day training camp from February 17 to 26, under the guidance of head coach Desiree Ellis.

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These friendlies will be South Africa’s first action of 2025, following their two away matches against Jamaica in December. According to SAFA Ellis sees these fixtures as vital for refining tactics and expanding squad depth ahead of WAFCON 2025 in Morocco, set for July 5–26.

Super Falcons Aim to Reclaim Glory

The Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s team with nine WAFCON titles, have not won the tournament since 2018.

After decades of dominance, Nigeria is eager to return to the top, having been dethroned by South Africa in 2022—just as Equatorial Guinea briefly interrupted their reign in the past.

READ MORE:“Osimhen is one of the best strikers in the world” – Etebo

Despite the absence of upcoming fixtures, the Super Falcons have been preparing behind the scenes. Last year, they secured two friendly wins over Algeria before putting up a strong fight in a 2-1 loss to France in November. However, with South Africa accelerating their build-up, Nigeria will need to arrange more high-profile friendlies to stay competitive ahead of the tournament.

Source: The Athletic NG

Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo has hailed Victor Osimhen as one of the best strikers in world football, backing him to continue his goal-scoring form at Galatasaray and achieve even greater success in his career.

Since his move to Galatasaray last year, Osimhen has been in sensational form, scoring 17 goals and providing five assists in 22 appearances.

His performances have made him the face of the reigning Super Lig champions and drawn widespread attention to Turkish football.

Etebo, who has played in Turkey, believes Osimhen’s quality and work ethic will keep him at the top.

“Osimhen is one of the best strikers in the world, and I think the football community acknowledges that. Moving to Galatasaray was a great decision for him,” Etebo told Milliyet.

“He is an incredibly dedicated player who gives his all on the field. He keeps finding the back of the net, and I believe he will continue to do so. His future holds even more success.”

READ MORE:Micheal Carrick backs Iheanacho to shine at Middlesbrough

A veteran of the Super Eagles setup, Etebo made his international debut in 2013 and has earned 45 caps for Nigeria. He played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations but has not featured for the national team since November 2022.

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The 29-year-old has played in top leagues across England, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey. He currently plays for Turkish second-division side Gençlerbirliği.

Source: The Athletic NG

Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick has expressed confidence in Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho’s ability to succeed at the Riverside Stadium.

Iheanacho, who played a limited role for Leicester City last season in the EFL Championship, contributed five goals and one assist in 23 appearances as the Foxes secured promotion to the Premier League under Enzo Maresca.

Following the expiration of his contract at the King Power Stadium, the 28-year-old moved to La Liga, joining Sevilla.

However, his time in Spain has been underwhelming, with no goals in 401 minutes of league action. With Sevilla bringing in Akor Adams from Montpellier for €5 million and interest from multiple clubs, Iheanacho opted for a return to the Championship, joining Middlesbrough on a six-month loan.

READ MORE:Shock Exit: Kasimpasa cut ties with Nigerian defender

Carrick, delighted to welcome the former Manchester City forward, is confident that Iheanacho can rediscover his form and make an impact at the Riverside.

“I think we’re in a good place as a squad. There has been a lot of change, but that leaves us in a strong position. The challenge now is knitting it all together,” Carrick told The Northern Echo.

“He [Iheanacho] is not a direct replacement for anyone. It’s never about one player; it’s a collective responsibility. We have enough quality in attack to create and score goals.

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“We’re delighted to have Kelechi on board. His quality is clear, and he knows what it takes to succeed at this level. He played in the Premier League for several years and proved himself in the Championship last season. He’s a top-quality player, and we’re really happy to have him.”

Middlesbrough currently sit seventh in the Championship standings, just outside the playoff spots on goal difference. With Iheanacho’s experience and attacking prowess, The Boro will be aiming to secure a spot in the playoff finals in May.

Source: The Athletic NG

Nigerian international Kenneth Omeruo has parted ways with Turkish club Kasimpasa, abruptly ending his third stint with the Istanbul-based side.

The defender’s departure raises questions about his next move as he seeks a new club before the winter transfer window closes.

A Journey Marked by Loans and Injuries

Omeruo first arrived at Kasimpasa in 2015 on a season-long loan from Chelsea, where he was highly rated but struggled to break into the first team.

His performances in Turkey were impressive, but injuries hampered his progress, and financial constraints prevented a permanent deal.

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In 2017, the Nigerian returned to the club for another loan spell from Chelsea before finally signing a permanent contract in July 2023. The move from Spanish side Leganés reportedly cost Kasimpasa €1 million.

However, injuries continued to plague his career, limiting him to just five league appearances before he was sidelined in October.

Setback and Attempted Comeback

Omeruo’s most recent injury occurred during Kasimpasa’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Galatasaray. After months of rehabilitation, he resumed training in early January, aiming to contribute in the latter half of the season.

His return was also expected to boost Nigeria’s squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March.

READ MORE:Rangers International marry Ikorodu City at the cathedral in Enugu

With the Super Eagles struggling in Group C—currently sitting in fifth place with just three points—his experience and defensive leadership would have been crucial for the upcoming matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Uncertain Future and Transfer Options

Now a free agent, Omeruo faces an uncertain future as he searches for a new club in leagues where the transfer window remains open, including Turkey, Israel, and Romania.

A veteran of the Nigerian national team since his senior debut in 2013, Omeruo played a pivotal role in the Super Eagles’ 2013 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.

He has also represented Nigeria at the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, and was part of the provisional squad for the 2016 Olympics.

Source: The Athletic NG

Sheffield United are closing in on a deal for 19-year-old Nigerian winger Christian Nwachukwu from Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv.

The four-time FA Cup winners are strengthening their squad as they push for Premier League promotion, with Nwachukwu emerging as one of the most exciting young talents in the Bulgarian Professional League.

This season, the pacey winger has registered four goals and three assists across all competitions.

Primarily a left winger, Nwachukwu is also comfortable playing on the right or through the middle, making him a versatile attacking option.

According to The Telegraph, Sheffield United are working to finalize deals for two attacking players before the winter transfer window closes. In addition to Nwachukwu, the Blades are set to sign Peruvian forward Jefferson Caceres from FCB Melgar. The 22-year-old has recorded 11 goals and nine assists in 60 appearances for the Peruvian club.

READ MORE:Broos sets qualification target as South Africa battles Nigeria for 2026 World Cup spot

Both signings are seen as moves to bolster squad depth rather than immediate first-team additions.

Currently sitting second in the EFL Championship, two points behind leaders Leeds United, Sheffield United are determined to secure promotion back to the Premier League.

Their pursuit of Nwachukwu reflects a long-term strategy, given the club’s mixed track record with developing young talent in the top flight.

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Sheffield United return to action at Bramall Lane against Portsmouth, former club of Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu, with Pompey struggling on the road—winning just two of their last eight games—the Blades will be hopeful of securing three points.

Source: The Athletic NG

Emmanuel Dennis is pushing for a move away from Nottingham Forest as Toulouse and Werder Bremen explore a late transfer.

The 27-year-old forward has yet to feature for Forest this season and is eager to secure regular playing time elsewhere. However, his €4.8 million annual salary—approximately €400,000 per month—has proven a stumbling block for potential suitors.

Forest, meanwhile, are looking to recoup the €15 million they spent to sign Dennis from Watford in 2022.

French side Toulouse have expressed interest, with journalist Nizaar Kinsella, via Lesviolets, confirming that discussions have taken place.

However, financial constraints pose a challenge, as Toulouse’s wage structure is significantly lower—winger Zakaria Aboukhlal reportedly earns just €90,000 per month, according to L’Équipe.

READ MORE: Sheffield United Set to Sign Nigerian Winger Christian Nwachukwu

Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen are also in contention, with both clubs considering last-minute moves before the transfer deadline.

Scottish giants Rangers and English Championship side Sheffield Wednesday have also been linked with the former Club Brugge star in recent days.

Under contract at Forest until 2026, Dennis has not played a single minute this season and endured two disappointing loan spells last term—first with İstanbul Başakşehir, where he made eight appearances without scoring, and later at Watford, where he recorded four goals in 17 Championship matches.

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Despite his recent struggles, Dennis has an impressive pedigree, having scored three goals in the Champions League, featured in the Bundesliga with FC Köln, and excelled at Club Brugge.

He also has 52 Premier League appearances to his name, contributing 12 goals and eight assists.

Source: The Athletic NG

Fulham have made a last-minute attempt to sign AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze, with negotiations underway to complete the deal before the transfer window closes according to Fabrizio Romano.

Despite a quiet winter transfer window, the Cottagers have now turned their attention to Chukwueze, who has struggled for regular minutes at Milan.

The 25-year-old Chukwueze could provide an immediate boost to Marco Silva’s attack, but with time running out, Fulham must move swiftly to finalize the transfer.

Silva’s frontline has performed well this season, most recently securing a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United. However, the Portuguese manager is keen to strengthen his options on the wing, and Chukwueze could see a move to Craven Cottage as a chance to reignite his form after an underwhelming spell in Italy.

Fulham in Talks as Transfer Deadline Looms

Romano confirmed that discussions between Fulham and Milan are progressing, though the window’s imminent closure leaves little room for delays:

Understand Fulham have approached AC Milan to sign Samuel Chukwueze.

Negotiations ongoing between all parties involved with short time to make it happen. pic.twitter.com/elHpe2rhMK

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 3, 2025

Chukwueze joined Milan from Villarreal in the summer of 2023 for £16.5 million (€20 million) after making a name for himself in the UEFA Champions League, helping the Spanish side reach the semifinals in 2022.

However, his time in Serie A has not gone as expected, and a move to England could be on the cards.

READ MORE:Golden Eaglets misses out on 2025 U17 AFCON as CAF confirms 12-team format

According to Calciomercato, the Nigerian winger was previously offered to Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, and Crystal Palace. However, Fulham are now leading the race as they work to finalize the deal before the transfer deadline.

Source: The Athletic NG