Tag: General Sports

Southampton manager, Russell Martin has sparked new hope for Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu’s future at the club by hailing the Super Eagles striker as a “different beast.” Onuachu’s impressive performance in a pre-season friendly against Getafe has caught Martin’s attention, despite being linked with a move away from the club.

Onuachu’s journey at Southampton has been tumultuous, joining from Genk in January 2023 but struggling to find his footing, leading to a loan spell at Trabzonspor. However, his remarkable form in Turkey, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists in 24 appearances, has revitalized his prospects.

Martin’s comments suggest Onuachu may still have a chance to prove himself at Southampton, contradicting previous reports indicating he was surplus to requirements. The Saints boss praised Onuachu’s confidence and work rate, noting he is a different player from the one he encountered last season.

READ MORE: Team Nigeria out of Paris 2024 Olympics without a single medal

Although Onuachu failed to score in his 17-minute cameo against Getafe, Martin’s words offer a glimmer of hope for the Nigerian striker. With Trabzonspor unwilling to meet Southampton’s €13 million valuation, Onuachu’s future remains uncertain.

Paul Onachu’s form at club level has also affected his super Eagles top chances. With so many top talents upfront, the energetic striker has always had to play second fiddle to Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface or struggle for playing time with Terrem Moffi and Sadiq Umar of Real Sociedad.

The Super Eagles striker may hope to consolidate on his new form and the trust and confidence of the South Hampton coach to revive his super Eagles chances.

The transfer window enters its final stages and Onuachu’s situation will be closely watched. Will he remain at Southampton and fight for his place, or secure a permanent move to Trabzonspor or another club? Martin’s praise has thrown a lifeline to Onuachu’s Southampton career, and only time will tell if he will grasp the opportunity.

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Italian Serie A side Udinese has rejected a transfer offer from Torino for Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. The 24-year-old Nigerian goalkeeper has been instrumental in Udinese’s success, breaking into the starting lineup last season and playing a crucial role in the team’s fight against relegation.

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Torino’s interest in Okoye comes after they lost trust in their first-choice goalkeeper, Vanja Milinković-Savić. However, Udinese is unwilling to part ways with Okoye, who has a contract until 2027 and is valued at around four million euros. The club’s decision to reject the offer is a proof of the Nigerian international’s importance and positive contributiona to the team.

Okoye’s good form has also sparked interest in the transfer market, with several clubs monitoring his progress. He was previously linked with a move to Inter Milan, but the transfer was not viable as he would have played second fiddle to Yann Sommer. Instead, Inter Milan signed Josep Martínez from Genoa.

The Super Eagles goalkeeper started Udinese’s season opener, a 4-0 victory over Serie C side Avellino, showcasing his skills and cementing his position as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper. His performance and importance to the team have made him a key player for Udinese, and the club is determined to keep him

The transfer window continues and fans await the outcome of Okoye’s situation, hoping he will remain a crucial part of Udinese’s success. With his contract running until 2027, Udinese is in a strong position to negotiate any future transfer deals, and it remains to be seen if Torino or any other club will make another move for the talented goalkeeper.

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In a recent interview with Brace Radio, newly appointed Kano Pillars Technical Adviser Usman Abdallah has addressed the rumors surrounding the dismissal of his predecessor, Paul Offor. Abdallah categorically denied that ethnicity played a role in Offor’s sacking, stating that the situation was simply “unfortunate.”

Offor was let go by the Sai Masu Gida just weeks after his appointment by the newly formed management board. Abdallah revealed that he had been away from Kano for an extended period but had always been called upon to return. However, a misunderstanding led to Offor’s difficult position, and ultimately, his dismissal.

READ MORE: Udinese block Maduka Okoye’s transfer to other Serie A clubs.

Abdallah emphasized that the timing of his unveiling, which was scheduled for the day after Offor’s, contributed to the confusion. He asserted that people spreading rumors about Offor’s replacement due to his ethnicity are misinformed.

The NPFL community has been abuzz with news of coaching changes and player transfers. In related news, Udinese rejected Torino’s bid for Maduka Okoye, while Osimhen gave Chelsea two conditions to join from Napoli. Meanwhile, NPFL teams are gearing up for the new season. Kwara United is preparing for the upcoming campaign, Enyimba is set to unveil new players, and Lobi Stars will face Nasarawa United in a pre-season friendly.

The NPFL season approaches and fans eagerly await the thrilling matches and storylines that will unfold. One thing is certain – Abdallah’s clarification on Offor’s dismissal has shed light on the true circumstances surrounding the coaching change at Kano Pillars.

Abdallah’s appointment has brought renewed hope to the Kano Pillars squad, and fans are excited to see the team’s performance under his guidance. With his experience and expertise, Abdallah is expected to lead the team to success in the upcoming season.

The NPFL has seen several coaching changes in recent times, and it will be interesting to see how the teams adapt to their new managers. The league is known for its competitiveness, and this season promises to be no exception.

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Forgotten Super Eagles striker Josh Maja marked his return to the pitch with a sensational hat-trick, leading West Bromwich Albion to a thrilling 3-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers on the opening day of the 2024-25 Championship season.

Born in England, Maja played one match for the Nigeria national team in 2019 and has not been invited ever since by any coach to the Super Eagles squad.

Maja’s remarkable feat made him the first West Brom player in 91 years to score a hat-trick in the club’s opening league game of the season, a record last set by Alf Bentley in 1913. The 25-year-old Nigerian striker joined West Brom from Bordeaux last summer but endured a challenging first season, starting only one game before a serious injury sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign.

READ MORE: Nigerian athletes who overcame Tokyo 2020 disappointment to shine in Paris 2024 Olympics

However, on just his second start since his return, Maja made an immediate impact, scoring three goals that turned the match in West Brom’s favor after Lucas Andersen had given QPR the lead. The Baggies found themselves trailing early, but they responded quickly, with Maja leveling the score in the 24th minute with a expertly headed goal from a pinpoint cross by new signing Torbjorn Heggem.

Early in the second half, Maja doubled his tally, muscling past defenders to head home a cross from Tom Fellows. Maja completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute with a stunning acrobatic volley, again assisted by Fellows, sealing the comeback victory.

His performance not only secured three points for the Baggies but also ended a five-year wait for a West Brom player to score a hat-trick. Maja, who made his debut and only appearance for Nigeria in 2019, received a standing ovation from the traveling fans as he was substituted for debutant Devante Cole in the 75th minute.

This heroic performance signals a promising season ahead for both Maja and West Brom. The striker’s determination and skill have made him an instant fan favorite, and his hat-trick will go down in history as one of the most memorable moments in West Brom’s history.

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Manchester City stole the show late at Wembley Stadium, defeating Manchester United 7-6 in a penalty shootout to win the Community Shield. The game ended 1-1 after regular time, with Alejandro Garnacho scoring for United and Bernardo Silva equalizing for City in the 89th minute.

City manager Pep Guardiola praised his team’s intensity and motivation, saying, “We are really pleased. We lost a lot of balls, but in the end, we did it.” United manager Erik ten Hag expressed disappointment, saying, “It hurts in your stomach, but it will give us motivation to do better.”

The match saw both teams display a mix of pre-season rustiness and promising build-up play. City’s fringe players, including James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly, showed potential, while United’s Amad and Garnacho impressed with their attacking moves.

READ MORE: Forgotten Super Eagles striker breaks 91-year-old record at West Bromwich Albion

The game’s intensity picked up in the second half, with both teams creating chances. Garnacho’s goal was a highlight, as he glided past City’s defense to score a precise finish. However, City’s equalizer and subsequent penalty shootout win dampened United’s spirits.

The Community Shield may not be the most prestigious trophy, but both teams approached the game with competitiveness and intensity. As Guardiola said, “We count the Community Shield when tallying up our medals.”

With the new season approaching, both teams will look to build on this performance. City will face Chelsea on August 18, while United host Fulham on August 16.

In the end, City’s victory in the Community Shield serves as a confidence booster, while United will use the defeat as motivation to improve. As Ten Hag said, “We will take this into the season.”

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Chelsea has taken a significant step in distancing themselves from three players expected to leave the club. Romelu Lukaku, Trevor Chalobah, and Armando Broja have been barred from using the first-team training facilities at Cobham, according to a report by the Telegraph.

Lukaku, who last played for Chelsea in 2021, is reportedly wanted by Napoli’s coach, Antonio Conte. The Belgian striker has had loan spells in Serie A with Inter Milan and AS Roma and is expected to join Napoli on a three-year contract soon.

Chalobah and Broja, who played fringe roles last season, have also been told to train with the U21s until they agree on a move to a new club. Broja was even loaned out to Fulham last season, indicating that he is surplus to requirements at Chelsea.

READ MORE: Manchester City defeat Manchester United 7:6 on Penalties to win 2024/2025 Community Shield cup.

Football journalist revealed on social media that Chelsea wants around £30m fee for Chalobah, who has already been left out of the pre-season tour this summer. Talks are ongoing for both Chalobah and Broja, but it is clear that Chelsea is keen to offload the trio.

This development comes as Chelsea prepares to kick off their 2024/25 season against Manchester City next Sunday. The Blues will be looking to make a strong start to the season, and it appears that they are wasting no time in trimming their squad to make way for new signings.

The decision to bar Lukaku, Chalobah, and Broja from first-team facilities is a clear indication that Chelsea is moving on from the trio. It will be interesting to see where they end up, but for now, they will have to train with the U21s until their futures are resolved.

In other news, Chelsea’s pre-season preparations are in full swing, and the team will be looking to make a strong impression against Manchester City next weekend. With new signings and a renewed sense of purpose, the Blues will be hoping to make a strong start to the season.

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Tottenham Hotspur has secured a major coup in the transfer market, completing a £65million deal for Anglo-Nigerian Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke. The 26-year-old has signed a six-year contract with the north London club, putting pen to paper on Friday after undergoing a medical.

The deal sets a new club-record transfer fee for Spurs and marks a record sale for Bournemouth. Solanke’s impressive form last season, scoring 19 goals as Bournemouth finished 12th, made him a prime target for Tottenham.

The forward, a product of the Chelsea academy, joined Liverpool on a free transfer in 2017 before moving to Bournemouth in 2019. Liverpool holds a 20% sell-on clause from the deal, which will see them benefit from Solanke’s move to Tottenham.

READ MORE: Nigerian athletes who overcame Tokyo 2020 disappointment to shine in Paris 2024 Olympics

Solanke has made 216 appearances in all competitions for Bournemouth, scoring 77 goals. Despite his fine season, he missed out on selection for Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.

Tottenham’s signing of Solanke fills a significant void in their squad, following Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich last year. The club begins its Premier League season away at Leicester City on Monday, August 19.

The deal highlights Tottenham’s ambition to strengthen their squad and challenge for top honors. With Solanke on board, Spurs fans will be eager to see how he pairs with their existing attacking talent.

In other news, efforts are underway to secure a long-term successor to Solanke, indicating Tottenham’s commitment to building a strong squad for the future.

The transfer window continues to throw up surprises, and this deal is a significant statement of intent from Tottenham. As the season approaches, fans will be eagerly awaiting the team’s performance on the pitch.

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Sunday Anyanwu, a talented 23-year-old defender from Bendel Insurance, has secured a move to Östersunds FK in Sweden. Standing at 186 cm tall, Anyanwu has made a name for himself in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) with his impressive performances, including scoring one league goal for the Benin Arsenal.

Anyanwu’s contract with Bendel Insurance recently expired, paving the way for his move to Europe. His preferred playing position is as a right-footed defender, and he has worn the number 14 jersey for Bendel Insurance.

Anyanwu’s impressive skills and versatility on the pitch caught the attention of Östersunds FK, who were impressed by his talent and potential. The Swedish club, known for their commitment to developing young talent, saw immense potential in Anyanwu and made a move to sign him.

READ MORE: Tottenham Hotspur completes £65million deal for Anglo-Nigerian forward

Anyanwu’s move to Östersunds FK opens doors for other NPFL players to explore opportunities in Europe, and it is expected to inspire a new generation of Nigerian footballers to work towards achieving their dreams.

Anyanwu’s journey to Östersunds FK is a remarkable one. From playing in the NPFL to making a move to Europe, he has demonstrated dedication, hard work, and a passion for the beautiful game. His success will undoubtedly inspire his teammates and aspiring footballers in Nigeria.

Östersunds FK, founded in 1996, has a reputation for developing young talent and giving players the opportunity to shine. The club’s commitment to youth development aligns with Anyanwu’s ambitions, and he is expected to thrive in the Swedish league.

Anyanwu begins his new chapter in Sweden and Nigerian football fans will be eagerly following his progress. His success will be a source of pride for the nation, and his journey will serve as a inspiration to many.

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Victor Osimhen’s future at Napoli is uncertain following the arrival of Romelu Lukaku on a three-year deal. Osimhen, who has been linked with a move away from the Diego Maradona Stadium, may face competition for the central striker position.

Lukaku’s signing could pose a risk to Osimhen’s playing time, as new Napoli manager Antonio Conte has a history of favoring the Belgian forward as his main striker. Conte’s tactics often revolve around Lukaku’s physical presence and goal-scoring ability, which could lead to Osimhen being sidelined or shifted to a different role.

However, Osimhen’s impressive performances and status as a fan favorite may still see him retain a key role in the team. Napoli could potentially adopt a tactical adjustment that accommodates both strikers, enhancing their attacking options.

READ MORE: Bendel Insurance’s Sunday Anyanwu makes historic move to Östersunds FK in Sweden

Osimhen’s departure from Napoli has been rumored, with Chelsea and Manchester United showing interest. However, the €130 million release clause has made it difficult for suitors to make an acceptable offer. With Lukaku’s arrival, the pressure mounts on Osimhen to find a suitable club before the transfer window closes.

The uncertainty surrounding Osimhen’s future is heightened by the ongoing transfer saga. If he wishes to maintain his status as one of Europe’s top strikers, securing a move before the transfer window closes may be crucial.

In a surprising turn of events, Lukaku’s signing has added a new layer of complexity to Osimhen’s situation. As the transfer window nears its close, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain, leaving fans and pundits alike wondering what’s next for the talented Nigerian striker.

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The 2020 Tokyo Olympics were a bitter pill to swallow for several Nigerian athletes, who were declared ineligible to compete due to administrative negligence. However, their dreams were not crushed, and they have since bounced back to fulfill their Olympic aspirations in Paris.

Favour Ofili, Chioma Onyekwere, Chidi Okezie, and Tima Godbless are among those who overcame the disappointment of Tokyo to shine in Paris. Despite facing further drama, including Ofili’s inexplicable omission from the 100m event, these athletes demonstrated remarkable resilience.

Their stories will go down in history as word picture of the determination and spirit of Nigerian athletes, who continue to excel despite the challenges posed by inadequate sports administration. The contrast between the athletes’ successes and the officials’ lack of accountability raises concerns about the state of sports management in Nigeria.

The Tokyo debacle saw 18 athletes declared ineligible, with over half being Nigerians. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) found Nigeria guilty of not meeting testing requirements under Rule 15. This led to the disqualification of athletes who had trained tirelessly to represent their country.

READ MORE: NPFL: Abdallah says ethnicity had no hands in Paul Offor’s dismissal from Kano Pillars

However, the likes of Ofili, Onyekwere, Okezie, and Godbless have put the heartbreak behind them, using it as motivation to succeed in Paris. Their journeys serve as inspiration, demonstrating that setbacks can be overcome with hard work and dedication.
Holding officials accountable and implementing effective sports administration will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of Nigerian athletes.

The Paris Olympics have shown that Nigerian athletes have the talent and determination to succeed on the world stage. Now, it’s time for the country’s sports management to match their level of commitment and dedication.

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