NIGERIA

Nigeria Under-20 team coach Abdul Maikaba has chosen 17-year-old Habila Simeon as captain of the Nigerian team for the WAFU B tournament, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal. The attacking midfielder plays for the famous Jos-based Golden Boot Soccer (GBS) football academy, owned by popular coach Bros, who has been instrumental in developing notable names who have represented Nigeria at various levels. …

New Juventus striker Jeff Ekhator, who was signed from Serie A side Genoa, says his playing style is similar to that of Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhen, reports OwnGoalNigeria.com. This was made known during a meet and greet organized by the club for his presentation as a new player in their ranks. Head coach Luciano Spalleti considers it a big …

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrick Motsepe says the recently concluded 2026 World Cup was left incomplete due to the absence of two of African football’s powerhouses, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports. Motsepe said the absence of Nigeria and Cameroon created a gap in the tournament which Spain won with a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final on Sunday. Both countries …

Nigeria senior national team coach Eric Chelle is still not satisfied with the addition of Al Ittihad striker George Ilenikhena to the team’s attack, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports. Chelle managed to convert the 19-year-old from the Ligue 1 giants to the Saudi Arabian side in January. Many saw the capture of Ilenikhena as enough of an option for striker Victor Osimhen. However, …

Galatasaray’s latest signing Lesley Ugochukwu has been told he has a chance of playing for Nigeria’s senior team despite initially turning down the opportunity, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal. Six days ago, the 22-year-old joined the Turkish team on loan from Burnley for an initial £3m with a option to make the deal permanent next summer for another £22.5m or his …

Wolverhampton Wanderers, a team relegated from the English Premier League, were forced to cancel training yesterday after Tolu Arokodare’s refusal to leave the pitch when asked not to train with the team. New coach César Peixoto apparently has no tolerance for “player power” and lack of discipline, asking the lanky striker who has been linked with an exit to leave …

Nigerian international striker Akor Adams’ decision to move to LaLiga side Sevilla, the newly promoted Venezia of the Italian Serie A, was made possible by hip hop icon Drake’s recent takeover of the club. Drake acquired a significant minority stake in Venezia FC in the summer of 2024 through an investment group called APEX Capital. His initial involvement helped save …

Nigerian international striker Kelechi Iheanacho surprised many when he decided to join Turkish second division side Bursaspor as a free agent, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports. Iheanacho’s one-year contract with Scottish side Celtic expired at the end of the season, leaving him available to other teams. Celtic took the lead by making it clear that they want to extend his contract and offered …

Nigeria, with head coach Justine Maduguhas retained the core of the team that lifted the continental title last year as the Super Falcons prepare to defend their crown in Morocco, but there is a problem. The nine times? No, now record 10-time African champions will chase an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title when the tournament begins July 26 to August 16. …

Nigerian international striker Rafiu Durosinmi, recently capped by Nigeria, has sealed a record transfer to Belgian side Genk from Italian Serie A side Pisa, reports OwnGoalNigeria.com. According to Sky journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, a fee of around €10.5 million plus bonuses has been agreed for his transfer and Pisa also owns 10% of his future sale. A record sale for …