NIGERIAN FOOTBALL

Plateau United coach Mbwas Mangut has expressed concern over Nigeria’s increasing reliance on foreign players as the Super Eagles prepare for the next round of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. Mangut stressed that while the players playing abroad are talented and dedicated, the exclusion of local players from the national team could be detrimental to Nigeria’s success. “I must tell …

Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman is doubtful for the club’s next Serie A match against Torino on Sunday. The Nigeria international has not returned to training after reportedly asking to be left out of the squad, fuelling speculation over a possible move to Paris Saint-Germain. Lookman, who also missed Atalanta’s 4-0 win over Lecce on Monday, has been linked with both …

Both Ejuke and Iheanacho missed Sevilla’s 2-2 draw with Las Palmas last weekend for different reasons. Ejuke was left out due to tactical decisions, despite his strong pre-season performances and impressive training sessions. Pimienta reassured fans by saying: “Ejuke is doing very well. He didn’t play last time because of our decision, but he will help the team tomorrow if …

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have officially withdrawn from negotiations to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen after failing to reach an agreement on the transfer fee. Despite reaching a personal agreement with the Nigerian international, the French champions have opted to explore other options after Napoli refused to lower their asking price of €130m. According to L’Equipe, PSG are now considering “not …

Nigeria’s national football team, Super Eagles, will begin preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on September 1. The Super Eagles are scheduled to face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic and Amavubi of Rwanda in crucial qualifying matches. Players are expected to arrive at team camp starting September 1 to begin training for upcoming matches. Nigeria will …

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro made his debut over the weekend for Italian club, Sampdoria. The Inter Milan midfielder joined Sampdoria, who are in Italy’s lower division, this summer. In his debut, Sampdoria settled for a 2-2 draw against Frosinone, however, coach Andrea Pirlo was not satisfied with Akinsanmiro’s performance. Sampdoria coach Andrea Pirlo. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images) The 19-year-old played for …

Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare has expressed his intention to remain at KRC Genk, despite ongoing transfer rumours linking him with a move to Turkish side Trabzonspor. Arokodare, who has scored four goals this season, is the focus of interest for Trabzonspor. However, negotiations stalled after the player demanded an annual salary of €2 million, while Genk set a transfer fee …

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali could remain at Chippa United for next season as no club has made a concrete move for the Nigerian. Given his impressive performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles reached the final in February, one would have expected Nwabali to have already secured his move. His performances, especially during the …

KRC Genk’s Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare maintained his impressive start to the season with two goals in a thrilling 4-3 away win against Beerschot on Matchday 4 of the Belgian Pro League on Saturday. Arokodare, who has scored in three consecutive league games this season, increased his tally to four goals in four matches. Genk, who were on a two-match …

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi remains optimistic about Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the team’s struggles in the qualifying rounds. The Super Eagles are yet to record a win, with three draws and a loss to Benin Republic, leaving them in a precarious position. The team currently sit fifth in their group, with just …