by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 25, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
As the English Premier League unfolds this season, Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has weighed in on Arsenal’s chances of clinching the coveted title. Speaking on the Filthy Fellas Podcast, the versatile full-back shared his insights on what the North London side must do to end their title drought.
Arsenal, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, have come heartbreakingly close over the past two seasons, finishing second behind Manchester City. However, this season poses new challenges. The Gunners currently sit third on the table after 17 games, six points behind leaders Liverpool, who still have a game in hand. Adding to their woes, key players like Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling are sidelined with injuries, leaving the squad stretched as they face a grueling run of ten matches in just four weeks across multiple competitions.
Aina, whose Nottingham Forest side is defying expectations this season by sitting fourth—a feat the club hasn’t achieved in 30 years—believes Arsenal’s issue lies in their lack of depth.
“They’ve finished second for two seasons now. I think they need depth. Squad depth. They’re competing in several competitions, and you need players for that,” said the former Fulham defender.
Aina’s own performances have drawn acclaim, with the Nigerian international earning a spot in BBC’s Team of the Week twice this season. His words carry weight, as Nottingham Forest continues to punch above its weight in the Premier League.
The road ahead for Arsenal is steep, but if they take Aina’s advice to heart, they might just turn their near-misses into triumphs.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 25, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Two years ago, Ademola Lookman was deemed surplus to requirements at RB Leipzig, sold to Atalanta for a modest €9.35 million. Today, the 27-year-old Nigerian forward is one of the most sought-after players in Europe, with a market value of €55 million, per Transfermarkt.
Lookman’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since joining La Dea, he has transformed into a key player under Gian Piero Gasperini. In 98 appearances, he has netted 44 goals and provided 23 assists, cementing his place as one of Atalanta’s most influential stars.
The turning point came last season when Lookman scored a sensational hat-trick to guide Atalanta to their first-ever UEFA Europa League triumph. This season, the Nigerian international has already tallied 12 goals and five assists in 19 games, spearheading Atalanta’s charge to the top of the Serie A standings.
His stellar performances have earned him numerous accolades. Lookman was recently crowned CAF Player of the Year, ranked 14th in the Ballon d’Or power rankings, and shortlisted for the FIFA Player of the Year award.
Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini, a pivotal figure in Lookman’s transformation, lavished praise on the forward during a recent interview.
“He’s a top player,” Gasperini told Sosfanta. “In terms of character, there are players with more continuity, but that’s normal. His role is difficult because he always needs to be very fit, but he has become extraordinary. He’s now one of the best in Europe and the world.”
With Atalanta chasing their first-ever Serie A title, Lookman’s brilliance could prove decisive. His story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and a perfect match between player and coach.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 25, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
A Turkish Battle for a Nigerian Star
After an impressive loan spell at Trabzonspor, Nigerian international Paul Onuachu is once again the subject of intense transfer speculation. The towering striker, currently on Southampton’s books, has caught the attention of Turkish Super Lig giants Besiktas, who are eager to bring him back to the league where he thrived.
Onuachu, 30, initially joined Southampton from Belgian side KRC Genk in early 2023, following an impressive record of 85 goals and 10 assists in 134 games. However, his time in the Premier League was less fruitful, with limited opportunities and no goals in his debut season. This led to a season-long loan to Trabzonspor, where he rediscovered his form, netting 17 goals and providing 4 assists in just 25 appearances.
Despite Trabzonspor’s efforts to sign him permanently, Southampton retained the striker. Now, Besiktas, led by presidential candidate Serdal Adalı, are making a bold move to secure Onuachu’s services. Reports from Turkish outlet 61saat indicate that Adalı has contacted Southampton to initiate talks, aiming to make Onuachu’s signing a centerpiece of his campaign.
The Super Eagles star is reportedly open to the move, having adapted well to the Turkish Super Lig during his time at Trabzonspor. Adalı is keen to finalize the deal quickly, seeing it as a way to galvanize Besiktas fans and strengthen his bid for the club presidency.
As the January transfer window approaches, Besiktas and Trabzonspor appear poised for a transfer battle over the 2.01m forward. For Onuachu, a return to Turkey could provide the perfect stage to continue his goalscoring exploits.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 25, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
A Journey of Promise and Perseverance
Chuba Akpom’s footballing journey has been anything but predictable. The former Arsenal youth prospect, once tipped for stardom, now finds himself at a crossroads after a challenging spell at Ajax Amsterdam. With limited opportunities in the Netherlands, the forward is reportedly open to a fresh start in France’s Ligue 1, as he seeks to reignite his career.
Akpom’s story began with great promise at Arsenal’s famed academy, where he made his senior debut in 2013. Loan spells at Brentford, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Hull City, and Brighton followed, but regular first-team football at the North London club remained elusive.
Determined to prove his worth, Akpom ventured abroad in 2018, signing for Greek side PAOK Thessaloniki. It was here that his career truly blossomed. He became a fan favorite, delivering a series of impressive performances, including the match-winning goal in the 2019 Greek Cup Final.
After his success in Greece, Akpom returned to England with Middlesbrough in 2022, where he enjoyed his most prolific season yet. He netted 28 goals in 40 league appearances, becoming the Championship’s top scorer and sweeping the club’s Player of the Year awards.
In August 2023, Ajax came calling, signing Akpom on a five-year deal for €12.3 million, with add-ons potentially increasing the fee to €14.3 million. The move promised a chance to shine in one of Europe’s top leagues, but things have not gone according to plan.
Despite flashes of brilliance—such as his first goal in a 2-0 victory over Volendam—Akpom has struggled to secure consistent minutes under Ajax’s current setup. This has fueled speculation about a potential exit, with French club Lille reportedly interested in offering him a lifeline.
France’s Ligue 1, often overlooked compared to Europe’s elite leagues, has become a haven for players looking to rediscover their form. For Akpom, the league could provide the stage he needs to once again showcase his goal-scoring prowess and secure regular playing time.
With Lille previously linked to Akpom in the summer of 2023, a move to Ligue 1 could mark the start of an exciting new chapter in his career—a chance to add another country to his already varied footballing journey and prove that his best days are still ahead.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 25, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles’ star striker currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, has made headlines again—this time for his steadfast commitment to his current club amid swirling transfer rumors and a major shift in his management team.
The Agent Split and Its Aftermath
The Nigerian forward has officially parted ways with his agent, Roberto Calenda, after a series of disagreements stemming from failed transfer moves during the summer of 2024. Now represented solely by his legal counsel, whose identity is yet to be disclosed, Osimhen aims for greater control over his career decisions moving forward.
This shake-up comes as Napoli, his parent club, reportedly prepares for a potential January sale. However, Osimhen has made it clear: he has no intention of leaving Galatasaray until the end of the season. His decision ensures stability and allows him to focus on his outstanding performances in Turkey.
Manchester United Links Dismissed
Despite being linked with Premier League powerhouses Manchester United and Chelsea, Osimhen has not engaged in any talks with the Red Devils, as confirmed by Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba. Speculations about a potential Premier League move have been rife, but insiders close to the situation have downplayed these reports.
Interestingly, Manchester United are said to be considering alternatives within Serie A, including the possible return of their current striker, Rasmus Højlund. The Danish forward’s form this season has positioned him as a stronger trade option than other players reportedly included in the Osimhen rumor mill, such as Marcus Rashford or Joshua Zirkzee.
Dominating in Turkey
Osimhen’s focus has paid off on the pitch. The Nigerian has been in electrifying form for Galatasaray, tallying 12 goals and 5 assists in just 15 Süper Lig appearances. His contributions have solidified his position as a key figure in the Turkish club’s attack.
For now, Osimhen remains committed to seeing out his loan spell. Any discussions about his future transfers will now be handled directly by him and his legal team, ensuring a transparent and focused approach to the next steps in his career.
