by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Falcons star commits future to Saudi club after impressive spell
In a significant boost for Al-Ittihad Ladies, Nigerian international Ashleigh Plumptre has signed a two-year contract extension with the Saudi Arabian club.
The 26-year-old defender, who initially joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 after leaving Leicester City Women, has become a key figure in the squad. Her leadership and defensive prowess have earned her a longer stay in Jeddah, with the club eager to build on her impact.
Announcing the deal on social media, Al-Ittihad praised Plumptre’s contributions, emphasizing their commitment to retaining top talent. “The club’s CEO, Mr. Domingos Oliveira, confirmed that renewing the player’s contract comes within the club’s strategy to retain distinguished players who have the desire to develop and serve the team better in the future,” the club posted.
Plumptre has also been a crucial figure for the Nigerian national team, playing all four matches at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and helping the Super Falcons secure an Olympic ticket for the first time in 16 years. Unfortunately, she missed the final tournament due to surgery but remains a vital part of the squad’s future plans.
With this extension, Plumptre is set to continue making history in Saudi Arabia, inspiring a new generation of African and women’s footballers.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Aribo, Uche, and Olawoyin Could Boost Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes
With Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes hanging by a thread, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle faces tough decisions ahead of the crucial March qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Sitting fifth in Group C with just three points from four matches, the Super Eagles must secure victories to keep their dreams alive. A midfield revamp seems inevitable, and three players—Joe Aribo, Christantus Uche, and Ibrahim Olawoyin—have emerged as strong contenders for a call-up.
Joe Aribo: Back in Form for Southampton
Once a regular in the Super Eagles setup, Joe Aribo’s inconsistent club form saw him fade from the national team picture. However, the 28-year-old has rediscovered his rhythm at Southampton, playing a key role in their push for Premier League promotion.
With three goals in 23 league appearances, Aribo’s confidence is growing, making him a valuable midfield option for Nigeria’s must-win fixtures.
Christantus Uche: Getafe’s Midfield Engine
A rising star in La Liga, Christantus Uche has been a consistent performer for Getafe, excelling in multiple midfield roles.
The Nigerian midfielder has contributed two goals and two assists in 23 matches, proving his ability to influence games. His energy and tactical awareness could provide much-needed balance to the Super Eagles’ midfield.
Ibrahim Olawoyin: The Creative Spark from Turkey
Ibrahim Olawoyin has been making waves in the Turkish Super Lig with Rizespor, bringing creativity and intelligence to the heart of midfield.
The 27-year-old has delivered two goals and six assists in 21 matches across all competitions this season. His technical ability and vision could be the missing link Nigeria needs to break down stubborn defenses.
Will Chelle Give Them a Chance?
With Aribo’s resurgence, Uche’s dynamism, and Olawoyin’s creativity, these three midfielders could be the spark Nigeria needs to turn their World Cup qualification campaign around.
The big question remains: Will Chelle take the bold step and call them up for the decisive March qualifiers?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Super Falcons Star Sparks Debate with Her Top Three Sporting Events
Michelle Alozie, the Super Falcons and Houston Dash defender, has ignited a lively debate with her ranking of the biggest sporting events in the world.
During the recent Super Bowl weekend, Alozie took to social media to declare the NFL’s biggest night as only the third most significant sporting event. When a follower asked her to name the top two, she responded confidently:
“The World Cup and then the Champions League final game, of course.”
Her statement quickly gained traction, with football fans across the globe weighing in on whether the Super Bowl deserves a higher spot. While many agreed with her, others defended the NFL’s prestige, fueling an ongoing sports debate.
Alozie’s Impact at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Alozie’s words carry weight, given her experience on the world’s biggest football stage. She was instrumental for Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, starting all four matches and delivering standout performances. The Super Falcons battled their way to the Round of 16, where they held reigning European champions England to a goalless draw before bowing out on penalties (4-2).
The Viral Lauren James Incident
Despite Nigeria’s exit, Alozie became a major talking point after a dramatic incident in the England clash. In the 87th minute, England’s Lauren James lost her cool and stamped on Alozie’s back, leading to a red card.
Instead of responding with anger, Alozie took a mature approach. She later tweeted:
“Abeg, it’s just football. We’re playing on the world’s stage. This moment matters, and we’re all just playing with our hearts.”
Her response won praise, with many commending her composure and professionalism. James eventually apologised, and Alozie showed no hard feelings.
Now, with her latest take on the world’s biggest sporting events, the Nigerian star has once again sparked conversation. Do you agree with her ranking?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Alex Iwobi continues to surprise fans with his off-the-pitch interests, and his latest adventure is as unexpected as it is fascinating. The Fulham and Super Eagles midfielder, known for his creativity on the ball, has now taken up horse riding, adding another dimension to his growing list of passions.
From Football to Music, and Now the Saddle
A seasoned Premier League star with stints at Arsenal, Everton, and now Fulham, Iwobi has cemented his place as one of Nigeria’s finest football exports. With 29 goals and 31 assists in 277 league games, his contributions speak for themselves. This season alone, he has been directly involved in ten goals (seven goals, three assists) in 24 league appearances.
However, Iwobi has long shown that he is more than just a footballer. In 2024, he unveiled his rap persona under the name “17,” dropping tracks like Don’t Shoot and What’s Luv?, which earned him praise from fans. His philanthropic side also shone through when he opened a temporary food shop in East London, providing free meals to locals during Christmas.
Now, he has embraced a new hobby—horse riding. Sharing images of himself interacting with a majestic, muscular horse, possibly a Warmblood or Cob-type breed, Iwobi showcased his latest passion. These breeds, known for their strength and calm temperament, are popular choices for general riding and equestrian activities.
Focused on Football Amid New Interests
Despite his off-field explorations, Iwobi remains committed to Fulham’s strong run of form. The Cottagers have won three of their last four games across all competitions, with the Nigerian playing a role in their FA Cup victory over Wigan Athletic.
As Fulham prepare for a crucial Premier League clash against high-flying Nottingham Forest, Iwobi will be expected to deliver on the pitch. The London club currently sits ninth in the table with 36 points from 24 games, while Forest are enjoying a stellar season in third place, just behind Liverpool and Arsenal.
Whether on the pitch, in the studio, or now in the saddle, Alex Iwobi continues to prove he is full of surprises.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Juventus are plotting a major summer transfer move, setting their sights on Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen and Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Serie A giants, under the leadership of Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli, are looking to bolster their squad with high-quality reinforcements as they prepare for a squad overhaul.
Osimhen and Tonali on Juventus’ Radar
Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has been in scintillating form, scoring 17 goals and providing five assists in 23 appearances. His move to the English Premier League fell through last summer, leading to his temporary switch to Turkey. However, Juventus are keen to bring him back to Italy, hoping to negotiate a discount on his €75 million release clause.
With Dusan Vlahović’s contract expiring in 2026 and renewal talks stalling, the Bianconeri see Osimhen as the ideal successor. Giuntoli, who originally brought Osimhen to Napoli from Lille in 2020, is eager to reunite with the Nigerian forward.
Meanwhile, Tonali, who left AC Milan for Newcastle United in 2023, could be in line for a return to Italy. Juventus are looking to strengthen their midfield despite significant investments in players like Marcus Thuram, Teun Koopmeiners, and Douglas Luiz. However, with Luiz struggling to meet expectations, Juventus could offer him as part of a deal to bring Tonali back from England.
Juventus’ Transfer Strategy
Since last summer, Juventus have made major changes, signing 13 players and offloading 14 while maintaining a squad with an average age of 25.3 years. Their focus remains on building a young, competitive team while keeping finances in check.
Negotiations for Osimhen won’t be easy, with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis known for his tough stance on transfers. Meanwhile, Tonali’s potential return could be emotional, given his deep ties with AC Milan.
As the summer window approaches, Juventus fans eagerly await to see if Giuntoli can pull off these ambitious moves and reshape the squad for the future.
