by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Kelechi Iheanacho has reflected on the biggest influences in his football journey, highlighting the managers and players who shaped his career. Speaking during his unveiling at Middlesbrough, where he has returned to England on loan after a difficult spell at Sevilla, the Super Eagles forward credited a host of footballing figures for their impact on his development.
Iheanacho’s Mentors in Football
The former Leicester City striker acknowledged the guidance of several top coaches, including Manuel Pellegrini, Brendan Rodgers, and Pep Guardiola, as well as the influence of experienced teammates like Gaël Clichy, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Touré, and Jamie Vardy.
“Biggest influence on my career? There are quite a few. So many people have helped me throughout my career—managers like Pellegrini, Rodgers, and Guardiola. Players too, like Clichy, Kompany, Yaya Touré, and obviously, Jamie Vardy. Even in the national team, John Mikel Obi played a huge role. A lot of coaches have helped me as well.”
Rise from Manchester City to Leicester City
Iheanacho’s journey began at Manchester City, where he burst onto the scene under Pellegrini in 2015. His natural goal-scoring ability saw him thrive alongside world-class players like Kompany and Touré. Under Guardiola, he continued to develop but eventually moved to Leicester City in search of regular playing time.
At Leicester, Iheanacho initially struggled for consistency but found his best form under Brendan Rodgers. The 2020-21 season was a breakthrough year, as he finished as the club’s top scorer and played a crucial role in Leicester’s FA Cup triumph.
Now, after a short and challenging spell in La Liga, Iheanacho is back in England, hoping to rediscover his best form with Middlesbrough. With the guidance of his past mentors still shaping his game, he aims to make a strong impact in the Championship and fight for a place in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Super Eagles coaches are buzzing with excitement following the return of star forward Ademola Lookman to training with Atalanta. The 26-year-old, who had been sidelined with a knee injury, is now stepping up his recovery just in time for his club’s Champions League playoff clash against Club Brugge.
Lookman’s return is a major boost for Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes, as the team faces a tough challenge to book a spot in the 2026 tournament. With just three points from three matches, the Super Eagles must win all their remaining games and hope that results in Group C—currently led by Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin Republic with seven points each—go in their favor.
Chelle Focused on Strengthening Squad
Determined to turn things around, head coach Eric Chelle has been actively engaging with Nigerian players across Europe. According to an anonymous Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) source, Chelle is particularly thrilled about Lookman’s return and is closely monitoring other key players, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. The Udinese shot-stopper is under scrutiny for alleged involvement in an irregular betting pattern during a Serie A match.
Beyond foreign-based stars, Chelle and his staff are also looking at home-based talent to reinforce the squad. Last month, the coach spent time with the local players in Ikenne, where several impressed him with their performances.
The NFF is expected to announce the final squad for next month’s crucial qualifiers soon. Nigeria will face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25, with every match now a must-win in their bid for a World Cup return.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Just days before their crucial UEFA Champions League playoff against AC Milan, Feyenoord have made a bold decision to part ways with head coach Brian Priske and his entire backroom staff, including assistant coach Lucas Andersson Babalola and fellow assistant Björn Hamberg.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the team’s inconsistent performances, with general and technical director Dennis te Kloese explaining that the club had no choice but to take action.
“It is very disappointing for all parties that we had to come to this decision,” said te Kloese. “Although Feyenoord achieved some impressive results with Brian, especially in the Champions League, the first team’s performance has been far too inconsistent in recent months, and unfortunately, we see too little structural progress.”
While Feyenoord secured a 3-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam last weekend, the victory was not enough to erase the damaging defeats suffered in recent months. Heavy losses to Lille (6-1) in the Champions League, as well as setbacks against Ajax and PSV, ultimately sealed Priske’s fate.
Babalola’s Coaching Rise and Sudden Exit
For 28-year-old Lucas Babalola, this marks an abrupt halt to a promising journey alongside Priske. The Danish-Nigerian coach had played a key role in Priske’s backroom staff since their time at Slavia Prague, where he helped guide the team to a historic league and domestic cup double.
Babalola’s rise in coaching began in Denmark, where he built a reputation as a top analyst. His impressive work led to a key role at Sparta Prague in 2023, where Priske personally requested his addition to the staff. When the Danish coach moved to Feyenoord following Arne Slot’s departure to Liverpool, Babalola was once again a trusted part of his setup.
Now, with their time at Feyenoord cut short, the club faces the challenge of reorganizing its coaching structure just before a high-stakes showdown with AC Milan. The question remains: will this drastic change spark a turnaround, or will Feyenoord’s turbulent season continue?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
The sun cast a golden hue over the Etete Sports Complex in Benin City as football enthusiasts gathered for the kickoff of this year’s Kada Unity Cup. Among the dignitaries present was former Edo State governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, a man whose passion for Nigerian football runs deep.
As he took to the stage to declare the tournament open, his voice carried a tone of unwavering confidence. “A World Cup without Nigeria?” he asked rhetorically, shaking his head. “That won’t make sense.”
Igbinedion believes the Super Eagles have the firepower to soar above Rwanda when both teams clash in Kigali for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March. He dismissed any notion of fear, emphasizing that the talent within Nigeria’s ranks should make qualification a straightforward mission.
“We have young, highly talented players excelling across Europe,” he stated. “If the NFF and the technical crew do their job right, Rwanda should not give us sleepless nights. I trust our boys to make us proud.”
Beyond the World Cup talk, the Kada Unity Cup itself was in full swing, bringing together military and paramilitary teams in a thrilling display of athleticism and sportsmanship. The atmosphere was electric as uniformed men battled it out on the pitch, proving that football remains a powerful unifier.
“This competition isn’t just about fun—it’s about fitness, mental sharpness, and camaraderie,” Igbinedion added. “With money and other incentives at stake, the competition is fierce, and we’re committed to making it bigger each year.”
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The Emirates FA Cup fifth-round draw has set the stage for an exciting showdown, with several Nigerian stars gearing up for crucial battles. Among them, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey’s Fulham have been handed a high-stakes clash against Manchester United—a chance for redemption after previous heartbreaks.
For Iwobi, this isn’t just another fixture; it’s a shot at revenge. Earlier this season, Fulham fell to United both home and away in the Premier League. Adding to the sting, their last FA Cup meeting in 2023 ended in dramatic fashion, with the Cottagers collapsing to a 3-1 defeat after going down to nine men. This time, the Nigerian midfielder will be aiming to rewrite the script when his side travels to Old Trafford in early March.
Meanwhile, Muhamed Tijani’s Plymouth Argyle faces a David vs. Goliath clash against defending Premier League champions Manchester City. Guardiola’s men are heavy favorites, making it an uphill battle for the Nigerian forward and his teammates. Yet, the beauty of the FA Cup lies in its surprises—can Tijani and Plymouth pull off the unthinkable at the Etihad?
Elsewhere, Jamilu Collins’ Cardiff City is set for a daunting trip to high-flying Aston Villa, while Nottingham Forest’s Nigerian duo, Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi, must first overcome Exeter City in the fourth round before setting up a potential meeting with Ipswich Town.
With a quarter-final spot and a hefty £225,000 prize on the line, these Nigerian stars have everything to play for. Will Iwobi’s Fulham finally get their revenge? Can Tijani’s Plymouth shock the world? The answers will unfold in March.
Full FA Cup Fifth Round Fixtures:
Preston North End vs Burnley
Aston Villa vs Cardiff City
Doncaster Rovers or Crystal Palace vs Millwall
Manchester United vs Fulham
Newcastle United vs Brighton & Hove Albion
AFC Bournemouth vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Manchester City vs Plymouth Argyle
Exeter City or Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich Town
