by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 23, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria U20 international Goodness Osigwe has sealed a permanent transfer to Swedish top-flight side Djurgården, departing Nigeria Women Football League champions Edo Queens.
The highly rated striker, who helped Edo Queens lift the 2024 NWFL title, impressed Djurgården scouts with her flair and creativity during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia. Djurgården’s sports director, Jean Balawo, revealed that Osigwe first caught his attention when she delivered a key assist in Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Japan.
> “I first caught sight of Goodness during the U-20 World Cup in Colombia, where she provided a crucial assist in the match against Japan,” Balawo said on the club’s official website.
Thrilled by the opportunity, Osigwe described her style and ambition for the new chapter in Sweden.
> “I am quick and like to take on opponents with my dribbling. I’ve managed to score some goals as well, and I play with confidence, which is important for me on the pitch. It’s a privilege to be in the capital’s club,” she stated.
The move marks a significant step in the 19-year-old’s career as she joins one of Sweden’s most historic women’s football teams.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 23, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Nigeria’s U20 team, the Flying Eagles, will lock horns with Australia in a key warm-up fixture on Tuesday as they round off preparations for the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
The friendly match is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. local time (1:00 p.m. in Nigeria) at the Complejo Deportivo Ruca Mapu in Santiago. It comes just days before the global youth tournament kicks off on Saturday.
Ladan Bosso’s side is aiming to build momentum after their 1-1 draw against host nation Chile in Rancagua last weekend. Ahmed Akinyele gave Nigeria an early lead in the 18th minute before Felipe Faúndez levelled for the hosts midway through the first half.
At the World Cup, Australia will compete in Group D alongside Italy, Cuba, and Argentina, while Nigeria has been drawn in Group F with Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia. The clash with Australia offers both teams a final chance to fine-tune tactics before the real battle begins.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 23, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Black Starlets are brimming with confidence as they gear up for a crucial WAFU B U-17 Championship encounter against tournament hosts Ivory Coast.
Ghana opened their Group A campaign with a 1-1 draw against Togo, while Ivory Coast set the pace with a commanding 2-0 victory over Niger. A win for the Starlets would catapult them above the Ivorians and put them in a strong position ahead of their final group game against Niger on Friday, 26 September.
Speaking at Monday’s pre-match press conference, deputy captain Ernest Ofori underlined the team’s readiness and the importance of tactical discipline.
> “We’re fully prepared for Ivory Coast,” Ofori stated. “We know what is at stake, and we’ve worked hard in training to put ourselves in a good position to win. All we will need to do is to be tactically disciplined, and the job against Ivory Coast will be easier.”
Kick-off for the highly anticipated clash is scheduled for 18:00 GMT.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 23, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
The South African Football Association (SAFA) remains confident despite FIFA’s ongoing disciplinary investigation into the alleged ineligible fielding of midfielder Teboho Mokoena during a March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
FIFA announced last week that it is reviewing South Africa’s 2-0 victory, citing claims that Mokoena should have served a one-match suspension after collecting two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers. Under FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, a team that fields an ineligible player risks a 3-0 forfeit unless the actual result is more disadvantageous.
SAFA chief executive Lydia Monyepao confirmed the association is preparing a formal response. “We’ve received communication from FIFA regarding the investigation,” she told reporters. “Our duty is to present our case to the Disciplinary Committee. We’re focused on collecting maximum points in our upcoming qualifiers, so even if points were docked, it wouldn’t derail our campaign.”
Group C rivals are watching closely. Nigeria, currently third with 11 points, welcomed FIFA’s intervention, seeing a potential lifeline for their qualification hopes. South Africa lead the group with 17 points, three clear of Benin and six ahead of Nigeria and Rwanda. A three-point deduction would drop Bafana Bafana level with Benin, who would top the group on goal difference.
Benin coach Gernot Rohr expressed frustration over the delayed ruling. “It is not normal that we do not know the status of the points before our matches,” he said. “South Africa should lose three points, which should go to Lesotho. We urge FIFA to decide quickly.”
Despite the uncertainty, Bafana coach Hugo Broos previously suggested the team might escape punishment, noting there was initially no formal complaint. For now, SAFA insists its attention remains firmly on October’s qualifiers as FIFA deliberates.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 23, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Reports of tension between Galatasaray strikers Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi have been firmly dismissed by respected club insider Kaya Temel.
Speculation about a possible rift surfaced after statistics revealed that the two forwards, despite featuring together in seven matches, have yet to register a goal or assist for one another. This lack of direct link-up prompted talk of friction within the Turkish champions’ attacking line.
Temel, however, insists there is no discord behind the scenes. Speaking to Habersarikirmizi, he explained that reliable sources at the club’s Kemerburgaz training ground describe a positive atmosphere between the duo.
“Some people love to create chaos where none exists,” Temel said. “There is absolutely nothing to indicate that Icardi was celebrated at Osimhen’s expense or that Osimhen feels slighted. My sources confirm they share jokes before every training session.”
Osimhen, who arrived from Napoli during the 2025 summer window, has missed Galatasaray’s last three fixtures in all competitions due to an ankle injury, but remains an integral part of the squad alongside Icardi, who joined in September 2022.
