by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 18, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Galatasaray continued their flying start to the Turkish Super Lig season with a 3-0 victory over Fatih Karagümrük on Sunday night, as Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen made his long-awaited second debut for the club.
The Lions got off to the perfect start when Barış Yılmaz curled in a beauty from the edge of the box after just 10 minutes, leaving goalkeeper Günay Güvenç with no chance. Karagümrük’s evening took a turn for the worse midway through the first half as Marius Trésor Doh received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Davinson Sánchez.
Despite their numerical advantage, Galatasaray struggled to fully assert themselves until late in the second half. In the 74th minute, Yunus Akgün’s strike deflected off Fatih Kurucuk and wrong-footed the goalkeeper to double the hosts’ lead. Moments later, Okan Buruk introduced Osimhen, who looked lively and nearly got his name on the scoresheet with a powerful header that skimmed just wide.
The Nigerian also came close to an assist, slipping in Kaan Ayhan with a clever pass, only for the defender to balloon his effort into the stands. The job was finally completed in the 87th minute when Lucas Torreira picked out Mauro Icardi, and the Argentine clinically tucked away Galatasaray’s third goal.
Speaking after the match, head coach Okan Buruk admitted he wasn’t fully satisfied with the overall performance:
> “We didn’t start well. I don’t think we played very well for most of the match. We improved after the subs came on, especially when Osimhen and Icardi entered. They gave us more attacking strength.”
Buruk, however, expressed delight at Icardi’s strike and the boost provided by his attacking duo:
> “Icardi scoring made us happy, but we need to take things step by step. The Champions League is coming, and we’ll shape the team accordingly. After Osimhen and Icardi came in, our game improved significantly.”
The win means Galatasaray have made it two wins from two, scoring six goals and keeping two clean sheets as they look to build early momentum both domestically and in Europe.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 18, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian teenager Ezekiel Alladoh continued his fine run in Sweden but his strike was not enough to save Brommapojkarna from a 4-2 defeat against IK Sirius in the Allsvenskan on Sunday night.
The 19-year-old forward, who joined from Accra Lions earlier this year, drew Bromma level in the 55th minute with a poacher’s finish after connecting with Adam Jakobsen’s pass. His goal cancelled out Tobias Anker’s opener for the visitors just moments earlier.
But Sirius responded immediately, regaining the lead through Leo Walta less than a minute later. Jakobsen gave the hosts renewed hope with a penalty midway through the second half, only for the visitors to turn on the style in the closing stages.
Scottish forward Robbie Ure made it 3-2 in the 71st minute before Oscar Krusnell struck a decisive fourth ten minutes from time at Grimsta IP.
Despite the setback, Alladoh’s stock continues to rise in his debut season, with the youngster now tallying six goals in 22 appearances across all competitions for “The Bromma Boys.”
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 18, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Wilfred Ndidi has expressed his delight after making a winning start to life at Turkish giants Besiktas, while also moving to calm fears over an early injury scare.
The Super Eagles midfielder was handed a starting role in Besiktas’ 2-1 victory over Eyupspor on Sunday night, playing 70 minutes before being substituted after picking up a knock.
Electric Atmosphere
Speaking after the game, Ndidi praised the Besiktas faithful for their unwavering support.
> “The atmosphere was great. The support from our fans was fantastic. When the score was 1-1, we showed real team spirit and their backing pushed us to fight for the second goal. It was a great day, we feel fantastic.”
Injury Update
The 28-year-old reassured fans that his exit from the game was only precautionary.
> “It’s not a serious situation. It was just a cramp during the match. I was expecting it around the 60-70 minute mark. These kinds of things can happen in the first games of the season, but it’s nothing serious.”
Praise for Solskjaer
Ndidi also hailed new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, highlighting how his tactical approach made his job easier on the pitch.
> “I know what our coach wants from me. The quality of the players ahead of me made my job easier. We were able to push forward and apply pressure in attack. Once we executed the coach’s plan, things improved for us.”
Ndidi’s performance will serve as a huge boost for Besiktas fans, who are eager to see him anchor their midfield as the season unfolds.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 18, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Fresh off winning the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with the Super Falcons, Michelle Alozie has returned to Houston Dash with renewed confidence and motivation. The 28-year-old defender, who was named in the tournament’s Best XI, believes her international success will inspire her club form in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Alozie played a key role in helping Nigeria claim a record 10th WAFCON title, describing the triumph as part of the team’s “revenge tour” after their semifinal heartbreak in 2022.
> “It meant everything to me,” Alozie said. “To come back with so many new players and still win it showed our resilience. We wanted to make history for women’s football, and thankfully we were able to complete the mission.”
The Fluke Goal That Made History
One of Alozie’s standout moments came in the semifinal against rivals South Africa, where her unexpected strike sealed Nigeria’s spot in the final.
> “It was funny because my goal wasn’t really a shot at all, just a lofted ball that went in,” she admitted. “A little bit of a fluke, not going to lie, but I’m glad it got us into the final.”
That victory set up a thrilling showdown against hosts Morocco, where Nigeria came from 2–0 down at halftime to win 3–2 and lift the trophy.
> “To beat Morocco in their backyard after they knocked us out last time was the highlight of the revenge tour,” Alozie said.
From Africa’s Best to Houston Dash
Named among the continent’s finest, Alozie now shifts focus back to her club, Houston Dash, who currently sit 12th in the NWSL standings. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic.
> “When you come off these international breaks, you come back with confidence and energy,” Alozie said. “Our goal of making the playoffs is still possible. We just need to regroup and push in the second half of the season.”
For Alozie, the support of Houston’s Nigerian community has been an extra source of strength.
> “It’s so amazing to have Nigerians rooting for me here,” she said. “It gives me an extra reason to fight harder for them and for my team.”
With her WAFCON triumph fueling her drive, Alozie is ready to help the Dash turn their season around.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 18, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s growing influence in African football officiating has received another boost, as two of the nation’s top female referees have been appointed to handle games at the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League Qualifiers 2025 in Ivory Coast.
FIFA referees Rita Ama Boateng Nkansah and Patricia Kyeraa have been officially named among the match officials for the competition, which kicks off in Yamoussoukro from August 23 to September 5, 2025.
The prestigious appointment highlights Ghana’s reputation for producing highly respected referees and further cements the country’s strong representation on the continental stage.
For Nkansah and Kyeraa, this opportunity marks another career milestone as they prepare to officiate at one of Africa’s premier women’s club football tournaments.
