by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Bright Osayi-Samuel’s switch to Birmingham City has sparked a blend of optimism and reservation, with former Nigeria U-17 World Cup winner Sambo Choji offering a thoughtful perspective on the move.
The Super Eagles defender sealed a three-year contract with Birmingham after turning down a renewal offer from Turkish giants Fenerbahce. While the 26-year-old had attracted interest from top European clubs, his decision to join a Championship side has generated discussions in the Nigerian football space.
Speaking to Footy Africa, Choji, a member of Nigeria’s 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning squad, admitted having mixed feelings about the move.
> “I do not know the financial details of the deal which took Bright (Osayi-Samuel) to Birmingham City, but I have mixed feelings about it,” Choji said. “Maybe he wanted to be closer to home, since he grew up in England. Being around loved ones often brings the best out of a player.”
Choji, however, was quick to praise Osayi-Samuel’s quality, expressing hope that the full-back can help Birmingham push for Premier League promotion.
> “He is a good defender. I was hoping to see him in the Premier League already, but I believe he’ll prove his worth and help Birmingham reach that level.”
Osayi-Samuel himself cited the club’s ambition as a major reason for the move.
> “The project excited me. I spoke to the owner and manager, and they want to get to the Premier League quickly. That’s my ambition too,” the former QPR man said.
> “They’ve shown belief in me, and now it’s time to repay that on the pitch.”
Birmingham City, fresh from earning promotion to the Championship, are building a competitive squad—and Osayi-Samuel is expected to play a central role in their Premier League push.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Cyriel Dessers was notably absent from Rangers’ matchday squad on Sunday as the Scottish giants staged a spirited second-half comeback to draw 2-2 with Club Brugge in a pre-season clash at Ibrox.
The Nigeria international, who has been linked with a summer switch to Greek side AEK Athens, watched from the stands as his teammates overcame a two-goal deficit. Though Rangers are open to selling the striker, ongoing negotiations over his transfer fee have delayed any potential move.
Dessers, who represented Nigeria at the Unity Cup in May, was granted an extended break by manager Russell Martin — a factor that likely influenced his omission from the friendly lineup. Still, the 29-year-old took time to greet fans, signing autographs and taking photos with supporters before kickoff.
Despite his absence, Nigerian talent was still on display, as recent signing Emmanuel Fernandez made his unofficial debut for the club. The 22-year-old centre-back came on in the 60th minute, just four days after completing his move to Ibrox.
Club Brugge took control early with first-half goals from Hugo Vetlesen and Ludovit Reis. However, Rangers responded after the interval through Mohamed Diomande and Findlay Curtis to secure the draw.
Another Nigerian, Raphael Onyedika, was not included in Club Brugge’s squad, but his compatriot Vince Osuji featured in the encounter.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 7, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Chiamaka Nnadozie has praised her Super Falcons teammates following their emphatic 3-0 victory over Tunisia in Nigeria’s opening Group B match at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Goals from Asisat Oshoala, Omorinsola Babajide, and Chiwendu Ihezuo ensured a commanding win for Justin Madugu’s side on Monday night, giving Nigeria the perfect start in their quest for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
Despite having little to do in goal, Nnadozie – who recently signed for English side Brighton & Hove Albion after five seasons with Paris FC – was full of praise for the opposition and her own squad.
> “I feel so good, it was a great start for us,” the 24-year-old said in an interview with journalist Osasu Obayiuwana. “Tunisia are a strong team, we respect them. They have very confident players and quick wingers. But today was our day.”
Reflecting on her quiet evening between the posts, the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year highlighted the importance of staying alert.
> “We didn’t have much to do at the back, but staying concentrated is key—you never know what can happen in games like this.”
When asked about Nigeria’s chances of lifting the trophy again, Nnadozie remained grounded.
> “There are a lot of strong teams here. We’re not thinking too far ahead. We’re taking it one game at a time. If we keep playing like this, then hopefully, ‘Mission X’ will be fulfilled.”
The former Paris FC shot-stopper also spoke about her recent move to the Women’s Super League.
> “Leaving Paris was tough—it’s like a second home. But it was time to move forward. I’ve already received so many messages from Nigerians in Brighton, and I can’t wait to join them.”
Now focused entirely on the tournament, Nnadozie and the Super Falcons shift their attention to their next group fixture against Botswana on Thursday at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 7, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a major endorsement of Ghanaian football leadership, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, as the new head of its Organizing Committee for Inter-Club Competitions and Club Licensing.
This appointment places the CAF 2nd Vice President at the heart of African club football governance, entrusting him with the responsibility of steering the prestigious CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup—competitions that shape the narrative of elite football across the continent.
Beyond matchday affairs, Okraku will also oversee the CAF Club Licensing System—an ambitious framework aimed at raising standards in club management, infrastructure, youth development, and financial transparency. The system, modeled on international best practices, is a cornerstone of CAF’s strategy to professionalize African football from the grassroots to the elite.
His new role involves collaborating with the CAF Executive Committee, member associations, and key stakeholders to modernize and elevate inter-club competitions, making them more competitive, commercially viable, and globally respected.
For Ghana, this is more than a personal triumph. It is a symbolic milestone—a sign that Ghanaian football leaders are once again playing a defining role on the continental stage.
With his wealth of experience, passion for youth development, and progressive vision, Kurt Okraku is expected to drive the kind of reforms that could transform African club football into a powerhouse of global talent and professionalism.
This appointment signals CAF’s confidence in his leadership—and more importantly, its intent to raise the bar for African football excellence.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Swedish Allsvenskan title contenders Mjallby AIF are plotting a summer swoop for highly-rated Ghanaian winger Frank Junior Adjei, who has been turning heads with his standout performances for IFK Varnamo.
The 21-year-old speedster has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in the league this season. With his explosive pace, fearless dribbling, and ability to slice open defences, Adjei has not only lit up Varnamo’s attack but also drawn the attention of Mjallby’s scouts.
According to sources close to the club, Mjallby have made their interest known, though formal negotiations and fee discussions are still in the early stages.
In his 14 Allsvenskan appearances this season, Adjei has bagged 2 goals and 1 assist, modest stats that barely scratch the surface of his impact on the pitch. His journey began in Ghana with Bibiani GoldStars, where his raw potential quickly made him a fan favorite before making the leap to Europe.
Now, with Mjallby in pursuit, Adjei stands on the brink of a major career breakthrough. A move to a title-challenging side could not only elevate his club career but also push him closer to a debut with the Black Stars of Ghana.
As the summer window heats up, all eyes will be on whether Mjallby can seal the deal for one of Ghana’s brightest emerging prospects.
