by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Nottingham Forest have secured the long-term services of Nigerian international Ola Aina, who has officially penned a new contract that will keep him at the City Ground until June 2028.
The 27-year-old defender becomes the latest piece in Forest’s evolving puzzle, following fellow full-back Neco Williams in reaffirming his commitment to the club’s long-term project. The back-to-back contract renewals underline the club’s clear strategy of continuity, stability, and building around a dynamic defensive core.
Aina, known for his versatility and experience, has impressed since arriving and is now set to be a vital figure in the club’s Premier League journey for years to come.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 7, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
July 7, 2025
Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, have officially opened camp in Abuja as preparations intensify ahead of the highly anticipated WAFU B U-20 Championship, set to kick off in Ghana from July 10 to 23.
Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu is spearheading the charge, with his eyes set firmly on fine-tuning the squad’s attacking play—a key area that proved problematic in past outings.
> “We’re taking proactive steps to fix the problems we had previously, especially with our finishing,” Zubairu said. “The tournament in Ghana gives us the platform to try out new players, test combinations, and sharpen our edge in front of goal.”
Grouped in Group A alongside hosts Ghana and Benin Republic, the Flying Eagles will begin their campaign with a blockbuster clash against Ghana on July 10.
While the WAFU B tournament carries regional prestige, it also holds deeper significance—it serves as a vital tune-up for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, where Nigeria will represent Africa alongside South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco from September 27 to October 19.
Coach Zubairu is treating every game as a dress rehearsal for the global stage.
> “These matches will help us build team chemistry and give valuable exposure to more players. The goal is to head to Chile with a balanced, battle-tested squad.”
With their Abuja camp now in full gear, the Flying Eagles are expected to rise to the challenge and bring their trademark flair and fighting spirit to Accra. Nigeria’s quest for regional dominance and global preparation begins now.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 7, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
History meets high expectations as Moroccan referee Bouchra Karboubi has been appointed to officiate the much-anticipated clash between Ghana’s Black Queens and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in their opening fixture of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2025.
Karboubi, a trailblazer in African refereeing, will lead an all-female officiating team for the Group B showdown at the Stade d’Honneur in Oujda, Morocco on Monday, July 7, with kickoff at 5:00pm local time (16:00 GMT).
She will be supported by fellow Moroccan Ihsane Ennouajeli Nouajli (Assistant I) and Algeria’s Asma Feriel Ouahab (Assistant II). Sabah Sadir (Morocco) will serve as the Fourth Official, while Gambia’s Sainabou Cham will act as Match Commissioner. Tesfanesh Woreta Hailu of Ethiopia will take on the role of referee assessor.
With the stakes high in this Group B cracker, the appointment of such an experienced officiating team promises fairness and professionalism on the field.
Stade d’Honneur, Oujda
July 7 | 5:00 PM Local / 16:00 GMT
⚖️ All eyes on Karboubi and crew
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu is edging closer to a move to Spain, with reports indicating that the Blues and Valencia CF are finalizing terms for a season-long loan deal.
The 20-year-old French-Nigerian talent, who joined Chelsea from Rennes last summer, is seen as a valuable addition to Valencia’s midfield plans for the upcoming season. After limited opportunities in the Premier League, the move is expected to offer Ugochukwu more playing time and a chance to shine in La Liga.
Deal imminent.
One for the future.
A loan spell with promise.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 6, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Germany-born Ghanaian forward Salim Musah has officially extended his stay with SV Werder Bremen, affirming his commitment to the club where he has spent most of his formative years.
The contract renewal was announced by the Bundesliga club on Sunday, July 6, with sporting director Marc Dommer expressing delight at the teenager’s progress and future potential.
“Thanks to his physical presence, technical ability, and finishing instinct, Salim can trouble any defense. Despite injuries, his determination over the past eight years has been commendable. We’re thrilled he wants to keep growing with us,” said Dommer.
Standing tall at 1.98 meters, the 19-year-old powerhouse joined Werder Bremen’s Performance Centre from VfL Oldenburg back in 2017 at just 11 years old. Since then, he’s risen steadily through the ranks, becoming a lethal force in front of goal.
Last season, Salim bagged an astonishing 20 goals in 24 competitive matches, averaging a goal every 70 minutes. His performances have earned him a preseason call-up to the first team, while he’ll also continue contributing to the U23 squad in the upcoming campaign.
With Ghanaian roots and German discipline, Salim Musah is one to watch as he powers forward in green and white.
