by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Southampton are reportedly among a host of Championship clubs showing strong interest in Nigerian winger Olakunle Olusegun ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old, who currently plays for Russian Premier League champions FC Krasnodar, has attracted attention following a breakout season in which he helped his club clinch their first-ever league title. Olusegun has made 100 appearances for Krasnodar, scoring 12 goals since joining the club, and recently signed a contract extension in March 2024.
His recent Nigeria senior debut — in a friendly against Russia — has further boosted his profile, with The Guardian reporting that Saints, along with Watford, QPR, and Coventry City, are all monitoring his situation closely.
Southampton, who are in the market for a striker and a creative midfielder, are also prioritising reinforcements on the wings. The club’s owner, Dragan Solak, has reiterated that the Saints won’t rely solely on the loan market this summer as they aim to rebuild for promotion contention.
With current Nigerian internationals Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu potentially exiting the club as they enter the final year of their contracts, Olusegun could emerge as a dynamic new addition to Ralph Hasenhüttl’s squad.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Tosin Adarabioyo delivered a commanding performance for Chelsea in their 3-0 victory over Espérance Tunis at the FIFA Club World Cup, further boosting calls for his inclusion in the Super Eagles squad.
The Nigeria-eligible defender not only opened the scoring with a towering header from Enzo Fernández’s set-piece delivery in the 45th minute, but also wore the captain’s armband, marshaling the Blues’ defence to a clean sheet. Liam Delap doubled the lead moments later, before Tyrique George added a third in stoppage time to seal Chelsea’s place in the Round of 16, where they will meet Portuguese side Benfica.
Adarabioyo’s impact did not go unnoticed, as he was deservedly named Man of the Match. According to Absolute Chelsea, the 27-year-old completed 126 touches, had a 97% pass accuracy, won all aerial duels, made four clearances, and even registered a shot on target. His teammate, Cole Palmer, was seen applauding him after the final whistle—an indication of the growing respect he commands in the Chelsea dressing room.
Speaking after the Europa Conference League final, where Chelsea thrashed Real Betis 4-1, Adarabioyo addressed growing speculation about his international future. In an interview with Nigerian journalist Oma Akatugba, he clarified:
> “I’ve never turned down Nigeria, and I’ve never had any conversations with them to say that I will be going to Nigeria. Last season, I just wanted to focus on club football at Fulham. Now, being in my first year at Chelsea, I also wanted to concentrate. But I think now is the time to make a decision.”
With Nigeria preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Adarabioyo’s potential switch could be a major boost for the Super Eagles—especially if he continues being overlooked by the England national team.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Real Oviedo star Kwasi Sibo reveals Rwanda FA approach, remains committed to Ghana
Real Oviedo midfielder Kwasi Sibo has disclosed that he was approached by the Rwanda Football Association to switch his international allegiance and represent the Amavubi. Despite the offer, Sibo remains committed to his dream of playing for Ghana.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 campaign with Real Oviedo, making 42 appearances, scoring once, and providing an assist. His influential performances helped the Spanish club secure promotion to La Liga for the first time in 24 years, just months after he signed a two-year deal with them in July 2024.
In an interview with Sportsblog247.com, Sibo confirmed the approach from Rwanda but maintained that his focus remains on the Black Stars.
> “Rwanda FA has contacted me to switch allegiance to play for them. They engaged me in the course of the season, but I did not make a firm decision because I wanted to end the season,” he said.
Although he has been consistently overlooked by Ghana’s national team selectors, Sibo holds no grudges, expressing optimism about earning a call-up in the future.
With his contract running until the summer of 2026, the enterprising defensive midfielder is expected to play a pivotal role for Real Oviedo in their return to Spain’s top flight.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Barcelona have intensified their interest in Ghana international Thomas Partey as the experienced midfielder prepares to leave Arsenal at the end of June as a free agent.
With contract renewal talks between Partey and the Gunners failing to yield an agreement, the 31-year-old is set to depart the Premier League after four years in North London. Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that discussions between Barcelona and Partey’s representatives have progressed considerably, despite rival interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and across Europe.
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco is believed to be a major driving force behind the move, impressed by Partey’s physical dominance, tactical awareness, and Champions League experience — qualities he believes will significantly bolster the Catalans’ midfield.
The potential free transfer aligns perfectly with Barcelona’s financial constraints, as the club looks for economical yet impactful additions. With Joan Garcia already signed and moves for Nico Williams and Roony Bardghji underway, Partey could be the next name through the door at Camp Nou.
A formal offer is expected in the coming days, with the club aiming to complete the deal before pre-season kicks off.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Black Stars defender Gideon Mensah has heaped praise on Ghana’s young debutants following their impressive performances at the just-ended Unity Cup in the United Kingdom.
The four-time African champions participated in the four-nation tournament hosted at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, where a reshuffled Ghana squad—missing several senior players—gave opportunities to a crop of promising youngsters.
Following a narrow 2-1 defeat to Nigeria in their opening match, Ghana bounced back emphatically to beat Trinidad and Tobago 4-0, securing a third-place finish. Among the standout performers were FC Nordsjaelland defender Caleb Yirenkyi, Christopher Bonsu Baah, and Mohammed Gaddafi.
Mensah, who featured in both matches, reserved special praise for the young players, particularly Yirenkyi.
“Caleb Yirenkyi was outstanding. He wasn’t even playing in his natural position, yet he put in a great shift,” Mensah told Sportsblog247.com. “He was very quiet in camp, but once he stepped onto the field, he showed a completely different side of himself. Christopher Bonsu Baah, Mohammed Gaddafi, and the other new boys also impressed.”
The Black Stars will next assemble in September for their crucial Matchday 7 and 8 fixtures in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali.
