by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Once tipped for stardom after leading Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup, Samson Tijani is set to begin a fresh chapter in his career — this time in the Czech Republic.
The 23-year-old midfielder has arrived in Prague ahead of a free transfer to Czech First League side Dukla Prague, bringing his four-year stint with Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg to an end. Tijani is expected to undergo his medical today, after which he will sign a deal with the club managed by David Holoubek.
The move marks a significant step for Tijani, who struggled to establish himself at Salzburg due to persistent injuries and stiff competition in midfield. Despite being signed in 2020 with high expectations, the former Golden Eaglets captain managed just five first-team appearances for the Austrian side.
However, he featured regularly on loan at FC Liefering, Hartberg, Wolfsberger AC (WAC), and most recently Fredrikstad FK in Norway. Unfortunately, his time in Norway was cut short by another injury setback, prompting an early return to Salzburg.
Now a free agent, Tijani sees Dukla Prague as a platform to revive the promise that once made him a standout in Nigeria’s youth setup, where he scored twice in a thrilling 4–2 win over Hungary at the 2019 U-17 World Cup. He later made his senior debut for Nigeria in an international friendly against Algeria in 2020.
Ghanaian sports journalist Atanga Emmanuel confirmed the impending move, sharing footage of Tijani’s arrival in Prague and reporting that only the medical remains before the deal is finalized.
With a new environment and fresh ambition, Samson Tijani will be hoping to reignite his career and fulfill the potential that once made him one of Nigeria’s most exciting midfield prospects.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Leeds United have intensified their summer recruitment drive by entering the race to sign Super Eagles and Club Brugge midfield star, Raphael Onyedika. The Whites now join fellow Premier League sides West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur in pursuit of the powerful 24-year-old.
Despite strong interest over the last two summers, Onyedika has remained with the Belgian giants. However, with talks ongoing regarding a potential departure, this summer may finally mark his exit from the Jupiler Pro League.
Leeds, who are desperate to solidify their place in the Premier League following their promotion, view the Nigerian international as a key piece to fortify their midfield. The club is keen to avoid the fate of the last three Championship promotion winners—all of whom were relegated at the end of their debut season back in the top-flight.
Manager Daniel Farke has already made significant strides in the market. The Whites have secured the signature of forward Lukas Nmecha from Wolfsburg, and a move for Udinese centre-back Jaka Bijol is expected to follow shortly. Additionally, the club has tabled a £22 million bid for Strasbourg captain Habib Diarra, though the French club appears to be holding out for higher offers.
Onyedika, reportedly valued around £25.6 million, fits the mold of the physical, combative midfielder both West Ham and Leeds are hunting for. According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, West Ham see the Nigerian as a potential replacement for Tomas Soucek, while Leeds have added him to a growing list of midfield targets.
“He’s a very good player, and it wouldn’t surprise me [if a move happens],” Bailey noted. “He’s a threat. West Ham are looking at him… but Leeds have looked at him as well. They want that type of player—that physicality.”
While the Premier League is clearly a major draw, Onyedika’s suitors also include clubs in Spain and Turkey, leaving the midfielder with several options to weigh ahead of next season.
As the transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on Club Brugge and Onyedika’s final decision—a move to the English top-flight could be just the next big step in his blossoming career.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Turkish giants Fenerbahçe have thrown their hat into the ring for the signature of in-demand Nigerian striker Toluwalase Emmanuel Arokodare, who is also being pursued by Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart.
The 24-year-old Super Eagles forward lit up the Belgian Pro League last season, scoring an impressive 23 goals and registering five assists in 45 appearances for KRC Genk under manager Thorsten Fink. His stellar performances earned him the coveted Belgian Golden Shoe and attracted interest from some of Europe’s top leagues.
Now, Turkish outlet Wajturk reports that Fenerbahçe are keen to bring the towering 1.97m striker to Istanbul as part of their ambitious rebuilding plans. With Jose Mourinho at the helm, the Yellow Canaries are looking to reclaim domestic dominance after losing out to Galatasaray in the title race. The board is under pressure from fans to respond in kind, especially after their arch-rivals secured the high-profile signing of Leroy Sané and continue to push for a permanent deal for Victor Osimhen.
Fenerbahçe see Arokodare as a marquee signing—one who fits the mould of a classic Super Lig striker with his strength, aerial dominance, athleticism, and ability to score with both feet. While it remains uncertain whether Arokodare would prefer a move to Turkey over Germany, he has previously expressed admiration for Real Madrid, hinting at a preference for clubs with continental prestige.
As the summer transfer window unfolds, all eyes will be on the next move for Arokodare—one of the most exciting Nigerian strikers currently in European football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Scottish Premiership giants Celtic have reignited their interest in Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho, setting the stage for a potential summer swoop that could reunite the Nigerian forward with Brendan Rodgers.
Iheanacho, 28, was previously linked with a move to Celtic during the winter transfer window but instead opted for a short-term switch to Middlesbrough in the English Championship. Despite flashes of brilliance, he couldn’t guide Boro to Premier League promotion and has since returned to parent club Sevilla ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Reports from The Daily Record suggest that Celtic are ready to revisit their pursuit of the former Manchester City and Leicester City star, who enjoyed his best Premier League form under Rodgers at Leicester. The Hoops are hopeful that rekindling their past successful relationship could spark a new chapter in Glasgow.
The timing could be ideal for Celtic fans craving Nigerian flair. With Leon Balogun confirming his exit from Rangers and Cyriel Dessers reportedly on the verge of joining Greek giants AEK Athens, Iheanacho’s arrival would provide a new Super Eagles figure for the Nigerian community in Glasgow to rally behind.
Sevilla’s sporting director Victor Orta has admitted that signing Iheanacho on a free transfer last year “may have been a mistake,” hinting at a willingness to let the forward go. Although Iheanacho has expressed a desire to fight for his place in Spain, the door remains open for a summer departure.
“I’m really excited to be here. Sevilla is a great club, and I loved my experience. I’ll be happy to get back there,” Iheanacho told Mundo Deportivo. However, should Celtic make an official approach, the opportunity for a fresh start under a familiar coach could prove too tempting to resist.
With his contract set to expire next summer, Sevilla are unlikely to demand a high fee, making Iheanacho an attractive option as Celtic look to bolster their attack for both domestic and European campaigns.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Story:
Victor Osimhen’s name is back on the summer transfer radar, but this time, it comes with a twist that Arsenal fans may find hard to swallow.
After a turbulent spell with Napoli, where his relationship with the club’s board completely broke down, Osimhen was sent on loan to Galatasaray. There, the Nigerian striker rediscovered his form, netting a stunning 37 goals in 41 games. That performance reignited the interest of several European heavyweights, especially from the Premier League—Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
But the Gunners’ pursuit may have hit a dead end.
According to reports from Atanga Emmanuel via Sportsblog247.com, Osimhen has ruled out negotiations with both Arsenal and Manchester United for the time being. Instead, he remains in contact with Chelsea, who have long had eyes on him. Despite the snub, Arsenal have not completely taken him off their radar.
Manager Mikel Arteta is in dire need of a prolific number nine—someone with lethal finishing and a killer instinct in front of goal. While Gabriel Jesus offers work rate and versatility, he has failed to deliver the kind of numbers that bring silverware to North London. And Osimhen? He ticks many boxes: strength, speed, positional awareness, and an unrelenting hunger for goals.
Yet, this situation raises a crucial question: Should Arsenal keep chasing a player who seems to prefer another club?
Insisting on Osimhen might not only waste valuable time but could also damage the club’s careful recruitment reputation. Arsenal have recently been selective and strategic in their signings, choosing players who fit both the playing philosophy and the culture. Forcing a move for someone who is not fully sold on the project may backfire on and off the pitch.
Moreover, Osimhen isn’t without his concerns. His fitness record and the dramatic fallout with Napoli hint at potential red flags. Add to that the hefty price tag, and suddenly the move looks riskier than it initially appears.
There’s no denying the talent. His goal-scoring form in Turkey, albeit in a less competitive league, shows a striker in his prime. But perhaps the wiser path is to explore alternatives—players who are both quality-driven and eager to join Arsenal’s rising project.
Because sometimes, even the brightest star isn’t worth chasing if it’s already shining elsewhere.
