by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Atalanta and Napoli manager Bortolo Mutti has thrown his weight behind a surprising name to help Napoli reclaim the Serie A title next season—and it’s not Victor Osimhen.
Despite Osimhen’s massive influence during Napoli’s 2022/23 Scudetto-winning campaign, Mutti believes another Super Eagles star holds the key to the club’s future success: Ademola Lookman.
Speaking to Radio Kiss, Mutti expressed strong confidence in Lookman’s game-changing abilities.
> “Lookman is an immense footballer who is fun and makes you win matches. He always manages to invent the play. He is a fundamental piece for Atalanta,” Mutti said.
“If Napoli signs Lookman and Lorenzo Lucca too, then they would win the championship again.”
Napoli, who were crowned champions in 2023 and had a commendable run last season under Antonio Conte, are eyeing reinforcements ahead of their UEFA Champions League return. Despite losing key figures like Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia, and Kim Min-Jae in recent windows, the club managed to stay competitive, relying on players like Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku.
Now, with Lookman on their radar, Napoli seem intent on reloading for a proper title assault. The 27-year-old Nigerian winger has dazzled in Serie A since his arrival, notching 52 goals and 25 assists in 118 games for Atalanta. However, with just a year left on his contract, the Bergamo-based club are open to selling—if the price is right.
Atalanta reportedly want €60 million, a figure Napoli are said to be willing to match. While Lookman is rumoured to be considering a move abroad after three seasons in Italy, a switch to Napoli or Juventus could be on the cards if overseas offers don’t materialize.
Should the deal go through, Lookman could become the new heartbeat of Napoli’s attacking line—adding flair, goals, and a fresh Nigerian narrative to their Serie A dreams.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 17, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
From wearing the white of Germany’s U21s to proudly donning the green and white of Nigeria, Felix Agu has turned a pivotal chapter in his football journey — and he’s aiming for nothing short of history.
The Werder Bremen full-back, now 25, recently made his Super Eagles debut during the Unity Cup tournament in London, helping Nigeria clinch the trophy after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Jamaica. Agu featured for 83 minutes in the 2-2 final, instantly earning plaudits for his composure and versatility.
Having once chosen the comfort of familiar faces in the German youth setup, Agu has now opted for something more meaningful: representing the country of his heritage. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Nigerian journalist Ayodele Olu Ibidapo, the Bundesliga star laid bare his ambitions and his reasons for making the international switch.
> “Back then, I knew some of the German U21 players — it felt like a comfortable choice,” Agu admitted. “But now I’m ready. To play for Nigeria is the highest honour. I’m very proud and grateful to be here.”
More than pride, Agu is driven by purpose. His mission is clear: win the Africa Cup of Nations and help Nigeria secure a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
> “On a personal level, achieving success with the national team is even bigger than at club level. The goal is not just to reach the final of AFCON — it’s to win it. And of course, everyone wants to see Nigeria at the World Cup. That’s our target.”
Agu has quickly settled into the squad, thanks in part to familiar Bundesliga opponents-turned-teammates like Nathan Tella, Frank Onyeka, Victor Boniface, and Maduka Okoye.
> “Everyone welcomed me with open arms. That really helped me feel at home.”
The ex-German youth international also praised the sheer talent within the Nigerian setup but warned that raw ability won’t be enough without the right attitude.
> “I see great potential in the squad — especially in attack. I don’t think there’s any team, not just in Africa but in the world, with our quality up front. But now, it’s about mentality. We have to approach every match like a final. There’s no more room for mistakes.”
Having made his second appearance in a 1-1 draw with Russia in Moscow earlier this month, Agu is expected to be a key figure in Nigeria’s AFCON campaign and the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
His journey from Bremen to Abuja is more than a change of shirt — it’s a declaration of belief, purpose, and a hunger to bring glory back to the Super Eagles.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Super Eagles left-back Bruno Onyemaechi has thrown his weight behind national team coach Eric Chelle, following scathing remarks by former Nigerian captain Sunday Oliseh questioning the Malian tactician’s appointment.
Speaking to TVC News Nigeria, Onyemaechi hailed Chelle’s early impact and leadership, calling him “the right guy for the job” despite growing noise from critics.
“In the few months I’ve worked with him, I can say he’s the right guy for the job,” Onyemaechi said. “There’s noise outside saying he doesn’t know what he’s doing, but if you come closer, you’ll know he’s the right guy for the job.”
The 26-year-old defender’s comments follow Oliseh’s fiery take on PanAfricaFootball, where the 1994 AFCON winner slammed the NFF’s decision to appoint a non-Nigerian as head coach.
“I am not a big fan of him [Chelle],” Oliseh said bluntly. “It is a sign of disrespect to the coaches and people of Nigeria… Africans are not allowed to coach abroad, and Nigerians are not allowed to coach outside their shores.”
However, since taking charge in January, Chelle has enjoyed an unbeaten run in five matches, lifting the Unity Cup and fostering a positive atmosphere in camp — something Onyemaechi emphasized as key to the team’s progress.
Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign resumes in September with two must-win fixtures against South Africa and Rwanda, and Onyemaechi remains focused on the task ahead.
“Nigeria is a big nation. It’s a big shame if we don’t qualify for the World Cup,” he stressed. “We know the pressure is there, but we are professionals — we need to win these games and get the ticket.”
Away from national duty, Onyemaechi is also set for a milestone season with Olympiacos, preparing for his debut UEFA Champions League campaign after helping the Greek giants clinch a domestic double.
“It’s a very big season because I’ll be playing in the Champions League for the first time,” he said. “I’m looking forward to this — I hope I stay fit and ready.”
Since debuting for Nigeria in September 2023, Onyemaechi has become a key figure under Chelle, earning 15 caps and growing into a trusted presence in the squad.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Is Eric Chelle Watching? Four Nigeria-Eligible Talents Who Could Break into the Super Eagles After Club World Cup
As the countdown begins for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, attention isn’t just on the silverware, it’s also on the talent showcase.
With 32 top clubs from six continents battling for global glory, the tournament doubles as a grand audition for footballers dreaming of international breakthroughs. For Nigeria, head coach Eric Chelle will surely be keeping a close eye on players with Super Eagles eligibility who might emerge as fresh additions to the national team setup.
Here are four exciting prospects who could force Chelle’s hand with standout performances in the USA:
1. Carney Chukwuemeka
After struggling for minutes at Chelsea, Chukwuemeka made a mid-season switch to Borussia Dortmund in February. Despite injury setbacks limiting his appearances, the Austria-born midfielder is now fit and ready to shine. His performances at the Club World Cup could be crucial—not just for his club future, but also in settling his international allegiance, which still hangs in the balance between Austria, England, and Nigeria.
2. Tosin Adarabioyo
Fresh off a UEFA Conference League triumph with Chelsea, Adarabioyo has confirmed he’s using the summer to weigh up his international future. Born in England to Nigerian parents, the towering centre-back could be a major asset in Nigeria’s defence. A solid outing at the Club World Cup might just tip the scale in favour of a Super Eagles call-up.
3. Tyrique George
The teenage sensation from Camden has been a bright spark in Chelsea’s attacking unit under Enzo Maresca. Though he’s represented England at youth level, his Nigerian heritage makes him a hot prospect for the Super Eagles. If he dazzles on the global stage in America, don’t be surprised if Nigeria comes knocking.
4. Onuche Ogbelu
A midfield engine for Esperance de Tunis, Ogbelu first caught attention during Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2023 U-20 AFCON. Since then, he has matured into a regular starter at the Tunisian club. Still awaiting his senior national team debut, the 21-year-old has a chance to prove he’s ready for the next step.
With so much on the line at the 2025 Club World Cup, these four Nigeria-eligible stars have more than just club pride to play for—they’re auditioning for a place in the Super Eagles squad. Coach Eric Chelle, are you watching?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Kwame Awuah put in a masterful shift on Saturday night as Loudoun United FC clinched a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Detroit City FC in their USL Championship Round 1 showdown at Segra Field.
The Canadian-Ghanaian full-back was instrumental in Loudoun’s breakthrough win—their first ever against Detroit City in seven meetings. Awuah played the full match and delivered a decisive assist that ultimately sealed the win for the hosts.
Detroit City drew first blood in the 22nd minute through Ben Morris, but Loudoun roared back before halftime with a brace from Abdellatif Aboukoura. Michael Bryant pulled Detroit level shortly after the break, setting up a tense finish.
Then came Awuah’s moment of brilliance. In the 64th minute, he threaded a smart ball through to Zach Ryan, who buried the match-winner from close range. It was Awuah’s first assist of the season in 12 appearances, and it came when Loudoun needed it most.
Loudoun United dominated the stats, controlling possession and registering all seven shots on target. Detroit, surprisingly, failed to trouble the Loudoun goalkeeper throughout the game.
Fans were quick to heap praise on Awuah for his composed and creative performance, which proved key in rewriting the club’s history against Detroit.
Loudoun will look to build on the momentum when they travel to face Hartford Athletic on June 20.
