by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 16, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Former Juventus midfielder and ex-Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has reignited the conversation surrounding Ahmed Musa’s role as captain of Nigeria’s national team, questioning the logic behind having a bench player lead the team.
Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most capped player and World Cup record-holder, has been captain since the retirement of John Mikel Obi in 2019. However, his limited game time in recent years—especially during major tournaments like the 2021 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations—has raised eyebrows.
Speaking during a recent interview on Channels TV, Oliseh didn’t mince words:
> “This is an anomaly. You can’t have your captain sitting on the bench. That means it’s the assistant who is leading the team. The Super Eagles is the most important role in Nigerian football.”
While Musa was largely a symbolic presence at AFCON tournaments, it was William Troost-Ekong who wore the armband on the field and led the team through most of the matches. Despite not featuring in the national setup throughout 2024, Musa was recently recalled by new head coach Eric Chelle for the Unity Cup friendlies in June.
Musa came off the bench in the match against Ghana as Nigeria defeated both the Black Stars and Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz to win the Unity Cup. Chelle’s unbeaten start as Super Eagles boss and his commitment to giving opportunities to local NPFL talents have earned him early praise, but the inclusion of Musa—and the captaincy question—remains a talking point.
While the decision to recall Musa might have been a nod to his experience and iconic status, many wonder if Chelle will now take the bold step of permanently assigning the captaincy to a more active, on-field leader ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September.
Ahmed Musa remains a Nigerian football legend—the first to score a brace in two different World Cup tournaments (2014 and 2018), and Nigeria’s highest goal scorer at the tournament with four goals. But as Oliseh and others argue, legendary status might not be enough to justify continued leadership without active contribution on the pitch.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ademola Lookman’s sensational form has not only lit up Serie A but also turned him into one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe—and now, a major transfer tug-of-war is brewing.
The Super Eagles star is widely expected to leave Atalanta this summer, a move hinted at by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano as early as February. But while big-name suitors like Arsenal, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, and Napoli are circling, his future remains undecided.
Napoli are the latest club to enter the race, reportedly readying a €50 million offer to lure the 27-year-old winger to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. However, that amount appears insufficient.
According to Corriere di Bergamo, Atalanta are standing firm and will not entertain any offers below €60 million for their prized asset. The Bergamo-based club, known for being shrewd negotiators, are determined to extract maximum value from any sale—especially with Lookman coming off a spectacular season that includes his UEFA Europa League heroics.
Despite their strong stance, the clock is ticking. If Atalanta fail to offload Lookman this summer, they risk losing him for free when his contract expires next year—a blow their modest budget may not absorb easily.
As the saga unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Atalanta bend or a European heavyweight breaks the bank to land the Nigerian star.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian goalkeeper Razak Abalora has officially ended his stint with Albanian Superliga outfit AF Elbasani following an early termination of his contract, placing him on the radar as a free agent ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old’s unexpected departure reportedly stems from internal disagreements at the club, though specific details of the fallout remain undisclosed. Abalora had joined Elbasani ahead of the 2024–25 season and quickly rose to become their undisputed No.1, making 33 appearances, conceding 30 goals, and registering an impressive 11 clean sheets — a solid record for a team fighting to stay afloat in Albania’s top flight.
His abrupt exit has since triggered speculation about his next destination, with Asante Kotoko — his former club — believed to be closely monitoring the situation. The Porcupine Warriors are currently revamping their squad for the 2025–26 Ghana Premier League season and view Abalora as a perfect blend of experience and reliability between the sticks.
A product of WAFA SC, Abalora’s career has seen him feature in Europe with FC Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova — including appearances in UEFA Champions League qualifiers — and later with FC Petrocub Hîncești, before landing in Albania.
Capped four times by the Black Stars, he remains a highly respected figure in Ghanaian football. With his future wide open, Abalora now faces a crucial decision in his career — one that could reignite his form and reputation on both domestic and international fronts.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
After four unforgettable years in Cyprus, Ghanaian winger Kingsley Sarfo has officially closed the curtain on his chapter with APOEL Nicosia. The 29-year-old departs the club following the expiration of his contract, with both parties opting not to renew terms after weeks of discussions.
Sarfo’s time at APOEL was more than just a stint — it was a journey of commitment, creativity, and consistency. From the moment he arrived in 2021, the Ghanaian speedster lit up the GSP Stadium with his trademark flair, blistering pace, and sharp football intelligence.
In total, Sarfo made over 100 appearances for the Cypriot giants — a milestone few foreign players achieve in the club’s storied history. That century of appearances, celebrated earlier this year, underlined his reliability and influence in the team.
The 2024-25 season saw him feature 18 times across all competitions, chipping in with two goals and one assist. But perhaps his finest moment came in the Cypriot Super Cup, where he netted a crucial goal to help APOEL lift the trophy — a perfect parting gift to the fans who had embraced him.
Though the club and player couldn’t find common ground on a contract extension, the separation has been amicable. Sarfo leaves with the admiration of supporters and the gratitude of the club — a player who gave his all on and off the pitch.
As he eyes his next destination, speculation is already growing about where the talented winger will land. With suitors likely watching from both Europe and Africa, Kingsley Sarfo’s next step promises to be just as captivating as the last.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Malik Abubakari is set to bring his chapter at Danish Superliga club Lyngby Boldklub to a close after a testing 2024/25 season, as he prepares for a new opportunity to revive his career.
The 24-year-old striker, who joined Lyngby in 2023, endured a frustrating campaign, managing just one goal in 20 appearances. His struggles in front of goal were a stark contrast to the explosive promise he displayed in previous spells, most notably in Portugal’s Liga Portugal 2.
Despite his recent dip in form, Abubakari’s raw talent, athleticism, and technical ability remain evident. His previous success in Portugal has not been forgotten, and several clubs from the second tier are reportedly keeping tabs on his situation with interest.
Sources close to the player suggest that a return to Portuguese football could be on the cards once his departure from Lyngby is finalized. For Abubakari, a familiar environment where he previously flourished might provide the perfect setting to rebuild confidence and regain momentum in his career.
With the summer transfer window now open, the former Ghana U20 international is hopeful of securing a move that aligns with his ambitions. For many clubs looking to sharpen their attacking edge, Abubakari could yet prove to be a shrewd acquisition.
