by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 19, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Amas Obasogie stood on the training pitch, soaking in the atmosphere of the Super Eagles camp in Kigali. It was his second senior call-up, yet the feeling never got old—the thrill of donning the green and white, the dream of stepping onto the pitch for Nigeria.
As he watched Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s undisputed No.1, Obasogie couldn’t help but feel inspired. Nwabali’s journey was proof that hard work and patience paid off.
Not long ago, the Super Eagles struggled to find a reliable goalkeeper. Francis Uzoho and Daniel Akpeyi had their moments, but neither locked down the position. Then came Nwabali, a shot-stopper who had proven himself in the NPFL before earning his place at South Africa’s Chippa United.
When Jose Peseiro gave him the nod for AFCON 2023, Nwabali seized the moment. He played all seven games, kept four clean sheets, and emerged as a hero in the semi-final against South Africa, where he saved two penalties in the decisive shootout. Nigeria fell short in the final, but Nwabali had won the nation’s trust.
For Obasogie, that journey was a source of motivation.
“I respect the effort Stanley Nwabali has put into claiming the number one shirt,” Obasogie told TheCable. “He proved himself in the NPFL before moving to Chippa United. Now, being in the Eagles camp is a huge opportunity for me.”
With Nigeria set to face Rwanda in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Friday, Obasogie dreams of making his debut.
“I train with the mentality that I am a Super Eagles goalkeeper,” he said. “If the opportunity comes to represent Nigeria, I aim to take it fully.”
Joining Nwabali and newly invited Kayode Bankole in Nigeria’s goalkeeping department, Obasogie is ready to prove himself. The Super Eagles squad is now complete, with Umar Sadiq and Alhassan Yusuf arriving in camp on Tuesday.
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins in earnest, and for Amas Obasogie, every training session is a step closer to turning his dream into reality.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
As the sun sets on Mohamed Salah’s illustrious Liverpool career, the Merseyside giants are already scouting for a worthy successor. With Salah’s contract set to expire at the end of the season and speculation linking him to Paris Saint-Germain or a lucrative Saudi Pro League move, Liverpool’s search for a dynamic replacement has led them to an extraordinary Nigerian talent—Ademola Lookman.
Once an unpolished gem at Everton and RB Leipzig, Lookman has flourished at Atalanta, transforming into one of Europe’s deadliest forwards. The 27-year-old Nigerian winger dazzled in Serie A and made history with a stunning hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final, securing Atalanta’s first European trophy. His rise has been nothing short of spectacular, earning him the 2024 African Footballer of the Year award and a nomination for the Ballon d’Or.
Reports from Italy suggest that Liverpool have made Lookman their “top” target should Salah bid farewell to Anfield. With 50 goals and 22 assists in 110 appearances for Atalanta, Lookman has become an integral part of Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad, who lauds him as “among the best in Europe and the world.”
But Liverpool aren’t the only suitors. Two other Premier League clubs are reportedly circling, hoping to lure the Super Eagles star back to English football. As the summer transfer window approaches, the battle for Lookman’s signature could intensify.
Could Anfield be the stage where Lookman writes his next great chapter? Liverpool fans will be watching closely.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Ola Aina arrived at Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023 as a free agent, a move that initially flew under the radar. Fast forward to March 2025, and the Nigerian international has become one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League.
His performances at the City Ground have been nothing short of spectacular, combining defensive resilience with attacking flair. Aina’s contributions have not only solidified Forest’s backline but also earned him a place among the league’s elite full-backs. His rising stock has been reflected in his market value, which has soared from €14 million in December to an impressive €20 million in March—a remarkable 42% increase.
With his contract set to expire in June, speculation surrounding his future is growing. Manchester City, always on the lookout for dynamic full-backs, have reportedly been monitoring his progress. Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo has even endorsed the move, describing Aina as “one of the top three right-backs in the league” and a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s system.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are eager to extend his stay. However, with Europe’s elite clubs circling, Aina may be tempted to take the next big step in his career. If he departs on a free transfer, Forest will face the painful reality of losing one of their most consistent performers without financial compensation.
As summer approaches, the question remains—will Aina remain at Forest, or is he destined for a blockbuster move to a top club? The coming months promise to be decisive for the Super Eagles star.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 19, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
As the Super Eagles gear up for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, Nigerian music superstar Wizkid has thrown his support behind the team.
The Afrobeats icon took to social media on Wednesday, expressing his excitement over the energy within the squad under new head coach Eric Chelle.
“New Super Eagles team! Love the energy,” Wizkid tweeted, signaling his confidence in the players ahead of the crucial encounter.
Chelle, who recently took charge of the team, led his first training session on Tuesday afternoon, setting the stage for Friday’s showdown at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
With Nigeria set to host Zimbabwe in Uyo on Tuesday after the Rwanda game, the Super Eagles must secure maximum points to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 19, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Kigali, Rwanda – As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare to battle Rwanda’s Wasps in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday, memories of their last encounter still linger.
Last November, Nigeria took the lead in Uyo through Samuel Chukwueze, only to be stunned by a swift Rwandan comeback, with Ange Mutsinzi and Nshuti Innocent securing a 2-1 victory for the visitors. Now, as the Super Eagles travel to Kigali, they must be wary of Rwanda’s key players who could once again tip the scales.
Here are five Rwandan stars to watch out for:
1. Fiacre Ntwari (Goalkeeper, Kaizer Chiefs)
Despite being a backup at Kaizer Chiefs, the 25-year-old shot-stopper was outstanding in Uyo, making four crucial saves. If Nigeria’s attack is to succeed, they must find a way past Ntwari’s safe hands.
2. Djihad Bizimana (Midfielder, FC Kryvbas)
The Amavubi captain is a midfield enforcer whose physicality disrupted Nigeria’s rhythm in their last meeting. The Super Eagles’ midfield will have to neutralize him to dictate the game’s tempo.
3. Emmanuel Imanishimwe (Defender, AEL Limassol)
A defensive rock on Rwanda’s left flank, Imanishimwe frustrated Nigeria’s wingers in Uyo. With solid form in Cyprus, he remains a tough challenge for the Super Eagles’ attack.
4. Jojea Kwizera (Wing-back, Rhode Island FC)
Kwizera turned the game around in Uyo with a superb assist off the bench. His creativity could once again be Rwanda’s secret weapon.
5. Nshuti Innocent (Forward, APR FC)
The match-winner in Uyo, Nshuti’s ability to find the net makes him a key player for Rwanda. Nigeria’s defense must keep him in check to avoid another upset.
With stakes high and a ticket to the World Cup on the line, the Super Eagles must bring their best game to silence the Wasps in Kigali.
