by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The Rossoneri reignite interest in Nigerian midfielder as Club Brugge stands firm
AC Milan is once again knocking on Club Brugge’s door for the signature of Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika, but the Belgian club is not making it easy.
The seven-time UEFA Champions League winners had previously shown interest in Onyedika last summer, but Brugge’s €24 million valuation proved too high. Now, with the summer transfer window approaching, Milan has returned with a fresh €18 million bid, hoping to secure the 23-year-old on a five-year deal.
However, reports indicate that Club Brugge is set to reject the offer, standing firm on their asking price. Despite this, Milan remains undeterred and could return with an improved bid as they look to bolster their midfield options for the upcoming season.
Crystal Palace’s Previous Interest
Before Milan’s renewed push, English Premier League side Crystal Palace had also monitored Onyedika. Palace’s sporting director, Dougie Freedman, was reportedly impressed after scouting the Nigerian midfielder. The club was also considering Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, whose contract expires soon. However, no formal bid was submitted, leaving Milan with a clear path to negotiations.
Who Will Replace Onyedika at Club Brugge?
As speculation over Onyedika’s future intensifies, Club Brugge is already preparing for a possible exit. Reports from Belgian sources suggest that Croatian midfielder Leon Belcar, currently with NK Varaždin, is among the leading candidates to replace the Nigerian.
With AC Milan determined to get their man and Brugge standing their ground, the saga continues. Will the Rossoneri meet Brugge’s demands, or will another club swoop in for Onyedika? The summer transfer window promises to be an intriguing one.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 19, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigerian youngster Abube Onuchukwu proved to be the hero for Ipswich Town U21s on Tuesday night, scoring a dramatic 96th-minute equalizer to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw against Millwall in a Professional Development League clash at Portman Road.
Millwall took an early lead in the 19th minute through Sheldon Kendall, whose shot deflected off Edwin Agbaje. They doubled their advantage in the 56th minute when Jaiden Celestine Charles found the net.
Ipswich fought back with Afi Adebayo pulling one back in the 64th minute, but Millwall restored their two-goal cushion in the 75th minute as Celestine Charles grabbed his second.
With time running out, Ipswich mounted a late comeback. Taylor beat the offside trap to score in the 90th minute, setting up a tense finale. Then, in the 96th minute, Onuchukwu tapped in from close range after Somto Boniface’s cross found its way into the box, sparking celebrations among the home crowd.
A dynamic box-to-box midfielder, Onuchukwu was recently invited to Nigeria’s Flying Eagles training camp in Katsina but has yet to report due to club commitments. However, he remains focused on earning a place in Aliyu Zubairu’s squad for the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, believing that standout performances with Ipswich’s development team will keep him on the national team’s radar.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 19, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
With the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) title race nearing its climax, Remo Stars have taken a commanding lead, sitting eight points clear at the top as they edge closer to their first-ever league crown.
Following a setback in Benin against Bendel Insurance, Remo Stars bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Heartland in Ikenne, extending their points tally to 57. Their nearest challengers, Rivers United, remain second with 49 points after a hard-fought 2-1 win over El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri.
Defending champions Enugu Rangers and Ikorodu City both sit on 45 points, separated only by goal difference, while Abia Warriors trail closely behind in fifth. With the title seemingly within Remo Stars’ grasp, the real battle now is for the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup spots.
The second-placed team will join the champions in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, while the third-placed side will secure a CAF Confederation Cup ticket. Shooting Stars, Kano Pillars (both on 43 points), and eighth-placed Enyimba are all still in contention if results go their way.
Enyimba, on a four-game unbeaten run, were denied an away win against Ikorodu City after a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer forced a 2-2 draw. Coach Stanley Eguma remains optimistic despite the setback, saying, “We will take it one game at a time. No game is easy, but we will keep fighting until the end of the season.”
As the season enters its crucial stage, teams will battle for valuable points this weekend. Remo Stars travel to face Lobi Stars in Enugu, while Bendel Insurance hosts Sunshine Stars. Enyimba faces Bayelsa United at home, while Plateau United takes on Kano Pillars in Jos. Shooting Stars must win against Niger Tornadoes in Ibadan to stay in the continental race.
With just a few games left, every point counts as teams scramble for their spot in next season’s CAF competitions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 19, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghanaian midfielder Elisha Owusu has expressed his disappointment at missing the Black Stars’ upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to injury but remains optimistic about the team’s success.
Owusu was initially included in Ghana’s squad for the crucial matches against Chad and Madagascar but was ruled out after sustaining an injury. Despite the setback, he maintains a positive outlook and is focused on his recovery.
“It’s never easy to miss out, but I believe everything happens for a reason, and my focus now is on recovery,” Owusu shared on social media.
He also rallied support for his teammates, urging fans to stand behind the Black Stars. “Your support means everything. Keep believing in the team, and let’s push forward together!”
Ghana will face Chad on March 21 at the Accra Sports Stadium before taking on Madagascar in Morocco on March 24. The Black Stars are currently joint top of Group I with nine points, alongside Comoros.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 19, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The National Sports Authority (NSA) has confirmed that parts of the Accra Sports Stadium will be restricted during Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Chad on Friday, March 20, due to ongoing maintenance.
NSA Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah disclosed that engineers have advised cordoning off eight rows of the upper popular stand to ensure safety. However, he reassured fans that the stadium would still operate at 80% capacity for the crucial match.
“Engineers have recommended that eight rows of the upper popular stand be cordoned off, but we will still have 80% of the stadium’s capacity available,” Ankrah told Sporty FM.
The Accra Sports Stadium has been undergoing renovations for months, leading to temporary closures. With the Black Stars playing their first home game of the year, authorities have assured fans that the venue will be ready to host the fixture.
Ghana, currently tied with Comoros at the top of Group I with nine points, will be looking to secure victory against Chad to strengthen their World Cup qualification hopes.
