by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In a moment of pure joy and triumph, Gift Monday stood among her UDG Tenerife teammates as she received the Liga F Player of the Month award for February 2025. The Nigerian forward, who has been in electrifying form, beamed with pride as cheers erupted around her during the team’s training session.
Her journey to this achievement has been nothing short of remarkable. With 10 goals in 18 matches, Monday has played a pivotal role in Tenerife’s push for a top-six finish. She currently sits third in the league’s goal-scoring chart, trailing only Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor and Edna Imade. Her six-game scoring streak earlier in the season showcased her lethal finishing, earning her recognition among Spain’s finest.
Winning this award places Monday in elite company, as she becomes only the second Nigerian to claim the honor after Rasheedat Ajibade’s historic win in September 2024. The competition was fierce, with stars like Real Madrid’s Alba Redondo and Barcelona’s Caroline Graham Hansen in contention, but Monday’s brilliance set her apart.
Since joining Tenerife in 2022 from FC Robo, the 23-year-old has steadily risen to prominence. Her recent contract extension until 2027 is a testament to her importance to the club. As she continues to shine, Nigerian football fans and Super Falcons supporters will be hoping she carries this form into international duty.
From Lagos to Liga F stardom, Gift Monday is proving that she belongs among the best.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In a season where FC Nantes has battled against the odds, one player has consistently shone through the darkness—Moses Simon. The Nigerian winger has mesmerized defenders, danced past challenges, and written his name into the record books as the best dribbler in Ligue 1 for the 2024/25 campaign.
According to statistics from EuroFootballRumours.com, Simon has completed 51 successful dribbles this season, more than any other player in the division. His nearest competitor, Farid El Melali of Angers, has 48, while Yann Gboho of Toulouse sits in third with 42. Even big names like Marseille’s Mason Greenwood and PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé trail behind, unable to match Simon’s ability to glide past opponents with ease.
At 29, Simon continues to prove his worth, not just with his dazzling footwork but also with his overall impact on the pitch. He has been fouled 35 times this season—one of the highest in the league—highlighting how defenders struggle to contain his explosive pace and tight ball control.
But dribbling isn’t the only thing that defines Simon’s game. He has also delivered where it matters most, scoring six goals and providing seven assists for Nantes. As the club fights for survival, his performances on the left wing remain a beacon of hope.
His brilliance extends beyond France, too. In a recent ranking of Europe’s best dribblers, Simon placed fourth, behind only Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), and Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham Hotspur).
For Super Eagles fans, this is yet another testament to Simon’s consistency and talent. Whether in Ligue 1 or on the international stage, he continues to be a player who delivers magic when it matters most. And as Nantes fight to retain their top-flight status, their fate could rest in the hands—and feet—of their dribbling king.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 4, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to battle Rwanda and Zimbabwe in two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers during the March international break. With just two points from two games, the three-time African champions sit in a precarious fifth place in Group C, trailing Benin Republic, Rwanda, South Africa, and Lesotho.
Now under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria must turn the tide if they are to keep their World Cup dreams alive. However, the team faces an uphill task with key absences—Semi Ajayi has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury, while Raphael Onyedika remains a major doubt.
Nwabali Stands Tall in Goal
Despite enduring a turbulent period at Chippa United following personal losses, Stanley Nwabali is still Nigeria’s best option between the posts. His performances at the 2024 AFCON solidified his status as the Super Eagles’ number one, and he will be crucial in ensuring defensive stability.
Defense: A Return to the Back Four
Chelle is expected to abandon the back-three system used by Jose Peseiro and revert to a traditional back four. William Troost-Ekong’s leadership will anchor the defense, with Fulham’s Calvin Bassey in top form as his ideal partner in central defense.
Ola Aina, a consistent performer for Nottingham Forest, is set to take his usual spot at right-back, while Bruno Onyemaechi will patrol the left flank in the absence of Zaidu Sanusi.
Midfield: Ndidi’s Experience & Iwobi’s Spark
The return of Wilfred Ndidi is a massive boost, as the Leicester City star remains Nigeria’s most reliable defensive midfielder. He is likely to be paired with New England Revolution’s Alhassan Yusuf, who has steadily grown into his role in the national team.
Further forward, Alex Iwobi has been thriving in the English Premier League under Marco Silva’s guidance. His ability to unlock defenses and score goals makes him a key playmaker for Nigeria’s attack.
Attack: Osimhen Leads the Line
In the forward line, Moses Simon’s dazzling dribbling and playmaking ability make him an automatic choice on the right wing. The FC Nantes star has been in sensational form, ranking among Europe’s best dribblers alongside the likes of Lamine Yamal, Jamal Musiala, and Vinicius Junior.
On the left, Ademola Lookman has proven to be indispensable. His return to Atalanta’s lineup sparked a turnaround in their form, and he will be crucial for Nigeria as well.
At the heart of the attack, Victor Osimhen remains the Super Eagles’ talisman. The Napoli loanee, currently thriving at Galatasaray, has netted 22 goals and provided five assists this season. His predatory instincts in front of goal will be key in breaking down Rwanda and Zimbabwe’s defenses.
Nigeria’s Predicted XI vs. Rwanda & Zimbabwe
Formation: 4-2-1-3
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi
Forwards: Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen
With the first game against Rwanda set for March 19 and the home fixture against Zimbabwe on March 22, the Super Eagles must deliver if they want to keep their World Cup hopes alive. The road to redemption starts now.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Samu Omorodion’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. At just 20 years old, the Spanish-Nigerian striker has taken Portuguese football by storm, scoring an impressive 20 goals in 32 appearances for FC Porto in the 2024-25 season. His exploits have not gone unnoticed, with European giants like Chelsea and Arsenal circling for his signature.
However, former Super Eagles defender Danny Shittu has a word of advice for the young forward—patience.
Speaking to Africafoot, Shittu emphasized Omorodion’s immense potential, describing him as a “powerful, fast, and clinical” striker with all the makings of a future star. But despite the lucrative offers on the table, the ex-Nigeria international believes staying put at Porto for another season or two would be the wiser choice.
“He’s in good hands,” Shittu remarked. “FC Porto provides the perfect environment for him to develop further. A premature move could stall his growth, but if he remains patient, he will have even better options in the future.”
Omorodion, who previously impressed on loan at Deportivo Alavés, has already made waves in La Liga. Scouts across Europe continue to monitor his progress, and with his current market value soaring to 50 million euros, his stock is only set to rise.
Shittu is confident that if the striker maintains his form and hones his skills, Porto will not only benefit from his performances but also cash in on a much bigger transfer in the future. “With time, top clubs will line up for him, and he will be in a stronger negotiating position,” he added.
For now, Omorodion faces a crucial career decision—chase the bright lights of the Premier League or refine his craft in Portugal before making his next big move. One thing is certain: the football world is watching.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 4, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
A Long Road to Recognition
For years, Igoh Ogbu has been waiting patiently, knowing that his time with the Super Eagles would eventually come. Now, with Nigeria set to face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Slavia Prague centre-back finally gets his chance.
Head coach Eric Chelle has called up Ogbu as a replacement for the injured Semi Ajayi, recognizing his stellar performances in Europe. At 25, the no-nonsense defender has been a rock for Slavia Prague, helping them dominate the Czech First League while proving his mettle in continental football.
Battle-Tested Against Europe’s Best
Ogbu’s journey to this moment has been shaped by battles against some of the best strikers in world football. In last season’s Europa League, he faced Romelu Lukaku, Olivier Giroud, and Omar Marmoush, and he emerged stronger from each encounter.
“Playing against Giroud, Lukaku, and Marmoush was a great experience,” Ogbu recalled. “Lukaku is very strong, but I wasn’t stressed at all. After facing him, I think I have no fear against any striker.”
That fearless mentality will serve him well as he joins Nigeria’s defensive ranks, competing with Calvin Bassey and William Troost-Ekong for a starting spot.
A Patient Rise to the Top
Ogbu’s path to the Super Eagles began with Nigeria’s U-20 team, where he featured in the 2019 U-20 AFCON and FIFA U-20 World Cup. His club career saw him develop in Norway before earning his move to Slavia Prague in 2023. Since then, he has been a standout performer, featuring in 18 league matches this season and leading Slavia’s defensive line.
Despite his consistent displays, the Super Eagles call-up took longer than expected. But Ogbu never wavered.
“I’m not in a hurry,” he once said. “I believe in my ability. If you keep working hard and improving, your time will come.”
Now, his time has arrived. With Nigeria aiming for World Cup qualification, Ogbu’s fearlessness, experience, and defensive solidity could make him an invaluable asset in Chelle’s squad.
