by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 1, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike has joined the growing list of African football legends taking a stand against Jamie Carragher’s recent remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The controversy began when Carragher, a former Liverpool defender turned pundit, suggested that AFCON was a “small tournament” while discussing Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or chances. His comment sparked outrage across the football world, especially among African players, both past and present.
Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON hero, Emenike, took to Instagram to mock Carragher, delivering a sharp response that echoed the sentiments of many. The retired striker, who claimed the tournament’s Golden Boot and led Nigeria to victory, reminded Carragher that history remembers champions, not critics.
Emenike joins a chorus of African greats, including Mikel Obi and Jay-Jay Okocha, who have publicly condemned Carragher’s comments. The backlash has been intense, putting the former Liverpool man under unprecedented scrutiny for his controversial takes.
While Carragher has built a reputation for bold punditry, his latest remark on AFCON has ignited a firestorm, reinforcing the tournament’s significance and the pride it holds for millions across the continent.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 1, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Ademola Lookman cut a frustrated figure at the Gewiss Stadium as Atalanta’s Serie A title ambitions took a significant hit following a goalless draw against relegation-threatened Venezia.
The Nigerian forward, one of Atalanta’s most influential players this season, was at the heart of the home side’s attacking efforts but failed to find the decisive breakthrough. His best chance arrived in the 83rd minute when Sead Kolasinac’s flicked header found him unmarked at the far post, only for Lookman to send his effort soaring over the bar, a miss that summed up Atalanta’s agonizing night.
Earlier in the match, Atalanta’s dominance was evident as they twice struck the woodwork in the first half. Lookman showcased his creativity in the 39th minute, weaving past defenders before setting up Davide Zappacosta with a stunning backheel pass. Zappacosta’s shot, however, clipped the outside of the post, letting Venezia off the hook. Moments later, Lookman delivered a dangerous cross that evaded Charles De Ketelaere, allowing Juan Cuadrado a chance at goal, but the Colombian’s effort rattled the post once again.
Lookman’s missed opportunities came at a tough time, just days after his crucial penalty miss in Atalanta’s Champions League exit—an incident that had already drawn criticism from head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Despite the setback, Lookman’s season statistics remain stellar, with 17 goals and seven assists in all competitions, a remarkable feat considering he missed several weeks due to injury.
Atalanta were also without key defender Isak Hien, and though Venezia showed resilience on the counterattack, they lacked the cutting edge to punish the hosts. Still, the dropped points could prove costly in the title race, especially with league leaders Inter Milan and second-placed Napoli set to face off later in the evening.
Reflecting on the match, Gasperini acknowledged Lookman’s influence but lamented the team’s lack of finishing.
“Ademola remains the player who creates the most danger, he often shoots on goal and is always dangerous,” Gasperini told TuttoAtalanta. “It’s true that today he had some important opportunities that he didn’t make the most of, but he is still the liveliest. At the moment, we are paying dearly for the lack of precision in the final touch, in the goal that can change these blocked matches.”
With the draw, Atalanta remain third in Serie A, still chasing Inter Milan and Napoli as the title race intensifies.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 1, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
When Oleksandr Dragan first arrived at Atalanta in the summer of 2022, he was just another hopeful teenager stepping into the unknown. Meanwhile, across the club’s ranks, Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman was embarking on a journey that would redefine his career.
Dragan, a talented Ukrainian prospect, began his development in Atalanta’s youth system, gradually working his way up from the U17s to the U18s before recently signing his first professional contract. Lookman, on the other hand, went straight into Gian Piero Gasperini’s senior squad, where he wasted no time making an impact.
Two years on, their paths have crossed in a way that Dragan never anticipated. While Lookman’s dazzling performances on the pitch—culminating in a UEFA Europa League-winning hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen—have earned him global recognition, his influence off the field has been just as profound.
Dragan, now training with Atalanta’s first team, recently opened up about the figures who have left the biggest impression on him. Speaking to Dynamo.kiev.ua, he named Charles De Ketelaere, Mateo Retegui, and Ademola Lookman as the standout senior players in the squad. But when asked who had taken him under their wing, his answer was clear.
“Lookman,” Dragan said. “As a person, he is very pleasant, friendly, cheerful—always with a smile on his face. Ademola radiates kindness.”
The young Ukrainian also shared a piece of advice that Lookman had given him—simple words, but ones that resonated deeply.
“Lookman told me: ‘Boy, just have fun on the field. Football is fun. You don’t need to stress, always be relaxed, and then everything will be fine.’”
As Lookman’s time at Atalanta appears to be nearing its end—amid rumors of a move to the Premier League—his legacy may extend far beyond the goals he scored. For Dragan and other young talents at the club, the Nigerian star has been more than just a teammate; he has been a mentor, a role model, and a reminder that, even at the highest level, football is still a game to be enjoyed.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 1, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
The pressure is mounting on Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle as Nigeria gears up for two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March. With qualification hopes on the line, the football fraternity eagerly awaits the 23-man squad selection, expecting familiar names like Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and Ademola Lookman to headline the list.
However, former Real Madrid B winger Dimeji Lawal has issued a passionate appeal to Chelle: look beyond Europe and give Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) stars a chance to prove their worth on the international stage.
Having closely followed Chelle’s tenure, Lawal is encouraged by the coach’s visits to NPFL venues, witnessing firsthand the untapped potential within the domestic league. Speaking to Sportsblog247.com, Lawal emphasized that despite the high stakes, integrating homegrown talents could inject fresh energy into the Super Eagles’ squad.
“I am delighted that Eric Chelle has visited some league venues to watch our NPFL matches, and I am sure he must have seen one or two quality players that can play a key role for the Super Eagles in the qualifying campaign against Rwanda and Zimbabwe,” Lawal said.
“Yes, the two games are must-win encounters, but there is nothing wrong if the Super Eagles head coach decides to put his trust in them. No doubt, the list will be dominated by foreign players, but we should not ignore the NPFL players.”
Chelle has wasted no time in immersing himself in Nigerian football, attending high-profile NPFL clashes, including Ikorodu City’s thrilling comeback win over Plateau United last month. While some top-performing NPFL players are currently part of the CHAN Eagles preparing for the African Nations Championship, Lawal believes a few standout names could still break into Chelle’s plans for the World Cup qualifiers.
With the Super Eagles struggling to secure a win in their first four matches, every selection decision will be scrutinized. But as Nigeria fights to keep its World Cup dreams alive, one question remains: will Chelle put his trust in NPFL talent, or will the weight of expectation push him towards an all-European selection?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 1, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Calvin Bassey knows what it feels like to choose between two worlds. Born in Italy, raised in England, and deeply connected to his Nigerian roots, the Fulham defender made a bold decision in 2022—to play for Nigeria. Now, as another young talent stands at the crossroads, Bassey is urging Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri and others like him to embrace their heritage and don the green and white of the Super Eagles.
At just 17, Nwaneri is already making history. The Arsenal starlet became the youngest player in Premier League history in 2022, and now England is reportedly considering handing him his first senior call-up in March. But Nigeria is watching closely, hoping to convince the talented midfielder to join a growing generation of dual-national players pledging their futures to the West African giants.
Bassey understands the weight of the decision. Speaking to NBC Sports, he reflected on what swayed him toward Nigeria. “We really feel connected to our roots,” he said. “We know how big of a country it is and how big they are in football—Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, John Obi Mikel… we wanted to be part of that.”
His decision has already paid off. A key figure in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final, Bassey has cemented his place in the squad alongside players like Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Ola Aina—stars who, like him, chose Nigeria over England.
But for Bassey, it’s about more than just football. It’s about family, legacy, and the passion of a nation. He recalled how his mother, who rarely watched football, became his loudest supporter during AFCON. “She’s just screaming! She thinks I can hear her, and I’m like, ‘Mom, there’s 60,000 people in the stadium!’ But it fuels me. It’s a different type of feeling.”
As Nigeria prepares for World Cup qualifiers in March, the battle for Nwaneri’s international future is heating up. Will he follow in the footsteps of Bassey and Lookman, or will England secure yet another Nigerian-born talent? The choice is his—but Bassey hopes the call of home will be too strong to resist.
