by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
For years, Mohamed Salah has dazzled the football world with his brilliance, yet respect hasn’t always come easily. Despite season after season of elite performances, his name is often missing from discussions about the world’s best.
Yaya Touré, a legend in his own right, has had enough of the disrespect. Speaking passionately, he defended Salah’s legacy, emphasizing the Egyptian’s consistency at the top level.
“I don’t understand people who talk about football sometimes,” Touré said. “Salah has been the best for a long time, but people still discredit him. If you ask pure football people, they know what he has done for the game.”
Touré also called out the modern tendency to overhype players after just one good season while ignoring those who maintain excellence over time. Salah, he argues, deserves far more respect than he gets.
So, is Salah’s lack of full recognition due to bias, or is it simply how today’s football media operates?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 27, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to honor 30 referees with FIFA badges, officially granting them the authority to officiate international matches in 2025. The prestigious ceremony will take place on Thursday, with NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau presiding over the event alongside key officials, including Faith Irabor (NFF Referees Committee Chairperson), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi (NFF General Secretary), and Alhaji Sani Zubairu (Head of NFF Refereeing Unit).
The list comprises 11 referees, 11 assistant referees, 4 futsal referees, and 4 beach soccer referees. A total of 22 male and 8 female officials will receive their badges, with three women among the referees and five among the assistant referees. The futsal and beach soccer categories remain exclusively male.
Among the newly recognized referees are Emmanuel Omada (assistant referee), John Tope Ojeleye (futsal referee), and Noah Adejoh (beach soccer referee). Meanwhile, seasoned officials like Samuel Pwadutakam and Ndubuisi Ukah, who have held FIFA status since 2014, will continue their international journey. Others, including Dung Davou Musa (since 2015), Salisu Basheer, Tejiri Digbori, and Olawale Fawole (since 2016), as well as Hannah Elaigwu, Joseph Ogabor, and Abdulmajid Usman (since 2017), will also be recognized for their long-standing contributions to officiating.
With this distinguished honor, the NFF reaffirms its commitment to developing top-tier referees capable of representing Nigeria on the global stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
As Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool remains uncertain, the Reds are reportedly eyeing Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman as a potential successor to their Egyptian talisman.
Salah has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success since joining from AS Roma in 2016, amassing an incredible 241 goals and 109 assists in 387 appearances. He currently stands as the club’s third-highest goalscorer of all time, behind only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.
Despite his legendary status, Salah’s time at Anfield could be drawing to a close. His contract expires at the end of the season, and negotiations for an extension have stalled. While the 32-year-old winger has expressed a desire to stay, Liverpool appear reluctant to meet his wage demands, increasing speculation about a summer exit.
With this in mind, the Merseyside club is actively searching for a worthy replacement. Reports suggest that Atalanta’s Lookman is high on their list of targets. The 27-year-old Nigerian international has been in sensational form for the Italian side, contributing 49 goals and 22 assists in 107 appearances since joining three years ago.
Lookman’s future at Atalanta is also in doubt following a reported fallout with manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who publicly criticized his penalty-taking abilities. With tensions rising, the club may be open to selling the dynamic forward if he does not sign a contract extension.
The former Everton and Leicester City attacker could be set for a Premier League return, with both Liverpool and Arsenal leading the race for his signature. Manchester United are also reportedly monitoring his situation, making the battle for his services an intriguing one as the summer transfer window approaches.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 27, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles asserted their dominance over Cote d’Ivoire’s Young Elephants with a commanding 2-0 victory in an international friendly at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Thursday.
From the first whistle, the seven-time African champions controlled the game, pressing their hosts and creating multiple scoring chances. Despite their dominance, the Young Elephants held firm in the first half, managing to keep the scoreline level at the break.
The breakthrough finally came in the 63rd minute when team captain Daniel Bameyi coolly converted a penalty after Divine Oliseh was brought down inside the box. The Flying Eagles continued to push forward, and with 10 minutes left, Oliseh doubled Nigeria’s advantage with a well-taken goal, sealing a deserved victory for Ladan Bosso’s boys.
Both sides will clash again on Friday at the same venue, as they continue preparations for the upcoming Africa U20 Cup of Nations, set to take place from April 26 to May 18.
Tournament hosts Cote d’Ivoire will compete in Group A alongside DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and a yet-to-be-confirmed Central African representative. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles face a challenging Group B, where they will take on Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco in what promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Napoli’s director, Giovanni Manna, has confirmed that the club is eager to finalize Victor Osimhen’s departure “as quickly as possible” this summer. The Nigerian striker has been linked with a high-profile move to Manchester United, where new manager Ruben Amorim is desperate for a reliable goal-scorer.
United’s attacking struggles have been evident, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee managing just five Premier League goals between them. Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation relies heavily on a dynamic centre-forward to stretch defenses and create space for the attacking midfielders.
Zirkzee, at 23, is seen as more of a number ten than a true number nine, while Hojlund, despite fitting the mold, has struggled with form and consistency. As a result, Osimhen, known for his relentless movement and clinical finishing, has emerged as an ideal target for the Red Devils.
With Napoli keen on a swift sale, United could make a decisive move to secure the Nigerian star’s signature.
