by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Alex Iwobi continues to surprise fans with his off-the-pitch interests, and his latest adventure is as unexpected as it is fascinating. The Fulham and Super Eagles midfielder, known for his creativity on the ball, has now taken up horse riding, adding another dimension to his growing list of passions.
From Football to Music, and Now the Saddle
A seasoned Premier League star with stints at Arsenal, Everton, and now Fulham, Iwobi has cemented his place as one of Nigeria’s finest football exports. With 29 goals and 31 assists in 277 league games, his contributions speak for themselves. This season alone, he has been directly involved in ten goals (seven goals, three assists) in 24 league appearances.
However, Iwobi has long shown that he is more than just a footballer. In 2024, he unveiled his rap persona under the name “17,” dropping tracks like Don’t Shoot and What’s Luv?, which earned him praise from fans. His philanthropic side also shone through when he opened a temporary food shop in East London, providing free meals to locals during Christmas.
Now, he has embraced a new hobby—horse riding. Sharing images of himself interacting with a majestic, muscular horse, possibly a Warmblood or Cob-type breed, Iwobi showcased his latest passion. These breeds, known for their strength and calm temperament, are popular choices for general riding and equestrian activities.
Focused on Football Amid New Interests
Despite his off-field explorations, Iwobi remains committed to Fulham’s strong run of form. The Cottagers have won three of their last four games across all competitions, with the Nigerian playing a role in their FA Cup victory over Wigan Athletic.
As Fulham prepare for a crucial Premier League clash against high-flying Nottingham Forest, Iwobi will be expected to deliver on the pitch. The London club currently sits ninth in the table with 36 points from 24 games, while Forest are enjoying a stellar season in third place, just behind Liverpool and Arsenal.
Whether on the pitch, in the studio, or now in the saddle, Alex Iwobi continues to prove he is full of surprises.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Juventus are plotting a major summer transfer move, setting their sights on Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen and Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Serie A giants, under the leadership of Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli, are looking to bolster their squad with high-quality reinforcements as they prepare for a squad overhaul.
Osimhen and Tonali on Juventus’ Radar
Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has been in scintillating form, scoring 17 goals and providing five assists in 23 appearances. His move to the English Premier League fell through last summer, leading to his temporary switch to Turkey. However, Juventus are keen to bring him back to Italy, hoping to negotiate a discount on his €75 million release clause.
With Dusan Vlahović’s contract expiring in 2026 and renewal talks stalling, the Bianconeri see Osimhen as the ideal successor. Giuntoli, who originally brought Osimhen to Napoli from Lille in 2020, is eager to reunite with the Nigerian forward.
Meanwhile, Tonali, who left AC Milan for Newcastle United in 2023, could be in line for a return to Italy. Juventus are looking to strengthen their midfield despite significant investments in players like Marcus Thuram, Teun Koopmeiners, and Douglas Luiz. However, with Luiz struggling to meet expectations, Juventus could offer him as part of a deal to bring Tonali back from England.
Juventus’ Transfer Strategy
Since last summer, Juventus have made major changes, signing 13 players and offloading 14 while maintaining a squad with an average age of 25.3 years. Their focus remains on building a young, competitive team while keeping finances in check.
Negotiations for Osimhen won’t be easy, with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis known for his tough stance on transfers. Meanwhile, Tonali’s potential return could be emotional, given his deep ties with AC Milan.
As the summer window approaches, Juventus fans eagerly await to see if Giuntoli can pull off these ambitious moves and reshape the squad for the future.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Kelechi Iheanacho has reflected on the biggest influences in his football journey, highlighting the managers and players who shaped his career. Speaking during his unveiling at Middlesbrough, where he has returned to England on loan after a difficult spell at Sevilla, the Super Eagles forward credited a host of footballing figures for their impact on his development.
Iheanacho’s Mentors in Football
The former Leicester City striker acknowledged the guidance of several top coaches, including Manuel Pellegrini, Brendan Rodgers, and Pep Guardiola, as well as the influence of experienced teammates like Gaël Clichy, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Touré, and Jamie Vardy.
“Biggest influence on my career? There are quite a few. So many people have helped me throughout my career—managers like Pellegrini, Rodgers, and Guardiola. Players too, like Clichy, Kompany, Yaya Touré, and obviously, Jamie Vardy. Even in the national team, John Mikel Obi played a huge role. A lot of coaches have helped me as well.”
Rise from Manchester City to Leicester City
Iheanacho’s journey began at Manchester City, where he burst onto the scene under Pellegrini in 2015. His natural goal-scoring ability saw him thrive alongside world-class players like Kompany and Touré. Under Guardiola, he continued to develop but eventually moved to Leicester City in search of regular playing time.
At Leicester, Iheanacho initially struggled for consistency but found his best form under Brendan Rodgers. The 2020-21 season was a breakthrough year, as he finished as the club’s top scorer and played a crucial role in Leicester’s FA Cup triumph.
Now, after a short and challenging spell in La Liga, Iheanacho is back in England, hoping to rediscover his best form with Middlesbrough. With the guidance of his past mentors still shaping his game, he aims to make a strong impact in the Championship and fight for a place in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Super Eagles coaches are buzzing with excitement following the return of star forward Ademola Lookman to training with Atalanta. The 26-year-old, who had been sidelined with a knee injury, is now stepping up his recovery just in time for his club’s Champions League playoff clash against Club Brugge.
Lookman’s return is a major boost for Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes, as the team faces a tough challenge to book a spot in the 2026 tournament. With just three points from three matches, the Super Eagles must win all their remaining games and hope that results in Group C—currently led by Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin Republic with seven points each—go in their favor.
Chelle Focused on Strengthening Squad
Determined to turn things around, head coach Eric Chelle has been actively engaging with Nigerian players across Europe. According to an anonymous Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) source, Chelle is particularly thrilled about Lookman’s return and is closely monitoring other key players, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. The Udinese shot-stopper is under scrutiny for alleged involvement in an irregular betting pattern during a Serie A match.
Beyond foreign-based stars, Chelle and his staff are also looking at home-based talent to reinforce the squad. Last month, the coach spent time with the local players in Ikenne, where several impressed him with their performances.
The NFF is expected to announce the final squad for next month’s crucial qualifiers soon. Nigeria will face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25, with every match now a must-win in their bid for a World Cup return.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Just days before their crucial UEFA Champions League playoff against AC Milan, Feyenoord have made a bold decision to part ways with head coach Brian Priske and his entire backroom staff, including assistant coach Lucas Andersson Babalola and fellow assistant Björn Hamberg.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the team’s inconsistent performances, with general and technical director Dennis te Kloese explaining that the club had no choice but to take action.
“It is very disappointing for all parties that we had to come to this decision,” said te Kloese. “Although Feyenoord achieved some impressive results with Brian, especially in the Champions League, the first team’s performance has been far too inconsistent in recent months, and unfortunately, we see too little structural progress.”
While Feyenoord secured a 3-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam last weekend, the victory was not enough to erase the damaging defeats suffered in recent months. Heavy losses to Lille (6-1) in the Champions League, as well as setbacks against Ajax and PSV, ultimately sealed Priske’s fate.
Babalola’s Coaching Rise and Sudden Exit
For 28-year-old Lucas Babalola, this marks an abrupt halt to a promising journey alongside Priske. The Danish-Nigerian coach had played a key role in Priske’s backroom staff since their time at Slavia Prague, where he helped guide the team to a historic league and domestic cup double.
Babalola’s rise in coaching began in Denmark, where he built a reputation as a top analyst. His impressive work led to a key role at Sparta Prague in 2023, where Priske personally requested his addition to the staff. When the Danish coach moved to Feyenoord following Arne Slot’s departure to Liverpool, Babalola was once again a trusted part of his setup.
Now, with their time at Feyenoord cut short, the club faces the challenge of reorganizing its coaching structure just before a high-stakes showdown with AC Milan. The question remains: will this drastic change spark a turnaround, or will Feyenoord’s turbulent season continue?
