by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Emmanuel Ekong, the 22-year-old forward and son of former Super Eagles midfielder Prince Ikpe Ekong, has addressed the rumors linking him with a move to Swedish club Malmö FF ahead of the January transfer window. Despite speculation about his future, Ekong has reaffirmed his commitment to his current club, Empoli, where he has been struggling for consistent playing time.
Ekong made his Serie A debut for Empoli in September 2022, drawing attention after impressive performances with the club’s academy. However, he has found it difficult to break into the first team, leading to loan moves to Perugia and Croatian side Istra 1961, where he thrived, netting three goals and contributing three assists in 22 appearances.
His return to Empoli saw more limited opportunities, as he has only managed 101 minutes of league action this season, all as a substitute. This has led to reports linking him with a potential move to Malmö FF, one of Sweden’s most successful clubs.
While acknowledging Malmö’s status as a “great team,” Ekong expressed his focus on Empoli and his determination to continue working hard. “I am focused here and this is where I have a contract, but I saw it. Malmö is a great team and I have a lot of respect for them, but that’s all I can say,” he told Fotbollskanalen. “My focus is on Empoli, and then we’ll see what happens in the future.”
Although his contract with Empoli runs until 2027, Ekong emphasized that his primary goal is to secure more playing time. “I like to take things day by day. I don’t want to think too far ahead, but I want to play and show my qualities,” he stated.
Ekong, who has yet to score his first league goal for Empoli, remains committed to helping the team achieve success. Despite not being a regular starter, he has managed to score in the Italian Cup this season. “It’s a dream to score, but when I come in or start, I always try to help the team. The most important thing is that Empoli takes three points,” he concluded.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Princess Ademiluyi, a talented young striker born to Nigerian parents in Gravesend, England, is on the brink of a significant milestone in her football career. The West Ham United-owned forward, currently on loan at Charlton Athletic, has been called up to represent England’s U19 team in the 2025 UEFA Women’s U-19 Championship qualifiers.
Ademiluyi’s journey began at West Ham United’s youth academy, where she made history as the first player from the club’s Foundation Player Pathway to feature for the senior women’s team and sign a professional contract. Her senior debut came against Brighton & Hove Albion, where she showcased her burgeoning talent.
In search of more playing opportunities, Ademiluyi moved to Charlton Athletic on loan in July 2024. Despite not scoring yet for the Addicks in the FA Women’s Championship, her performances have been impactful enough to catch the eye of England U19 head coach Lauren Smith.
The striker earned her first Young Lionesses call-up in October, delivering an impressive debut at the Algarve Cup by providing two assists in a 3-1 win over the Netherlands. Wearing the iconic number 9 jersey, Ademiluyi played 77 minutes in a performance that highlighted her potential.
Now, the 17-year-old is set to feature in England’s qualifiers against Turkey, Italy, and Poland. If she makes an appearance, she will be provisionally cap-tied to England, sparking conversations about her international future, especially with her eligibility for Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
Ademiluyi’s rapid rise underscores her promise as a forward and places her in the spotlight as a key figure for both club and country at the youth level.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigerian women’s football has taken center stage as several players, teams, and coaches earned top nominations for the prestigious 2024 CAF Awards. The announcement highlights the growing influence of Nigerian football on the continent.
Ajibade and Nnadozie Lead POTY Nominations
Super Falcons stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie are among the finalists for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year. They are up against top African talents, including South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Jermaine Seoposenwe, Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, as well as nominees from Morocco, Malawi, and Burundi.
In addition, Nnadozie has been shortlisted for the Goalkeeper of the Year award. She will compete alongside her Nigerian teammate Monle Oyono, Cameroon’s Cathy Biya, and other outstanding goalkeepers across the continent.
Okwuchukwu and Sabastine Eye Young POTY
Rising Nigerian stars Chiamaka Okwuchukwu and Flourish Sabastine have earned nominations for the Young Player of the Year. Both players were pivotal during Nigeria’s campaign at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Sabastine’s decisive goal against Korea Republic and Okwuchukwu’s impactful performances against strong opposition caught the eye of CAF’s panel.
Nigerian Coaches and Teams Dominate Categories
The trio of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Falconets, and Flamingos have been nominated for National Team of the Year. This recognition underscores their achievements across various competitions, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup and regional tournaments.
Bankole Olowookere (Flamingos) and Christopher Danjuma (Falconets) have also been nominated for Coach of the Year, further validating Nigeria’s coaching prowess at the international level.
Edo Queens Make History
Edo Queens, who impressed at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League before falling short in the semifinals, have been shortlisted for Club of the Year. Striker Emem Essien and goalkeeper Monle Oyono are also up for the Interclub Player of the Year, adding to Nigeria’s robust presence in the nominations.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Luton Town defender Gabe Osho marked a significant milestone in his football career by making his international debut for Nigeria during the final stretch of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Despite mixed results, the Super Eagles secured their place in the 2025 finals in Morocco.
The 26-year-old, who featured in 85 matches for the Hatters after joining from Reading in 2020, had been previously called up by Nigeria but was sidelined due to injury. Now plying his trade in Ligue 1 with Auxerre, Osho’s solid form, reflected in nine league appearances this season, earned him another shot at donning the Nigerian jersey.
Osho’s debut came against Benin in a crucial Group D encounter held in the Ivory Coast. Despite an early setback when Mohamed Tijani gave Benin the lead, Nigeria salvaged a 1-1 draw thanks to Victor Osimhen’s late equalizer. The result ensured Nigeria’s qualification for the AFCON finals. Osho was substituted at halftime, but his performance hinted at the potential he could bring to the Super Eagles’ backline.
The young defender retained his place for Nigeria’s final qualifying game, a surprising 2-1 home loss to Rwanda at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. While AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze’s brilliant solo goal gave the Super Eagles hope, Rwanda struck twice in quick succession through Ange Mutsinzi and Innocent Nshitu to pull off a stunning upset.
Though the results left room for improvement, Osho’s emergence on the international stage provides a fresh defensive option for head coach Augustine Eguavoen as Nigeria prepares for the AFCON tournament.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
In a troubling continuation of recent events, Benin captain Steve Mounie has criticized the shocking treatment his team endured during their trip to Libya for the final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. This comes just weeks after the Super Eagles of Nigeria faced a similarly hostile reception in the volatile North African nation.
A Volatile Battleground for AFCON Qualifiers
The Tripoli International Stadium was the stage for a high-stakes showdown between Libya and Benin, with both teams vying for a chance to secure a spot at AFCON 2025. Libya, with four points, needed a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive, while Benin, sitting on seven points, only required a draw to advance.
What unfolded, however, was far from the spirit of fair play. From the outset, the Beninoise players were met with hostility, with their national anthem drowned out by jeers from the home crowd. Mounie described the atmosphere as a “war zone,” stating that Libya showed no respect throughout the game.
The match ended in a tense goalless draw, sealing Benin’s qualification but dashing Libya’s hopes. Displeased with the outcome, Libyan fans reportedly attacked Benin players and staff as they attempted to leave the stadium.
Chaos and Violence
The violence escalated quickly. Benin’s coach, Gernot Rohr, sustained injuries during the chaos and had to be treated on the team bus. Mounie and his teammates were left shaken but determined.
“It wasn’t easy,” Mounie said after the incident. “This Libyan team, this country, and its supporters didn’t respect us. They whistled our anthem and created a hostile atmosphere. Despite the challenges, we achieved our goal. Benin is going to AFCON 2025, and we are proud of this group of young players.”
Repeated Incidents in Libya
This marks the second time in two months that Libya has become a flashpoint for controversy in CAF competitions. In October, Nigerian players and officials were left stranded for over 17 hours at a deserted airport due to poor coordination and security concerns. CAF eventually awarded Nigeria a 3-0 victory and fined Libya for their failure to host the match properly.
As of now, CAF has yet to issue a statement regarding the treatment of the Benin team, but calls for sanctions against Libya are growing louder.
The Bigger Picture
These incidents raise questions about Libya’s readiness to host international sporting events amidst its ongoing security challenges. For now, Benin can celebrate their hard-fought qualification, but the scars of this trip will not soon be forgotten.
