by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Can the young Nigerian striker find his rhythm in Spain?
Former Nigerian international Victor Agali has thrown his full support behind Akor Adams as the 24-year-old striker prepares to make a fresh start with Sevilla in La Liga. After a challenging stint in France with Montpellier, Adams is on the verge of being unveiled as the Spanish club’s latest winter signing.
Adams, who joined Montpellier in 2023 after a stellar spell at Lillestrøm where he bagged 28 goals and seven assists in 50 games, struggled to replicate his form in Ligue 1. With just three goals and three assists in 15 appearances, he found himself sidelined in a team fighting to escape relegation. Sevilla, also in need of a reliable goal-scorer, has stepped in to offer him a new opportunity.
Victor Agali, Nigeria’s second all-time top scorer in Bundesliga history, believes this move could reignite Adams’ career. Reflecting on his own journey across Europe, Agali highlighted Ligue 1’s demanding physicality and suggested that a switch to Spain’s more fluid style of play could be transformative.
“His time in France wasn’t a failure,” Agali said in an interview with Africa Foot. “But it’s fair to say it didn’t meet expectations. Akor is an immense talent, and this transfer is the right choice to help him regain confidence and start enjoying his football again. I am convinced he will thrive in Spain.”
Agali, who scored 32 goals in the Bundesliga and played in France, Germany, Turkey, and Greece, knows the challenges of adapting to new leagues. His belief in Adams’ potential is rooted in his understanding of the game and the Nigerian striker’s need for a supportive environment to rediscover his form.
As Sevilla struggles for goals this season, Adams has a chance to make an impact in one of Europe’s most technical leagues. With Agali’s endorsement and Sevilla’s faith in his abilities, all eyes will be on the young Nigerian as he begins this new chapter in his career.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is reportedly plotting a January raid on Southampton to bolster his Besiktas attack with Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu and his teammate, Joe Aribo.
Onuachu, 30, who has struggled for game time at Southampton this season, scoring just once in 23 Premier League matches, is the main target. Despite his current struggles, the towering striker previously enjoyed a stellar season with Trabzonspor, netting 17 goals and providing four assists in 25 games during his loan stint in Turkey. Solskjaer hopes to reignite that form in Istanbul.
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Besiktas are preparing an offer to secure Onuachu’s services on loan this January, with an option to buy in the summer. However, the deal hinges on Besiktas’ ability to also lure Joe Aribo, one of Onuachu’s closest companions at Southampton and in the Nigerian national team. Aribo’s inclusion is seen as a strategic move to convince Onuachu to make the switch.
While Southampton’s precarious position in the Premier League complicates a January deal, Besiktas are confident of striking a summer agreement, especially if the Saints face relegation to the Championship. Additionally, with the Turkish transfer window open until February 12, a late loan deal remains a possibility.
Besiktas are also reportedly exploring other striking options, including Fulham’s Raúl Jiménez. However, with uncertainties surrounding Ciro Immobile’s future and Solskjaer’s urgency to strengthen his attack, the Nigerian duo appears to be the club’s top priority.
If successful, the move would reunite Onuachu with the Turkish Super Lig, where he previously thrived, while offering Joe Aribo a chance to reignite his form in a fresh environment.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, enjoyed a star-studded evening with Real Madrid players following their emphatic 3-0 victory over Real Valladolid in La Liga.
The Grammy-winning artist shared a relaxed post-match dinner with Vinícius Jr., Antonio Rüdiger, and other squad members, celebrating their win at the José Zorrilla Stadium on Saturday. Burna Boy, renowned for hits like “Last Last,” appeared to relish the moment, further deepening his ties with the football world.
Real Madrid stars were in high spirits after their dominant performance, which solidified their position in the league. The dinner turned into a memorable night of camaraderie, as videos and photos captured Vinícius Jr. presenting Burna Boy with his jersey and posing for pictures alongside Rüdiger and others.
This is yet another chapter in Burna Boy’s growing connection with football, having headlined the 2023 UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show earlier in the year. As his music continues to transcend borders, so does his influence in global sports circles, making him a cultural bridge between the two worlds.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 27, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
The Super Eagles have been drawn alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in Group B of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The tournament is scheduled to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco.
The draw was held on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat.
Nigeria will be aiming to replicate their strong showing in the previous AFCON, where they finished as runners-up after a narrow 2-1 loss to host Côte d’Ivoire in the final.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
An Ode to Football’s Finest Frontmen
Ghanaian football legend Sulley Muntari has revealed his all-time favorite strikers, placing Cameroonian icon Samuel Eto’o, Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimović, and French maestro Thierry Henry on his illustrious list.
In an interview with Flashscore, Muntari delved into what made each of these forwards exceptional, highlighting their unique talents and contributions to the game. He reserved special praise for Ibrahimović, whom he played alongside at Inter Milan and AC Milan, describing him as an extraordinary talent whose outspoken nature may have cost him individual accolades like the Ballon d’Or.
“Ibrahimović is a top player—one of the best of his era. They didn’t want to give him the Ballon d’Or because he speaks his mind too much. Sometimes people don’t like to hear that. But Zlatan is massive,” Muntari remarked.
Reflecting on his time with Ibrahimović, Muntari dismissed claims that the Swede was intimidating. Instead, he portrayed him as a passionate leader who always demanded the best from his teammates.
“As a teammate, Ibrahimović wasn’t intimidating at all. He just wants the best out of you. He won games easily for whichever team he played. I played with him during his early years at Inter and later at Milan, and he was always exceptional,” the former Black Stars midfielder shared.
Muntari’s admiration for Eto’o and Henry is equally profound, as he acknowledged their relentless drive, technical brilliance, and ability to rise to the occasion on the grandest stages.
These three strikers, in Muntari’s eyes, epitomize what it means to be footballing greats, each leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful game.
