by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Chuba Akpom came off the bench to deliver a crucial moment of magic in Ajax Amsterdam’s 2-0 victory over SC Heerenveen on Sunday in the Dutch Eredivisie. His towering header late in the game sealed all three points, keeping Ajax firmly in the title race, just one point behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven.
The game started brightly for Ajax, with defender Josip Šutalo finding the net in the 20th minute to give the visitors an early lead. Despite their dominance and several chances created, Ajax failed to double their advantage in the first half.
The second half was a tense, back-and-forth contest as Heerenveen pushed for an equalizer, while Ajax struggled to capitalize on their chances. Then came the decisive moment—Akpom’s introduction in the 73rd minute.
The former Arsenal youth product didn’t take long to make an impact. In the 85th minute, he timed his movement perfectly, pulling back slightly to meet a corner kick with a powerful header that sailed past the goalkeeper. His goal not only secured the win but also sent a statement about his reliability in clutch moments.
“A real striker’s goal,” Akpom remarked post-match with a grin. “I had to pull back slightly and put as much force as possible into the header. I’m really pleased with that goal.”
When asked about the title race, Akpom downplayed the pressure. “You’re looking for sound bites,” he quipped. “But we don’t see it that way. There are so many games ahead, and we just need to stay grounded. That mindset is one of our strengths.”
Despite being lower in the pecking order behind Brian Brobbey and Woût Weghorst, Akpom has quietly amassed eight goals in all competitions for Ajax this season, often playing out of position. His ability to adapt and deliver in key moments continues to underline his value to the team.
Reflecting on the team’s approach, Akpom added, “Every season has its ups and downs, but even in tough times, we show who we are. That resilience is key to staying competitive.”
Ajax’s victory over Heerenveen serves as another reminder of their hunger and determination as they chase PSV at the top of the table. With players like Akpom stepping up when it matters most, the title race promises to be an exhilarating journey.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Tottenham Hotspur’s teenage forward, Damola Ajayi, experienced a milestone moment in his young career, earning a place in the matchday squad for the first time in the Premier League as Spurs fell 3-2 to Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday, January 19.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou included the 19-year-old Nigerian striker alongside Callum Olusesi, another player of Nigerian descent, in his 20-man squad. However, both youngsters remained unused substitutes, leaving Ajayi still awaiting his senior debut.
This marked Ajayi’s second first-team call-up of the season, following his inclusion in the squad during Tottenham’s Europa League victory over Ferencváros in October. Despite limited opportunities at senior level, the promising forward has gained valuable experience facing first-team opposition in the EFL Trophy, where he featured against Bristol Rovers, Exeter City, and Swindon Town.
Ajayi, who recently signed a new contract with Spurs, has been a standout performer in the Premier League 2 this season, recording two goals and one assist in 11 appearances.
Everton’s First-Half Dominance Stuns Spurs
The match itself was a showcase of Everton’s attacking prowess under returning manager David Moyes. Dominic Calvert-Lewin opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a brilliant solo effort, weaving past Spurs’ defense to find the net.
Iliman Ndiaye doubled Everton’s lead in the 30th minute with a moment of individual brilliance. Just before halftime, Spurs suffered further frustration as Archie Gray’s own goal handed the Toffees a commanding 3-0 advantage.
Late Spurs Fightback Falls Short
Tottenham showed resilience in the second half. Dejan Kulusevski pulled one back in the 77th minute with an audacious chip over the Everton defense. Former Everton star Richarlison added a second for Spurs in injury time, scoring from a tight angle at the far post. Despite the late rally, the visitors fell short of completing the comeback.
While Ajayi didn’t feature on the day, his inclusion in the squad highlights Postecoglou’s belief in the youngster’s potential. With his current trajectory, it may only be a matter of time before Ajayi gets his moment to shine on the Premier League stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In the heart of Nottingham, where every point matters, Ola Aina emerged as the hero yet again, proving to be the heartbeat of Nottingham Forest’s resolve.
Facing Southampton in a high-stakes Premier League clash at the City Ground, Forest’s survival instincts were put to the test. In a pivotal moment, Jan Bednarek’s bullet header appeared destined to ripple the net, but Aina, with his razor-sharp reflexes, intervened at the goal line, denying what seemed like a certain goal.
It was déjà vu for the Forest faithful, who had witnessed a similar act of brilliance just days earlier. At Anfield, with the clock ticking down, Aina had thwarted Mohamed Salah’s effort, preserving a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Liverpool.
The Nigerian defender has been the backbone of Forest’s resurgence under Arne Slot, delivering not just defensively but offensively as well. Against Southampton, Aina turned provider, delivering a sublime cross that set up Chris Wood’s decisive header. His pinpoint accuracy left the Saints’ goalkeeper stranded and handed Forest a crucial lifeline.
Aina’s evolution this season has been remarkable. His defensive mastery is now complemented by an attacking edge, reflected in his improved metrics: an expected assists rate of 1.14, two big chances created, and notable contributions in long ball accuracy and crossing efficiency.
For Forest, every match is a battle, and Ola Aina’s heroics—whether clearing off the line or orchestrating attacks—have been nothing short of extraordinary. As the season unfolds, the Nigerian international continues to be the beacon of hope in Forest’s fight to stay afloat in the Premier League.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In a commanding 5-0 victory over Fraserburgh, Rangers head coach Philippe Clement heaped praise on Cyriel Dessers after the Super Eagles striker scored his first hat-trick for the Scottish giants.
The 30-year-old Nigerian forward, who had been relegated to the bench for six weeks due to inconsistent performances and the rise of Moroccan U-23 talent Hamza Igamane, was given a rare start in this match. However, it seemed like history might repeat itself when Dessers missed a golden opportunity just six minutes into the game, failing to convert an open goal.
But instead of letting the early setback define his night, Dessers bounced back with a vengeance, netting three goals in an inspiring performance that silenced his critics.
Rangers boss Clement highlighted the forward’s resilience and work ethic:
“It proved his mentality, the way he has been working in the last few weeks when he has played less due to the rise of Hamza. Cyriel is a very good character in the dressing room who works hard, and he got his reward for all of that hard work,” Clement said via the club’s official website.
The victory was a confidence booster ahead of a crucial UEFA Europa League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Clement acknowledged the challenges ahead, with injuries and squad limitations creating obstacles:
“We are in a very good position in the Europa League, but this is a huge challenge. We need to be physically, mentally, and tactically ready for a big game. It is a challenge, but it is a nice one, and we are going to go full to try and get the maximum points there.”
Manchester United, currently 13th in the Premier League and struggling in 7th place in their Europa League group, present an opportunity for Rangers to solidify their standing in Europe.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The Super Eagles striker finally finds the net, but the Saints’ relegation battle intensifies.
After 658 days without a goal in the Premier League, Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu finally broke his duck for Southampton. But his long-awaited header against Nottingham Forest was a bittersweet moment as the Saints suffered yet another defeat in their fight for survival.
Onuachu, who joined Southampton during the January 2022-23 transfer window, had been under intense scrutiny for his lack of impact. The towering forward returned to St. Mary’s this season after a successful loan spell at Trabzonspor, where he netted 17 goals and provided four assists. However, his Premier League breakthrough had remained elusive—until now.
In the 92nd minute, with Southampton trailing 2-0, Mateus Fernandes delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Onuachu leaped above Forest’s defenders to power a header into the net, securing his first goal in England’s top flight. Unfortunately for the Saints, his late strike was little more than a consolation, as the match ended in a 2-1 defeat.
Despite Onuachu’s personal milestone, the loss plunged Southampton deeper into the relegation zone. With just six points from 22 matches, the pressure continues to mount on manager Ivan Jurić and his team to turn things around.
For Onuachu, this goal may serve as a confidence boost, but for Southampton, the clock is ticking as they battle to stay in the Premier League.
