by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
After a three-month injury layoff, Chidera Ejuke made a triumphant return to action, helping Sevilla secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over Girona at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi. The Nigerian winger, who had been sidelined since October 2024 due to a hamstring injury, came off the bench to make an immediate impact.
Ejuke was introduced in the 82nd minute, replacing Isaac Romero as Sevilla sought a breakthrough. His energy and creativity reinvigorated the Andalusian side, paving the way for Dodi Lukebakio to score the decisive goal just six minutes later. The win was vital for Sevilla’s campaign as they aim to climb the La Liga table.
The 26-year-old had sustained the hamstring injury during a league clash with Barcelona at the Olympic Stadium, forcing him off before halftime. The setback saw Ejuke miss 12 matches in total—nine in La Liga and three Copa del Rey fixtures—leaving a significant void in Sevilla’s attacking setup.
Before his injury, Ejuke was among Sevilla’s standout performers, known for his dazzling dribbling and direct play. He featured in nine matches across all competitions, scoring once, and his influence earned him a call-up to the Nigerian national team for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya.
While Ejuke returned to action, his compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho was absent from Sevilla’s squad amidst speculation of a potential move back to England.
With Ejuke back in the fold, Sevilla will hope to see him return to his best and help the team push for further success in the second half of the season.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Fulham return to winning ways with a 2-0 triumph over Leicester City
Calvin Bassey celebrated a career milestone as Fulham defeated Leicester City 2-0 at the King Power Stadium on Saturday evening. The Nigerian international, now with fifty Premier League appearances under his belt, played a key role in helping the Cottagers secure all three points.
Bassey, a product of Leicester City’s academy, joined Fulham from Ajax in the summer of 2023 and debuted in the Premier League against Brentford in August of the same year. Against his boyhood club, he nearly broke the deadlock in the first half, narrowly missing the target after being set up by Harry Wilson.
The turning point came in the second half, following a tactical change by Fulham boss Marco Silva. Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi, who had started the game, was substituted at halftime for Adama Traoré, raising concerns about a possible injury.
Fulham capitalized on their dominance shortly after the restart, with Emile Smith Rowe heading home from close range to put the visitors ahead. Adama Traoré then sealed the win in the 68th minute with a sensational volley from another Harry Wilson assist.
The victory propels Fulham to ninth place in the Premier League standings, with 33 points from 22 matches, leaving them five points shy of the top four.
Marco Silva is expected to address Iwobi’s substitution and his fitness in his post-match comments.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Fulham’s Alex Iwobi delivered a stellar first-half performance during their 2-0 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, only to be substituted at half-time due to illness. Goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Adama Traoré sealed the win, as the Cottagers bounced back from their midweek loss to West Ham United.
Iwobi’s combination play with Antonee Robinson and Smith Rowe on the left flank was a highlight of the first half, creating several dangerous opportunities. Former Leicester winger Marc Albrighton, who was on commentary duties, praised Iwobi’s impact and initially speculated that the substitution was due to a knock or fitness concerns.
“The linkup between Iwobi, Smith Rowe, and Robinson was where their best chances were coming from. I think it has to be an injury because he was brilliant,” Albrighton commented.
Speaking after the game, Fulham manager Marco Silva confirmed that Iwobi’s withdrawal was precautionary. “He had a difficult 24 hours with a bit of flu. We assessed him in the morning, and he was okay to start, but by half-time, he wasn’t feeling great, so we decided to bring him off.”
Iwobi has been a key player for Fulham this season, registering ten goal involvements (7 goals, 3 assists) in the Premier League — his best-ever tally in a single season. His performance against Leicester underscores his importance to the team, even when not at full fitness.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In a dramatic five-goal Serie A thriller at the Gewiss Stadium, Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman rediscovered his scoring touch, netting a spectacular goal for Atalanta in their 2-3 loss to Napoli.
The Super Eagles star, who struggled to make an impact in his first three games of 2025, reminded fans of his brilliance in a crucial top-of-the-table clash. Lookman’s equalizer in the second half was a testament to his skill, determination, and flair, as he weaved past Napoli defenders, nutmegged Giovanni Di Lorenzo, and slotted the ball expertly into the bottom corner through a sea of legs.
The match began with Atalanta taking an early lead through Mateo Retegui. However, Napoli struck back with first-half goals from Matteo Politano and Scott McTominay, putting the visitors in control at halftime. Lookman’s stunning effort brought Atalanta level, but a late goal from Romelu Lukaku, just a minute after Lookman was substituted for Nicolò Zaniolo, handed Napoli the victory.
Despite the defeat, Lookman etched his name in Serie A history. According to Opta, this season marks the first time two Atalanta players scored against Napoli both home and away in a single campaign. Lookman’s brace in Atalanta’s 3-0 win at the Diego Maradona Stadium earlier in the season was complemented by Retegui’s strike in the same game.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year now has 13 goals and six assists in 25 appearances across all competitions this season. After a stellar 2024, where he scored 22 goals and provided 13 assists in 46 matches, Lookman seems poised to regain his momentum in 2025.
With this performance, Lookman has signaled his intent to help Atalanta stay competitive in the league as they gear up for crucial upcoming fixtures.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
After weeks on the sidelines, Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze is set to return to training with AC Milan, marking the beginning of what could be a pivotal chapter in his career.
The 25-year-old Super Eagles star has endured a mixed season since joining the Rossoneri. In 22 appearances, he has managed three goals and one assist, with most of his minutes coming as a substitute behind Christian Pulisic. Despite this, Chukwueze has been linked to clubs like Arsenal, although his recent hamstring injury derailed any potential January transfer.
The injury, sustained on December 29, was projected to keep him out for a month. Now, as January draws to a close, Chukwueze’s recovery is on track, according to Sempre Milan. He is set to resume light training next week and rejoin full team sessions by the end of the month.
Chukwueze’s return could come just in time for the highly anticipated Milan derby on February 2 at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. Under the guidance of new coach Sergio Conceicao, the Nigerian will look to prove he deserves a regular starting spot.
However, with competition fierce and his future uncertain, Chukwueze may consider his options if his game time doesn’t improve in the coming months. A summer move could be on the cards if he fails to solidify his place in the starting XI.
