by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The Comeback Story of a Former Arsenal Wonderkid
Kelechi Nwakali, once a promising starlet from Arsenal’s ranks, is finally enjoying his moment of glory in England, proving that perseverance pays off. The Super Eagles midfielder has been named Barnsley’s Goal of the Month winner for December, a significant milestone in his evolving career.
Nwakali’s journey at Barnsley hasn’t been smooth sailing. After joining the club last summer, he initially struggled for game time. However, the tides began to turn with the new year. The 25-year-old has now featured in six of Barnsley’s last seven matches, including a pivotal game against Exeter City.
In that match, Nwakali scored a stunning goal, helping his team secure a 2-1 victory at St. James’ Park. The goal ended Barnsley’s three-game losing streak and sparked a remarkable turnaround as they went on to win three of their next four games.
Fans have taken notice of Nwakali’s growing impact, with his performances earning him admiration and a rising reputation at the club. His December goal has now etched his name in Barnsley’s records as a fan-favorite moment, securing the Goal of the Month award.
The Nigerian midfielder is no stranger to accolades, having captained Nigeria to victory in the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, where he also won the Golden Ball. But despite his early promise, Nwakali’s career took a detour. Signed by Arsenal in 2016, he struggled to break into the first team, going on multiple loan spells before departing in 2019.
Stints in Spain with Huesca, Alcorcón, Ponferradina, and Chaves followed, but it is at Barnsley where he seems to have found stability. With consistent performances in League One, Nwakali is poised to help Barnsley push for promotion to the Championship.
The midfielder remains ambitious, with dreams of moving to a bigger club in the near future. For now, though, his focus is on delivering for Barnsley and proving that his best years are still ahead.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 18, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Newly-appointed Beşiktaş manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær is wasting no time in identifying reinforcements for his squad, with reports suggesting that Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu is at the top of his wishlist for the January transfer window.
According to Turkish outlet Sabah, the former Manchester United boss has given his approval to pursue the towering Southampton forward as he seeks to revitalize Beşiktaş’s attack. Onuachu, known for his 2.01m frame and aerial dominance, has struggled for regular playing time at Southampton since joining from Genk in 2023.
Despite a difficult spell in England, the Super Eagles star remains highly regarded in Turkey following a successful loan stint at Trabzonspor. During his time there, Onuachu became a fan favorite, scoring 15 goals and providing four assists in just 21 appearances under Abdullah Avcı. His standout performances included a Puskás-nominated goal and showcased his clinical finishing in front of goal.
Beşiktaş, currently sixth in the Turkish Süper Lig, are eager to bolster their attacking options after scoring the fewest goals among the top seven teams. Previous attempts to secure Sandro Kulenovic fell through, making Onuachu an ideal alternative. Reports suggest a loan move could be on the cards, as Southampton’s €10 million asking price last summer proved prohibitive.
For Onuachu, a return to Turkey could be the perfect opportunity to reignite his career, having managed only 362 minutes across 12 appearances this season without a goal or assist under Southampton manager Ivan Juric.
Backed by Beşiktaş president Serdal Adalı, Solskjær is reportedly keen to finalize the move quickly, with the player himself open to a return to a league where he has already made a significant impact.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 18, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The Super Eagles striker opens up about the match, his decision to reject Manchester United, and his goals for the season.
Victor Osimhen once again demonstrated his importance to Galatasaray, converting a crucial second-half penalty to secure a 1-1 draw against Atakaş Hatayspor in the Turkish Super Lig. Despite the Lions’ unbeaten run, the Nigerian forward admitted that the team’s performance in the first half was below par, but praised their resilience after halftime.
“There was a bit of a lack of intensity in the first half,” Osimhen said, reflecting on the game. “We let the opponent play a bit. Then, with the speech of our coach, we started the second half very well. We also increased the intensity. We focused a lot on our game.”
The former Napoli star, who joined Galatasaray in the summer, has quickly become a fan favorite. His commitment to the team has been unwavering, even in the face of a tempting January offer from Manchester United.
Rejecting Manchester United to Stay at Galatasaray
Osimhen’s loan deal includes a clause allowing him to move to specific clubs during the January transfer window, but he turned down the opportunity to join the English giants.
“When I came to the team, my friends welcomed me very well,” Osimhen explained. “They helped me in every way. My coach was always with me. He showed me confidence. My teammates showed the same. Thanks to this, it was easy to adapt.
“I am focused on the team right now. We have certain goals for the season. We are taking firm steps towards these goals. We continue to fight. I believe we will achieve great things.”
Osimhen’s decision to remain in Istanbul is a testament to his loyalty and belief in Galatasaray’s potential this season. The Lions are chasing a treble, with a commanding nine-point lead in the league, progression in the Europa League, and a strong campaign in the Turkish Cup.
“Fatigue Is Not an Excuse”
Despite Galatasaray’s grueling schedule of 29 matches across all competitions, Osimhen brushed off suggestions of fatigue after the Hatayspor game.
“I don’t think there is fatigue in the team,” he said. “This is our job. It’s not just the 11 players. The guys on the bench are always ready. I’m always ready and I always want to play for my team. We’ll look at this game and see our mistakes. We’ll learn from them and try to do better.”
Osimhen’s form this season has been exceptional, with 11 goals in 14 league appearances. Remarkably, he has scored double digits in goals for seven consecutive seasons across stints in Turkey, Italy, France, and Belgium.
A Leader with Ambition
Victor Osimhen remains focused on achieving greatness with Galatasaray, showing a blend of humility and determination that has endeared him to fans. His leadership and goal-scoring prowess will be crucial as the team battles on multiple fronts.
For Galatasaray supporters, his decision to stay is a boost to their title ambitions and a signal of Osimhen’s trust in the project.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 18, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
As the countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco begins, two of Africa’s biggest football stars, Victor Osimhen and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, have confidently backed themselves to shine as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have high hopes heading into the competition, especially after captain William Troost-Ekong’s stunning MVP win at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. Defying all odds, Troost-Ekong not only anchored Nigeria’s defense but also netted three crucial goals, leading his team to their first AFCON final in a decade. His triumph made him the first defender since Cameroon’s Rigobert Song in 2002 to win the MVP award.
Now, as the next edition looms, Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year and all-time top African scorer in Serie A, is setting his sights on the prestigious individual accolade. “Myself,” Osimhen boldly declared when asked by CAF about his pick for Player of the Tournament.
The Galatasaray striker will be making his third AFCON appearance, having previously earned a bronze medal in 2019 and a silver in 2023. For Osimhen, the MVP title would cap off what has already been a stellar career trajectory.
Not to be outdone, Gabonese veteran Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabon’s all-time leading scorer and former African Footballer of the Year, also threw his name into the ring. “If I’m there, I will be the player of the tournament. Write it down,” the 36-year-old confidently stated.
While both players are setting their sights on glory, the competition will be fierce. With 24 nations vying for the trophy, stars like Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, and Ivorian striker Sébastien Haller will also be in the spotlight.
As the footballing world eagerly awaits December, the question remains: Will Osimhen or Aubameyang rise to the occasion, or will another star emerge as Africa’s standout player?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 18, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
A Rising Star in Serie A
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s journey from Manchester City’s academy to Serie A stardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since joining Lazio in the summer, the 23-year-old Super Eagles midfielder has taken the Italian league by storm, turning heads with his dynamic performances and clutch contributions.
Dele-Bashiru has already notched up two goals and two assists in just four Europa League appearances. His Serie A exploits include two vital goals, one of which came in a dramatic 1-1 draw against Atalanta. This form has placed him firmly on the radar of Serie A giants Juventus, who are reportedly keen to secure his services.
Juventus Leading the Chase
According to La Repubblica via Goal, Juventus has made preliminary inquiries about Dele-Bashiru. While Lazio’s sporting director, Angelo Fabiani, has emphasized the club’s intent to retain its key players, the interest from the Bianconeri and unnamed Premier League clubs has only intensified speculation about the midfielder’s future.
Fabiani recently commented on the transfer buzz, saying:
“We were asked for Rovella, Dele-Bashiru, Nuno Tavares, Castellanos. Many are attractive on the market. We don’t have to dismantle the team, but complete it.”
From England to Italy: Dele-Bashiru’s Journey
Born in Hamburg, Dele-Bashiru spent over a decade in Manchester City’s academy before launching his professional career at Sheffield Wednesday. A breakout season in Turkey with Hatayspor, where he scored eight goals to help the club avoid relegation, earned him a move to Lazio on a €2 million loan deal with an obligation to buy.
International Impact
Dele-Bashiru has also made his mark on the international stage, scoring twice in five appearances for the Super Eagles. His crucial goal in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa underscores his growing importance to the national team.
What’s Next?
While Lazio remains firm on holding onto their rising star, Juventus appears undeterred in their pursuit. A potential return to England also looms as a possibility, offering the Hamburg-born midfielder a chance to reunite with familiar territory.
As interest from Europe’s elite clubs continues to grow, the future looks incredibly bright for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
