by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 8, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Cheltenham Town has bolstered its defensive ranks with the signing of Irish-Nigerian left-back Val Adedokun from Premier League side Brentford. The loan deal, subject to approval from the EFL, FA, and Premier League, will see the talented 20-year-old spend the remainder of the 2024/25 season at Whaddon Road.
Adedokun, who hails from Dublin, is eager to gain valuable first-team experience, having spent the first half of the season with Hungarian top-flight outfit Diósgyőri VTK, where he made three appearances. Despite being on the fringes of Brentford’s senior team last season—earning seven call-ups across Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup fixtures—the defender is yet to make his competitive debut for the Bees.
Known for his versatility and leadership, Adedokun captained Brentford’s B team to great success last season, earning the B Team Player of the Year accolade. His performances not only highlighted his defensive solidity but also his ability to contribute in the attacking third. This form earned him a contract extension with Brentford until 2026.
Reflecting on his move, Adedokun expressed his excitement:
“It feels great to be here. I’ve always wanted to play first-team football, and I think it’s something I really need to take the next step in my career. I want to play as much as I can, be someone the manager can rely on, and help the team push forward.”
The Irish-Nigerian defender trained with his new Cheltenham teammates on Wednesday and is in contention to make his debut this weekend against AFC Wimbledon.
This move represents a significant step in Adedokun’s development as he looks to establish himself in senior football and help Cheltenham Town achieve their goals in League Two.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 8, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Eric Chelle, the newly appointed head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, is preparing for his official unveiling in Abuja as he steps into the role with high expectations.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed Chelle’s appointment earlier this week, marking the beginning of a new era for the national team. The 47-year-old French-Malian tactician replaces Augustine Eguavoen, who served as caretaker coach during the final stretch of 2024, successfully securing Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Chelle’s task is now twofold: leading the Super Eagles to a strong AFCON campaign and ensuring their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Before accepting the Nigeria job, Chelle coached Algeria’s MC Oran, a top-flight club, and previously led Mali to the quarterfinals of the 2024 AFCON. He also has experience managing several lower-league clubs in France, building a modest but promising coaching resume.
After parting ways with MC Oran this week by mutual consent, Chelle is set to travel to Paris today, January 8, to finalize his arrangements before heading to Nigeria on Sunday for his unveiling.
Journalist Ojora Babatunde confirmed Chelle’s itinerary, saying, “Eric Chelle will leave Oran, Algeria, for Paris, France, today, before departing for Nigeria for his official unveiling by the Nigeria Football Federation.”
Chelle’s arrival in Nigeria will be accompanied by three of his trusted assistants from his stints with Mali and MC Oran. While the NFF has not disclosed specific contract details, sources suggest the coach will sign a two-year deal covering the remaining 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 AFCON.
The Super Eagles’ next challenges will come in March, with World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Chelle’s appointment is expected to reinvigorate the squad as they prepare for the road ahead.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 8, 2025 | Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
At 38, Daniel Akpeyi, the veteran Nigerian goalkeeper, is showing no signs of calling time on his illustrious football journey. Despite limited opportunities on the pitch in recent months, Akpeyi remains undeterred, fueling speculation about his future with an inspiring message of resilience.
The former Super Eagles star, who last featured for South African side Marumo Gallants, has faced a challenging season. His last outing, a tough match against Mamelodi Sundowns in September, saw him concede three goals before being substituted. Since then, injuries and form have kept him sidelined, leaving him to watch from the bench as Gallants struggle defensively.
In the midst of these challenges, Akpeyi took to Instagram to share a video compilation of his best saves, showcasing highlights from his days with the Super Eagles and Kaizer Chiefs. Captioned “Joy is coming,” the post struck a chord with fans and former teammates alike.
South African legend and Akpeyi’s former Kaizer Chiefs teammate, Itumeleng Khune, was among those who reacted, resharing the video with the caption: “One of the best to grace our shores. Respect, Papa D.” Akpeyi warmly responded, “Skipper, you are simply the best. Big love.”
Reports suggest Akpeyi’s time at Marumo Gallants may be coming to an end, as he has struggled to cement a place in the starting lineup. Despite this, his career remains decorated, with 18 caps for Nigeria and a bronze medal from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where he served as the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper.
Akpeyi hasn’t donned the national team jersey since the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs against Ghana, but his recent post signals that he’s not ready to hang up his gloves just yet. For Akpeyi, the message is clear: his journey isn’t over, and “joy” is still on the horizon.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 8, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Controversy brews as the NFF’s choice sparks doubts ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers
The Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) decision to appoint Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles has been met with heavy criticism, most notably from former Gombe FA chairman Gara Gombe.
Chelle, a 47-year-old Malian and former international defender, replaces Augustine Eguavoen, who had led Nigeria to a seamless qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). However, the move has drawn ire from sections of the football community, with Gombe branding the decision “unfortunate” and questioning Chelle’s credentials.
Speaking to Brila FM, Gombe expressed his frustration:
“Who is Chelle? What are his antecedents? Since AFCON, we couldn’t secure a reputable coach, and now we settle for a ‘kindergarten coach.’ It’s disappointing, especially given the world-class players Nigeria boasts. This is not the kind of leadership we need at this critical time.”
Chelle’s coaching résumé includes stints at GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran, as well as guiding Mali to the AFCON quarterfinals in 2024. However, Gombe argued that his achievements fall short of what is required to handle a team of Nigeria’s caliber.
He further lamented the exclusion of Eguavoen, a Nigerian football legend who captained the Super Eagles to their 1994 AFCON triumph and managed the team to a third-place finish in 2006. Gombe insisted Eguavoen’s familiarity with the team and proven track record made him the better candidate.
Chelle’s tenure begins amid mounting pressure, as Nigeria sits fifth in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. With no wins from four matches, the Super Eagles trail group rivals Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin by four points each.
The Malian tactician’s first challenge will come in March when Nigeria faces Rwanda in a must-win encounter to revive their slim qualification hopes.
As the debate rages on, Chelle’s appointment underscores the high expectations that come with managing one of Africa’s most storied football teams. For now, all eyes are on the new coach to see if he can overcome the odds and guide Nigeria back to the world stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 8, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria pins its hopes on Malian tactician as the road to the 2026 World Cup intensifies
Moses Simon, Nantes’ influential forward and a stalwart of the Super Eagles, has become the first Nigerian international to welcome Eric Chelle as the team’s new head coach. In a message shared on his official X account, Simon wrote in French, “Bienvenue au Nigéria” (“Welcome to Nigeria”), signaling optimism for the Malian coach’s tenure.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) announced Chelle’s appointment late on January 7, 2025, marking the start of a critical chapter for the Super Eagles. Chelle, a former Mali international defender, steps into the role after Augustine Eguavoen’s interim stint, which followed Finidi George’s resignation and the collapse of Bruno Labbadia’s proposed appointment.
Chelle inherits a team desperate for redemption on the world stage. Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign has been tumultuous, with the Super Eagles failing to secure a win in their first four matches. Currently sitting fifth in their group—alongside Benin Republic, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Rwanda—Nigeria faces an uphill battle to secure a ticket to the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The qualifiers resume in March 2025, with high-stakes matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The team’s last encounter with Rwanda ended in a shock 2-1 defeat during the AFCON qualifiers in Uyo, adding pressure to Chelle’s debut.
Simon, a veteran with over 70 caps and three AFCON tournaments under his belt, will be instrumental in Chelle’s plans. The Super Eagles last qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 2018, and another missed opportunity would be a significant blow to Nigerian football.
Having previously worked under coaches like Gernot Rohr, José Peseiro, and Eguavoen, Simon’s leadership and experience will be vital as Chelle seeks to rejuvenate the team. Nigeria’s AFCON qualifying success under Eguavoen shows the squad’s potential, but translating that into World Cup qualification is the challenge ahead.
As Simon leads the welcome for the new coach, the Super Eagles and their fans will hope that Chelle’s arrival marks the start of a much-needed turnaround.
