by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Eagles star prepares to adapt yet again following managerial shakeup at Milan
Samuel Chukwueze’s journey at AC Milan has taken another unexpected twist following the departure of Portuguese manager Paulo Fonseca. The decision came after Milan’s underwhelming 1-1 draw with AS Roma at the San Siro—a result that left the Rossoneri languishing in eighth place in Serie A after securing just seven wins in 17 matches this season.
Fonseca, who succeeded Stefano Pioli in June 2024, confirmed his dismissal outside the stadium, stating, “I’ve just learnt that I’ve been sacked as coach. That’s life, that’s how it is. My conscience is calm because I did everything I could.”
During Fonseca’s tenure, Chukwueze saw an improvement in playing time, featuring in 22 matches with three goals and one assist. The Nigerian winger had publicly acknowledged the faith the manager placed in him, telling MilanTV, “Fonseca trusts me, he believes in me. I’m happy to have my chance and want to repay the coach’s confidence.”
However, Fonseca’s exit means Chukwueze must now prepare to impress a new head coach as Milan seeks to salvage their season. Despite being linked with potential moves to Arsenal, Besiktas, and Aston Villa, the 24-year-old remains focused on proving his worth in Italy.
With Milan set to appoint their third manager in under a year, the Super Eagles star faces another critical moment in his career—a test of resilience and adaptability in one of Europe’s most challenging leagues.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigerian-eligible footballers lit up Europe’s lower leagues on Sunday, December 29, delivering crucial goals for their respective clubs in league action.
In the English Football League One, Rotherham United’s Hakeem Odoffin continued his impressive season, scoring in a 1-1 draw against Stockport County at the New York Stadium. After falling behind in the 13th minute, Odoffin equalized six minutes later with a superb header, bringing his season tally to four goals across all competitions.
Over at St James Park, Tola Showunmi showcased his predatory instincts in Crawley Town’s thrilling 4-4 draw against Exeter City. The forward capitalized on a defensive error late in the first half, calmly slotting in Crawley’s third goal. Showunmi now boasts six goals this season.
In League Two, Bromley’s towering central defender Omar Sowunmi continued his remarkable form, scoring for the third consecutive game in a 1-1 draw against Swindon Town. His powerful downward header, set up by fellow Nigerian Idris Odutayo, secured an important point for his side.
Meanwhile, in the Scottish Premiership, Toyosi Olusanya found the net for St Mirren in a 2-1 defeat to Dundee at The SMISA Stadium. Olusanya’s precise header just before halftime briefly restored parity, but Simon Murray’s second-half strike sealed the win for Dundee.
These performances underline the growing influence of Nigerian-eligible players across Europe’s leagues, with each showcasing their ability to make a difference for their teams.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 30, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
The Black Galaxies of Ghana have been eliminated from the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers following a 3-1 defeat to Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team. The second-leg clash, held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday, December 28, saw Nigeria dominate the game after the first leg ended in a goalless draw in Accra.
Goals from Sodiq Akinola Ismaila, Junior Harrison Nduka, and Saviour Johnson Isaac in the first half gave Nigeria a commanding lead, leaving Ghana chasing the game. While the visitors managed to pull one back in the second half, it was too little, too late.
Speaking after the match, Ghana coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani expressed frustration not just with his team’s performance but with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over the tournament’s qualifying format.
“Nigeria showed more hunger and intensity. We made mistakes in key moments, and the goals we conceded broke our rhythm,” Dramani said. He added, “But beyond the game, it’s baffling to see two of Africa’s strongest teams pitted against each other at this stage. Both Nigeria and Ghana should be showcasing their talents in the tournament, not knocking each other out in qualifiers. CAF must address this issue to improve the competition.”
This result marks a bitter moment for Ghana, who had denied Nigeria a spot in the previous CHAN edition. The victory, however, was sweet revenge for the Super Eagles B team, who will now aim to secure their first CHAN title in the upcoming tournament hosted across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has shed light on how Lazio head coach Marco Baroni is shaping his game since his arrival in Rome last summer.
The 23-year-old joined Lazio on a season-long loan from Turkish side Hatayspor and has impressed with his performances in Serie A. Despite limited starts, the Manchester City academy graduate has contributed four goals and two assists in 14 appearances, including a crucial strike in Lazio’s recent 1-1 draw against league leaders Atalanta.
In a candid interview with Lazio TV, Dele-Bashiru spoke about the areas Baroni has focused on to refine his style of play, particularly in ball progression and positioning.
“They [Baroni and the Lazio coaching staff] help me a lot,” Dele-Bashiru revealed. “What he [Baroni] wants me to do more is to be more positive when I receive the ball, to go forward more, adjust my body positioning, and things like that. So I’m trying to implement that into my game.”
Despite making just five starts in Serie A so far, the dynamic midfielder has proven to be a reliable and creative presence whenever called upon. His development under Baroni has sparked speculation that Lazio could consider making his loan deal permanent if he continues on this trajectory.
Dele-Bashiru’s recent goal against Atalanta is a testament to his growing confidence, and with the guidance of Marco Baroni, the Nigerian international could emerge as a vital asset for the Biancocelesti this season.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Atalanta’s Sporting Director, Tony D’Amico, has addressed the growing speculation surrounding the future of their talisman, Ademola Lookman, ahead of the January transfer window.
Lookman, who has been in scintillating form for both club and country throughout 2024, is fresh off being crowned African Player of the Year. The forward, who finished 14th in the Ballon d’Or rankings, has drawn significant interest from European giants, including Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
The 2024 UEFA Europa League champions, Atalanta, are determined to hold onto their prized asset, as Lookman continues to be instrumental in their title charge. The Nigerian international showcased his playmaking prowess once again in their 1-1 draw against Lazio, assisting Charles De Ketelaere after Fisayo Ayodele-Bashiru had given Lazio the lead.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia after the game, D’Amico remained calm about the looming January window, emphasizing the club’s focus on consistency and stability.
“There is no extra pressure; we continue as always to take it one game at a time and focus only on ourselves,” D’Amico said. “This 2024 has been unforgettable for us, with two Finals and one trophy. Lazio are a quality opponent, and this result reflects the intensity of the title race.”
Addressing rumors linking Lookman and midfielder Ederson with moves away, D’Amico reiterated the club’s commitment to retaining their stars:
“Certainly, the January transfer window is a difficult one for all clubs. If there are any opportunities, we will go for them, but obviously, maintaining the full squad that we currently have at our disposal is our priority.”
Atalanta, who spent Christmas as Serie A leaders, now share the top spot with Inter, who defeated Cagliari 3-0 and hold a game in hand. As the title race intensifies, retaining Lookman could be crucial for Atalanta’s ambitions.
