by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 27, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has praised Aston Villa’s acquisition of Belgian international Amadou Onana from Everton, according to Sportblog247.com. This signing marks a significant boost for Unai Emery’s squad as they prepare for their first UEFA Champions League campaign since the 1982-83 season.
Onana, a Belgian-Senegalese midfielder, had been heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park during the summer transfer window. Aston Villa secured his signature for a fee of approximately £50 million. Oliseh described Onana as a perfect addition for the team, predicting that his presence will significantly enhance Aston Villa’s performance in the upcoming season.
“This transfer deal [Amadou Onana] has the potential to take Unai Emery’s Aston Villa to a totally different level. Be smart, don’t you dare bet against Villa this season,” Oliseh wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) page.
Onana was a standout performer for Belgium during their Euro 2024 campaign, playing every minute of the tournament. With Aston Villa qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, he now has the chance to showcase his talents on an even larger stage.
Onana joined Everton from Lille for £33 million in 2022, making 72 appearances and scoring four goals for the Toffees. With the purchase of Onana, Villa’s transfer spending has reached £140 million, according to the BBC. They are also linked with Super Eagles attacker Kelechi Iheanacho, who is currently a free agent.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Arsenal FC has recently unveiled an away kit celebrating the African heritage of its fans, featuring Nigerian stars Kanu Nwankwo and Bukayo Saka. The kit’s launch highlights Arsenal’s deep connection with its African supporters, particularly in Nigeria, where Kanu’s influence helped build a strong fan base during his time with the club.
Kanu’s significant impact on Arsenal’s popularity in Nigeria was underscored by prominent Arsenal fan Robbie Lyle, who noted Kanu’s role in boosting support for the club in his home country. His tenure at Arsenal, marked by domestic success and personal charisma, has left a lasting legacy among Nigerian fans.
The new jersey, created in collaboration with Labrum London, draws inspiration from African culture and pays homage to past Arsenal stars like Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Touré, and Kanu. The promotional video for the kit features scenes from Lagos and a soundtrack influenced by Nigerian culture, further celebrating the club’s African roots.
Previously, Arsenal had planned a pre-season tour in Nigeria in 2012, which was unfortunately canceled. With Nigeria’s football infrastructure improving, the release of this African-inspired kit may signal a renewed opportunity for Arsenal to visit their loyal Nigerian fan base.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 23, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have slipped one spot to 39th in the latest FIFA World Ranking, released for July. Despite maintaining their previous score of 1,498.93, the team experienced a further drop from 38th place in June, following disappointing performances in World Cup Qualifiers.
On the continental stage, however, the Super Eagles remain in 5th position behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Globally, the ranking saw significant movement with Argentina retaining the top spot after defending their CONMEBOL Copa América title, followed by France in 2nd and newly crowned European champions Spain rising to 3rd. England climbed to 4th, while Brazil fell to 5th and Belgium dropped to 6th.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA
Tosin Adarabioyo has expressed his excitement about facing Manchester City and Real Madrid in Chelsea’s upcoming pre-season tour of the United States.
After ending a four-year stint with Fulham, where he turned down a lucrative deal to join Chelsea, Adarabioyo is set to wear the provisional number 4 jersey. The central defender is particularly looking forward to the matches against Premier League champions Manchester City and European giants Real Madrid.
Chelsea’s pre-season tour includes games against Wrexham, Celtic, Club America, Manchester City, and Real Madrid as they prepare for the new season. Adarabioyo, who spent seventeen years with Manchester City and made eight appearances in various competitions, is eager to test himself against his former club and others.
He shared his anticipation on Chelsea’s official website: “It will be interesting to play Manchester City out there. They will be our opponents in the first game of the season in the Premier League, so that will be a good test. We’re also playing Real Madrid, one of the biggest clubs in the world, so that’s one to look forward to.”
Adarabioyo is also enthusiastic about the opportunity to engage with fans in North America and use the tour to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming season. Since leaving Manchester City, he has faced his former team four times in competitive matches, all of which ended in defeat.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 23, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has urged the Super Sand Eagles (SSE) to remain focused and determined in their quest to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place later this year in Egypt.
Sporting Tribune reports that the SSE, led by former Beach Eagles captain Abdullahi Isa, are making a return to continental competition after a five-year hiatus.
NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau addressed the team at the Sunday Dankaro House, emphasizing the importance of their performance and promising full support to ensure their success. He urged the team to view this as a significant opportunity to revive beach soccer in Nigeria and to represent the country with pride.
Gusau highlighted the team’s role in encouraging further investment in the sport and expressed his confidence in their ability to excel despite the challenges.
NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi also spoke, urging the players to behave well and to be strong representatives of Nigeria in Nouakchott. He reminded them of the expectations placed on their shoulders and reassured them of the NFF’s support.
National Coordinator of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League (NBSL) and President of the Africa Beach Soccer Union (ABSU) Mahmoud Hadejia, alongside Coach Abdullahi Isa, thanked the NFF for their support and pledged that the team would strive to make the country proud by securing their place in the AFCON.
