by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 25, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
A Turkish Battle for a Nigerian Star
After an impressive loan spell at Trabzonspor, Nigerian international Paul Onuachu is once again the subject of intense transfer speculation. The towering striker, currently on Southampton’s books, has caught the attention of Turkish Super Lig giants Besiktas, who are eager to bring him back to the league where he thrived.
Onuachu, 30, initially joined Southampton from Belgian side KRC Genk in early 2023, following an impressive record of 85 goals and 10 assists in 134 games. However, his time in the Premier League was less fruitful, with limited opportunities and no goals in his debut season. This led to a season-long loan to Trabzonspor, where he rediscovered his form, netting 17 goals and providing 4 assists in just 25 appearances.
Despite Trabzonspor’s efforts to sign him permanently, Southampton retained the striker. Now, Besiktas, led by presidential candidate Serdal Adalı, are making a bold move to secure Onuachu’s services. Reports from Turkish outlet 61saat indicate that Adalı has contacted Southampton to initiate talks, aiming to make Onuachu’s signing a centerpiece of his campaign.
The Super Eagles star is reportedly open to the move, having adapted well to the Turkish Super Lig during his time at Trabzonspor. Adalı is keen to finalize the deal quickly, seeing it as a way to galvanize Besiktas fans and strengthen his bid for the club presidency.
As the January transfer window approaches, Besiktas and Trabzonspor appear poised for a transfer battle over the 2.01m forward. For Onuachu, a return to Turkey could provide the perfect stage to continue his goalscoring exploits.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 25, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
A Journey of Promise and Perseverance
Chuba Akpom’s footballing journey has been anything but predictable. The former Arsenal youth prospect, once tipped for stardom, now finds himself at a crossroads after a challenging spell at Ajax Amsterdam. With limited opportunities in the Netherlands, the forward is reportedly open to a fresh start in France’s Ligue 1, as he seeks to reignite his career.
Akpom’s story began with great promise at Arsenal’s famed academy, where he made his senior debut in 2013. Loan spells at Brentford, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Hull City, and Brighton followed, but regular first-team football at the North London club remained elusive.
Determined to prove his worth, Akpom ventured abroad in 2018, signing for Greek side PAOK Thessaloniki. It was here that his career truly blossomed. He became a fan favorite, delivering a series of impressive performances, including the match-winning goal in the 2019 Greek Cup Final.
After his success in Greece, Akpom returned to England with Middlesbrough in 2022, where he enjoyed his most prolific season yet. He netted 28 goals in 40 league appearances, becoming the Championship’s top scorer and sweeping the club’s Player of the Year awards.
In August 2023, Ajax came calling, signing Akpom on a five-year deal for €12.3 million, with add-ons potentially increasing the fee to €14.3 million. The move promised a chance to shine in one of Europe’s top leagues, but things have not gone according to plan.
Despite flashes of brilliance—such as his first goal in a 2-0 victory over Volendam—Akpom has struggled to secure consistent minutes under Ajax’s current setup. This has fueled speculation about a potential exit, with French club Lille reportedly interested in offering him a lifeline.
France’s Ligue 1, often overlooked compared to Europe’s elite leagues, has become a haven for players looking to rediscover their form. For Akpom, the league could provide the stage he needs to once again showcase his goal-scoring prowess and secure regular playing time.
With Lille previously linked to Akpom in the summer of 2023, a move to Ligue 1 could mark the start of an exciting new chapter in his career—a chance to add another country to his already varied footballing journey and prove that his best days are still ahead.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 25, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles’ star striker currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, has made headlines again—this time for his steadfast commitment to his current club amid swirling transfer rumors and a major shift in his management team.
The Agent Split and Its Aftermath
The Nigerian forward has officially parted ways with his agent, Roberto Calenda, after a series of disagreements stemming from failed transfer moves during the summer of 2024. Now represented solely by his legal counsel, whose identity is yet to be disclosed, Osimhen aims for greater control over his career decisions moving forward.
This shake-up comes as Napoli, his parent club, reportedly prepares for a potential January sale. However, Osimhen has made it clear: he has no intention of leaving Galatasaray until the end of the season. His decision ensures stability and allows him to focus on his outstanding performances in Turkey.
Manchester United Links Dismissed
Despite being linked with Premier League powerhouses Manchester United and Chelsea, Osimhen has not engaged in any talks with the Red Devils, as confirmed by Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba. Speculations about a potential Premier League move have been rife, but insiders close to the situation have downplayed these reports.
Interestingly, Manchester United are said to be considering alternatives within Serie A, including the possible return of their current striker, Rasmus Højlund. The Danish forward’s form this season has positioned him as a stronger trade option than other players reportedly included in the Osimhen rumor mill, such as Marcus Rashford or Joshua Zirkzee.
Dominating in Turkey
Osimhen’s focus has paid off on the pitch. The Nigerian has been in electrifying form for Galatasaray, tallying 12 goals and 5 assists in just 15 Süper Lig appearances. His contributions have solidified his position as a key figure in the Turkish club’s attack.
For now, Osimhen remains committed to seeing out his loan spell. Any discussions about his future transfers will now be handled directly by him and his legal team, ensuring a transparent and focused approach to the next steps in his career.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 25, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Arsenal’s pursuit of Premier League glory faces a significant hurdle as star forward Bukayo Saka has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. The Gunners, who have fallen behind title challengers Liverpool and are six points adrift of leaders Manchester City, now face a grueling schedule of ten games over the next four weeks without their most reliable attacker.
In response, manager Mikel Arteta has intensified the search for a temporary solution, and one name stands out—Ademola Lookman. The Super Eagles and Atalanta forward, who recently clinched the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, has emerged as a prime target for the January transfer window.
Lookman, 27, has been in scintillating form since joining Atalanta in 2022. With 44 goals and 23 assists in 98 appearances, he’s been pivotal in the club’s success, including their UEFA Europa League triumph last season. Despite Arsenal’s interest, Atalanta are reluctant to part ways with their star player as they lead the Serie A table in pursuit of the Scudetto.
A return to the Premier League could appeal to Lookman, who previously played for Charlton Athletic, Everton, Leicester City, and Fulham. However, prying him away from Atalanta mid-season remains a significant challenge.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also exploring alternatives, including AC Milan’s Nigerian winger, Samuel Chukwueze, as a short-term fix for their attacking woes.
As Arteta’s side fights to stay in the title race, the January window could prove decisive for the Gunners.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 25, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s Christiana Ashiaku has emerged as one of the brightest stars in African football after a sensational performance at the inaugural WAFU Zone B U-17 Girls Cup, where she clinched the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer. The Black Maidens’ forward proved her clinical prowess, netting an impressive six goals in just four matches.
Ashiaku’s memorable moments included two brilliant hat-tricks: one in the opening match against Benin and another in the semi-final against Côte d’Ivoire. Her remarkable finishing skills helped guide Ghana to the final, where they triumphed over Nigeria’s Flamingos in a thrilling 5-4 penalty shootout, securing the championship.
This stellar performance adds to Ashiaku’s growing reputation as a young talent to watch. Earlier in the year, she was the top scorer in the CAF U-15 School Championship, captaining her team with authority and contributing four goals in as many matches.
While Ashiaku stole the spotlight, her teammate Latifa Musah was named Player of the Tournament, and Nigeria’s Christiana Uzoma was honored with the Golden Glove award. The tournament was a showcase of exceptional talent, with fierce competition across all teams.
Ashiaku’s remarkable achievements at such a young age signal a promising future for both her and Ghana’s footballing ambitions.
