by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Racing Genk’s Tolu Arokodare proved his mettle once again in a thrilling 2-0 victory over RSC Anderlecht at the Cegeka Arena.
The 24-year-old Nigerian forward not only scored but also set up the second goal, cementing his status as one of Europe’s most in-form strikers. With 11 goals in the Jupiler Pro League, Arokodare now leads all Nigerian scorers across Europe’s top fifteen leagues, surpassing Super Eagles stars Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, who are both on nine goals this season.
Despite an early miss in the fifth minute, where Anderlecht goalkeeper Colin Coosemans denied him, Arokodare bounced back in style. In the 29th minute, he latched onto a pass from Ibrahima Bangoura and finished with precision, marking his tenth league goal of the campaign.
The Nigerian wasn’t done. Later, he turned provider, delivering a perfect assist for Konstantinos Karetsas, who doubled Genk’s lead. Arokodare came close to scoring a second himself, but his header narrowly missed the target.
In a game that pitted him against league top-scorer Kasper Dolberg, Arokodare stole the spotlight, now trailing Dolberg by just one goal in the Golden Boot race. Should he continue this form, Arokodare could join an elite group of Nigerian players—Tosin Dosunmu, Joseph Akpala, and Paul Onuachu—who have won the prestigious award.
Genk’s head coach Thorsten Fink couldn’t hide his admiration for the striker’s all-around game, highlighting his aerial dominance, pace, and scoring ability. “Tolu is a top striker,” Fink said to Het Nieuwsblad, as quoted by Voetbalnieuws. “He is fast, strong in the air, left and right-footed, and he scores. What more could you want as a coach? Moreover, he now also carries out his defensive duties, which he didn’t before.”
With Genk sitting atop the Jupiler Pro League standings, three points clear of Club Brugge, Arokodare’s performances are proving vital in their title charge.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Chelsea FC has secured the future of young defensive talent Olutayo Peter Subuloye, who recently penned his first professional contract with the club at just 17 years old. Born in Eastbourne, England, Subuloye celebrated his 17th birthday by committing to Chelsea, the two-time UEFA Champions League winners, with the deal coming as a well-deserved birthday gift.
Having joined Chelsea from Brighton and Hove Albion’s U-12 team, Subuloye initially started as a midfielder before transitioning to central defense as he matured. His performances in Chelsea’s U-18 squad have been exceptional, showcasing his leadership, composure, and ability to play out from the back.
Although Subuloye has represented England at the U-18 level, making his debut in October 2024, he remains eligible to represent Nigeria, raising questions about whether he will choose to play for the Super Eagles in the future.
Chelsea has high hopes for the young defender, recognizing his talent and versatility. Subuloye was also instrumental in leading Chelsea’s U-16 team to the Premier League national final and played a key role in their U-17 League Cup win. Now with a professional contract, his future at the club looks promising as he aims to play an important role in Chelsea’s defensive lineup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In the heart of Buenos Aires, a teenage goalkeeper is making waves at one of Argentina’s most prestigious football clubs, CA San Lorenzo de Almagro. Sixteen-year-old Joaquín Ebere Obiekezie is drawing attention not only for his performances but also for the potential international tug-of-war between two footballing powerhouses: Nigeria and Argentina.
Born in Argentina to a Nigerian father, Obiekezie is eligible to represent both nations on the international stage. While his upbringing in Argentina has shaped him into the player he is today, his Nigerian roots connect him to the Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles.
This season alone, he has featured in 26 matches for San Lorenzo’s youth team, a testament to his rising stock. His exceptional talent has not gone unnoticed, with the Argentine Football Association closely monitoring his progress. Should he continue his impressive form, they may push for his allegiance to the Albiceleste, but Nigeria, with its own proud footballing tradition, would be keen to bring him into their fold as well.
Obiekezie, however, remains focused on perfecting his craft and staying grounded amidst the rising attention. Whether he chooses Nigeria or Argentina in the future, one thing is clear: the promising young goalkeeper is poised for greatness, and the football world will be watching his next move closely.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Galatasaray striker praises both former and current teammates, showing respect and professionalism.
Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles forward currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, refused to pick sides when asked to compare Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Galatasaray’s Yunus Akgün. The 25-year-old has had the privilege of playing alongside both talented wingers, but he tactfully chose to avoid favoritism.
“Kvara or Yunus? Both of them are good players,” Osimhen said after Galatasaray’s impressive 2-0 win against Kayserispor, where he scored both goals. The victory sent Okan Buruk’s side eight points clear at the top of the Turkish Super Lig.
Osimhen’s chemistry with Yunus Akgün has been evident, as the duo has combined for three goals since his move to Turkey. However, his connection with Kvaratskhelia during their Serie A-winning campaign at Napoli was nothing short of iconic, with the pair directly combining for 15 goals that season.
Despite his controversial exit from Napoli, Osimhen remains respectful of his former teammates, highlighting his professionalism. His stellar form at Galatasaray—12 goals and five assists in 15 games—has sparked transfer rumors linking him to top Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United.
For now, Osimhen remains focused on helping Galatasaray secure the Turkish league title while maintaining strong relationships with past and present teammates.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
The head coach of Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles, Daniel Ogunmodede, has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure a spot in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). This assurance follows their goalless draw against Ghana in the first leg of the qualifying playoff at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The tightly contested match saw both teams struggling to break the deadlock, with the Super Eagles improving their performance in the second half. Despite not finding the net, Ogunmodede remains optimistic ahead of the decisive second leg.
“I am satisfied with the draw. Now it is for us to qualify for the CHAN. Qualification will add more value to our league, the players, and the indigenous coaches. We had a shaky first half, but we improved after the restart,” the Remo Stars gaffer shared during his post-match conference.
The return leg will be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo this Saturday, and the Super Eagles B team is expected to capitalize on home advantage to book their ticket to CHAN 2024.
On the other side, Ghana’s head coach, Dramani, praised his team’s defensive organization and ability to deny the Nigerians any scoring opportunities.
“I think it was a very tight game, and we controlled a greater part of the match. We were lucky not to have conceded because, in such games, a single mistake can cost you,” Dramani remarked.
The aggregate winner of this playoff round will join the CHAN finals scheduled to take place across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from February 1 to 28, 2025.
