by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 12, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Galatasaray is pulling out all the stops to secure Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen beyond his current loan stint, reportedly seeking financial backing from a major Chinese bank. According to Sportsblog247.com, the Turkish Super Lig club is making serious efforts to lock down the 25-year-old, whose impressive eight-goal tally in just nine appearances has fueled significant interest.
After a turbulent end to his time at Napoli, Osimhen left the Italian side on a season-long loan and has quickly won the hearts of Galatasaray supporters. The Turkish giants, however, are not yet able to meet Napoli’s high asking price to make his stay permanent.
One potential strategy under consideration is a player-swap involving Turkish forward Yunus Akgun to help offset some of the financial demands. But as competition for Osimhen heats up, Galatasaray’s latest plan involves securing additional funds to keep the Super Eagles star in Turkey.
In return, the striker has already shown positive signs about extending his stay, especially as his bond with Galatasaray fans grows deeper with each goal and performance.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 12, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Kelechi Iheanacho, the Nigerian striker currently playing for Sevilla, has found himself in hot water after a fan accused him of a tense confrontation in a car park following the club’s 1-0 defeat to Leganes in La Liga. Iheanacho, who had played 73 minutes in the match, was allegedly confronted by Sevilla supporters Alvaro Palmero and Carlos Romero after the loss.
Palmero, frustrated by the team’s poor form, claims he approached Iheanacho, who was laughing with a club employee and a friend, and questioned his attitude by asking, “What’s so funny after a loss?” According to Palmero, Iheanacho did not ignore the fans but responded, with the situation reportedly only diffused due to the restraint of those accompanying the striker.
Palmero further accused one of Iheanacho’s associates of insulting the fans in a foreign language. The upset supporter expressed his frustrations on social media, questioning Iheanacho’s commitment to the team, especially given his lack of goals in La Liga since joining Sevilla.
Iheanacho’s time at Sevilla has been challenging, with the striker struggling to make an impact, failing to score in 13 La Liga appearances. Sevilla, sitting 13th in the league standings with just 15 points, has also faced a rough season.
As Iheanacho prepares to join the Super Eagles for the crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda, the confrontation adds further scrutiny to his form both on and off the field. With Nigeria needing only a draw to secure qualification for the 2025 AFCON, Iheanacho’s performance will be closely watched as he aims to contribute to his nation’s success.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 12, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Royal Antwerp player and Nigerian national team coordinator, Patrick Pascal, has made a compelling case for Atalanta’s forward, Ademola Lookman, to be awarded the CAF Player of the Year title. Pascal, who also heads the Bauchi State Football Association, warned that failing to honor Lookman would invite intense scrutiny and backlash, both from fans and journalists globally.
Lookman’s performances have been nothing short of remarkable this season, dazzling fans with his skill, consistency, and results. Earlier this year, he led the Nigerian Super Eagles to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, scoring three crucial goals and providing an assist along the way. His heroics extended to the club stage, where he netted a memorable hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, securing Atalanta’s first-ever European title.
In a statement to Brila FM, Pascal passionately defended Lookman’s credentials, saying, “If Ademola Lookman doesn’t win this CAF award, journalists will finish CAF. The whole world will finish them. What are you going to tell people? So Ademola Lookman stands a good chance to win.”
This season, Lookman has continued his stellar form, amassing eight goals and five assists in just 14 appearances for Atalanta. The former Fulham and Everton star faces competition for the prestigious award, including his Nigerian compatriots William Troost-Ekong and reigning African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen.
CAF is set to announce the winner on December 16 in Marrakesh, Morocco, with fans eagerly anticipating whether Lookman’s outstanding year will receive the recognition Pascal believes it deserves.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 12, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Gabriel Osho, a defender born in England but determined to represent Nigeria, has joined the Super Eagles camp in Abidjan ahead of two critical Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. This will be Osho’s first opportunity to earn a cap with Nigeria, following his late call-up to replace the injured Semi Ajayi. The 26-year-old, who plays for French club Auxerre, has previously been sidelined from national duty due to injury but now arrives fully fit and eager to make an impression.
Osho joins a growing group of early arrivals in camp, including key players Moses Simon, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Bruno Onyemaechi, Samuel Chukwueze, Amas Obasogie, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Nigeria is one point away from securing qualification for the 2025 AFCON, with a November 14 clash against Benin’s Cheetahs on the horizon at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium. Following that, the Super Eagles will host Rwanda in Uyo on November 18, closing their qualification series.
Interim head coach Austin Eguavoen, who has called up a 23-man squad for the qualifiers, has shown confidence in Osho, whose commitment to Nigeria remained steadfast despite his English upbringing. The former Reading development squad captain will not need an association switch since he has never represented England, allowing him to suit up for Nigeria immediately.
Competition for a starting spot is fierce, with established names like Calvin Bassey and William Troost-Ekong vying for places in the lineup. Yet, Osho’s early arrival signals his determination to make a mark and fulfill his goal of representing Nigeria at the international level.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 12, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In Ghana, football talent often emerges from modest beginnings, shaped by passion, resilience, and skill. This journey has led Fredrick Akatuk from the dusty fields of Kumasi to the bright lights of Ghana’s premier football clubs, capturing the attention of fans and scouts alike. At just 22, Akatuk is being heralded as Ghana’s next big hope—a player with the potential to follow in the footsteps of Asamoah Gyan, one of the country’s most celebrated strikers.
Akatuk’s story began in the bustling neighborhoods of Kumasi, where he joined Juventus Babies, a youth team in Tafo Nyiaeso. Here, his natural goal-scoring ability and keen eye for the game began to shine, setting him apart from his peers. His dedication and focus paid off, leading him to Tudu Mighty Jets, where he finished his last season with an impressive 17 goals. Soon after, he signed with Accra Lions in the Ghana Premier League, where he spent two impactful seasons before a mid-season transfer to Legon Cities.
It was during his time with Legon Cities in the 2021/22 season that Akatuk made his professional debut, stepping onto the pitch with a determination that made him unforgettable. In 17 appearances, he scored five goals and provided two assists, earning praise for his calmness under pressure and clinical finishing—traits reminiscent of Gyan’s own style.
Akatuk’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. In August, he suffered a groin injury during preseason, a reminder of the physical demands of the game. But even through challenges, his drive to succeed remains undeterred. Mentored by Ghanaian football veterans, Akatuk consistently works to refine his skills, adding depth to his understanding of the game and honing the instincts that make him a threat in the final third.
Akatuk’s hard work is recognized beyond club football. In 2019, he was called up to Ghana’s Under-20 team for the WAFU tournament in Togo. Though the team faced an early exit, the experience cemented Akatuk’s commitment to representing his country on a larger stage. His recent call-up to the Black Galaxies has only fueled his ambition further, and he dreams of one day playing for Chelsea, inspired by his favorite player, Karim Benzema.
With his career still in its early stages, Akatuk embodies the spirit of a new generation of Ghanaian talent. His dedication to improvement, work ethic, and goal-scoring instincts set him apart. If he continues his current trajectory, it may not be long before he is not only making headlines but also leading Ghana’s national team to new heights. Ghanaian football is in good hands, with Fredrick Akatuk ready to step into the spotlight and perhaps, one day, become the next Asamoah Gyan.
