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Category: Sports

  • 5 things to know about Nigerian-born Nathan Butler-Oyedeji playing for Arsenal

    5 things to know about Nigerian-born Nathan Butler-Oyedeji playing for Arsenal

    Born to a Nigerian father and a Vincentian mother, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji is the latest product of Arsenal’s Hale End academy.

    This promising forward recently made headlines with his senior debut in Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League victory over Dinamo Zagreb and also being called up in the matchday squad against Wolves on Saturday.

    Here are five key things to know about Nathan Butler-Oyedeji:

    1. He Comes from a Rich Sporting Heritage

    Born on January 4, 2003, in Walthamstow, East London, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji has a diverse background. His father, Taju Oyedeji, was a footballer who earned a scholarship at Crystal Palace but didn’t secure a professional contract. Nathan inherited his father’s passion for football, blending it with a heritage that includes a Nigerian father and a Vincentian mother. His name reflects this dual identity, with “Butler” from his mother’s side and “Oyedeji” from his father’s.

    2. A Product of Arsenal’s Hale End Academy

    Nathan joined Arsenal’s academy at the age of 8 and signed his first professional contract in 2021. After a series of loans to Accrington Stanley and Cheltenham Town, he finally got his big moment on January 22, 2025, debuting in Arsenal’s 3-0 UCL victory over Dinamo Zagreb. His journey included 11 prior call-ups to the first team, and his persistence paid off when he impressed with 8 goals and 6 assists in the 2024/25 Premier League 2 season.

    3. International Eligibility and Potential

    Though born in England, Nathan is eligible to represent Nigeria, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and England internationally. Despite being uncapped at youth or senior levels, his strong form and Nigerian heritage make him a potential future star for the Super Eagles or the Three Lions.

    Born to a Nigerian father and a Vincentian mother, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji is the latest product of Arsenal’s Hale End academy.

    This promising forward recently made headlines with his senior debut in Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League victory over Dinamo Zagreb and also being called up in the matchday squad against Wolves on Saturday.

    Here are five key things to know about Nathan Butler-Oyedeji:

    1. He Comes from a Rich Sporting Heritage

    Born on January 4, 2003, in Walthamstow, East London, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji has a diverse background. His father, Taju Oyedeji, was a footballer who earned a scholarship at Crystal Palace but didn’t secure a professional contract. Nathan inherited his father’s passion for football, blending it with a heritage that includes a Nigerian father and a Vincentian mother. His name reflects this dual identity, with “Butler” from his mother’s side and “Oyedeji” from his father’s.

    2. A Product of Arsenal’s Hale End Academy

    Nathan joined Arsenal’s academy at the age of 8 and signed his first professional contract in 2021. After a series of loans to Accrington Stanley and Cheltenham Town, he finally got his big moment on January 22, 2025, debuting in Arsenal’s 3-0 UCL victory over Dinamo Zagreb. His journey included 11 prior call-ups to the first team, and his persistence paid off when he impressed with 8 goals and 6 assists in the 2024/25 Premier League 2 season.

    3. International Eligibility and Potential

    Though born in England, Nathan is eligible to represent Nigeria, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and England internationally. Despite being uncapped at youth or senior levels, his strong form and Nigerian heritage make him a potential future star for the Super Eagles or the Three Lions.

    4. Playing Style Inspired by Legends

    Butler-Oyedeji’s father encouraged him to study clips of Thierry Henry, shaping his development as a versatile and pacey forward. Nathan also admires Ronaldinho, whose flair influences his creative style. Comfortable as a striker or winger, he is known for his work rate, sharp movement, and clinical finishing—qualities that have made him a standout at the youth level.

    5. He’s Following in the Footsteps of Other Anglo-Nigerians at Arsenal

    Nathan joins the likes of Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, and Miguel Azeez as Nigeria-eligible players making their mark under Mikel Arteta. His senior debut solidifies Arsenal’s reputation for nurturing players with Anglo-Nigerian roots who excel at both club and international levels.

    Nathan Butler-Oyedeji’s story is just beginning, and with the right opportunities, he could become a key figure for Arsenal and a force to reckon with on the international stage. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as he continues to grow.

  • Sinner beats Zverev in straights sets to retain Australian Open title

    Sinner beats Zverev in straights sets to retain Australian Open title

    A clinical Jannik Sinner swept past Alexander Zverev to retain his Australian Open title Sunday and cement his status as the world’s dominant player, becoming the first Italian to win three Grand Slams.

    The 23-year-old came through a tense battle between the world’s top two players 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena, raising his arms in the air and looking to the sky in celebration.

    In doing so he became the first Italian, man or woman, to win three Grand Slams, surpassing Nicola Pietrangeli’s two.

    The victory also thrust him alongside Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic as the only men to successfully defend their Melbourne Park titles this century.

    But it proved more misery for Germany’s Zverev, who remains one of the world’s best players never to taste Grand Slam glory, falling short once again in his third big final.

    Ice-cool Sinner proved to be a tower of mental strength in Australia, with his defence coming against the backdrop of an ongoing doping case after he twice tested positive for traces of the steroid clostebol last year.

    Hanging over his head has been a World Anti-Doping Agency appeal against his exoneration, with the global body seeking a long ban.

    A hearing is scheduled at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for April.

    But he cast all the worries aside to notch a 19th career title and extend his incredible win streak to 21 matches.

    Last year, Sinner needed five sets to tame Daniil Medvedev and win his first Grand Slam, but it never looked like going the distance this time.

    He opened with a statement ace and won his first two service games to love, with Zverev struggling to get himself into the contest.

    The German fought back to save two break points and hold for 2-2, serving his way out of trouble.

    He began to find his radar, taking four points off the next Sinner serve in a game that went to deuce twice as the rallies built.

    – Racing clear –

    But the dam finally burst in the eighth game.

    Zverev saved three break points but had no answer to a fourth when he was beaten by a blazing passing shot to slump 5-3 behind.

    Sinner took the set in 46 minutes and kept the pressure on in the second as cracks began to appear in his opponent’s game.

    The Italian has a phenomenal ability to turn recovery shots into momentum-changing ones and he raced 15-40 clear on the Zverev serve at 1-1.

    Once more, the second seed dug deep to cling on.

    From then on they couldn’t be separated and it went to a tiebreak where Sinner got a lucky net cord that dribbled over to break for 5-4 and he streaked to a two-set lead.

    Sinner has won all four tiebreaks he’s played in Melbourne and 16 from his last 18.

    Zverev smashed his racquet in frustration at the changeover, and it didn’t get any better in the third set, worn down by the relentless Italian.

    Sinner broke for 4-2 when Zverev sent a forehand long and there was no way back for the increasingly disillusioned 27-year-old.

    Zverev came into the clash with a 4-2 record over Sinner, but all of those wins came before the Italian won a Grand Slam or rose to world number one.

    Sinner won eight titles last year, including the US Open and season-ending ATP Finals, and was the first player since Federer in 2005 to go through a season without a defeat in straight sets.

  • Kyle Walker’s wife to ‘put things behind’ after husband’s move to AC Milan

    Kyle Walker’s wife to ‘put things behind’ after husband’s move to AC Milan

    Kyle Walker’s wife, Annie Kilner, has expressed her readiness to embrace life in Italy following her husband’s loan transfer from Manchester City to AC Milan.

    Serious doubts once clouded their marriage after Walker, an England international, fathered two children with former Love Island contestant Lauryn Goodman.

    Kilner reportedly initiated divorce proceedings at one point. However, the couple spent Christmas together, signaling efforts to rebuild their bond.

    Now, they are stepping away from the Premier League’s intense spotlight.

    Walker, already in Italy, is preparing to join Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah at San Siro. His family will join him once formalities like securing a work permit are completed.

    A source told the Daily Mail, “This is a good opportunity to put things behind them and make a go of it as a family unit. It will be a challenge in a new country, but they are willing to give it a go.”

    Kyle Walker reportedly hopes to don the No.32 jersey, famously worn by David Beckham during his loan stint with the Rossoneri.

    Although he cannot play in the Champions League group stage, his Milan debut might coincide with a highly anticipated derby against Inter on February 2.

  • Chukwueze scores late-winner to give AC Milan stunning win over Parma

    Chukwueze scores late-winner to give AC Milan stunning win over Parma

    AC Milan turned jeers to cheers on Sunday as two goals in stoppage time gave the seven-time European champions a stunning 3-2 win over Parma in Serie A.

    Trailing to what looked like being Enrico Delprato’s winner for Parma heading into added time, Milan triumphed thanks to strikes from Tijjani Reijnders and Samuel Chukwueze, sending previously frustrated fans delirious with joy.

    AC Milan move up to sixth, five points behind Lazio who sit fourth and host off-form Fiorentina in Sunday’s late match.

    Nigeria forward Chukwueze’s bundled finish completely changed the atmosphere around the San Siro and gave Sergio Conceicao’s team a huge boost ahead of a massive week.

    Milan travel to Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday gunning for direct qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League before their local derby with Inter Milan next weekend.

    “I think we showed the right mentality, fighting to the end and the way we changed this game is crazy,” said Netherlands midfielder Reijnders after his 11th goal of the season.

    “This game was important for us to get back where we belong. Now we have to continue.”

    Fan discontent had threatened to bubble over in the 80th minute when Delprato forced home on the rebound after Mike Maignan did brilliantly to keep out Drissa Camara.

    Supporters turned towards the directors’ box and ironically applauded Milan’s management, after Milan’s hardcore ultras watched the majority of the match in silence, only raising their voices to again demand that American owners RedBird sell the club.

    The loudest cheers heard from home fans before Reijnders’ 91st-minute equaliser, slotted home from Yunus Musah’s fine through ball, came moments before when Strahinja Pavlovic headed in what he thought was the leveller before it was rightly ruled out for offside.

    Unfortunate Parma were left with nothing from an excellent performance which deserved more but meant Fabio Pecchia’s team stay a point above the relegation zone.

    “When you play like that at the San Siro and you leave with a defeat there’s going to be disappointment but there’s also awareness of what we did because I saw a lot of good stuff today,” said Pecchia.

    “A performance like that can only serve us well for the future.”

    Inter are at Lecce on Sunday evening hoping to halve the six-point gap separating the champions from league leaders Napoli, with Roma at fellow mid-table outfit Udinese.

  • Unlocking the Nigerian professional football league!, by Segun Odegbami

    Unlocking the Nigerian professional football league!, by Segun Odegbami

    Arguably, the most successful football club in the history of Nigerian football is Enyimba FC.

    The Aba-based club has won the Nigerian Premier League more times than any other club (9 times). It is the only Club to have won the CAF Champions League trophy (twice). The club’s records and fixture at the top half of the Premier League have remained consistent and unblemished for over two decades.

    Last week, ‘the People’s Elephant’, the last amongst the 4 clubs that represented Nigeria in the ongoing 2024/2025 CAF Club competitions, was also knocked out of the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup. In their last two group matches, they lost to Zamalek FC of Egypt in Cairo by 3-1, after playing a drawn game in Uyo in the first leg.

    They are the last of the 4 Nigerian clubs that qualified and failed (again) to make any headway in the two continental CAF competitions this 2024/2025 season. The other three teams are El Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri, Remo Stars FC of Ikenne and Rangers International FC of Enugu.

    These ‘giants’ collectively represent the continuing failure of Nigerian clubs to make an impact in African club football in the past 20 years, the last time a Nigerian club won any of the two CAF trophies in African football.

    What does this mean in terms of Nigeria’s domestic football development where success is measured only in Trophies and Medals won?

    The question is pertinent because Nigeria has the largest number of African players in the professional football ranks abroad. Yet this high production rate of players good enough for the leagues abroad, is not reflected at all in the domestic leagues at home. The wider implication may even be that the migration abroad is depleting the teams at home and reducing the standard of the domestic leagues. You cannot eat your cake and have it.

    This ceaseless and uncontrolled exodus of quality players from domestic clubs must be partly responsible for the low quality of the league and also for failure to attract the attention and interest of investors and sponsors. The absence of great players in any league is like tea without sugar.

    There was a time (some 30 years ago), at the start of the professional league in Nigeria, when companies (including the giant telecom companies) were falling over each other to sponsor the Nigerian league with stupendous offers. What has happened to all that fire and enthusiasm?

    Even this past decade, or so, an oil company ‘poured’ resources into Nigerian football, including the league, even when at a time that the reputation of the league was at its lowest, riddled with charges of reckless corruption, and absence of basic infrastructure, proper management and elementary coverage facilities without which the business can never thrive. All sports thrive mostly on TV coverage.

    The oil company left unceremoniously for reasons unknown, but not unconnected with the reputation of the league.

    Whatever happened to that kind of enthusiastic attraction of sponsors to Nigerian football despite the poor image it conjured at those times in the past?

    When the idea of an external body to manage the Premier league was first introduced and a League Management Committee, LMC, operating independent of the Federation was mooted and later embraced and introduced, it was assumed that massive changes would take place that would bring an end to the shenanigans that marred earlier management. For example, It was assumed it would bring to an end the era of government clubs and government interference in the affairs of domestic football which were assumed to be the oxygen for corrupt practices affecting the transparency and functionality of the league.

    That LMC came and went after over a decade of operating in a cloud of obscurity and secrecy, with charges of non-accountability hanging over its head like the fabled Albatross in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s ‘the Rime of the Ancient Marina’.

    The operators were seen to be benefiting more than the league itself. They were let go.

    In the past three years, a new League Management Company, LMC, has been born under a new leadership with a new spirit and with slightly clearer roles and agenda. It is assumed that things will be different and will yield different fruits.

    The new LMC brings in a strategic new partner, GTI Assets Management, to guide the league down a new route into proper management and prosperity.

    Supported with initial funds raised and provided by GTI, the LMC has surely been improving the organisation of the league by stabilizing its operations, assisting the clubs financially at the start of every season, facilitating the payment of critical indemnities of major officials, and running the leagues by avoiding any major crisis of confidence and trust.

    The main challenge remains the economic prosperity of the clubs and the league. No one knows the full details of the relationships that the LMC has with GTI, other partners, investors and sponsors until the anticipated revenue starts pouring into the league.

    Such revenue will help keep the best players at home and attract retiring ones still good enough to return and play in the domestic league. But which comes first? Is it the chicken or the egg?

    However, there are a few other sideline developments of interest to highlight here.

    During the 2024/2025 season, of the 20 clubs in the league, 18 of them are still owned and funded by State governments. Private clubs have either been muscled out or are unable to meet the demands of running clubs without major income sources.

    Only two clubs are privately owned in the Premier League and both are using proceeds from other sources, particularly the trading of players abroad, as the primary source of their revenue. This inordinate selling of players has triggered an avalanche of players’ migration, creating the biggest single problem with developing domestic Nigerian football.

    Many clubs have shifted their gaze from developing players and winning trophies to the easier and more lucrative business of trading in players abroad through proxy clubs and academies.

    The consequence is damning. Nigerian players have become cheap and abundant commodities, with many traded for peanuts to clubs in countries with low football pedigree, like Sudan, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Benin Republic, Malta, Albania, Bangladesh, Tanzania and so on. These are all ‘professional’ football destinations for Nigerian players now.

    Unfortunately, these destinations are a ‘death zone’. The players that migrate there simply disappear into obscurity, forever.

    The product of this is that Nigerian clubs become so weak they are unable to win any club trophies in Africa.

    The last time a Nigerian club won any of the CAF competitions was in 2003/4, and 2004-2005, through Enyimba FC. That’s all.

    Since then, only feeble attempts to get to the finals by Dolphins FC (once), and to the quarter finals (twice) by two other Nigerian clubs, have taken place.

    If success at continental club level is the parameter to measure success of a country’s domestic football (and there is no other yardstick to use) it is no surprise, therefore, that the Nigerian league is NOT amongst the top-five in CAF’s latest ranking. That speaks volumes.

    Where is the claim, therefore, by some stakeholders coming from that Nigerian football at domestic level is making giant strides?

    The situation is so bad that two players from the current home-based Super Eagles team preparing for CHAN may have left camp and headed for Sudan and Albania.

    Once players go to several of these countries they evaporate into oblivion. Yet, the movement abroad becomes a flood into which emerging stars are swept away before they mature. Yet, without them, football at domestic level will be tasteless, like Tea without Sugar.

    No matter the incentives or measures introduced to improve the league, clubs will not win championships, and the leagues will not be marketable without quality players being produced and incentivized to remain in the domestic leagues.

    The Nigerian Premier Football League is a machine with many moving parts that must all move in harmony to produce an attractive league good enough to market.

    Without excellent grounds around the country, excellent television and radio coverage facilities and programs, without stemming the uncontrolled migration of players abroad, every effort to lift the league to another level will remain on the tarmac.

    I learnt that GTI Assets Management have tremendous experience in investment and management, and actually spent 10 years researching and studying the Nigerian league and how to turn its fortune around. I hope that all of these will be brought into play to ignite the flames of genuine development and success.

  • Super Eagles potentials listed for Chelle as NPFL season resumes

    Super Eagles potentials listed for Chelle as NPFL season resumes

    In continuation of the 2024/25 Nigerian Professional Football League season, matches will resume this weekend across the country after a three week mid-season break which commenced on January 5. The break also marked the opening of the January transfer window which allows clubs to bolster their squads and get ready for the remainder of the season. After reaching the halfway mark, and after 19 games, the race for the title is beginning to take shape. It’s also becoming clear which teams will be battling to avoid relegation.

    Remo Stars finished the first half top of the table with 36 points, Rivers United with 34 points are second on the log, while Shooting Stars, who had a poor start to the season, remarkably climbed to third place on 33 points, upstaging the reigning champions Enugu Rangers on 31 points to the fourth place. El-Kanemi Warriors complete the top five spots with 29 points.

    At the other end of the table, Nasarawa United sit rock bottom in 20th place, followed by Akwa United, who also have 19 points but a better goal difference than the Lafia-based side. Plateau United and Lobi Stars complete the bottom four.

    The return of action will definitely witness intense competition not just among the title contenders but also for those at the basement, who are threatened by relegation.

    Defending champions Rangers International of Enugu will welcome Niger Tornadoes at the Cathedral, Enugu in one of the matches expected to light up the competition today. With an eye for the top, the Flying Antelopes will aim for maximum points even as the men from Minna will want to frustrate them with their tight defensive play.

    Another fixture to look forward to is that between Abia Warriors and mid-table kings Bayelsa United.

    There is also an exciting western derby involving Sunshine Stars and Ikorodu City. Debutants Ikorodu City began the campaign in a whirlwind fashion as they swept to the top at some point. But as the season wore on, the Ikorodu lads found things a bit difficult but still finished the first half of the season at the 6th position in the table, 11 places above Sunshine but separated by 7 points. It will therefore be fight to finish at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode the adopted home of the Akure club.

    Nasarawa United will also host Katsina United in an all northern affair at the Lafia Township Stadium. Action starved fans will be entertained to the best football that can be found in the domestic scene.

    A lot is expected from some of the stars that stood out after some exceptional individual performances in the first half of the season who are captured here.

    Outstanding players

    The halfway point of the season also showcased some exceptional individual performers.

    Here are Afrik-foot.com’s picks for the best XI of the NPFL at the halfway mark. They are Super Eagles potentials that coach Chelle may keep an eye on as one of his mandates is to track local players who could have a chance in the senior national teams.

    NPFL Best XI

    Goalkeeper

    Arguably the best goalkeeper of the season so far, Abdullahi’s outstanding saves and shot-stopping ability have been instrumental in Shooting Stars’ resurgence.

    Often unheralded, Abdullahi has emerged as a key figure for the Ibadan-based side, helping them climb to third place. They have conceded just 13 goals in 19 games, with Abdullahi keeping seven clean sheets. His performances have cemented his reputation as one of the league’s best shot-stoppers.

    Defenders

    Imo Obot (Enyimba)

    The Enyimba defender has been one of the NPFL’s most consistent players.

    Despite Enyimba’s underwhelming season, Obot has shone at left-back, combining defensive solidity with marauding runs down the flanks.

    His free-kick ability further sets him apart. He also featured for the Super Eagles B.

    Sodiq Ismail (Remo Stars)

    Remo Stars’ right-back has continued his fine form from last season, delivering consistent performances.

    He has scored three goals for the ‘Sky Blue Stars,’ contributing significantly to their top-of-the-table position.

    Ismail’s exploits have earned him a call-up to both the Super Eagles A and B teams.

    Junior Nduka (Remo Stars)

    As captain of Remo Stars, Nduka has been a pillar of strength at the back, leading his side to 11 clean sheets.

    His leadership and commanding defensive displays have been vital in Remo Stars’ success.

    Nduka also captained the Super Eagles B team to notable victories.

    Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers)

    A formidable presence at centre-back, Onyebuchi has been a rock for Rangers this season.

    Enugu Rangers take the Lead through Ifeanyi Onyebuchi in the Oriental Derby against Heartland FC

    Known for his physicality and tackling, the 24-year-old has helped Rangers maintain the second-best defensive record in the league, conceding only 11 goals.

    He has been one of the best defenders in the NPFL for the past three seasons in the NPFL and loves to score goals too.

    Midfielders

    Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars)

    The veteran midfielder continues to defy age, delivering stellar performances for Kano Pillars.

    With three goals and four assists, his creativity and set-piece prowess have made him a fan favourite.

    Blessed with a terrific left foot, the 22-year year old has continued to wow fans in Minna and other match centre in the first half of the season and justifies his place in the team.

    Forwards

    Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United)

    Despite Nasarawa United’s struggles, Yusuf has been a standout performer, leading the NPFL scoring charts with 10 goals.

    Forwards

    Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United)

    Despite Nasarawa United’s struggles, Yusuf has been a standout performer, leading the NPFL scoring charts with 10 goals.

    His clinical finishing and positional awareness have made him a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season for his team.

    With Anas back after national team duties, he might be the tonic Nasarawa United need to fight their way out of the relegation zone.

    Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars)

    Musa’s return to Kano Pillars has been nothing short of impactful.

    The Super Eagles captain has scored six goals and provided three assists in just 13 appearances, starting the season on match-day five against Sunshine Stars.

    His individual brilliance, especially in a thrilling 4-3 away win against Enugu Rangers, has been a highlight of the season.

    Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United)

    Ogbole has quietly been one of the NPFL’s most effective forwards, scoring seven goals for Kwara United.

    His performances have been crucial in keeping his team afloat, and his efforts have earned him a spot in the Super Eagles B team.

    He is blessed with pace and good shooting ability, which should come handy for Kwara United in the second round.

    Coach: Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars)

    Fresh from leading the Super Eagles B to qualify for the 2025 CHAN tournament, Ogunmodede is our pick for this team of the season at the halfway mark.

    He has turned Remo Stars into a household name on the local scene with some swash-buckling football that has seen them top the league table with 36 points scoring 23 goals after 19 matches – the second highest after Ikorodu City’s 25 goals. They won 11 games, drew three and lost five to be the team to beat as the second round has commenced.

    Honourable mentions

    A lot of players have also done well this season, but only eleven can make it into the starting eleven.

    However, there are other players who did well and made it to the substitute bench.

    Serge Obassa (Remo Stars), Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors), Mustapha Ibrahim (El-Kanemi Warriors), Stephen Manyo (Rivers United), Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City), Isaac Saviour (Rangers).

  • NFF should beware of ‘Ides of March’

    NFF should beware of ‘Ides of March’

    When the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, announced the hiring of former Mali manager, Eric Chelle, as the new coach of the Super Eagles, not a few eyebrows were raised. From Sokoto to Maiduguri, and from Abeokuta to Calabar, voices were raised in surprise. Who is Eric Chelle? Nigerians asked, what is his coaching pedigree? What is his football background? These and many other questions were thrown at random by football loving Nigerians, who believe that with the quality of players available to the Super Eagles, and the type of football Nigerians want to see, only a football coach with a credible CV should handle the Eagles.

    From all indications, the NFF expected the backlash from Nigerians, and was prepared for the massive resistance to the announcement. This leads me to believe that those who sponsored Eric Chelle’s appointment, must be very powerful football figures, either within the NFF, or within the Nigerian football fraternity. Within minutes of the announcement, there was an unprecedented media blitz, targeted at selling Chelle to Nigerians at any cost.

    With the voices of football loving Nigerians screaming against the appointment, the NFF, went to town with its preplanned counteroffensive. Wherever there were dissenting voices, you were sure to hear a notable football voice going against the general complaint. FIFA Council member and former NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, was in the forefront of the NFF counteroffensive. He took the battle to the Arise News Channel, where he extolled the virtues of Eric Chelle to the rooftop. Most people, though, took Pinnick’s praises with a pinch of salt, recalling that the same Pinnick, had some years ago, presented Sunday Oliseh, as the African Pep Guardiola.

    A toga which Oliseh could not sustain for even a few months, before things went awry. Other notable voices that supported the Chelle announcement include Chris Green, a former NFF board member. Former African footballer of the year, Victor Ikpeba, a member of the NFF Technical Committee, threw his weight behind the appointment, as did former Super Eagles striker, Julius Aghahowa. The number of sports journalists who wrote verses chanting Chelle’s qualification to lead the Super Eagles, are too numerous to mention, so I will leave their names out, but remark that they were many.

    Come Monday 13th January 2025, at the media center of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja the venue for the unveiling of Chelle, one could feel something was in the air. The extra security around the stadium, sent a clear message to mischief makers, that it would not be their day. On the WhatsApp platform of the Sportswriters Association of Nigeria SWAN, FCT chapter, a battle of those for, and those against the appointment, had been bitterly fought, until that very morning, with neither side calling a truce.

    Despite that battle, however, sportswriters besieged the venue of the unveiling, with a battery of television cameras in evidence, as the sports crew of both local and international television stations waited to capture every moment of the occasion. Before then, sports journalists had discussed in muted tones, whether President Tinubu would support a Malian, bearing in mind the current political tensions in ECOWAS, where Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, have rebelled against Tinubu’s headship of the regional body, by dissociating themselves from it. Some wondered whether regional politics could scuttle the appointment. The NFF, as a footnote, ensured that journalists were aware that Chelle has a French father, and should therefore be considered a Frenchman. The five matches Chelle played for the Malian national team, however, gives the lie to this argument, as he remains Malian in football terms.

    Back to our unveiling; from the onset, you could tell that the NFF did not want anything to go wrong. With a purported protest by the National Association of Nigerian Students NANS, hanging in the air, and a general discontentment with the entire Chelle situation by the public, one could understand the heightened security at the venue. The entire top brass of the NFF, was in attendance, as a mark of solidarity, alongside the chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko. For a moment, Eric Chelle seemed lost in the midst of Nigerian football dignitaries, but by expressing himself in English, and stating his love for the Super Eagles, he endeared himself to some journalists.

    Finally, the contract was signed, and the NFF have won, or so it seemed. Fast-forward a few days later, however, and Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, one of Nigeria’s football icons, fires a salvo at the NFF for lacking the love of football. He accused the NFF of being populated by politicians, who only see football through a political lens. He rounded off by saying that trophies would be elusive to Nigeria under such administrators. Segun Odegbami, another football hero, said he has been stunned into silence by the choice of Eric Chelle. According to him, he would adopt a siddon look attitude, until Chelle proved himself. There are also reports that legendary Super Eagles front man, Kanu Nwankwo, is also not sitting pretty with the appointment, with the Enyimba FC chairman, voicing his disapproval to close associates.

    From all indications, the battle line has been drawn, between the NFF, and those skeptical about Chelle. Majority of Nigerians are baffled at how the NFF has loudly backed Chelle, when it was unwilling to back Finidi George, while his tenure lasted. The question then is; does the NFF hate Nigeria’s ex-internationals? The answer is neither here nor there, suffice it to say that what I’ll term “the ides of March,” to borrow from William Shakespeare, is just around the corner. With two crucial World Cup qualifying fixtures, in March, against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, the NFF and Eric Chelle have their work cut out for them. They must beware of those two matches in March.

    Nothing but victory will satisfy Nigerians. Especially those criticizing the choice of Chelle. There will be no room for propaganda, as the performance of the Super Eagles in those games, would determine whether Eric Chelle and the NFF would survive. For now, many silent voices are watching and waiting, while expecting the worst, and hoping for the best. It follows therefore, that until the successful prosecution of those two fixtures, it is not yet Uhuru for Eric Chelle and the NFF.

  • ‘Best honeymoon ever’: Keys hails reluctant husband-coach after Australian Open win

    ‘Best honeymoon ever’: Keys hails reluctant husband-coach after Australian Open win

    Madison Keys paid tribute to her coach and new husband Bjorn Fratangelo saying it “was the best honeymoon ever” after winning her first Grand Slam title on Saturday aged 29 — and then revealed he did not even want the job.

    The American battled injury and self-doubts last year and curtailed her season early, in October, to get married.

    “I feel like this is the best honeymoon ever. This is perfect,” a beaming Keys said.

    The former teen prodigy, who first won a WTA match at 14, has now finally got her hands on a major after beating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in the Australian Open final.

    “I have the most supportive, best husband in the entire world, who didn’t even want to coach me,” Keys said on Channel Nine TV straight after lifting the trophy.

    “And I was like, please, please come with me.

    “So it took some arm-twisting, and he has just been the most supportive, and he’s fully believed in me every step of the way.”

    Keys is the fourth-oldest first-time winner of a major since the Open Era began in 1968.

    She overcame fierce three-set challenges from both the two top seeds, Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, in the semi-final and final.

    “I have absolutely the greatest team,” Keys said.“They have really believed in me in the moments that I didn’t believe in myself.

    “They helped me completely rebuild after some pretty gnarly injuries last year.

    “And if it wasn’t for those three people who have been cheering me on all week through all of the three-set matches, I wouldn’t be here.”

    Keys is on a tour-leading 12-match unbeaten streak after lifting the Adelaide International trophy two weeks ago and will move up to world number seven, equalling her career-best ranking from 2016.

    “I think dealing with some of the injuries that I dealt with last year really kind of forced me into some changes.

    “It made me kind of have to stop being stubborn and listen to my husband.

    “It pushed me to get a little bit uncomfortable and be okay with that. And I feel like buying into that just set me up to start playing some really good tennis.”

  • PSG loan France forward Kolo Muani to Juventus

    Juventus signed Randal Kolo Muani on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday as the France forward seeks playing time away from the French capital.

    The two clubs released statements to confirm the deal, which will see Kolo Muani stay in Turin until June 30.

    The transfer had been held up because PSG had already filled their quota of players who could be loaned out to foreign clubs at the same time.

    However, the confirmation of Kolo Muani’s loan deal being completed follows reports in France on Wednesday that PSG’s Spanish defender Juan Bernat had rescinded his contract with the club and turned a loan move to Villarreal into a permanent transfer.

    Kolo Muani, 26, has remained a regular for the French national team despite starting just twice for PSG in the first half of the season.

    He has scored just two goals for the French champions since the campaign began, and has played just 78 minutes since the start of November.

    Kolo Muani joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in a reported 90 million-euro ($93.7m) transfer at the start of last season and netted nine goals in 40 appearances in his first campaign in Paris.

    His move to Turin will boost Juve’s forward line which has been hit with injuries.

    Thiago Motta’s team have had to play without a recognised striker in recent fixtures, and were toothless in a 0-0 draw against Club Brugge in the Champions League on Tuesday.

    Juve are currently fifth in Serie A and travel to leaders Napoli on Saturday.

    Kolo Muani will be welcomed into the fold at Juve by fellow Frenchmen Pierre Kalulu and Khephren Thuram, the latter the son of World Cup and European Championship winner Lilian who won two league titles at Juve.

  • Man City sign forward Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt

    Man City sign forward Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt

    Manchester City on Thursday announced the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush for a reported initial fee of around £59 million ($72.6 million).

    The 25-year-old, whose contract is understood to include a potential further £4.2 million in add-ons, has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Premier League champions.

    Marmoush is City’s third signing of the January transfer window following the arrivals of defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.

    “This is a day I will never forget. To sign for Manchester City — one of the best teams in the world — is an amazing feeling,” he said.

    “I am delighted, my family are so proud, and we are all very happy to be here in Manchester.”

    Director of football Txiki Begiristain said Marmoush was an “accomplished and exciting forward”.

    “He’s had an outstanding season, and every time we have watched him, he has influenced matches,” he said.

    “He has all the attributes a top-class attacker requires. He has outstanding pace and awareness, and he is exceptional in front of goal. He can also play a number of different positions, which is a really valuable asset.”

    His arrival at the Etihad Stadium comes during a frustrating season for City.

    City, champions for the past four seasons, are currently fifth in the Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool having played a game more.

    Defeat at Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday has also left Pep Guardiola’s side in danger of missing out on the Champions League knockout stages.