The Super Eagles campaign for a fourth African Nations Cup title finally came to an end last night as Riyad Mahrez scored with the last kick of the match to give the foxes a 2-1 win over Nigeria in the second semi-final at the Cairo Stadium. Coach Gernot Rohr’s men will now play the loser’s final with Tunisia, who were earlier edged 1-0 by Senegal in the other semi-final match.
Elsewhere, Nigerian players continued to paint some obscure leagues and even Europa League red with their goals. For FF Molde striker, Leke James, he was the standout player after scoring his first hat-trick in the Europa League for his team.
For transfer involving Nigerian players, ADEBAYO OLODAN yet again scouts Europe, Africa and even the Chinese League where forgotten U-20 star, John Owoeri joined a second division club.
ENGLAND
Balogun finally joins new EPL club
Nigerian defender, Jamal Balogun has finally completed a transfer move to English Premier League club, Watford.
Watford made this known in a statement posted through the club’s official website on Saturday.
The statement read: “Jamal Balogun, Sam Dalby, Cameron Green, Joseph Hungbo and Henry Wise will all be part of the Hornets’ development squad during the 2019/20 season.
“Balogun, Green, Hungbo and Wise have all signed one-year contracts.
“Balogun, 19, and Green, 20, are both full-backs who have joined from Reading.
“Nineteen-year-old winger Hungbo arrives from Crystal Palace, while Wise, also 19, is a former Derby County midfielder.
“The Hornets can also confirm that Michael Folivi has signed a new contract that takes him through to June 2020, with the option for a further 12 months.
“The 21-year-old striker agreed earlier this week to join AFC Wimbledon on a season-long loan.”
Balogun is joining Watford from Reading on a one-year deal.
Olufunwa extends Southampton stay
Young defender, Oludare Olufunwa has signed his first professional contract with Southampton till summer 2020.
The promising defender was last year targeted by top clubs across Europe after featuring at the prestigious Montaigu Tournament.
He was the only player of Nigerian descent in Southampton U-16s travelling party to France, with Jonathan Afolabi and Michael Obafemi ineligible to participate.
Among the clubs earlier said to be interested in the player were; Barcelona, Real Madrid, Hoffenheim and Borussia Monchengladbach.
Oludare, who is eligible for Nigeria through his parents, has not been capped by England at youth level but that could change in the near future.
BELGIUM
Okereke signs 4-yr deal at Club Brugge
U-23 Eagles forward, David Okereke has joined Belgian side Club Brugge on a four-year contract.
Okereke linked up with the former Belgian league champions from Serie B outfit Spezia.
The 21-year-old attracted interest from the likes of Southampton, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Wolves in England, as well as teams in the Serie A, but opted to put pen a deal with Club Brugge.
He joins another Nigeria U-23 player Dennis Bonaventure at the club.
“David Okereke took his final medical tests today and then signed a 4-season contract with Club. He will train with the group for the first time tomorrow at the Club Brugge Basecamp,” reads a statement on the club’s official website.
Okereke scored 10 goals and recorded 12 assists in 33 appearances for Spezia last season.
Bayern, others fight over 35-goal Man Utd teen striker, Odubeko
Mipo Odubeko is about to leave Manchester United for another club after rejecting the club’s offer of a new contract.
The Irish-born player of Nigerian descent who is highly rated by Manchester United will be leaving the club as Bayern Munich and other top European clubs are reportedly on the queue for his signature.
Odubeko’s contract with United will expire at the end of next June after scoring
35 goals for United U-17 team last season.
The player was said to have rejected new deal at the club because he believes his future, growth lies elsewhere not Manchester United.
The 16-year-old who plays for Republic of Ireland Under-17 team also has offers from Feyenoord, Genoa, Burnley and Newcastle.
CSKA enquires about Awoniyi, as Liverpool sets price tag
Liverpool has named their price for 21-year-old striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, after fielding an enquiry over a deal for the player—who is yet to feature for the club.
The Reds have conducted little business so far this summer, with the arrival of Sepp van den Berg due to be followed by Harvey Elliott, while Rafa Camacho joined Sporting CP for £7 million.
There are unlikely to be many more incomings if reports are to be believed, but a host of other players are likely to depart to follow Camacho and loanees Marko Grujic and Sheyi Ojo.
One of those is Awoniyi, who moved to Liverpool from the Imperial Soccer Academy for £400,000 in 2015, but has not made his debut due to work permit issues.
Instead, the youngster has spent his entire time on the Reds’ books out on loan, at FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen, KAA Gent and two spells with Royal Excel Mouscron.
Another loan this summer is possible, but there is mounting interest in a permanent deal for Awoniyi, who was left out of Nigeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
According to the Times ‘Paul Joyce, CSKA Moscow has enquired as to the striker’s availability, and have been quoted £15 million for a potential deal.
This would be a significant profit on the fee paid to sign Awoniyi four years ago, and with little hope of a future role under Jurgen Klopp it may be a worthwhile move.
Liverpool are claimed to be open to another loan, too, but Schalke were also reported to be weighing up a bid back in March.
Mainz, Metz, Nice, Toulouse, Club Brugge and Hertha Berlin have been touted as other possible destinations.
RUSSIA
Adessoye Oyewole and Mohammed Usman (FC Tambov): Oyewole lasted for 90 mins while Usman was an unused substitute when their club suffered a 1-2 loss to Zenit St. Petersburg.
Sylvester Igboun (FC Ufa): The forgotten Super Eagles forward lasted 90 mins as his team suffered a 2-3 loss at Ural.
PORTUGAL
Basaksehir opens transfer talks on Awaziem
Istanbul Basaksehir has opened negotiations for the transfer of FC Porto defender Chidozie Awaziem after new coach Okan Buruk told them he wants the Nigeria international.
The 22-year-old centre half, who is holding sway at right back position for the Super Eagles at AFCON 2019, is the top priority for the coach as he beefs up the team ahead of the UEFA Champions League.
Awaziem played under Buruk last season at another Turkish team, Rizespor, and his performance impressed the coach.
Istanbul BB, who have signed Okechukwu Azubuike on loan from Egyptian club Pyramid FC, are looking forward to agreeing a loan deal for Awaziem from Porto.
Awaziem has played on loan at Nantes (France) as well as at Rizespor last season.
SCOTLAND
Everton winger, Adedoyin, joins Hamilton on loan
Hamilton has signed 18-year-old Everton winger, Korede Adedoyin on a season-long loan.
The Nigerian-born striker hit 13 goals in 21 games for Everton Under-18s last season and signed his first professional contract in the last week.
Head coach Brian Rice told the club’s official website: “It’s fantastic to be attracting young talent from a team like Everton and what better place to come than a club in the top tier of Scottish football.
“Korede’s arrival gives me options now in the attacking department and I’m sure he will learn a lot throughout his time here.”
DENMARK
Marvin Egho (Randers FC): He was cautioned in the 39th min and scored an equaliser in the 53rd min of his club’s 1-2 loss at SonderjyskE.
NORWAY
Anthony Ikedi (FK Haugesund): He was an unused substitute when his team thrashed Tromsoe 4-1.
Akeem Latifu (Mjoendalen): The right-back lasted the duration of his team’s 2-0 defeat of Odds Ballklubb.
Babajide David Akintola (Rosenborg BK): He was on song in the 81st min of his club’s 5-1 thumping of Viking FK in an international club friendly match.
Leke scores first Europa League hat-trick
Leke James has expressed his delight after he netted his first ever hat-trick in a European continental game in Molde’s 7-1 win over KR Reykjavik of Iceland in an UEFA Europa League qualification game.
The Kaduna-born striker opened the scoring for Norwegian team Molde in the sixth minute.
He made it 3-0 for his side in the 31st minute and completed his hat-trick with a strike in the 40th minute.
The 26-year-old forward told newsmen that his first hat-trick is a thing of joy and dedicated the goals to his immediate family.
“I am happy to score three goals to help my club win big,” he said.
“This is my first time of scoring three goals in European continental competitions. I am highly delighted to achieve this.
“The goals are for my wife and kids.”
He has scored six goals in 14 league games this season and three in Europa League.
He featured in UEFA Europa League 2012 and 2018.
He has played for Aalesund (Norway) and Beijing Enterprises (China).
Besiktas betters Heerenveen offer for Ejuke
Turkish giants Besiktas has moved in to improve the two million Euros offer by Dutch club Heerenveen for Chidera Ejuke.
Heerenveen has made a firm offer of 2 million Euros for the Valerenga forward and his representatives are due in Holland to finalise the transfer.
The Dutch club proposed a four-year deal for Ejuke.
However, it was gathered that Besiktas among several other interested clubs may see the player’s transfer to Holland fall through as they hope to improve on the offer by Heerenveen.
“It’s a very fluid situation as several other clubs including Besiktas are ready to improve on the Heerenveen offer for the player,” a representative of the player disclosed.
Ayagwa cancels Lillestrom contract
Raphael Ayagwa has cancelled his contract with Norwegian club Lillestrom due to lack of playing time.
The 21-year-old midfielder joined Lillestrom last year and has only made an appearance in the league this season after he played three matches last season.
“I have terminated my contract with Lillestrom for lack of playing time.
“So, I am now open to offers preferably in Europe,” Ayagwa disclosed.
Lillestrom signed the former Lobi Stars and Plateau United ace as a direct replacement for compatriot Ifeanyi Matthew, who has since returned to the club after a loan spell in Turkey.
The former U-17 star, 21, has been consistent in Norway and this season he has netted five goals and provided several assists for his club.
Last season, he came close to joining top Belgian side Club Brugge.
SWEDEN
Godswill Ekpolo (Haecken) & Michael Omoh (Oerebro): Ekpolo lasted the entire duration of his club’s 3-0 defeat of Oerebro for whom Omoh was a non-playing substitute.
Chinedu Obasi (AIK): The former Super Eagles player was introduced with 15mins left to play as his team secured a 3-0 win over Elfsborg.
John Chibuike (Falkenbergs FF) & Alhassan Yusuf (IFK Gothenburg): Former Heartland midfielder, Chibuike lasted 87 mins of his team’s 1-1 draw with IFK Gothenburg for whom Alhassan Yusuf lasted the distance.
Success Chimpanka Nwosu (Syrianska): The youngster lasted the entirety of his team’s 2-1 win at Trelleborgs FF in the Swedish lower division.
Why I joined Helsingborgs – Alhaji Gero
Alhaji Gero has explained why he left Ostersund FK to join another Swedish club Helsingborgs on a contract for two and a half years.
He said Helsingborgs manager, Henrik Larsson was a legend in his playing days and he believes he will make him a better striker as he too was a striker in his hey days.
“I decided to not extend my contract with Östersund FK because I wish to try something else.
“Helsingborgs made me a good offer, they are one of the best clubs in Sweden and with a lot of history.
“And also I signed with them because of the manager, Henrik Larsson.
“He is a legend and also he was a striker when he played, so I believe I will learn a lot from him.”
The former Nigeria ‘B’ international played in the UEFA Europa with Ostersund and also had a short-lived stint in Iran.
SLOVENIA
Stanley Amuzie (Aluminij): The Super Eagles fringe left-back was on for the entirety of his team’s 2-0 win at NK Tabor Sezana.
FINLAND
Matias Ojala (Ilves): He was substituted in the 64th min of his club’s 0-1 reverse at
FC Lahti.
Salomon Ojala and Samuel Chidi (Haka): The duo were on song in the 82nd and 89th min as their team defeated FF Jaro 2-0.
EGYPT
Orotomal joins Egyptian lower league side
Former AFC Leopards and Bandari FC striker, Alex Orotomal has joined Egyptian second division side, Aswan FC, the club has confirmed.
Orotomal left Bandari at the end of last season after the expiry of his short-term contract with the Mombasa based Dockers and moved to Egypt where he has been trying out with Aswan who have been impressed with his output and signed him.
The club has issued a statement confirming his arrival alongside Greek attacker, Lars Gemergos.
“The team has signed strikers Alex Orotomal and Lars Gemergos for two seasons in a free transfer deal, to strengthen the team’s ranks in the new season of the Premier League. The two players signed in the presence of Aswan coach Magdi Abdel Ati and Mustafa Amin, the team’s supervisor,” read the statement in part.
Orotomal moved to Kenya in June 2018 from Rwandan side, Sunrise FC signing a two-year deal with AFC Leopards. Four months into his four-year contract he was sold to Ethiopian giants St. George FC for Ksh. 1.5 million.
He did not last long in Ethiopia and just over two months later, he was released by the club then coached by Englishman Stewart Hall. He returned to Kenya and moved to Mombasa where he started training with the Dockers before joining them on a short term deal in March.
UAE
Mensha joins Dubai club Ajman
Godwin Mensha has signed a two-year contract with UAE club Ajman as a free player.
The 29-year-old has been overseas since 2011, starting out in the lower leagues of Spain, then Malta before he found his groove in Iran.
His contract with top Iranian club Esteghlal FC ended in May.
Mensha is a centre-forward, who could also play as a second striker or a right winger.
His transfer market value is put at around 700,000 Euros.
CHINA
Owoeri joins 13th career club
Former Flying Eagles forward, John Owoeri has joined his 13th career club after completing a move to Chinese League One club, Shaanxi Chang’an Athletic from Inner Mongolia Zhongyou.
The 32-year-old former NPA star has three different spells with Chinese League One after spells at Baoding Yingli Yitong, Shanghai Shenxin and Inner Mongolia Zhongyou.
Owoeri and John Obi Mikel was one of the outstanding players for the Flying Eagles team that reached the final of the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands, and his performance earned him a move to the Eredivisie side, Feyenoord.
Warri-born ace started his career with Nigeria Ports Authority, before joining Insurance and he later went to Europe played for Feyenoord, BK Hacken, åtvidabergs FF, Ismaily, and Westerlo.
Shaanxi Chang’an Athletic occupies the 11th position in the Chinese second tier after 16 round with 21 points accumulated.
Rohr hails Mikel as inspirational leader
Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr has hailed John Mikel Obi for his leadership traits and motivational role in the team.
Mikel has featured twice for the Super Eagles at the ongoing 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt and was also listed on the bench in the team’s semi-final clash against Algeria.
Despite his fringe role in the competition, Mikel has remained an inspirational figure to his teammates encouraging them to give their best on the pitch.
Rohr said that the former Chelsea midfielder has no problem with his current status in the team and is always willing to be of help to his teammates.
“Mikel has no problem with his bench role. He is a good guy, a top professional on and off the pitch,” Rohr told reporters in Cairo.
“He is always motivating his teammates which is a good thing to do.”
