Eagles Watch

‘Nigeria’s Peter Crouch’ attracting Bremen interest

 

With the double header World Cup showdown between the Super Eagles and Cameroon barely a week from now, Nigerian players expressed their preparedness by putting in impressive performances for their respective clubs in Europe and Africa.

For Samuel Adegbenro, the former Kwara United rose from obscurity to make headlines after scoring a brace as a substitute for Norwegian club, Rosenborg to dump last season’s finalist, Ajax out of the Europa League.

Also on the list of Nigerian players to have scored at the weekend are; Joel Obi, Belgium-based Peter Olayinka, Super Eagles outcast, Chinedu Obasi and Chelsea loanee, Tammy Abraham among others.

There was however a tinge of bad news as Alex Iwobi was injured ahead of Arsenal’s 4-0 defeat against Liverpool.

In the extensive report, ADEBAYO OLODAN captures the displays of Super Eagles players and hopefuls plus their transfer news and speculations.

ENGLAND

Moses star as Chelsea secures 2nd win

Super Eagles forward Victor Moses made his first home appearance for Chelsea this season in their 2-0 win against Everton at Stamford Bridge in the English Premier League, yesterday.

Moses had a pop at Everton’s goal on 61 minutes but his shot was well saved by Jordan Pickford.

The former Wigan striker, who was suspended for the 3-2 defeat to Burnley, was lovely as Chelsea eased to a comfortable victory. He was cautioned in the 76th minute and later replaced in the 88th minute by Andreas Christensen. His compatriot, Fikayo Tomori was benched for the duration of the match.

In the early kickoff on Saturday, Tosin Adarabioyo was not involved in Manchester City’s 2-1 win at Bournemouth. The former England U-21 international watched proceedings from the bench.

Former Flying Eagles invitee, Freddie Ladapo was not in Crystal Palace’s squad in their 0-2 loss at home to Swansea City but his 22-year-old Nigerian compatriot, Keshi Anderson was benched throughout the duration of the game. Chelsea loanee, Tammy Abraham scored the opening goal – his first-ever goal in the English top-flight – after 44 minutes. The England U-21 international was substituted with 12 minutes left on the clock.

Elsewhere, for the first time this season, out-of-favour Super Eagles striker, Isaac Success was named in Watford’s match day squad but the former Granada starlet was an unused substitute as the Hornets were held to a goalless draw by newcomers Brighton & Hove.

At Old Trafford, Wilfred Ndidi lasted the duration of Leicester City’s 0-2 defeat against Manchester United. Kelechi Iheanacho sat out the duration of the game even as Ahmed Musa was not listed for the Foxes.

Leicester signs Chelsea starlet, Makanjuola

Habib Makanjuola has joined Leicester City from Chelsea.

The 18-year-old attacker has signed a four-year deal with the club and he joins Musa, Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi at the Premier League side.

The midfielder who had stint at Chelsea U-16s joined the Foxes Nigerian non League side Water FC. The youngster will join up with Leicester City’s U-23 team for the coming season after impressing on trials at the club.

Omeruo pens new Chelsea deal, leaves on loan

Chelsea starlet Kenneth Omeruo has agreed to join Kasimpasa on loan, the Turkish club has announced through their official website and social media accounts.

Omeruo is a former Den Haag, Middlesbrough and Alanyaspor starlet and has joined Kasimpasa on a dry loan deal. Omeruo makes return to Kasimpasa as he also played for the same club in the 2015/16 campaign registering 26 appearances with the club.

The player joined Alanyaspor on loan last summer and this will be the player’s third loan spell in Turkey.

The 23-year-old has signed a contract extension until 2020 before leaving Chelsea on a temporary deal.

The Nigeria International can play almost everywhere in defence as well as in centre midfield although Omeruo has mainly been playing as a centre defender throughout his career.

A product of Standard Lüttich , Omeruo has made no senior Chelsea debut yet but he has one appearance with the Blues’ U-23 squad.

CHAMPIONSHIP

Sone Aluko was not in the Fulham squad that defeated Ipswich Town 2-0. His compatriot Sheyi Ojo played for 90 minutes.

SERIE A

Joel Obi scored in the final goal in the 88th minute of Torino’s 3-0 bashing of Sassulo. While Obi lasted 90 minutes, his teammate Umar Sadiq was an unused substitute.

Ex-Eaglets star, Michael signs 5-year Bologna deal

Former U-17 forward, Kingsley Dogo Michael has agreed a five-year professional contract with Serie A club Bologna FC on his 18th birthday today.

“Kingsley has signed a long-term contract with Bologna today, which is also his 18th birthday,” a source revealed.

“He is highly regarded at the club and so got a good deal.”

Michael has impressed training with the first-team squad of the Italian club as well as the youth team.

He will have the good company of compatriot Orji Okoronkwo, who he has played alongside with the Nigeria U-17s and U-20s.

Okoronkwo signed for Bologna last year when he also turned 18 and he has since debuted in Serie A. He is a technically gifted forward who is full of running and movements.

SPAIN

Kayode Olanrewaju came off the substitutes’ bench with nine minutes to play in Girona’s 1-0 win over Malaga. It was his second substitute appearance in the Spanish LaLiga. He replaced Cristian Stuani.

GERMANY

Victor Osimhen was not included in the Wolfsburg squad for the 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt just as Leon Balogun was an unused substitute in Mainz 05’s 1-0 loss to VfB Stuttgart. Balogun is yet to feature this season.

HOLLAND

Tyrone Ebuehi made his third start in the Eredivisie for ADO Den Haag who lost 2-1 SC Heerenveen just as Kingsley Ehizibue clogged 90 minutes of PEC Zwolle’s 2-0 defeat of FC Twente.

Ryan Sanusi played for 60 minutes as his club, Sparta Rotterdam secured a 2-2 draw at NAC Breda.

PORTUGAL

In Portugal, Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo earned himself a first yellow card of the season in action for Feirense who defeated Chaves 2-0 in a top division league match. Dele Alampasu was an unused substitute in the encounter.

Elsewhere, Femi Balogun played the last 31minutes as his team, Belenenses drew 1-1 with Vitoria de Setubal.

Adebanjo joins Vitoria de Setubal

Portuguese top division side Vitoria de Setubal has confirmed the signing of 23-year-old midfielder, Jacob Adebanjo formerly of AD Oliveirense on a three year deal.

Adebanjo arrived Portugal in 2014 when he joined Farense, but the midfielder who can also play wide on the flanks says his movement to Setubal will no doubt bring his talent to the attention of many.

“I am very happy and grateful to Vitória for giving me the opportunity to play for the first time in the main Portuguese League,” he told the club’s official website.

“Now I am not a known name, but soon, very soon, the fans will be satisfied with me,” promises the midfielder who defines himself as “a player who tries to help his teammates, who tries to win balls and defend.”

He will fill the vacuum created by the departure of fellow Nigerian midfielder Mikel Agu who returned to Porto after a successful loan spell with the team last season, before his loan move to Turkish side Bursaspor.

Alampasu handed No 1 jersey at Feirense

Dele Alampasu has been handed the number one jersey at Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit CD Feirense for the new season.

That is not to say that Alampasu is now the first-choice goalkeeper at Feirense, but it is a clear indication that he is in the plans of manager Nuno Santos until at least the January transfer window.

Indeed, the 20-year-old has been included in each of the three match day squads by the Portuguese coach, acting as cover for the more experienced Brazilian goalkeeper Caio Secco.

In the same vein, his Nigerian compatriot, Oghenekaro Etebo has inherited Fábio Carvalho’s number ten jersey after he departed the club in the summer.

BELGIUM

Peter Olayinka scored his second goal of the season for Zulte-Waregem who lost 3-2 away to Sporting Charleroi in the Belgian top flight. It was his fifth league appearance of the season.

Moses Simon and Samuel Kalu both played all through 90 minutes for Gent who lost 3-2  to Royal-Excel Mouscron in another Belgian top flight clash. Anderson Esiti was an unused substitute.

Former Flying Eagles captain, AbdulJeleel Ajagun played 90 minutes as Kortrijk drew 1-1 with Royal Excel Mouscron with another ex-U-20 star, Taiwo Awoniyi lasting the duration of the match on the opposing side.

Henry Agbo was in action as Club Brugge defeated Standard Liege 4-0.

‘Strongest Nigerian player,’ Esiti on CSKA’s radar

Russian Premier League giants CSKA Moscow are hoping to complete the signing of Anderson Esiti before the end of the summer transfer window.

According to Championat.com, CSKA has made a bid worth €6million to sign the central midfielder.

Esiti, who has two caps for Nigeria’s senior national team, has been a key player for the Jupiler league side, since joining Gent last year, and played in the Europa League last term.

The 23-year-old played previously for Leixões S.C and Estoril before moving to The Buffalos.

Super Eagles striker Aaron Samuel also plays for CSKA Moscow.

DIV I

Saviour Godwin played the last 15 minutes of Roeselare’s 2-2 draw at Lierse. 

TURKEY

Okechukwu Azubuike played for 90 minutes in Malatyaspor’s 1-1 draw at home to Antalyaspor. His compatriot Sincere Seth was an unused substitute in the draw while Sunday Mba was not listed.

Ogenyi Onazi watched from the substitutes’ bench in Trabzonspor’s 3-2 loss away to Goztepe. He has made one appearance this season.

 

GREECE

Emmanuel Emenike was not listed for Olympiacos who defeated Lamia 1-0 at their home but Suleiman Omo lasted the entirety of the match played on Saturday.

Champions League: Emenike ready for Barca challenge Emmanuel Emenike is eager to play La Liga giants, Barcelona again when Olympiacos visit the Nou Camp for the first leg of their Group D fixture in the UEFA Champions League this season.

The 30-year-old forward who joined the Legends from Fenerbahce this summer, played for Spartak Moscow in a Champions League game that ended 3-2 in favour of the Spanish La Liga champions.

In reaction to the draws that took place in Monaco, Thursday evening, Emenike is anticipating another chance to play against the Ernesto Valverde’s men on October 18. 

SWEDEN

Taye Taiwo lasted 90 minutes while his teammate, Chidi Dauda Omeje was cautioned in the 26th minute and was substituted in the 90th minute as AFC Eskilstuna was held to a goalless draw by Hammarby.

Super Eagles fringe forward, Chinedu Obasi scored a penalty in the 39th minute to give his club, AIK the lead but Djurgaarden equalised to settle for a share of the spoils.

Nasiru Mohammed scored Hacken’s curtain raiser in the 24th minute just as Chisom Egbuchunam played the last four minutes in the club’s 3-1 defeat of Joenkoepings Soedra.

Former Flying Eagles and Rangers forward, Alhaji Gero was on for the last 21 minutes of Oestersunds FK’s 0-2 loss at IFK Norrkoeping. Kennedy Igboananike made the starting line-up while Michael Omoh was benched in the late kickoff between their club, Oerebro and

GIF Sundsvall.

Egbuchulam over the moon for first hat-trick

Chisom Egbuchulam has expressed satisfaction after he scored his first-ever hat-trick in Sweden in the Swedish Cup.

BK Hacken defeated Kvibille 9-1 in a second round game Wednesday night with Egbuchulam, who is on a season-long loan from Enugu Rangers, hitting target in 16th, 51st and 72nd minutes. He also provided two assists.

“I am happy to get my first hat-trick and two assists in our FA Cup…thank you Jesus,” he celebrated on Twitter.

The winger whose goals helped Rangers to an historic league championship last October has gradually found his feet in Europe after his delayed arrival in Sweden.

AUSTRIA

Alhassan completes Wien loan move

Austrian Bundesliga side, Austria Wien confirmed the signing of home-based Eagles forward, Alhassan Ibrahim on loan on Friday.

Alhassan will play with the Austrian club on loan for the rest of the season with the option of making the deal permanent.

The 20-year-old who has featured for Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) this season joins from FC Heart Academy.

Alhassan will replace Nigerian compatriot, Olanrewaju Kayode in the team after the latter secured a move to Premier League club, Manchester City.

NORWAY

Europa League: ‘Nigeria’s Neymar’ bundles out last season’s finalist, Ajax

Little known, striker, Samuel Adegbenro on Thursday in the Europa league play off bundled out last season’s finalists Ajax Amsterdam.

Adegbenro known as Nigeria’s Neymar, joined Norwegian side Rosenborg SK this summer and came in as a substitute for Milan Jevtovic in the 68th minutes of the encounter.

As at the time he came on, Ajax were leading the game 1-2 courtesy of goals from Amin Younes and Lasse Schoene, while former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner was the goal scorer for Rosenberg.

Adegbenro, 22, scored the leveller in the 80th minute before he completed his brace in the 89th minute eliminate the Dutch side 3-2 on aggregate.

The former Kwara United player also netted the only goal of the game in the Amsterdam Arena during the first leg. 

DENMARK

Rilwan Hassan played for 69mins while Paul Onuachu was unlisted as FC Midtjylland secured a 1-0 win over Broendby IF.

Simon Okosun clogged 90 minutes as his club AC Horsens drew 1-1 with Lyngby.

Nigeria’s ‘Peter Crouch’ subject of interest from Bremen, Bundesliga side Werder Bremen is reported to be on the hunt for Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu.

The 23-year-old plays at FC Midtjylland in Denmark and would be the tallest player in the Bundesliga with a body height of 2.01 meters, if the deal comes through.

The Nigerian striker is just recovering from an appendicitis surgery, with his club apparently calling for a two-figure million transfer, according to Bild.

He was not listed as FC Midtjylland lost out to Apoel Limassol, and got eliminated from Europa League on Thursday and was also missing for the club at the weekend.

The 6ft 7inches striker has already shined for Midtjylland this season, in the qualification for the Europa League and in the domestic league.

In 10 competitive games, Onuachu scored eight goals, and gave two assists; four goals for the club in six games, and in the Danish league he scored four times.

“We are intensively involved in realizing something,” Werder Bremen’s sporting director Frank Baumann told Bild.

“Sometimes you have to wait because the prices are still too high,” says Baumann.

Onuachu arrived Midtjylland in 2012 from local club FC Ebedei, and started there in the U19. He has a contract with them until 2020.

He has been in prolific form for his Danish side, and scored 23 goals in 43 matches with four assists last season, leading to suggestions of an imminent Super Eagles call-up.

TUNISIA

Eneramo returns to Esperance ahead CL quarters

Michael Eneramo has completed a move back to Esperance Tunis on a one-year renewable contract and has already taken part in training.

The 31-year-old joined Esperance as a free agent after his spell at Al-Ettifaq of Saudi Arabia came to an end. He has also featured for a handful of Turkish clubs.

Eneramo, infamously, scored a handball goal for Esperance to knockout Al Ahly in the semi-final of the 2010 CAF Champions League. The two sides are due to meet in the competition’s quarter-final this season.

The striker won all there was to win in his first spell at the club bar the Champions League. Esperance lost to Mazembe in the 2010 final. He was also the top scorer of the Tunisian league in the 2008/09 season.

Eneramo, who has been capped 10 times by Nigeria, had turned down a request to represent the Tunisian national team instead. He will compete for a starting position against strikers Khenissi and Jouini. 

Orkuma delighted to keep club unbeaten

Ex-Nigeria youth international, Moses Orkuma has said he is delighted to score the goal that kept his club Stade Gabesien unbeaten in the three-week-old Tunisia league after he scored in a 1-1 draw at Etoile Metlaoui on Saturday.

The former Lobi Stars midfielder opened the scoring in the seventh minute.

“It was mixed feeling for me, I am excited that I scored to give us the lead, but at the end we couldn’t win the game,” he disclosed.

“But all the same we thank God that we are able to return home with a point.

“Seven points in three games is not bad as we remain unbeaten.”

SOUTH AFRICA

Egwuekwe joins SuperSport Utd

Super Eagles fringe defender, Azubuike Egwuekwe has completed a move to PSL club SuperSport United.

The former Warri Wolves man at the weekend signed a three-year contract with Matsatsantsa that will keep him at the club till 2020.

Egwuekwe joins the Absa Premier League side from Finnish club KuPS.

The big defender was a member of the Nigerian team that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. He was also part of the Super Eagles to the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

Egwuekwe has been allocated jersey number 27 for the season but he is unlikely to feature in the MTN8 semifinal first leg against Maritzburg United.

Ex-3SC forward, Afolabi fails Kaizer Chiefs trial

Steve Komphela’s hunt for a new striker looks to be fruitless still, with Okiki Afolabi the latest trialist that seemingly failed to make the grade.

The 22-year-old forward arrived at Naturena earlier this month as he looked to try and prove to Komphela that he was deserving of a contract with the Glamour Boys for the season ahead, however, the Siya crew has now been informed that he has now stopped training with the club.

Chiefs face SuperSport United tonight with Gustavo Paez and Bernard Parker expected to spearhead their attack and it remains to be seen if Komphela’s long hunt for a new striker will bear any fruits before the transfer window closes.

The club has had several trialists join them in the last few months, however as with Afolabi, the likes of Jonatan Philippe and Darren Lurie have come and gone without managing to land themselves a deal.

Chiefs have signed Teenage Hadebe, Bhongolethu Jayiya, Phlani Zulu and Dumisani Zuma this window.

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