…Onyekuru inches closer to €40m Everton exit
The Super Eagles rounded up their Africa Nations Cup qualifier with a 3-1 win over Seychelles to top the Group despite already securing ticket for the championship prior to the weekend.
In this particular edition, we rate the performance of coach Gernot Rohr’s men.
The AFCON qualifiers aside, some members of the senior national team are already attracting interest across Europe among such players are; former schoolboy international, Taiwo Awoniyi and Henry Onyekuru as reported by the News Editor, ADEBAYO OLODAN.
ENGLAND
Lazio still keen on Liverpool winger, Adekanye
Lazio has made Liverpool winger Bobby Adekanye a top target to revamp their attack, according to reports.
Liverpool signed Adekanye from Barcelona in 2015, and the winger has established himself as a regular in the youth setup at the Merseyside giants.
Three goals have been scored from 13 appearances in Premier League 2 and the UEFA Youth League this season, but it appears that the 20-year-old will leave Anfield.
According to Goal.com, Adekanye will make the switch to Lazio in the summer having failed to break into Jurgen Klopp’s first-team squad.
The 20-year-old can play on both wings or behind the forward. He is demanding for a million euros annual wage to join the capital club.
The tricky lad is yet to make his first team debut for the Reds, but has been training with Jurgen Klopp’s first team.
The winger is out of contract at the end of the season, leaving him free to complete a move to the Italian side
Liverpool set red hot Awoniyi price tag
Liverpool has placed a €15million price tag on Taiwo Awoniyi’s head, with Schalke 04 among the sides trying to sign him this summer.
Schalke are keen, along with Bundesliga rivals, plus FC Bruges and Standard Liege.
And Liverpool is prepared to cash in, with Sport Foot Magazine reporting they will sell for €15m.
Awoniyi has been on loan at Royal Excel Mouscron from Anfield but has hopes of returning to the Reds this summer.
However, the Imperial Academy product isn’t in the plans of Liverpool Manager
Jurgen Klopp and he now faces a decision over his next move.
Mouscron has an option to sign him when his loan deal comes to an end but they don’t have the funds to do such business.
But should he decide to leave Mouscron, Liverpool are set to significantly hike up his price in order to raise funds for their own summer spree.
Liverpool chiefs want €15million for the striker but would be willing to accept offers closer to €12million.
Whether Schalke 04’s budget could stretch for such a big outlay is unclear.
The striker has scored seven goals and contributed two assists in nine appearances for Mouscron.
He struggled for game time and was poor in front of goal when he was initially loaned to Mouscron Belgian rivals KAA Gent before a switch on the winter transfer window.
Adarabioyo back in training with West Brom
After sitting out the last two Skybet Championship games with injury, Nigerian born defender Tosin Adarabioyo is working his way back to fitness with West Bromwich Albion.
The 21-year-old has not been in action for his club in recent weeks due to a minor injury and has been in rehabilitation.
The Baggies currently sit in fourth spot in the Championship table, seven points adrift of the automatic promotion places, and they will be looking for a really strong finish to the season, in an attempt to crack the top two.
Adarabioyo is a key member of the Baggies squad this season, so having him back and available for selection in time for Friday’s clash with Birmingham will be a huge boost for the Black Country outfit.
Adarabioyo joined Championship club West Brom on a season-long loan deal from Premier League outfit Manchester City in the summer of 2018.
The former England U-19 international defender has made a huge impact at The Hawthorns so far.
Adarabioyo’s performances at the back has been great. The defender earns £30,000 per week as salary.
He has made eight appearances for City’s first team to date since he made his senior debut against Chelsea in the FA Cup back in February 2016.
Onuachu most prolific Nigerian in Europe
FC Miydtjylland of Denmark bean pole striker, Paul Onuachu is the most prolific Nigerian striker in Europe this season.
On current form, the hottest is Taiwo, who has been banging in the goals since joining Royal Mouscron on loan in January.
If he had been similarly prolific in his stint with KAA Gent earlier in the season, he would have been way up the Nigerian-top-scorers-in-Europe chart.
But being in the mix, despite firing blanks for Gent is a testament to his hot form at the moment.
Awoniyi (14) has been in prolific form for Mouscron.
Onuachu’s 17 goals in all competitions this season keeps him top of the chart. Fourteen of those goals were scored in the Danish Super Liga.
The 6 ft. 7 in. striker has been rewarded with his first invitation to the national team for this month’s international engagements.
Charleroi’s Victor Osimhen is second with 13 goals in all competitions (12 in the Belgium Jupiler League).
Osimhen is having a breakout season in Europe on loan from Bundesliga side, Wolfsburg.
For this form, he has been courted by top clubs in Europe just as he has been recalled to the national team.
Stephen Odey is third on the chart with 12 goals in the colours of FC Zurich of Switzerland. He scored eight times in the Swiss Super League and it is a surprise though that he wasn’t invited to either Super Eagles or Olympic Eagles this month.
Galatasaray’s Henry Onyekuru has scored 11 goals so far all in the Turkish Super Lig.
This tally is commendable considering he plays from the flanks at Gala. This form has made him a regular invitee to the national team in the post-World Cup era.
Trabzonspor’s Anthony Nwakaeme is one of the most in-form currently. He has scored 10 goals this season, eight in the Turkish league.
Notably, he has scored five goals in his last four matches.
Incidentally, he has not been in the national team set-up for over a year. His current form may open the doors again.
Emem Eduok has eight goals (seven in the Turkish Super Lig) for Erzurum BB. He has however been deployed more as a left winger, sometimes even as a left wing-back.
Nwakaeme has scored five in his last four games for Trabzonspor.
Next on the chart is Awoniyi with seven goals all in the Belgium Jupiler League. All his strikes have been in the new year.
The reward for his good form is invitation to the U-23 national team billed to file out against Libya in an U-23 AFCON qualifier.
Top 13 Goal scorers
Name Club Goals
Paul Onuachu (Midtjylland, Demark) 17
Victor Osimhen (Charleroi, Belgium) 13
Stephen Odey (FC Zurich, Switzerland) 12
Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray,Turkey) 11
Anthony Nwakaeme (Trabzonspor, Turkey) 10
Emem Eduok (Erzurum BB, Turkey) 8
Taiwo Awoniyi (Mouscron, Belgium) 7
Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal, Spain) 6
Chuba Akpom (PAOK Salonika, Greece) 6
Aminu Umar (Rizespor, Turkey) 5
Alex Iwobi (Arsenal, England) 5
Dennis Bonaventure (Club Brugge, Belgium) 5
Peter Olayinka (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic) 5
ITALY
Sadiq slams Gerrard over treatment during Rangers loan spell
Umar Sadiq has sensationally claimed Rangers still owe him money from his time on loan at the club.
The Ibrox loan flop had his season long loan spell cut short in December and isn’t impressed by how he was treated by the club.
And Sadiq has also revealed he was fined £20,000 by the club over a social media post during his time in Glasgow.
Sadiq is currently out on loan at Perugia in Serie B after returning to parent club Roma.
It was a nightmare six months for him in Glasgow as he joined the club but played just five times and making one start.
“All of a sudden, I was told that I could not use the first-team dressing room any more. Instead, I had to go change with the kids. Then after a few days I was also forbidden to park my car inside the training centre.
“I felt humiliated and kept asking what was the reason for the change of attitude but I never received any answers.
“Gerrard wouldn’t give any explanation about it, neither to me nor my representatives. I believe absolutely that I was not given a fair chance to show what I can do. They made me feel like a stranger. I started only once and that was when there were no other strikers available.
“For me everything went wrong after they brought in another striker. Once I put a ‘like’ on Instagram to a post from a fan and I was fined £20,000 which was absurd. And Rangers didn’t even pay me up everything I was due. They still have to give me my salary for December.”
But while the 22-year-old isn’t overly happy with Gerrard, and admitted he doesn’t care how the club do on the pitch, he revealed there is one player he will keep an eye out for in the future.
He added: “I honestly don’t care how they do. As long as I was a Rangers player, I behaved like a professional, giving everything I could of myself to the shirt but now I don’t want to hear about them and what they are doing anymore.
“In my opinion, they behaved in a disrespectful way to me, both as a player and as a person. When it ended, Steven Gerrard didn’t even have the courage to talk to me and tell me what was happening face-to-face.
“One man I do wish all the cluck and success to in the future is Alfredo Morelos. He was my fellow striker, and I felt good with him during the time I was in Scotland. I would say that he is a very good player and an exceptional guy. He will be one of the few that I will follow with affection.”
SCOTLAND
Ikpeazu wants Eagles’ action
Hearts striker, Uche Ikpeazu dream of playing for Super Eagles in the nearest future.
The 24-year-old Bedford born who to Edinburgh last summer but recently extended his contract with Scottish Premier League side despite scoring four times in his first 16 matches for Hearts this season before missing four months with injury.
Ikpeazu who is a former Dream Team VI invitee reiterates his eagerness to represent Nigeria under Gernot Rohr.
“I am a Nigerian guy and it has always been my dream to represent Nigeria, I never for once said I never wanted to play for the country. I don’t know where that tabloid came from. Nigeria is my fatherland and my dad will be so proud if I eventually get to play for the nation and representing Nigeria will mean the world to me if I am actually given the opportunity.
“I feel that the Super Eagles of Nigeria have a great squad and great individual players as well, so I don’t see reason why they cannot win the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. I believe everyone should be very optimistic because the team has got a very good chance with the players they have got, I am very optimistic for Nigeria. And obviously, I would love to be a part of it.”
Ikpeazu started his career at Reading and loans spells at Crewe Alexandra, Doncaster Rovers, Port Vale, Blackpool and Cambridge United.
TURKEY
Igwekali makes Olimpik Donetsk switch
Darlington Emmanuel Igwekali has completed his switch to Ukrainian Premier League side FC Olimpik Donetsk from Turkish side Alanyaspor.
Onyekuru inches closer to €40m Everton exit
Galatasaray of Turkey striker, Henry Onyekuru is inching closer to a €40m exit from Everton, as the English Premier League club have confirmed they are ready to sell him for that amount in the summer.
After failing to get a UK work permit for the former KAS Eupen and RSC Anderlecht of Belgium attacker, The Toffees want to cut their losses on Onyekuru, and it was learnt that a deal is now in the offing.
However, a huge dilemma still starring Goodison Park officials in the eye is which club they will eventually sell Onyekuru to, as Bayern Munich of Germany and Paris-Saint Germaine of France are both said to be keen on buying the lad.
Onyekuru has returned to top form on loan at Galatasaray from Everton, which has further shored up his market value, such that The Toffees’ €40 asking price on his contract might not be far fetched.
PSG are the latest giant to express interest Onyekuru, who Everton bought from Eupen in 20017, but his form with Galatasaray has also caught the eye of Bayern in recent weeks.
Everton’s sports chief, Marcel Brands earlier informed Bayern that they can have for Onyekuru €40m, but PSG is also in contact with the former club of Daniel Amokachi, Joseph Yobo and Victor Anichebe for the star.
Emenike hints at return after 9-month idleness
Former Super Eagles forward, Emmanuel Emenike has expressed his desire to return to Turkey, while also stating that he missed the round leather game.
Emenike, 31, has been without a club since mutually terminating his contract with Greek giants Olympiacos in July 2018.
He recently underwent surgery and is seeking a return to the game after an unhappy spell with Olympiacos.
“Turkey and miss football so much. I’m going to be more powerful back. Little time left. Yours truly.,” Emenike wrote on Instagram page.
The 2013 African Nations Cup winner had in the past featured for Turkish Super Lig clubs Karabukspor and Fenerbahce.
Emenike scored 30 goals in 51 league appearances during his two year stint with Karabukspor.
The forward won the Turkish Super Lig Best Foreign Player award during his first season with Karabukspor.
His time with Fenerbahce was less productive as he managed to score 19 goals in 69 league appearances.
SWITZERLAND
Okafor on Inter, Man City, Dortmund radar
According to a report by Goal, FC Basel wonderkid Noah Okafor is tracked by big European clubs Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Manchester City.
The winger is highly-rated in Switzerland and is tipped to be one of the future stars in football.
The 18-year-old has risen through the youth ranks at the RotBlau, joining the club’s youth academy at the age of eight. His phenomenal performances for Basel has attracted interests from some of the big boys in the continent.
Okafor, is being watched by current Bundesliga side Dortmund, who are very well accustomed to targeting young players and developing them into world-beaters. They have been looking at the youth academies in Switzerland to get some talented players. Manuel Akanji is a prime example.
The exciting lad played his first football at local team FC Arisdorf. In 2009 he moved to FC Basel and continued through all the teams of their youth academy.
He has an acute eye for goals and key passes but he never forgets to show commitment and desire to work hard off the ball.
The talented player of Nigerian descent is currently on a deal with the Swiss club until June 2023.
BULGARIA
Maduba: Why I joined Dunav
Fast-rising striker, Damian Maduba Chime has completed a move to Bulgarian elite division club FC Dunav Ruse.
After a successful medical, the club also confirmed his acquisition on their social media handles stating that the addition is to help them beat the drop before the end of the regular season.
Madume spent some of his formative seasons with Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) club Heartland FC before moving to Europe.
In a chat with naijasportsgrill.com.ng the attacker noted that he made the move to Europe in order to improve the quality of his game.
Maduba passed a routine medical at Dunav Ruse
“I had spent some time in Nigeria to keep myself fit and in form. I later decided to move to Europe because I believe I can fit into the system and adapt very well with their style of play. It will also help me improve and help me grow my career”, he said.
Reports have it that some other clubs had shown interest in the youngster, but he finally joined FC Dunav Ruse, who are struggling to keep their premiership status in Bulgarian League A.
On his decision to sign for Dunav Ruse, he said: “The club and the management showed great interest and believed in my ability to score goals. I know the club is not in a good position, but I want to use my goals to help the team escape relegation”
After 20 league games, FC Dunav Ruse has managed to garner 26 points.
ETHIOPIA
Abawula joins Dedebet
Former Kano Pillars defender, Anthony Abawula has completed a move to Dedebet FC of Ethiopia.
Abawula explained that he made the switch to help the team avoid the drop from the Ethiopian Premier League.
He has featured for top Nigerian clubs and has won the Nigerian League twice with Ocean Boys FC and Kano Pillars in 2008 and 2013.
The former Bayelsa Utd defender is confident that he can help his new team in their quest to remain in the top flight.
“Everything is set and I am eager to mark my debut. The club is down and they have attracted a couple of players to help the club out. I am among 4 players who recently joined the team and I will do my best here”, he said.
After his time with Lusaka Dynamos of Zambia, he returned to Bayelsa Utd and UNICEM Rovers before moving abroad again.
How Musa, Ighalo, others fared against Seychelles
Super Eagles rounded up their 2019 African Nations Cup qualifier with a 3-1 win over whipping boys, Seychelles at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba on Friday .
Below is the rating of the Super Eagles players from goalkeeper Francis Uzoho to Odion Ighalo.
GK: Francis Uzoho: Had his nervy moments in a game where he was largely untroubled. Inexplicably gifted Rody Melanie an easy tap in. (5/10)
RB: Abdullahi Shehu: He consistently joined attack and did well to track back time and again. (7/10)
CB: Kenneth Omeruo: Very solid showing from Omeruo. Let little sip through from the centre and looked a lot dependable alongside his defensive partner. (7/10)
CB: William Troost-Ekong: He showed great energy in closing down marauding opponents and took no prisoners. Could have easily opened the scoring but for a tame header. (7.5/10)
LB: Jamilu Collins: He busied himself with a lot of attacking verve on the left and was a handful for his direct marker. He sent in some crosses into the box of with one of such leading to Henry Onyekuru’s goal. (7.5/10)
Midfielders
Wilfred Ndidi: Did a good midfield job and his ball distribution was eye-catching. He won the team a penalty. (8/10)
Oghenekaro Etebo: He put up a vibrant showing for much of his time on the pitch. Sent a couple of long range efforts wide and drew a very good save from Seychelles goalkeeper via a set-piece. (7/10)
Alex Iwobi: Misplaced a couple of passes in the final third and left a lot to be desired of his work rate. (5.5/10)
Forwards
Ahmed Musa: The skipper was full of running and prying but saw little end product come off. Connected well with his fellow attackers and looked really lively. (7/10)
Henry Onyekuru: He looked to stretch play o the right each time he got on the ball. Sneaked in behind the opposition to head in Nigeria’s second goal. (8/10)
Odion Ighalo: Had a few nervy moments upfront but always got in behind the opposition defence at the slightest chance. Took his penalty with some guile. (7.5/10)
Substitutes
Paul Onuachu: Made good use of his height and helped out in nervy moments at the rear. He also held up play in a brief cameo. (6/10)
Semi Ajayi: Came on for Iwobi and tucked in well in midfield. (6/10)
Moses Simon: Wasted little time in getting into the rhythm of the game after coming on. Got away from his marker with lightening speed to rattle in the third goal. (7/10)
Rohr: There’s more to come from Onuachu
Midtjylland striker, Paul Ebere Onuachu finally made his much awaited Super Eagles debut in the 3-1 win over Seychelles on Friday.
Nigeria dismissed the threats of the Pirates in the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Onuachu was a second half substitute for the three-time AFCON winners at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.
It was a decent performance by the 6 ft 7 in striker who looked sharp on his international debut for the senior national side.
According to coach Gernot Rohr, there we didn’t see so much from him,” the Franco-German stated at a Press Conference attended by Footballlive.ng.
“It was difficult for him (Ebere Onuachu) to play against a defensive minded team.”
“With his height, headers and fighting spirit it’s good we invited him.”
“The game against Seychelles was meant to try new players, that’s why we invited Onuachu. We should see more of him against Egypt next Tuesday.
The Super Eagles will face their Egyptian counterparts in an international friendly match on Tuesday.
