Okonkwo double lifts MLS side, Montreal Impact

There were goals aplenty from the Nigerian camps at the weekend with former Arsenal forward, Chuba Akpom scoring a double brace in pre-season for PAOK and former U-20 star, Orji Okonkwo hitting two goals to lift his MaJor League Soccer (MLS) side, Montreal Impact. Also, on the score sheet is Kelechi Iheanacho who appeared to have discovered his scoring boots ahead of the forthcoming season in the Premiership.
It was however not bird of roses for Super Eagles players and hopefuls as former Kwara United forward; Chukwuma Bentley Akabueze will now need to find a new employer after severing relationship with his Turkish club, Boluspor.
The News Editor, ADEBAYO OLODAN reports the performances of Nigerian players and speculations about their future.

ENGLAND
Iheanacho at the double in pre-season for Leicester
Kelechi Iheanacho has continued with his impressive pre-season form by scoring a brace for Leicester City in their friendly game against Rotherham United on Saturday.
The former Manchester City forward who was just playing his third pre-season game for the Foxes scored in the 11th and 72nd minutes respectively as they drew 2-2. Michael Ihiekwe was on target for Rotherham United in the thriller.
22-year-old Iheanacho is already proving his sharpness ahead of the start of the new season after scoring against Cambridge United.
He has followed it up with a double in just his third pre-season game.
Last season, Iheanacho scored one goal in the Premier League and was also dropped from Super Eagles’ 23-man squad to 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Dele-Bashiru determined to prove point at Watford
Former U-20 midfielder, Ayotomiwa Dele-Bashiru is determined to prove a point at English Premier League club Watford.
The 19-year-old rose through the youth ranks at the Etihad Stadium, making his debut away at Leicester City during the 2017/18 Carabao Cup campaign.
He spent time training with City’s first-team and broke into Nigeria’s Under-20 setup – making three appearances this calendar year, registering a single goal for the Flying Eagles.
But with an abundance of world class midfielders standing between him and a breakthrough onto the Premier League scene, Dele-Bashiru decided to seek new pasture at the expiry of his contract.
Dele-Bashiru signed a six-year contract with the Hornets after leaving City at the end of his deal.
“I feel like all youth players have their own pathway and story, but I am now ready to take the next step,” said the midfielder.
“I need to be playing games and making a name for myself.
“There is definitely a pathway here, the team play good football and have fantastic fans.
“The opportunity to come here and play in front of them was an attractive one. It was definitely the best choice for me.
Tobi swaps Tottenham for Celtic
Scottish Premiership giants Celtic has announced the signing of Tottenham youngster, Tobi Oluwayemi.
The promising goalkeeper has agreed a three-year contract to join Celtic, subject to international approval.
Aged 16, Tobi has represented England at U-16 level and comes from a family of goalkeepers, his brother Joshua plays for Spurs U-18 side.
Commenting on his move to the Scottish champions, he told the club’s official website: ”I am delighted to be joining Celtic, it really is a dream come true and a massive opportunity for me.
“I am very excited about this move and I will be working hard, giving everything to the Club to progress and make the most of this great opportunity.”
FRANCE
Ex-Lille keeper, Enyeama, tries out with Dijon 
Ligue 1 club, Dijon has taken ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, on trial.
Enyeama has been without a club after having his contract terminated by Lille in August 2018.
The former Enyimba goalkeeper joined Lille from Isreali side Hapoel Tel Aviv in June 2011 and made 164 appearances.
The 36-year old last played for Lille in April 2017 after he was told to look for a new club by Marcelo Bielsa.
Enyeama, who played 101 times for the Super Eagles, helped Lille to the 2016 French League cup final where they were edged by giants PSG.
With 17 clean sheets from 35 league games in the 2013/14 season, he emerged as the first goalkeeper to be named French Ligue 1 African Player of the Season.
The legendary Enyeama made his debut against Kenya in May 2002 in Lagos and during his international career he helped Nigeria win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, where he emerged as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
He played in five Nations Cup tournaments – in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2013 – and was part of the Nigeria squad at the 2002, 2010 and 2014 World Cup tournaments.
The former Maccabi Tel Aviv stopper, who won two African Champions League titles with Enyimba, retired from international football in October 2015
GERMANY 
Kelly chooses Nigeria over Spain 
KFC Uerdingen 05 teen sensation, Bright Osemudiamen Kelly, has confirmed that he has committed his international future to Nigeria over Spain, his country of birth.
The skilful winger, who has drawn comparisons to Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze, has earned rave reviews from Nigerians based in Germany, who have monitored him at close quarters.
Born October 2005, Kelly started his career at CD Yuncos Football Academy, before moving to Getafe and has also represented the youth team of Fortuna Dusseldorf.
”I want to play for Nigeria because it’s the country my parents come from, I want to make my parents proud.
”I have been watching the Super Eagles play and the two players I like in the team are Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi, I’d say I play more like Chukwueze than Iwobi.”
Collins on Beskitas’ wish list
Super Eagles left-back, Jamilu Collins is on the radar of Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas.
The 24-year-old who plays for German top-tier side Paderborn had a meteoric rise last term and featured prominently.
Collins represented Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and it was learnt that officials of Besiktas are ready to doll out a mouth-watering offer for the services of the former Rijeka defender ahead of next season.
Paderborn has insisted in the past they will sell their jewel to the highest bidder as a number of interests from local and foreign clubs keep swelling.
(DIV 2)
Marvin Ajani (SV Wehen Wiesbaden): He was introduced in the 67th min of   his team’s 1-2 loss at home to Karlsruher SC.
Amaechi joins Hamburg on 4-yr deal 
Arsenal winger, Xavier Amaechi has completed a move to Hamburg after signing a four-year contract with the German second division club.
Hamburg will pay a fee in excess of 2.5m euros (£2.25m), plus several millions in performance-related add-ons, while Arsenal have a sell-on clause, but no buy-back option.
The 18-year-old England youth international, who passed a medical on Saturday before putting pen to paper, will wear the number 17 shirt at the Volksparkstadion.
Amaechi turned down a number of high-profile suitors and an offer to extend his Arsenal deal, which had a year remaining.
He was approached by Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Nice, Hertha Berlin and Championship sides, as well as late interest from four Premier League teams.
Hamburg was among a dozen German outfits who had been closely monitoring Amaechi since early 2019 and their move for the attacker proved decisive.
The role of their sporting director Michael Mutzl was said to be key as he, manager Dieter Hecking and director of sport Jonas Boldt – all recent appointments – committed to a project that will see Amaechi used as a regular starter on either of the flanks.
Iyoha scores debut goal for Holstein Kiel
Emmanuel Iyoha scored his first goal in a Holstein Kiel jersey in their 1-1 draw with Sandhausen in the first round of matches in the German Bundesliga 2 on Saturday.
Seven minutes into the second stanza, the forward grabbed the leveller for the homers.
In June 2019, the 21-year-old extended his contract with Bundesliga club Fortuna Düsseldorf.
The new agreement between club and player keeps him at the Merkur Spiel-Arena until June 30, 2022. The striker was however immediately sent out to Holstein Kiel on a season-long loan.
Since 2011, the Germany youth international has been on the books of Fortuna Düsseldorf and has played 22 games for the first team.
He was farmed out on loan to VfL Osnabrück and Erzgebirge Aue in the last two seasons to continue his development.
Düsseldorf-born Iyoha has represented Germany at U19, U20 and U21 levels.
Born in Düsseldorf, Iyoha has a German mother and a Nigerian dad, meaning he is eligible to represent the Africans if the grandfather rule is invoked.
RUSSIA
Olabiran Blessing Muyiwa and Adesoye Oyewole (Tambov): Olabiran rose from the substitutes’ bench in the 67th min as his team defeated Spartak Moscow 2-0 on Saturday. Olabiran’s teammate, Adessoye, logged 90 mins.
UKRAINE 
Ex-U-17 defender, Aliyu, joins Olimpik Donetsk 
Former Golden Eaglets defender, Aliyu Abubakar, has joined Olimpik Donetsk on a free transfer.
Aliyu will be spending the next season in Donetsk after penning a one-year contract with the club on Friday.
The former PS Kemi centre back, who moved on a free transfer, is an important signing for Olimpik Donetsk ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.
Aliyu is somewhat of a journeyman as he played for six different teams abroad.
The 23-year-old started his professional career with Ashdod in Israel. One year later, he joined CA Bizertin and then KuPS.
During his time in Finland, he played 25 games and failed to find the back of the net.
In February 2017, he signed for Georgian side Dila Gori, and 14 months later he moved to Finnish side PS Kemi, before ending up at Belarus’ Slutsk.
TURKEY
Akabueze bids Boluspor farewell
Chukwuma Akabueze has bid farewell to Boluspor after the winger’s two-year spell at the club came to an end.
The 30-year-old made 78 appearances and scored 15 goals in his time at Bolu City having joined from Odd BK in 2017.
On July 18, Akabueze was officially added to the roster of Turkish 1.Lig outfit Ümraniyespor Kulubu.
The 30-year-old was acquired as a free agent, having most recently played for Boluspor in Turkey.
Akabueze wrote via his Official Facebook handle, “Thanks to the people of Bolu city for the supports.”
“I will miss you guys but it’s time to say goodbye. Life goes on. God bless you all?.
The forward has also suited up for clubs in the Norway and China, accruing 74 goals in 311 appearances across his professional career.
Ozornwafor wants to learn at Galatasaray
Former Enyimba defender, Valentine Ozornwafor is determined to learn new things at Turkish club Galatasaray.
Ozornwafor joined Galatasaray from the former Nigeria Professional Football League champions last month, penning a four-year contract.
Galatasaray suffered a 4-1 defeat to German side, FC Augsburg in a pre-season friendly played at the Tivoli Stadion Tirol, Innsbruck where Ozornwafor replaced Emre Tasdemir in the 49th minute.
That first experience thought him some lessons and he is willing to continue learning.
“I’m a very young player. Every day I learn something new. This game gave me an experience. The most important thing for me is to learn something new every day,” Ozornwafor told reporters after the match.
“If you are a professional player, you need to adapt to the team as soon as possible. The new season is fast approaching and the manager want me to get used to the team as soon as possible.”
Ozornwafor was part of the Flying Eagles side that took part at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.
BELGIUM 
Okereke scores on Club Brugge debut 
David Okereke marked his Belgian Pro League debut for Club Brugge with a fabulous finish in their 3-1 win over Waasland-Beveren on Saturday night.
The 20-year-old, who joined Club Brugge from Serie B side Spezia in the Summer Transfer Window, arrived inside the box to beautifully poke home after goalkeeper Lucas Pirard spilled Hans Vanaken effort to his path.
Okereke decided to quit Spezia after a decent 2018/19 season.
The striker, who turns 21 next month and had an impressive 2018/19 Serie B season with 10 goals and 12 assists.
GREECE
Akpom hits double brace in PAOK pre-season friendly 
Chuba Akpom hit the net four times for PAOK Thessaloniki in their weekend’s pre-season friendly against Fortuna Sittard.
He showed enough promise with a double brace in the 5-1 win.
Powerful midfielder Anderson Esiti made his unofficial debut for the resigning Greek champions.
Akpom is gearing up for the season ahead as he looks to retain his fine scoring form next term.
Though the London-born striker has pledged his international future to Nigeria and even trained with the Super Eagles in March 2017, he has not been called up to the national team for an official match.
The 23-year old is now fit and ready for the new season ahead.
The former Arsenal, Coventry, Sint Truiden, Brentford, Hull City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest forward bagged eight goals in all competitions for PAOK last term.
SLOVENIA 
Stanley Amuzie (NK Aluminij): The former U-23 left-back put up a brilliant performance as his club drew 0-0 with Celje in the Slovenian Prva Liga.
He was largely his team’s most influential player in the final third, completing six attacking passes and making five defensive interceptions. Overall, his output was phenomenal.
AUSTRIA
Yusuf Otubanjo (LASK): The former U-20 star was a non-playing substitute when his team defeated Altach 2-0.
Osarenren Okungbowa (Floridsdorfer AC): He came on in the 68th min of his team’s 2-0 win over Grazer AK.
Faleye loses on debut for Wacker Innsbruck
Ex-Shooting Stars striker, Sunday Faleye was on the losing end on his Austrian 2. Liga debut for Fußballclub Wacker Innsbruck against Vorwärts Steyr
on Friday.
The 20-year-old came off the bench minutes after the hour mark but was unable to help his side avoid a 2-0 defeat to the hosts.
The ex-Altach Juniors player was fielded to add bite to the attack in the away fixture.
Vorwärts Steyr nevertheless was able to unlock the Parma defence with a 72nd minute goal through Christopher Bibaku.
Josip Martinovic doubled the lead four minutes later at the Vorwärts Steyr S.I.S. Arena (Steyr).
Faleye who arrived this summer from Altach Juniors fared quite well after replacing Markus Wallner in the 66th minute.
He however picked up a yellow card at injury time.
HUNGARY 
Adeniji pens 2-yr Debreceni deal 
Hungarian top flight side, Debreceni VSC, is on the verge of announcing the capture of former Sunshine forward, Tunde Adeniji.
The striker and the OTP Bank Liga side have agreed on two-year deal, with the option for an extra year inserted into the contract.
Adeniji played only the first half as Debrecen VSC lost 2-1 to Kazincbarcika in a friendly last weekend.
He is set to become the second Nigerian attacker to be acquired by Debreceni VSC in the summer transfer window after Haruna Garba, who has already debuted for the club in the Europa League qualifying rounds and was on target in a 3-0 win vs Kukesi.
Adeniji last played for Kuwait’s Al-Nasr and has also worn the jerseys of Atyrau (Kazakhstan) and Levski Sofia (Bulgaria).
The 23-year-old moved abroad from Nigeria Professional Football League side Sunshine Stars.
DENMARK
Tosin Kehinde and Marvin Egho (Randers): Egho was replaced with three minutes to regulation time while former Manchester United midfielder, Kehinde, was an unused substitute when their team held Hobro to a 2-2 draw.
Daniel Anyembe (Esbjerg FB): He lasted the duration of his club’s 0-2 loss to FC Nordsjaelland.
Frank Onyeka, Paul Onuachu and Ayo Simon Okosun (FC Midtjylland): Onyeka was replaced in the 78th min while Okosun was substituted in the 60th min of their club’s 1-0 win at AGF. Meanwhile, leggy forward, Onuachu, was missing as he is yet to return to Denmark after his involvement with the Super Eagles at the 2019 African Nations Cup.
Rilwan Hassan (SoenderjyskE): The former FC Midtjylland winger provided an assist in the 59th min of his team’s 3-0 thrashing of Lyngby in the Danish Superligaen.
He was substituted on the hour mark, one minute after his assist to Mart Lieder. The 28-year-old wing wizard has 222 Danish Superligaen games under his belt and is credited with 24 goals and 32 assists.
DIV 2
Emmanuel Ogude (Vendsyssel FF): He drew his team level in the 68th min of their 2-1 defeat of Fredericia.
NORWAY
Izuchukwu Anthony (Nest Sotra): He posted a 90 mins performance when his team suffered a 0-2 reverse at Aalesund.
Charles Ezeh (Hamarkameratene): He played the last 11 mins of his club’s 1-0 win over Sandefjord.
Michael Ogungbaro and Anthony Okachi (Jerv): Okachi was substituted in the 63rd min while Ogungbaro was a non-playing substitute when their club drew 1-1 with Sogndal IL.
Abubakar Ibrahim (Notodden FK) & Onyekachi Hope Ugwuadu and Akinshola Akinyemi (Sandnes): Abubakar was cautioned in the 51st min and was replaced 15 mins as his team suffered a 0-4 loss to Sandnes for whom Ugwuadu logged 90 mins and Akinyemi an unused substitute.
SWEDEN
Edward Chilufya (Djurgaarden) & Godswill Ekpolo (Hacken): He rose from the substitutes’ bench and scored seven minutes later in his club’s 2-0 defeat of Hacken.
On the opposing side was Ekpolo, who lasted the entire duration of the game.
John Chibuike and Peter Nsima (Falkenbergs): The former Rosenborg midfielder scored in the 34th min of his team’s 2-0 win over GIF Sundsvall. His lastest goal meant he has been directly involved in 2 goals in his last five matches in the Swedish Allsvenskan.
Chibuike was handed the penalty taking duties and he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to double his team’s advantage before being replaced ten minutes into the second half. His teammate, Nsima was named in the starting line-up but gave way for Edi Sylisufaj in the 71st minute.
SWITZERLAND
Blessing Eleke (Luzern): He was cautioned in the 84th min and logged 90 mins as his team played a goalless draw with FC Zuerich.
SLOVAKIA
Abdulrahman Taiwo (DAC 1904 Dunajska Streda): Taiwo scored in the 54th min to give his team a 3-0 lead in their 4-1 defeat of FK Pohronie.
BULGARIA
Stephen Eze (Lokomotiv Plovdiv): The Super Eagles fringe central defender lasted the duration of his club’s 4-1 away win at Pofc Botev Vratsa.
CYPRUS
Uzoho wants to hit top form with Omonia Nicosia
Super Eagles reserve goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, hopes to make a positive return to Cyprus in his loan stint with Omonia Nicosia from Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna.
The 20-year-old endured a torrid time earlier this year after a loan spell at Cypriot rivals Anorthosis Famagusta was cut short due to irregularities in his registration.
On the pitch, it was also difficult after he was sent off for the first time in his career in April.
A lack of top-flight football cost Uzoho his place as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, becoming third choice behind Daniel Akpeyi and Ikechukwu Ezenwa.
“I learned a lot from last season’s experience. Hopefully, it will serve as a motivation to do well,” Uzoho, who joins Omonia on a season-long loan, told BBC Sport.
“I can say last season is in the past now and I hope to write a good chapter with Omonia by God’s grace and hard work.
“To move forward you can’t keep looking back, so I just want to remain focused on what lies ahead.”
Capped 14 times by Nigeria, Uzoho played all three matches as the Super Eagles exited the 2018 World Cup in the group stage.
But he made one appearance at the just-concluded 2019 Africa Cup of Nations against Tunisia as the Super Eagles sealed a third place finish in Egypt.
FINLAND
Samuel Olabisi (RoPS): He was an unused substitute when his team suffered a 0-2 loss at home to FC Inter.
MLS
Okonkwo double lifts MLS side, Montreal Impact
Former Golden Eaglets attacking midfielder, Orji Okonkwo scored a brace for his Major League Soccer (MLS) side Montreal Impact as they defeated the Philadelphia Union 4-0 at the weekend before 16,344 Saputo Stadium spectators.
The win solidified Impact’s hold on a playoff berth.
Lassi Lappalainen scored the opener from Zachary Brault-Guillard’s assist.
Indeed, nine minutes before half time, the home side connected on a counter-attack. Ignacio Piatti found Okonkwo with a short pass to the right. From just inside the box, Okonkwo scored on a high shot to Blake’s left, past his outstretched arms to make it 2-0. It was his fifth goal this season.
Lappalainen produced another classy finish as Impact ran riot.
He made it 4-0 in the 66th minute, scoring off a breakaway following a pass from Urruti. He has now scored six goals in 19 appearances this season.
CHINA 
Chima’s late winner steals points for Heilongjiang 
Daniel Chima scored a late goal to give Heilongjiang Lava Spring FC a priceless 1-0 home win in week 19 of Chinese League One.
The striker squeezed the ball home past goalkeeper Xing Yu from a tight angle at injury time.
It was smash and grab for Heilongjiang Lava Spring FC, as they were mostly restricted to shots from distance but made its best opening count when Chima scored for the second match in a row to snatch the points.
EGYPT
Ajayi targets Eagles’ return 
Al Ahly of Egypt forward Junior Ajayi hopes he will get the chance to make a return to the Super Eagles after he was omitted from the squad to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Ajayi was one of the six players placed on standby list by Nigeria head coach, Gernot Rohr ahead of AFCON 2019, but he never got the chance to make the final squad.
Odion Ighalo’s retirement from international football is expected to open doors for new strikers in the team and Ajayi is hopeful.
“It will be nice to be back in the Super Eagles. I was on the standby list for the AFCON but I hope that things will get better with time.
“The main ambition for me now is to be part of the main team and be playing regularly as well.”
Ajayi won his fourth Egyptian league title on Wednesday after Al Ahly defeated Al Mokawloon 3-1 at the Borg El Arab Stadium, their last match of the season against Zamalek notwithstanding.
SOUTH AFRICA
Okwuosa tries luck in Gauteng
Super Eagles fringe defender, James Okwuosa, is currently with a club in Gauteng in training as he looks to conclude a deal for the new season.
The 28-year-old former Orlando Pirates player, who was recently linked with Kaizer Chiefs, has added to the list of players training with Highlands Park.
The centre-back is at the Lions of the North for a second time this year, following his first trial with the team in January.
Okwuosa has been without a club since he parted ways with Chippa United in January. The towering defender will work to impress Owen da Gama in training in the coming days.