Osimhen too good for Lesotho in 2021 AFCON qualifier

With the European Leagues on international break, the Super Eagles
rounded off the 2019 calendar with a resounding 4-2 win over Lesotho.
Red-hot Victor Osimhen was the Most Valuable Player as he had a hand
in all the goals scored by the Eagles.
The win is coming only a few days after Gernot Rohr’s team kicked off
their 2021 African Nations Cup qualifier with a 2-1 win at home to the
Squirrels of Benin.
Meanwhile, former Kwara Football Academy (KFA) player, Emmanuel Dennis
Bonaventure has continued to attract interest from across Europe with
Leicester City the latest club to have showed interest in the service
of the Club Brugge forward.
In yet another report, the News Editor, ADEBAYO OLODAN captures
transfer speculations involving Super Eagles players and hopefuls plus
scorecard on Daniel Akpeyi, Joe Aribo, Samuel Chukwueze and others.

ENGLAND
Galatasaray, Besiktas keen on Iheanacho
Turkish giants Galatasaray and Besiktas will battle to secure the
services of Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho on loan when the
transfer window reopens in January.
Iheanacho arrived the King Power Stadium in a big money move in 2017
but has failed to make impact at the club.
According to a report in Turkish news outlet, fanatic.com.tr,
Galatasaray and Besiktas are looking to bolster their respective
squads during the January transfer window, with each believing the
23-year-old will be a quality addition.
Iheanacho has struggled for regular playing time at English Premier
League club, Leicester City this season.
The 23-year-old is yet to make a league appearance for the Foxes this
term and has played just twice in the Carabao Cup.
He scored one goal in 30 league appearances for Leicester City last season.
Moses set for Chelsea return
Victor Moses could return to Chelsea in January transfer window as
Fenerbahce seem keen to end his disappointing loan spell.
Moses, 28, was shipped out by Chelsea on an 18-month loan deal in
January, but he has played only four games this season, scoring once.
He has featured in the club’s last two matches, but has failed to make
a real impression on boss Ersun Yanal.
The ex-Wigan winger scored and laid on an assist in his first game for
the club – in their win over Gaziantep on matchday-1.
But since then a muscular injury and consequent lack of good form have
seen him miss a huge chunk of the season.
In his last three games, Moses has failed to show the sort of form
that saw him became a key cog of the Chelsea machine under Antonio
Conte.
With the Blues under the leadership of the Italian, Moses reinvented
himself as an attacking wing-back, with Marcos Alonso on the left.
According to a report on the online channel of British newspaper The
Sun, reports in Turkey claim Moses is way off the pace and Fenerbahce
are considering terminating his loan deal this winter.
The former Nigeria international is under contract at Chelsea until
the end of the 2020-21 season.
Moses has been on the books of the Stamford Bridge side since 2012,
but has been loaned to Liverpool, Stoke, West Ham and now Fenerbahce.
TURKEY
Fenerbahce considers Musa as Moses’ replacement
Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa according to Turkish sports daily
Fanatik, is being considered by Fenerbahce as the likely replacement
of Victor Moses at the Turkish club with the former set for a January
return to his parent club, Chelsea.
Musa has consistently been linked with a transfer to the Yellow
Canaries and they attempted to sign him without success prior to his
switch to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia in the summer transfer window.
With no goal in his last three outings for Fenerbahce, it has been
claimed that the leadership of the Istanbul giants has given Moses six
more matches to prove himself, failing which he will be declared
surplus to requirements and sent back to Stamford Bridge.
Damien Comolli, director of football for Fenerbahce, is preparing to
hold talks with Al Nassr regarding the signing of Musa and will
discuss whether to sign the former Leicester City winger on loan for
one and a half seasons while the second alternative is to make a offer
for the remainder of the 2019-2020 season.
Manager Ersun Yanal has given the green light for Fenerbahce to sign Musa.
SCOTLAND
Rangers fans extol Eagles star, Aribo
While in the midst of an international break, Rangers fans will be
missing their players, who for the last few weeks have been performing
brilliantly.
One of the players representing his national team right now is Joe
Aribo, who played two matches with Nigeria in one week.
The midfielder tweeted out to thank the Nigerian fans for their
support during the game. But as always, Rangers fans were there to
share their support for their player as well. One supporter told Aribo
that he was having a brilliant year of football, while others express
how proud they are of him.
Another fan suggests that moving to Rangers contributed to the
player’s recent success. Playing under the guidance of Steven Gerrard
is surely a dream for any up and coming midfielder in the game.
Rangers fans are clearly happy to see Aribo playing well for his
national team. If he comes back in good form it will only be good news
for Steven Gerrard and the Rangers supporters.
FRANCE
I’m my biggest critic – Osimhen
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has revealed that no one
criticizes him the way he does to himself even as he hopes to continue
doing well in front of goal for club and country.
The 20-year-old showed plenty of composure and mental strength to
level scores for Nigeria from the spot in Wednesday’s 2-1 win over
Benin Republic in Uyo and now believes the Eagles can go on and pick
all three points in Lesotho on Sunday.
“I believe I’m my own biggest critic. I go into every game telling
myself I have to do well for myself and my teammates and if I do
anything short of that, I feel sad within me and always scold myself.
“I believe every player has his own ups and downs and for me when it
goes south I sit down and try to arrest the situation my own way and
that has been my strength,” Osimhen revealed.
Moses among top 50 Most Valuable Loanees in Europe
According to CIES Football Observatory, Moses Simon has been named
among the top 50 most valuable loanees in the big five European
Leagues consisting of La Liga, English Premier League, German
Bundesliga, Italian Serie A and French Ligue 1.
Using their approach to assess on a scientific basis the transfer
value of professional footballers, Simon’s transfer market price is
11.1 million euros, making him the 45th most valuable loanee in
Europe.
With his lack of game time at Levante during the 2018-2019 season, –
eight starts from a possible 38 league matches – the Super Eagles star
was farmed out on loan to Nantes for the entirety of this season.
The winger’s move to France has given him a new lease of life,
contributing to 7 goals (5 goals, 2 assists) from 12 appearances in
all competitions, and the highlight of his performance so far was
scoring a hat-trick and providing an assists as Nantes thrashed Paris
FC 8-0 in the third round of the Coupe de la Ligue.
In recognition of Moses’s impressive display last month, he was
selected Nantes Player of the Month for October 2019.
Philippe Coutinho (€96.5m), Dani Ceballos ((€65.7m), Martin Odegaard
(€57.3m), Harry Wilson (€54.0m) and Mauro Icardi (€50.8m) are the five
most valuable loanees in that order.
BELGIUM
Dennis may replace Vardy at Leicester
Premier League club, Leicester City is being linked with a move for
Super Eagles forward, Emmanuel Dennis Bonaventure as a long term
replacement for veteran striker, Jami Vardy.
According to reports in Belgium, the Foxes has opened negotiations
with Club Brugge ahead of a potential move in the January transfer
window.
The report also adds that the Belgian club is likely to demand between
€20m and €23m for Dennis’ signature.
Dennis joined Brugge in 2017 from the Ukrainian size, Zorya and has
since gone on to score 19 goals in 77 appearances for the club.
In 16 appearances, this season, seven of which have come in the
Champions League group stage and qualifying rounds, the 22-year-old
has bagged six goals.
Two of his goals came in Club Brugge’s 2-2 draw against Spanish
giants, Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
Brendan Rodgers currently has three players who can operate as centre
forward, with Vardy, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ayoze Perez all comfortable
in that role.
Westerlo sacks veteran striker, Emenike
Belgian second division club, KVC Westerlo have parted ways with
former Nigeria international forward, Emmanuel Emenike just two months
after both parties penned a contract.
Emenike joined Westerlo on trials in August and signed a deal with the
club a month later – precisely on 16 September 2019.
“Emmanuel Emenike and KVC Westerlo have decided in mutual agreement to
end their collaboration. Despite the many efforts made by both parties
in the best understanding, the player could not be brought to the
level that both parties had intended,” reads a statement on the club’s
official website.
“In those circumstances, it was appropriate to end the agreement with
a good feeling. KVC Westerlo wants to thank Emmanuel for choosing and
trusting the club and the player wishes to thank the club for the
opportunity he was granted.
The 32-year-old made five league appearances for the club and failed
to find the back of the net.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner once had stints with clubs in
South Africa , Greece, Turkey, England and Spain.
AFCON Qualifier: Osimhen too good for Lesotho
Victor Osimhen was too good to handle for Lesotho as the Super Eagles
rounded off their hostilities for the year 2019 with a goal-laden
victory (4-2) in their 2021 AFCON qualifier at the Setsoto Stadium
Sunday evening.
Gernot Rohr made two changes to the starting line-up that beat Benin
in Uyo five days ago, with Moses Simon and Chidozie Awaziem coming
into the side at the expense of Samuel Kalu and Jamilu Collins
respectively.
Lesotho took the lead against the run of play when Masoabi Nkoto took
advantage of some lax Nigeria defending to put the hosts ahead after
eleven minutes following a cross from the left channel.
But the lead would only last till the 26th minute when Victor Osimhen
led the Super Eagles press, charging down the right afterto set up
Alex Iwobi who slotted home from close range.
The duo of Chukwueze and Osimhen looked particularly dangerous on the
break and alongside Moses Simon, who tested goalkeeper Ntsane Lichaba
with a ferocious drive from a free-kick.
On the 36th minute, Osimhen was at it again when he found space to
ping in a lob which Chukwueze got on the end of to beat Lichaba with a
good header.
The Lille striker was proving too difficult to handle for The
Crocodiles, as he would yet threaten after the break when he rattled
the cross bar with a shot.
He will then get his goal deep into the game when Ola Aina broke free
from the right flank to play him in for a neat finish and take the
game to 3-1.
Osimhen made it 4-1 on the 84th minute mark when impressive second
half substitute Ramon Azeez shrugged off his marker to find the
long-limbed front man who rounded Lichaba to grab his brace as Nigeria
looked all but set to close out 2019 in style.
But there was still time for the charitable Eagles to gift Lesotho
another goal deep into stoppage time; Chidozie Awaziem putting through
his own net as the opposition tried to save face with some last minute
press.
…how Akpeyi, Awaziem, Osimhen, others fared
The Super Eagles grabbed their second win in as many matches in the
2021 African Nations Cup qualifier on Sunday this time a 4-2 away win
against Lesotho.
Below is how Super Eagles rated against their less fancied opponents.

Goalkeeper
Daniel Akpeyi: Caught unawares by Masoabi’s early header but was
composed otherwise and even bailed out his team a couple of sloppy
occasions. (7/10)
Defender
William Troost-Ekong: Ably curtailed the forays of the Lesotho
attackers and took no prisoners in his defending. (7/10)
Semi Ajayi: Reacted rather poorly after the cross that led to the goal
conceded was put in, and was a false start on that note. Grew into the
game as it went on and posted an assured display. Got in the book.
(6/10)
Ola Aina: Yet another eye-catching showing from Aina. Astute
defensively and was pacy both going up against the opposition and
tracking back. Teed up Osimhen with a great assist. Based on his last
two games for the Super Eagles, Aina has matured into a player with
international quality.  (8/10)
Chidozie Awaziem: Was a bit shaky and he inadvertently conceded an own
goal in the closing minutes of the match. (5/10)
Midfielders
Wilfred Ndidi: Led the early pressing and saw a couple of shots fired
wide. Held sway in the middle of the park as always. He will however
need to improve on his attempts at goal. (7/10)
Joe Aribo: Had a quiet game and wasn’t eager to join his mates in the
attacking forays. Dropped back and kept passes rather simple. (6/10)
Alex Iwobi: Pulled his team level with a precise finish and set the
pace for what could have been a difficult game for the Eagles. Showed
flashes of his brilliance as their attacking verve took centre stage
in Maseru. (8/10)
Attackers
Moses Simon: Stung Lichaba’s palms with a long range drive and was a
willing runner through the flank. He was later replaced by Samuel
Kalu. (6.5/10)
Samuel Chukwueze: Dazzled on the right flank and was a nightmare on
the break. Dropped in behind the Lesotho defence to score a top-drawer
header. (7/10)
Victor Osimhen: Simply a five star display from the striker. Had the
duo of Basia Makepe and Bokang Sello on the ropes for much of the
game. Pinged in two assists for his teammates before joining the act
with two superb goals. (10/10)
Substitutes
Ahmed Musa: Had few scraps to work on but his sharpness was glaring to
see. (5/10)
Ramon Azeez: Looked a lot more adventurous after replacing Aribo and
he ended up picking out Osimhen with a nicely placed assist. (6/10)
Samuel Kalu: Showed his usual drive and trickery after his
introduction but there was too little space as Lesotho retreated.
(5/10)
Anaemena makes case for NPFL stars
Super Eagles new invitee, Ifeanyi Anaemena has called on the handlers
of the senior national team to look inwards into the league and hand
more NPFL stars future call ups.
The Enyimba left-back, who was called up as a replacement for Russia
based Bryan Idowu, told newsmen that the league has plenty of talents
and believes they have what it takes to rub shoulders with the big
boys.
“I believe there are a lot of talents in the NPFL because of the
level of the league. I believe that we definitely have the players but
the opportunity must be there for us to show our worth in the national
team.
“Everything has to do with chance and opportunity and if the NPFL
players get that, I’m very confident they can contend and hold their
own,” Anaemena concluded.
Int’l Allegiance: Always follow your heart, Okoye urges upcoming players
Super Eagles reserve goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye has advised Nigerian
players born in the Diaspora to always follow their heart when
deciding their international future.
The 20-year-old, who switched allegiance from Germany to Nigeria, told
newsmen at the Eagles camp, that they must search within first and
know who really loves them between the interested countries.
“I always advise that players should always follow their heart. They
have to feel where the love is because I felt the love in Nigeria and
I feel like a Naija boy and that’s why I chose Nigeria over Germany,”
he stated.
With one senior cap to his name, the Fortuna Dusseldorf goalkeeper
further thanked his Nigerian fans for showing him plenty of love since
making his first return to the country after 13 years, whilst also
promising that the Eagles will continue to make them proud in future
games.
Missing last AFCON made me better player – Ajayi
Super Eagles defender, Semi Ajayi, has revealed that the setbacks of
missing out on previous international tournaments with Nigeria have
made him a better player as he knows hopes to cement a regular spot
with the team.
The 26-year-old, who has a had a quite decent spell since making his
debut against Seychelles last year, told newsmen that although the
pain of missing out on the AFCON still hurts him, he believes things
have changed afterwards.
“It is always painful to miss out on a competition you have always
dreamed of and wanted to play in. First, it was the U-20 world cup in
2013 and then this year’s AFCON in Egypt.
“Obviously they had their effects but generally I was proud to have
been a member of the team despite not going to the tournament proper,”
Ajayi said.
Having completed a sensational move from league one side Rotherham to
championship side West Brom last summer, the 6ft 4 inch center-back
has been a revelation at the club, featuring in all 16 appearances to
help them stay first with 33 points.
He will now hope to retain his place in the heart of the Eagles
defense later on Sunday when they face Lesotho, having started all of
Nigeria’s three matches since the July AFCON miss.
I’m honoured to wear Eagles  No 10 jersey, says Aribo
New Super Eagles sensation, Joseph Oluwaseyi Temitope Ayodele-Aribo
has revealed his excitement after wearing the country’s famous number
10 jersey in a competitive game for the first time.
The 23-year-old midfielder who impressed in Nigeria’s 2-1 win over
Benin in Uyo on Wednesday, said it was an honour to wear the iconic
number and now wants to ensure he reaches the height of the past two
bearers.
“It’s a great privilege and honour for me to have worn the number 10
jersey on my competitive debut with the team. It wasn’t an easy game
but I’m glad we were able to come out victorious.
“I know the pressure of the number because it speaks well of two great
players; Jay Jay Okocha and Mikel Obi. They were great players during
their time and I can only work hard to ensure I reach the level they
reached with the national team,” Aribo said.
The Rangers midfielder also said he loves to drive the ball up the
pitch whilst further thanking Nigerian fans for their support and
overwhelming love on arrival to the country.