There were goals aplenty from Nigerian players at the weekend but the larger chunk of the celebrations took place in the lower leagues of England. The quartet of Fred Onyedima, Kelvin Etuhu, Funso Ojo and Uche Ikpeazu all hit target for their respective clubs in League One and Two of England.
Brown Ideye, was however the standout player following his first goal for Spanish struggling club, Malaga. The goal which automatically made the on loan Ideye, the 17th Nigerian to score in the league was however not enough to guarantee victory for the club against Valencia.
In yet another extensive report, the News Editor, ADEBAYO OLODAN scouts the major leagues in Europe including Scandinavian countries for the performances of Nigerian players.
ENGLISH FA CUP
Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City): Ndidi and Iheanacho played all 90 mins as their club won 1-0 against Sheffield Utd .
CHAMPIONSHIP
Fred Onyedinma(Millwall): He scored the solitary goal for his club in the 77th min of the 1-0 win at Birmingham City. Onyedinma came off the substitutes’ bench on 66 minutes, then slotted home a rebound after his initial effort was blocked.
Leeds look to £4.5m Jerry Mbakogu
Leeds United is said to have made an improved offer for Carpi striker, Jerry Mbakogu.
The 25-year-old, has been a prolific goal scorer for the Italian side with his 15 goals helping the club win promotion to Serie A in 2015.
Since then, the goals have been a little harder to come by, but he did score five times in 20 appearances for the club as they narrowly missed out on promotion to Serie A again last season.
The Whites reportedly had a £3.5m bid rejected by Carpi in January, but the Daily Mirror claims an improved £4.5million offer will be accepted this summer.
LEAGUE ONE
Funso Ojo (Scunthorpe Utd): The former Belgium youth international netted his second league goal as his club was held to a 2-2 draw by Northampton Town at Glanford Park.
The central midfielder, who captained the team in recent games against Doncaster Rovers and Southend United, unleashed a shot from the edge of the area to tie the score at 1-1 in the 31st minute.
LEAGUE TWO
Uche Ikpeazu (Cambridge Utd): Former U-23 invitee, Ikpeazu scored for the 12th time this season as his team saw off Grimsby Town 3-1. The former Reading schoolboy opened the scoring in the 19th minute.
Kelvin Etuhu (Carlisle Utd): He wrote his name on the score-sheet in the 19th min of his team’s 2-0 win against Chesterfield, before coming off injured three minutes later.
SCOTLAND
Efe Ambrose (Hibernian): He lasted the duration of his team’s 2-0 defeat of Aberdeen. It was his 28th appearance for the season.
Chidebere Nwakali (Aberdeen): The former Eaglets player made his first start in the 2-0 loss to Hibernian but was withdrawn in the 65th minute after he was yellow carded 10 mins earlier.
GERMANY
Anthony Ujah, Karim Onisiwo and Leon Balogun (Mainz 05): Balogun was on for 90mins and was cautioned in the 62nd min while Ujah was on the substitutes’ bench when their club won 2-0 at Hertha Berlin.
Victor Osimhen (Wolfsburg): He made his seventh substitute appearance after coming on in the 84th min of his team’s 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich at the Volkswagen Arena.
Hannover 96 fined for racial slur towards Balogun, Ujah
German club Hannover 96 has been handed a fine of €20,000 for unsportsmanlike behaviour of its supporters towards Nigeria internationals, Leon Balogun and Anthony Ujah.
Balogun, who is a defender by trade, took to social media to report the racist incident involving him and striker Ujah after their club, Mainz 05’s 3-2 defeat to Hannover 96 on January 13, 2018.
German Football Association has since confirmed that a group of seven to twelve individuals racially abused the Nigerian players during the warm-up session.
A statement from the German FA read: “The sports court of the German Football Association (DFB) has the Bundesliga club Hannover 96 in individual judicial proceedings after indictment by the DFB control committee because of behaviour of its supporters fined in the amount of 20,000 euros.”
“During the Bundesliga match against 1. FSV Mainz 05 on January 13, 2018 in Hannover, a group of seven to twelve people had the two FSV players Leon Balogun and Anthony Ujah, who were warming up behind the goal line, recurring over long stretches of the second half racially insulted.”
SPAIN
Ogenekaro Etebo, Emmanuel Emenike and Imoh Ezekiel (Las Palmas): Ezekiel made his La Liga debut as his struggling team suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Sevilla. He was introduced in the 42nd min while his Nigerian compatriot, Etebo lasted the duration of the match. There was however no show for Emenike.
Nigeria’s Goalscorers in La Liga History
1) Ikechukwu Uche – 43 goals
2) Kalu Uche – 38
3) Finidi George – 33
4) Christopher Ohenhen – 29
5) Odion Ighalo – 13
6) Mutiu Adepoju – 11
7) Obafemi Martins – 7
8) Isaac Success – 7
9) Victor Obinna – 4
10) Bartholomew Ogbeche – 3
11) Nosa Igiebor – 2
12) Ramon Azeez – 2
13) Elderson Echiejile – 1
14) Rashidi Yekini – 1
15) Nduka Ugbade – 1
16) Emmanuel Amuneke – 1
17) Brown Ideye – 1
Brown Ideye becomes 17th Nigerian to score in La Liga
Brown Ideye opened his goals coring account for Malaga but could not prevent the La Liga strugglers from losing 2-1 to Valencia at Estadio La Rosaleda, Saturday evening.
On 27 minutes, the Super Eagles striker unorthodox close-range effort gave the Andalusian side the lead but two goals in the last 10 mins from Francis Coquelin and Daniel Parejo condemned José González’s side to their 17th loss of the season.
Ideye has now scored in three of the top five leagues in Europe: La Liga, Ligue 1 and Premier League.
With the strike, the former West Brom and Sochaux star becomes the 17th Nigerian to score for a club in the Spanish top-flight.
The list also includes Golden Eaglets coach Nduka Ugbade and U17 World Cup-winning manager Emmanuel Amuneke.
Las Palmas sweat over Emmanuel Emenike’s fitness
La Liga side, Las Palmas is sweating over the fitness of Emmanuel Emenike.
Emenike joined the Spanish relegation strugglers on loan from Olympiakos of Greece in the January window but has yet to feature for the side having arrived carrying an Injury.
According to Las Palmas, the 30-year-old striker still has problems in the knee and was unable to participate in the game against Sevilla on Saturday.
What is however even more worrying for the club is there is no definite return date yet for the on loan Olympiakos player.
The retired Super Eagle has barely participated in the training sessions with the group and has spent the majority of training sessions in the El Hornillo gym although the club is confident that he can exercise under Paco Jémez in a few days.
The arrival of another Nigerian, Imoh Ezequiel however gives some respite to the Las Palmas coach providing another option in front asides Jonathan Calleri for the important match against Sevilla
Emenike displayed great enthusiasm to help Las Palmas out of their relegation struggles but has been deterred by his Injury problems.
Malaga boss defends decision to sign Isaac Success
Malaga manager, Jose Lopez has defended newly recruited striker, Isaac Success.
Success has come under criticism following his loan move to the Spanish side from Premier League outfit, Watford.
The 22-year-old featured for just 15 mins in the relegation battle defeat to Las Palmas, and was excluded from the following match against second placed Atletico Madrid, hence criticism that he is not fit to play.
However Malaga manager Lopez has refuted claims that the forward is not fit and overweight.
According to the Sun, Lopez claimed that he endorsed the signing of Success.
He said, “I am the main endorsement of Isaac to come here and I think that, for this game (Atletico), the minutes he will play in, he may not be the necessary player.”
Success will hope he and his compatriot Brown Ideye who also joined Malaga, can save Malaga from relegation.
ITALY
Joel Obi (Torino): He played for 72 mins as his team lost 0-1 at home to Juventus
FRANCE
Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes): He was an unused substitute when his team drew 1-1 at Nice.
HOLLAND
Tyronne Ebuechi (Ado Den Haag) & Bartholomew Ogeche (Willem II): Ebuehi played all 90mins when his club drew 1-1 with Ogbeche’s club. The latter also lasted the duration of the match.
Fred Friday (Sparta Rotterdam): He scored the opener in his team’s 1-1 draw with FC Twente.
TURKEY
Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor): Onazi saw action for 64 mins before he was substituted as his team lost 0-1 to Istanbul Basaksehir.
Mikel Agu, William Troost-Ekong and Shehu Abdullahi (Bursarpor): Agu was missing, Troost-Ekong played all 90mins while Shehu Abdullahi was introduced with 8mins to regulation time when their club played a goalless draw with Yeni Malatyaspor.
Aminu Umar and Raheem Lawal (Osmanlispor FK): Umar was on for 90mins while Lawal was substituted in the 46th min of their club’s 3-2 defeat to Sivasspor. Umar has featured in 21 league games this season and has scored four goals.
BELGIUM
Peter Olayinka (Zulte-Waregem): He fired blanks for 90 mins as his team secured a 3-2 win over Eupen.
Abdul Ajagun (Kortrijk): The former Flying Eagles skipper won for 83 mins of his club’s 1-0 away win at Lokeren.
Samuel Kalu, Anderson Esiti and Moses Simon (Gent): Kalu lasted the duration of his club’s 2-2 draw with KV Mechelen.
Joseph Akpala (Oostende): He played for 69 minutes for Oostende who forced Royal Antwerp to a goalless draw.
DENMARK
Peter Utaka joins Vejle
Former Super Eagles forward, Peter Utaka has signed a four months deal at Danish First Division side, Vejle Boldklub. The younger brother of John Utaka will remain at the club for the rest of the 2017/18 season after a successful trial. Before now, Peter has played across Scandinavian countries, Belgium, South Korea and Japan.
NORWAY
Akeem Latifu joins Sogndal on 2-yr-deal
Former schoolboy international, Akeem Latifu has joined Norwegian second division club, Sogndal Football Club as a free agent on a two-year deal.
The defender last played for Hungarian club, Honved Budapest. The 29-year-old right back who previously featured for Stromgodset, hodd and Alesund is seen as replacement for the pair of Taijo Teniste and Magnus Pedersen who left the club for SK Brann and Middlefart G&BK respectively.
Latifu is expected to help the club regain promotion to the top flight after they were relegated last season.
Man Utd legend signs Daniel Chima for Molde
Manchester Utd legend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is happy to sign Daniel Chima Chukwu from Legia Warsaw.
Daniel Chukwu joined the Norweigian outfit Molde from his Polish club last Wednesda till 2020 for an undisclosed amount.
A statement on the clubs official website by C.E.O Øystein Neerland confirmed his arrival, “Molde Football Club agrees with Polish Legia Warszawa about a transition to Daniel Chima Chukwu”
Chukwu who had previously played for Molde was excited to be back in Norway.
He said, “It’s great to come home again. I know the club well from the previous period I was here and know what’s going on. I have been here several times while I have been outside and have always been received as part of the family, it is absolutely amazing to know. I was here last in 2016, and Ole Gunnar has always said I’m welcome back. I am very, very pleased to finally be back.”
Solskjaer who is the manager of Molde is delighted at the recruitment of the Nigerian goal scorer.
He said, “We are pleased to welcome Chima back. An amazing boy who works incredibly hard to make the team better. In the previous period he won three series and two cup masters, so he knows what’s going to win. Now he comes home with a lot of useful experience from his stay outside, and I know he will give everything to Molde FK.”
Daniel Chukwu joins compatriots Afeez Aremu and Michael Ogungbaro who moved to Norway, and will hope to play his first game for Molde when they take on Sandefjord, on Sunday, March 11 in the season opener.
Babajide David joins Haugesund on loan
Through a statement on their official website, Danish Superliga side FC Midtjylland has announced that Nigerian striker, Babajide David has been loaned out to Norwegian team FK Haugesund for the rest of 2018.
In addition, it is understood that he penned a contract extension with Midtjylland before the club sanctioned his loan move to Norway.
“We have chosen to rent Babadjide David to give him more playing time. We have a wide squad and it will be good for David’s development to take another rental stay, ” FCM sports director Svend Graversen said.
Babajide spent last season on loan at FK Jerv, for whom he scored nine goals in 28 matches.
He has found the net three times in two appearances for Midtjylland’s reserve team in the Reserveligaen this season.
The FC Ebedei product will link up with Nigerian trio Izuchukwu Anthony, Ibrahim Shuaibu and Anthony Ikedi at FK Haugesund.
Igho Ogbu pens 4-yr Rosenborg deal
Scandinavian powerhouse, Rosenborg has announced with pride that they have completed the signing of former schoolboy international, Igho Ogbu
It would be recalled that in August 2017 the Tippeligaen side were said to be working on a deal to sign the midfielder in February, having observed him at close quarters.
Ogbu has appended his signature to a four-year deal that will keep him at RBK until the end of the 2021 season, following a successful trial.
Speaking after penning the contract, the 18-year-old said to the club’s official website: ”I have had a great time in the club. It was a bit unusual at first, but it’s gotten better every time I’ve been here.
”I think this is a very nice step for me in my career. My dream is now coming true. Right now I’m just very happy. ”
For the upcoming season, the former Nigeria U-17 captain will play with the number 30 jersey.
Ogbu joined the Norwegian club from Gee-Lec International Football Academy Jos.
RUSSIA
Russian clubs keen on CHAN star, Emeka Atuloma
CHAN Eagles midfielder, Emeka Atuloma is attracting interests from two Russian clubs, FC Akhmat Grozny and FK Amkar, according to his agent and older brother Chimaobi Atuloma.
Also, Serbian side FK Spartak Subotica is understood to have indicated interest in the services of the defensive midfielder.
“There are quite a handful of clubs who have shown interest on Emeka (Atuloma)”, the older Atuloma opened up frankly.
“Three of them are more serious so far that we are still discussing to see how things will eventually go.
“FC Akhmat Grozny of Russia and FK Amkar also of Russia where Aaron Samuel is currently on trials.
“FK Spartan Subotica from Serbia is also there.
“Then, of course, there are some other interests from clubs in Turkey, Norway, Belgium and Israel.
“But like I said, we are still taking a look, talking to see how things eventually unfold, so for now, no deal yet”, Atuloma stated.
Aaron Samuel, Brian Idowu on target
Brian Idowu and Aaron Samuel were on target for Amkar Perm in their 2-0 friendly win over Alashkert of Armenia ahead of the resumption of the league in Russia.
Samuel joined the Russian side on loan from CSKA Moscow and after scoring his first goal in his first game for the club, he followed it up with another goal further proving his readiness to carry the goal scoring responsibilities of the club.
His counterpart, Idowu who scored for Nigeria on his debut in their 4-2 win over Argentina in a friendly last year, scored the final goal for Amkar Perm to seal a commanding 2-0 win for the Russian side.
Former Super Eagles midfielder, Fengor Ogude was a second half substitute.
BULGARIA
Stephen Eze unveiled at Lokomotiv Plovdiv
Stephen Eze has been unveiled by Bulgarian side Lokomotiv Plovdiv from Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Kano Pillars.
Eze had earlier agreed a move to the Bulgarian side during the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), and has now been presented by the club.
In a statement on Lokomotiv Plovdiv’s website Eze said he was happy to make the move abroad.
He said, “I am happy to be a part of a big club like Lokomotiv Plovdiv, and I cannot wait to make my debut for the team, and I will do all my best to make this great club go forward.”
“Playing the African Nations Championship and representing your national team there is a great honor for me. A dream for every footballer is to play a final of such rank.”
Eze posted on a message with a picture of him holding his new club’s jersey on his official Twitter account to confirm his move abroad,
“Very excited to join Team #Lokomotiv #Plovdiv in #Bulgaria. Many thanks for the most heartening welcome and look forward to a wonderful year ahead to play a part in the success of the club.”
Eze has played for NPFL sides Lobi Stars, Sunshine Stars, Ifeanyi Ubah and Kano Pillars before his move abroad.
AUSTRIA
Alhassan Ibrahim (Austria Wien): He was introduced in the 70th min as his team lost 2-1 to Materburg.
Sunday Faleye’s proposed Austria Wien move gathers pace
Sunday Faleye is in line to join Ibrahim Alhassan popularly called Muazam at Austrian side, Austria Wien.
Faleye was one of the stars of the Nigerian team that finished as runners-up at the recently concluded African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco, and that has lead to interest from teams in Europe.
Austria Wien are however leading the race for his signature but his trip to team up with his potential new teammates is currently held up by the medical treatment he is receiving for the elbow injury he picked up during the CHAN Championship.
Talks are way advanced between his representatives and that of the club and barring any last minute hiccup, the move is as good as done.
According to report, the move is being facilitated by former Nigeria international striker, Bennedict Akwuegebu who had a stint in Austria.
ISRAEL
Blessing Eleke (MS Ashdod) and Peter Onyekachi (Hapoel Acre): Eleke scored in the 68th min and lasted 90 mins as his club secured a 3-2 win over Hapoel Acre for whom Onyekachi also put in a full shift.
Anthony Nwaekeme and John Ogu (Hapoel Beer Sheva): Nwaekeme scored the second goal in the 45th min as his team defeated Maccabi Petach-Tikva 3-0. His teammate, Ogu was not listed for the match.
