Transfers

Onome Ebi to get choice Abuja land, earn N1.5m salary as Naija Ratels player

Newly unveiled Naija Ratels FC player, now captain Onome Ebi has been given land at Life Camp, one of the high-breed areas in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barr. Paul Edeh announced the huge property gift to Onome at the weekend during her unveiling at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja.

Barr. Edeh who disclosed that the offer was in line with the Foundation’s resolve to continuously lift the status of Women’s football in Nigeria, also said RSDF will take responsibility for the monthly payment of Onome’s salary as a Naija Ratels player.

He then revealed that Onome who is also the Super Falcons captain will earn N1.5 million monthly, an amount which no woman player plying her trade in Nigeria had earned.

The RSDF boss said, “I’m particularly elated today because what Onome brings to the club is beyond just playing football. His presence will also motivate other players of the club to bring out their best and aspire to be the best, play for Super Falcons and so on.”

Barr. Edeh, the incumbent Chairman of Benue State Football Association who spoke extensively on why legends and others who had done Nigeria proud should be recognised and celebrated said, “Today we have Stephen Keshi stadium and some others named after men who have also done Nigeria proud, but no one is named after any woman.

“The best way to celebrate a woman who has not only made Nigeria but Africa proud is to name one of the stadia after Onome Ebi. For us at the RSDF, we have been at the forefront of developing Women’s football for almost five years now.

“We are not only going to celebrate Onome, we will do what is required to celebrate the legend. And that is why today on behalf of RSDF, we will be announcing a parcel of land at Life Camp Abuja for Onome. In addition to that, the Foundation will also take the burden of paying Gnome’s salary off Naija Ratels.

Talking about the reason for identifying with Onome at such a time like this, Barr. Edeh said, “We are doing this for three reasons. One is to show that we have able-bodied men and women out there who can reach out and celebrate such a phenomenal woman.

“It takes courage to make such a sacrifice that Onome has made because we live in a country that instead of seeking to celebrate a legend like Onome, we vilify her.

“In addition to our commitment, Onome Ebi is one Nigerian player who hasn’t doctored her age. Otherwise, today She would’ve been 29. But instead of telling lies, she has maintained her true age right from on set.”

On behalf of RSDF, its President also revealed more packages that seek to celebrate Onome while playing in Nigeria.

He said “Also, in celebration of what she has done and will continue to do for the Super Falcons, we will make sure these three things happen – We will ensure that there will be billboards with Onome Ebi across the Federal Capital Territory.

“We will also ensure that you are in the media space on a daily basis telling the story that will inspire young girls.

“The third thing we will seek to do is to see how Onome Ebi will not only play for Naija Ratels but will move around the country to train and play with various Women’s teams so that they can feel her impact.”

Earlier, Naija Ratels Chairman, Mrs Alisson James-Jegede, who went down memory lane on how she met Ebi before she joined Naija Ratels said, “One thing that struck me as I assumed office as the Chairman of Naija Ratels FC is how do we give back to girl-child in the society and I got talking with the legend Onome Ebi.

“What amazed me is her desire to return home and see how she can give back to society. To me, it’s like a fulfilled dream. She is here not just to play for the club after rejecting other juicy offers but to offer whatever she can as a player to support the younger ones and join in their building process. It is just a matter of time, before Naija Ratels will produce World stars who will dazzle beyond Africa.”

Responding, Onome who will be wearing Jersey number 5 said she chose Naija Ratels as a veritable platform to impact and give back to Nigeria, adding, “My joining Naija Ratels is beyond playing football. It’s about inspiring young upcoming female players from the grassroots. I strongly think my story won’t be complete if I don’t accomplish the goal of giving back to the Nigerian league, which nurtured me to stardom.”

NWFL Chairperson, Nkechi Obi, ex-international Abdul Sule among other dignitaries, the entire management, technical crew and players of Naija Ratels attended the unveiling ceremony which also showcased the club’s new Jerseys for the upcoming season.

Transfers

PSG Ready To Hand Bukayo Saka Injury Solution To Arsenal With Transfer Proposal

Bukayo Saka Update Emerges After He Went Off Injured Against Crystal Palace On Saturday

Paris Saint-Germain are likely to offer Arsenal the chance to sign out-of-favour forward Randal Kolo Muani.

Arsenal have been hit with the news that star man Bukayo Saka will be ruled out for ‘many weeks’ with a hamstring tear and are weighing up whether to find a solution to his absence in the January transfer window. Saka, 23, has played the fourth-highest amount of minutes among Arsenal’s outfielders this season and the Gunners don’t have a natural right winger to replace him with.

His injury has given Mikel Arteta a dilemma as the winter window nears but PSG could have the answer to his problem in the shape of Randal Kolo Muani. The 26-year-old was signed for £64.2m in the summer of 2023, having shone for Eintracht Frankfurt, when he attracted interest from Manchester United. Kolo Muani was expected to play a larger role under Luis Enrique following the departure of Kylian Mbappe, but he’s only started two matches in Ligue 1 this season and played just 28 minutes of football in the last month.

The France international has now been made available on loan, despite being under contract until 2028, and the Evening Standard report that the French champions will offer him to a number of clubs in January, including Arsenal.

Saka’s absence has been compounded by an injury Raheem Sterling, who would’ve been in contention to replace him in the Gunners’ starting line-up against Ipswich Town on Boxing Day. Asked about the prospect of signing a replacement for Saka next month, Arteta insisted that his focus is on players who are already at the club.

“My focus honestly now is just about within the squad the resources we have to be as competitive as we possibly can,” the Arsenal manager said. “We have many, many options to do that. And if something unbelievable [becomes] available and if the club is willing to do it, we’ll have to consider it.”

“Obviously we didn’t predict a situation with Bukayo and Raheem at the same time. We predicted more it would be something else, for example if something happened in the defensive line, but the job is done.

“Then, okay, if something has to happen, we will be open. But the main focus is now, how will we extract still a lot of potential that there is in this squad.”

Transfers

After Alex Iwobi, Nigerian Forward Wanted By Girona Spread Christmas Joy With Acts Of Kindness

Arokodare, alongside his Genk teammate Noah Adedeji, participated in an initiative with Vincentius, a local charity in Genk, to distribute food parcels to families in need during the festive period.

The Nigerian forward, who has netted 11 goals for Genk this season, played an active role in packaging fresh meals for the Christmas holidays.

Sint-Vincentius Genk Zutendaal, which distributes an impressive 20 tonnes of food monthly and even more during the holidays, welcomed the players’ helping hands.

Reflecting on his faith and motivations, Arokodare said:

“Praying relaxes me, inspires me, gives me confidence and a feeling of protection. I pray in the morning, evening, and before every match, asking for protection for all the players and fans of both teams.”

The gesture was part of Genk’s broader Christmas celebrations and provided a heartwarming connection between the players and their community.

Families who benefitted from the initiative expressed their gratitude, while the event brought smiles to many faces, both young and old.

Girona’s Interest in Arokodare
Arokodare’s on-field success has not gone unnoticed.

Reports indicate that Spanish club Girona are keen on signing the 24-year-old, with Genk valuing him at around €7 million.

The striker, also on the radar of Turkish giants Galatasaray, has proven to be a dominant force in Belgium and is now attracting interest from across Europe.

Alex Iwobi Joins Festive Charity Efforts
Arokodare is not the only Nigerian footballer spreading holiday cheer.

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened a London-based shop, “AleXpress,” where families in need can collect free food for Christmas dinner.

“We want to create a place where families can get what they need,” said Iwobi.

“If I can help them have a peaceful Christmas, why not do it? I grew up watching my parents help others, and their example inspired me.”

Transfers

17-Year-Old Nigeria-Eligible Defender Pens Professional Deal With Chelsea

The Eastbourne-born England defender recently turned 17 five days ago, and was given a professional contract by the Blues as a birthday present after joining from the Brighton and Hove Albion U-12 team a few years back.

Tayo started his career as a midfielder, but moved back to play central defence as he matured and has been a standout performer for the Chelsea U-18 squad, specifically known for his ability to command his teammates and play out from back with excellence.

Subuloye has represented England at the U-18 level, making his debut in October 2024, but is eligible to represent Nigeria. However, if he’ll be open to representing the Super Eagles of Nigeria is currently unknown at the moment.

“His performances this season have earned him recognition, and he is expected to play a significant role in Chelsea’s future defensive plans. Keep an eye on this rising star.

He is a talented footballer who is comfortable playing in various positions and adapts well to any intense situation,” Chelsea’s official website read after Subuloye penned his new deal.

The lanky defender was heavily involved in Chelsea’s U-16 Premier League campaign, captaining the side to the national final. He was also an important member of the U-17 side that won the League Cup before getting an invitation to the club’s U-18 side.