AFCON star Adingra can fill Mitoma’s shoes for Seagulls

Simon Adingra has enjoyed a superb 2024 for club and country so far.

The winger, 22, was a key man during Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph on home soil, grabbing two assists in the final against Nigeria.

He has continued that fine form since returning to action for Brighton, bagging an impressive brace in a 5-0 victory at Sheffield United.

And with fellow wide man Kaoru Mitoma ruled out for the rest of the season, Adingra looks set to become one of Roberto De Zerbi’s key forwards as the Seagulls fight on multiple fronts.

Ahead of their FA Cup fifth-round clash at Wolves, we turn the spotlight on the talented attacker.

Much like Ivory Coast did as a team, Adingra’s influence at the AFCON grew with each passing game.

Having missed the first two games through injury, he came off the bench to score in the quarter-finals against Mali, before starting both the semi-final and final.

And with the hosts 1-0 down in the showpiece against the Super Eagles, the Seagulls starlet proceeded to write himself into national folklore with two brilliant second-half assists.

The first came from an inswinging corner that allowed Franck Kessie to level the game with his head, before he brilliantly took on his man and teed up Sebastien Haller for a late winner.

With the jubilant celebrations now concluded, Adingra quickly turned his attention back to Brighton and returns to a side who certainly had been missing his presence.

He and Mitoma’s international engagements left De Zerbi with a lack of natural width in his forward line, resulting in some inconsistent performances.

But with the duo returning against the Blades, Brighton looked back to their fluid best as Adingra helped himself to a Bramall Lane brace.

Japanese star Mitoma’s season-ending injury therefore comes as a crushing blow to De Zerbi’s men, who have Europa League glory and further continental qualification in their sights this term.

But as is often the case on the South Coast, several young guns are ready to make themselves the club’s next breakthrough star.

Given Adingra is enjoying his first campaign in England following a productive loan with Union Saint-Gilloise, even he may not have expected to feature so regularly this term.

Yet his 25 appearances in 2023-24 across all competitions have spawned seven goals and a further three assists.

Full of confidence after his AFCON exploits, the Ivorian will back himself to add to that tally in the coming weeks.

With a fearlessness and willingness to take players on, it is easy to see why Adingra is a perfect fit for De Zerbi’s full throttle style of football.

He ranks just behind Mitoma for attempted take-ons this term (4.63 per 90 minutes) and will undoubtedly be the man now tasked with providing the flair in the Italian’s adventurous XI.

Added responsibility brings with it a new-found pressure to the young star ahead of a stacked schedule of Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup fixtures.

But having delivered on one of the biggest stages of all for his country, it should be yet another step up the AFCON winner takes in his stride.

Mbappe Hat-Trick Dismantles Man City As Real Madrid Hit Last 16

Real Madrid have booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League after a convincing 3-0 over Manchester City in the second leg of their play-off round tie at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the final aggregate score being 6-2.

A stunning comeback in Manchester last week ensured that Real Madrid only needed to avoid defeat in the second leg in order to be confirmed in the next round. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side were never going to settle for this, and they extended their aggregate lead inside the opening four minutes in the Spanish capital. A long ball over the top from Raul Asencio went into the path of Kylian Mbappe, who lobbed over the onrushing Ederson and into the back of the net.

Just beyond the half hour mark, Mbappe got his and Real Madrid’s second of the evening. A wonderful team move ended with Rodrygo Goes playing in the French attacker, and he showed great feet to take the ball away from a couple of Man City defenders before blasting in from close range.

That goal put the tie beyond any doubt, but Real Madrid and Mbappe did not stop there. The 26-year-old would finish off for his second hat-trick of the season on 61 minutes after he curled the ball into the far corner to complete a sensational evening for him and his teammates.

However, it was not a perfect match for Ancelotti’s side as they conceded in the final minute after former Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez scored from close range after Omar Marmoush’s free-kick came back off the crossbar.

The result means that Real Madrid are into the next round, and they will face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 stage of the Champions League. The draw for that round is set to take place later this week.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

UCL: PSG Whitewash Brest To Set Up Clash With Liverpool or Barcelona

UCL: PSG Whitewash Brest To Stroll Into Last 16

Paris St-Germain roared into the last 16 of the Champions League with a thumping victory over Brest.

Luis Enrique’s side will now face Liverpool or Barcelona with the draw due to take place on Friday, 21 February at 11:00 GMT, in Nyon Switzerland.

Already leading 3-0 from the first leg of their knockout play-off, the hosts again exhibited their superiority over a fellow French side they have now defeated four times this season – scoring 18 times in the process.

Bradley Barcola extended their advantage with a neat near-post effort and his fellow winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia tapped in PSG’s second of the evening before the break.

Portugal international Joao Neves also hit the crossbar for the hosts, before his compatriot and midfield partner Vitinha curled a low shot into the right corner from 18 yards just before the hour mark.

From there PSG moved through the gears.

Goncalo Ramos teed up fellow substitute Desire Doue for their fourth, the impressive Nuno Mendes slid in Achraf Hakimi’s teasing ball for a fifth, Ramos’ deft finish brought a sixth and teenager Senny Mayulu rounded off the scoring with four minutes left.

It ensured a miserable night in the French capital for Brest, who only threatened sporadically when Mathias Pereira Lage’s placed effort was cleared off the line by PSG captain Marquinhos and Pierre Lees-Melou hit the post with a curling effort.

BBC

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Ademola Lookman Trains Fully Ahead Of Champions League Clash

Atalanta has received a significant boost ahead of their upcoming Champions League clash against Club Brugge, with Nigerian international Ademola Lookman returning to full training on Monday, February 17, per Allnigeriasoccer.

Lookman had been sidelined due to a knee injury sustained just two days before a crucial match against Barcelona.

His recovery and return to group training are expected to enhance Atalanta’s attacking options as they prepare for the upcoming fixture.

Lookman’s return is also a positive development for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.

Chelle, who was appointed as the head coach of the Nigeria national football team in January 2025, is keen to have his key players in top form ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are set to resume their qualifying campaign in March 2025, with matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Lookman’s return to fitness will be closely monitored by Chelle, as the winger’s pace and creativity could be instrumental in Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures.

Atalanta’s coach will however assess Lookman’s fitness to determine his potential involvement in the upcoming Champions League match against Brugge.

Given the importance of the fixture, Lookman’s inclusion could provide a significant advantage, as his attacking prowess has been a key asset for Atalanta this season.

For Atalanta supporters, Lookman’s recovery is great news, and the club’s prospects in the Champions League look much brighter with him back in the fold.

Atalanta is aiming to build on their strong performances this season, and Lookman’s return is crucial as they look to advance further in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

As the match day draws closer, both Lookman and Atalanta are hopeful that the winger can make an impact once again, and fans are excited to see the Nigerian back on the pitch.

With Lookman fully integrated into the squad once more, Atalanta’s attacking threat is renewed, and they are optimistic about their chances in the Champions League.

Allnigeriasoccer