Local News

Ijebu United Raises Alarm Over Ownership Of Golden Eaglets Player

Ogun State based Nigeria National League side Ijebu United have raised the alarm over the ownership of youngster AbdulGaniyu Damilare Ibrahim, who is currently playing for the Golden Eaglets in the ongoing WAFU B championship in Ghana.

In a letter of concern and protest signed by its General Manager, Fatai Olayinka, which was sent to the Nigerian football authorities and also made available to the media, it categorically stated that the said player is a legally acquired player of Ijebu United.The letter reads, “Attention of Ijebu United Football Club has been drawn to the final list of players of the Nigeria National U-17 squad presently in Ghana for the WAFU tournament and particularly, in reference to the above player – ABDUL GANIYU DAMILARE IBRAHIM, purported to belong to Hero Power Academy. We hereby wish to state as follows:

1.That ABDUL GANIYU DAMILARE IBRAHIM is a bonafide player of Ijebu United Football Club.

2. That Ijebu United FC discovered and declared interest on the said player after a scouting tournament held at Ilorin, kwara State, in Year 2021.

3. That Ijebu United FC, immediately relocated the said player to Ijebu Ode, enrolled him in school and took complete charge of his welfare on a daily basis since same year 2021. (documents of the player in school uniform and photos besides official vehicle of Ijebu United FC herewith attached).

4. That in view of the fact that the said player, was a minor and in order to register him for the league, Ijebu United FC requested and got the parental consent from the biological parents of the said player and properly documented same at the High Court of Justice in kwara State precisely, on January 16th, 2023. (copy of the parental consent referred to is herewith attached).

5. That the player has since been enjoying remuneration from Ijebu United FC and was actually registered and participated during the 2023/2024 Nigeria National League football season and equally registered duly for the current 2024 edition of the Federation Cup Competition for Ijebu United FC (player’s licences herewith attached).

6. That Ijebu United FC was aware all along in respect to the involvement of the said player during activities and programmes of the Nigeria National Team and with our full blessings.

7. That it therefore, comes to us as a shock and disbelief that the said player is being credited to another football outfit and not Ijebu United FC. (copy of publication herewith attached).

8. That we are categorical in our claims that ABDUL GANIYU DAMILARE IBRAHIM, is a player belonging to Ijebu United FC, and plead with the authority concerned to use appropriate offices to reflect accordingly in the spirit of justice, fair play and protections of our investment on the said player over the years.”

Local News

Osimhen Tops Global Rankings, Surpassing Ronaldo, Messi, Kane

Victor Osimhen has been named the most searched footballer in the world for May, surpassing global icons Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Harry Kane, according to Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen’s surge in global popularity is backed by data from renowned statistics platform Transfermarkt, as per Le Marca.

The Nigerian striker’s soaring fame comes on the back of a sensational spell at Galatasaray, where he netted six goals in five games during the month of May.His red-hot form propelled the Turkish giants to a historic domestic double, winning both the Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup — the latter for the first time since 2019.

Osimhen finished the season as the league’s top scorer with 26 goals and was named Player of the Season. Across all competitions, he registered a remarkable 37 goals and 7 assists, capping off one of the most dominant individual campaigns in Europe.

His performances have not gone unnoticed off the pitch either.

Osimhen generated 935,021 online searches in May — over 300,000 more than Ronaldo (631,507).

Galatasaray’s veteran keeper Fernando Muslera came third with 540,974 searches, followed by rising Turkish talent Arda Güler (354,529) and Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal (278,226).

Messi, Morata, Icardi, Kane, and Leroy Sané rounded out the top ten.

Victor Osimhen set for busy summer?
Osimhen’s digital dominance has been fuelled by transfer speculation, with elite clubs across Europe closely monitoring his situation.

Despite interest from Real Madrid, PSG, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea, Napoli have yet to receive any official bids.

The only formal offers have come from Galatasaray — who are desperate to make his loan move permanent — and Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, who reportedly tabled a staggering €45 million-per-year deal.

Osimhen, however, turned down the Saudi riches in favour of continuing his career in Europe, signalling his ambition to compete at the highest level.

With the summer window heating up and Europe’s top clubs on alert, the Super Eagles star is undoubtedly one of the most coveted names in world football today — both on the pitch and in digital trends.

Local News

New Era For African Women’s Football As CAF Unveils WAFCON Logo

In a landmark moment for African women’s football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the logo and match emblem for the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to take place from July 5 to 26.

The announcement marks a significant step in CAF’s commitment to elevate the profile of women’s football across the continent.

The bold and vibrant design represents more than just a visual identity — it signals a new era for women’s football in Africa, blending modern aesthetics with cultural symbolism to reflect the strength, diversity, and unity of the African woman.

According to CAF, the emblem is intended to capture the essence of African pride and the rising power of the women’s game.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised the new visual identity, describing it as “an iconic symbol for a prestigious tournament that continues to grow in global importance.”

He noted that the design not only reflects the passion and energy of African women’s football but also aligns with CAF’s broader vision to invest in and develop the women’s game across all member associations.

The 2024 edition of WAFCON promises to be the most competitive yet, with top nations across the continent set to battle for supremacy.

The tournament will also serve as a platform to showcase emerging talents and reinforce the growing commercial and cultural influence of women’s football in Africa.

With the unveiling of this bold new identity, CAF sends a clear message: the future of African football is female, and that future is now.

Sports247.ng

Local News

Ola Aina Names Antonio Conte As Toughest Coach

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has revealed that former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is the toughest coach he has worked under in his football career.

Aina, who came through the ranks at Chelsea and played under several managers, said Conte’s intense training sessions and tactical demands left a lasting impression on him.

The 28-year-old now plays for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League.

“Conte was the toughest,” Aina said. “The training under him was extremely hard. I was younger at the time and maybe that made it even more difficult for me.”

Aina was part of Conte’s squad during the 2016/2017 season, a campaign in which Chelsea won the Premier League title. He has since played in Italy with Torino and returned to the Premier League with Fulham and now Forest.

Sports247.ng