European Leagues

‘Not Good Enough’ – Sevilla To Offload Kelechi Iheanacho In January

Seven-time Europa League winners, Sevilla FC, are reportedly planning to offload Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho during the January 2024-25 transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian international joined Sevilla last summer following the expiration of his contract at Leicester City, marking the end of a seven-year stint with the Foxes.

However, Iheanacho has endured a disappointing start to life in Spain, failing to score in all nine of his La Liga appearances for the one-time Spanish champions.

According to a report from Football Espana, Sevilla’s Sporting Director, Victor Orta, is actively seeking a new striker, and Iheanacho could be sold to facilitate the club’s attacking overhaul.

Iheanacho’s Struggles in Five Months
After finishing 14th in La Liga during the 2023-24 season, Sevilla brought in Iheanacho with hopes that he would contribute significantly to the team’s success.

So far, the Nigerian forward has underperformed, failing to score in the league and registering only three goals in the Copa del Rey.

This lack of output has left Sevilla struggling offensively, with the team managing just 18 goals in total this season. Neither Iheanacho nor Isaac Romero—who has scored only once—have been able to provide the goals Sevilla desperately need.
Pimienta Backs Iheanacho
Despite his struggles, Sevilla head coach Francisco Javier Garcia Pimienta offered his backing to Iheanacho ahead of a match against Real Valladolid in September.

“Everyone, whoever plays up front tomorrow, has to do well. Kelechi is a proven player. The other day he had a difficult game because he came on without warming up,” Pimienta said via the club’s official website. “Just like the rest, he has to take a step forward because he has the quality to do it at Sevilla.”

Although Iheanacho played 62 minutes in that match without a goal or assist, his Nigerian compatriot Chidera Ejuke stepped up with a late winner.

Afterward, Pimienta continued to defend Iheanacho, attributing his lack of form to a difficult adjustment period caused by his absence during preseason.
“The boy is training very well. I know it seems like an excuse, but he didn’t do the pre-season with the team,” Pimienta said on La Jugada de Canal Sur Radio, as cited by Estadio Deportivo.

“The team already had our concepts; we had been training together for almost two months. It was hard for him to adapt. He has a player in front of him, Isaac, who is clear about it, who gives us a lot of things and is doing very well.”

West Bromwich Offers Iheanacho a Lifeline
Recent reports suggest Iheanacho could be set for a return to England, with EFL Championship side West Bromwich Albion showing interest in signing the Nigerian striker.

However, West Brom would likely need to sell their current star forward—fellow Nigerian Josh Maja—to fund the move. If the transfer materialises, Iheanacho could reunite with his Super Eagles teammate, Semi Ajayi, at the Midlands club.

While moving from La Liga to England’s second division might not be ideal for Iheanacho, it could serve as an opportunity for him to rebuild his confidence and form.

Before his move to Sevilla, Iheanacho was linked with several top Turkish clubs. A loan move during the January transfer window could be a fresh start and a step in the right direction for the struggling forward.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

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