News

“We Respect Nigeria But Not Much” – Zimbabwe Vows To Shock Super Eagles In Uyo

Zimbabwe midfielder Andy Rinomhota is confident the Warriors can pull off an upset against Nigeria when the two sides meet in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Tuesday, as reported by Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria, under new head coach Eric Chelle, head into the fixture with momentum on their side after a convincing 2-0 victory over Rwanda last Friday.

The result reignited their faltering qualification campaign, and the Super Eagles will be determined to secure back-to-back wins as they look to climb the Group C standings.

For Zimbabwe, the challenge is even greater. They sit at the bottom of the group with just three points from five games and must produce a special performance to keep their fading hopes alive.

However, Rinomhota insists the Warriors are not in Uyo just to make up the numbers.

Rinomhota, who plays for Cardiff City in England, made his Zimbabwe debut in the reverse fixture in November 2023, a 1-1 draw played on neutral ground in Rwanda. The midfielder believes his side can go one better this time.

“We’re optimistic. We got a result against Nigeria last time, even though it was technically a home game in Rwanda,” Rinomhota said.

“That was my first game – it was a big test, and the team did well to draw.

“This time, we want to go a step further. We respect Nigeria, but not too much. We’ll try to impose ourselves. We’ve come here to get a result and keep pushing towards our goal.”

Harsh Uyo weather, an extra challenge
With Zimbabwe already facing an uphill task against a star-studded Nigerian side, the sweltering conditions in Uyo could make things even tougher.

Temperatures soared to 32°C during their training session on Monday, with humidity levels at 40 percent.

Rinomhota admits the weather will be a factor but insists his team is preparing well.

“I think it’s going to be quite warm and humid. We’re preparing ourselves, even though the game’s later. We had similar conditions against Cameroon last year in the AFCON qualifiers,” he said.

“We’re trying to start the game well. Everyone is focused on acclimatising fully. The conditions are definitely on everyone’s mind.”

Zimbabwe’s training session took place at the peak of the day’s heat, with players taking frequent hydration breaks to adjust to the climate. At kickoff on Tuesday, expected to be at 33°C with 42 percent humidity, endurance will be as crucial as technical ability.

Nigeria hold historical edge over Zimbabwe
Despite Rinomhota’s optimism, history favours Nigeria in this fixture.

The Super Eagles remain unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Zimbabwe, winning four and drawing three. With Chelle’s men aiming to make a statement under new management, they will be wary of any complacency.

The match will be officiated by Eritrean referee Tsegay Teklu Mogos, assisted by Eyobel Michael and Mengis Sirak Samuel.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time and with the sun expected to set just before full-time, conditions will remain punishing throughout.

News

G-Innovation Youngsters Hits Finland For Professional Football Careers

As the conveyor belts of the grassroots football factories gets lubricated, the products are gradually taking over the football shelves across the globe.

The latest talents are from the football factory of Lagos based non-league side, G-Innovation football club. The duo of Solomon Nwachuchuwu, a very energetic and attack-minded left-back and Israel Okienyi, a tall and highly rated goalkeeper have signed to join top premier league side AC Oulu in Finland.

The youngsters who were selected during a recently held football scouting tournament, brimmed with confidence as they departed Nigeria, expressing their desires and determination to make their grassroots club proud and of course, be good football ambassadors of Nigeria.

Speaking at their departure, President of G-Innovation FC, Chigozie Nwagwu, said he believes that the boys will shine and be worthy additions to their new team.

The youthful club owner added that his team, has a large pool of talented footballers who are equally ready for professional football.

Even as he went ahead to thanked his partners, particularly, Ude Dominic Egbukwu, the CEO of UDE Sports Agency, for the success achieved, so far.

News

Spanish Giants Take Big Step In €60 million Rated Super Eagles Star Signing

Spanish Giants Take Big Step In €60 million Rated Ademola Lookman Pursuit

Barcelona, the Spanish LaLiga giant, has contacted the agent of Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman regarding a potential transfer this summer, according to Soccernet.ng.

Barcelona has been monitoring Lookman as a potential summer signing as they look to bolster their attack ahead of next season.

The Super Eagles star is expected to leave Atalanta summer. He has already attracted a lot of attention, and that is not a surprise, as he has contributed 50 goals and 24 assists in 115 appearances.

To get Lookman, Barcelona would have to outdo Juventus, Arsenal, Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, and Nottingham Forest who are also interested in acquiring his services. Liverpool have also been reported to be in the mix.

Now, in a new development per Caught Offside, the Blaugrana have made a vital step to sign Lookman. Barcelona have contacted Lookman’s agent for a possible deal in the summer.

The Super Eagles star has a release clause of €60 million at Atalanta, and with the way that Barcelona have conducted their business for the last two years, they could still eke out the fee despite their financial challenges.

However, the wages could be the issue. Ademola Lookman currently earns just over €2 million per year at Atalanta. Currently, only four players make more than that at Barcelona. And the Spanish champions will be careful to keep their wage structure intact.

This might be an issue, as the other English clubs looking at Lookman could easily double or triple his wages. Moreover, since the 27-year-old grew up and played in England previously, he could have to favour a return there.

News

Victor Osimhen: The €40M Transfer Race That’s Heating Up Europe

victor osimhen- sportsmarketinternational

Victor Osimhen is once again dominating headlines—this time, not just for his goal-scoring brilliance, but for a high-stakes transfer race drawing the eyes of Europe’s elite.

Currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, the Nigerian striker has been unstoppable, notching 31 goals this season and leading his team to their first Turkish Cup final in six years. His latest masterclass—a clinical strike in a 5–1 demolition of Konyaspor—has sent scouts, fans, and football directors into a frenzy.

But what’s next for the Super Eagles talisman?

Manchester United’s Game-Changer?

According to multiple sources, including Goal and TeamTalk, Manchester United have already reached an “agreement in principle” with Osimhen for a summer move. The deal is rumored to cost between €30M and €40M—an absolute bargain for a player of his caliber.

United see him as a “transformational signing”—a potential fix for their long-standing striker crisis and a spark to reignite their Premier League and Champions League ambitions.

PSG, Chelsea Join the Race

Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea aren’t far behind. With Kylian Mbappé heading to Real Madrid and Chelsea desperately needing firepower, Osimhen’s availability is turning heads. PSG is reportedly ready to go head-to-head with United for his signature, while Chelsea could swoop in with a late offer.

What This Means for the Market

Osimhen’s move—regardless of the destination—will reshape the 2025 summer transfer market. Clubs are on alert, agents are negotiating, and fans are watching every move.

He isn’t just a footballer; he’s a brand, a marketable figure, and a potential franchise centerpiece for any club smart enough to close the deal.

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