Kelechi Abel - Football In Nigeria

Spartak Forward Offered Chance with Super Eagles After Snubbing Russia

By Kelechi Abel / Nigerians Abroad / June 13, 2025

German Onugkha, a forward at FC Copenhagen with Russian and Nigerian heritage, has reportedly spurned a call‑up to Russia as he seeks to represent Nigeria instead. Born in Moscow to a Russian mother and Nigerian father, the 28 year old striker stood down from Russia’s squad for friendlies against Thailand and Vietnam in September 2024, […]

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NLO Playoffs Halted Over Match-Fixing Probes in Three Cities

By Kelechi Abel / Local Clubs and Academies / June 13, 2025

Controversy has erupted in this year’s Nationwide League One (NLO) Promotion Playoffs, as accusations of match‑fixing prompt suspensions in Port Harcourt, Sagamu, and Ijebu Od. Originally slated to begin on Thursday, 12 June 2025 at eight venues nationwide, the playoffs in Port Harcourt were paused after Cynosure FC appealed to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)

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Villarreal plot move for Kevin Carlos to fill Everton-bound exit

By Kelechi Abel / Transfer News / June 13, 2025

Spanish-born Nigerian forward Kevin Carlos is reportedly on Villarreal’s radar as they search for a replacement for their departing striker linked with a move to Everton. Currently starring at Swiss side FC Basel, the 24 year old, who joined the club last August on a four‑year deal, has been in impressive form. He notched seven goals

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Ilechukwu: Super Eagles Still in 2026 World Cup Race

By Kelechi Abel / Interviews / June 13, 2025

Super Eagles coach Fidelis Ilechukwu insists Nigeria remains firmly on course for 2026 World Cup qualification, despite a rocky start to CAF Group C. With just one win from four matches including draws with Lesotho and Zimbabwe and a loss to Benin concern has risen over the Eagles’ prospects. Yet, Ilechukwu remains optimistic. Nigeria currently sits

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Ogbelu Named in Esperance Squad for Club World Cup

By Kelechi Abel / Tactics & Analysis / June 13, 2025

Former Flying Eagles midfielder Onuche Ogbelu has been named in Espérance de Tunis’ squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. The 21 year old midfielder, who joined Espérance in September 2023, played a part in their Tunisian Ligue 1 triumph during his debut season. Ogbelu made 19 appearances across all

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Nigerian Midfielder Emmanuel Toyin Eyes European Breakthrough

By Kelechi Abel / Player Profiles / June 13, 2025

Emmanuel “Deco” Toyin, a Nigerian central midfielder currently with Turkish side Kurtköy FC Sapanca, has declared his ambition to compete against the world’s best on European pitches. The 23 year old, formerly of Water FC Abuja and Shooting Stars U‑17, is determined to use his recent form as a stepping stone to top-tier leagues. Since arriving

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Iheanacho Eager to Prove Worth at Sevilla Despite Early Struggles

By Kelechi Abel / Interviews / June 12, 2025

Kelechi Iheanacho has admitted he’s faced a challenging start in La Liga since his move to Sevilla last August, but insists he is ready to prove his value as the season progresses. While manager García Pimienta acknowledges Iheanacho’s quality in training, the striker has found regular minutes harder to come by just 11 appearances and no league

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Super Falcons Stay 36th in FIFA Ranking, Top in Africa

By Kelechi Abel / Women's Football / June 12, 2025

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have retained their 36th position in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, released on 6 March 2025. The ranking solidifies their status as the top-ranked African women’s team globally. During the ranking period, the Falcons notched convincing victories against Algeria (2–0 and 4–1) but were edged 2–1 by France in a friendly.

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Kano Pillars Suspend Coach Abdallah Over Poor Form, Fan Clash

By Kelechi Abel / Law & Ethics / June 12, 2025

Kano Pillars FC have confirmed the suspension of their technical adviser, Usman Sheriff Abdallah, for at least three weeks following inconsistent results and an altercation with fans after a goalless draw against Bayelsa United on Matchday 22. According to club chairman Ali Umar, Abdallah secured only one win in the last three league outings a dip

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Bassey Describes Premier League Debut as “Best Moment” of His Career

By Kelechi Abel / Interviews / June 12, 2025

Calvin Bassey, Fulham’s Super Eagles centre-back, says his Premier League debut a second-half appearance against Brentford in August 2023 remains the highlight of his journey. Making his debut in a 3–0 defeat, he stepped on the pitch after Tim Ream’s red card and felt immense pride representing his boyhood club. Since then, Bassey has grown into

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