Kelechi Abel - Football In Nigeria

Flying Eagles Face Injury Setbacks Ahead of Second Ivory Coast Friendly

By Kelechi Abel / National Team News / February 28, 2025

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been hit with minor injury concerns ahead of their second friendly match against Ivory Coast’s U20 team, with Bidemi Amole and Nasiru Salihu missing the final training session due to knocks. Both players sustained minor injuries during the first game, which Nigeria won 2-0, and were rested as a precaution. The […]

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Crystal Palace Loanee David Ozoh Ruled Out for the Rest of the Season

By Kelechi Abel / Injuries / February 28, 2025

Crystal Palace owned midfielder David Ozoh has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season due to a thigh injury, Derby County manager John Eustace confirmed ahead of their Championship clash against Middlesbrough. Ozoh, who joined Derby on loan last July in search of more playing time, was stretchered off during their last

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Ndidi Struggles as Leicester City Falls to West Ham

By Kelechi Abel / Match Previews & Reviews / February 28, 2025

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi endured a difficult night as Leicester City suffered a 2-0 defeat to West Ham United in their Premier League clash at the London Stadium. Ndidi, who started in midfield, was active in key moments but was unable to inspire a turnaround as Leicester struggled to break down West Ham’s well-organized

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John Tope Ojeleye Joins FIFA’s Elite List as NFF Confers 30 Badges

By Kelechi Abel / Law & Ethics / February 28, 2025

John Tope Ojeleye has officially been recognized as an international referee after the Nigeria Football Federation NFF awarded him a prestigious FIFA badge. The ceremony, held in Abuja, saw 30 Nigerian referees receive FIFA certification, granting them the authority to officiate international matches in 2025. Ojeleye, a futsal referee, was among only three first-time recipients

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Bendel Insurance Edge Ikorodu City in Hard Fought Victory

By Kelechi Abel / Match Previews & Reviews / February 28, 2025

Bendel Insurance secured a crucial 2-1 win over Ikorodu City in their NPFL Matchday 26 fixture, with head coach Greg Ikhenoba praising his team’s resilience and tactical discipline. Having suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Ikorodu City in their previous encounter, Insurance came into the match determined to set the record straight. The first half

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Mikel Obi Defends Mourinho Against Racism Allegations

By Kelechi Abel / Interviews / February 28, 2025

Former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has publicly defended José Mourinho against recent accusations of racism, dismissing them as “a joke” and “baseless.” Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea, rejected the claims, insisting that the Portuguese manager has always treated players equally. “For them to label our African

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Osimhen Unwilling to Take Pay Cut for Manchester United Move

By Kelechi Abel / Transfer News / February 27, 2025

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen will not accept a reduced salary to join Manchester United, despite ongoing speculation linking him with the Premier League club. Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Turkish champions Galatasaray from Napoli, earns €12 million per year, and he expects any potential suitor to

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Dessers Fires Rangers to Comeback Victory Over Kilmarnock

By Kelechi Abel / Match Previews & Reviews / February 27, 2025

Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers played a crucial role in Rangers’ thrilling 4-2 comeback victory over Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership, scoring a second-half brace to help his team overturn a two-goal deficit at Rugby Park. Rangers found themselves trailing early, as Joe Wright and Brad Lyons put Kilmarnock 2-0 up within the first 14

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Anas Yusuf Named NPFL Player of the Week After Match-Winning Performance

By Kelechi Abel / NPFL / February 27, 2025

Nasarawa United winger Anas Yusuf has been named the NPFL Player of Week 26 after scoring the decisive goal in his team’s crucial 1-0 victory over league leaders Remo Stars in Lafia on Wednesday. The goal marked his 14th of the season and helped lift The Solid Miners to 17th place in the league standings,

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Flying Eagles coach Zubairu assesses team’s progress after 2-0 win

By Kelechi Abel / National Team News / February 27, 2025

Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has shared his thoughts following Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Ivory Coast’s Young Elephants in their first pre-U20 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON friendly match. Goals from captain Daniel Bamayi and Divine Oliseh in the second half secured the win, providing a confidence boost as the team prepares for the

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