Kelechi Abel - Football In Nigeria

NLO Sets April 10, 2026 Kickoff, Reveals New Logo & Updated Rules for Next Season

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

The Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) — Africa’s largest youth domestic football competition has announced key developments ahead of the 2026 season, including the official kickoff date, a new logo, and significant amendments to its rules and regulations. At the league’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja, the NLO leadership revealed that the 2026 season […]

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Orban Set for Third Straight Bench Role as Fiorentina Face Verona

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

Nigerian forward Gift Orban is expected to start on the bench for a third consecutive match when Fiorentina host Hellas Verona in their Serie A clash on Sunday, according to reports from Italy. The 22 year old striker has struggled for regular minutes in recent weeks, with head coach Raffaele Palladino preferring more established attacking

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Paderborn Seal January Transfer for Nigerian Striker Kennedy Okpala

By Kelechi Abel / Transfer News / December 13, 2025

SC Paderborn 07 have agreed a transfer deal to sign Nigerian forward Kennedy Okpala from German third-division side Waldhof Mannheim, with the move set to be completed when the January 2026 transfer window opens. The 20 year old striker, who has been in impressive form this season, scored seven goals and provided three assists in

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Yekini Ranked 5th Best AFCON Player Ever, Okocha 8th Overall

By Kelechi Abel / National Team News / December 13, 2025

Late Nigerian legend Rashidi Yekini has been ranked fifth among the greatest Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) players of all time, while another Super Eagles icon, Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, was placed eighth overall in an all-time AFCON ranking list published on Sports247 Nigeria. Yekini, Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer with 37 goals, was celebrated for his

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Ucheibe Own Goal Helps Barcelona Beat Benfica 3–1 in UWCL

By Kelechi Abel / Women's Football / December 13, 2025

Super Falcons midfielder Christy Ucheibe was unfortunate to score an own goal as Barcelona Femení secured a 3–1 home victory over Benfica Women in their UEFA Women’s Champions League group-stage match on Wednesday night. Barcelona took an early lead through Ewa Pajor’s goal in the 29th minute, but the Portuguese visitors responded quickly after half-time,

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Leverkusen Coach: Tella Had Real Hopes After AFCON 2025 Snub

By Kelechi Abel / Interviews / December 13, 2025

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand has expressed disappointment that Nathan Tella was not included in Nigeria’s final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Tella, 26, recently returned from a long spell out with injury and was expected by some to make the trip after earlier indications from Leverkusen sporting

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Iheanacho Eyes First Major Trophy With Celtic in Scottish Cup Final

By Kelechi Abel / Events & Tournaments / December 13, 2025

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho is targeting his first major title with Celtic as the Scottish champions prepare to face St Mirren in the 2025 Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park on Sunday. Iheanacho has just returned from a two month hamstring injury that sidelined him earlier in the season and played in Celtic’s 3–0

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Ola Aina Returns to Action, Plays 63 Minutes in Forest Academy’s 2–1 Win

By Kelechi Abel / Health & Fitness / December 13, 2025

Super Eagles full-back Ola Aina took a significant step in his recovery from injury on Friday, featuring for Nottingham Forest’s academy side in their 2–1 victory over Millwall in the U21 Premier League Cup. The 29 year old, out for 94 days with a hamstring problem sustained while on Nigeria duty, played 63 minutes in

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Ex-Right 2 Win Talents Shine for Slavia Praha Youth Squad in Europe

By Kelechi Abel / Youth Development / December 12, 2025

Two former Right 2 Win FC academy products are catching attention in Europe after being involved with SK Slavia Prague’s youth setup as part of their UEFA Youth League campaign. Right-back Chinedu Isaiah, who joined Slavia’s youth ranks on a five-year deal, has been included in the Slavia Praha U19 squad for elite youth fixtures,

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Suspended ‘Yaro Yaro’ Awaits Clarity From Kano Pillars Amid Silence Over His Future

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

Former Nigeria international Ahmed Garba, popularly known as Yaro Yaro, says he is still waiting for clarity from Kano Pillars over his future after being suspended as head coach nearly two months ago. The 45 year old was suspended on 19 October 2025 alongside technical adviser Evans Ogenyi following Kano Pillars’ 1–1 home draw against

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