Posts

Brighton's Zodak Yohanna: A Wake-Up Call for Stronger European–Nigeria Academy Partnerships

Image
By Chimaobi J N English Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of highly-rated Nigerian teenager Zodak Yohanna, in a deal that further underlines the growing global reputation of Nigerian football talent. The 18-year-old winger joins Brighton from Swedish club AIK Stockholm on a long-term contract reportedly running until 2031, with the transfer believed to be worth close to €30 million including add-ons. Yohanna’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Having begun his football journey at the Ikon Allah Football Academy in Nigeria, the young forward moved to Sweden in 2025, where he quickly adapted to European football, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 18 appearances. Brighton’s head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, described the Nigerian as an exciting attacking talent with pace, creativity, and the ability to influence games in the final third. A Strategic Signing by Brighton The move is consistent with Brighton’s well-known recruitment ...

CAF D Coaching Course Important for Delta’s Human Capital Development Drive— Sam Sodje

Image
By Chimaobi J N WARRI-The Technical Director of the Delta State Football Association (DFA) and former Brentford FC defender, Sam Sodje, has described the forthcoming CAF D Licence Coaching Course in Delta State as in key in Delta state's human capital development drive. Sodje made this known while speaking ahead of the coaching programme, which is being organised in partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The four-day training course is scheduled to hold from June 28 to July 1, 2026, in Asaba, the Delta State capital. According to the former Nigeria international, the initiative is designed not only to improve coaching standards but also to empower youths across the state through football development. He noted that the course would produce qualified grassroots coaches who can nurture the abundant football talents in Delta State, thereby creating structured trainings for young players to develop their careers. Sodje further emphasized that the programme aligns ...

NPFL: Sodje Hails Warri Wolves’ Survival, Predicts Stronger Comeback Next Season

Image
  By Chimaobi J N  Warri, Nigeria — Former international defender Sam Sodje has praised the resilience of Warri Wolves following their dramatic escape from relegation on the final day of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. Warri Wolves secured their top-flight status with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Abia Warriors in Ozoro on Sunday, a result that ensured their survival after a challenging campaign. Reacting to the outcome during a radio sports programme on Monday  Sodje described the victory as a testament to the team’s fighting spirit and determination under pressure.  “It takes character and belief to win a game of that magnitude,” Sodje said. “The players showed courage when it mattered most, and they deserve credit for keeping Warri Wolves in the Premier League.” The former Super Eagles defender also expressed optimism about the club’s future, particularly with plans for the team to return to the newly upgraded Warri City Stadium.  “Going b...

Chelle Names Full Super Eagles Squads for Unity Cup, Poland & Portugal Friendlies

Image
By Chimaobi J N.  Head Coach Eric Chelle has unveiled comprehensive Super Eagles squads ahead of the 2026 Unity Cup mini-tournament and upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal, as Nigeria steps up preparations for major continental assignments. For the Unity Cup, scheduled to take place at Charlton Athletic’s The Valley from May 26 to May 30, Chelle has selected a 27-man squad blending experience, emerging talents, and standout home-based players. Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus), Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC, England), Michael Atata (Ikorodu City) Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Obinna Igboke (Enugu Rangers), Elias Ochobi (Rivers United), Chibueze Oputa (Enugu Rangers) Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympic Marseille, France...

GAFA Registers Three Coaches for NFF/CAF D Coaching Course

Image
  By Chimaobi J N  WARRI-The management of Green Alliance Football Academy (GAFA) has announced the registration of three of its coaches for the upcoming NFF/CAF D Coaching Course organized by the Delta Football Association in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation. The five-day course, scheduled to hold from June 22 to June 26, 2026, is designed to enhance the technical, tactical, and practical knowledge of grassroots football coaches across Delta State. In a statement released by the academy, GAFA confirmed that Coach Ehis, Coach Makpor, and Coach Otes have been officially registered to participate in the training programme. The academy described the move as part of its continuous commitment to developing quality coaching personnel and strengthening its football philosophy at the grassroots level. According to the management, investing in coach education remains a key pillar in nurturing young talents and maintaining high training standards within the acade...

Ex-Int,Sodje Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Striker Enaromo

Image
By Chimaobi J N.  Former Nigerian international has expressed deep sorrow over the death of his former Super Eagles teammate, , describing the loss as painful and deeply personal. In a heartfelt tribute shared on Tuesday, Sodje recalled his close relationship with Eneramo, revealing that both men had spoken just days before his passing and were making plans to meet in Abuja. He described the late striker as not just a colleague, but a friend and former roommate during their time in the national team camp. “My heart bleeds in total pain just to think that we will never meet again on this part of the world,” Sodje said. Sodje also reflected on memorable moments they shared, particularly highlighting a special experience in Tunis, Tunisia, where he witnessed firsthand the admiration and respect Eneramo enjoyed from football fans. “I can't forget our very special day in Tunis, where I saw first hand the prestige and love that you enjoy in that country,” he added. The former defe...

2010 World Cup Qualifier Hero Michael Eneramo Dies in Kaduna

Image
  By Chimaobi J N  Former Nigerian international striker has died after collapsing during a football session in . Reports indicate that the 40-year-old ex-Super Eagles forward slumped while playing a routine match and was rushed for medical attention but was pronounced dead shortly after. Eyewitness accounts suggest Eneramo had completed the first half of the game and returned for the second half before suddenly collapsing just minutes later, sparking panic among teammates and spectators. Eneramo, who retired from professional football in 2018, had continued to stay active in the sport, frequently participating in local training sessions and recreational matches in Kaduna, his hometown. Born in Kaduna in November 1985, Eneramo enjoyed a successful club career across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. He rose to prominence at before moving on to Turkish sides including , , and . On the international stage, Eneramo earned caps for and is best remembered for scoring a ...