Dutch giants Ajax said they had sacked coach John Heitinga after a poor start to the season that has seen them rooted to the bottom of the Champions League table.
“Ajax is looking for a new head coach. In the meantime, Fred Grim will take over Heitinga’s duties,” the four-time European champions said in a statement.
Heitinga signed a two-year contract in May but has not been able to mastermind a turnaround in the club’s fortunes. His contract would be terminated, Ajax said.
The club’s technical director Alex Kroes admitted it was a “painful decision.
“We know it can take time for a new coach to work with a squad that has undergone changes,” said Kroes. “We have given John that time, but we believe it’s best for the club to appoint someone else to lead the team.”
Kroes himself offered his resignation but the board asked him to stay in place to offer some continuity.
The technical director is under contract until the end of the season.
“Should the club appoint a new technical director earlier, I will hand over my responsibilities at that time,” he said.
The final straw appeared to be yet another humiliating loss in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Ajax lost 3-0 at home to Galatasaray, a bruising defeat that came on the back of a 5-1 thrashing away to Chelsea.
A 4-0 loss to Marseille and a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Inter Milan adds up to a miserable record in Europe of zero points, one goal scored and 14 conceded.
Domestically, Ajax currently sit in fourth place in the Dutch Eredivisie, languishing eight points behind place-setters Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven.
Ajax fans had jeered Heitinga at Stamford Bridge for his substitutions and the supporters appeared to have lost faith in their manager.
The Amsterdam-based club is still recovering from an extraordinary end to last season that saw them throw away the title from a seemingly impregnable position.
With only five matches to play, Ajax were nine points clear and seemingly cruising to the title.
But Ajax somehow contrived to hand the title to PSV Eindhoven, losing twice and drawing twice.
The season before, Ajax had suffered their worst-ever start to a campaign, at one point propping up the Eredivisie table.
Heitinga played at centre-back for Atletico Madrid, Everton and Fulham, retiring in 2016 after a brief second spell with boyhood club Ajax.
He played 87 times for the Netherlands but was sent off in extra time in the 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2010 World Cup final.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said he was happy to see Lamine Yamal back in form but cautioned that he must continue to manage his groin injury after the teenager inspired a 3-3 Champions League draw with Club Brugge on Wednesday.
After weeks with a lingering groin injury, the 18-year-old built on Sunday’s LaLiga form, which brought his first league goal since August, with another lively display in Belgium as Barca equalised three times to earn a point.
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Nicolo Tresoldi and Ferran Torres traded early goals but Carlos Forbs restored the hosts’ lead before the break. Yamal levelled a minute after the hour mark with a composed finish following a superb defence-splitting run.
“I’m happy that Lamine is back at this level. (But) we don’t know what will happen tomorrow or next Sunday. The important thing is that he manages his situation, because it’s not easy,” the German said.
“He has to be really focused on how he has to train, and also on the treatments and hopefully it (the pain) goes away.”
Receiving a pass outside the penalty area, Yamal surged through two defenders, laid the ball off to Fermin Lopez and continued his run, collecting Lopez’s deft back-heel pass before slotting in from close range.
“I try to do the best I can. The move went really quick and Fermin’s left me with the ball with a nice flick and I finished it,” Yamal said after the game.
However, Brugge winger Forbs put the hosts ahead again in the 63rd minute, and later Yamal’s other effort diverted in off Christos Tzolis to seal a 3-3 draw through an own goal.
Yamal added that speculation surrounding his groin injury, and suggestions it had affected his state of mind, had been overblown and fuelled by false reports.
“A lot has been said about my pubalgia, that I was sad, but it was all lies. I’ve been the same as always, very happy, focused on my work, trying to get back to training and play at this level, which is where I feel best and enjoy myself the most,” he said.
Yamal’s goal drew comparisons with Barcelona great Lionel Messi, but the Spain international said he was not getting carried away with the praise.
“Messi has scored thousands of goals like that. I have to make my own way and hope to score many more goals like that,” he added.
Time flies indeed and tomorrow, 8th November , it will be 10 years exactly when Nigeria created a milestone in the history of the FIFA U-17 World Cup title at Chile 2015.This piece recounts the memorable journey and impactful legacy of the Nigerian U-17 football team, known as the Golden Eaglets. Led by coach Emmanuel Amuneke and featuring standout players such as Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Nwakali, the team secured Nigeria’s fifth title in this age category by defeating Mali in the final, after a series of impressive performances throughout the tournament, reports Sports Editor, MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN.
November 8th 2015, looks like just yesterday when Nigeria caressed the headlines at the Estadio Sausalito in Viña del Mar, Chile, after the Golden Eaglets beat their Malian counterparts 2-0 in a historic second all-African FIFA U-17 World Cup Final match.
Victor Osimhen’s contributions to the success of that team were particularly noteworthy, as he not only became the tournament’s top scorer but also recorded a historic tenth goal in the final match. The success of the team is attributed to thorough preparation, including a training camp in Argentina, which helped the players acclimate to conditions they might face in Chile, coupled with a strong team spirit and determination.
“Chile 2015 U-17 FIFA World Cup? Oh, what a beautiful memory; amazing and I can never forget this,” Jairo Pachon, the Colombian and hard-working FIFA Match agent with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who was with the Golden Eaglets throughout the campaign, told NationSports in a recent interview. “Before the Under-17 World Cup in Chile, we had the Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand and recall that the Under-20 team had their preparation in Germany.
“ But I impressed it upon the then NFF President Amaju Pinnick that we must prepare the team in Argentina and you know Pinnick is smart and he accepted the proposal.
“So we (EuroData Sport) took the team to Argentina on the training tour and Amuneke was very happy, and the team was camped at Buenos Aires Football (BAF) and they had the opportunity of playing against the U-17 National Team of Argentina as well River Plate and Boca Juniors. “
Despite what seemed to be a relatively good preparation, some section of the Nigerian public and press did not give a hoot about the team let alone the chance to follow on the legends of their illustrious predecessors who had previously won the global cadet championship in 1985, 1993, 2007 and 2013- when Amuneke assisted coach Manu Garba to win the country’s fourth title.
The scepticism about the 2015 Class of Golden Eaglets’ was partly not far-fetched after all they came a distant fourth position behind Mali, Guinea and South Africa to complete the quartet of Africa’s flag bearers to Chile.
“After the team’s preparations in Argentina , they went to the World Cup and I remember no one believed in this team because before starting this training camp in Argentina, they had to drop more than half of the team because of the MRI test,” recalled Pachon. “Before then the team was at Four-Nation Suwon Tournament in Korea (which I organized for them) and we (Nigeria), was beaten badly by Brazil and Korea at the Suwon Tournament.
“Nevertheless, the team started getting more together and my biggest part was supporting the team from day one to the end of the World Cup.”
Though not well cladded for the occasion, Amuneke was able to rail his players, technical and backroom staffers to the bigger picture and his mantra from the first day he was handed the reins of the team was : “we are going to park this plane successfully at the end of this World Cup in Chile.”
Indeed, Nigeria opened their campaign with a 2-0 flourish over the United States of America in a match ‘sneaky’ Chukwudi Agor got the opener before Osimhen added the second before prostrating to coach Amuneke ‘ for believing so much in me’ in front of all at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago.
The win over the Americans was a big motivation as they practically scruff led live out of the hosts, Chile in front of their home fans with a 5-1 thumping at the Estadio Sausalito, Viña del Mar in a match both Samuel Chukwueze and Osimhen equally-shared four goals between themselves while the eventual Golden Ball winner of the tournament, Kelechi Nwakali added the fifth.
Though they suffered a blip with a 2-1 loss to Croatia in their third preliminary match, Osimhen grabbed his fourth goal to underline his resolve to break the FIFA U-17 World Cup goal scoring record.
In the round of 16, Nigeria was pitched against Australia at their now familiar Estadio Sausalito in Viña del Mar and the Golden Eaglets responded like a house on fire: Osimhen grabbed a unique hat-trick and the trio of Nwakali, Chukwueze and midfielder Edidiong Essien also got among the goals to complete the rout of the boys from ‘ Down Under’.
Yet doubts still enveloped the Golden Eaglets even more so against hot favourites, Brazil, who incidentally was their nemesis with a 4-0 thrashing at the Four Nation U-17 Tournament in Suwon months earlier.
But in what was probably their best game of the tournament, the Kelechi Nwakali-captained side rose up to their pre-match boast of burying the ghosts of the Brazilian marauders with a flattery 3-0 thrashing courtesy of three quick first half goals at the Estadio Sausalito, Viña del Mar by Osimhen (again); Kingsley Michael and Udochukwu Anumudu as the ‘ Amuneke ‘s Army’ rolls assuredly into the semi-finals.
“ After the quarter-finals ,I asked Amuneke what can we do to motivate these boys for the semi-finals?” recalled Pachon. “Amuneke said, ‘Jairo, the best thing we can do is to motivate the boys and paid them their allowances.
“ I spoke with the federation and we sourced the money and eventually, paid the boys part of their allowances because at that and at the time, the federation had other commitments.”
Incidentally, the semi-finals against the battle-hardened Mexico who beaten 4-0 by Nigeria in the 2013 Final Match in Abu Dhabi, coincided with the arrivals of the then NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, who provided extra motivation for the boys with words of encouragement at lunch time before the battle at the Estadio Municipal de Concepción, Concepción.
Of course, the Golden Eaglets played the game of their lives to subdue Mexico 4-2 in that fiery-tempered match thanks to goals from Kelechi Nwakali, Orji Okwonkwo with an ‘inter-continental ballistic missile; Ebere Osinachi and of course, a penalty goal by Osimhen for his ninth goal of the tournament as he equalled the long-standing record of nine goals in a single tournament that was previously jointly held by Frenchman Florent Sinama Pongolle (2001 in Trinidad & Tobago) and Ivorian Souleymane Coulibaly (2011 in Mexico) .
In the Final Match on 8th November 2015, the Golden Eaglets road their luck to beat fellow West Africans, Mali 2-0 much to the delight of the adoring capacity spectators at the team’s adopted home ground of Estadio Sausalito in Viña del Mar.
The true extent of Nigeria’s dominance at Chile 2015 was reflected in the FIFA Awards dished out to the outstanding players at the of the tournament with Kelechi Nwakali and Osimhen deservedly awarded the Golden Ball and Silver Ball in the Most Valuable Player Category while Osimhen and Chukwueze got the Golden Boot and Bronze Boot in the Highest Goal Scorer Category.
“ I was so happy that Amuneke and his boys won the World Cup in Chile because that was the first time Nigeria won the U-17 World Cup in my continent (South America) and I did everything to make it happened,” an excited Pachon told NationSports. “I’m happy that Amuneke also recognized the kind of work I did for the team. In different interviews , he admitted Nigeria would not have been able to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup without the training camp in Argentina.
“I remember my discussion with him prior to the World Cup on the weather challenge and then he explained to me that some of these were boys had never left the country.
“They never experienced winter. The biggest challenge we had here was not football but that period they spent in Argentina made the whole difference.
“The rest, as you know, is history and I am very pleased and proud that I am the only Colombian who has a gold medal from a World Cup,” Pachon added.
Coach Amuneke readily admitted with some of the views shared by Pachon. He noted that despite facing scepticism before the tournament due to their prior performances, the Golden Eaglets defied expectations, showcasing their skills against various opponents, including a memorable victory over Brazil in the quarter-finals.
Amuneke reflects on the significance of the win, emphasizing the hard work and unity that defined their campaign.
“My reflections about the 2015 World Cup team is a great one especially to the development of Nigerian football from the youth level vis-à-vis the Super Eagles,” Amuneke, the former African Footballer of the Year, told NationSports.
” We went to that tournament in Chile with young and energetic players and today, they are still making Nigeria proud by representing us well with the Super Eagles .
” My memories about Chile 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup will forever be great because we did the right things to achieve that glory regardless of all the difficulties and obstacles that we gone through in the process.
” I have always said that there’s no success without process and personally, the memories of Chile 2015 are many.
” Firstly, it gave me the opportunity to serve my fatherland as a coach in that capacity and secondly having the privilege to have assembled that crop of young players that were coachable and willing to make names for themselves.
“It would always be an unforgettable memory of having a great technical crew and backroom staffs who were open-minded people ,willing to achieve success too and ready to contribute to the development of Nigerian football. It was a very great memory. “
Echoing Amuneke’s sentiments, the Golden Eaglets’ Welfare Coordinator, Prince Udofia, said the team’s victory in Vina del Mar was a vindication of team efforts.
“The Chile U -17 FIFA World Cup was conquered by the Golden Eaglets because of hard work, team work, fairness and equity by officials, “ Udofia told NationSports. “Unarguably, there’s no U17 national team that can be compared to the 2015 Class of Golden Eaglets because they (officials ) went all out beyond coaching to get the best players for the team.
“One of the most important things that happened then was cooperation, equity, fairness and transparency as everyone wanted success despite the fact some top NFF officials doubted the team.”
Be that as it may, Udofia, the former Abia Comets Administrator, said it was regrettable that the Golden Eaglets’ Class of 2015 were not handsomely rewarded for their genuine success which was achieved against all odds.
“I must confess that the most regrettable aspect was lack of honours and awards from the government of late President Muhammad Buhari to the team,” he noted
Yet Amuneke further addressed the challenges faced by Nigerian football post-2015, including complacency and a lack of robust development programs, highlighting the need for systemic changes to nurture future talents and replicate the success experienced in Chile.
“That tournament afforded me the opportunity to test my coaching abilities,” Amuneke, a UEFA Pro-License Certificate holder, equally said. “But on a sober reflection, we have failed to develop at this level in the last 10 years and we as a country took that level for granted.
” It’s unfortunate that after we won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2013 and successfully defended it in 2015, we became complacent and some people felt we can just go and pick up the trophy.
” But now, we are even struggling to qualify and this shows that for the past 10 years, we have neglected the path that led us to achieve glory in previous years.
” This is not good for our football because that category had been the bedrock of our other national teams from U-20 to the Super Eagles. “
” We have to look back and check what we are not doing rightly again. Some people always talked about going back to the drawing board but the question is: what kind of ideology and philosophy do you have on the drawing board ?
” We have failed to realize that football has evolved over time and we believe we have the talents. Of course, there’s no doubt that we have the talented players but we must come up with something tangible to help these players .
” Talents are no longer enough in achieving success but with a whole lot of factors. Those who run our football should not see those who have deep and better knowledge of the game as a threat to them.
” The leaders of the game should be able to welcome those who can help them achieve success and that’s the honourable path to go in achieving success at that level once again,” the former African Footballer of the Year and current Head Coach of Heartland FC of Owerri, added.
Where are they Now: Golden Eaglets’ Class of 2015:
SANTIAGO, CHILE – OCTOBER 17: The team of Nigeria line up before the FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup 2015 group A match between Nigeria and USA at Estadio Nacional de Chile on October 17, 2015 in Santiago, Chile. (Photo by Martin Rose – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
GOALKEEPERS:
AKPAN DAVID UDOH (18th July 1999; Remo Academy): Weaned from the National U-15 team, the fearless Udoh actually snatched the team’s goalkeeper’s number one position from other experienced hands to stand between the sticks for Nigeria in Chile.
Presently with Maltese side, Mosta FC, Udoh who had previously tried out at Israeli club, Bnei Sakhnin FC, recalled how he made the Chile 2015 squad:
“Yes, I didn’t start as the first choice goalkeeper from my first day with the Golden Eaglets and I was actually dropped during the first screening because my performance was not up to the standard expected by the coaches,” admitted Udoh who hails from Akwa Ibom but born and bred in Ogun State. “I went back to my state and worked harder to improve myself and build up my confidence. Seriously, I don’t even know how I became the (Golden Eaglets) No. 1 because it was like a dream to me
“It was not easy because we had other good goalkeepers in camp who were my toughest challengers; both Ebuka Nwokeocha and Chiaha Chisom were equally good.”
CHISOM CHIAHA ( 2nd February 1998; Apapa Golden Stars): He was an unused substitute throughout the tournament in Chile but he enjoyed lots of camaraderie with his teammates because ‘he’s a guy with good heart’. Currently with Bayelsa United in the NPFL, Chisom was previously attached with Heartland FC.
AMOS INNOCENT BENJAMIN (22nd December 1998;Football College Abuja): Benjamin was initially the team’s undisputed number one goaltender but had a dip inform which seemingly paved way for the more agile David Udoh. He was the team’s prayer leader in Chile but nothing much has been heard about him in the intervening years.
“Amos Benjamin ? I don’t even know if he’s still playing football,” a disappointed erstwhile Golden Eaglets’ goalkeepers’ trainer, Emeka Amadi told NationSports.
DEFENDERS:
LAZARUS JOHN (6 June 1998:Fosla Academy): Hard-working defender who was as constant as the Northern Star throughout the tournament with the Golden Eaglets. Lazarus who previously had stints with Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) including Akwa United , El-Kanemi Warriors ,Rivers United and Lobo Stars, recently joined Tanzanian Premier League side, TRA United Sports Club.
“ I’m proud to have contributed most of the assists that helped Victor Osimhen scored 10 goals at the World Cup in 2015,” he said. “ Since 2015, I’m equally proud to have been able to move my family from where they were to better place.”
LUKMAN ZAKARI (23rd December 1998;Unity Academy): One of the team’s late bloomers en route to Chile 2015, Chakwa as Zakari is fondly called by teammates, became one of the team’s defensive fulcrum in Chile playing all the seven matches at the World Cup. He attracted offers from foreign clubs soon after the Wold Cup and was quick to offer some satisfactions.
“I have been able to achieve some valuable things since winning the world, I played in Tunis (Cs Sfaxien and spent a short time with Esperance), Latvia(FK Metta) and Spain(Real Betis),” he told NationSports.
“ I was also opportune to travel around the world to some nice and interesting countries during my playing time. This kind of things I can’t take for granted because they are moment I will always remember and cherish in my life.”
But following spate of injuries and no offers from foreign clubs, Zakari said it was about time he turned his hands to other things and currently studying Peace & Conflict Resolution from National Open University aside training and mentorship of young footballers at Kaduna-based soccer academies including- Kaduna City Club (KCC), NDC United and Kaduna State-sponsored U-15 side.
EJIKE IKWU (15th February 1999; Starplus FC): A hard-tackling defender who played with fond admiration of coach Emmanuel Amuneke. Presently with Rangers International of Enugu, Ikwu has equally tried his luck in Europe where he featured for modest Spanish clubs including UD Conquense and Xerez Deportivo FC and recalled with nostalgia his exploits with the Golden Eaglets in Chile.
“ One of the happiest days of my career so far was the day we were handed over the FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy in Chile, “ he noted.
TOBECHUKWU IBE (17th June 1998; Siaone Academy): One of the team’s hard-working defenders but injury robbed him the joy of playing at the Chile 2015 World Cup on the eve of the championship. Yet he was always there to provide encouragement to his team mates throughout the tournament.Presently unattached, Ibe had previously featured in the domestic league with Abia Warriors. Kwara United, Katsina United, Dakkada FC and even had a brief sojourn in the Republic of Benin with AS Cotonou.
MIDFIELDERS:
DAVID ENOGELA (4th February 1998; Young Stars FC) : He complemented captain Kelechi Nwabali in the heart of the Golden Eaglets’ midfield at Chile 2015.While Nwakali provided the team with some finesse in terms of style, Enogela was the midfield enforcer with his no-nonsense approach. A spate of poor career decisions and injuries blunted his progression in Europe despite stints at Ukrainian clubs including Olimpik Donetsk , Bukovyna FC and FC Metalist 1925 Kharkiv. Presently with coach Amuneke at Heartland FC, Enogela quipped: “ Of course, I’ve played with few European clubs during the past years but winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup back then was my greatest moment cause nobody believed in us.”
KINGSLEY MICHAEL (26th August 1999 : Abuja Football Academy ): Affectionately called ‘Wacko Jacko’ by the rank and file of Golden Eaglets’ officials for his seemingly fragility but Michael preferred to be called ‘Kaka Trigger’. Indeed, he must have drawn a great deal of inspiration from former Ballon d’Or winner Kaka as he fired one of the goals in the demolition of Brazil in at Estadio Sausalito in Viña del Mar. He joined Italian Serie A side Bologna with his pal, Orji Okwonkwo in 2016 and farmed out on loan to other Serie A sides including Perugia, Cremonese and Reggina. He has also been on loan to SV Ried but currently with DSV Leoben in the Austrian League.
SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE (22nd May 1999; Diamond Academy): After Victor Osimhen, ‘Sammy the Baller’ as Chukwueze is fondly called by admirers, is probably the second most easily recognised face from the Golden Eaglets’ Class of 2015. Initially coveted by Arsenal along with his alter ego, Kelechi Nwakali, Chukwueze eventually moved to Villarreal in the Spanish La Liga where he became a household name with the Yellow Submarines after some exciting six seasons between 2017 and 2023. He had a torrid time at AC Milan where he became a bit-part player in the Rossoneri set up. Je has since moved to the English Premier League with Fulham where he’s enjoying the company of his compatriots and Super Eagles teammates , defender Calvin Bassey and striker Alex Iwobi.
KELECHI NWAKALI (5th June 1998; Diamond Academy): Captain Fantastic for the Golden Eaglets at Chile 2015 but unfortunately, Nwakali has failed to make the transition from the cadet stage to the senior level. Despite a promising start by signing for Arsenal soon after the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Nwakali was severally dispatched as a loanee to modest clubs including Dutch outfits, MVV Maastricht, VVV Venlo and Porto B in Portugal. He was released by Arsenal in 2019 and went to
Huesca in Portugal before being farmed away on loan yet again to Alcorcón . Even he had little success in the lower Spanish rung with both Ponferradina and Chaves, Last year, he moved to Barnsley Football Club in the English Football L League One yet Nwakali was not able to tied down a regular shirt at the English football third tier team. The club’s Irish coach recently sent the once golden boy to Barnsley youth team, saying he’s no ‘longer useful’.
CHUKWUDI AGOR (26th November 1998 (ASJ Academy): While the world would always remember Victor Osimhen for all his record-breaking efforts at the U-17 FIFA World Cup in Chile, credits must go to the unassuming Chukwudi Agor who actually scored Nigeria’s first goal at the tournament in the 2-0 thrashing of the USA in their opening game at the tournament in Santiago.
Presently with Heartland FC in Owerri, Agor who previously turned out for El Olympia , an Egyptian second division club, said he would forever remember his feat in Santiago.
“ My greatest moment at Chile 2015 was scoring Nigeria’s first goal and of course, when we lifted the trophy after beating Mali in the final,” he said.
CHINEDU MADUEKE (5 August 1998 ; Virgin Kids FC): One of the team’s silent workers in Chile, Madueke brings into the team purpose and exuberance. The only child of his family, he has been rooming with clubs in Europe ever since he made the break with AD Camacha in the Segunda Divisao Portuguesa (Portuguese Second Division) and then featured moved Asarums IF in Sweden but he’s currently with Nosaby IF.
Joel Osikel (17 June 1998, Young Eleven FC): The ever-smiling bulky midfielder did not pull his weight in Chile as much as the coaching crew demanded but he pushed other midfielders to sweat for their positions. Has travelled here and there but he is currently attached with Albanian football club , Klubi i Futbollit Iliria Fushë-Krujë.
EDIDIONG ESSIEN (26th November 1999; Rapture Academy): A native of Akwa-Ibom State, Essien star in the 6-0 thrashing of Australia in one of the 16th round matches at Chile 2015. But he failed to switch to greater things and is reportedly out of the game despite appearances for clubs in his home state.
FORWARDS:
FUNSHO BAMGBOYE (9th January 1999: Aspire Academy): Bamgboye practically gate-crashed into the Chile-bound World Cup team as he only got involve with the team’s set up after their ill-fated campaign at the CAF U-17 AFCON in Niger. He has played for clubs in Hungary and Romania including Haladás; Fehérvár and Rapid București. He’s currently filling out with Turkish Super Lig side, Hatayspor.
UDOCHUKWU ANUMUDU (9th October 1998, Enyi Academy): The attacking midfielder known for his ferocious shot, would forever be remembered for that cracking third goal in the 3-0 thrashing of Brazil in the quarter finals in Chile 2015.
After the conquest in Chile, Anumudu has played for strings of NPFL clubs including Abia Warriors and Lobi Stars.
“My greatest moments at the World Cup in Chile was when I scored against Brazil, and I can’t forget that,” Anumudu who is presently attached with Heartland FC, told NationSports.
CHRISTIAN EBERE OSINACHI (4th April 1998: ASJ Academy): The son of a retired school teacher, Osinachi is an intelligent forward who complemented with Victor Osimhen in the Golden Eaglets’ attack with tireless efforts. While Osimhen has been making ‘whistle stops’ with clubs in Europe, Osinachi has made South America his own oysters and has featured for clutches of clubs in Argentina, Brazil and he’s current with Uruguayan Primera División club Nacional.
SUNDAY ALIMI (7th October 1999;Topworld FC): A surprised inclusion into the team to Chile 2015. Even when coach Amuneke could have probably added a player from his ethic extraction and in fact, one particular player from his soccer academy, he stuck with Alimi ‘because I don’t want to be accused of tribalism and nepotism’. Had a cameo appearance in the tournament and not much has been heard of him ever since except turning out for Sunshine Stars of Akure years back.
ORJI OKWONKWO (19th January 1998; Football College Abuja): An enfant terrible of some sort but his attacking prowess is sublime and he demonstrated that much in the game against Mexico, scoring arguably the best goal of Chile 2015 with what is called
‘inter ballistic missile’ in local Nigerian football lexicon. Has played mainly with legions of clubs in Italy and had stint in the MLS with Montreal Impact. Ban for two-year due to doping offence but has since resumed playing and currently playing with Serie B club Pescara on loan from Serie A club Bologna.
VICTOR OSIMHEN (29th December 1998;Ultimate Strikers FC): The Golden Eaglets’ star-striker in 2025 and FIFA U-17 record holder with 10 goals from a single tournament, Osimhen has taking his career beyond the realm of his own imagination. After a difficult start in the German Bundesliga with Wolfsburg, Osimhen has become a scoring sensation in Europe with profound successes in Belgium, France , Italy where he won the Scudetto and top scorer award at Napoli. He was deservedly voted African Footballer of the Year in 2023 and last season he won the double in Turkey with Galatasaray where he also emerged the top scorer. Now the heart and soul of the Super Eagles with his proficiency in front of the goalposts. Nigerians indeed expect his current scoring form would just be good enough as the Super Eagles head to Rabat next week for the Africa Play-Off battle in the bid to pick the ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America.
Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, Clearwater Farms, Emirs of Zauzza, Lamido Adamawa along with other top dignitaries and corporate organizations, have heaped accolades on El-Amin for claiming the top honours at the just concluded 2025 Kaduna International Polo Tournament
Lawal who was the Special Guest of Honour at the finals of the prestigious polo tournament that coincided with the 30th Anniversary of Kaduna-based El-Amin polo organization, lauded the polo club for hosting another exciting and memorable tournament that celebrates the rich heritage Nigeria’s sporting and cultural heritage.
He also sent out a special salute to the Georgian Cup kings on their pearl anniversary and congratulated them for their tenacity, achievements and commitment to the development of Nigerian polo in their thirty years which attested to the dominance of the high-goal polo team.
In the same vein, chieftains of the emerging Nigerian polo power house, Clearwater Farm Polo, have also heaped accolades on Kaduna Polo Club for hosting one of the most successful international tournaments in years.
They described El-Amin’s 16th Georgian Cup victory on their 30th anniversary, as a record for both Kaduna Polo Club and El-Amin as the best high-goal team in Nigeria.
Chairman Clearwater Polo, Brig, General Kapeh Kazir (rtd.) who acknowledged that the 2025 Kaduna tournament was a celebration of the noble game, pointed that for its numerous achievements in the last thirty years of existence, El-Amin is truly one the biggest Nigerian polo brands in Africa and globally.
Kapeh who also serves as the Kaduna Polo Club Vice President, stated that in appreciation of the proud history of the club over the past century, Clearwater Polo decided to introduced the Clearwater Youth Challenge Cup to groom them and instil the upcoming youths with the special discipline and sportsmanship that are the hallmark of polo.
“As one of the corporate sponsors of the event, we are dedicating this Youth Challenge Cup to the memory of Dawule Baba and keying into the highly treasured legacies of the late “Teacher” whose passion for the game transcends a mere love for the noble game of polo,” he said. “Teacher who was part of our team who often gave us technical advice and encouragement even before he passed on, and by sponsoring the Clearwater Youth Challenge Cup, we are preserving his legacies of training, mentoring, and encouragement of upcoming players, among others.”
In related development, Emirs of Zazzau and Lamido of Adamawa who spoke through their respective representatives, equally congratulated Kaduna Polo Club and El-Amin for their sterling successes of the years and urged them not to relent in their efforts to banqueting the future generation with the best attributes of the noble game.
The prestigious 2025 Kaduna polo festival that attracted over 35 teams loaded with best of Nigerian players and their foreign counterparts came to a flourishing climax last weekend, with EL-Amin, Kangimi Resort, Kano Pop-cola and the Nigerian Army teams emerging major champions.
Georgian Cup kings, El-Amin took their Nigerian high-goal polo dominance to a news height, handing their city rivals, Kaduna Makarfi a thumping defeat to clinch their 16th Georgian Cup title, while Kangimi Resort team edged two opponents to win their first Emir of Katsina Cup.
Visiting Kano Pop- Cola team ran an impressive campaign defeating a crowded field of eight ambitious oppositions to cart home the Imani Cup, their first major Kaduna polo laurel, just as the Nigerian Army polo team rampage through a battery of 20 turbo charged rivals, to retain the EL- Amin Cup.
Other top winners include the duo of Khalil Babangida and Marwan Bago who led their team to clinch the inaugural BUA Cup, while Kashim Buka and Abubakar Atiku Saleh also enjoyed Podium celebration after powering their team to victory in the General Hassan Katsina Cup.
When Peggy Onwu, Lady Captain of the Ikoyi Club 1938 Ladies’ Golf Section, speaks about the upcoming 50th Ikoyi Ladies’ Open, she talks brand ambassadorship, foreign exchange and economic impact.
As the prestigious event gears up for its golden jubilee, attracting golfers from across 11 nations, this is more than a sporting fixture—it is a robust platform for Nigeria’s hospitality and cultural economy, poised to drive revenue and shift international perceptions.
The Ikoyi Ladies Open has long been a major draw on the continental golf circuit, but this 50th edition elevates its business significance.
“Ikoyi Ladies Open championship is a legacy event that often attracts talents mainly from African countries,” states Peggy Onwu. This year, the tournament is leveraging that legacy to dramatically increase its international footprint, focusing on what Onwu terms “growth, inclusion, sustainability and focus on biodiversity.”
This focus has successfully brought on board strategic partners—a mix of consistent supporters and new firms like Flutterwave, Terra Kulture, and Shea Origin—who recognize the event’s powerful consumer reach and sophisticated networking opportunities.
“Commendably too, our new partners have also aligned with our vision for growth, inclusion, sustainability and focus on biodiversity,” Onwu notes, highlighting the value proposition for corporate Nigeria.
The most compelling business angle of the tournament lies in its power to attract foreign exchange and bolster the local hospitality sector. With participants flying in from over ten countries, the immediate financial injection into Lagos is significant.
“Without gainsaying, Nigeria as a nation and its many businesses stand to gain a lot from the 50th anniversary tournament,” Annie Eimiakhena, Vice Lady Captain asserts.
As per tourism and cultural export, visitors, many on their first trip to Nigeria, represent invaluable, organic brand ambassadors.
Ugandan participant, Patricia Mbabazi, explicitly wrote: “I am hoping to experience the friendliness and cultural richness of Lagos… I am looking forward to the Arts, Afrobeat music and Nigeria’s local cuisine.” This direct interest translates into dollars spent on local services.
Secondly, there would also be hospitality revenue boost with the influx of international players and their entourages lead directly to increased patronage of hotel facilities and services, providing a crucial revenue boost to the hospitality sector, which has faced recent headwinds.
Equally, in focus is promotion of indigenous brands as the event consciously weaves Nigerian content into its activities, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs.
Brands like Adunni Ori and Shea Origin will demonstrate capacity, skill and promote Nigeria(ns) to a sophisticated international audience. From local cuisine like Amala to live bands and cultural tickets to the MUSON Centre (courtesy of Terra Kulture), the celebration acts as an economic showcase.
The famous “Twilight Event,” a signature prelude, further exemplifies this economic and social integration. It’s an evening where sponsors and golfers network, “boosting Lagos and Nigeria’s culture of warmth and hospitality,” according to Eimiakhena.
Beyond immediate economic gains, the tournament provides crucial exposure and inspiration for Nigeria’s emerging golf talent.
“The presence of global golfers during the tournament will be a booster to many who want to become professionals,” Fatumata Soukouna, Past Ladies Captain explains. She points to successful Nigerian golfers like Peter Akakasaka and the 20-year-old Georgia Oboh, who honed her skills at Ikoyi Club before winning international events. The tournament acts as a visible pathway from amateur aspiration to global professionalism.
The current administration, led by Peggy Onwu, views the 50th anniversary not just as a celebration of the past, but as a commitment to the future—a concept captured by their core theme: sustainability.
“Ikoyi Club is known for being a recreational and family-oriented group. We, therefore, prioritize sustainable practices and initiatives like… planting trees/nurseries, labelling trees, among others,” Onwu notes.
This focus extends beyond the environment into community engagement, with plans to provide seeds to local communities to encourage tree planting for “sustainable living.”
For Onwu and her committee, the event is deeply personal. “It is 50 years of resilience, commitment, growth… and it showcases maturity in our swing,” she reflects.
The golden jubilee is ultimately about laying down new “building blocks” for the lady golfers who will follow, ensuring the legacy continues to serve not just the sport, but the broader Nigerian economy.
As the unpredictable champions from 11 countries take to the fairways, the final score will not just be about par; it will be tallied in hotel bookings, cultural exports, and the successful promotion of Nigeria as an ideal destination for high-value sports tourism.
Urhobo College, Uvwie, Warri, has emerged champions of the 2025 Delta State/Zenith Bank Principals’ Cup, defeating Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School, Warri South West, 2-1 in an exciting final played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
The Uvwie boys on Thursday took the lead just thirty-seven seconds into the game and doubled their advantage in the 30th minute, before Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School pulled one back midway through the second half. Despite late pressure, Urhobo College held firm to lift the prestigious trophy.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, John Onyeme, praised all participating schools for their impressive performances, describing every team as a champion.
He also commended Zenith Bank and the organisers, HideaPlus Limited, for their continued investment in grassroots football development.
Also speaking, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, said the success of the tournament reinforces Delta’s leading role in grassroots football across Nigeria.
In her remarks, Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, represented by Zonal Head, Dr. Ifeanyi Atamah, said the bank was proud to support youth development through sports, adding that several past participants have gone on to play professionally.
The organisers, led by HideaPlus Managing Director, Tony Pemu, expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the competition.
Urhobo College coach, Adamu Ali, and team captain, expressed joy over the victory, promising to come back stronger next year.
Earlier, Otokutu Grammar School, Ughelli South, lost 1-0 to Justice Peace and Success Academy, Aniocha South, in the Third-Place match.
For their efforts, Urhobo College received an 18-seater Hummer bus and N2m, while the runners-up Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School, got N1.5m.
The third and fourth-placed teams received one million and five hundred thousand naira respectively.
With this victory, Urhobo College have written their names in Delta football history as champions of the 2025 Principal’s Cup.
Celtic’s resurgence under Martin O’Neill suffered a heavy setback in Jutland as they were hammered 3-1 by FC Midtjylland.
The Hoops’ hopes of extending their Europa League campaign into the knockout stages took a major hit as the Danish side struck three times in a frantic eight-minute spell in the first half.
Teenage substitute Callum Osmand won a late penalty, which Reo Hatate converted, but the 19-year-old was soon carried off on a stretcher in tears with what appeared to be a hamstring injury, capping a night to forget for the Scottish champions.
O’Neill, 73, had already witnessed Midtjylland’s threat firsthand last month when they defeated Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest, before stepping back into the Celtic hot seat following Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation.
They had travelled to the Danish city of Herning with a sense of optimism too.
Back in the Hoops dug-out after 20 years, O’Neill had already led them to a morale-boosting 4-0 league win over Falkirk followed by Sunday’s rousing victory over Old Firm rivals Rangers to reach the Premier Sports Cup final.
But good vibes and a retro tracksuit can only take you so far and Celtic were ruthlessly taken apart at the MCH Arena as Midtjylland made it four wins out of four to stay top of the 36-team league.
Celtic actually had the first shot on goal after just 25 seconds, with Johnny Kenny firing straight at home keeper Elias Rafn Olafsson.
It was the Hoops only effort on target for the next 80 minutes. They were quickly under the pump, first when Callum McGregor was robbed in midfield and Dario Osorio fired narrowly over.
Auston Trusty then had to make a last-ditch block from Osorio, with Franculino Dju blasting the rebound over.
Former Rangers right-back Kevin Mbabu was denied twice by Kasper Schmeichel and Mads Bech Sorensen, the ex-Brentford defender, guided Osorio’s free-kick over the crossbar.
The hosts came even closer when former Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing dummied a low cross for Cho Gue-sung, who forced a point-blank save from Schmeichel, with Anthony Ralston taking the rebound right in the face.
Schmeichel, back on home soil a day after his 39th birthday, was at full stretch to tip a 20-yard volley from Pedro Bravo wide.
But he could only hold back the tide for so long and the dam finally burst following the resulting corner.
Celtic cleared the initial cross, but Mikel Gogorza reached the byline again and his chip across goal was nodded in by Croatian defender Martin Erlic.
Less than two minutes later Midtjylland doubled their lead when Arne Engels and Ralston let Gogorza squirm in between them and whip a low drive past Schmeichel.
It was three by half-time from a Sorensen long throw, exciting Guinea-Bissau forward Dju collecting the second ball and curling his 18th goal of the season inside the far post.
Schmeichel protested that he had been unsighted by offside Midtjylland players but a quick VAR check concluded otherwise.
O’Neill threw on Osmand at half-time and the 19-year-old earned his side a penalty when he was brought down by Erlic.
But Hatate’s spot-kick could not mask what was a chastening evening for Celtic, while Osmand’s late injury dampened the mood even further.
Nottingham Forest extended their unbeaten run away from home in the Europa League as they played out a 0-0 draw with Sturm Graz at the Merkur Arena.
Manager Sean Dyche also maintained his perfect start in European competition since taking charge, with the Reds following up their 2-0 win over Porto in the previous match by securing a point in Austria.
Forest missed a golden chance to assert their dominance when Morgan Gibbs-White saw a first-half penalty saved by Oliver Christensen, after Maurice Malone had a goal disallowed for offside.
Sturm Graz grew into the game in the second half, testing John Victor with a couple of nervy saves on only his second start for the club.
The second half turned into a scrappy stop-start affair as both sides failed to register a shot on target after the interval but Nicolas Dominguez was denied the winner in stoppage time by the crossbar as both sides took a share of the spoils.
Dyche made seven changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Manchester United on Saturday, while Neco Williams, Nicolo Savona, Gibbs-White and Nikola Milenkovic all kept their places in the team.
Arjan Malic brought down Williams on the left edge of the box which handed Forest the first opportunity, Dominguez pulling it back to James McAtee who dragged his first-touch effort just wide of a post.
Forest controlled the early proceedings in Austria and almost had the opener but Ryan Yates saw a close-range header cleared off the line by Malic in the 17th minute.
Sturm Graz thought they took the lead before the half-hour mark with their first foray forward.
Otar Kiteishvili’s run put the Forest defence on the back foot and his strike was parried by Victor into the path of Malone who tapped into an empty net but was marginally offside.
Forest were given a chance to open the scoring from the penalty spot after Williams struck the ball off the hand of Emanuel Aiwu.
Gibbs-White assumed the responsibility but his spot-kick was stopped by Christensen who went low to his left to keep out the golden chance.
The Austrian’s attacking moments came few and far between but they looked dangerous when they did come forward, Tomi Horvat forcing Victor into parrying another effort.
Nineteen-year-old Zach Abbott was introduced by Dyche and looked lively but neither side showed any sort of attacking urgency after the interval as the game ticked into its final quarter.
Dyche brought Gibbs-White off for defender Murillo with 13 minutes to play as Forest set their stall out for a point away in Europe.
Forest almost snatched victory at the end when Dominguez let rip with a firecracker outside the box but he was denied by the crossbar.
Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric has played down his touchline altercation with Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman during their 1-0 victory over Olympique Marseille on Wednesday night.
Lookman, who was substituted in the 75th minute for Yunus Musah, appeared visibly upset as he left the pitch.
Juric was seen grabbing the player’s arm before other staff members intervened to calm the situation.
Speaking after the game, Juric described the incident as a normal part of football emotions and assured that it would be handled internally.
“It’s the usual thing we’ve been commenting on every Sunday. It happened with De Bruyne at Napoli — some players are not happy to be substituted, they don’t react well, and we sort these things out in the locker room,” Juric told Sky Sport Italia.
“We all know these situations; we’ve all had them as players and as coaches — they happen in the heat of the moment.
“What matters is Atalanta, the club, the team, and the fans. We do what is good for the team, and I think you need to give your all. I understand, I shake it all off, and we move forward.”
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen scored a second-half hat-trick to ensure a comfortable 3-0 away win over hapless Ajax Amsterdam in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Two of the three goals came from the penalty spot as the Nigerian international took his competition total this season to six with the Turkish club moving up from 16th to ninth place in the standings with nine points from four games.
Ajax, who have been European champions four times, remain rooted at the bottom of the 36-team table without a point.
Osimhen stooped to head home Leroy Sane’s cross in the 59th minute to open the scoring and then tucked away a 66th- minute penalty after a clumsy handball by defender Youri Baas.
Ajax gave away a second spot kick when Gerald Alders, on his European debut, inadvertently handled the ball in the box while trying to block a shot, with Osimhen stroking home the resultant penalty in the 78th minute.
Ajax came closest to a goal after an error from Galatasaray goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir allowed Mika Godts a shot at an empty net but he missed out on the opportunity.
