Sports
Mikel Obi denies wage demands blocked Victor Osimhen’s Chelsea move
Mikel Obi denies wage demands blocked Victor Osimhen’s Chelsea move
Former Chelsea and Super Eagles star Mikel Obi has refuted claims that wage demands caused Victor Osimhen’s proposed move to Chelsea to collapse during the final hours of the summer transfer window.
Chelsea had made a late push to sign the Nigerian forward, but the deal couldn’t be finalized.
Napoli reportedly accepted an €80 million ($88.5 million) bid from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, but Osimhen hesitated to leave European football, stalling any potential transfer.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel, who was closely involved in the negotiations, revealed how close the transfer came to completion.
He emphasized that both parties made compromises, but the move fell apart due to last-minute complications.
“We were just hours away from getting it done,” Mikel explained. “Both sides—Victor and Chelsea—played their part, but we hit some paperwork and medical issues that couldn’t be resolved in time.”
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Mikel commended Chelsea’s ambition and Osimhen’s desire to join the club, revealing that the forward was deeply disappointed when the deal didn’t materialize.
He shared that after the transfer window closed, he had a conversation with Osimhen, offering encouragement and support.
“He was disappointed it didn’t happen,” Mikel said. “I told him to keep his head down and continue working hard. He’s a strong character, much like Didier Drogba or Diego Costa—strikers with that edge, which Chelsea needs.”
Mikel also dismissed any rumors of friction between Osimhen and Chelsea, stating that the relationship between both parties remains positive.
“There are no issues,” Mikel added. “If we pick this up again in January or next summer, we know where we left off. It’s just minor details that need to be sorted.”
Osimhen, who Mikel described as one of the best strikers in the world and Africa’s top player, has since joined Turkish giants Galatasaray on a season-long loan.
However, Mikel is confident that Chelsea and Osimhen could still find a way to make the transfer happen in the future.
“I’m not going to rest until I get him to the club. He’s not just Nigerian or a friend; he’s one of the best, and I know what he can bring to Chelsea,” Mikel concluded.
Mikel Obi denies wage demands blocked Victor Osimhen’s Chelsea move
Sports
Ronaldo’s Al Nassr fires head coach
Ronaldo’s Al Nassr fires head coach
Saudi Arabian outfit, Al Nassr on Tuesday sacked Luis Castro as coach of the club.
The Saudi Pro League club announced on Tuesday that Castro had been dismissed from his role following weeks of speculation over his future.
“Al Nassr can announce that Head Coach Luis Castro has left the Club,” read a club statement, posted on X.
“Everyone at Al Nassr would like to thank Luis and his staff for their dedicated work during the past 14 months, wishing them the best of luck for the future.”
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Castro, 63, leaves Al Nassr seventh in the Saudi Pro League, three games into the new season.
Meanwhile, former AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli is set to take charge of the Saudi club instead, with a deal “on the verge” of being agreed.
Ronaldo’s Al Nassr fires head coach
Sports
Ademola Lookman’s masterclass seals win for Atalanta against Fiorentina
Ademola Lookman’s masterclass seals win for Atalanta against Fiorentina
Nigerian international Ademola Lookman was the star of the show on Sunday, delivering a match-winning performance as Atalanta secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Fiorentina in an explosive Serie A encounter at the Gewiss Stadium.
Lookman not only scored the decisive goal but also provided a crucial assist that helped Atalanta draw level earlier in the match.
Fiorentina took the lead early in the game, but Lookman’s magic inspired Atalanta’s comeback.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Lucas Martinez Quarta capitalized on a rebound, rifling the ball into the back of the net from close range.
Atalanta, however, responded quickly. In the 21st minute, Lookman sent a superb cross into the box, and Mateo Retegui connected with a powerful header that left Fiorentina goalkeeper David de Gea with no chance, leveling the score at 1-1.
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Fiorentina regained the lead in the 32nd minute when Moise Kean tapped home after Robin Gosens headed the ball across the goal. Moments later, Kean came close to adding a third but saw his effort hit the post.
Atalanta fought back once again, and just before halftime, Charles De Ketelaere’s deft header from an Ederson free kick made it 2-2.
The momentum had shifted, and it didn’t take long for Lookman to showcase his individual brilliance. In first-half stoppage time, he embarked on a solo run, weaving through the Fiorentina defence before slotting the ball into the bottom left corner to give Atalanta a 3-2 lead.
Lookman nearly extended his tally in the second half, coming close to scoring on several occasions, including a narrow miss in the 49th minute.
Despite Fiorentina’s pressure, Atalanta held on for a crucial victory, with goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi also making a number of key saves to secure the win.
Ademola Lookman’s masterclass seals win for Atalanta against Fiorentina
Sports
AfroBasket: Junior D’Tigress fall to record champions in final
AfroBasket: Junior D’Tigress fall to record champions in final
The U-18 national women’s basketball team, the Junior D’Tigress, failed to win the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket 2024 final on Saturday.
The team lost 56-76 to Mali that clinched a record ninth title.
A report by Premium Times notes that despite a strong start with a 5-0 run, the Nigerians struggled to keep up with the dominant Malian side.
Mali won all four quarters, taking the first 11-8, the second 18-15, the third 24-19, and the fourth quarter with a commanding 23-14.
The Malians excelled in the paint, outscoring Nigeria 30-16, and capitalised on fast breaks, adding 15 points. Nigeria’s bench was more productive, contributing 24 points compared to Mali’s 12.
Mali’s 17-year-old Oummou Koumare was named FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket’s Most Valuable Player.
Nigerian guard Idubamo Beggi earned a spot in the All-Star team of the tournament.
She scored 23 points in the opening loss to Egypt and the semifinal victory over Uganda, although the Malians held her to 14 points in the final.
Beggi also contributed 32 assists and 17 rebounds throughout the tournament in South Africa.
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