Sports

Osimhen to rake in N136bn from Man United

Published

10 months ago

April 22, 2025

Osimhen to rake in N136bn from Man United

Super Eagles’ ace striker, Victor Osimhen, will reportedly earn at least a staggering One Hundred Thirty-Six Billion , Two Hundred Thirty-Three Million and Six Hundred Sixty-Four Thousand Naira if he eventually switched to Manchester United in the summer, even as Al Wehdah striker Odion Ighalo has urged his former national teammate to explore a life-time opportunity to play in the English Premier League.

In the meantime, several Turkish outlets have claimed that Manchester United are close to finalising a deal for Osimhen, who remains a Galatasaray player until the end of the season.

The on-loan frontman has faced a hugely uncertain future over the last year due to how his fiery Napoli exit panned out; after clashing heads with Antonio Conte, he was stripped of his number and removed from the side’s Serie A squad list before the season began, leaving him little to no time to agree a deal with a suitor before the transfer deadline.

When a move to Al Ahli collapsed in the final stages, Osimhen signed for Galatasaray with no buy option included in the terms. As such, he now has only two months remaining in Turkey before he’ll have to return to Napoli and hold some pretty crucial talks over his next steps.

Osimhen has long been linked with an Old Trafford switch over the years, primarily because he poses as a direct solution to their flagrant goal-scoring woes.

The Nigerian international boasts a stunning 143 career goals in 257 appearances, including 29 goals – and a further six assists – in only 34 appearances this term.

Turkish journalist Aygun Ozipek claimed the 26-year-old has agreed a five-year deal with the Red Devils for a fee of £51 million, with the player said to have negotiated a salary worth £12.8m (about N27,246,732,800) per year.

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Meanwhile, Ighalo has counselled Osimhen to consider a move to the Premier League this summer and feels what it looks like to play in the most exciting league in the world.

Speaking on a podcast hosted by former national beach soccer team’s star, Abu Azeez, Ighalo shared his thoughts on the ongoing transfer brouhaha surrounding Osimhen.

“My advice would be for him to try the Premier League, but ultimately, he knows what’s best for himself,” Ighalo disclosed .”People can say all they want, but only the player knows what’s truly in his heart and mind.

“Whatever decision he makes, he has my full support—101%,” he added.

In a related development, Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has admitted that it is “impossible” to win games with misfiring forwards following his side’s 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.

Rasmus Hojlund once again failed to find the back of the net, meaning he now only has one goal in his last 28 appearances for the Red Devils, and the Denmark international continues to be linked with a summer exit amid his woes in front of goal.

Yet Amorim was eager to avoid responding to transfer rumours despite the fact that Osimhen, Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike have all been tipped to join Man Utd during the 2025 summer window.

“We will address that in the end,” Amorim admitted to reporters when asked about his side’s pursuit of a new centre forward.

“Of course we have a plan and we talk about that every day but the season is not over so let’s focus on that.

“It’s a team thing. Of course we have an idea of what this team needs but also the guys we play with, we play at least three guys in front to score goals and we have midfielders… all the team needs to score more goals and you have opportunities with the midfielders and the striker.

“We need to improve as a team because if you don’t score goals in this league it’s impossible to win games.”

Sports

CAF Confirms 2027 AFCON Dates, Reveals Host Cities, Stadiums Across East Africa

Published

1 day ago

February 15, 2026

Trends Admin

CAF Confirms 2027 AFCON Dates, Reveals Host Cities, Stadiums Across East Africa

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will take place from 19 June to 18 July 2027, reaffirming plans for the tournament to be hosted in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda — a historic first for three nations to co‑organise Africa’s premier international football competition. The competition will feature 24 teams, with automatic qualification for the host nations and qualifiers beginning in March 2026. (Wikipedia)

CAF President Patrice Motsepe stressed confidence in the readiness of the three host countries to deliver a high‑quality event, dismissing earlier doubts over infrastructure and logistical challenges. (kenyanews.go.ke)

Planned Host Cities and Stadiums

The tournament will be played across 10 cities and up to 12 stadiums spread among the three hosts, combining existing venues with newly built or upgraded facilities to meet CAF specifications. (Wikipedia)

Kenya

Talanta Sports Stadium — Nairobi: A new 60,000‑seat stadium expected to host the opening ceremony and several high‑profile matches, including potentially the tournament final. (kenyanews.go.ke)
Moi International Sports Centre — Kasarani, Nairobi: Existing large venue (approx. 55,000 capacity) undergoing final upgrades ahead of AFCON. (kenyanews.go.ke)
Nyayo National Stadium — Nairobi: 30,000 seats, set to host group matches and key fixtures. (kenyanews.go.ke)
Bukhungu Stadium — Kakamega and Kipchoge Keino Stadium — Eldoret: Additional venues set to host group games, expanding Kenya’s footprint in the tournament. (kenyanews.go.ke)

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Tanzania

Benjamin Mkapa Stadium — Dar es Salaam: A 60,000‑seat national stadium likely to host major matches. (Daily News)
Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium — Arusha: A new 30,000‑seat facility under construction. (Wikipedia)
Dodoma Stadium — Dodoma: Another new stadium planned to host AFCON fixtures. (Daily News)
Amaan Stadium — Zanzibar: A revitalised 15,000‑seat venue that will feature fixtures and fan experiences. (Daily News)

Uganda

Mandela National Stadium — Kampala: A major multi‑purpose venue with a capacity of over 45,000 expected to host key games. (Daily News)
Hoima City Stadium — Hoima: Newly completed 20,000‑seat stadium ready for AFCON matches. (Wikipedia)
Akii Bua Stadium — Lira: Another new 20,000‑seat venue helping spread the tournament across regions. (Wikipedia)

These venues reflect a significant investment in football infrastructure across East Africa and support CAF’s aspiration to deliver a memorable continental showcase. (kenyanews.go.ke)

Preparations are being coordinated closely between CAF and the hosts, with infrastructure upgrades, access roads, security systems, accommodation and transport logistics high on the agenda as the region gears up for its biggest sporting event in decades. (kenyanews.go.ke)

The 2027 AFCON promises not just a festival of African football but also a legacy of improved stadiums and facilities, with East Africa firmly on the continental sporting map. (kenyanews.go.ke)

CAF Confirms 2027 AFCON Dates, Reveals Host Cities, Stadiums Across East Africa

Sports

Ronaldo Returns From Absence to Score in Al‑Nassr’s 2‑0 Win Over Al‑Fateh

Published

1 day ago

February 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo Returns From Absence to Score in Al‑Nassr’s 2‑0 Win Over Al‑Fateh

Cristiano Ronaldo marked a dramatic comeback for Al‑Nassr on Saturday, scoring early to help his side secure a 2‑0 win over Al‑Fateh in the Saudi Pro League — his first start since returning from a high‑profile absence. (Soccer News)

Ronaldo, 41, had been absent for three league matches amid reported disagreements with the club and dissatisfaction over how it was being run under the Public Investment Fund, which also owns other Saudi clubs. Media reports said the star was unhappy that rivals backed by the fund, particularly Al‑Hilal, were able to strengthen their squads — including signing Karim Benzema — while Al‑Nassr’s activity in the January transfer window was more limited. (Sky Sports)

On Saturday at the Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium, Ronaldo wasted no time making an impact. In the 18th minute, he met a sharp cross and finished coolly to open the scoring — his 962nd career goal, edging him closer to the historic 1,000‑goal mark. (beIN SPORTS)

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Al‑Nassr controlled the match from there, and Ayman Yahya doubled the lead in the 78th minute to secure all three points and maintain pressure at the top of the league standings. With the win, Al‑Nassr strengthened their bid for the title, sitting one point behind Al‑Hilal. (Gulf News)

The goal was a timely reminder of Ronaldo’s enduring class, extending his remarkable scoring streak across 24 consecutive calendar years and underscoring his value even at an advanced age for an elite forward. (Gulf News)

Ronaldo’s absence in the past weeks sparked speculation about his future at Al‑Nassr, with some reports suggesting that unresolved issues over transfers and squad resources may have prompted his protest. The Saudi Pro League responded at the time by emphasising that “no individual, however significant, determines decisions beyond their own club,” amid discussion about the star’s dissatisfaction. (Reddit)

His return and goal, however, have eased tensions for now, with fans celebrating his leadership and contribution as Al‑Nassr chase silverware and league success. (The National)

Ronaldo Returns From Absence to Score in Al‑Nassr’s 2‑0 Win Over Al‑Fateh

Sports

Salah Shines as Liverpool Beat Brighton 3-0

Published

1 day ago

February 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Mohamed Salah

Salah Shines as Liverpool Beat Brighton 3-0

Liverpool booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield, as Mohamed Salah marked his return to form with a goal and an assist.

Liverpool took the lead late in the first half through Curtis Jones, before Salah set up Dominik Szoboszlai for a superb second goal shortly after the restart. The Egyptian winger then capped his performance by converting a penalty to seal a comprehensive win.

The hosts gradually grew into the contest after Brighton started brightly, with Jones—deployed at right-back and making his first start since January 17—opening the scoring in the 42nd minute. He met Milos Kerkez’s cross and calmly guided the ball beyond Jason Steele.

Brighton threatened an equaliser before half-time, but Alisson Becker produced crucial saves to deny Diego Gomez and Lewis Dunk.

Liverpool doubled their advantage in the 56th minute with a flowing team move. Virgil van Dijk found Cody Gakpo, whose cross-field pass was expertly controlled by Salah before he teed up Szoboszlai to rifle home his 10th goal of the season.

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Despite a triple substitution from Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, the visitors struggled to shift the momentum. Ten minutes later, Salah was brought down in the area by Pascal Gross, and the 33-year-old confidently dispatched the resulting penalty into the top corner for his seventh goal of the campaign.

Brighton’s night summed up a difficult run of form, with the Seagulls having won just two of their last 15 matches, and their inability to convert chances again proving costly.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised Salah’s all-round display after the game.

“It’s great to see him back on the scoresheet,” Slot said. “You almost expect his goals, but what I really appreciate is how much he contributes defensively as well. That’s extremely valuable for the team.”

Teenage substitute Rio Ngumoha thought he had added a fourth with a curling effort late on, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside—a decision that appeared harsh, especially with VAR not in use at this stage of the competition.

The victory followed Liverpool’s midweek confidence boost after bouncing back from defeat to Manchester City, and it underlined Slot’s intent to take the FA Cup seriously this season—having exited the competition early last year with a rotated side.

With a second consecutive clean sheet, improved attacking fluency, and Salah regaining rhythm after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool showed encouraging signs as they continue their pursuit of silverware.