Sports
Osaze Rates Emenike High
Super Eagles forward Osaze Odemwingie has declared that fellow Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike is a huge talent, even though he is short on international experience.
Odemwingie also spoke about forward Obafemi Martins and released CSKA defender Chidi Odiah in an interview with Tidesports said despite what looks like an early battle for form, he can still replicate the form which saw him hit 15 goals in the English Premier League last term.
“In the national team of Nigeria, I have only met twice with Emenike. Obviously, Emenike is a talent and can only get better, but he lacks international experience.
“There was a very funny incident in training. Coach Siasia divided us into two groups.. Suddenly, the coach turns to Emenike: “I heard you are very sharp…Hold the ball, show me!
“The coach set Emenike against five defenders and gave a whistle. Emenike beat all in turn and shot on goal – goalkeeper parried.
“Everyone laughed, because they understood what the coach was looking for.
“He wanted to bring a good example for all: there is safety in numbers; you have to play only by passing. Emenike proved the opposite – it was a small miracle,’’ said Osaze, who says he wishes to continue playing at the highest level for the next five years.
Recently, it was announced that out of favour Nigeria defender Chidi Odiah had been released by CSKA Moscow.
“I feel sorry for him. After all, Chidi was the best defender of CSKA. CSKA won the UEFA Cup and the championship. But the last year and a half he has not been able to build on it.
“A couple of weeks ago I spoke with Chidi. I carelessly said, “You have a contract with CSKA Moscow, you’re probably going to wait for it to end?” So Chidi just exploded. As I understand it, he can change his club. I hope, he finds a club in Europe. Maybe in Russia. Chidi is very fluent in Russian, almost without an accent.’’
On Rubin Kazan forward Obafemi Martins, Odemwingie said: “I saw him in London a few days ago and I asked: “How are you?” “Even better,” he said.
“Obafemi frankly admitted that in the first year in Rubin Kazan, he felt unwell. Then came the injury. Now he is better, I do not exclude that he will continue his career in Kazan.’’
Sports
European Giants Circle For Osimhen
Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race
Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.
Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.
According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.
“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.
“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”
Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.
The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”
It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”
The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.
Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.
His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.
Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.
The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor
Sports
Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
A tennis tournament held in honour of Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT Command, has been described as a major step towards grassroots sports development and youth engagement.
The three-day competition, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, began midweek , last week and ended on Friday, attracting young players across different categories.
On the court, top-ranked player Canice Abua won the men’s singles title after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Lucky Danjuma, who is ranked fourth nationally.
In the boys’ category, Unity Alex defeated Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the title, while Salvation Alex triumphed over Opeyemi Olademeji to win the girls’ singles event.
Odumosu, who marked his birthday with the event, said the initiative was designed to uncover young talent and strengthen the foundation of tennis development in Nigeria.
Sports
W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, opened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 6-0 victory over Generation Next in Abuja as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to shape his squad.
The emphatic win came during a 60-minute friendly at the Goal Project at the weekend, where the Flamingos took control early and led 4-0 at half-time before the match was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain.
Goals were spread across the squad, with Shavih Istifanus opening the scoring inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa in the 10th and 23rd minutes.
Harmony Chidi added the fourth in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before half-time and Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half.
The match forms part of a busy training camp in Abuja, where Busari has invited 36 players as Nigeria step up preparations for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.
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