NIGERIAN YOUNGSTER JOINS MANCHESTER UNITED TOUR SQUAD

United State of America Junior international Matthew Olosunde who is of a Nigerian father has joined Manchester United in their pre season training in the United State of America.

The 16 year old New York Red Bulls defender is popularly referred to as Matt by the press in the USA and has been part of the USA junior squads since he was 13 and is expected to be part of their squad at the U-17 World Cup in Chile in October.

He can play in the centre of defence and as a right back but started his career as a winger and he is training with Manchester United with the hope of impressing the coaching staff of the English based giants lead by Dutchman Louis Van Gaal.

Olosunde really arrived last December when he joined the U.S. U-17 team in a Nike U.S. Friendlies team. accepting to switch role from forward/midfielder to defender, then starred in games against Portugal and wins against England and Brazil.

Whether as a vibrant attacker or perfectly placed defender, Olosunde continues to make his mark as a dream builds. World Cup performers fight for words to describe the experience of playing for one’s country against the planet’s best soccer players.

He is still eligible for Nigeria at senior level even though he has over 10 caps for the junior teams of the USA.

ESTORIL DENIES MONACO INTEREST IN ESITI

The president of Estoril has moved swiftly to deny French giants and big spender Monaco are interested in Nigeria midfielder Anderson Esiti.

President of the Portuguese side Tiago Ribeiro said the alleged interest of Monaco and Sporting Lisbon are no more but speculations as they are yet to receive an offer for the newly capped Nigeria midfield powerhouse.

"There is nothing concrete,there were only approaches by some clubs but there was no bid for Esiti" He told the media in Portugal.

Esiti joined Estoril from Leixoes last summer and made 17 appearances in the league however his best performances was in the Europa League where he reportedly caught he eyes of a lot of European teams.

ANDERLECHT CONFIRMS LOAN DEAL FOR IMOH EZEKIEL

Belgium giants Anderlecht have moved swiftly to replaced Alexsander Mitrovic who left for Newcastle United by agreeing a season long loan deal for 21 year old Nigeria striker Imoh Ezekiel.

Ezekiel a firm fan favourite at Anderlecht rivals Standard Liege where he spent the last six month on loan  from Al-Arabi of Qatar reportedly agreed to stay in Belgium despite interest from other European countries as he will be eligible for a Belgium passport by the time his current loan deal expires.

The Nigerian has high hopes of moving to the English Premier League in the nearest future and a Belgium passport will help him beat the work permit red tape rule as he will be treated as a player from an EU member association.


Anderlecht announced his signing on their websites and social media and the player himself posted his delight at moving to the team via twitter and he will be hoping he help them have a nice run in UEFA European competitions this season.

Spurs Extends Deal Of Nigeria Youngster

18 year old Joshua Onomah who is of Nigerian parents has extended his stay with English premiership giants Tottenham Hotspurs till the summer of 2019.

Onomah was handed his senior Spurs debut last season against Burnley in the FA Cup by manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The Spurs boss then took Onomah on the club's post-season tour of Malaysia and Australia, with the midfielder featuring in both the club's matches.
 
A regular for Tottenham's Under-21 side, Onomah made 16 appearances in the Under-21 Premier League last term and captained the side which reached the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup.

Onomah will be looking to kick on at White Hart Lane next term and firmly break through into the club's first team.

And in Pochettino he appears to have a firm fan after being handed a long-term deal.

Onomah has represented England at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level.
 

AARON SAMUEL BRACE RESCUES TEAM FROM DEFEAT

Super Eagles forward Aaron Samuel appeared to have put behind his failed move to CSKA Moscow of Russia as he scored twice to help his team Guangzhou R&F draw 2-2 Guizhou Renhe in a Chinese Super League game.

The want away forward reportedly agreed personal terms with Russia top team CSKA Moscow but his team failed to agree on a fee with the Russians costing him the chance to move away from China.

Aaron scored twice in six minutes in the 70th and 76th minute to put his team 2-1 up after they have gone behind to a Ricardo Santos opener in the 62nd minute but his team were denied all three points when Xavier Chen scored with two minutes left to end the game 2-2.

He was on the score sheet for the fourth time this season and a consistent goal scoring run will aid his chances of staying in the Super Eagles team following the appointment of Sunday Oliseh who replaces Stephen Keshi,the man that gave the 21 year old his senior national team debut.

AKPOM FEELS HE IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ARSENAL MAIN TEAM

After Arsene Wenger said he was not going to send Chuba Akpon on loan this season, the young striker says he feels he’s ready to make the step-up at Arsenal.

Having already outgrown youth level football, it’s all about the first team now and Akpom, having signed a new contract earlier this year, wants to make the breakthrough at Arsenal.

“I’ve been at Arsenal since I was six years old, so that’s a few years and I really want to stay here," He told Arsenalplayer.

“This season could be a big season for me and with a lot of hard work it could be a breakthrough season for me. The main thing is to stay here and I think the loans have helped me gain experience. I’m just getting better every time.

“It was a good team performance but it was even better to get a hat-trick. I’m just hoping I can carry on my form for the rest of the pre-season and take it into the season.

“You’ve got to give 100 per cent because you don’t get this chance often, so when you get it you have to make the most of it.

“Hopefully the boss has seen that I’ve been working hard in training, that I’ve been working hard on the pitch, and hopefully I can get more game time in the season.”

AKANJI MAKING GIANT STRIDES AT FC BASLE

Little known Nigeria teen Murphy Akanji is slowly gaining inroads into the first team set up at top Swiss side FC Basle after impressing in a pre season game against Germany's Bayern Leverkusen.

He started alongside Argentina's veteran defender Walter Samuel and the 19 year old Swiss Nigerian held his own against the Bundesliga team attackers and even though they conceded he set up his team second goal that gave them a 2-1 win.

The game was his first for the team since he joined them from Winterthur in April after impressing their scout he signed a three year deal with the option of a further year with Basel after playing 24 games for Winterthur in the fourth division last season.

Akanji will be hoping to keep up his superb showing in pre season to help convince the coaches to give him a look in ahead of their campaign in the UEFA champions league this season.

Highly rated in Switzerland he has already played for the country's Under-21 side but still qualifies to play for Nigeria at senior level. 

OMERUO OUT AS 4 NIGERIANS MAKE CHELSEA PRE SEASON TOUR SQUAD

English Premiership Champions Chelsea yesterday arrived Canada for a pre season tour with four Nigerians in their team but there was no spot for Super Eagles first choice defender Kenneth Omeruo.

Omeruo who has been on loan since joining Chelsea four seasons ago was not considered good enough by manager Jose Mourinho ahead of the defence of their premiership title defence but Victor Moses who spent the last two season on loan and Obi Mikel whose future is also in doubt made the trip.

Youngsters of Nigeria descendants Ola Aina and Dominic Solanke were also included in the Blues team that will travel to New Jersey to face the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday, July 22 at their 25,000-seater home stadium before a clash against PSG in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, July 25.

Mourinho's side will then head to Washington D.C. to take on Champions League winners Barcelona on Tuesday, July 28.

ANDERLECHT MAKES FRESH BID FOR IMOH EZEKIEL

Belgium top division team Anderlecht have made a new bid for Al-Arabi forward Imoh Ezekiel in a bid to conclude talks over his transfer before the commencement of the UEFA Champions league qualifiers.

Anderlecht made the offer via a teleconference with Al Arabi and the Qatari club immediately showed interest in the talks by asking them to up their bid and if that is done a deal will be swiftly agreed.

The deal Mowizsoccer reliably gathered will see the 21 year old join the club on a season long loan deal just the way he did with Standard Liege in the second half of last season.

Although Anderlecht are set to lose striker Alexandre Mitrovic,Ezekiel is not seen as his replacement but some reports claim Portuguese giants FC Porto wants Mitrovic and Ezekiel but will loan the Nigerian back to Anderlecht.

Ezekiel on his part has reportedly set his mind on a move to Anderlecht despite reported interest from other teams who were alerted to his availability after he revealed he is not going back to Qatar.

ELOHOR SURVIVES BARCELONA CLEAR OUT

Despite a huge clear out of most of most of it's B team players Spanish giants Barcelona are set to retain the services of 20 year old Nigeria full back Godswill Elohor who was last season promoted to the B team.

Barcelona B team were lst season relegated to the third division of Spanish football after a poor campaign in the second division but Elohor was out injured for the entire season and was subsequently omitted from their players rooster for the season.

He made his return from injury few days to the end of the season and featured in some end of season friendly games but the former Barcelona Juvenile skipper is now set to push for a place in the B team when their campaign gets underway starting with pre season on Monday.

Although the club has trimmed down most of their B team players by selling some off permanently and others move on loan Elohor alongside Wilfrid Kaptoum,Pol Calvet and Campins are expected to be among the experience bunch of B team players when pre season starts on Monday.

Elohor has already commence preparations for the campaign as he posted a video on social media of himself training hard on the beach ahead of the start of pres season on Monday.

OLABIYI MAKES DEBUTS FOR HOUSTON DYNAMO IN MLS

Barely 24 hours after his move to Houston Dynamo was made official former Enyimba of Aba midfielder Rasheed Olabiyi made his debut for his new team in the MLS as they secured a 0-2 victory away at San Jose Earthquakes.

Olabiyi replaced Alexander Lopez in the 79th minute and had a feel of what it takes to play in the MLS and will particularly be pleased he was on the pitch when Will Bruin scored his side second goal of the game two minutes after his introduction.

The 24 year old spent last season on loan at hometown club Shooting Stars from his only other club in Nigeria Enyimba International of Aba and after few weeks of training with Houston Dynamo he was offered a deal by the MLS outfit.

 He has been a vital part of Enyimba’s midfield in the past years helping them win six trophies which includes the Nigeria Premier League in 2010, three FA Cups (2009, 2013, 2014) and two Super Cups (2010 and 2013).

SOLOMON AND NWOKOLOR MOVE TO SIBENIK ON LOAN

Theophilus Solomon and his Nigeria counterpart at Croatia side HNK Rijeka David Nwokolor have both resume training with second division team NK Sibenik on loan for the rest of the season.

They will be hoping to help the team gain promotion to the top division where both players had a feel off last season although at different teams.

Solomon had an unhappy one season loan at NK Zadar although injuries and working with six coaches in 10 months reduced his appearances he still manage to score 4 times from the 14 games he played with the highlight been a hattrick against Zagora in the cup.

Highly rated and once close to joining Juventus as a 16 year old few years ago he turned down top division team who wanted him on loan to join Sibenik as he feels he is guarantee a regular run at the newly promote team.

Nwokolor was second choice goalkepper at Rijeka and despite not getting to play he was ever present in their match day squad all season long as they finish second and qualified for the UEFA champions league qualifiers.

MONTPELLIER INTERESTED IN FRIDAY EZE

After looking like he is set to stay one more season in Serbia Friday Eze is reportedly on the radar of Ligue 1 side Montpellier over a transfer this summer.

The 22 year old agreed a deal with Nantes but his team priced him out of a move with their demands of over 2 million Euros transfer fee and Eze's demand of 200,000 Euros yearly pay.

Sevilla in Spain,Hannover in Germany and Hapoel Tel Aviv all reportedly failed with a bid for the player who emerged as the top scorer and most valuable player in the just concluded Serbia league.


Montpellier will be hoping to succeed where the above mentioned team failed but if reports is anything to go by Eze might spend a season extra in Serbia as Vovjvodina are set to sign him if they progress to the group stage of the Europa league.

MBAKOGU: CARPI REJECTED JUVENTUS AND NAPOLI ADVANCES

Newly promoted Serie A side Carpi rejected Juventus and Napoli approaches offer for their top scorer Jerry Uche Mbakogu and they will only consider selling the forward after a season in the Serie A.

Napoli were initially told the 22 year old will cost 800,000 Euros but Carpi later informed them he is no longer for sale forcing them to end their interest.

However if reports is anything to go by Juventus will make a move for the Lagos born forward base on how he performs in his first season in the Serie A as he is closely under watch by director Giuseppe Marrota who oversees transfers for the Turin giants.

EXCLUSIVE: DETAILS OF SUNDAY OLISEH CONTROVERSIAL FOREIGN ASSISTANT

Much has been made about Sunday Oliseh who is close to becoming the new Super Eagles coach bringing in a foreign assistant to assist him when he eventually takes the job.

While the Nigeria Football Federation in their statement claimed he is a Dutch, Mowizsoccer can however revealed he is a Belgian who goes by the name Jean Francois Losciuto who is originally from Liege in Belgium where Sunday Oliseh started his career.

No real fact about his footballing career but he holds a UEFA coaching license and his relationship with Oliseh saw them work together at RCS Vervietois a fourth division team in Belgium before he move ahead to join RFC Liege another fourth division team as Sport director.

Oliseh opted to have him as his trusted assistant according to reports due to his knowledge of Africa football as he has coached Ange Noste in Togo and handled Rwanda's Rayon Sport and lastly at AS Yennenga of Burkina Faso who were champions of the league when he handled them

However he has his on fair share of controversy as the Belgian dumped his Rwandan side Rayon sport after two months under the pretense of going back to Belgium to attend to family issues only for him to move to AS Yennenga of Burkina Faso few week later.

The club almost sued him and he was forced to issue a denial before finally moving to the Burkina Faso based side however Nigerians will be hoping his experience help the Eagles in their quest to bounce back to reckoning by firstly qualifying for the 2017 AFCON cup of nations.

OLISEH ACCEPTS EAGLES JOB WANTS AGU AS ASSITANT

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh widely favoured to pick up the vacant managerial job of the Nigeria senior national team has reportedly asked for long time friend Alloy Agu and a foreign assistant to be a part of his technical crew if he is to accept the job of the Super Eagles.

Contrary to some reports in the Nigeria media the football house of Nigeria are presently not negotiating with any foreign technical adviser to replace Keshi who was sacked over incident bothering on his alleged application to coach the Ivorian national team aside others that include naming a non league player on the substitute bench in Nigeria 2-0 win over Chad in an Africa cup of Nations 2017 qualifiers. 

However according to reports gathered by Mowizsoccer talks are already at an advanced stage and Oliseh is few details away from replacing Keshi as coach of the Super Eagles after the Nigeria Football Federation accepted his demand of bringing in Alloy Agu as goalkepper trainer and a foreign coach to assist him.

Oliseh we also gathered was approached by the NFF president Amaju Pinninck in Novemberlast year when Keshi was firstly fired but he declined to take the offer and presently Pinnick who is away in Canada attending a seminar on Women football will meet with Oliseh only if the former Super Eagles captain commits himself fully to the job.

Pinnick will reportedly meet with Oliseh in London and the few details remaining in Keshi's contract is expected to be thrash out ahead of his imminent announcement and unveiling as coach of the Super Eagles this month. 

MUSA SCORES FOR CSKA MOSCOW IN PRE SEASON FRIENDLY WIN

Ahmed Musa warmed up to the start of the new season in Russia scoring the second goal as they secure a 4-1 win over Khimki in a pre season friendly.

Musa scored his side second goal in the 5th minute after Giorgi Milanov has given his team a 3rd minute lead with Roman Eremenko and Pontus Wernbloom completing the rout.

Last season Musa scored 10 goals from 30 games for the team in the Russian league and in the process earned himself a new deal with the Moscow based outfit.

The last season goal tally was his second highest after the 2012/2013 season when he scored 12 times from 28 games and the 22 year old is widely tipped to replace Vincent Enyeama as captain of the Nigeria senior national team if the Lille goalkepper is stripped off his captaincy following a dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

EZE MIGHT STAY IN SERBIA

Friday Eze who was heavily linked with a move away from Serbia is now willing to stay in Serbia and will most likely join Vojvodina if they progress to the next round of the Europa League on Thursday when they host MTK Budapest of Hungary.

Already the Serbia top scorer and most valuable player for last season has had bid for his services rejected by Mladost Lucani notably from Nantes of France with Bundesliga side Hannover and Spanish La-Liga outfit Sevilla also failing to land him.

It is reported the 22 year old wants an annual salary of 200,000 Euros and Mladost also wants a further sale option and a transfer fee of over 2 million Euros which has so far stall any move away to a top European side.

Eze who is represented by the duo of Lazar Mitic and Duzan Vujacic has already being advised by the duo to move to Vojvodina and stay a season where he will get to play in the Europa League if they get to progress to the group stage.

However is move is reportedly tied to the club's progress in the Europa League but the deal can still be reached as he enters the final stage of his career with Mladost Lucani.

EZEKIEL WANTS ANDERLECHT MOVE TO GET BELGIUM PASSPORT

Imoh Ezekiel is reportedly close to joining Andelecht of Belgium from Al-Arabi of Qatar as he prefers a stay in the country to help him secure a Belgian passport that will aid his dream of playing in the English Premier League in the nearest future.

Ezekiel favours a move to remain in Belgium as he will become eligible for a Belgian passport in 2017 as then he will complete a working five year stay in Belgium that guarantees a passport after missing out on one in 2014 when his application was refused.

According to an Al-Arabi source who spoke to Voetbalkrant on the condition of anonymity,the 21 year old Nigerian has already sign for a new club on Tuesday from the three clubs reportedly chasing his signature.

The source revealed that the Nigerian will join either FC Porto or Anderlecht but certainly not Locomotive Moscow.

Reports from Belgium monitored by Mowizsoccer indicates he might however sign for FC Porto who will in turn loan him to Anderlecht in a move that will help Porto land Anderlecht Serbia forward Alexandre Mitrovic on  a cheap.

WATFORD BATTLING ASTON VILLA TO GRAB APKOM ON LOAN

Arsenal teen striker Chuba Akpom is reportedly a target for English Premiership sides Aston Villa and newly promoted Watford who want the England youth international on loan.

Akpom highly rated by Arsenal have had loan spells in the past the latest being at Nottingham Forest where he spent the last six month of last season although he is back at Arsenal having pre season training it is widely expected he will be sent on another loan to boost his confidence.

Manager Arsene Wenger is well stocked in the attacking area and can't guarantee him regular playing time although the manager loves using youth team players in the Capital One cup and prefers loaning them when Arsenal are eventually knocked out a move to a premiership team might change his stance.

At a point in time he was reportedly rated the fastest player at Arsenal and he is their record goal scorer at that level where he scored 15 times in 23 appearances.

AKPOM CHANGES SQUAD NUMBER AT ARSENAL

Arsenal youngster Chuba Akpom has swapped his number 38 jersey number for a number 32 as the gunners pre season training begin to hot up.

Akpom who last season signed a new five year deal at Arsenal spent the last three months on loan at English Championship side Nottingham Forest where he failed to score a goal in the 7 games he played for the team.

Highly rated at Arsenal he has however made only four senior appearances for Arsenal in all competition but despite that North Londoners still had to fend off competition from Liverpool to sign the 19 year old on a new deal.

He wasn't the only player who has changed jersey number in pre season with the Gunners as right full back Hector Bellerin also dumped his jersey number 39 of last season for number 24 recently vacated by Abou Diaby.

ODUAMADI HEADING TO TURKEY

Fringe Super Eagles forward Nnamdi Oduamadi is close to joining a team in Turkey acording to reports as his present club AC Milan are currently studying a proposal from an unnamed team in Turkey.

Mowizsoccer gathered the 24 year old who has 12 months to run on his current deal with AC Milan will be sold out rightly after several loan spell that yielded little or no result.

The Lagos born forward has been on the books of AC Milan since 2010 but have only played five minutes of competitive football for the Rossonieri.

He has endured loan spells with 5 different Serie B team making 81 appearances and scoring 5 goals in the process and he was heavily tip to remain in the division but he is now prime for a move away from Italy in a bid to resurrect his career.

Oduamadi posted a cryptic message on social media to further confirm he was moving to Turkey by saying he wish recently transferred Super Eagles forward Emmanuel Emenike is still in Turkey.

IMOH EZEKIEL TO DECIDE BETWEEN PORTO AND ANDERLECHT

Nigeria  and Al-Arabi of Qatar forward Imoh Ezekiel will later today make a choice about his next destination but reports indicates he will either join FC Porto or Anderlecht.

The 21 year old has already made his decision and an announcement will be made public very soon with reports saying he narrowed his options to just two.

Locomotive Moscow of Russia were reportedly close to signing the Nigerian forward who spent the final half of last season on loan with Standard Liege in Belgium but they failed to satisfy the conditions demanded by his Qatari owners.

Ezekiel whose move to Anderlecht was reported as dead was revived by the player himself who spoke with Al-Arabi and succeeded in convincing them to dump middleman Mogi Bayat who was commissioned by the team to help broker a deal involving Ezekiel but suffered a breakdown in relationship with the club hierarchy.

FC Porto are reportedly keen on his services as well after selling Jackson Martinez to Athletico Madrid and they will be hoping he chooses them ahead of Anderlecht although Standard Liege are reported waiting on the wings,Ezekiel wants Champions league football which the other teams guarantees.  

SANI EMMANUEL ON TRIAL WITH BOSNIA CHAMPIONS

Sani Emmanuel who finished as top scorer at the 2009 Under-17 World cup hosted by Nigeria is currently training with Bosnia champions FK Sarajevo hoping to earn a deal that will see him join the team who recently signed  former Nigeria youth international Harmony Akande.

Akande formerly of AC Milan signed for SK Sarajevo yesterday joined the team after an unhappy spell at Hoverla in Ukraine and Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel last season.

On his part former Lazio starlet Emmanuel last season had an unhappy time at Israeli side Beitar Jerusalem playing once before moving to Swedish second division team Oskarshamns where he scored just once from the five games he played.

Emmanuel will be hoping his latest effort to get his career off to the potential he displayed in 2009 materialise if he gets to sign a deal with the Bosnian champions as his youth team colleague and My People Fc teammate Eddy Ogenyi Onazi has long establish himself as a star both for his team Lazio and the Nigeria senior national team.

METZ LOAN OUT POPOOLA AGAIN

Former 36 Lions midfielder Sodiq Popoola has being loaned out to Belgium second division side Seraing United once again by his French division two side Metz.

Popoola who appeared 28 times on loan for Seraing last season was loaned out alongside Ghanaian forward Kwame Nsor for the entire duration of the 2015-2016 to help them get game time following Metz relegation from the French Ligue 1.

The pint size midfielder joined the team in 2012 on a two year deal with the option of a further 4 year deal based on performance but he has so far failed to make inroads into the main team of Metz.

The 20 year old a one time Flying Eagles invitee has however been a steady performer for the second team of Metz in the last two seasons playing 12 times with a goal in his debut season and 24 times with 2 goals before his loan move to Belgium.

IMOH EZEKIEL CLOSE TO JOINING LOKOMOTIVE MOSCOW

It appears Imoh Ezekiel will next ply his trade in Russia as recent reports indicates he is close to joining Lokomotive Moscow from Al-Arabi of Qatar.

The 21 year old Ezekiel called up by Nigeria olympic team in preparations for their qualifiers against Congo was widely tipped to stay in Belgium where he played on loaned last season with Standard Liege but Anderlecht were rumoured to be his preferred option.

However the breakdown of his move to Anderlecht lead to speculations about him moving to either FC Porto or probably another loan spell at Standard Liege but recent developments suggest otherwise.

AL-Arabi of Qatar are already resigned to losing the forward they signed last summer as he has made it clear he is unhappy in the Gulf nation.

If Ezekiel moves to Lokomotive Moscow he will be the third Nigerian to play for the team following in the footsteps of Osaze Odemwingie and Obinna Nsofor who both turnd out for the team at different intervals in their career with varying degree of success.

NPFL WRAP: SUNSHINE MAINTAINS TOP SPOT IN NIGERIA PREMIER LEAGUE

Akure based Sunshine Stars are still the top team in the Nigeria premier league after 16 round of matches as a 1-1 draw away to Lobi Stars helped them stay top ahead of next weekend games.

Sunshine Stars were on course to pick all three points  away in Makurdi against Lobi Stars after Tunde Adeniji gave them a 64th minute lead but Obioma Arinze drew the home team level five minutes later to end the tie 1-1 a result that keeps the boys from Akure top.

Enyimba would have snatched top spot from with a victory at home over city rivals Abia Warriors in the Aba derby and they were well on course to do so after recovering from going a goal scored by Ndifreke Effiong to go 2-1 up thanks to Christian Obiozor and Daniel Etor but 10 minutes from time Michael Olaha ensured his team have a share of the points with a goal that brought the scores to 2-2 and keep Enyimba second on the log.

Wikki Tourist stay third after a 1-1 draw with Dolphins in Porthacourt despite finishing the game with 10 men, they took the lead through Mubarak Umar and Peter Ambrose sending off proved costly after Victor Ezurike scored from the spot to help his team to a 1-1 draw however Champions Kano Pillars got back to winning ways with a 1-0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors to move one spot up to 9th on the table.

Other results includes Ifeanyi Ubah beating Shooting Stars by a lone goal and Giwa stayed 4th on the log after a come from behind 2-1 win over Heartland Fc of Owerri while Bayelsa United and Akwa United who both secure 2-0 victories over Warri Wolves and Enugu Rangers respectively also had a weekend to remember.

Kwara United picked up their first point in three games with a 0-0 draw away to FC Taraba which compounded the Jalingo based team relegation worries same as Shars whose season woes was deepened with a 0-0 home draw with Nassarawa United.

ROMA COACH CONFIRMS SADIQ AND NURA TRANSFER

Roma's Primavera Alberto De Rossi has confirmed that highly rated Nigeria duo of Sadiq Umar and Nura Abdullahi will join the Italian giants this summer.

Alberto De Rossi whose team faced the Nigerian duo while they were at Spezia last season praised them shortly after the game where the they combined to deny his team a spot in the last eight of the Primavera Championship.

"Nura has speed and an incredible ability to turn defence into attack from his right full back role in a flash while Sadiq physicality reminds me of our own Tallo at his best (Roma B Ivorien Striker)" He said after the game.

That same game convinced the coach of the abilities of the duo and as revealed by Mowizsoccer they will next week undergo medical and be unveiled as players of AS Roma for a combined fee of 3 million Euros.

Plucked from Football Academy Abuja they are expected to challenge for a spot in the first team of AS Roma in a not too distant future with Sadiq 26 goals from 27 games a testimony of his abilities last season while Nura scored 6 times from his full back role when they both turn out for unfancied Spezia in the Primavera.

ROMA TO ANNOUNCE SIGNING OF SADIQ AND NURA NEXT WEEK

Spezia duo of Sadiq Umar and Nura Abdullahi are few details away from joining Serie A giants according to a source close to the players.

"Yes negotiations are already very advanced they should join the team next week all that need to be done is already done' He told Mowizsoccer.

Also reports monitored by Mowizsoccer in Italy also can confirm they are already been sent congratulatory messages from their fellow teammates at Spezia wishing them well at Roma.

The players who were born and brought up in Kaduna moved to Italy 18 months ago through Football Academy Abuja (FAA)  and while striker Sadiq Umar emerged as goal king in the Italian youth league popularly refereed to as Primevera with 26 goals right full back Nura Abdullahi was a threat in attack and defended well to the admiration of all.

Abdullahi scored six times from his full back role and picked up over 8 assists to emerge as one of the best young full backs in Italian youth division.

Roma reportedly paid 3 million Euros for the duo who are yet to sign professional terms with Spezia.

CSKA MOSCOW SET TO UNVEIL AARON SAMUEL

According to a trusted voice on Nigeria players abroad Muyiwa Lawal Russian giants CSKA Moscow are set to unveil Super Eagles forward Aaron Samuel as their latest signing.

Samuel who presently plays for Guangzhou R&F in China was reportedly close to joining the team in January but the move broke down due to issues not revealed although sources close to the deal claimed both parties couldn't agree on a transfer fee.

However some other sources opined the injury picked up by the Nigerian at the start of the Chinese season lead to the collapse of the deal.

Muyiwa Lawal who has broken news of so many Nigerian players switching clubs reports the 21 year old will be unveiled today.

He didn't give the length or worth of the contract the Nigerian will sign or amount due to his Chinese side who signed him last year from Sarpsborg 08 of Norway.

DEREK OSEDE LEAVES REAL MADRID FOR BOLTON

Derek Osede is set to complete his move from Real Madrid to English Championship side Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer.

The 22 year old is reportedly in Lancashire to undergo his medical and will become manager Neil Lennon third signing of this summer transfer window.

Already they have  sign goalkeeper Ben Amos and striker Gary Madine and manager Lennon who voiced his desire to sign a defender has finally gotten his wish according to reports sourced by Mowizsoccer. 

Osede has never made a first-team appearance for the Spanish giants but has played several games for both the B and the C side at the Bernabeu.

Interest in the ex-Spain Under-21 international this summer with Nottingham Forest, Blackburn Rovers and Wolverhampton Wanderers all reported to have interest in the player at some point during the summer.

He has featured for Spain at youth level but pledge his allegiance to the Nigeria senior National team this year. 

OFFICIAL: HEARTS AGREE DEAL TO SIGN JUWON OSHANIWA

Manager of Scottish Premier League side Hearts Robbie Neilson has confirmed the club's capture of out of contract Nigeria left full back Juwon Oshaniwa.

The 24 year old  who was at last year World cup with Nigeria refused to extend his deal with relegated Israeli side MS Ashdod and if the word of Hearts manager Neilson is anything to go by he is already a player of the club on a three year deal after he was granted a work permit by the home office.

“We’re hopeful of getting something done in the next few days" .He told Edinburg News.

“We had to get a work permit sorted out and that’s now been cleared by the SFA, which is great. It opens the door for us to try and get him in.

"It’s now just a case of trying to get him in the country. You can’t say it’s signed, sealed and delivered until he’s actually here, but he’s keen to come and we’re desperate to get him, so hopefully we can get something tied up.

"He’d be a real coup for us. He knows the club. His agent already has a couple of players at the club and he’s spoken to them about us so he wants to come. If we can get him, it would be fantastic.”

“There’s been a lot of hard work put in by myself, Craig Levein, John Murray and his agent. The whole club has been desperate to get him in, speaking to lawyers and things like that. 

OFFICIAL: JOEL OBI JOINS TORINO ON THREE YEAR DEAL

Serie A giants Inter Milan have sold midfielder Joel Chukwuma Obi to Torino for a fee reportedly worth 2.3 million Euros on a three year deal.

Obi have been at Inter-Milan as a professional since 2009 but has failed to be an integral part of the team but was loaned out in 2013/2014 season to Serie A side Parma where he made 8 appearances and last season upon his return he managed just 11 appearances in the league but ended up scoring his first professional league goal.

His move to Torino have ended speculations about his future as he was heavily linked with a move to the Middle East during the winter transfer window.

At Torino he will be hoping to have more games that will aid his case to be considered for selection by handlers of the Nigeria national team.

LOCOMOTIVE MOSCOW,FC PORTO AND ANDERLECHT IN FOR IMOH EZEKIEL

A three way battle for Nigeria striker Imoh Ezekiel has taken off with Locomotive Moscow,FC Porto and Anderlecht all hoping to take the forward away from Al-Arabi.


Even his last season loan side Standard Liege are hoping of having him on a season long loan as well but latest reports indicates FC Porto who sold top striker Jackson Martinez to Athletico Madrid are eyeing him as a replacement for the departed forward.


Russia side Locomotive Moscow are however hopeful of landing the striker as well as they are in a strong financial position to agree a deal with his Qatari owners Al-Arabi who are already resigned to losing the 23 year old despite signing him just last summer.


Nikolay Maunov president of the Russian side is willing to sanction a deal for Ezekiel as early as this week leaving Anderlecht and Standard Liege with little or no chance of signing the Nigerian.


However Standard Liege are hopeful of a swap deal between them and Qatari side Al-Arabi as the Middle East team want their forward Paul Jose M'poku as well.

ARMENIAN CHAMPIONS SIGN UP NIGERIA STRIKER

Pyunik of Armenia who won the league in the country have added bite to their attack with the signing of 21 year old Nigerian Jeremiah John ahead of their campaign in the UEFA champions league qualifiers.

 The club announced on their official social account that John Jeremiah signed a contract with the club officially but failed to give details about the worth and duration of the deal.

He has in previous seasons turned out for Mika,Gagra and Zestafoni and last season in the same league he scored twice in 6 games and after a short trial match against Alashkert where he scored one goal and put up an all round impressive display he was snapped up by the team.

Last night Pyunik recorded their first UEFA Champions League victory since July 2007, although their place in the second qualifying round is far from secure after José Hirsch's 71st-minute reply for ten-man Folgore. 

WOLVES SET TO SIGN AMOEBI ON LOAN

Sammy Amoebi who was reportedly close to joining Cardiff City on loan is reportedly heading to Wolverhampton Wanderers after he signs a new deal with Newcastle United.

Ameobi's current deal expires at the end of this month and he would be free to join another club, but the 23-year-old is expected to sign a new deal and then be farmed out on loan.

A host of clubs, including Real Sociedad, Crystal Palace and West Brom have expressed an interest in Ameobi, but the former England Under-21 international has opted to stay at St James' Park.

Newcastle are thought to be willing to send Ameobi out on loan next season so that he can play regular first-team football and the news has alerted several Championship clubs.

Cardiff were hoping to land Ameobi on loan, but it appears Wolves have stolen a march on their Championship rivals by making a move to bring the winger to Molineux.

Wolves boss Kenny Jackett sees Ameobi as an ideal replacement for Bakary Sako after the Mali international left the club upon the expiration of his contract.

Ameobi has scored four goals in 66 first team appearances, including a loan spell with Middlesbrough during 2013.