LIVERPOOL TO LOAN AWONIYI TO GERMAN CLUB

Liverpool are set to confirm the signing of Nigeria youth international Taiwo Awoniyi and reports claim he will be loaned out to a German club immediately the deal is done.

The 18 year-old striker will join from Imperial Academy back in his homeland for an initial fee of around £800,000 that could rise to around £3m with add-ons.

Liverpool have beaten off the likes of Porto and Monaco to land the frontman, who has been likened to Christian Benteke.

Awoniyi has represented Nigeria at youth level from under-15 upwards and already received a first call-up to the senior squad.

Liverpool plan to loan Awoniyi out once his move his completed as he doesn’t yet qualify for a work permit, with Germany his most likely destination. 

MANU: SUCCESS AND IHEANACHO ARE SPECIAL PLAYERS

The man credited with the discovery of Granada Isacc Success and Manchester City Kelechi Iheanacho has termed the duo as special players after their fine performance in Spain and England last weekend.

Success scored for Granada in their 2-1 victory over Getafe in a La-liga game away from home while Iheanacho made his debut  for Manchester City in the English premier league in his team 2-0 win over Watford replacing Raheem Sterling with three minutes left to play.

" I have discovered lots of talented players for Nigeria but for now Success and Iheanacho stand out among the rest because of how rapid they have risen to the top in such a few years , a proof that they are special players" He told Mowizsocer.

Manu went further by saying Wilfred Ndidi is another whose rise to prominence in Belgium playing for Genk gives me joy as well.

" Ndidi isn't getting the praise he deserves look around Europe how many 18 year old central defenders do you have playing for the first team, very few and he belongs to the class".

The coach who lead Nigeria to her third Under-17 title in 2013 in the UAE is confident the Emmanuel Amuneke lead team will defend the title in Chile next month.

MAN CITY MIGHT OMIT IHEANACHO FROM UCL SQUAD

The chances of young Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheancho playing in the prestigious UEFA champions league is almost non existent due to the competition rule on players registration and the large size of Manchester City squad.

Every club participating in the Champion’s League must submit two lists of players to UEFA, List A and List B. List B is for young players and there is no limit to the number of players that can be submitted on that list. List A is for any player not eligible for List B. 

For a player to be eligible for List B the player must be born  in1991 or later and he must have already spent at least two full continuous seasons at the club. 


A maximum of 25 players can be submitted on List A, of which at least 8 must be “locally-trained”, and of those 8, 4 must be “club-trained” and when the signing of Kevin De Bruyne goes through they will now have 25 senior team player including Iheanacho.


However he still might be omitted from the team due to the large size of City squad and he is not yet qualify to be on the B list as he is yet to spend two full season with the big spenders.


Iheanacho surest chance of getting listed is in the event of a player departure from the team and current reports indicates Jason Denayer might be on his way out.

AS ROMA NURA ABDULAHI VOTED BEST DEFENDER

Nura Abdullahi was voted the best defender at the recently concluded Spring Tournament despite his team AS Roma losing in the final 0-2 to Latina.

Abdullahi who joined Roma from the youth team of Serie B side Spezia alongside his Nigeria counter Sadiq Umar received the award at the end of the tournament for his impressive showing where he contributed to his team from his right full back role.

Last season he excelled for Spezia scoring 5 times from his left full back role and he is presently tied to AS Roma on a loan deal till the end of the season which might change into a full contract based on his performance.

However on the strength of his recent showing it is just a matter of time before he get a permanent deal with the Serie A giants.

ELOHOR BUZZING AFTER FIRST BARCELONA APPEARANCE

Nigeria teenager on the books of Barcelona Godswill Elohor is in high spirit after making his frist Barcelona B appearance in over a year no thanks to a long term injury sustained last season after he signed his professional contract.

Elohor played the last 6 minute of Barcelona B team 1-2 loss to Cornella in their first game of the season and took to social media to express his joy at finally burying his injury demons.

The former Barcelona juvenile team captain is highly rated withing the corridors of Barcelona as despite the massive clearout in their youth ranks the 19 year old was kept to help the team gain promotion back to the second division of Spanish football.

Comfortable as a right back or winger he captained the team to UEFA youth league trophy two years ago scoring three times from his right full back role and he will be hoping to make a better impression than the Nigeria duo of Gbenga Okunowo and Emmanuel Amunike who both had unhappy time with Barcelona in the past.

Haruna Babangida also spent four seasons at Barcelona failing to make a single senior appearance before leaving Camp Nou.

RABIU IBRAHIM KEEN ON LEAVING SLOVAKIA

Super Eagles midfielder Rabiu Ibrahim has told mowizsoccer is very much open to the idea of dumping Slovak champions AS Trencin for a move abroad if the right opportunity comes.

"I won't deny if a good offer comes that is acceptable by my club and my agent is okay with it,i will leave, i won't deny am keen to move to central Europe although am grateful and will remain eternal thankful to AS Trencin for the opportunity given to me to relaunch myself" He said.

Rabiu also confirmed this summer transfer window,they have been inquiries for his services but no bid yet.

"They have been some interest but nothing more than that,just teams inquiring about my availability with three days to the end of the transfer window i will not be disappointed  if i remain at Trencin which is like a second home to me".

The one cap Super Eagles midfielder who is re known for his dribbling abilities that has seen people compare him to former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha is confident the Eagles will triumph over Tanzania in next month 2017 AFCON qualifier against Tanzania.

AWONIYI TO JOIN LIVERPOOL TODAY

Nigeria youth International Taiwo Awoniyi will today complete his move to Liverpool after a routine medical ahead of his announcement this evening.

The 18 year old Imperial Academy striker was excused from the camp of the Nigerian Under-23 team to enable him complete his move to Liverpool who will now pay compensation to Kalmar,the Swedish outfit who reportedly sign a pre contract with the Nigerian two years ago.

Awoniyi arrived England yesterday and will put pen to paper on a 5 year deal that will see him join the Nigeria quartet of Jordon Ibe,Seyi Ojo,Ovie Ejiara and Bobby Adekanye on the books of Liverpool.

BESIKTAS WANTS MIKEL

Turkish giants Besiktas are set to open talks with Chelsea over a loan move for their Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel after failing to land their prime defensive midfield target Lucas Leiva of Liverpool.

Mikel have being a bit part player for Chelsea the last 18 months following the arrival of Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas and reports indicates Chelsea will be willing to listen to offers for his services provided they land Paul Pogba of Juventus.

However if there move for Pogba fails to materialise the Blues will keep hold of the Nigerian who is the only recognized holding midfielder in their team and first choice back up to Nemanja Matic.

The Nigerian is the oldest player at Chelsea only second to captain John Terry but he has have to endure rumours of a transfer in the last three seasons whenever the window is open for transfers.

MALMO AND OLIMPIA IN BATTLE OVER BLESSING ELEKE

Nigeria Under-23 invitee Blessing Eleke whose fine form have caught the eyes in the Slovenia top league with 5 goals in 7 games so far have confirmed Swedish powerhouse Malmo and Slovenia giants Olimpija Ljubljana .

The Flying Sports Academy of Lagos product scored 3 goals from 14 games last season for NK Gorica and he is currently the rave of the moment in Slovenia which have caught the interest of scouts,teams and agent.

The 19 year old NK Gorica forward told Nagomanio in a chat he is aware of the interest in his services from the two teams.


"I know that Olimpija and Maribor are interested in me but I know what i want,The only obstacle is the transfer fee due to my team NK Gorica. I trust God. I follow him. For me there is no problem. I can go to Ljubljana, I can go in Maribor,whatever happens and wherever God will take me am ready to give my best " He said to Nogomanio power. 

NIGERIA TEENS HELP WOLVES TO WIN CAPITAL ONE CUP TIE

Nigeria teenagers  Bright Enobakhare and Seyi Ojo were the match winners for English Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers in their 2-1 win over Barnet.

The Anglo Nigerian duo started the game and it was Enobakhare who drew first blood for his team scoring the opener in the third minute after Adam Le Fondre picked up a loose pass and squared for him to tap into an empty net on his professional debut for Wolves.

18 year old Enobakhare who starred for Wolves in pre season games thrice came close to adding to his and his team tally in the first half but poor finishing and sometimes last ditch tackles plus some smart defending from Barnet denied him the chance to.

He was substituted a minute after the half time break to a rapturous applaus from the home fanse leaving Ojo who ended up with the man of the match award at the end of the game with the onerous task of helping Wolves score a second of the game.

Ojo who was the most liveliest among Wolves frontment in the game scored his team second goal in the 58 minutes as a long kick from goalkepper Emiliano Martinez was brilliantly help up by Le Fondre who pulled the ball back for Ojo to send a sweet curler into the Barnet net.

On loan Liverpool teen Ojo alongside Enobakhare were not the only Nigeria on show for Wolves as Dominic Iorfa was introduced as a 73rd minutes substitute although goalkepper Carl Ikeme sat out the game on the bench while John Akinde was a substitute for Barnet.

All of the Nigerians who featured in the game are still eligible for Nigeria at senior level.

SADIQ UMAR IN LINE FOR ROMA DEBUT THIS SEASON

Sadiq Umar who joined AS Roma youth team on loan this season from the youth team of Serie B side Spezia is in line to make his first team debut this season after his impressive showing in training with the first team of the Serie A giants.

The winner of the top scorer award in Italy youth league last season with 29 goals from 26 games has had training sessions with the main team and feelers indicate he might make his debut for the team if not in the Serie A then in the Coppa Italia.

Sadiq told close friends in a chat about how he has being warmly received by the senior players at Roma particularly Edin Dzeko who he views as someone he can learn from due to the Bosnian precise finishing skills.

Yet to be capped by Nigeria at any level, he currently stands an outside chance of making the Nigeria Olympics team.

ENGLAND LIST IORFA,THREE OTHER NIGERIANS IN UNDER-21 TEAM

England Under-20 team who are set to play USA and Norway in two separate friendly games have handed call up to four players of Nigeria descendants.

The quartet includes Wolverhampton Wanderers highly rated Nigeria defender Dominic Iorfa whose father Dominic Iorfa senior played for Nigeria and is currently a seasoned sport administrator in Nigeria.

Iorfa have being earning rare reviews for his performances for Wolverhampton Wanderers but his path to the Nigeria senior National team is blocked by the policy of new coach Sunday Oliseh who has barred players playing in the second division of European leagues from the Super Eagles.

In midfield England named Tottenham Hotspurs last week match winner Bamidele Alli popularly refereed to as Delli Alli who has long made his intention of snubbing Nigeria for England known.

In attack manager Manager Gareth Southgate selected Arsenal on loan forward Chuba Akpom who have being earning rare reviews for his performance for Hull City with Jordon Ibe of Liverpool also named.

Ibe who met with Nigeria manager Sunday Oliseh revealed a month ago that he will decide his international future in 2016.

EYOMA SHINING BRIGHT FOR ARSENAL RESERVES

Aaron Eyoma of Nigeria descendants is by far one of Arsenal best reserve team players so far into this season campaign.

The 17 year old has enjoyed an excellent start to the season and is the only player to feature in all of the U21s and U18s games so far this campaign.

Predominantly a right winger he is also comfortable as a midfielder or right back and the london born showed his progress is no fluke by levelling for his side to help them draw 1-1 with Chelsea.

Eyoma also had a penalty appeal turned down in the latter stage of the game against Chelsea as he was a handful to the backline of the Blues Under-18.

His bright start to the season should earn him a professional contract anytime soon. 

THIAGO IIORI WANTS LIVERPOOL STAY DESPITE WATFORD INTEREST

Anglo Nigeria defender Thiago Ilori who since joining Liverpool has had to endure loan spells away from Anfield has reportedly turned down a move to Watford as he is keen on winning a spot in Liverpool's first team.

Ilori made 12 appearances on loan at Bordeaux  in France Ligue 1 and two seasons ago upon joining Liverpool he was loaned out to Granada in the Spanish La-Liga where he made 9 appearances.

The 22 year old still eligible for Nigeria and England at senior level is a Portuguese Under-21 international who fancy he can make an impression for the Brendan Rodgers lead team if called upon.

He is presently the club fifth choice central defender behind Martin Skrtel,Dejan Lovren,Mamodou Sakho and Kolo Toure with teenager Joe Gomez who is the team regular left full back this season also an option in central defence.

OLISEH HANDS CALL UP TO SEVEN NEW PLAYERS

Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Sunday Oliseh have handed fresh call ups to seven new players in a mini re-shufflement of the home based players currently in the camp of the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of the AFCON 2017 clash against Tanzania next month.

The reshuffle was necessary due to injuries to some players and some were released to be a part of the Nigeria Under-23 team currently in camp preparing for the All Africa Games.

"The preparations have moved into a higher level now," Team Secretary Enebi Achor told thenff.com, quoting Coach Oliseh.  This was after  players were released on Friday to play for their clubs in the weekend's Glo/NPFL fixtures.

"Coach Oliseh has had to reshuffle the team for different reasons mainly owing to injuries and the All-Africa Games assignment of the U23 team. For this reason, seven new players have been called up. The Head Coach has directed that the new players report to the Bolton White Hotels and Apartments in Abuja on Monday, August 24, 2015 with the other players retained," Achor disclosed.

David Obiazo and Nelson Ogbonnaya, both of Heartland FC were released from camp owing to injuries while Oghenekaro Etebo (Warri Wolves) and Kingsley Sokari (Enyimba) were allowed to join up with the All-Africa Games -bound U-23 team also in camp also in Abuja. Heartland's Bright Ejike and Warri Wolves' Lordson Ichull were also released alongside U-23 Team captain Azubuike Okechukwu who has since signed for a club in Turkey.

As replacements, Paul Onobi and Dayo Ojo (Sunshine Stars), Godwin Obaje (Wikki Tourists), Bature Yaro (Nasarawa United), Abdulrazak Abdul (Enyimba FC), Austin Obaroakpo (Abia Warriors) and Okiemute Odah (Warri Wolves) have been called up  

OLISEH: MIKEL DIDN'T TAKE MY CALLS

Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Sunday Oliseh says he omitted Chelsea of England midfielder John Obi Mikel from his list of players for next month AFCON 2017 qualifier game against Tanzania because the 27 year old didn't take his calls.

Speaking at a media parley organised by the media department of the team presently in camp with players from the Nigeria local scene,Oliseh minced no words when asked about the exclusion of John Obi Mikel from his list of 18 foreign players invited for the game.

Oliseh who was at Wembley when Chelsea lost 1-0 to Arsenal in the community shield with a view to see both Mikel and Victor Moses confirmed while he met with Moses after a chat, Mikel didn't pick his calls or replied his message.

"I called Mikel four times no response,sent him an SMS but still no response, I called Victor Moses he picked and we talked" He said

"He even came to my hotel after the community shield game against Arsenal but i never got a call back or message from Mikel until yesterday or so".

ALUKO SNATCHES VICTORY FOR HULL CITY

Omatsone Aluko popped with a late winner to give Hull City a 2-1 win over Fulham in the English Championship.

In a game featuring three players eligible for Nigeria in Moses Odubajo,Omatsone Aluko and Chuba Akpom who was substituted in the 71st minute it was Aluko the more illustrious of the trio that decided the encounter. 

Aluko tip to depart Hull City before the end of the current transfer window popped up Aluko pouncing on a loose ball in an 86th minute scramble to hit a close-range winner as the hosts showed the kind of character required to mount a sustained promotion challenge from the Championship.

The goal was his first goal since the 3rd of December when he scored for Hull City in a 1-1 draw with Everton in a premiership game last season.

However any hope of the man who have 2 goals for Nigeria at full international level from 5 games playing for the Super Eagles again is a distant reality as new manager Sunday Oliseh has ruled out players not playing in top division league abroad away from the national team for now.

EMENIKE,HARUNA BATTLING TO BE FIT FOR TANZANIA GAME

Two out of the 18 foreign based players invited by coach Sunday Oliseh ahead of next month AFCON 2017 qualifiers Emmanuel Emenike and Lukman Haruna are in a race to be fit for the game against Tanzania.

Although Anzhi Makhachkala Lukman Haruna claimed the thigh injury that lead to his substitution in his team 3-  2 loss to Dinamo Moscow in the Premier League on August 8 isn't as bad as initially feared and he is already back in training but reports coming out of Russia suggest he might spend a week or two on the sidelines if fitness test before this weekend game proved otherwise.

On his part Emmanuel Emenike who scored twice for Al-Ain in last week UAE Super Cup 4-2 victory over Al-Nasr pulled a muscle in training that have now made him a doubt for his loan side opening game of the league.

Emenike have had a long battle with his muscle in his past seasons in Turkey with Fenerbache although this time around initial reports indicate he might be out for five or six days although no test have been done yet.

Both players are expected to be in the Nigeria camp four days to the September 8 game against Tanzania in Dar Es Salam.

IKEME: I THOUGHT MY CALL UP WAS A JOKE

Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkepper Carl Ikeme thought he was being winded up by someone when news got to him that he has being called up to the Nigeria senior national team.

“When the message and the phone call came I thought someone was winding me up to start with,” He said.

“I spoke to the coach and it started to make more sense and I realised it was none of my cousins winding me up or anything like that.”

Ikeme who is also eligible for England  said it was a ‘no-brainer’ to accept the call-up as he has close ties to Nigeria.

The 29 year old Wolves man surprisingly dropped for the home game against Hull City on Sunday in favour of Emiliano Martinez made 33 appearances for the team last season picking up several man of the match awards and he is expected to challenge Vincent Enyeama for the Eagles goalkepping gloves which has been in Enyeama's possession since 2002.

BESIKTAS SET TO BID FOR RAHEEM LAWAL

Raheem Lawal who have not being having the easiest of times with the fans of his present team Eskişehirspor over his opened desire to dump the team is reportedly an interest of a bid from Besiktas.

Eurosport Turkey reports Besiktas are set to bid €1.5m for the  Nigeria international and the Black Eagles like Besiktas are called in Turkey will also offer Ömer Şişmanoğlu to Eskişehirspor as part of the deal.

The Istanbul giants are facing an injury crisis in central midfield with Veli Kavlak and Tolgay Arslan both ruled out until the turn of the year.

The Nigeria international midfielder has been closely linked with a move to Roma over the past week following EsEs technical director confirming interest Bahadır Ünalan. 

Ünalan also denied interest from Turkish league champions Galatassary who have also been closely linked with the 25-year-old midfielder.

“There have been no offers from Galatasaray but we do have an offer from Roma and talks are ongoing,” he told Radyospor.

Lawal joined Eskişehirspor from Mersin Idmanyurdu last February for €1 million.

The central midfielder has two assists and two goals in all competitions for EsEs last season where he made a total of 30 appearances .

GLASGOW RANGERS NATHAN ODUWA IN TROUBLE OVER SHOWBOATING

On loan Tottenham Hotspurs forward Nathan Oduwa is in trouble for trying a rainbow flick over the head of an opponent in Rangers 5-1 win over Alloa.

However Rangers boss Mark Warburton insisted show-boating sub Nathan Oduwa meant no disrespect to Alloa – despite his marker accusing him of ‘taking the p**s’ with his flicks and tricks in a 5-1 win at the Indodrill Stadium.

He’s trying to show off. I didn’t even get the chance to speak to him after the game as he just walked off. I’m sure there are other centre backs and left backs that, if he does try that again, maybe won’t let him away with it.’

Warburton said Oduwa’s sheer joy at playing first-team football was behind his exuberance.

‘There’s no lack of respect intended, absolutely not. He’s just enjoying his football. He’s come up to play. It’s frustrating when you’re a young player at a big club, not getting in the first team. You want competitive football.

‘We’ll have a quiet word. He’s a very respectful young guy. I’ve no doubt he’ll make an impression – for all the right reasons.

‘He’s a very talented player. We’ve been chasing him for a long while. He’s come from a terrific academy and did a good pre-season with the Spurs first team.’

Asked about Oduwa’s extravagant attempt to flick the ball over his own head and that of the defender, Warburton smiled: ‘I’m not always a big fan of that! But you’ve got to hope you develop a real talent – and he is a real talent.

Oduwa 18, who created one goal and set up another chalked-off effort late in the game, was criticised by angry full-back Colin Hamilton for trying a ‘rainbow flick’ in the dying moments.

‘I felt as if he was trying to take the p**s,’ said Hamilton, who warned the 19-year-old he could be inviting trouble if he tries something similar against other Championship defenders.

OBAFEMI MARTINS HITS BRACE ON RETURN

Out of favour Super Eagles forward Obafemi Martins returned from a two months injury layoff, to score a brace that propelled his team Seattle Sounders to a 4-0 win over Orlando City.

Martins opened scoring for Sounders after a beautiful interchange of passes between him and Lamar Neagle in the 17th minute and the only minor blip to his overall all round performance, was when he missed a penalty that could have given his team a 2-0 lead going into the break.

However he make atonement for his missed penalty with a sublime finish, dinking the ball over the head of the goalkeeper before jabbing it into the net, ahead of two Orlando City defenders to give his team a 3-0 lead.

He was substituted three minutes after his second goal as he bids his way back into full match fitness, hoping his injury worries are now firmly behind him, to help his team in their quest to have a better season than last time out.

The 30 year old has 9 goals to his name this season, well on course to better his tally of 17 last season and he has once again reiterated his desire to represent Nigeria, under new coach Sunday Oliseh after being snubbed by his predecessor Stephen Keshi.

His last game for Nigeria was a World Cup 2014 qualifier on the 23rd of March, 2013.

UJAH CONTINUES FINE PRE SEASON FORM WITH A BRACE FOR WERDER BREMEN

Super Eagles forward Anthony Ujah ensured West Ham go into their premiere league season opener against Arsenal on the back of a defeat after his brace condemned them to a 2-1 loss against Werder Bremen.

Following their disastrous 2-2 draw against Romania’s Astra Giurgiu in Europa League qualifying, the Hammers led for just one minute of the match after Diafra Sakho’s opener was cancelled out immediately by Anthony Ujah.

It was Ujah again 11 minutes later who provided what would be the winner for the 10th placed side in last year's Bundesliga. 

His first goal was a 25-yard strike from and even though he was a handful throughout,West Ham goalkepper Adrian will be disappointed not to have denied him.

There was no good fortune required for Nigerian Ujah’s second on 31 minutes, as he took a touch to beat Hammers defender James Tomkins and flashed his shot across the goal beyond Adrian

Ujah has been in fine form since the start of pre - season after joining Werder Bremen from Cologne at the end of last season.