Nigerian Football
One goal at a time, the dream continues for Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen
CHIBUOGWU NNADIEGBULAM – AIPS MEDIA
Victor Osimhen is currently living a dream in Italy – one that is bigger than him. On his lanky shoulders rest the hopes of the football-crazy southern city of Naples, which is holding its breath for a first Serie A title in 33 years.
THE DREAM CONTINUES Earlier on Sunday, I stumbled upon a scarf amid countless Maradona items in a souvenir shop in the Spanish Quarters of Naples that read: Osimhen 9 – The dream continues. At night he confirmed it with a blistering goal against Roma. The Diego Armando Maradona stadium was in awe and I felt proud and honoured to have witnessed the goal-scoring prowess of a compatriot that is turning heads across the football world.
SUPERB GOAL Osimhen first raised his hand in anticipation of Kvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cross, and when it came, after beating three defenders, he claimed the ball with his chest, brought it down to his thigh before blasting it beyond Rui Patricio and into the roof of Roma’s goal. It seemed like I could even hear the sound. It was unstoppable. A much needed heat on a chilly Sunday night. The goal itself and the confidence with which Osimhen executed it were simply mesmerizing. Even Roma coach Jose Mourinho got to personally praise Osimhen for the “amazing goal”.
Ten times the stadium announcer shouted “Victor!” and each time the sold-out crowd responded with an “Osimhen!” that reverberated around the stadium. I felt goosebumps. It was his 14th league goal of the season, his fifth in four consecutive matches. He is scoring for fun and could become the first African to finish as top scorer in the 125-year history of the Italian topflight. He is also poised to succeed George Weah – the only African player to win the Ballon d’Or – as the African with the most Serie A goals.
SOUGHT-AFTER Osimhen is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe at the moment and according to Mourinho, “if one day I’m in a club with a lot of money, I’ll buy him”. Rumours say Manchester United are in front of the queue, but Luciano Spalletti remains focused on making history with Osimhen. After the 24-year-old scored a brace and registered an assist against Juventus a few weeks ago, Spalletti said: “Osimhen is such a great striker. The potential he has is scary, I’m excited to see what he can do in the future. He still has a remarkable amount of room for improvement.”
INCREDIBLE SUPPORT On Sunday night, it was also scary when Osimhen needed medical attention twice. Thank goodness it was nothing serious. He would be substituted a minute after El Shaarawy equalised for Roma in the 75th minute. His job on the pitch was done and for the remaining minutes he was an incredible supporter from the bench. Then substitute Giovanni Simeone ensured victory for the hosts in the 86th minute.
A LEADER Even during the celebrations at the end of the match, Osimhen was a leader. The joy and jumps of triumph were a beauty to behold. This was my first time in Napoli, first time at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, first time watching Victor Osimhen live in a stadium and I am glad it did not end any other way.
“HE NEVER STOPS” I did not get to speak to Osimhen after the game for reasons beyond my control, but seeing how much he is loved and appreciated was satisfying. Osimhen is the name on everyone’s lips. “He is a warrior, he never stops,” a fan said to me. I approached another Napoli supporter who was walking with his son towards the entrance of the stadium and at the mention of “Victor Osimhen” his shy kid smiled.
Osimhen has had his low moments. After becoming Napoli’s marquee and most expensive signing in the summer of 2020, he could only manage 10 goals and three assists, from 30 games in his debut season was riddled with injury, suspensions and coronavirus-related problems. The following season he suffered a horrendous facial injury but still went on to win the best Under 23 player of the season and was Napoli’s top league scorer with 14 goals. And this month, he received the Globe Soccer’s Emerging Player of the Year 2022 award.
MARADONA In Napoli, Diego Maradona is worshipped, after he led them to “the promised land” in1986/87 and 1989/90 – the only times they have ever won the Serie A title. Maradona’s number 10 jersey is still very popular and even on matchdays they are hung beside those of the current players. But Osimhen seems to be building his own legacy in this Italian city that has be likened to the one in which he was born and bred, Lagos.
NAPOLI LIKE LAGOS A Nigerian fuji singer, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma captured the similarities of Napoli and Lagos in his song “Napoli Like Lagos”. Osimhen used the phrase for one of his intial tweets on July 31, 2020 after he was announced as a Napoli player. I have come to see some as well, especially the busy and chaotic lifestyle that defines both.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Osimhen was born in Olusosun, one of the poverty-stricken slums in Lagos and he never forgets his humble beginnings of playing football without boots. The world first took notice of his brilliance at the 2015 Under-17 World Cup in Chile where he clinched the Golden Boot and Silver Ball awards as the Golden Eaglets won the title. He was 16 years old at the time and scored a tournament-record 10 goals, which eventually earned him Africa’s Youth Player of the Year award for 2015.
With the 2-1 win over Roma, Napoli now have 53 points from 20 games and are 13 points clear of second-placed Inter Milan.
-AIPS Media
Rivers United head coach and technical manager, Finidi George, has praised young defender Ochiobi Elias following his outstanding performance in the club’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture on Wednesday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
The left-back, who played the full 90 minutes, was instrumental in helping Rivers United maintain a clean sheet, marking one of his most confident outings since his promotion to the senior squad.
Finidi, visibly impressed after the match, revealed that his decision to give Elias a full game was driven by trust in the player’s potential, despite his limited minutes earlier in the season.
“I think he did well. Normally, we should have been bringing him in gradually — maybe 15 minutes before giving him a 90-minute match,” Finidi said. “But I trust him, and I’ve spoken to him. He should be relaxed, calm down, and play his football.”
The coach also highlighted a near-miss moment when Elias came close to scoring late in the game, a chance Finidi felt could have crowned his stellar performance.
“I think today he would have scored a goal at the last moment, but he still wanted to square the ball, look for somebody,” Finidi added. “I’m quite happy with his performance, and we will keep encouraging him to do better. I am very, very pleased.”
Elias, a product of the Rivers United youth team that won the NPFL Youth League in 2024, has been gradually integrated into the first team under Finidi’s guidance. His performance on Wednesday is seen as a major step forward in his development and a sign of his growing confidence.
The youngster is now expected to retain his place in the squad as Rivers United travel to Aba this Sunday for a crucial NPFL clash against Enyimba.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Strategic partners of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the President Federation Cup, GTI Group, have congratulated the football governing body on the successful hosting of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last weekend in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a press statement issued on Friday in Lagos, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, lauded the NFF Board under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau for the smooth conduct of the AGM and the significant progress made in Nigerian football development.
According to Ekejiuba, the Ibadan meeting reflected Gusau’s commitment to engaging stakeholders and strengthening unity across the football ecosystem.
“GTI Group congratulates the Nigeria Football Federation on the successful outcome of its Annual General Meeting held in Ibadan, which the President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, used the occasion to demonstrate his commitment to engaging positively with football stakeholders, including state football associations, clubs and fans,” he said.
“His interactions with the various groups at the AGM showcased his impactful leadership and dedication to promoting Nigerian football and fostering a collaborative environment.”
Ekejiuba also highlighted the Super Falcons’ recent achievements and the growth of domestic competitions, particularly the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), as key milestones recorded under Gusau’s leadership. GTI serves as a strategic partner of the NPFL, supporting its structural and commercial transformation.
The statement further expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for their hospitality and support during the AGM. Ekejiuba noted the governor’s commendation of the improved standard of refereeing in the NPFL under the administration of Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye.
However, GTI also used the opportunity to express disappointment over the early exit of Kwara United and Abia Warriors from the CAF Confederation Cup, urging Nigerian clubs to raise their competitive standards on the continental stage.
“It is unfortunate that both Kwara United and Abia Warriors crashed out at the preliminary phase of the CAF Confederation Cup last weekend. This clearly shows that Nigerian clubs must raise their game in order to compete favourably,” the statement read.
“The future remains bright, but that is why GTI has been calling on Corporate Nigeria to invest more in our football, just as is done in thriving leagues across the world.”
Ekejiuba also extended words of encouragement to Remo Stars and Rivers United, who are still flying Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Champions League.
“We encourage them to dig deep and remain focused to ensure successful campaigns. They should give Nigerian football fans something to cheer this season because we understand how demanding continental competitions can be,” he concluded.
GTI Group reaffirmed its continued commitment to working closely with the NFF to advance football development, promote professionalism, and attract sustainable investment into the Nigerian game.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has queried Warri Wolves following reports of the suspension of their head coach, Aluma Napoleon, faulting the club’s failure to comply with established procedures for contracting and registering technical officials.
In a letter titled “Notarization and Registration of Contracts” and signed by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league body directed the Delta-based club to regularize all contractual documentation with its technical and management staff in line with NPFL regulations.
The NPFL’s letter stated:
“Information reaching us from the media space suggests that the Delta State Sports Commission has suspended your head coach, Mr. Aluma Napoleon, with immediate effect.”
Citing Sections B, Articles 6 and 11 of the NPFL 2025/26 Framework and Rules, the league reminded Warri Wolves that all clubs are required to submit notarized contracts of their officials for registration and record purposes.
“You are, however, in breach of these sections as Warri Wolves FC have not submitted the contracts of its officials to the League Board. You are hereby requested, within twenty-four hours of receiving this letter, to submit all relevant contracts of your technical team, including that of the assumed suspended head coach, Mr. Napoleon Aluma, to the NPFL Secretariat,” the letter warned.
The NPFL further cautioned that failure to comply could lead to sanctions, including restricting Warri Wolves’ technical crew from accessing the bench in subsequent league matches.
“Note that failure to comply with this instruction will lead to the restriction of your technical team from accessing the technical area in future NPFL matches,” the league stated.
In a related statement to NPFL Media, COO Davidson Owumi stressed that the Warri Wolves case was not isolated, adding that all clubs yet to register the contracts of their technical officials must do so without delay.
“I must admonish all coaches to get hold of their contracts and lodge a report with the NPFL when there is a violation of the terms. It is the responsibility of the aggrieved to petition the league at all times,” Owumi emphasized.
The NPFL has been tightening administrative controls in recent seasons to ensure transparency, professionalism, and adherence to contractual obligations across all participating clubs.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
BREAKING: At last FIFA’s Axe falls on South Africa!
- World Cup1 week ago
South Africa to Appeal FIFA Ruling Over Mokoena Eligibility Case
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Super Eagles Set for Double Friendly Showdown with Venezuela and Colombia in USA
- World Cup1 week ago
Sport Minister Orders Probe into SAFA over Bafana’s Costly Points Deduction
- World Cup6 days ago
FIFA Sanction on South Africa Offers Super Eagles a Lifeline — But a Lesson from History Looms
- CAF Confederation Cup1 week ago
Asante Kotoko End Kwara United’s Confederation Cup Campaign in Abeokuta
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Two penalty appeal lost as Flying Eagles stumble at first hurdle
- World Cup4 days ago
Super Eagles Walk Tightrope as Nine Key Players Risk Suspension in World Cup Qualifiers