Nigerian Football
Victor Osimhen has told Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag exactly what he wants to hear
Manchester United might have a £100million-plus coin to flip during the summer transfer window as they eye up the next step in their impressive rebuild.
Having allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to leave mid-season, the choice is quite simple for Erik ten Hag and his side moving forward; would they benefit most from having Victor Osimhen or Harry Kane around? In reality with so many factors at play, things will be a little more complex than making it a straight decision.
But as their public chase for Frenkie de Jong proved last summer, there are ways to combat missing out on primary targets. In that case, Ten Hag used the funds put aside for his former Ajax protégé to snap-up Casemiro and Christian Eriksen. Not a bad contingency plan by any means.
When it comes to their impending striker search, question number one for Ten Hag and key figures behind the scenes is do they want a frontman who thrives on running in behind and playing off the shoulder, or one who’s much better suited to dropping deep and, simultaneously, acting as a playmaker.
Osimhen and Kane offer different strengths and Ten Hag will have to tweak his tactical blueprint accordingly if he wins the race for one or the other. Crucially, though, you would expect either to guarantee goals and, in turn, that will take some pressure off the sensational Marcus Rashford.
Although early plans are in place to sign a long-term successor for Ronaldo next summer, outside noise will no doubt play a huge part in United signing their next No.9 in the positional sense. Will those selling clubs play ball and, if so, how much will Scudetto hopefuls Napoli or Tottenham demand for their prized assets?
United can only control so much by confirming their return to the Champions League or by showing just how enticing it would be to be the star attraction for a Ten Hag team. However, even prior knowledge of that was not enough to aid them last summer.
Despite their healthy relationship, Ten Hag did not get that nod from De Jong as he opted to stay put at Camp Nou for (at least) another season. United might be able to learn from that in terms of how long they pursue the top striking targets, but in many ways their market “failure” was out of their hands.
De Jong never truly appeared comfortable on a move and that must be the first requirement thrown towards Osimhen or Kane next summer. Fortunately for Ten Hag, though, the former has already seemingly opened the door when it comes to a potential big-money move, so that puts Osimhen in his crosshairs.
“When you are doing so well, top clubs around the world are watching,” acknowledged Osimhen during a chat with ESPN before leading Napoli to victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Tuesday night. His opener in a 2-0 win was his 20th goal of the season.
In turning home once again on the biggest stage, Osimhen was able to outshine one of the alternative options who have been tentatively linked with United – Randal Kolo Muani – who was dismissed before watching yet another masterclass Osimhen audition conclude.
“I’m focused on Napoli, right now, and they have the final say. I just want to help my team to win matches and win trophies. At the end of the season, we will see what’s going to happen, but that is not up to me. It’s for the club to decide.” That middle sentence will have mostly been music to Ten Hag’s ears.
Despite putting his faith in Anthony Martial pre-season, the United manager has seldom been able to deploy his first-choice striker this campaign due to four separate injury setbacks. That makes it all the more incredible to note what the Dutchman has achieved, and might yet achieve, before the close of play.
Change is afoot in that regard and United will target a long-term successor to Ronaldo and Martial when the market reopens. Osimhen did not exactly issue a come-and-get-me plea with his comments, but they have to be seen as a green light for United and other potential suitors to come calling.
-MEN
By Kunle Solaja.
Nigeria’s planned participation in a four-nation invitational tournament later this month is facing serious uncertainty after a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The Super Eagles were scheduled to compete in Amman, Jordan, from March 27 to 31, alongside Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica, as part of preparations for future competitive fixtures and squad building. But recent geopolitical developments have cast doubt over whether the event can still go ahead as planned.
An official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed to Sports Village Square that the situation is being closely monitored, with security and travel concerns emerging as key factors in deciding the tournament’s fate.
The doubts stem from joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which triggered a sharp escalation in hostilities and sparked retaliatory actions across the region, including reports of attacks and counter-attacks in neighbouring countries.
The unfolding crisis has already led to airspace closures, flight cancellations and broader travel disruptions in the Gulf and Levant, complicating international travel plans for teams and supporters alike.
The Super Eagles had planned to open the tournament against Iran on March 27 at the Amman International Stadium before facing hosts Jordan four days later. However, Iran’s participation itself is now in question as the security situation deepens and Iranian football authorities weigh their options amid the conflict.
The tournament was seen as a valuable opportunity for head coach Eric Chelle to assess his squad in a competitive setting before the next major competitions, which include the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.
Jordan, who will make their own debut at the 2026 World Cup, was using the event to build momentum on home soil, but the escalating crisis places not just Nigeria’s fixtures at risk, but the entire mini-tournament.
The NFF has not yet announced an alternative plan should the tournament be cancelled or postponed.
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Matchday drama unfolded across centres in the Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) as title contenders stumbled, traditional powerhouses flexed their muscles, and the race for continental places tightened significantly.
Rivers United’s grip at the top suffered a dent after a shock 1–0 defeat to Bayelsa United in a tense South-South derby. The slim victory handed Bayelsa a crucial three points while slowing Rivers’ momentum at a critical stage of the season.
The biggest statement of the weekend came from Bendel Insurance, who dismantled Ikorodu City 4–0 in a ruthless display. Insurance were clinical from start to finish, overpowering their visitors and boosting both their goal difference and their standing in the upper half of the table. For Ikorodu City, who had been firmly in the mix near the summit, the heavy loss could prove costly in the long run.
Enugu Rangers also strengthened their position with a composed 2–0 victory over Nasarawa United. The Flying Antelopes controlled proceedings and capitalised on their chances, ensuring maximum points against a direct rival in the race for honours. With Rivers United dropping points, Rangers’ win significantly narrows the gap at the top.
In Aba, Enyimba were held to a 1–1 draw by Kun Khalifat in a fiercely contested encounter. The People’s Elephant had to settle for a point despite home advantage, a result that may affect their ambitions of climbing into the continental qualification spots.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves played out a goalless draw in a tightly fought affair where defences dominated, and clear chances were scarce.
Remo Stars continued their battle against relegation with a 2–0 triumph over Katsina United in Ikenne.
Remo Stars begin redemption course with a 2-0 defeat of Katsina United
Ibadan, Shooting Stars delighted their supporters with a spirited 2–1 victory over Kano Pillars. The Oluyole Warriors demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline to edge the encounter, keeping their push for a higher finish on track.
Sunday Results
- Bayelsa United 1-0 Rivers United
- Bendel Insurance 4-0 Ikorodu City
- Enugu Rangers 2-0 Nasarawa United
- Enyimba 1-1 Kun Khalifat
- Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Warri Wolves
- Remo Stars 2-0 Katsina United
- Shooting Stars 2-1 Kano Pillars
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The race for promotion in the 2025/2026 season of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has gathered momentum, with relegated sides Akwa United and Doma United pushing strongly for an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Both former top-flight campaigners have shown resilience since dropping to the second tier last season. Akwa United currently lead Conference B with a game in hand, underlining their determination to bounce back at the first attempt. Meanwhile, Doma United sit atop Conference C despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sokoto United on Matchday 11.
Southern Conference Delivers Drama
Matchday 11 in the Southern Conference produced thrilling encounters, further tightening the race for promotion.
In Conference A, two away wins, one home victory and a draw defined the round. The headline fixture between table-toppers Inter-Lagos FC and second-placed Beyond Limit FC ended in a goalless stalemate in Abeokuta. The result ensured Inter-Lagos maintained their grip on first place, though Beyond Limit remain firmly in contention.
Elsewhere, Smart City edged Edel FC 1-0, Gateway United secured a similar 1-0 win over Crown FC, while Sunshine Stars boosted their campaign with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Abia Comets. The victories have intensified the competition in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely fought groups in the league.
Conference B: Akwa United Hold Firm
Conference B continues to heat up as teams battle for supremacy. Osun United claimed a crucial 1-0 away victory at Abakaliki FC, while Rovers FC defeated Stormers 1-0 in Calabar.
Despite the pressure from chasing teams, Akwa United remain firmly in control at the summit. With a game in hand, the Promise Keepers are well-positioned to strengthen their promotion bid in the coming weeks.
Conference C: Doma United Stay Ahead
In Conference C, Sokoto United handed leaders Doma United a 1-0 setback, but the defeat did little to dislodge them from the top. Doma remain on 19 points, narrowly ahead of FC Basira, who climbed to 18 points after a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars.
The slim margin between the top sides suggests a tense battle ahead, with every point likely to prove decisive in the quest for a top-two finish.
Conference D: Northern Battle Intensifies
Yobe Desert Stars moved temporarily to the summit of Conference D with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ranchers Bees, taking their tally to 15 points. Jigawa Golden Stars edged Adamawa United 1-0, while Gombe United and Kebbi United settled for a goalless draw.
Promotion Race Wide Open
With each conference producing unpredictable outcomes, the NNL promotion race remains delicately poised. For traditional heavyweights Akwa United and Doma United, the objective is clear: secure one of the coveted promotion spots and return to the Nigeria Elite League.
As the season progresses, the intensity is expected to rise further, with fans across the country watching closely to see which clubs will earn the right to rejoin Nigeria’s top-flight next season.
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