Head coach of Napoli Antonio Conte is still interested in signing the reigning Africa player of the year Ademola Lookman from Atalanta despite the arrival of Noa Lang, OwnGoalNigeria.com understands.

Conte is keen on having at least two options in every role in the team and sees Lookman as someone who can push for a spot on the left side of the attack, regardless of who is currently occupying the role.

Atalanta are open to the exit of Lookman, but want a fee in excess of €50m for the 27 year old, who has just a year to run on his current deal with the Serie A side. That amount has so far kept suitors away from the Nigerian.

A scorer of double digits goals in three consecutive seasons, Lookman is also pushing for an exit but teams in his preferred destination of England, where Liverpool and Arsenal have been credited with an interest haven’t followed it up with a bid.

Although new coach of Atalanta Ivan Juric will like to keep Lookman, Napoli will tempt his resolve with a cash plus two players likely to be the duo of Cyril Ngonge and Giovanni Simeone in their bid to lower the valuation.

Reports in Italy say Conte will in the coming days meet with the player’s representative before formally approaching Atalanta with a bid for the man , who handed them the Europa League trophy with his hattrick in the UEFA Europa League 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.

Daniel Martins

19 year old Nigerian forward Ebuka Okeke has emerged as the hottest prospect in Czech Republic after making 25 goals contribution in just 21 matches, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Signed from Nigerian academy Collins Edwin by Czech Republic top division side FC Hradec Kralove, he was moved to the U19 team to help him find his feet before a possible promotion to the first team.

He has wasted no time in making his mark at that level with 15 goals and ten assists in 21 matches. A tally that has already alerted other teams in Europe but he will likely be with the first team of his present team.

Hradec Kralove have high hope that he won’t look lost in the top division when he gets elevated to the first team, and they are confident that he will make a big move in the nearest future if he continue to grow at his current pace.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Newly signed Hamburg defender Jordan Torunarigha says he is finding it hard to understand why he has just one senior national team cap for the Super Eagles which came in 2023 , when he agreed to switch nationality from Germany.

Torunarigha represented Germany from U15 to U21 but in 2023, he decided to switch nationality to Nigeria and represented the country of his father in a 2-3 win over Mozambique. His debut came after two games where he was an unused substitute.

He didn’t get another call up in almost two years untill Eric Chelle named him in the squad for the world cup qualifiers games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe respectively, as a replacement for the injured Nathan Tella.

He didn’t get to play in any of the game, something his representative said has left him surprised because in the period of time he has been a regular in Belgium with Gent, before leaving upon the expiration of his contract to join Bundesliga side Hamburg.

” Jordan is surprised just like you are because he has been a regular at club level, which is supposed to be a criteria to be in the national team. It’s a situation that he can’t explain because he has always given his best in training when called up”, he told OwnGoalNigeria.com.

” For him to get another chance then he has to continue working hard particularly at his new club Hamburg. His dream is to make the 2026 World Cup with the Super Eagles”, he concluded.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Newly promoted English Premier League side Burnley have stepped up attempts to sign Nigeria international striker Tolu Arokodare from Belgium side Genk, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

The 24 year old is available for a fee of €25m after finishing as top scorer last season in the Belgium league, but Burnley are confident of signing him below the price proposed by the Belgians.

Arokodare has been linked with a host of clubs, but the Telegraph say the interest from Burnley is the most concrete at the moment, and in the coming days they will likely submit a bid.

Manager Scott Parker wants to bolster his squad for the challenge of playing in the English Premier League and he sees the forward, who has four senior caps and a goal for Nigeria as a viable option.

Only recently the lanky striker switched to a new agent in CAA Base, a move many interpreted as the first step towards his exit from Belgium, where he has spent the last two seasons.

Daniel Martins

Atalanta have completed the signing of 17 year old left back Honest Ahanor from fellow Serie A side Genoa for a fee reportedly in the region of €20m, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

According to football transfer expert Gianluca Dimarzio he will sign his contract today, and will officially be available for pre season training with his new team when they resume preparation for next season.

Born in the Campania region to Nigerian parents, he had his breakthrough last season as a 16 old playing in six Serie A league games after making the step up through the ranks of Genoa, a team he joined at a very early age.

His progress will likely trigger a tug for his international future between Nigeria and Italy as he is eligible for both countries at senior level. He is yet to be capped by both nations at any level.

Ahanor mainly operates as a defender. He specifically operates as a left-back. He is left-footed. He is known for his versatility. He can also operate as a center-back, central midfielder, and winger. He is also known for his speed and strength.

Daniel Martins

Swedish Side AIK Football believe they have found the next big thing in their project following the capture of 18 year old Nigerian attacking midfielder Zadok Yohanna, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Signed from Kaduna based Ikon Allah Football Academy after he was sighted by the team’s scout and recruitment manager Herish Sadi during a scouting tournament in Nigeria early this year, he was given a contract that will run till the summer of 2029.

A natural left footed player who likes to operate in the offensive area of the pitch , he will play with the number 36 at the club as they believe he will emulate the rise and career trajectory of one of their own in Alexander Isak.

It was also the shirt number of one of their legendary forward Henok Goitom, who is presently the assistant coach of the team. There are expectations that Zadok will match or even surpass the players before him when it comes to wearing the iconic shirt.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Former coach of the U23 team of Nigeria Samson Siasia says the agent of John Obi Mikel offered him cash bribe for him to include his client in his team for the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Nigeria finished with silver at the football event of the tournament losing 1-2 to Argentina in the final. Siasia graduated most of players that played for him at the U20 World Cup in 2005 to the team, and like it was at the Olympics they lost to Argentina in the final.

According to Siasia, Mikel was not getting games at Chelsea and his agent offered him cash to include him in his squad, but he turned it down because he already told Mikel that if he doesn’t turn up for the qualifiers against Ghana he won’t include him in his team.

Siasia told Elegbete TV Sports, “Mikel wasn’t a starter at Chelsea then, he was on the bench. I told him we only had one game against Ghana to play – please come and help us.

“I said if he doesn’t come, he won’t go anywhere. But Mikel refused to come, saying he was playing in Chelsea. Nothing happened, we played very well, at the end of the day 0-0, we qualified.

“Going to the Olympics, Mikel wants to come and play. His agent said he would give me €50,000 so Mikel should play.

“I said it’s not about €50,000. He didn’t play the qualifiers, so I will take out someone that qualified us and bring you in? It won’t happen. That’s why Mikel didn’t go.”

Ade Emmanuel

The APFAN Super League has established itself as Nigeria’s top youth league, featuring talented players under the age of 19. With its high standard of play, global recognition, and focus on player development, academic excellence, and community building, the league has become a premier platform for young players to showcase their skills and achieve excellence in both football and academics nurturing Premium football talents.

APFAN Super League is played in the Mainbowl of the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode, Ogun state. In the last 4years, Ijebu has become the bedrock of football in the South West of Nigeria. It houses top academies with its highly

Organized football and maintained infrastructure of well turfed main-bowl and training pitches. Ijebu land also boast of Remo stars Stadium with all its teams, Ebiede stadium and its teams, Seyi Olofinjana’s Imperial Football Club amongst other notable clubs and academies.

*A Platform for Global Talent Discovery*

The APFAN Super League attracts scouts and clubs from around the world, with international scouts scouting the league to identify talented players. The league’s partnerships with scouting agencies and targeted marketing efforts ensure that talented players are exposed to top clubs and agencies globally. In the 2025 season which kicks off July 25th, APFAN expects at least 2 sets of international scouts and sporting directors to attend the league, in addition to numerous scouts and partners watching remotely.

Over 20 players who participated in the league have gone on to play professionally globally or represent Nigeria’s national teams, including the U17, U20, and CHAN Eagles. 4 players from the APFAN SuperLeague member clubs recently represented Gold medal winning Ogun State football team in the just concluded National Sports Festival.

This years edition would witness visits from Top Nigerian coaches including age group National Team representatives.

*Benefits for Clubs and Academies*

The APFAN Super League and Super Cup offer numerous benefits to clubs and academies, including:

– *Player Development*: Rapid development for players in a competitive environment

– *Quality Content*: Matches are live streamed and also recorded offline ensuring instant monitoring and Top-quality videos for teams

– *Scouting and Discovery*: Global platform for player discovery and signing

– *Professional Experience*: Players build their careers playing high-stakes, tension soaked games every weekend and midweek

– *Club Organization*: Strict adherence to FIFA rules and EPL standards improves club management standards

– *Increased Player Value*: Global visibility and accessibility increase player value

*A Commitment to Excellence*

The APFAN Super League is committed to maintaining high standards and quality in all aspects of the league. From thorough team screening to strict adherence to FIFA rules and regulations, the league ensures that players, clubs, and academies are provided with a fair and professional environment to compete.

*About APFAN-OG*

The Association for Proprietors of Football Academies, Nigeria – Ogun State Chapter (APFAN-OG) is a registered body of owners, founders, and executive management of Football Academies in Nigeria. APFAN-OG’s objectives include grooming top football talents while ensuring academic excellence, ensuring the wellbeing of young players, and safeguarding and defending academies.

It’s run by all member academies. It is worthy to note that APFAN-OG membership and its competitions are opened to clubs and academies across Africa.

The APFAN Super League is the best private league in Africa, providing a platform for young players to develop their skills, showcase their talents, and achieve excellence in both football and academics. Join the league today and be part of the future of African football!

Website: www.APFANOG.ng

Email: [email protected]

IG: ApfanSuperLeague