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Benfica Teen Sensation Turns His Back On Super Eagles For Ireland

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The Republic of Ireland have stolen a march on Nigeria in the race for the international future of 18 year old Benfica U-23 forward Jaden  Umeh by handing him a maiden invitation to their senior team, OwnGoalNigeria.com.

Born to Nigerian parents in the Irish city of Cork, he is a teammate of another Nigerian in Peter Edokpolor for the U23 of the Portuguese side and was rumoured to be on the radar of the senior national team of Nigeria.

Nigeria chances of luring him has however taken a huge knock as he is part of the seven new players included in the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time for May’s friendly against Grenada.

He began his career with Cork City in the League Ireland, making his debut in November 2023 aged just 15, making him the youngest ever player to make a senior appearance for the club.

Umeh also became Cork City’s youngest goalscorer when he netted against Wexford FC, aged 16 years and 14 days.

He went on to make 15 appearances for the club before joining Portuguese club Benfica in July 2025, where he is currently a member of the U23 squad.

Umeh has represented the Republic of Ireland at U15, U16 and U17 level. He was named in the squad for the 2025 U17 World Cup in Qatar where his performances earned him a call to join the U21 squad.

Now he will get to experience the senior set-up for the first time.

Newly Promoted EPL Side Hand Permanent Deal To Super Eagles Hopeful

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Newly promoted English Premier League side Ipswich Town has confirmed the permanent signing of 30 year old Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom, OwngoalNigeria.com reports .

The forward, 30, moved to Portman Road on loan from Ajax in the summer of 2025, with a permanent move subsequently triggered during the course of the 2025/26 season.

Chuba made a total of 31 appearances throughout the course of the campaign, with goals against Hull City and Oxford United coming in vital victories to help Town secure promotion to the Premier League.

The permanent deal for Chuba, which runs until 2029, will come into effect from 1 July.

He represented England at various youth levels, but formally switched his nationality to Nigeria three years ago. However he hasn’t been called up since the switch.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Catenaccio duel at Emirates and another goalscoring thriller in Munich: who will reach Champions League final?

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The most prestigious tournament in club football is entering its final stretch. Fans are in for the decisive matches, with places in the final and a chance to compete for the title at stake. Follow this link and support your favorites. The best sports betting site 1xBet offers full access to detailed statistics and data on teams’ form – just what you need for responsible gambling.

Arsenal vs Atlético Madrid, May 5

Odds: W1 – 1.686, X – 4.11, W2 – 5.58

The Gunners are the only team that hasn’t lost a single Champions League game this season. They also boast the best defense in the tournament, having conceded only 6 goals in 13 matches. However, the clash at the Metropolitano Stadium exposed a vulnerability on the right wing of Arsenal’s defense: Ben White struggled to keep up with Ademola Lookman’s lightning-fast runs.

Despite this, Mikel Arteta’s men managed to hold on to a comfortable result (1-1) and even had a chance to snatch victory in the closing stages. The referee awarded a penalty for a foul on Eberechi Eze, but after consulting VAR, he reversed his decision, infuriating the London club’s fans and head coach.

Meanwhile, Los Colchoneros’ fans can breathe a sigh of relief – Julián Alvarez’s injury, which led to him being substituted, turned out to be minor. Journalist Gastón Edul has reported that the Argentine will definitely be able to play in the return leg.

The match at the Emirates Stadium is unlikely to differ much from what the teams showed in Madrid. Fans can certainly expect a very cautious style of play, with lightning-fast counterattacks from both sides. Set pieces will also play a major role. Even the slightest mistake could decide the outcome of the tie.

Arsenal and Atlético have already met in London in this Champions League campaign. That game ended in a crushing 4-0 victory for the home team. But a lot of time has passed, the teams’ form has changed, and anything could happen in the decisive encounter.

Bayern Munich vs Paris Saint-Germain, May 6

Odds: W1 – 1.728, X – 4.875, W2 – 4.32

In the first leg at the Parc des Princes, the teams produced a thrilling goalscoring extravaganza that kept the fans on the edge of their seats till the final whistle. Many believe it was the best match of the 2025–26 Champions League, worthy of a final. Anyway, the best is yet to come – Bayern lost the first leg (5-4) but are determined to take their revenge and make it to the final.

The focus of the upcoming game will be on the attacking trio of Díaz, Kane and Olise. Their dazzling play and incredible chemistry are a joy to watch. In the Paris match, Harry Kane scored his 13th goal and came closer to winning the tournament’s Golden Boot, while Michael Olise is one step away from the record for the most assists in a single season.

Paris Saint-Germain’s attack has much to offer in response – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has already scored 10 goals in the Champions League this season and keeps tormenting opposing defenders with his spectacular dribbling. Ousmane Dembélé is in great form too and is capable of turning even the most unpromising chance into a goal. The Parisians’ only concern is the possible absence of their vice-captain and defensive leader, Achraf Hakimi, due to injury.

In any case, fans are in for some dynamic and attacking football. Backed by their supporters, Bayern will push forward to overturn the deficit and secure their place in the final, while Paris Saint-Germain, an official partner of 1xBet, will try to neutralize the home side’s attacking threat with their pressure and quick wing runs.

Use the pre-match analysis provided by the best sports betting site 1xBet, follow this link and bet on your favorites. Support your team with all your heart, but when betting, think with your head.

NPFL: Norway Bound Seun Akanji Picked By Chelle For Super Eagles

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Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle has picked Seun Akanji of newly promoted Nigeria Premier Football League ((NPFL) Sporting Lagos to be a part of his team for the upcoming Unity Cup in London, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

The coach is presently scouting for players in the NPFL ahead of the tournament in London later this month. A tournament he hope to give players based in the Nigerian league a chance.

Chelle was present in person to watch the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super Four in Ikenne. A tournament contested among teams that recently gained promotion to the NPFL.

The coach was blown away by the 17 year old Akanji, who has already agreed a deal to join Norwegian side Lillestroem when he turns 18 later in the year.

Akanji was signed as a 16 year old by the Norwegian side in February fending off competition from other interested parties by signing him early, rather than wait till he reach the approved age for a transfer.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Simon Tasked With Luring His Teammate To Shun Italy For Super Eagles

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The assistant captain of the senior national team of Moses Simon has been given the task of convincing Italy U21 winger Luca Koleosho to commit his senior international future to Nigeria, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Koleosho is a teammate of Simon at Paris FC, where he is on loan from English Premier League side Burnley, and recent reports says he is about to be signed on a permanent deal this summer.

He netted his third goal of the season since his loan move in January over the weekend in their 4-0 win over Brest. A result that further consolidate their chances of achieving a mid table finish in their first ever foray in the French top division.

Born in Connecticut, USA, to a Nigerian father and an Italian-Canadian mother. He is eligible to represent the United States, Canada, Nigeria, and Italy.

The chances of the 21 year old switching his international future to Nigeria is really high at the moment, with Simon tasked with the job by head coach Eric Chelle.

It is expected that an update will be gotten when his club future is sorted out in the summer.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Millwall Winger Femi Azeez Excites Super Eagles Coach Chelle

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Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle is excited at the prospect of having Millwall winger Femi Azeez in his team following his decision to pledge his international future to Nigeria, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Azeez ended the season as one of the best players in the English Championship, with his 11 goals and 8 assists key to Millwall booking a promotion playoff spot by finishing third, narrowly missing out on automatic promotion with just a point.

Chelle sounded out the wingers representative and got a favourable response, and the 24 year old is now expected to be in the Super Eagles team for their upcoming friendly engagements after missing out on the world cup.

The fact that he is two footed and can play in any role in attack has really impressed Chelle , who is said to be excited at the having him in his setup which lacks a player like that.

Already he is tipped to be snapped up by a team in the English Premier League with Brentford, Bournemouth, Leeds United and Aston Villa listed among his admirers.

A move will no doubt be on the cards if Millwall fail to pick the remaining one slot to gain promotion to the English apex league.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

 

Cardiff City Defender Eyes Super Eagles Return After Promotion Success

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Fresh from helping Cardiff City gain promotion to the English Championship Gabriel Osho has his sights set on a return to the senior national team of Nigeria, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Osho made his debut in 2024 playing in the final two qualifiers game of the AFCON, but missed out on selection for the tournament after the appointment of Eric Chelle who replaced interim coach Austine Eguavoen that handed him his debut.

After starting the season with Auxerre in the French Ligue 1, Osho made a shocking decision to return to England and team up with League One side Cardiff City.

The move came as a shock because the 27 year old moved from a team in the top five league in Europe to a third division team in England, but with their recent promotion to the Championship it can be said that the move has worked out.

He is now hoping that playing in the English Championship where many Super Eagles players both past and present have been considered will no doubt put him in the thoughts of the manager.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Let’s Talk – Everton Midfield Star Open Minded On Playing For Nigeria

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The international future of Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam is still up for debate despite snubbing an approach to join the camp of the senior national team of Nigeria for the AFCON in Morocco, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle reached out to the 22 year old to be a part of his team, but Tim insisted on staying at Everton to stamp his feet in the team with his rival Idrissa Gueye away at the same tournament with Senegal.

Yesterday he dropped a top class performance against Manchester City in a shock 3-3 draw. A result that dented the hopes of Man City overtaking league leaders Arsenal in the race for the title.

According to his representative, his client hasn’t ruled out a switch of nationality to Nigeria after representing England and is open to talks about it at the right time.

” At the right time we will talk about it because he hasn’t said no to Nigeria contrary to what you read. When the time is right for all parties involved then we can say let’s talk about it”, he said.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Chelle Blank Plans For Dutch Born Midfielder To Play For Super Eagles

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Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle has turned his back on his pursuit of FC Volendam 22 year old midfielder Gibson Yah, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Yah was top of Chelle’s midfield priority list, and held talks with his father and his representative on having him switch his international future to Nigeria before the AFCON.

Talks were said to be progressing nicely, but his season suffered a setback when he picked up a knee injury that sidelined him from January till the first week of March.

Now fully recovered but still working his way up to full match fitness, Chelle has however decided to walk away from luring him with a source saying it has a lot to do with the attitude of people in the player’s camp.

” There won’t be any new approach to Yah. His people have other ideas for his international career and we have to respect that and wish him the best of career going forward”, he stated.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Fit Again Benjamin Frederick Target Super Eagles Chance

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Nigeria international defender Benjamin Frederick has been cleared to return to competitive football after making a full recovery from the meniscus injury that has kept him out since November, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Fredrick underwent surgery forcing him out of the Super Eagles team for the AFCON, which halted his run of 8 consecutive starts for Nigeria at competitive level.

His return to training is coming close to when his loan deal with Belgium side FC Dender is drawing to an end, meaning he will remain at Brentford till the end of the season.

He is expected to be part of the team for the start of pre season, before a decision will be reached on his next career step. A move away on loan to another team is on the cards with teams already in contact with his representative.

The defender is however excited to be back on the pitch and has his sights set on playing regularly, and also a return to the senior national team of Nigeria although the upcoming friendly games against Poland and Portugal respectively might come a bit too soon.

” It feels good to train and play without pains again. I have missed football and can’t wait to start playing regularly”, he told OwnGoalNigeria.com in an exclusive chat.

On if he is fit enough to return to the senior national team of Nigeria ahead of the above mentioned high profile games, Frederick played down the possibility.

” What I am concerned about is getting into the groove and rhythm of my game. The national team is of course there for me if I play regularly because I have the trust and confidence of the coach and my teammates”, he stated.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman