Coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr has intervened in the potential transfer of Nigeria international winger Samuel Kalu From Bordeaux to Galatasaray, Owngoalnigeria.com understands.

Kalu is keen on leaving Bordeaux after an unhappy spell last season and for now Galatasaray are the only team pushing to sign him after he gave them the go ahead to speak with the club.

Bordeaux are not opposed to allowing him leave as he doesn’t fit into the plans of the manager but they will prefer a deal that will see him leave permanently rather than the loan deal proposed by Galatasaray.

The idea is to use the money from his sale to invest in other parts of their team but that move has been placed on hold following the intervention of coach Rohr.

Rohr has spoke with Kalu and told him not to be in a hurry to make the move to Turkey as he will prefer him to remain in mainstream Europe which will aid his development more.

The intervention by the coach has slowed down talks on the proposed transfer to Turkey but a move away from Bordeaux it’s still very possible before the end of the current transfer window.

Daniel Martins 

Relatively unknown German-Nigerian forward Emmanuel Iyoha made the headlines yesterday in the German second division with a spectacular goal for Holstein Kiel in their 2-0 win over Dynamo Dresden.

22 year old Iyoha who is on loan from Bundesliga side Fortuna Dusseldorf cracked home a superb effort from the left side of the box of Dynamo Dresden a minute into time added on for what was the opening goal of the game.

The goal was his tenth of the season despite the fact that he has operated more as a winger this season with only two appearances as a striker all season long.

He has represented Germany at various youth level ranging from U19 to U21. The last of his involvement with the youth team of Germany came on the 21st of March last year .

For now there is no report of interested in his services from Nigeria and at the age of 22 he is no where near the plan of Germany at senior level. All that could change if his performance earns him a move to the Bundesliga soon .

Ade Emmanuel

As the transfer window hots up in Europe, a host of Nigerian players will no doubt be involved in the act of moving from one club to another.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman takes a look at five Nigerian players who are expected to make big money move before the end of the current transfer window.

Victor Osimhen – The Lille forward is already Napoli bound as first reported by this portal. The burial of his late father is the reason why the move was held up. He will move for a fee in the region of 40 to 50 million euros. A remarkable rise for someone who was signed for around €12 million in the summer of 2019.

Dennis Emmanuel Bonaventure – Last summer he struck a short terms deal to play a season more at Club Brugge and he was promised a move this summer if a bid that matches his valuation is lodged. Reports has it that Newcastle United has be made him one of their prime target once the planned take over of the club is completed. A fee of around € 30 million is what many believe he will command .

Sadiq Umar – A €1.75 million signing in January from Roma after Partizan Belgrade triggered the option of a buying him permanently in his loan deal. He has proved to be a shrewd bargain with 17 goals and 16 assists and the club have placed a €15 million fee on him. Report suggest they will get at least 12 million euros from one among the 13 teams chasing his signing .

Chidera Ejuke – There is a lull in news about his departure but that doesn’t mean he will be staying at Heerenveen. Presently his representatives are studying three offers from teams in France, Italy and the Netherlands. A decision will be made before the end of the current transfer window if any of the interested party pay the €12 million Heerenveen want for the player they signed for €2 million around this time last year .

Moses Simon – He only recently move to Nantes on a permanent deal and even though they claim he will spend a season with them. Many believe his permanent signing from Levante after a productive loan spell is to strengthen their bargaining power when it comes to trading him later in the transfer window .

Rennes, Lyon and Marseille have all indicated interest in Simon who is also keen on a move particularly to a team that is playing in European cup games or a team with the potential to play there sooner than later.

Barring a last minute change of decision former Nigeria U20 coach Ladan Bosso will replace Salisu Yusuf in the Super Eagles technical crew, owngoalnigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Yusuf has served his suspension for getting involved in a bribe for spot scandal and was given the all clear to return to the team by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) but the Minister for Youth and Sports Sunday Dare blocked the plan.

Dare who according to Pinnick two weeks ago will have to approve the return of Yusuf to the team made it clear to the NFF that it will be counter productive to the image of the team if Yusuf is allowed to return to his job.

His decision have ended the hopes of Yusuf returning to his job leaving the NFF with no option but to appoint Bosso who is presently the most senior coach on the file of the football body .

He originally applied to be given the U20 job and he was one of the favorites but he will now moved up the ladder to the Super Eagles as assistant to Rohr and also coach of the CHAN Eagles.

Bosso will also likely handle the U23 team in tandem with Joseph Yobo if the plan to keep him as assistant to Rohr materializes as expected.

Osas Mahawi 

Santa Clara left fullback Zaidu Sanusi says he has been contacted by coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr.

Sanusi has enjoyed a brilliant first season in the Portuguese first division and with Rohr keen on more options at left back he had emerged as a key target for the Franco-German coach.

In an exclusive chat with Owngoalnigeria.com, the 23 year old said he was contacted by the coach before the lockdown that was brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

“ Yes I have spoken with Rohr. The contact was made before the break caused by coronavirus. It was brief discussion that went very well and I’m excited to be considered but I have to continue to work hard”, Zaidu said .

On his preferred position, he explained that he started his career as a winger but can comfortably play as a central defender or left full back pending on where he is deployed for the good of the team.

“ I have played in two different roles in the last two games. The last one I was deployed at left back. I started my career as a winger but these days I can also played as a central defender. I don’t mind where I’m played as long as it’s for the good of the team”.

Osas Mahawi 

Santi Cazorla a teammate of Nigeria international forward Samuel Chukwueze has leaped to the defence of the wing forward over his performances this season.

Chukwueze hasn’t hit same height like last season but appears to be back to his best with his display in their first two games following the restart of the Laliga which was halted due to the coronavirus crisis.

Two former African footballer of the year in Samuel Eto’o and Frederic Kanoute have in the last few days urged the Nigerian to do more if he want to reach the peak of his career .

Speaking in reaction to their comments , Carzola who mentored the 21 year old at Villarreal when he had his breakthrough season said he has done well considering where he is coming from.

“ At this stage of his career he doesn’t need to listen to all comments . Most will bare their minds on him because he is in the spotlight now. Personally he has done well but at this age he has to keep improving “, Carzola said in an interview monitored by Owngoalnigeria.com.

“ When You consider where he was two years ago and where he is now that’s a whole lot of progress that many don’t have at this stage. He has to keep improving and not listen to comments from all”.

Michael James

First choice goalkeeper of the senior national team of Nigeria Francis Uzoho is facing a key decision on his next career move with his loan spell in Cyprus coming to an end .

His loan deal with the champions of Cyprus Omonia Nicosia will terminate on the 30th of June and scoops gathered by Owngoalnigeria.com has it that they are keen on retaining his services.

Even though he made just five appearances before injury while on international duty with Nigeria ruled him out of the season , the club believe he will be useful to them when they compete in the UEFA Champions League Qualifiers next season.

However, his parent owners Deportivo La Coruna will want the goalkeeper to sort out his future with one year left to run on his current deal at the club else he will walk away for free next season.

On their part a decision on his spot in the team for next season isn’t made yet as their main focus is to beat the drop to the second division, they are however open to handing him an extension to strengthen their hold on him.

“ No decision yet but Omonia want him and he will also love to return but we should remember that it’s also the choice of Deportivo La Coruna. His contract issue need to be solved before a decision can be made. It’s not straightforward “, a member of his representative team told Owngoalnigeria.com.

Daniel Martins 

Coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr has given a hint on how he intends to properly utilize new Super Eagles forward Cyriel Dessers.

Rohr handed a call up to the Heracles forward who finished as top scorer last season in the Netherlands but he was unable to make his debut as the back to back AFCON 2021 game against Sierra Leone was cancelled.

Despite that Rohr insist the forward is still high up in his plans and detailed how he intends to bring out the best out of the forward who is linked with a move away from Heracles.

“ Dessers did very well last season and he now has his chance. It’s the same for every player of Nigeria. He will add something in our attack because he scores lot of goals”, Rohr told Owngoalnigeria.com.

Dessers on his part is according to several reports in Belgium close to joining Genk where he will team up with the Nigerian duo of Stephen Odey and Paul Onuachu who are the top two attackers of the team.

A transfer fee is yet to be agreed by both parties but talks have progressed nicely the past few days with Heracles demanding €6 million for the 18 goals forward.

Ade Emmanuel 

A football kit sponsorship means a substantial investment by a sponsor in favor of your team. Any form of sponsorship can take your football game to the next level. Consider the financial benefit especially in an economy where football may not be a priority.

Governments allocate meager resources to football teams and transparency and accountability of football associations compound the problem. Furthermore, the football scene has hundreds of teams from the grassroots level to the international leagues competing for sponsorship. This is how to clinch a football kit sponsorship deal.

The Value of a Football Kit Sponsorship

Football kit sponsorships bring in lucrative benefits that change the tide for a team. Players often get low pay in return for their unfailing passion for this popular game can earn more. Other perks like the following depend on the age of players and their professional level:
• Education scholarships for top and needy players
• Better visibility for the team
• Extra funds to purchase resources like tracksuits, balls, nets and team’s vehicles
• Access to professional coaches

How to Identify Prospective Sponsors

As you lay down your sponsor hunting strategies, knowing your target prospects should rank high on your plan. While performing your due diligence settle for companies that can carry the sponsorship deal to its culmination.

Confirming the financial health of your target benefactor is paramount when prospecting. Pitching to a financially unstable company or one with integrity issues will prove a waste of the team’s time and resources in the end.

You can send your proposals to individuals and companies like the following:

• Enterprises operating within your team’s base area
• Health and fitness companies that deal with sports’ related services and products
• Franchise companies with clout in the sports’ world
• Start-ups that need exposure
• Government departments offering sports grants and sponsorships
• Family and friends who own businesses
• Online based enterprises with an offline presence like Onlinecasinosports.com

How to Reach Out to Potential Football Kit Sponsors

If no company has approached your team yet, consider drafting a sponsorship proposal letter to drive your sponsor seeking campaign.

• Identify the contact person

Do not address your dealership concerns to your target company’s receptionist. Instead, target the management personnel of the company such as the directors. This will require you to do due diligence on the company, and possibly explore your connections that can help you reach the right person in the company.

• Draft formal correspondence

Despite the informal nature of football, any official communication with a potential sponsor must be formal and professional. Create a formal contract, preferably with the company’s logo. The contract should answer an obvious question from a potential sponsor: what’s in it for me?

A formal contract will capture what you are willing to offer, and what you expect of the sponsor. It will also protect your agreement in case your benefactor thinks of opting out of the deal before its completion. This comes handy in solidifying any verbal promises made by the sponsor.

• Include a comprehensive proposal letter

In addition to the formal contract, attach a letter introducing the team and giving a brief on the team’s history. The letter should highlight the team’s vision and achievements. This will substantiate your written reasons for your need for the company’s support. This formal letter forms an initial step of recorded contact with your sponsor, so give it your best shot.

• Set up an appointment

Even though we live in the digital era, using emails and cold calling to seek out prospective sponsors must not happen. Companies receive numerous notes of such a nature and yours, just like the rest, will end up in the spam folder and straight to the bin.

Never underrate the power of human interaction in the sports world. So, find out the company’s location and visit in person to set an appointment and to pitch your sponsorship proposal.

• Connect on social media

The masses that comprise your ardent fans keep your social media pages active. You can leverage these platforms to reach out to sponsors you wish to impress and to break the ice. Furthermore, a sponsor hopes to gain advertising mileage from your football kits. The marketing team especially for a sports’ related company, will see great possibilities from the many likes and followers on your social media pages.

• Design a sample football kit

To weigh in on your proposal, you can design a sample of a football kit integrating the benefactor’s logo and brand colors. Remember that a football kit sponsorship does not necessarily mean a new wardrobe for the team. It means you have kit space on sale. You can bank on your team’s popularity to merchandize by offer advertising space on your kits to companies for a fee.

Final Take

With determination, professionalism, and good business sense, you can spice your football kit sponsorship proposal and get your team the support it deserves.

As many as five players of the senior national team of Nigeria are facing uncertain future at their various teams in Europe with the season grossly affected by the Covid 19 pandemic.

Owngoalnigeria.com takes a look at five players who are at a cross road per their club career despite the fact that they are senior Internationals for Nigeria.

Oghenekaro Etebo – Last season Stoke City player of the year left the club under a cloud in January to joins Laliga side Getafe. So far he has made 8 appearances but talks of making his signing permanent took a hit with the coronavirus crisis. Any potential deal for him could rest on the team qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.

Ahmed Musa – Made a big money move to Saudi Arabia shortly after impressing for Nigeria at the World Cup in Russia. However while he made the type of money many dreamed off, his form and stock took a big hit in the recently concluded season.

Booed by the fans after he returned from injury and didn’t hit the heights he set for himself in his first season, it’s safe to say his days at the club are numbered and that has already made him to begin his search for his next career destination.

Leon Balogun – The 31 year old could be on the lookout for a new club as early as on the 20th of June with his current deal at Brighton and Hove Albion set to expire and there has been no talks over an extension to his stay at the club.

Impressed during a brief loan spell at Wigan Athletic, his time in England hasn’t gone as planned and in few days time he will no doubt be on the move to where he is sure of getting game time.

Maduka Okoye – Made the news about a proposed move to Spartak Rotterdam last month but all is quiet on that front for now. His contract at Fortuna Dusseldorf will expire in the summer with the club no keen on offering him fresh terms.

The 20 year old will be hoping to sort his future out as soon as possible to retain his spot in the national team of Nigeria.

Henry Onyekuru – In 2017 he was the talk of the press in Europe but fast forward to 2020 and he is at crossroads. Not wanted at Monaco and while he has impressed on loan to Galatasaray, the club don’t have the money to make the deal permanent.

A lot will have to happen between now and the start of next season if he wants to fix up his club career which hasn’t been the same since his move from Eupen to Everton.

Osas Mahawi