Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has promised to bring goals and hard work to Coventry City as the newly promoted side prepares to return to the Premier League against Arsenal on Friday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Awoniyi completed his move to Coventry City from Nottingham Forest in August 2026 after spending four seasons at the City Ground. The Nigerian forward is now determined to make an immediate impact with his new club.

“I think for sure, goals. Like I said, goals and hard work as well,” Awoniyi said.

The striker also revealed that legendary forwards such as former Nigeria international Rashidi Yekini, Thierry Henry and Didier Drogba have influenced his approach to the game.

“When I watch the video clip of the late Rashidi Yekini of Nigeria and Thierry Henry and, of course, Didier Drogba,” he added.

Awoniyi will link up with fellow Super Eagles international Frank Onyeka at Coventry, with both Nigerians expected to play important roles as the club looks to establish itself in the Premier League.

The 29-year-old enjoyed four years with Nottingham Forest, scoring 23 goals in 103 appearances before completing his move to Coventry.

He also played an important role in helping Forest retain their Premier League status and reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Awoniyi will now hope to translate his experience into goals as Coventry begin their top-flight campaign with a difficult trip to Arsenal.

Super Eagles duo Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka are set to help Coventry City begin their return to the Premier League when they face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The fixture will mark Coventry’s first appearance in England’s top flight since the 2000/01 season after Frank Lampard’s side secured promotion from the Sky Bet Championship last term.

Onyeka played an important role in Coventry’s promotion campaign after joining the club on loan from Brentford in January. The 28-year-old midfielder made 14 league appearances during the second half of the season, scoring once.

The Nigeria international quickly became a key figure in Lampard’s midfield and will now get the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League with the Sky Blues.

Awoniyi, meanwhile, joined Coventry permanently from Nottingham Forest earlier this week, bringing considerable Premier League experience to Lampard’s squad.

The 29-year-old ended his four-year spell at Forest following his move to the CBS Arena and will be keen to make an immediate impact with his new club.

Awoniyi endured a difficult period at Forest, struggling to secure regular playing time over the last two seasons. His move to Coventry provides the former Union Berlin striker with an opportunity to revive his career and play a significant role in the club’s fight for Premier League survival.

Coventry will face a major early test against Arsenal, with Awoniyi and Onyeka hoping to help the newly promoted side begin their top-flight campaign on a positive note.

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has expressed his delight after opening his Ajax account in their UEFA Conference League play-off victory over FC Sion on Thursday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian forward made an immediate impact after coming off the bench, scoring in the 74th minute and providing an assist in the 87th as Ajax secured a convincing 4-2 win over the Swiss side.

Arokodare, who joined Ajax after a difficult spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers, is determined to put last season’s struggles behind him and rediscover the form that made him one of the leading strikers in Belgium.

Speaking to ESPN, the 25-year-old also outlined his ambitions with Ajax, insisting that the Dutch giants belong in the UEFA Champions League.

“I don’t think there’s a real reason or there’s a real excuse,” Arokodare told ESPN. “I think it’s part of the game.

“As players, we have seasons and moments like this in our careers, and it’s something to learn from, that I’ve moved on from, and I’m focused on the new season.

“I’ve been preparing well with the Ajax team and the players, and I’m focused on this season. I’m focused on getting better, focused on better things for myself. Focused on not making the same mistakes I did. That’s all I’m focused on. Not focused on last season.”

Arokodare added that while winning the league title and returning Ajax to Europe’s elite competition remain long-term ambitions, the immediate priority is to continue winning matches and progress through the Conference League.

The striker will now look to build on his impressive introduction and establish himself as a regular contributor for the Amsterdam giants.

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has confirmed the promotion of eight clubs from the Nationwide League One (NLO) ahead of its 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Owerri on Friday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The newly promoted teams are expected to be formally inducted into the second-tier league during the AGM, which will also include the presentation of the NNL’s audited accounts for the 2025/26 season.

The eight promoted clubs are:

Dekkal Khairu FC - Osun State

Mighty Jets Feeders - Plateau State

Neurospark FC - FCT, Abuja

DMD FC - Borno State

Right-2-Win FC - Abia State

OYC FC - Delta State

Junior Danburan FC - Katsina State

Ikorodu City FA - Lagos State

NNL Chairman, Chief George Aluo, welcomed the promoted sides and charged them to maintain the standards expected of clubs participating in the league.

“It is a delight to have the promoted teams join the NNL fold from the NLO. We hope they will abide by the tenets of the league, which promote sanity, good discipline and good behaviour,” Aluo said.

“They will be formally inducted at the Annual General Meeting in Owerri. They are most welcome.”

The AGM is scheduled to hold at Rockview Hotel, near Government House, Owerri, with discussions expected to focus on transparency, accountability and preparations for the 2026/27 NNL season.

All 34 clubs, comprising the existing teams and the newly promoted sides, are expected to participate in the meeting.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is preparing for an action-packed 2026/27 season, with the continental calendar featuring the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, inter-club competitions, youth tournaments, futsal, beach soccer and other national team events. The biggest attraction will be the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The season will also feature another edition of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, with both competitions entering their preliminary stages before progressing into the group phase.

The second preliminary round is scheduled for October, while the group stages are expected to commence in late November and continue into January 2027. The knockout rounds will follow from February, with the finals of the two inter-club competitions scheduled between May 9 and 31, 2027.

The winners of the Champions League will subsequently face the Confederation Cup champions in the CAF Super Cup.

2026 CAF Super Cup

The 2026 CAF Super Cup will bring together Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, winners of the 2025/26 Champions League, and USM Alger of Algeria, who claimed the Confederation Cup title.

The encounter will pit the winners of CAF's two premier club competitions against each other for continental supremacy.

Youth Competitions Remain a Priority

Youth development will also feature prominently in CAF's programme, with Ghana scheduled to host the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament will involve 12 teams, with the top four securing qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Ghana, a four-time winner of the competition, will host the tournament for the second time after previously staging the event in 1999.

CAF is also continuing to reshape its U-17 competition structure. Morocco hosted the 2026 U-17 AFCON under a festival-style format, with matches, training sessions and team operations centred around the Mohammed VI Football Complex.

The model is aimed at creating a stronger development environment while improving the overall experience for participating teams and young players.

The 2026/27 calendar will also feature the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, which doubles as Africa's qualifying competition for the Olympic Games.

Futsal and Beach Soccer on the Calendar

CAF's programme extends beyond traditional football, with futsal and beach soccer also featuring prominently.

Morocco is expected to host the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations, while Senegal has been listed as the host of the Beach Soccer AFCON.

CAF's published calendar places the futsal tournament in October and the beach soccer championship in November, although some dates remain subject to final confirmation.

CAF Considering More Competitions

Beyond the established tournaments, CAF is also looking at expanding its competition portfolio.

Among the proposals under consideration are the introduction of a U-17 Women's Africa Cup of Nations and an African Nations League.

If approved, the competitions could create additional opportunities for national teams and young players while strengthening the pathway between grassroots football, youth competitions and the senior game.

The proposals also form part of CAF's broader efforts to create a more predictable, commercially viable and organised competition structure across the continent.

Managing an Increasingly Busy Calendar

The size of the 2026/27 programme highlights the continued expansion of African football. The Champions League, Confederation Cup and AFCON will be accompanied by youth tournaments, futsal, beach soccer and other continental competitions.

A more structured calendar could help clubs plan their domestic campaigns, allow national teams to prepare more effectively and provide broadcasters and commercial partners with greater certainty.

However, the growing number of competitions could also create challenges, particularly around player workload and potential clashes between domestic, continental and international commitments.

For now, CAF is heading towards one of its busiest competition cycles, with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda set to provide the grand finale to an increasingly crowded continental football calendar.

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has explained why the Championship club moved to bring Nigeria international goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to The Valley, with the coach impressed by the shot-stopper’s performances against his side last season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Okonkwo has joined the Addicks on a season-long loan from Wrexham, with Jones delighted to secure the services of the highly rated goalkeeper ahead of the new campaign.

The Charlton boss revealed that Okonkwo caught his attention during Wrexham’s two meetings with Charlton last season, producing outstanding saves in both encounters.

“I’m delighted to bring Arthur to the club. We know how good a goalkeeper he is; he made two world-class saves against us last season, one in each game we played against Wrexham,” Jones said.

Jones also pointed to the goalkeeper’s willingness to join Charlton as another factor behind the club’s decision to pursue the deal.

“He also showed a real desire to come to us after our initial meeting, which was important for us,” he added.

The manager believes Okonkwo’s quality, experience and physical presence will strengthen his squad, particularly highlighting the 6ft 6in goalkeeper’s ability between the posts.

“He’s an excellent shot-stopper, of good pedigree, with good experience and the teams he’s played in have done well, so I'm looking forward to working with him,” Jones concluded.

Okonkwo began his professional career at Arsenal before gaining experience through loan spells and later establishing himself at Wrexham.

The 24-year-old will now aim to secure regular playing time at Charlton and make a strong impact during his season-long spell with the Championship outfit.

Nigerian striker Joseph Arumala has completed a permanent transfer to Egyptian Premier League side Al Ittihad from Nigeria Premier Football League club Ikorodu City, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 22-year-old forward joins the Alexandria-based club after an impressive 2025/26 campaign with Ikorodu City, where he emerged as one of the league’s standout attackers.

Arumala scored 13 goals and provided two assists for the Oga Boys last season, although his goalscoring form was not enough to secure continental qualification for Ikorodu City, who finished fourth in the NPFL.

The striker joined Ikorodu City ahead of the 2025/26 season and quickly established himself as an important member of the squad. His pace, direct running and finishing ability also made him a popular figure among the club’s supporters.

Following the completion of the transfer, Ikorodu City paid tribute to the youngster and wished him success in his new adventure in Egypt.

“Good luck in Egypt with @itthadalexsc ?? Joseph Arumala.

“We wish you the best ??,” the club wrote on X.

Arumala will now look to build on his impressive spell in the NPFL as he begins a new chapter in Egyptian football with Al Ittihad.

Nigeria international midfielder Uche Christantus has successfully undergone surgery after suffering a broken leg during pre-season preparations for the new campaign, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The injury ruled the midfielder out of action and has now forced him to begin a rehabilitation programme as he works towards a return to competitive football.

Christantus completed the surgical procedure successfully and will remain under close medical supervision during his recovery. The length of his absence will depend on his rehabilitation progress and subsequent medical assessments.

The setback will come as a blow to the Nigerian midfielder, who will now focus on regaining full fitness and returning to the pitch.

Trabzonspor have reportedly set a €30 million asking price for Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu, with Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli continuing to explore a move for the Nigerian forward, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Onuachu’s future has become a major talking point this summer, despite only returning to Trabzonspor permanently last season. Al Ahli are understood to be the most serious suitors and are expected to hold another meeting with the Turkish club this week as they seek to negotiate a potential transfer.

The 32-year-old is reportedly open to leaving Trabzonspor, although any move will depend on whether the Saudi club can meet the Turkish side’s valuation.

Onuachu returned to Trabzonspor following a successful loan spell at the club during the 2023/24 season while contracted to Southampton. His permanent return proved highly successful, with the striker scoring 26 goals in all competitions last season.

Twenty-two of those goals came in the Turkish Super Lig, earning him a share of the Golden Boot alongside Istanbul Basaksehir forward Eldor Shomurodov. Onuachu was also instrumental in Trabzonspor’s Turkish Cup triumph, scoring twice in the 2025 final as they defeated Konyaspor 2-1.

Trabzonspor had previously rejected two offers for the striker and were initially determined to retain their prolific forward. However, their stance is believed to have softened as they close in on the signing of former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez from Al Hilal.

Should Nunez complete his move to Trabzonspor, the Turkish club would have a ready-made replacement for Onuachu, potentially making it easier for the Nigerian to leave.

Al Ahli are not the only club to have shown interest in the striker. Turkish giants Fenerbahce previously considered a move but have reportedly ended their pursuit after turning their attention to Romelu Lukaku, who has joined the club from Napoli.

Al Hilal could also emerge as a potential destination for Onuachu. The Saudi giants have already been linked with Victor Osimhen and could consider the Trabzonspor forward as an alternative should their pursuit of other attacking targets fail.

For now, Onuachu remains a Trabzonspor player, but with Al Ahli pushing for his signature and another round of talks expected, his future could be decided in the coming days.

Nigerian defender Chukwuma Eze has completed a season-long loan move to Spanish club Villarreal from Real Oviedo, with the 22-year-old set to spend the 2026/27 campaign with Villarreal B as he continues his development in Spain, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Villarreal confirmed the arrival of the centre-back through an announcement on the club’s official website. Eze joined Real Oviedo from Nigerian academy Ajuwa Academy in 2021 and has since progressed through the Spanish club’s youth ranks.

The defender has gained valuable experience through loan spells with CD Llanes, L’Entregu FC and Real Avilés. Last season, he featured 18 times for Real Avilés, further developing his experience and reputation.

His progress has also earned recognition from Real Oviedo, with the club recently extending his contract until 2029. Eze made his senior debut for Oviedo against Levante in April 2025.

The move to Villarreal B provides the Nigerian with another opportunity to secure regular playing time while benefiting from the club’s renowned player-development structure.

Eze will now aim to establish himself as an important part of Villarreal B’s defence during the 2026/27 season and continue his push towards regular first-team football in Spanish football.

Several Bundesliga clubs have reportedly entered the race to sign Nigerian midfielder Anthony Dennis, with growing interest in the Goztepe star ahead of the new season, writes Nigeriasoccernet.com.

According to transfer expert Ekrem Konur, Hoffenheim, Mainz, Augsburg and Stuttgart are among the German clubs monitoring the 22-year-old defensive midfielder. Dennis has also attracted interest from clubs in England, Spain and Turkey.

Goztepe reportedly rejected a €3.3 million offer from Belgian Pro League side Anderlecht last summer, with the Turkish club now believed to value Dennis at around €8 million. However, a potential deal could cost interested clubs close to €10 million.

Dennis joined Goztepe from HB Academy Abuja in July 2023 and has since developed into an important player for the Turkish Super Lig outfit.

The midfielder, who has previously received an invitation to the Super Eagles, has one year remaining on his current contract at Goztepe, increasing speculation over his future.

A move to the Bundesliga could represent a significant step in Dennis' development, with several German clubs now reportedly keeping a close eye on his situation.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reportedly cancelled the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) electoral congress scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, as part of plans to reorganise the administration of Nigerian football, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The proposed intervention could represent a major setback for the Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF executive committee, which has been preparing for another term after taking office four years ago.

The NSC is reportedly planning to constitute a three-month normalisation committee to oversee the affairs of Nigerian football and prepare the ground for a fresh NFF election.

The decision to halt the electoral process was reportedly taken last Thursday, following the Super Falcons’ elimination by South Africa in the African play-in for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup ended the Super Falcons’ record of appearing at every edition of the tournament since its inaugural staging in 1991.

Sources familiar with the development claimed that the NSC sought assurances from FIFA before proceeding with the proposed intervention. The commission was also said to have held discussions with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe.

Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick was initially considered to head the proposed normalisation committee. However, the plan reportedly faced opposition from senior officials in the Presidency, with the NSC now searching for an alternative chairman.

“Some other names came up after some top officials in the Presidency turned down the NSC’s suggestion of making Amaju Pinnick the head of the Normalisation Committee,” a source told The Guardian. “For now, I don’t really know who will head the committee, but one thing I know is that Amaju is no longer in the picture.”

The source also claimed that concerns had been raised over the reported proposal to retain NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi as secretary of the committee.

The Presidency has reportedly authorised the NSC to announce the normalisation committee, although its final composition was still being determined.

A senior NSC official contacted on the matter declined to provide details, describing the situation as sensitive.

“We are working, and Nigerians will hear from us very soon,” the official said.

If constituted, the normalisation committee would operate for three months and be tasked with addressing contentious issues surrounding the NFF electoral process, resolving stakeholder concerns and laying the groundwork for a fresh election.

The proposed intervention comes amid increasing scrutiny of the Gusau administration, particularly following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite Africa receiving an expanded number of qualification slots.

The setback has intensified debate over the management of Nigerian football, including the development of national teams and the utilisation of financial resources provided by the Federal Government and international bodies.

FIFA has also continued to provide development funding to Nigeria through its Forward Programme, adding to calls from stakeholders for greater transparency and accountability in the administration of the sport.

The proposed normalisation process is therefore likely to attract significant attention, with stakeholders expected to demand a transparent process and a credible roadmap towards a new NFF administration.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Committee has directed the entire technical crew of the Super Falcons to step down with immediate effect following the team’s disappointing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign and failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The federation announced the decision on Monday through its official social media platforms.

“The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has asked members of the technical crew of the @NGSuper_Falcons to step down with immediate effect.”

The directive brings an end to the current technical arrangement of the senior women’s national team after Nigeria suffered a historic setback by missing out on the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

The Super Falcons entered the WAFCON as defending champions and one of Africa’s most successful women’s national teams. However, their campaign ended in the quarter-finals following a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon before they subsequently lost 2-1 to South Africa in the World Cup play-in.

The outcome ended Nigeria’s remarkable record of qualifying for every edition of the Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.

The decision follows mounting calls for a review of the team’s technical direction, with tactical decisions, squad selection, player management and overall preparation expected to come under scrutiny.

It remains unclear whether the directive applies to every member of the technical crew or whether some officials could be retained in other capacities. The NFF has also yet to announce an interim coaching arrangement or identify a successor.

The federation will now be expected to move quickly to establish a new technical structure, with Nigeria’s next major assignment already approaching.

The Super Falcons are scheduled to begin their qualification campaign for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games in October 2026, with Comoros reportedly their first opponents.

The NFF will therefore face pressure to resolve the coaching situation promptly and give the team sufficient time to prepare for the Olympic qualifiers following one of the biggest setbacks in the history of Nigerian women’s football.

Further details are expected from the federation regarding the reasons for the decision, the composition of an interim technical team, and its plans for rebuilding the Super Falcons.

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has completed a £9 million transfer from Nottingham Forest to Coventry City, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigeria international was given a public farewell by Forest supporters at the City Ground on Sunday during the club’s 2-0 pre-season victory over Brest.

Awoniyi expressed his excitement about beginning a new chapter with Coventry and linking up with his new teammates.

“I am very excited about this season, and I can’t wait to get started.”

“I’m really looking forward to working with my new teammates. I have seen how amazing they have been last season, coming up from the Championship.”

“They were incredible, and now I am just excited to join them.”

The 29-year-old joins Coventry after struggling for consistent playing time at Nottingham Forest last season. His move is expected to provide him with an opportunity to play more regularly and rediscover his best form.

Awoniyi, who has earned 10 caps for Nigeria, will now begin preparations for the new campaign with Coventry as the club returns to the Championship with ambitions of competing at the top end of the division.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali endured a difficult afternoon on Sunday as Chippa United suffered a 3-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the South African Premiership, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The result extended Pirates’ dominance in the fixture, with the Soweto giants recording a seventh consecutive victory over Chippa United. It was also only the second time Nwabali has conceded three goals in a match since joining the Eastern Cape club, having previously suffered the same fate against AmaZulu in 2025.

After struggling to find a breakthrough for much of the opening hour, Pirates finally opened the scoring through Zambian forward Ghampani Lungu. Lungu’s powerful effort towards Nwabali’s near post went through the Nigerian goalkeeper’s hands, leaving him disappointed with his attempt to keep out the shot.

Pirates doubled their advantage just four minutes later when Lebone Seema rose highest at the back post to head home from a corner. The defender’s effort left Nwabali with little chance and effectively ended Chippa’s hopes of recovering from the deficit.

Orlando Pirates continued to control proceedings before completing the rout in the closing stages. Zimbabwean forward Daniel Msendani capitalised on a Chippa error, winning possession around 35 yards from goal before racing towards Nwabali and calmly finding the bottom corner for his first goal for the club.

The victory further highlighted Pirates’ recent superiority in the fixture. They have now won their last seven meetings with Chippa United since a 1-1 draw in 2023, scoring 16 goals and conceding only two during that run.

Sporting Lagos have been crowned champions of the 2026 ValueJet Cup after defeating Remo Stars 2-1 in an entertaining final at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Aliyu Baba and Sodiq Ayoade scored for Sporting Lagos, while Taiwo Oyetunde got Remo Stars’ only goal as the Lagos-based club secured the trophy.

Sporting Lagos’ triumph caps an impressive run in the off-season tournament, which featured several leading Nigerian clubs and provided participants with an opportunity to prepare for the new campaign.

The 2026 edition was held from August 9 to 16 and once again highlighted the growing importance of the ValueJet Cup on the Nigerian football calendar. The competition gives coaches the chance to assess new players, experiment with tactical approaches and improve match fitness ahead of the season.

For Sporting Lagos, the victory provides an early boost ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign, while Remo Stars will have to settle for the runners-up position.

This year’s tournament was also dedicated to the memory of Otunba Tade Azeez, a respected Nigerian football administrator and former chairman of the ValueJet Cup who made notable contributions to football and refereeing development in the country.

With the tournament now concluded, Sporting Lagos will carry their ValueJet Cup success into preparations for the new NPFL season as they look to build on their impressive off-season campaign.

Nigerian international Peter Olayinka is set to continue his career in Saudi Arabia after agreeing to a move to Al Wehda FC, the former club of Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 30-year-old winger and forward is expected to join the Mecca-based club after previously featuring for European sides including Slavia Prague, Red Star Belgrade and APOEL Nicosia. Reports indicate that the proposed deal will earn Olayinka around €2.5 million annually.

Al Wehda, known as the Knights of Mecca, currently compete in the Saudi First Division League after suffering relegation from the top flight. The club will be hoping Olayinka’s experience and attacking quality can help them mount a strong promotion challenge.

Born in Ibadan, Olayinka has earned four caps for Nigeria since making his Super Eagles debut in 2019.

His move to Al Wehda will see him follow in the footsteps of Ighalo, who spent two seasons with the Saudi club between 2023 and 2025.

The transfer represents another opportunity for Olayinka to experience a new league and contribute to Al Wehda’s push to return to the Saudi Pro League.

EFL Championship clubs Charlton Athletic and Bolton Wanderers are reportedly monitoring Nigerian international goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo with the summer transfer window approaching its final weeks, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Okonkwo’s future at Wrexham has come under increased uncertainty following the club’s record signing of goalkeeper Anthony Patterson from Sunderland. The Nigerian currently finds himself behind Patterson and Danny Ward in the goalkeeping pecking order.

The situation could prompt Wrexham to consider selling Okonkwo, particularly with the Super Eagles goalkeeper entering the final year of his contract. The Welsh club risks losing him for nothing next summer if an agreement is not reached before the current transfer window or January window closes.

Okonkwo initially joined Wrexham on loan during the 2023/24 season before completing a permanent move the following campaign. He had previously spent 15 years with Arsenal after joining the London club at the age of eight.

The 29-year-old played a key role in Wrexham’s remarkable rise through the English football pyramid, helping the club secure back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship.

During his time with the Welsh side, Okonkwo has kept 47 clean sheets in 121 appearances, conceding 127 goals.

He also impressed on the international stage during Nigeria’s 2026 Unity Cup triumph, keeping clean sheets in victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica.

With Charlton and Bolton reportedly keeping tabs on his situation, Okonkwo could face an important decision over his future as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.

Super Falcons defender Michelle Alozie has reportedly deactivated her Instagram account following intense criticism from Nigerian fans after the team failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Nigeria endured a disappointing campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, exiting in the quarter-finals after a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon. The result meant the Falcons had to beat South Africa in a subsequent play-in fixture to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

However, Nigeria suffered a 2-1 defeat to Banyana Banyana, bringing an end to their hopes of reaching the tournament and ending their record of appearing at every edition of the Women’s World Cup since 1991.

The disappointing results triggered widespread criticism of the players, coaching staff and Nigeria Football Federation, with Alozie, a regular member of the national team, also coming under scrutiny.

The defender has previously attracted attention for her activity on social media and her involvement in viral content with teammates. However, the latest criticism followed Nigeria’s historic failure to secure World Cup qualification.

Alozie’s Instagram account has remained inactive since the backlash intensified, with reports indicating that she deactivated the platform amid the criticism.

The fallout has also intensified calls for the dismissal of head coach Justine Madugu and major changes within the NFF following the Falcons’ disappointing campaign.

The setback has compounded a difficult period for Nigerian football, with the Super Falcons, Super Eagles and Flying Eagles all failing to qualify for their respective World Cups in what would mark an unprecedented occurrence in the country’s football history.

Super Eagles defender Ryan Alebiosu has expressed his frustration over the controversial penalty decision that denied Blackburn Rovers victory in their 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers in their Championship opener at Molineux on Friday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Alebiosu, who was named Player of the Match after an impressive full-match display, was at the centre of the late controversy when referee Farai Hallam awarded Wolves a penalty after the ball struck his arm from a Jackson Tchatchoua cross.

Replays appeared to suggest that the incident occurred outside the penalty area, but with VAR unavailable in the EFL, the decision stood. Raul Jimenez subsequently converted the spot-kick on his return to Wolves to rescue a point for the hosts.

Wolves had taken an 18th-minute lead through Marshall Munetsi before Sean McLoughlin equalised for Blackburn. Andri Gudjohnsen then put the visitors ahead three minutes into the second half, only for Jimenez's late penalty to level the scores.

Alebiosu admitted he was disappointed with the decision but insisted he believed he was outside the box.

“We’re frustrated. The boys have done everything to get the three points. The ball has been played, and I thought I was outside the box. Obviously the decision has gone against us,” he said.

Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray also questioned the decision after the match, suggesting the incident appeared to have taken place outside the area.

“Having watched the still pictures, it looks outside the box to me. If it hits him on the hand and it is away from his body, I suppose in modern-day football (it is a penalty). But it still looks outside the box to me,” Mowbray said.

Despite the frustrating outcome, Alebiosu was encouraged by Blackburn’s performance and believes the team can compete near the top of the Championship if they maintain the same standard.

“The boys dug deep, and we thought we had it. Just the final details with the penalty is frustrating. If we play like that every week, we will go far in the table.”

Blackburn will now search for their first victory of the new campaign when they welcome Middlesbrough to Ewood Park next weekend.