Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has joked that he is "too old" to join Arsenal, dismissing speculation over a possible move to the North London club, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nottingham Forest full-back made the light-hearted remark in a video that surfaced on Tuesday after a Nigerian fan working at Wimbledon asked whether he would consider joining the Gunners.

“I’m too old for Arsenal,” Aina replied with a smile.

The 29-year-old has spent the past three seasons at Nottingham Forest after joining the Premier League side from Italian club Torino in the summer of 2023. Before that move, he also featured for Fulham during the 2020/21 campaign.

Looking ahead to the 2026/27 season, Aina has set himself the personal target of contributing more in attack after finishing the previous campaign without a goal.

The defender, who started his career as a winger before converting to full-back, made 28 appearances across all competitions last season, registering one assist but failing to find the back of the net.

“I need to pray and fast because I did not score any goals last season. The season before, I think I got three goal involvements,” Aina said.

“I need to do some serious prayer and fasting because I need at least five. If I get five, I will be content.”

Aina was previously linked with a move to Manchester City during the January 2025 transfer window after an impressive 2024/25 campaign, in which he scored two goals and provided one assist in 35 Premier League appearances for Nottingham Forest.

English Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly called off Tuesday's training session following an incident involving Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to Wolves journalist Nathan Judah, the Super Eagles forward refused to leave the training pitch after being instructed not to take part in the first-team session, resulting in the day's activities being cancelled.

The report added that Wolves manager Cesar Peixoto responded firmly to the situation, making it clear that he would not tolerate indiscipline or any form of player influence over team decisions.

Security was reportedly increased at the club's Compton Park training ground on Wednesday to prevent Arokodare from accessing the training session.

The striker has also reportedly been omitted from Wolves' travelling squad for Wednesday night's pre-season friendly against Maidenhead United as a result of the incident.

The development comes amid continued speculation over Arokodare's future, with the Nigerian forward attracting interest from several clubs during the current transfer window.

Super Eagles defender Benjamin Tanimu has rejoined Tanzanian Premier League club Singida Black Stars after signing a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 23-year-old returns to the Tanzanian outfit for a second spell after previously featuring for the club following his move from Nigeria Premier Football League side Bendel Insurance in February 2024.

Tanimu later secured a transfer to English League One club Crawley Town on a two-year contract in September 2024 before completing a switch to Moroccan side Maghreb Fès for an undisclosed fee in July 2025.

The centre-back will now reunite with Singida Black Stars as the club continues preparations for the 2026/27 season.

He is expected to join his teammates at the club's pre-season training camp in Rwanda, where the squad is intensifying preparations for the new campaign.

On the international stage, Tanimu has made three appearances for the Super Eagles since earning his senior debut for Nigeria.

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has sustained an ankle ligament injury ahead of Besiktas's UEFA Europa League second qualifying round first-leg clash against FC Midtjylland, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Turkish club confirmed that the Nigerian midfielder suffered ligament damage in his right ankle following medical examinations carried out by the club's medical team.

Ndidi is now expected to miss Thursday's home fixture against the Danish side, while his chances of recovering in time for the return leg also appear slim.

The absence of the experienced midfielder could prove a significant setback for Besiktas, given his importance in winning midfield battles, protecting the defence and controlling transitions during matches.

His injury is expected to force the coaching staff to explore alternative options in midfield as they prepare for the crucial European encounter while carefully managing the squad's workload.

Besiktas will also prioritise Ndidi's rehabilitation, with the club aiming to ensure the Nigerian international makes a full recovery before returning to competitive action.

Former Nigeria international Greg Etafia has been appointed as the new goalkeeper coach of Tanzanian Premier League champions Young Africans ahead of the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 43-year-old joins the club's newly constituted technical team under head coach Manqoba Mngqithi as the East African giants intensify preparations for the upcoming campaign.

Etafia began his coaching career in South Africa with Moroka Swallows in 2015 after retiring from professional football. He was promoted to caretaker manager in March 2016 before departing the club later that year.

In September 2016, the former goalkeeper was appointed goalkeeper coach at Cape Town All Stars, where he later assumed caretaker managerial responsibilities. During his spell in charge, he guided the club from the bottom of the table to a 14th-place finish, ensuring their survival, while also leading the side to the Round of 32 of the Nedbank Cup.

Etafia has continued to build his coaching credentials over the years, serving as goalkeeper coach at Baroka FC and TS Galaxy before securing his latest appointment with Young Africans.

As a player, Etafia featured in the Nigeria Premier Football League for Lobi Stars and Plateau United before moving to South Africa in 2003 to join Moroka Swallows.

He spent 12 years with the Dube Birds, becoming one of the club's longest-serving players, before bringing his playing career to an end following a brief spell with Highlands Park.

On the international stage, Etafia represented Nigeria at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney as a member of the country's U-23 national team.

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has expressed confidence that Nigerian defender Emmanuel Fernandez will play an even more influential role for the Scottish giants during the 2026/27 season, following an impressive debut campaign at Ibrox, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Fernandez, who joined Rangers from Peterborough United last summer, quickly established himself as an important member of the squad, scoring six goals in 33 appearances across all competitions despite the club missing out on the Scottish Premiership title.

Speaking in comments published by Rangers View, McInnes acknowledged the expectations placed on Fernandez and fellow youngster Youssef Chermiti after both arrived at the club with significant transfer fees.

"Both of them are relatively young, and they came with a lot of expectations on them with the price tag and the kind of profile," McInnes said.

The Rangers boss stressed that every player at the club is expected to compete for trophies, while recognising that younger players also need time to develop and fulfil their potential.

"I am pretty sure when you speak to these lads and everybody who signs for Rangers, they should all have that kind of inherent feeling that we are here to win things and be successful. But there is also, at that age, a development process," he added.

McInnes believes Fernandez and Chermiti have already demonstrated their quality and challenged both players to deliver those performances on a more consistent basis.

"Both lads, at their best last season, showed their real quality. The challenge for them and for me is to get their best more often. When they are on top of their game, both have got so much to offer at both ends of the pitch, and I think that hopefully we can see that," he said.

Fernandez will now be looking to build on his impressive first season at Ibrox as he aims to become one of Rangers' standout performers in the 2026/27 campaign.

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has expressed confidence that Stanley Nwabali can reclaim his place in Nigeria's national team following his return to South African Premier Soccer League side Chippa United, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Nwabali recently completed a return to Chippa United after spending nearly five months without competitive club football, ending a period of uncertainty over his future.

Akpeyi believes the move will help the 29-year-old regain match fitness and strengthen his chances of retaining his status as Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper ahead of upcoming FIFA international windows and qualification matches.

Speaking with FARPost, the former Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper said Nwabali's patience in waiting for the right opportunity was understandable, adding that a goalkeeper of his quality deserves to play for a stable and ambitious club.

"He has been excellent, absolutely excellent. Faultless for Nigeria. He has taken them to places. He performed consistently well for the Super Eagles. A lot can change in a season. Football is so fluid.

"I know he will manage to get back his form and earn the trust of the coaches; then he will rise again quickly. I would not be surprised if he was Nigeria's number one in the next few games.

"When you are not attached to any team, it is obvious you will not get invited to the national team. Even when you are not playing regularly, it is very difficult to get a call-up.

"He needs to revive himself. But it has started with first getting a team, as it gives him an opportunity to be recalled to the national team. So this could be one of the reasons why he decided to come back home to Chippa United, where he started. At least there, he will get the platform to play and remind people what he can do," Akpeyi said.

Nwabali established himself as Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper with a series of impressive displays, most notably during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he played a key role in the Super Eagles' run to the final.

His return to regular club football is expected to boost his prospects of earning another invitation to the national team as Nigeria prepares for future international assignments.

Greek Super League side Aris are closing in on the signing of Nigerian midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru from Championship club Watford, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The two clubs have reportedly agreed a transfer fee of £425,000 for the 26-year-old, with the move now entering its final stages.

Dele-Bashiru is expected to arrive in Greece on Sunday before undergoing a medical on Monday ahead of completing the transfer.

The midfielder has already agreed personal terms in principle and is set to sign a three-year contract with Aris once all the necessary formalities are concluded.

Dele-Bashiru spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Turkish club Gençlerbirli?i, where he made 28 league appearances but did not register a goal or an assist.

The Nigeria international joined Watford from Manchester City in 2019 and has since made 71 league appearances for the Hornets, scoring six goals during his time at Vicarage Road.

Before committing his international future to Nigeria, Dele-Bashiru represented England at Under-16 level. He later featured for the Flying Eagles at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland and has since gone on to earn senior international recognition with the Super Eagles.

Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella were both on target as Bayer Leverkusen kicked off their pre-season preparations with a convincing 7-0 victory over Sportfreunde Baumberg, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The former Bundesliga champions produced a dominant display against the non-league outfit, with Boniface making an immediate impact after coming off the bench.

The Super Eagles striker found the net twice in quick succession, scoring in the 49th and 53rd minutes to open his pre-season account. The goals marked his first since returning from his loan spell at Werder Bremen and recovering from knee surgery.

Fellow Nigerian international Nathan Tella also got on the scoresheet, contributing to Leverkusen's emphatic victory as the club continued preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.

Boniface will be hoping to build on his encouraging return as he works towards full match fitness ahead of the new Bundesliga season, with Leverkusen expected to rely on his attacking qualities in the months ahead.

Premier League side Fulham are on the verge of completing the signing of Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu from Turkish club Trabzonspor, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to Sky Sport, the Cottagers have submitted a €27 million offer for the 22-year-old centre-back, while Trabzonspor are demanding €30 million for the highly rated defender.

Both clubs are believed to be close to reaching a compromise, with the transfer expected to be finalised early next week.

Once the deal is completed, Nwaiwu is expected to sign a four-year contract with the Premier League outfit.

The Nigerian joined Trabzonspor from Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC in January and quickly became a key figure in the club's defence through a series of impressive performances.

He contributed three goals and one assist in 16 Turkish Super Lig appearances and also played a vital role in helping Trabzonspor lift the Turkish Cup.

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has completed a free transfer to Turkish club Bursaspor following his departure from Scottish side Celtic, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigeria international arrives at the former Turkish champions as a free agent, bringing an end to his spell in Scotland and opening a new chapter in his career.

Bursaspor will be counting on Iheanacho's experience and proven goalscoring pedigree to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, while the 29-year-old is eager to reignite his career with regular football in Turkey.

The move also sees Iheanacho add another country to his football journey, having previously featured in England and Scotland before making the switch to the Turkish league.

Newly promoted Turkish club Amedspor have reached a full agreement with German Bundesliga side Hoffenheim for the loan signing of Nigerian striker Gift Orban, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The two clubs are understood to have reached a verbal agreement, with Amedspor acting quickly to secure the services of the 23-year-old forward ahead of the new campaign.

Personal terms have also been finalised, while preparations are underway for Orban to travel to Turkey for his medical before completing the move and being officially unveiled by the club.

The agreement is a season-long loan with an option for Amedspor to make the transfer permanent at the end of the 2026/27 season.

Despite attracting interest from several other clubs, the Nigerian striker opted for a move to Turkey in search of regular first-team football and an opportunity to revive his career.

Orban will be aiming to make an immediate impact as Amedspor prepare for their maiden campaign following promotion.

Super Eagles forward Olusegun Olakunle has completed a transfer to Russian Premier League club FC Rostov ahead of the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian attacker joins Rostov following an impressive spell with fellow Russian side FC Krasnodar, where he established himself as one of the club's standout performers through a series of influential displays.

The former Golden Eaglets striker will now be looking to carry his fine form into the next chapter of his career as he aims to make an immediate impact with Rostov in the upcoming Russian Premier League campaign.

On the international stage, Olakunle has continued to strengthen his place in the Super Eagles setup, featuring in Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches and representing the three-time African champions in recent international friendly fixtures.

The move offers the forward another opportunity to continue his development while taking on a new challenge in the Russian top flight.

Sudanese giants Al Hilal have rejected an initial offer from South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns for Nigerian striker Sunday Adetunji, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Sundowns are looking to reinforce their attacking department ahead of the new season and have identified the former Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) forward as one of their priority transfer targets.

Although Al Hilal turned down the opening proposal, the South African champions remain determined to secure the Nigerian's signature and are reportedly preparing an improved bid worth more than $1.5 million.

Adetunji has attracted attention with his impressive displays for Al Hilal, establishing himself as one of the club's key attacking players and drawing interest from several clubs across the continent.

Mamelodi Sundowns are expected to intensify negotiations in the coming days as they continue their pursuit of the prolific Nigerian forward.

German Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt have submitted an official bid for Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian international has emerged as one of the most sought-after midfielders in the summer transfer window following a series of impressive performances for Belgian champions Club Brugge.

Onyedika's future has become the subject of growing speculation as he enters the final year of his contract with the Belgian club, prompting interest from several top European sides.

Eintracht Frankfurt have now taken the initiative by making the first formal approach, as they look to reinforce their midfield ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Club Brugge are yet to decide on the Bundesliga club's proposal, while many other European teams continue to monitor the 25-year-old's situation closely.

With interest expected to intensify in the coming weeks, the race for Onyedika's signature remains firmly open as the summer transfer window gathers pace.

Nigeria's Falconets midfielder Shakirat Moshood has completed a move to Portuguese Liga BPI side SCU Torreense after signing a two-year contract, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 18-year-old joins the Portuguese outfit from former Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) champions Bayelsa Queens, where she emerged as one of the country's most exciting young prospects.

The transfer marks Moshood's first professional move to Europe and represents another major milestone in her rapidly developing career.

The talented midfielder first gained international recognition as captain of Nigeria's Flamingos at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, where her leadership qualities and commanding performances in midfield earned widespread praise.

Her outstanding displays also saw her finish as runner-up for the 2025 CAF Women's Youth Player of the Year award, further cementing her reputation as one of Africa's brightest young talents.

Moshood has since continued her impressive rise with the Falconets, playing a pivotal role in Nigeria's successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, which will be held in Poland this September. She is expected to be one of the team's key figures at the tournament.

At club level, she joins an ambitious SCU Torreense side preparing for a landmark campaign after securing qualification for the UEFA Women's Champions League for the first time in the club's history. The Portuguese side will compete on Europe's biggest club stage in the upcoming season.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from Udinese this summer, reaffirming his commitment to the Serie A club, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian international has been tipped for a switch to Italian giants Juventus following another impressive campaign with the Zebras, where he kept 10 clean sheets in 30 Serie A appearances last season.

Despite the growing transfer rumours, the 26-year-old insisted his full focus remains on Udinese and revealed he is eager to continue his development with the club.

"Of course, I still have goals in my career, but currently my head is completely at Udinese. I enjoy it without thinking too much about the future," Okoye told Transfermarkt.

"In football, things can change quickly, and if it happens, I know that the club is well positioned and can still earn a nice replacement. But until then, I am 100 per cent Udinese professional."

The former Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper has two years remaining on his current contract with Kosta Runjaic's side.

Okoye joined Udinese from English Championship club Watford in 2023 and has since established himself as one of the club's key performers.

Udinese will begin their 2026/27 season with a Coppa Italia clash against Serie B outfit Padova on August 15.

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has dismissed suggestions that he and compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho relied on "juju cream" to recover from injuries during their time at Leicester City, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The clarification follows comments made by former Leicester City captain Jamie Vardy on the latest episode of his podcast, Jamie Vardy's Having a Party, in which the veteran striker claimed the Nigerian duo often returned from injury breaks in Nigeria with what he described as "juju cream."

"They used to get injured. Little knocks, then go back to Nigeria for just one day. They come back with a nice big tub of juju cream," Vardy said.

"That was the only thing that the masseuse was allowed to apply to the injured area. They used to tell us that it had come from a Nigerian witch doctor."

The remarks sparked widespread reactions on social media, with former Super Eagles forward Victor Anichebe tagging both Ndidi and Iheanacho on Instagram and asking the Leicester midfielder to explain the substance Vardy had referenced.

Responding to Anichebe, Ndidi revealed that the ointment was simply locally sourced shea butter and not any form of mystical or magical remedy.

"Shea butter," Ndidi replied, putting to rest the speculation surrounding Vardy's comments.

Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree and is widely used across Nigeria for skincare and therapeutic purposes.

Known by different local names, including ka?e or ka?anya in Hausa, òkwùmá in Igbo and òrí in Yoruba, the product is commonly used in cosmetics, skin moisturisers, hair care products, massage oils and soaps due to its nourishing and healing properties.

Championship side Stoke City have expressed interest in signing Nigerian striker Josh Maja following his departure from West Bromwich Albion, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 27-year-old is available on a free transfer after failing to reach an agreement with the Baggies over a new contract, bringing his spell at The Hawthorns to an end.

According to Transferfeed, Stoke City manager Mark Robins is a long-time admirer of the former Sunderland forward and is eager to reunite with him ahead of the new Championship season.

Maja is familiar with life at the bet365 Stadium, having spent the second half of the 2021/22 campaign on loan from French side Girondins Bordeaux. Although his stint yielded just one goal in 15 Championship appearances, Stoke remain keen on securing his signature.

The Potters are expected to face competition for the Nigerian, with fellow Championship clubs Watford and Bristol City also monitoring his situation.

According to Transfermarkt, Maja, who has one senior international appearance for the Super Eagles, is currently valued at €4.5 million.

The striker joined West Bromwich Albion from Bordeaux in the summer of 2023 and scored 19 goals in 81 appearances across all competitions during his time with the club.

Nigerian winger Henry Onyekuru has parted ways with Turkish club Genclerbirligi S.K. after both parties mutually agreed to terminate his contract, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The decision follows discussions between the club and the former Super Eagles forward after Genclerbirligi informed the player that it could not meet his wage demands for the upcoming season.

The two sides subsequently reached an amicable agreement to end their partnership, bringing Onyekuru's spell at the Turkish club to a close.

As part of the settlement, Genclerbirligi will pay the Nigerian international a portion of the remaining value of his contract before his departure.

The contract termination means Onyekuru is now a free agent and can begin searching for a new club ahead of the 2026/27 campaign as he looks to continue his career elsewhere.