Afrobeats star Davido and his long-time manager, Asa Asika, have a shared stake in Inter Lagos, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club.

Asika revealed the partnership while speaking on the Manager’s Playbook podcast, where he discussed the business interests the pair have developed beyond the music industry.

“We [Davido and I] own a football team in Nigeria together. We just got promoted to the Premier League. It is called Inter Lagos,” Asika said.

Inter Lagos secured promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL) to the NPFL, Nigeria’s top-flight division.

The club’s first season among the elite has proved difficult so far. Inter Lagos are 19th in the table after collecting four points from their opening six matches.

Asika said the club forms part of the sports division within a wider business portfolio covering music, sport and lifestyle.

He added that the venture was being developed with long-term sustainability in mind rather than for immediate financial returns.

Asika also compared the approach to the gradual expansion of the pair’s presence in the music industry, where their businesses were built patiently over time.

Ranchers Bees technical adviser Usman Abd’Allah says his team should have been awarded two penalties during their goalless draw with Rivers United in the NPFL.

The matchday six fixture at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano ended 0-0 on Monday, with Abd’Allah criticising the standard of officiating after his side were forced to settle for a single point.

The former Rivers United coach said Ranchers Bees had been denied the chance to take all three points, although he praised his players for their efforts.

“I think we lost two points. We only have one, which is better than having none. Everyone can see what happened in the game. I have to commend the players despite everything,” Abd’Allah said in his post-match interview.

He claimed two incidents in the penalty area should have resulted in spot-kicks for the home side and questioned the fairness of the decisions made during the contest.

“This is where the Nigerian league is at the moment. Sometimes, it is beyond football. You can see two penalties that were not awarded to us,” he said.

“If you look at the game, the referee was totally biased. Again, I don’t want to dwell too much on that because the harm has already been done. The points cannot be recovered.”

Abd’Allah added that any subsequent action against the referee would not undo the effect of the decisions on Ranchers Bees’ result.

“Even if you punish the referee, our club has already been punished by him. We can’t get the full points. But it is okay; I’m not trying to incite any violence,” he said.

The coach also believes Ranchers Bees could benefit from returning to their home ground in Kaduna, having played all six of their matches this season away from home.

The absence of home support, he said, had made the team feel as though they were continually playing on their opponents’ ground.

“Probably when we go back to our home in Kaduna, it will help us because we are like playing away. We have played six matches already this season, and it feels like the same thing,” Abd’Allah said.

“Sometimes, when you have your home support, it is good. If Rivers United can come away and get this type of officiating, then the purpose of the league is not justified.”

Despite his frustration, Abd’Allah insisted Ranchers Bees would continue their campaign and would not allow the setback to affect their determination.

“We will go back and not give up. This type of intimidation will not make us give up. We are still pushing, and we will see what we can do,” he added.

Ranchers Bees will next travel to Kwara, where Abd’Allah said they would attempt to make up for the points dropped against Rivers United.

“We will go to Kwara and try to recover the lost points here,” he said.

Plateau United have offered their support to defender Paul Odeh following the death of his wife after a prolonged illness.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club announced the news in a condolence message published on its official X handle on Monday.

“The Management, Staff, Players and Supporters of Plateau United FC are deeply saddened by the passing of the beloved wife of our player, Paul Odeh, following a protracted illness.

“At this very difficult moment, we stand firmly with Paul and his family in their grief. We share in their pain and pray that God will grant them strength, comfort and the grace to go through this heartbreaking period.

“Paul, please know that you are not alone. The entire Plateau United family stands with you , surrounds you with love and keeps you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

“May God grant her eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“Our deepest condolences, Paul. May her soul rest in perfect peace.”

Odeh joined Plateau United from fellow NPFL club Enyimba during this summer transfer window.

The defender’s move came as Plateau United prepared for the new campaign, having recruited him from one of the league’s established sides.

In their message, the club said its management, staff, players and supporters were united with Odeh and his family as they mourned the loss.

Manchester United have completed the signing of English-Nigerian midfielder David Eze from Premier League rivals Manchester City.

The 16-year-old has joined United’s academy after leaving City, where he had progressed through the club’s youth system. The move was formally confirmed by Manchester United and had previously been signalled by the English Football Association.

Eze was listed as a Manchester United player in a recent FA announcement involving England’s youth teams, providing an indication that the transfer had been completed.

The central midfielder is considered a promising young player and has represented England at youth level. He will continue his development within United’s academy as he progresses through the English youth football system.

Eze is understood to have agreed a scholarship deal with Manchester United. The arrangement means he will be eligible to sign his first professional contract with the club in March 2027, when he turns 17.

His move to Old Trafford marks the latest stage in the development of the highly rated teenager, who has now switched between two of English football’s leading academies.

BSNSports.com.ng reported the transfer. Niyi Busari is the Publisher and CEO of BSNSportsConcept.

Goalkeeper Osayi Kingdom has chosen to represent Uganda at international level, despite being born to Nigerian parents, according to BSNSports.com.ng.

The 22-year-old, born on 3 June 2004, is currently on the books of Swedish club Assyriska FF. He is eligible to play for Uganda through his maternal grandmother, who was born in Kaberamaido.

Standing at 1.98 metres, Kingdom is expected to increase competition for places in the Uganda Cranes’ goalkeeping department as the national side continues to strengthen its squad.

His decision is another example of a player with Nigerian heritage opting to pursue an international career elsewhere.

Kingdom will now aim to establish himself within the Uganda national team setup and compete for selection to the Cranes squad.

Rivers United technical adviser Finidi George says his side can use their goalless draw with Ranchers Bees as a platform to challenge for top spot in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The Port Harcourt-based club extended their unbeaten start to the season after holding Ranchers Bees at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Monday.

The point lifted Rivers United to second in the table, with 11 points from five matches.

Finidi was pleased with the result, while acknowledging the difficulty of collecting points in Kano.

“It is a good point,” the former Nigeria international told journalists after the game.

“This is a place where it is very difficult to even pick a point. I thought they were ahead of us in the first half, but we came out better in the second half.”

Rivers United will return to action on Wednesday when they travel to face Katsina United, with victory potentially taking them to the top of the NPFL standings.

Finidi said his players were focused on claiming all three points and achieving that objective after the draw against Ranchers Bees.

“It is crucial, and we want to be at the top after our next match. This one point in Kano will go a long way. At the end of the day, you will see that it can put you in a good place,” he added.

The Rivers United technical adviser also said his team would quickly regroup before attempting to produce an improved performance in Katsina.

“We will just regroup and see how these boys can compete again,” Finidi said.

He had earlier highlighted the contrast between the two halves in Kano, noting that Ranchers Bees had been the stronger team before the interval before Rivers United improved after the break.

The draw came in Rivers United’s matchday six encounter, although the result leaves them with five matches recorded and 11 points on the league table.

Finidi said the immediate priority was now Wednesday’s fixture and the opportunity it presents to move into first place.

“We are looking forward to the next game and seeing how we can have a better performance in Katsina on Wednesday,” he said.

Rivers United moved into second place in the Nigeria Premier Football League after being held to a goalless draw by Ranchers Bees at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Monday.

The matchday six encounter produced chances for both teams, but neither side could find the finish needed to secure all three points.

The result preserved Rivers United’s unbeaten start to the Nigeria Premier Football League season. Finidi George’s team have collected three wins and two draws from five matches, while also having a game in hand.

The Port Harcourt-based club now have 11 points and sit second in the NPFL table.

Rivers United will attempt to return to winning ways in their next fixture, when they travel to face Katsina United.

The draw also lifted Ranchers Bees from 15th to 11th position in the standings.

Their next match will take them to Ilorin, where they will play Kwara United.

Presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised the poor attendance at Nigerian Premier Football League matches, saying the country is failing to make proper use of its considerable sporting talent.

Obi was speaking after watching Ikorodu City defeat reigning champions Enugu Rangers 2-0 in a Matchday Six fixture at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

He attended the match alongside Ikorodu City President Sanmi Doherty and highlighted the small crowd inside the stadium. The venue has a capacity of about 10,000, but fewer than 2,000 spectators were present for the game.

Obi said the turnout reflected wider concerns about the development and public engagement of domestic football in Nigeria.

“It pained me to see how poorly we are developing sports in Nigeria. A stadium with a capacity of about 10,000 had fewer than 2,000 spectators,” he said.

The former presidential candidate argued that Nigeria had abundant athletic ability but lacked the planning, commitment and facilities needed to convert that potential into long-term opportunities for young people.

“Nigeria has no shortage of sporting talent. What we lack is the vision and commitment to turn that talent into opportunities for our young people,” Obi added.

He said sport should be viewed as more than a form of entertainment, pointing to its possible contribution to employment, youth development and wider social progress.

“Sport is not merely entertainment; properly developed, it can be a powerful tool for youth development, employment, and social transformation,” he said.

Bendel Insurance manager Kennedy Boboye says his team’s failure to match Abia Warriors’ first-half intensity was decisive in their 3-0 Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League defeat on Sunday.

Chukwuemeka Obioma scored twice for the hosts, with Etta Ikoi also finding the net as Abia Warriors secured a convincing victory.

Boboye, who has previously managed Sunshine Stars, Heartland, Akwa United and Plateau United, accepted that Bendel Insurance did not perform to the required standard before the interval.

“We played badly in the first half and were punished,” Boboye said after the match.

“That’s football for you. When you don’t meet the standard, your opponent punishes you.”

Former Abia Warriors players started

Bendel Insurance included three former Abia Warriors players in their starting line-up: Fatai Abdullahi, Suraj Lawal and Adekunle Adeleke.

The trio joined the Benin-based club before the start of the season, but Boboye said their selection was based on their regular involvement for Insurance rather than their return to face their former team.

“They have been starting every game here at Bendel Insurance since they joined us,” he said.

“This isn’t their first time and this is not an exception. It’s just that we’re unlucky to have conceded cheap goals in the first half.”

Bendel Insurance will return to action against Barau FC, and Boboye said the squad would use the defeat to reassess their approach.

“We’ll go back and restrategise for our next game against Barau FC,” he added.

Insurance yet to take an away point

The result means Bendel Insurance have lost each of their three away matches this season.

Boboye acknowledged that record is a concern for a side aiming to challenge for the title. He said his players must begin collecting points on the road rather than relying entirely on their home fixtures.

The visit of Barau FC will therefore be a significant opportunity for Insurance to respond, with Boboye demanding maximum points in their next match at home.

“Obviously, it’s going to be a must-win game for us if we must stay among the top sides on the log and contest for the title,” he said.

“We can’t think of winning the league and continue losing games like this.”

Reflecting on the team’s away record, Boboye added: “This is the third game we’ve lost away from home. If you want to be a champion, you must make sure you get something (points) from away games and not depend on home games alone.”

Plateau United technical adviser Gbenga Ogunbote has urged his players to improve their finishing after Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Inter Lagos at the New Jos Stadium.

Second-half goals from Gideon Monday and Jibrin Ibrahim secured all three points for the Peace Boys in the matchday six encounter.

Plateau United could have taken control much earlier, but they missed several clear chances before the interval. Ogunbote said the team must become more clinical if they are to ease the pressure in matches.

“I think it is worrisome, no doubt. Every coach wants to win from the first minute of the game, but sometimes anxiety and other factors can affect a team,” Ogunbote told the media after the match.

“In the first half, I think we were wasteful. It has been a problem not only for Plateau United; it is something that affects other clubs too.

“Honestly, we need to work seriously on it so that we can take our chances and, at least, remove pressure from our game. We will keep working on it until we get it right.”

Ogunbote says Plateau United have changed

The result lifted Plateau United into second place, a marked improvement on last season, when the club were involved in a relegation battle before eventually retaining their top-flight status.

Ogunbote believes his side are now more settled and are approaching the campaign with a different purpose.

“They are two different assignments. Last season was a rescue mission; this season is a tournament to make an impact and win laurels,” he said.

“So, we should expect that we have a better team than we had last season. I think it is still a work in progress.”

Plateau United have now gone five league matches without defeat, with three wins and two draws in that sequence.

However, Ogunbote was unwilling to make bold predictions about how long the unbeaten run might continue, insisting that the players must remain focused.

“There is no secret, other than hard work. If there is a level playing ground, everything will go on smoothly,” he stated.

“Maybe we will go unbeaten for a long time, but it is too early to say. The league is a marathon, and we must not get carried away with this result.

“We hope and pray it continues. We hope the supporters will rally around us and keep supporting us. That will give us the confidence to do more.”

Abia Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo says his side exploited Bendel Insurance’s unexpected tactical change to secure a convincing home victory in Sunday’s NPFL fixture.

A brace from Chukwuemeka Obioma and a further goal by Ettah Ikoi gave Abia Warriors a 3-0 win and ended a difficult run that had begun with a 2-0 defeat away to Barau FC last Wednesday.

Speaking to league expert Fisayo Dairo, Amapakabo said his team had been prepared for a different system from Bendel Insurance.

“I like it when I play against teams that we’ve had the opportunity to play against in friendlies during the friendly window,” he said.

“They came – we were thinking they were going to come in a 4-3-3 formation – but they came out with a 4-2-4 formation. As I told my players, they emptied their midfield, and we had a formation where we had to congest our midfield. It was a plus for us.”

Amapakabo said Abia Warriors could have scored considerably more before half-time but failed to take advantage of several opportunities.

“I think it would have been five or six goals in the first half. Unfortunately, we didn’t convert most of the chances that came our way,” he added.

The result lifted Abia Warriors to ninth in the league table on eight points.

Rebuilding the squad

Amapakabo also addressed his team’s tendency to struggle at the start of campaigns before finding greater consistency.

He said the club had been forced to rebuild after losing a large number of players, making it difficult for the new squad to develop an understanding immediately.

“Most times people don’t understand that I rebuild almost every other year. This year I lost about 18 of my players and we have to start rebuilding again,” Amapakabo said.

“When you are rebuilding, most times it’s difficult for the players to blend, but gradually the players are beginning to gel and beginning to understand the philosophy. We’ll keep on going.

“Like I always tell them, it’s a league season; it’s not a Cup game.”

Abia Warriors’ next challenge will come as they continue to develop the team during the league campaign, with Amapakabo stressing the need for patience while his players adapt to his approach.

Niger Tornadoes technical adviser Kabiru Dogo said a brief loss of concentration led to his team’s 1-0 defeat by Nasarawa United in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The Ikon Allah Boys were beaten in their Matchday 6 fixture at Lafia City Stadium on Sunday, with Harrison Ebah scoring the only goal of the game.

The Nasarawa United centre-back struck in the 20th minute, sending a powerful effort from about 35 yards beyond Niger Tornadoes goalkeeper Jerry Isaac.

Dogo acknowledged that his side paid the price for failing to maintain its focus during the match.

“Congratulations to Nasarawa United. Both teams did very well, but my team lost concentration and were punished by United,” Dogo told the club’s media.

“I wish both teams well going forward.”

The result lifted Nasarawa United to 13th in the NPFL standings with seven points. Niger Tornadoes, meanwhile, fell to 17th place.

Niger Tornadoes will have home advantage in their next league match, when they face Kun Khalifat FC.

Nasarawa United’s next fixture will take them to Ibadan for a meeting with Shooting Stars.

Ikorodu City goalkeeper Michael Atata says concentration, determination and hard work were behind the club’s historic 2-0 league victory over defending champions Rangers.

The Oga Boys claimed their first-ever league win against Rangers with an impressive performance at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, on Sunday.

Ikorodu City made the ideal start when Super Eagles midfielder Aderemi Adeoye curled a superb free-kick into the bottom corner after six minutes.

Ikechukwu Junior doubled the hosts’ advantage in the second half with another expertly taken free-kick, securing all three points for Ikorodu City.

Atata said the players remained focused throughout a match which he expected to test them physically and mentally.

“Today was all about concentration, from the first minute to the end of the game. We knew it was a game that would demand a lot from us, both mentally and physically,” Atata told the club’s media.

“It was about giving our all, putting in the right effort and making sure we came out with a win. I’m grateful for it.”

The result gives Ikorodu City a significant boost, but Atata stressed that the team must now turn its attention to the next challenge.

Their next fixture is a local derby against Sporting Lagos, and Atata said the victory over Rangers could not be allowed to distract them from that encounter.

“We take each game as it comes. We try to stay present and take things easy. We will give our hundred percent in each game, so we are grateful for today’s victory,” he added.

Enyimba claimed their first point of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season after holding Kano Pillars to a goalless draw at Sani Abacha Stadium.

The nine-time champions had lost their opening four matches, but secured a point in Kano as both sides failed to find a breakthrough.

Defending champions Rangers endured a difficult outing at Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, where they were beaten 2-0 by Ikorodu City.

Aderemi Adeoye gave the home side the lead after eight minutes, while Ikechukwu Junior added a second three minutes after the hour mark.

Plateau United moved up to second in the table with a 2-0 win against Inter Lagos at New Jos Stadium.

Gideon Monday and Jibrin Ibrahim scored for Gbenga Ogunbote’s team to secure the points.

Kun Khalifat FC recorded their first victory of the season by edging past Kwara United 1-0 at Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

Igwe Igweuzo scored the only goal in the 64th minute.

Warri Wolves also won 1-0, with Othuke Egbo’s eighth-minute strike settling their match against Shooting Stars.

Abia Warriors produced the biggest win of the day, beating Bendel Insurance 3-0 in Aba.

Ikoi Etta opened the scoring for Imama Amapakabo’s side in the 16th minute. Experienced striker Emeka Obioma then scored twice, in the 24th and 40th minutes, to complete a convincing victory for the hosts.

Katsina United came from behind to defeat Doma United 2-1 at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

Luis Dadong put Katsina United ahead from the penalty spot after 12 minutes, but Sadiq Rilwan equalised for the visitors three minutes after the half-hour mark.

Mukhtar Ismail restored Katsina United’s lead 15 minutes from full time to complete the comeback and secure all three points.

NPFL results

Abia Warriors 3-0 Bendel Insurance

Ikorodu City 2-0 Rangers

Kun Khalifat 1-0 Kwara Utd

Nasarawa Utd 1-0 Tornadoes

Wolves 1-0 Shooting Stars

Katsina Utd 2-1 Doma Utd

Plateau Utd 2-0 Inter Lagos

Kano Pillars 0-0 Enyimba

Sporting Lagos head coach Jeffrey Buter said his side deserved more after being held to a 1-1 draw by Barau FC in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 6 fixture at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, on Saturday.

The result left Barau FC at the top of the standings and extended their unbeaten run, while Sporting Lagos were forced to settle for a point despite creating opportunities to win the match.

Barau FC went ahead just before half-time after Stanley Oganbor was brought down inside the penalty area. Joseph Atule converted the resulting spot-kick to give the visitors the lead.

Sporting Lagos responded after the interval, with Sodiq Ayoade scoring the equaliser. The hosts continued to push for a second goal, but neither team could find a decisive finish during the final 30 minutes.

Buter said the performance merited more than a draw and suggested that better officiating could have affected the outcome.

“Yeah, disappointing, like you said. I think we deserved more than a draw. We should have won this game,” Buter told the club’s media.

“I think another day, the officiating is better, I think we get maximum points from this game. I am happy with the fight and courage.”

The Sporting Lagos manager also highlighted his team’s failure to take its chances, while acknowledging the physical demands of the contest.

“Fatigue is part of the game. I think we created chances, but we didn’t score early enough and the opponent took what they got,” Buter said.

Barau FC’s penalty proved enough to give them an advantage at the break, although Sporting Lagos recovered to level the score and remained in contention for all three points.

Buter praised his players for continuing to compete after falling behind and said the resilience shown could prove valuable in future matches.

“But again, the fight and resilience to get something, you are going to need it in another game,” he added.

Sporting Lagos had aimed to make a fast start, as they did in their match against Inter Lagos, but Buter said the team now had to maintain its determination.

“We wanted to start strong like we did against Inter Lagos. We just have to keep fighting.”

Despite the frustration of dropping two points at home, Sporting Lagos secured a share of the points, while Barau FC retained first place in the NPFL table.

Shooting Stars defender Desmond Ojiefietan says he is confident the Oluyole Warriors can secure maximum points against Warri Wolves on Sunday.

The Nigeria Premier Football League sides will meet at the Southern Delta University Stadium in Ozoro, where Ojiefietan believes Shooting Stars’ preparations and hard work will produce a positive result.

“I’m very, very confident that Shooting Stars will win against Warri Wolves in Ozoro,” Ojiefietan told 3SCFANTV.

“I know we are going to beat them there. We just have to work hard and, by His grace, we will get the maximum points.”

Shooting Stars go into the match hoping to build on their latest result, having defeated Katsina United at home.

Ojiefietan believes another victory would strengthen the club’s efforts to climb the league table as the season progresses.

Ranchers Bees have launched their third kit for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season as the Kaduna-based club continue their return to the top flight.

The new strip was unveiled on Saturday through the club’s official X handle, with two Ranchers Bees players presenting the jersey in a photoshoot staged beneath yellow neon lights.

Produced by Italian sportswear company Macron, the kit features a bright yellow shirt with a black collar and black detailing on the sleeves. Ranchers Bees’ Bee crest appears on the left side of the chest, while the Macron logo is positioned on the right and Rano Air is displayed as the front-of-shirt sponsor.

The design retains the club’s traditional yellow-and-black colours while giving them a more contemporary streetwear look. The players modelling the kit were pictured wearing caps, a durag and sunglasses.

Ranchers Bees have remained competitive since returning to the NPFL this season. Their latest home fixture ended in a draw against league leaders Barau FC.

The new strip will be used as an alternative kit for away matches.

Enyimba assistant coach Okechukwu Ejeh says the nine-time champions are determined to end their winless start when they visit Kano Pillars in the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday.

Emmanuel Deutsch’s side will meet Kano Pillars in an NPFL Matchday 6 fixture at the Sani Abacha Stadium, with Enyimba seeking their first points of the campaign.

The Aba-based club have lost all four of their league matches so far and, despite having a game in hand, are bottom of the NPFL table.

Ejeh insists the team have travelled to Kano with victory as their sole objective and believes they are ready in every area ahead of the match.

“We are not here for a tea party; we are here for serious business. We are here to get the three points,” Ejeh told the club’s media.

“We are mentally ready, physically ready and tactically ready for this game. Believe me, we are optimistic that we are not leaving this ancient city empty-handed.”

The assistant coach’s confidence comes after a difficult opening to the season, which included a defeat by Inter Lagos. He remains convinced Enyimba can respond against Kano Pillars and begin moving up the standings.

Enyimba retain continental ambition

Although Enyimba’s early results have left them at the foot of the table, Ejeh says the club’s wider objective has not changed.

The People’s Elephant are still targeting a top-three finish and qualification for continental football at the end of the campaign.

“Our vision remains to play on the continent. We are not too worried about our position for now. We will get the continental ticket,” he added.

South Africa defender Ime Okon scored against Guinea in Pitso Mosimane’s first match back in charge of Bafana Bafana.

The goal was the first scored by South Africa since Mosimane took over the national team and provided an early highlight of his return to the dugout, according to BSNSports.com.ng.

Okon, whose father is Nigerian and mother is South African, has become one of the players attracting growing attention within the national-team set-up.

His strike against Guinea represents an important moment in the young defender’s development and is likely to strengthen his claim for continued consideration under Mosimane.

Okon’s Nigerian and South African heritage has also made his progress in South African football particularly noteworthy. His performance adds to the increasing involvement of players of Nigerian heritage in the country’s game.

For Mosimane, the goal offered an encouraging beginning to his latest chapter with Bafana Bafana as he starts the process of rebuilding and reshaping the side.

The fixture also allowed the coach to assess several players as South Africa prepares for upcoming international assignments and competitive fixtures.

Okon will now continue competing for a place in the national team as Mosimane weighs up his plans for the squad.

The report was written by Niyi Busari, publisher and chief executive of BSNSportsConcept.

London-born forward Ezekiel Olawale Abiola Tanimowo is continuing his rise through European football after establishing himself as one of the emerging attacking players in Kyrgyzstan with FC Asia Talas.

The 29-year-old can play on either wing or as a central forward and has built his career across Norway, Estonia and Kyrgyzstan after developing in the academy at Bolton Wanderers.

Tanimowo began his senior European career with Florø SK in Norway in 2020. He made an immediate impression, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Moss in August that year.

He later moved to Estonia, where he spent two productive seasons with Tartu JK Tammeka. Across the 2024 and 2025 Meistriliiga campaigns, he scored 14 league goals and provided seven assists.

The 2025 season was especially productive. Tanimowo scored eight league goals and delivered a series of influential performances, including two goals in Tammeka’s 5-2 victory against Tallinna Kalev in October.

His time in Europe also included a trial at Scottish club Motherwell. According to an interview published by Eurasia Football, he played in several matches and scored twice during that period. The trial did not result in a professional contract, but gave him another opportunity to compete in a demanding European environment.

Tanimowo moved to Kyrgyzstan in February 2026, joining OshMU and quickly becoming a key attacking player. He scored six goals and supplied seven assists in 16 appearances before completing a move to FC Asia Talas in July.

He made an immediate contribution for his new club. In Asia Talas’ 4-0 win over Kyrgyzaltyn on September 12, Tanimowo scored twice, opening the scoring in the first minute before completing his brace in the 60th minute.

The performance reflected the main strengths he has shown throughout his career, including speed, direct attacking play, dribbling and finishing.

His effectiveness in one-on-one situations was also evident during his time in Estonia. Statistical data from the 2025 campaign records 95 successful dribbles, highlighting his ability to carry the ball forward and take on defenders.

Tanimowo now wears the number 10 shirt for Asia Talas and has another opportunity to develop his reputation in Central Asia.

His route from the Bolton Wanderers academy to Norway, Estonia and Kyrgyzstan has been shaped by a determination to find regular opportunities in different football cultures.

The move to Kyrgyzstan represents the latest stage of a career built on adaptation, perseverance and a willingness to pursue less familiar routes.

Niyi Busari is the Publisher and CEO of BSNSportsConcept.