Abia Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo described his side’s goalless draw with Rivers United as “two points dropped” after they failed to win at home for the third time in four matches this season.

The teams shared the points in Sunday’s EuroMatch/NPFL Matchday 8 meeting in Aba, leaving Abia Warriors with three home draws from their opening four fixtures at home in the 2026/2027 EUROMATCH-NPFL season.

Amapakabo said his players lacked confidence during attacking transitions and missed the chance to claim all three points.

“It’s two points dropped. You know, it’s two points dropped because, to me, I go into every game wanting to win. We had a big problem today in the offensive transition,” he said.

“Our players were not recognising the moment for transition enough. Like I told them, you must not fear. Show respect, but not fear. But I think that, at a point in time, it was like they were doubting their own abilities, which was a big factor in the game.”

The coach, who won the 2015/2016 EuroMatch/NPFL title with Rangers International, added that the club had now surrendered six points at home.

“I’ve lost six points at home so far, and it counts for something. If you look at it now, we’ve got nine points from eight games out of a possible 24. I always try to play to get the desired result,” he said.

Obioma carries goalscoring burden

Amapakabo also admitted he was concerned by Abia Warriors’ dependence on forward Chukwuemeka Obioma for goals.

The experienced striker, whom the coach described last season as “the only striker with the grace for goals”, has featured in almost all eight matches, scoring six goals and providing one assist.

“Yes, you know, when a team has one individual they count on for goals, it is not the best. I’ve been challenging some of my young players who have been around him. Look, you must stand up to be counted,” Amapakabo said.

“Because, if you leave him alone, at a point in today’s game, I felt pity for him because he was already completely fagged out.”

He said Obioma remained on the pitch deliberately because of his goalscoring ability, but called on other players to contribute.

“He’s played almost all eight games and scored six goals and provided one assist, an awesome performance for any striker anywhere in the world,” he added. “But we’ll continue working, hoping that one of those players will be able to come to the party.”

Meyanga praised after debut

Amapakabo handed young defender Godwin Meyanga his Premier League debut of the season and was pleased with the rookie’s display.

The former Nigeria U-20 national team, Flying Eagles, goalkeeper said Abia Warriors were rebuilding and praised Meyanga for responding positively to his instructions.

“I told him, ‘Boy, go out there and enjoy yourself. Play the game with all your heart’,” he said.

“I’ll keep on introducing the young lads, as long as they prove to me in our practice sessions that they can deliver results.”

Amapakabo added: “Kudos to him. He played against one of the biggest teams in the land this season, and I think I will score him very highly.”

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has warned Victor Boniface that the striker’s early departure down the tunnel during Saturday’s 4-3 Bundesliga win over Mainz will not happen again.

The Super Eagles forward reacted angrily after being left out of the team for a third time during the match’s final substitutes window. Coach Carles Martinez brought on Equi Fernandez and Jonas Hofmann in the 84th minute, prompting Boniface to leave the bench and head directly to the dressing room.

The incident has highlighted the 25-year-old’s difficult position at Bayer Leverkusen this season, with his opportunities limited. Boniface has made only one league appearance: a five-minute substitute outing against SV Elversberg on the opening day, during which he provided an assist.

He has since spent much of the campaign either sidelined or among the substitutes.

Martinez said he had not seen Boniface leave during the match but indicated that the matter would be discussed internally.

“I didn’t notice it during the game. I don’t know anything about it. If that’s what happened, we’ll speak to him,” Martinez told Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger.

“I can understand that every player wants to help the team. At the same time, decisions like that are part of football.”

Rolfes initially responded with a joke, suggesting Boniface may have had a practical reason for leaving the technical area. However, he later made clear that the player’s action was not acceptable.

“Perhaps he went into the dressing room a little too early today. It won’t happen next time,” Rolfes said.

Despite the warning, the Leverkusen sporting director acknowledged that Boniface’s fitness is improving and that he has continued to conduct himself professionally in training.

That leaves the striker with the possibility of earning a greater role as the fixture schedule becomes increasingly demanding.

Nigeria’s Sand Eagles remain confident of reaching the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations despite a 3-3 draw with Ghana in the first leg of their qualifying tie.

The match was played in Kaduna on Saturday, leaving the qualification contest finely balanced before the return fixture.

Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme acknowledged that Nigeria’s lengthy absence from international beach soccer had affected the team’s competitive sharpness.

However, he believes the Sand Eagles have a strong opportunity to secure their place at the continental tournament.

“We have not played the game for some time in terms of international beach soccer. We have just resumed, and our last competitive match was against Mauritania in a Beach Soccer AFCON qualifying tie two years ago,” Ikpeme told thenff.com.

The NFF official said the demands of beach soccer made regular preparation and player development essential if Nigeria were to improve their performances at international level.

“Beach soccer is a very tough game, and there is a need for consistency in the training and development of the players,” he said.

The first-leg result means Ghana’s Black Stars and the Sand Eagles will go into the return match with the tie still open. Nigeria must now build on their performance in Kaduna as they pursue qualification for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations.

Ikpeme also pledged the federation’s backing for the national beach soccer team, saying efforts would be made to provide the support required for the players to compete more effectively.

“I believe there is hope. During my time, I will work to ensure that we give the beach soccer national team all the necessary support,” he added.

The NFF acting general secretary said improving the team’s competitive preparation would be among his priorities as Nigeria attempt to overcome Ghana and return to the continental competition.

Rivers United technical manager Finidi George says he is encouraged by his side’s unbeaten away record in the 2026/2027 EuroMatch/NPFL season after they secured a goalless draw against Abia Warriors.

The point came in Sunday’s Matchday 8 fixture at the Enyimba International Stadium Aba and kept Rivers United unbeaten in the league. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Finidi praised his defenders and said he was satisfied with how the team had negotiated its away matches.

“I think we’ve really worked hard this season. We haven’t lost a match, despite the fact that we’ve been knocked out of the (2026/2027) CAF Champions League,” said Finidi, the former Enyimba manager and Super Eagles winger.

The result leaves Rivers United second in the 2026/2027 EuroMatch/NPFL table on 16 points, one behind leaders Rangers, who have 17.

Finidi said the defensive unit had made a positive contribution but warned that the increasing number of fixtures was placing pressure on his defenders.

“Yeah, I think the defence is doing well, but we still have to monitor the defenders properly because the accumulation of matches is beginning to take its toll. We’ll see if others can come in and perform at the same level.

“We’ll see what happens, but I’m quite happy with the way we’ve handled most of our away matches so far.”

Asked whether he regarded the draw as a valuable result, Finidi pointed to the importance of collecting points on the road, particularly after Rivers United missed out on last season’s league title by the narrowest margin.

“If I’m happy with the draw? Sometimes, at the end of the season, all these points will count for a lot, you know. Last season, we lost the league title by just one point. So, let’s see if this time around, we can maintain this form for a little longer,” said the former Ajax Amsterdam winger.

Rivers United had opportunities to take all three points in Aba but could not find a way past Abia Warriors. Finidi described his team’s performance after the interval as inconsistent, while also praising their control of the contest.

“The second half was off and on for us. But coming here to get a point on the road against a difficult side a lot of teams might have lost here by a big goal margin and for us to come here and even control the game, trying to see how we could score a goal, which didn’t happen, says something.

“But these are things that happen in football. All the same, we’re quite happy with the point, and we’ll build on it,” Finidi concluded.

Shooting Stars head coach Salisu Yusuf says his side’s defensive shortcomings were responsible for their 2-0 defeat by Kun Khalifat on Matchday 8 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The hosts made the most of mistakes at the back to claim an important home victory. Agor Chukwuma opened the scoring in the 40th minute, while Uche added a second in the 63rd minute to give Kun Khalifat a decisive advantage.

Yusuf accepted responsibility for the performance after the final whistle and said Kun Khalifat were worthy winners.

“The opponents deserved to win. They played better and defended well. We didn’t play well, and we defended poorly. That’s why we lost the game,” Yusuf said.

The result highlighted the work required by the experienced coach, who has only recently taken charge of the Oluyole Warriors.

Yusuf said improving the team’s defensive organisation would be his immediate priority, describing the condition of the backline as a serious concern.

“I have just joined the team, and we have to take a closer look at the defensive line. It is very disturbing,” he admitted.

Shooting Stars must now address those defensive problems as Yusuf prepares the squad for its upcoming fixtures.

Doma United technical adviser Ayeni Ayodeji said his side’s display in their 2-0 defeat by Nasarawa United was below the standards expected of them.

The result in Sunday’s NPFL fixture extended Doma United’s difficult run away from home, with the club now having lost their past three matches on the road.

Their only away victory this campaign came in week 2, when they defeated Inter Lagos 1-0.

Ayodeji said the coaching staff would review the reasons behind the defeat and work to correct the weaknesses before Doma United’s next home match.

“There’s no big deal about it, that’s Football for you, the league is a marathon you win some, you lose some and you draw some,” he said in his post-match comments.

“But the rational behind the losing is what we the coaches would have to go and look at and work on the lapses and get prepared for our next home game so that we can keep our tempo going.”

The coach acknowledged that the overall performance had not matched the team’s usual level, although he felt the match itself was not entirely poor and praised Nasarawa United for taking their opportunities.

“The performance was below our expectations because this is not the way we’ve been playing maybe it’s due to some issues and I will address that but aside that it’s not a bad game I give it to Nasarawa United, they had a fair game today and took their chances,” Ayodeji added.

Doma United will attempt to respond when they host Kun Khalifat FC next Saturday.

Umar Sadiq was absent through injury as Valencia were held to an entertaining 2-2 draw by Racing Santander in La Liga on Sunday evening.

The Super Eagles striker has made three league appearances for Valencia this season and scored one goal. However, he was unavailable for the match at El Sardinero because of the injury.

His absence did not prevent an open contest, with both teams showing attacking intent from the start and exchanging goals in a lively encounter.

Racing Santander looked to make the most of home advantage, using quick transitions to trouble Valencia. The visitors responded with greater experience and composure in possession, creating opportunities and remaining competitive throughout the game.

The match remained finely balanced as both sides pushed for a goal that would have settled the contest. Neither could find a decisive breakthrough in the closing stages, with both defences holding firm during a frantic finish.

The final whistle confirmed a 2-2 draw, leaving the points shared after a four-goal encounter at El Sardinero.

Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi made his return from injury as Olympique de Marseille defeated Troyes 2-0 in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Nnadi came on in the 73rd minute, replacing Kamissoko, to make his third league appearance of the season. The Nigerian international had been unavailable for much of the campaign because of injury.

The game remained goalless at half-time after a closely fought opening 45 minutes, but Marseille moved ahead five minutes after the restart. Amine Harit met a delivery from Emerson Palmieri in the 50th minute and finished to give the visitors the lead.

Troyes responded by pressing for an equaliser and struck the woodwork twice as they increased the pressure late in the match. Marseille, however, retained their defensive shape, with Nnadi helping to provide midfield stability during the closing stages.

Any prospect of a Troyes comeback ended deep into stoppage time when substitute Himad Abdelli converted a penalty in the 90th minute to confirm all three points for Olympique de Marseille.

Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi made his return from injury as Olympique de Marseille defeated Troyes 2-0 in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Nnadi came on in the 73rd minute, replacing Kamissoko, to make his third league appearance of the season. The Nigerian international had been unavailable for much of the campaign because of injury.

The game remained goalless at half-time after a closely fought opening 45 minutes, but Marseille moved ahead five minutes after the restart. Amine Harit met a delivery from Emerson Palmieri in the 50th minute and finished to give the visitors the lead.

Troyes responded by pressing for an equaliser and struck the woodwork twice as they increased the pressure late in the match. Marseille, however, retained their defensive shape, with Nnadi helping to provide midfield stability during the closing stages.

Any prospect of a Troyes comeback ended deep into stoppage time when substitute Himad Abdelli converted a penalty in the 90th minute to confirm all three points for Olympique de Marseille.

Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi made his return from injury as Olympique de Marseille defeated Troyes 2-0 in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Nnadi came on in the 73rd minute, replacing Kamissoko, to make his third league appearance of the season. The Nigerian international had been unavailable for much of the campaign because of injury.

The game remained goalless at half-time after a closely fought opening 45 minutes, but Marseille moved ahead five minutes after the restart. Amine Harit met a delivery from Emerson Palmieri in the 50th minute and finished to give the visitors the lead.

Troyes responded by pressing for an equaliser and struck the woodwork twice as they increased the pressure late in the match. Marseille, however, retained their defensive shape, with Nnadi helping to provide midfield stability during the closing stages.

Any prospect of a Troyes comeback ended deep into stoppage time when substitute Himad Abdelli converted a penalty in the 90th minute to confirm all three points for Olympique de Marseille.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored for the 10th consecutive game for club and country, but his goal could not prevent Bursaspor from losing 2-1 at home to Mardin 1969 Spor in the Turkish TFF 1. Lig on Sunday.

Bursaspor took the field looking to maintain their challenge at the top of the Turkish second division, but fell behind in the 21st minute when Tonio Teklic gave the visitors the lead.

Iheanacho restored parity in the 81st minute with an excellent strike from outside the penalty area, extending his remarkable scoring sequence and appearing to have secured a point for the hosts.

Mardin 1969 Spor, however, had the final say. Zdravko Dimitrov scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time to complete a dramatic 2-1 victory for the away side.

The goal was Iheanacho’s ninth in successive matches for Bursaspor in the Turkish First League. During that run, he has recorded 14 goal contributions, comprising 12 goals and two assists.

His latest effort also extended his scoring streak for both club and country to 10 matches this season. The sequence includes his goal for Nigeria in the Super Eagles’ recent 3-3 draw against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod, where he opened the scoring.

Iheanacho’s influence on Bursaspor’s attack has been significant. The club have scored 17 goals in the 2026–27 campaign so far, with the former Nigeria international directly involved in 82.4% of them.

Despite the defeat, Bursaspor remain in contention near the top of the table on 19 points. They are three points behind leaders Kayserispor and will attempt to respond when they travel to Muglaspor on Thursday, 15 October.

Iheanacho joined Bursaspor as a free agent in the summer of 2026 after leaving Celtic. He has enjoyed an outstanding start to life in Turkey, having earlier equalled and subsequently surpassed the club’s scoring-streak records previously held by Fernandao from the 2014/15 season.

Before moving to Bursaspor, Iheanacho helped Celtic complete a Scottish Premier League and Scottish Cup double. The forward previously played for Manchester City and Leicester City.

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen says his side must combine discipline, resilience and aggressive pressing when they face Barcelona at RAMS Park on Tuesday.

The Turkish Super Lig champions are looking to respond after losing their opening match to Sporting Lisbon, but they face a Barcelona team known for controlling possession and creating sustained pressure.

Osimhen acknowledged the quality in Barcelona’s squad while insisting Galatasaray were capable of competing in what promises to be a demanding encounter.

The Nigeria international said Galatasaray would need to disrupt Barcelona high up the pitch and remain organised when they do not have the ball.

“When you’re playing against a team with such quality players, you have to play with both excitement and seriousness; you need to apply pressure in the front area,” Osimhen was quoted by byahaber as saying.

“They possess the ball a lot, so in a match like this, you need to show some resistance.”

The striker added that Galatasaray were prepared to accept whatever outcome followed the match, while highlighting the significance of playing Barcelona in front of the home supporters.

“We’re ready, and whatever the result may be from that game, we’ll face it head-on,” he said.

“Playing against Barcelona at Rams Park will be magnificent.”

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze was involved as AC Milan were held to a 1-1 draw by Sassuolo in Serie A at the Mapei Stadium on Sunday evening.

The Nigeria international made his sixth league appearance of the campaign and produced an energetic performance, using his pace and direct running to trouble the Sassuolo defence. Chukwueze has also recorded two assists so far this season as he continues to develop within AC Milan’s tactical system.

He remained on the pitch until the 85th minute, when he was replaced by Hutchinson as the visitors pressed for a late winner.

Milan were forced into an early change during a goalless first half after Matteo Gabbia suffered an injury. Koni De Winter came on in his place, with neither side able to break the deadlock before the interval.

The match opened up after half-time, and AC Milan took the lead in the 63rd minute. Adrien Rabiot finished decisively after being played in by substitute Luka Modric.

Sassuolo, managed by Fabio Grosso, responded almost immediately. Their equaliser arrived just four minutes later, when defender Cas Odenthal converted from a set-piece situation to beat Mike Maignan and bring the home supporters to their feet.

AC Milan increased the pressure in the closing stages in search of a second goal. Further changes included the introduction of Ardon Jashari and Alphadjo Cisse, as the Rossoneri added fresh legs to their attack and midfield.

Sassuolo’s defensive organisation held firm, however, and the hosts secured a point from a contest in which both sides had opportunities to claim victory.

Defending champions Rangers stayed top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Barau FC on Sunday.

Ifeanyi Okechukwu gave Rangers the lead seven minutes before half-time, but the hosts turned the game around after the break.

Joseph Atule and Aliyu Sugau both converted penalties to put Barau FC 2-1 ahead. Rangers avoided defeat when Chidiebere Nwobodo scored an equaliser in stoppage time.

Rivers United also preserved their unbeaten start to the season after being held to a goalless draw by Abia Warriors.

Nasarawa United recorded one of the day’s more comfortable victories, beating Doma United 2-0 in Lafia. Sunday Dapman opened the scoring before Jofrank Istifanus added a second to secure all three points for the home side.

At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Sporting Lagos defeated Bendel Insurance 2-1 in an entertaining contest.

Sporting Lagos took the lead in the 14th minute through Victor Samuel, but Bendel Insurance levelled four minutes later when Kayode Oke found the net.

Gafar Olaniyan restored Sporting Lagos’ advantage in the 22nd minute, and that goal proved decisive as the hosts held on for victory.

Plateau United ended Kano Pillars’ unbeaten run in emphatic fashion, securing a 4-0 win at the New Jos Stadium.

Paul Samson, Ekundayo Ojo, Samuel Ayanrinde and Nenrot Silas were all on target as Plateau United recorded a convincing victory over the Sai Masu Gida.

Elsewhere, Kun Khalifat beat Shooting Stars 2-0.

Sunday’s results were:

Barau FC 2-2 Rangers

Abia Warriors 0-0 Rivers United

Kun Khalifat 2-0 Shooting Stars

Nasarawa United 2-0 Doma United

Plateau United 4-0 Kano Pillars

Sporting Lagos 2-1 Bendel Insurance

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has warned his players they must produce their best football to deal with Victor Osimhen when they face Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League.

The sides meet at RAMS Park on Tuesday in a Matchday Two fixture, with the Turkish champions expected to include Osimhen in their starting line-up.

The Nigeria striker returned from injury as a substitute in Galatasaray’s 3-1 victory over Kasimpasa on Friday. He had missed the club’s previous three matches before making his comeback.

Flick highlighted the threat posed by the former Napoli forward while also praising the strength of Galatasaray’s squad.

“Galatasaray have a fantastic striker like Osimhen. They really have a great squad. We need to be ready for this match. We have to play our best football against Galatasaray,” Flick was quoted by Ahaber as saying.

Osimhen’s return provides a boost for Galatasaray as they prepare to welcome the Spanish side to Istanbul.

The Turkish champions will also be seeking a response after losing their opening Champions League match to Sporting Lisbon.

Lazio maintained their unbeaten start to the Serie A season with a 3-1 victory over 10-man Monza at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

Nigeria internationals Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro both featured, with Lazio midfielder Dele-Bashiru coming on in the 61st minute and Monza’s Akinsanmiro completing the full 90 minutes.

The result gave Maurizio Sarri’s side their fifth win in their opening six league matches, a start Lazio have achieved for the first time in their history. They moved level with Inter on 16 points at the top of the table.

Lazio needed only three minutes to take the lead. Nuno Tavares collected possession 25 yards from goal before sending a powerful effort into the top corner beyond Noel Tornqvist.

Monza appeared to have responded in the 20th minute when Gustavo Varela found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Lazio doubled their advantage three minutes later. Tavares turned provider this time, delivering an accurate cross into the area for Gustav Isaksen, who finished past Tornqvist.

The visitors’ hopes of recovering were dealt another blow 10 minutes before half-time when Lorenzo Lucchesi was shown a straight red card. He had brought down Tijjani Noslin while the Lazio forward was through on goal.

Despite being reduced to 10 players, Monza responded quickly after the interval. Just 45 seconds into the second half, Saba Goglichidze headed in from close range following a corner to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The Brianzoli then threatened to complete their fightback, with Samuele Birindelli and Varela both having opportunities to bring the scores level.

Lazio resisted the pressure and secured the points in the 88th minute. Andrea Pinamonti scored the home side’s third goal to end any remaining doubt over the outcome.

The victory keeps Lazio unbeaten after six league matches and leaves them alongside Inter at the summit with 16 points.

Terem Moffi celebrated making a decisive contribution as Hamburg came from behind to beat Hoffenheim 3-2 in a dramatic away victory.

Hamburg were 2-1 down with only seven minutes remaining when the Nigerian striker equalised, before Miro Muheim scored deep into stoppage time to complete the turnaround for Merlin Polzin’s team.

Moffi had entered the match in the 76th minute, replacing Martin Adeline. Seven minutes later, he found the net for the first time since joining Die Rothosen this summer.

The goal also marked Moffi’s maiden Bundesliga strike, and the forward said he was particularly pleased to have helped Hamburg earn all three points after being impressed by the delivery from Muheim.

“We are very proud. I’m happy that I was able to help the team with my goal. Miro’s cross was a truly wonderful cross,” Moffi told the club’s official website.

The 26-year-old explained that his main task had been to move into the right position, but scoring the equaliser gave Hamburg renewed belief that they could still win the contest.

“All I had to do was get myself into position. After that, I had the feeling that we still had a chance to win the game. We succeeded in doing that in the last minute,” he said.

Muheim’s late winner secured a memorable comeback for Hamburg and capped a match in which Moffi’s introduction changed the course of the game.

The striker also paid tribute to the club’s travelling support, who had made the journey to watch Hamburg play away from home.

“It’s an extraordinary feeling to see how many HSV fans have set out to watch the game here. Crazy! We are grateful to each and every one of them for coming,” Moffi added.

Nigeria U-20 assistant coach Abdullahi Biffo has praised the standard of officiating in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), while urging league organisers to maintain their efforts to improve other important areas of the domestic game.

Biffo made the comments after watching Ikorodu City claim a 2-0 victory over Kwara United in their Matchday 8 fixture at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. He said the quality of the match and the performance of the officials pointed to steady progress within the league.

The coach, who observed the game from the stands, commended both teams for their contribution to the contest and said the match officials had maintained a high and professional standard throughout the encounter.

“It is a gradual process of improvement in the league, and we are getting there slowly with time,” Biffo said.

He also highlighted the quality and potential among the players involved, identifying a number of emerging talents who could develop into important figures if they remain focused and continue working on their game.

“For the teams in today’s match, I saw quality players on both sides, upcoming stars, and eagerness in some of the players, which I believe with a little time they will begin to make waves if they continue to build on themselves and remain focused,” he added.

Biffo said the result had been determined by a competitive encounter in which Ikorodu City ultimately held the advantage, with the two-goal margin reflecting their efforts.

“It was a difficult match for both sides, only that Ikorodu City had the edge over Kwara United with the goal margin to complement their efforts,” he concluded.

The former coach’s assessment comes as league organisers continue their rebuilding efforts, with Biffo calling for the same commitment to be applied across the other critical areas of the NPFL.

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has given his former grassroots coach, Hyginus Okoye, a brand-new car to recognise his role in developing the Nigerian forward’s football career.

The Trabzonspor forward presented the vehicle to Okoye in Lagos, thanking the coach for helping to nurture his talent during his formative years at Young Stars FC in Satellite Town, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Onuachu began playing football at Young Stars FC before moving to FC Ebedie in Sagamu, Ogun State, where he continued his development.

His progress later earned him a move to Danish club FC Midtjylland, a key step in his transition into professional football.

The gift reflects Onuachu’s appreciation for the grassroots coaches who helped shape his career before he established himself as a Nigeria international and rose to prominence.

Onuachu, who has represented Nigeria’s Super Eagles, continues to play in European football with Trabzonspor. His gesture also draws attention to the contribution of coaches working at grassroots level, where many young players begin their careers.

Tolu Arokodare dedicated his goal for Ajax Amsterdam to injured team-mate Kasper Dolberg after scoring in Saturday evening’s 1-1 draw with NEC Nijmegen.

The Nigeria Super Eagles forward found the net during a closely contested match before celebrating in tribute to Dolberg, who is reportedly facing a lengthy absence because of a serious knee injury.

Arokodare said the idea for the celebration came from fellow Nigeria international Victor Osimhen, who suggested a way for him to show his support.

“I wanted to do something like this. Actually, it wasn't my own idea; Osimhen told me, ‘You should do something like this,’ and I did it. I thank him for that,” Arokodare said.

The gesture underlined the relationship between the two Nigerian internationals, with Osimhen helping Arokodare find a way to stand by his injured Ajax Amsterdam team-mate.

Arokodare’s goal was a positive moment for Ajax Amsterdam in a match that finished level against NEC Nijmegen. The forward will now aim to build on the performance as he continues his campaign with the Dutch club.