Nigerian clubs Rangers, Rivers United and Shooting Stars will begin their quests for continental success in September after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the fixture schedule for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to the timetable released by CAF, the opening preliminary round of both competitions will be played from September 4 to 6, 2026, with the return legs scheduled for September 11 to 13.

Teams that progress will advance to the second preliminary round, where the first-leg matches will take place between October 16 and 18, while the decisive return fixtures are slated for October 23 to 25.

The group stage of both tournaments is expected to get underway at the end of November, with clubs across the continent battling for continental honours.

CAF has also retained its enhanced prize money structure, with the winners of the CAF Champions League set to receive $6 million, while the CAF Confederation Cup champions will earn $4 million.

Nigeria will be represented by Rangers and Rivers United in the CAF Champions League after both clubs secured qualification through their performances in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

In the CAF Confederation Cup, Shooting Stars will fly the Nigerian flag alongside the winners of the 2026 President Federation Cup, completing the country's quartet of representatives in continental competition.

The Nigerian clubs will be aiming to make a strong impression and improve the country's standing in African club football when the new continental season gets underway.

Super Eagles midfielder Usman Mohammed has completed a return to Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Bnei Reineh after signing a two-year contract as a free agent, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The experienced midfielder rejoins Lior Reuven's team following the expiration of his contract with fellow Israeli club Ironi Tiberias, bringing an end to his spell with the club.

Mohammed is no stranger to Maccabi Bnei Reineh, having previously represented the club between 2023 and 2025. During his first stint, he established himself as a key figure in midfield, making 63 league appearances and scoring three goals while earning a reputation for his consistency and leadership.

His return is expected to provide a significant boost to the club as preparations continue for the 2026/27 Israeli Premier League season.

The former Taraba United midfielder has built an extensive career since leaving Nigeria, featuring for clubs across Europe and Asia. Renowned for his composure in possession, accurate passing and tireless work rate, Mohammed is expected to add quality and experience to Maccabi Bnei Reineh's midfield.

At international level, the 32-year-old enjoyed success with Nigeria's U-23 team, helping the country secure a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. He has also represented the Super Eagles at senior level, further underlining his wealth of experience.

By returning to familiar surroundings, Mohammed will be aiming to play a leading role as Maccabi Bnei Reineh seek to build on their recent progress and enjoy another competitive campaign in the Israeli top flight.

Egypt have named a 28-player provisional squad for a training camp as preparations gather pace ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to reports from Cairo, the selected players are expected to report to camp in the Egyptian capital on July 12, where they will begin intensive preparations under the supervision of the national team's technical crew.

The early camping programme is designed to give the coaches ample time to assess the squad, improve tactical cohesion and ensure the players are in peak condition before the team departs for Morocco.

Egypt have been drawn in a competitive Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, Zambia and Malawi, with all four teams aiming to secure qualification for the knockout stage.

The Pharaohs will be hoping to mount a strong challenge at the continental tournament and believe the extended preparation period will enhance their chances of making a positive impact.

One of the most anticipated fixtures in the group will see Egypt face Nigeria's Super Falcons, who enter the competition as defending champions and one of the favourites to lift the trophy once again.

The encounter is expected to play a significant role in shaping the outcome of Group C, with both nations eager to begin their WAFCON 2026 campaign on a winning note.

China have named Wang Jun as the new head coach of their U20 women's national team following the dismissal of Colin Bell ahead of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The appointment comes as the Chinese Football Association intensifies preparations for the tournament, where China have been drawn in a challenging Group F alongside Spain, Nigeria's Falconets and New Caledonia.

To aid the team's preparations, the Chinese FA has scheduled a second training camp from July 6 to July 10, 2026, at the Kunming Haigeng Sports Training Base in Yunnan Province.

The camp will give Wang Jun his first opportunity to work directly with the squad since taking over the role, while the federation has also announced the list of players invited for the programme.

China are expected to use the training camp to sharpen tactics, improve fitness levels and assess the players ahead of the global tournament.

The Asian side will face stiff competition in Group F, particularly from traditional powerhouse Spain and Nigeria's Falconets, who remain one of Africa's most successful teams at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup.

For the Falconets, China's coaching change adds another layer of intrigue to a group that is already expected to be one of the most competitive at the tournament.

Former Nigeria U-17 midfielder Ibraheem Jabaar is closing in on a move to Tanzanian giants Simba SC after reaching an agreement on personal terms, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The highly-rated midfielder, who previously played for South African side Stellenbosch FC, is expected to strengthen Simba SC's squad as the club prepares for the upcoming campaign.

Sources close to the negotiations revealed that Jabaar and the Tanzanian club have already agreed on personal terms, removing one of the final obstacles to completing the transfer.

The deal is now believed to be in its final stages, with only the remaining formalities left before the move is officially announced in the coming days.

Jabaar first came into the spotlight during his time with Nigeria's Golden Eaglets, where he showcased his technical ability and midfield intelligence at youth international level.

A move to Simba SC would offer the promising midfielder a fresh opportunity to revive his career and gain regular first-team football with one of East Africa's most successful clubs.

Should the transfer be completed as expected, Jabaar will be hoping to make an immediate impact in the Tanzanian Premier League and contribute to Simba SC's ambitions in both domestic and continental competitions.

The Zambia women's national team, the Copper Queens, will travel to Algeria on July 13 to begin the final phase of their preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

As part of their build-up to the continental championship, the Copper Queens will face Algeria in two international friendly matches scheduled for July 19 and July 22.

The warm-up fixtures are expected to provide Zambia's technical crew with an opportunity to assess the squad, fine-tune tactical plans and build match fitness ahead of the tournament.

Following the second friendly, both Zambia and Algeria are expected to travel to Morocco on the same flight as they prepare for the start of the competition.

The Copper Queens have been drawn in a challenging Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, Malawi and Egypt, with all four teams battling for places in the knockout stage.

Zambia will be hoping to carry their impressive recent form into the tournament as they bid to challenge for a maiden WAFCON title, while also building on their growing reputation as one of the continent's emerging forces in women's football.

Their meeting with the Super Falcons is expected to be one of the standout fixtures in the group, with both sides aiming to make a strong start in their quest for continental glory.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially informed its member associations and major football stakeholders that its Elective Congress will take place on September 26, 2026, in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The notification was contained in a letter dated June 26, 2026, and signed by the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi. According to the federation, the notice was issued in line with Article 32 of the NFF Statutes and on the directive of the Executive Committee.

The correspondence was sent to all relevant stakeholders, including the 36 state football associations and the Federal Capital Territory, congress delegates, the various league bodies, as well as the associations representing coaches, referees and players.

The forthcoming congress will serve as the platform for electing a new leadership to oversee the affairs of Nigerian football in accordance with the federation's statutes.

Preparations for the electoral process have been underway for several months. On April 2, 2026, the NFF inaugurated its Electoral Committee and Electoral Appeals Committee following the Federation's Extraordinary General Assembly held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

A total of 12 individuals were appointed to the two committees, with seven members constituting the Electoral Committee and five serving on the Electoral Appeals Committee.

The Electoral Committee has been entrusted with the responsibility of organising and conducting the elections in line with the provisions of the March 2026 edition of the NFF Statutes, while the Electoral Appeals Committee will handle and determine disputes arising from the electoral process.

With the congress now officially scheduled, attention is expected to shift towards the nomination process and the emergence of candidates seeking to occupy key leadership positions within the Nigeria Football Federation.

FC Ebedei's players and officials have arrived in Denmark to begin a three-month training and development tour across Europe aimed at enhancing the club's football philosophy while improving the technical abilities of both its players and coaching staff, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The delegation is headed by the club's President, Barrister Churchill Oliseh, alongside General Manager and Head of Youth Development, Coach Fredrick Oliseh. Also on the trip are Head Coach Ifeanyi Emeghara, his assistants and a number of the club's highly-rated young players.

The team departed Nigeria shortly after completing its Nationwide League One (NLO) playoff campaign on Wednesday night and landed safely in Denmark on Thursday, where the first phase of the development programme will begin.

In addition to their stay in Denmark, FC Ebedei will also visit Sweden, Spain and Portugal, participating in various football development initiatives, training sessions and educational programmes designed to expose players and coaches to modern European football methods.

A key feature of the tour is the professional development programme for the club's coaching staff. Throughout the three months, the coaches will undertake advanced coaching courses, certification programmes and capacity-building workshops under experienced European instructors and youth development specialists.

The programme will also include practical on-field sessions, giving the coaches the opportunity to implement contemporary coaching techniques while further enhancing their tactical and technical knowledge.

Before departing Nigeria, the FC Ebedei delegation enjoyed a memorable encounter with former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha at the departure lounge of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The Nigerian football icon applauded the club's continued commitment to discovering and nurturing young talents, describing the initiative as a valuable investment in the future of Nigerian football.

Okocha also took time to interact with the players, urging them to remain disciplined, work diligently and maximise the opportunity presented by the European tour both on and off the pitch.

Reacting to the meeting, FC Ebedei Director of Football Babatunde Oladeinde described Okocha's encouragement as a memorable and inspiring experience, adding that the players and officials were highly motivated by the words of one of Nigeria's greatest football legends.

Remo Stars forward Victor Mbaoma is closing in on a return to the Rwandan Premier League, with Police FC reportedly on the verge of completing a deal for the experienced Nigerian striker, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Mbaoma played an important role for the Nigeria Premier Football League champions during the recently concluded season, contributing his experience and attacking quality to Remo Stars' frontline.

The move will see the former NPFL top scorer embark on a second spell in Rwandan football, having previously featured for APR FC before returning to Nigeria.

According to reports from Rwanda, Police FC have already reached an agreement with the striker, with only the official announcement remaining before the transfer is finalised.

The club is expected to unveil Mbaoma in the coming days as they continue strengthening their squad ahead of the new season.

A return to Rwanda offers the seasoned forward another opportunity to showcase his goalscoring ability in East African football while adding valuable experience to Police FC's attacking options.

Having enjoyed successful spells in both Nigeria and Rwanda, Mbaoma will be aiming to make an immediate impact as he begins the next chapter of his career with the Kigali-based outfit.

Nigeria's U-17 national team, the Golden Eaglets, have departed for China to participate in the 2026 China International Youth Football Tournament, which will be held in Yinchuan from July 5 to 11, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The five-time FIFA U-17 World Cup champions left Nigeria on Thursday night ahead of the four-nation competition, where they will face hosts China, Australia and Tanzania. All matches are scheduled to take place at the Yinchuan Sports Centre Helanshan Stadium.

The invitational tournament is being hosted by the Chinese Football Association in partnership with the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Administration of Sport and the Yinchuan Municipal People's Government. Organisation of the competition is being handled by the Ningxia Football Association in collaboration with the Yinchuan Sports Bureau, while the China Football Industry Development Corporation is overseeing its promotion.

Head coach Uwejamomere Eboboritse will lead a 20-man squad for the tournament, with Kalli Mohammed Kachalla and Abdullahi Isa serving as his assistants.

The competition is expected to provide the Golden Eaglets with valuable international experience as they continue preparations for the 2026 WAFU B U-17 Championship, which will serve as the qualifying tournament for the 2027 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.

Nigeria's technical crew will use the tournament to assess the squad, improve tactical cohesion and expose the young players to high-level opposition ahead of the crucial regional qualifiers scheduled for September.

The Golden Eaglets will be hoping to produce encouraging performances in China as they continue their quest to return to the summit of youth football in Africa and secure qualification for the next U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has tentatively fixed August 27 to 29 as the opening weekend for the 2026/27 season following a stakeholders' meeting involving the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), league officials and club owners in Abuja, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The proposed football calendar will see the new campaign run until May 28, 2027, with adequate provisions also made for the President Federation Cup to ensure a more structured and consistent domestic football schedule.

One of the biggest highlights of the new season is the introduction of a record ?1 billion prize for the league champions, following an announcement by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko.

The unprecedented prize money, the highest ever in Nigerian club football, is part of broader reforms designed to boost the commercial value of the NPFL, enhance competitiveness among clubs and attract increased investment into the country's top-flight league.

The 2026/27 campaign will also welcome four newly promoted clubs from the Nigeria National League (NNL). Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos, Ranchers Bees and Doma United all secured promotion after impressive performances during the 2025/26 NNL season and will replace the four teams relegated from the NPFL.

The quartet will join defending champions Enugu Rangers, who captured their ninth league title after finishing at the summit of the standings in the 2025/26 campaign.

Football authorities believe the proposed calendar will provide clubs with greater certainty in planning their activities while supporting ongoing efforts to improve the organisation, professionalism and commercial growth of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

If approved, the schedule is expected to ensure a smoother season with fewer disruptions, allowing clubs, players and stakeholders to better prepare for domestic and continental competitions.

Former British-Nigerian striker Adebayo Akinfenwa has taken the next step in his football journey by becoming the new owner of FC Farsley, bringing fresh optimism to the struggling English non-league side, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Widely recognised for his incredible physical strength and his famous "Beast Mode On" catchphrase, Akinfenwa enjoyed a memorable playing career that saw him become one of football's most iconic cult figures. The former striker also earned admiration for his performances in domestic cup competitions, where he frequently tested top-flight opposition, including several notable encounters against Chelsea F.C. in the FA Cup.

Having called time on his playing career, Akinfenwa has now shifted his focus to football administration and club ownership. His acquisition of FC Farsley comes at a crucial period for the club, which has faced significant challenges in recent years both on and off the pitch.

The takeover is expected to inject renewed hope into the club, with Akinfenwa aiming to provide stability while laying the foundations for long-term growth and success. His experience in the game, coupled with his passion for football, is expected to play a key role in shaping the club's future.

The move represents another milestone in Akinfenwa's post-playing career, as the former striker looks to make a lasting impact from the boardroom after earning widespread respect for his achievements on the field.

Brentford Director of Football Phil Giles has revealed the reasons behind the club’s decision to allow Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka complete a permanent transfer to newly promoted Premier League side Coventry City, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Onyeka secured a full-time move to the Sky Blues after an impressive loan spell during the second half of last season, where he played a pivotal role in helping the club secure promotion back to the English top flight. His consistent displays convinced Coventry to make the transfer permanent ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Explaining the decision, Giles paid tribute to the Nigerian international for his dedication and professionalism throughout his time at Brentford, while admitting the midfielder deserved the opportunity to play regular first-team football.

“Frank has been with us since our first Premier League game and has always shown fantastic commitment, work rate and loyalty during his time here,” Giles said.

“Ultimately, he probably didn't start as many games as he would have liked, so the opportunity to move to Coventry City made sense for all parties.

“He made a big contribution to their promotion and has earned his chance to become a regular Premier League starter with them.

“Frank will always be welcome back at Brentford, and we wish him well for next season with Coventry.”

Onyeka joined Brentford in 2021 from Danish side FC Midtjylland following the Bees' promotion to the Premier League. During his time at the Gtech Community Stadium, he made important contributions across domestic competitions and earned a reputation for his energy, ball-winning ability, and tactical discipline.

The 28-year-old will now be aiming to establish himself as a key figure at Coventry City as they prepare for life in the Premier League, while also strengthening his position in Nigeria's national team ahead of upcoming international assignments.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially commenced the bidding process for the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with Ethiopia, Morocco and a joint bid from Botswana and South Africa emerging as the three contenders to stage the continent's biggest football tournament, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

CAF confirmed that all three bids were submitted before the February 2026 deadline, marking the start of a new hosting cycle as the governing body continues efforts to enhance the organisation and global appeal of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The bidding process forms part of CAF's long-term strategy, with member associations invited to compete for the hosting rights of the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions of the tournament.

As part of the requirements, prospective hosts were expected to submit comprehensive bid documents alongside formal government guarantees demonstrating their commitment to delivering a successful competition.

Morocco, which will host the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations and co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, is seeking to add another major continental event to its growing portfolio.

Ethiopia, meanwhile, is aiming to bring the Africa Cup of Nations back to East Africa, while Botswana and South Africa have combined forces in a joint bid that could see the tournament staged across both Southern African nations.

CAF is expected to evaluate the submitted bids based on key criteria, including infrastructure, stadium facilities, accommodation, transport, security arrangements and overall organisational capacity before announcing the successful host.

The selection of the 2028 host will represent another important step in CAF's ambition to continue raising the standard of Africa's flagship football competition while promoting football development across the continent.

El-Kanemi Warriors head coach Kibiru Dogo has emerged as one of the most sought-after managers in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with several top-flight clubs reportedly interested in securing his services ahead of the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Dogo's impressive work with the Maiduguri-based side has attracted the attention of Niger Tornadoes, Enyimba and Kwara United, all of whom are believed to be exploring the possibility of appointing the experienced tactician.

The coach has enjoyed a successful spell with El-Kanemi Warriors and is currently preparing the team for the 2026 President Federation Cup final against Ikorodu City, where they will aim to add another major trophy to their achievements.

Despite that crucial fixture still to come, reports indicate that Niger Tornadoes have moved into pole position in the race for Dogo's signature as they seek to strengthen their technical department ahead of the new NPFL campaign.

The Minna-based club is understood to be keen on appointing the highly-rated coach as part of their plans to build a competitive squad capable of challenging in the league next season.

However, the competition for Dogo's services remains intense, with Enyimba and Kwara United continuing to monitor developments and expected to step up their interest once El-Kanemi Warriors complete their Federation Cup campaign.

With his reputation continuing to rise following his achievements in domestic football, Dogo is expected to be one of the most talked-about coaching figures in the NPFL during the current off-season.

Acting General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Samson Adamu, has commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for its significant investment in football infrastructure after inspecting the ongoing NFF-FIFA Players' Hostel and new training pitches at Package B of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Adamu visited the construction site on Monday alongside NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and described the ambitious project as a transformational investment that will leave a lasting legacy for Nigerian football.

According to him, the modern facilities will play a crucial role in talent development by providing quality accommodation and first-class training infrastructure for Nigeria's various national teams and age-grade programmes.

"As a Nigerian, I am proud of what is being built here. The future of Nigerian football looks extremely bright. This is the type of facility that will help produce the next generation of exceptional players, including future stars in the mould of Jay-Jay Okocha," Adamu said.

He stressed that a football powerhouse like Nigeria requires world-class infrastructure capable of serving all its national teams while creating an environment where young talents from across the country can be discovered, nurtured and developed to their full potential.

The CAF official also expressed gratitude to the NFF and the Federal Government for the warm reception he received during his working visit to Nigeria, revealing that discussions are ongoing ahead of the CAF Congress and the CAF Awards, both of which the continental governing body intends to stage in the country.

"I am here on a working visit to plan for the CAF Congress and the CAF Awards. Although Nigeria is home for me, I have been warmly received, and I appreciate the hospitality extended by the NFF leadership," he added.

Speaking during the inspection, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau reaffirmed the Federation's commitment to ensuring the project is completed within the agreed timeline.

Gusau disclosed that the construction, which began in March 2025, was awarded on a 24-month contract and has now reached its 15th month, with work progressing steadily across the various sections of the project.

He revealed that one of the artificial training pitches is already about 80 per cent complete, while the natural grass pitch has almost fully rooted ahead of the next phase of construction, which will focus on internal finishing works.

The NFF president praised the contractors for maintaining a high standard of work and noted that the Federation has been able to closely monitor progress because of the project's proximity to its headquarters.

"We are satisfied with the quality of work and remain committed to supporting the contractors to ensure the project is completed within the agreed timeframe," Gusau stated.

Once completed, the NFF-FIFA Players' Hostel and training pitches will provide modern accommodation and world-class training facilities for Nigeria's national teams, while serving as a key investment in the long-term growth and development of football across the country.

Super Eagles defender Kingsley Ehizibue is on the brink of leaving Italian Serie A side Udinese after negotiations over a new contract reportedly reached a standstill, Nigeriasoccernet.com understands.

The Friuli-based club had been keen to extend the versatile defender's stay by offering him a contract that would keep him at the club until 2028. However, talks between both parties have failed to produce an agreement, casting serious doubt over his future.

According to Italian publication Tuttomercatoweb, discussions have stalled in recent weeks, with the two sides unable to bridge the gap on key contractual terms.

Ehizibue's current deal is set to expire in just three days, leaving Udinese with little time to convince the Nigerian international to remain at the club.

The report claims that the defender's wage demands have become one of the major obstacles preventing an agreement from being reached, making a contract renewal increasingly unlikely.

Unless there is a dramatic turnaround before his current contract expires, the 30-year-old is expected to leave Udinese as a free agent, bringing an end to his three-year spell with the Serie A outfit.

Ehizibue joined Udinese from Bundesliga club FC Köln in the summer of 2022 and quickly established himself as an important member of the squad.

His versatility, which allows him to operate comfortably as both a right-back and a right wing-back, makes him a valuable option for the club across multiple competitions.

With his contract nearing its expiration, the experienced defender is expected to attract significant interest from clubs across Europe looking to strengthen their squads without paying a transfer fee.

A move away from Udinese would represent a fresh chapter in Ehizibue's career as he looks to continue playing at the highest level while remaining in contention for a place in the Super Eagles squad ahead of future international competitions.

Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor are reportedly considering a move for Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com understands.

Chukwueze has returned to AC Milan following the completion of his loan spell at Premier League club Fulham, where he enjoyed a decent campaign despite the London side opting not to make the move permanent.

The Nigerian international featured in 23 Premier League matches for Fulham last season, contributing three goals and four assists as the Cottagers comfortably secured their top-flight status with a mid-table finish.

According to reports from Turkish publication Fanatik, Trabzonspor have identified Chukwueze as a key transfer target and are prepared to invest around €15 million to secure his services. The Turkish club are also exploring an alternative deal structure that could see the winger arrive on loan initially, with a compulsory purchase option included at the end of the season.

Trabzonspor are determined to improve their attacking options and believe the 27-year-old possesses the pace, creativity and experience required to make an immediate impact in their squad.

Chukwueze joined AC Milan from Spanish side Villarreal in the summer of 2023 in a transfer reportedly worth €21.1 million after establishing himself as one of La Liga's most exciting attacking talents.

However, his time at the San Siro has been challenging, with the winger struggling to secure a regular starting berth due to intense competition and inconsistent performances. His loan move to Fulham was viewed as an opportunity to regain confidence and rediscover the form that made him one of Nigeria's most highly rated players.

Despite showing encouraging signs in England, Fulham chose against triggering the clause that would have made his stay permanent, leading to his return to Milan this summer.

With AC Milan expected to reshape their squad ahead of the new campaign, the club are reportedly willing to listen to offers for Chukwueze if a suitable proposal arrives.

A switch to Trabzonspor could provide the Super Eagles star with the regular playing time he needs while offering him the chance to relaunch his career at a club expected to challenge for domestic honours and European qualification next season.

Dutch Eredivisie club FC Utrecht have completed the permanent signing of Nigerian youngster Emmanuel Chigozie Owen, with the promising attacker expressing his excitement after sealing the move, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Owen arrives at the Dutch club eager to continue his development and establish himself in European football, with ambitions of eventually breaking into the senior team.

Speaking after the transfer was confirmed, the Nigerian youngster said he immediately felt at home when he first visited the club.

"The first time I came here, it immediately felt like a warm bath," Owen told the club's official website.

The talented forward also highlighted his playing style and the qualities he believes he will bring to FC Utrecht.

"I think I'm strong on the ball, and I can physically do my part well. I am someone who is creative and loves to create opportunities, assists, and goals," he said.

Owen admitted that his immediate focus is on adapting to life in the Netherlands while continuing his football development.

"My goal is to adapt as quickly as possible here in the Netherlands. I want to play as much as possible. Whether that is at Jong FC Utrecht or the first team, it doesn't really matter to me at the moment. I want to develop myself."

The permanent move represents another significant milestone in the youngster's career as he joins the growing list of Nigerian talents pursuing their football development in Europe.

FC Utrecht is expected to monitor Owen's progress closely as he settles into his new environment, with opportunities likely to come through both Jong FC Utrecht and, potentially, the club's first team in the future.

Former Super Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf has parted ways with Benin Republic club Coton Sport after a successful spell, with the experienced tactician now expected to return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Yusuf, who guided Nigeria to a runners-up finish at the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), ended his contract with the Beninese side following an impressive debut season in the Championnat National du Bénin.

The former Enyimba and Kano Pillars coach enjoyed a remarkable campaign, leading Coton Sport to a second-place finish in the league, a result that secured qualification for next season's CAF Confederation Cup.

The achievement was particularly significant as it represented the highest league finish in the club's history and earned Coton Sport their first-ever place in a CAF inter-club competition.

Yusuf's work in Benin Republic further enhanced his reputation as one of Nigeria's most experienced domestic coaches, having previously managed several top NPFL clubs and held various coaching roles with the Nigerian national teams.

Following his departure, the 63-year-old is widely expected to make a return to the NPFL, with a number of clubs reportedly interested in securing his services ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Although no official announcement has been made regarding his next destination, Yusuf's availability is expected to generate considerable interest as clubs continue preparations for the new season.

His wealth of experience, tactical expertise, and proven ability to build competitive teams make him one of the most sought-after coaches currently available in Nigerian football.