Serie A newcomers Venezia have completed the signing of Super Eagles striker Akor Adams from Spanish side Sevilla, with the Nigerian committing his future to the Italian club until June 30, 2030, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 26-year-old arrives after a productive spell in Spain, where he registered 10 goals and four assists in 37 appearances across all competitions for Sevilla.

Speaking after completing the transfer, Adams revealed that Venezia's long-term vision and ambitious project played a major role in his decision to join the newly promoted Serie A outfit.

“I chose to come here because I see the extraordinary project Venezia is building, and I want to contribute to writing a new chapter in its history,” Adams told the club’s official website.

The Nigerian international also praised the club's supporters, describing their passion and unwavering loyalty as one of the factors that impressed him before making the move.

“I want to tell the fans that what they manage to create in such a special place is truly incredible. The energy and passion they convey are unique. I’ve seen so many videos of the matches, and I’ve been impressed by their constant support.

“I believe this team deserves to be in Serie A. It belongs in that league, also because of the affection and support the fans have always shown over the years. They are loyal, passionate, and never fail to support us. I’m proud to be a part of all this.”

Saudi Pro League heavyweights Al-Ittihad have joined the race to sign Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika, increasing competition for the Club Brugge star during the summer transfer window, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Saudi club have submitted an official bid to Belgian champions Club Brugge as they step up efforts to secure the services of the highly-rated defensive midfielder.

Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt also remain in contention for the Super Eagles international and have already reached an agreement on personal terms with the player. However, their initial offer was rejected by Club Brugge.

The Belgian champions are reportedly demanding a fee in the region of €10 million for the 25-year-old, whose current contract has just one year remaining.

Onyedika has reportedly turned down attempts by Club Brugge to extend his contract, with both the player and the club expected to part ways before the close of the transfer window.

The midfielder joined Club Brugge from Danish club FC Midtjylland in 2022 and has grown into one of the team's most influential players, helping the Blauw-Zwart win multiple domestic titles while cementing his place in the Super Eagles squad.

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has revealed that Bursaspor's ambitious long-term project played a decisive role in his decision to join the Turkish second-tier club, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 29-year-old completed a free transfer to the Green Crocodiles last week, signing a three-year contract despite attracting strong interest from Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.

Speaking after his arrival, Iheanacho said the club's vision of returning to the Turkish Super Lig and eventually competing in Europe convinced him to embrace the challenge.

“Bursaspor is a big team in Turkey. I heard they won the Turkish Super League before. When I hear the project they have and how they want to go all the way to the Super League and to play in Europe as well, I said this is a big project, and it’s very good for me to come and be involved and help the team,” Iheanacho told the club’s official website.

The former Leicester City and Manchester City forward also disclosed that he instructed his agent to do everything possible to complete the move.

“I asked my agent to make sure he do everything possible to make sure I come to Bursaspor. There’s a big project, and I hope I’m going to be part of it and I’m going to help the team.”

Iheanacho added that the squad's collective objective is to secure promotion to the Turkish Super Lig during the 2026/27 campaign, insisting team success remains the priority over individual achievements.

“We know what we want as a team, but collectively as a team hopefully we achieve the promotion. That is our main target before the individual target of a player. My target is for us to go to the Super League,” he added.

Greek Super League side Aris FC have completed the signing of Nigerian midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru from Sky Bet Championship club Watford, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 27-year-old has penned a three-year contract with the Thessaloniki-based outfit, bringing an end to his six-year stay at Vicarage Road. He joins Aris after spending the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Turkish Super Lig side Gençlerbirli?i, where he produced a series of consistent performances across 30 appearances in all competitions.

Speaking after completing the move, the former Flying Eagles midfielder expressed his excitement about beginning a new chapter in Greece.

“ARIS is a new challenge in my career, and I am excited to now belong to this club,” Dele-Bashiru told the club’s official website.

The midfielder revealed that he had spoken with teammate Benjamin Garret before making the switch and is eager to contribute to the club's ambitions.

“I have learned a lot about ARIS. I know Benjamin (ed. Garret), who plays here, and I have talked to him enough to get information about my new team.

“I’m joining a team that has high goals, and I can’t wait to get on the field to work with my coach and my new teammates.

“ARIS fans, who I know are enthusiastic and create a warm atmosphere, can be sure that they will see a player who will give his all for their team.

“I’m waiting for them on the field, and together we will do everything to achieve our goals in the new season.”

A graduate of Manchester City's academy, Dele-Bashiru made his senior debut for the Premier League champions in an EFL Cup match in 2017 before joining Watford in 2019.

During his spell with the Hornets, he featured in 81 matches across all competitions, scoring eight goals and registering four assists.

At international level, Dele-Bashiru represented England at U-16 level before switching allegiance to Nigeria. He later starred for the Flying Eagles at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland, scoring once and emerging as one of Nigeria's standout performers during the tournament.

Nigeria's Super Falcons will face Tanzania's Twiga Stars in an international friendly on Thursday as they step up preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The rescheduled warm-up fixture forms part of the team's final build-up to the continental tournament, which gets underway this weekend, as the nine-time African champions continue fine-tuning their squad.

The Super Falcons will open their WAFCON campaign against Malawi in their first Group B fixture, a match expected to provide an early indication of Nigeria's quest to reclaim the continental crown.

The friendly against the Twiga Stars will offer head coach Justine Madugu another opportunity to evaluate his players, settle on his preferred starting XI and refine the team's tactical approach ahead of the tournament opener.

Nigeria will be looking to begin their campaign on a positive note against Malawi as they target another successful outing on the African stage.

Nigeria Premier Football League side El-Kanemi Warriors are considering the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne as their home venue for the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup campaign, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Maiduguri-based club is exploring the option as it intensifies preparations for its return to continental football, although a final decision on the venue is yet to be taken.

If the arrangement is approved, El-Kanemi Warriors will become the third Nigerian club set to use the Remo Stars Stadium for CAF inter-club fixtures, further highlighting the growing reputation of the Ikenne facility as one of the country's preferred venues for continental competitions.

The Remo Stars Stadium has become an attractive choice for Nigerian clubs competing in Africa, thanks to its modern infrastructure, excellent playing surface and compliance with Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.

El-Kanemi Warriors booked their place in the CAF Confederation Cup after lifting the President Federation Cup, securing a return to continental football as they aim to make a strong impression in the competition.

Nigeria's Flying Eagles will step up preparations for the defence of their WAFU B U-20 Championship title with a friendly match against Ivorian Ligue 2 side Athlétique Club de Zuénoula on Thursday evening, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The seven-time African champions arrived in Yamoussoukro on Monday ahead of the regional tournament and will use the friendly as part of their final build-up before Monday's Group B opener against Ghana's Black Satellites.

Defending champions Nigeria have been drawn in Group B alongside Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso as they seek to retain the regional crown.

After their opening clash with Ghana, the Flying Eagles will face Togo before rounding off their group-stage campaign against Burkina Faso on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

The warm-up fixture is expected to provide head coach Abdu Maikaba with another opportunity to evaluate his players and fine-tune his tactical approach ahead of the team's title defence in Côte d'Ivoire.

Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare has responded to reports surrounding his alleged conduct during training at Wolverhampton Wanderers, insisting that he remains fully committed to the Premier League club and has always conducted himself professionally, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Super Eagles forward expressed disappointment over the reports circulating in the media, claiming that several of the allegations about his situation at Wolves were inaccurate.

“I was very surprised and disappointed to see the media reports today, many of which are inaccurate,” Arokodare said.

The former Genk striker emphasised that professionalism and discipline have defined his career, stressing that he has consistently maintained high standards both on and off the pitch.

“Throughout my career, I have always taken great pride in conducting myself professionally and maintaining the highest training standards,” he stated.

Arokodare explained that his primary focus has always been to remain prepared and make a positive contribution whenever called upon by the coaching staff.

“My commitment has always been to prepare myself as well as possible so that I can contribute to my teammates and the club whenever I am called upon,” he added.

The 25-year-old also reaffirmed his commitment to Wolves, making it clear that he intends to honour his contract and continue carrying out his responsibilities in a professional manner.

“I remain under contract with Wolves, and my only intention is to fulfil my responsibilities professionally by training, doing my job, and contributing to the team in accordance with that contract,” he concluded.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has assured the Super Falcons that they will receive their cash rewards for winning the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), despite the delay in the payment process, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Speaking with journalist Ayo Ibidapo in London, Dikko explained that the delay was caused by government budgetary procedures, while emphasising that President Bola Tinubu had already approved the payment in August 2025.

"It’s a government process. Those things are off-budget. It has to be included in the budget and so forth. But the president approved their payment since August 2025," Dikko said.

He disclosed that the funds are currently being processed by the appropriate government institutions, including the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

"It is with the finance people and the Accountant-General’s Office. They are processing it, and they are working very hard on it. The Minister of Finance is working on it to make sure that money would drop, hopefully before the WAFCON," he stated.

Dikko reassured the players that the delay would not affect their entitlement, insisting they would receive the full amount once the process is completed.

"But it doesn’t matter whether the money drops before then or later; they’ll get it. It will be paid directly into their accounts; it won’t be paid to anyone else," he concluded.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Rangers International have reached an agreement with Remo Stars to use the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, as their home venue for the preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The arrangement comes as renovation and upgrade works continue at Rangers' home ground, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as The Cathedral, in Enugu. The ongoing improvements are aimed at ensuring the facility meets the Confederation of African Football's stadium requirements for continental competitions.

The temporary switch will allow the Flying Antelopes to host their opening CAF Champions League fixtures at a fully approved venue while work on their traditional home ground is completed.

The Remo Stars Stadium has earned a reputation as one of Nigeria's top venues for continental football, having staged several CAF inter-club matches in recent years. Its modern facilities, quality playing surface and compliance with CAF regulations have made it a preferred alternative for Nigerian clubs competing in Africa.

Rangers will be hoping to maximise the advantage of playing in Ikenne as they begin their campaign to reach the group stage of Africa's premier club competition.

The Enugu-based side qualified for the CAF Champions League after securing a record-extending ninth NPFL title and will be targeting a strong run on the continental stage.

Club officials remain optimistic that renovation work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium will be completed before the later rounds of the competition, should Rangers advance beyond the preliminary stage.

The temporary relocation has been widely regarded as a practical solution, allowing the club to concentrate fully on its continental ambitions while awaiting CAF approval for its home stadium.

CAF is expected to release the preliminary-round fixtures in the coming weeks, with Rangers set to welcome their home supporters to Ikenne as they begin another quest for continental glory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) winger Ismail Ayodele has issued an unreserved apology to the club's management, coaching staff, teammates and supporters following his unauthorised absence from the team's pre-season activities, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ayodele, who was previously declared absent without official leave by the Nigeria Premier Football League side, returned to the club on Monday and has since resumed training with the rest of the squad.

The winger expressed regret over the incident in a statement shared on his social media platforms, admitting his mistake and offering a sincere apology to everyone affected by his actions.

His return comes as Shooting Stars continue preparations for the 2026/27 NPFL season, with the club now expected to shift its attention fully to the new campaign.

Ayodele will be hoping to put the episode behind him, rebuild confidence within the squad and focus on making a positive contribution for the Oluyole Warriors in the coming season.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially accepted the joint declaration of interest submitted by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The decision followed a meeting between CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and the presidents of the football federations of the three West African nations.

The proposed bid is being driven by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger aiming to jointly host Africa's biggest football tournament for the first time.

CAF praised the three countries for their shared vision and commitment to using football as a platform to strengthen regional cooperation, describing the initiative as an important step towards fostering unity and development across the continent.

The acceptance of the declaration of interest represents the first stage of the bidding process, with the three nations now expected to continue working closely with CAF to satisfy the technical and organisational requirements for hosting the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations.

Sierra Leone Premier League champions Bo Rangers have withdrawn from the 2026/27 CAF Champions League after citing financial constraints as the reason for their decision, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The club confirmed that it will no longer participate in Africa's premier club competition despite securing qualification by winning the Sierra Leone Premier League title.

Bo Rangers explained that the financial demands associated with competing in the CAF Champions League made it impossible for the club to honour its place in the tournament.

The withdrawal represents a major setback for both the club and Sierra Leonean football, with the country's participation in the competition now in doubt.

Unless the relevant football authorities approve a replacement, Sierra Leone could be left without a representative in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.

Nigeria's Flying Eagles have settled into their camp in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire, as preparations intensify for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The defending champions arrived in Abidjan on Monday before travelling by road to Yamoussoukro, where they are staying at the Trio Corridor Hotel ahead of the regional tournament.

Abdu Maikaba's side will begin the defence of their title against Ghana's Black Satellites at the Lycée Scientifique on Monday afternoon in a repeat of the 2024 final in Lomé, where Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory to lift the trophy.

The Flying Eagles will then face Togo's Sparrow Hawks on Thursday before concluding their Group B campaign against Burkina Faso's Young Stallions on Sunday, August 2.

Nigeria heads into the competition aiming to retain the regional title and secure qualification for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Flying Eagles squad:

Goalkeepers: Lawani Clinton (Sporting Lagos), Olayemi Ayinla (Warri Wolves), Wahab Musa (FC Malaga).

Defenders: Timilehin Agbonjimi (FC Ablaze), Odinaka Alfred (Aseami Academy), Somto Nnoli (Akwa United), Samson Joshua (Galadima FC), Ebrima Manneh (Sporting Supreme), Abdoulaye Agbeloye (Grassrunner FC), Habila Simeon (Golden Boot Soccer Academy).

Midfielders: Imrana Muhammad (Deportivo Alavés), Saifullahi Yusuf (Wikki Tourists), Israel Samuel (Abia Warriors), Sani Shuaibu (Wikki Tourists), Oraro Lucky (Warri Wolves), Rufai Abubakar (NK Istra 1961), Auwal Muhammad (Bichi First), Jamilu Yusuf (Junior Danburan).

Forwards: Adamu Hussaini (Barau FC), Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Sporting Supreme), Abdullahi Ele (JMD FC), Gift Subi (P Sport Academy), Aminu Yusuf (Kano Pillars).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Super Falcons' camp in Casablanca has received another boost with the arrival of forward Folashade Ijamilusi, bringing the number of players in camp to 23 ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ijamilusi, who plays for Chinese side Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, arrived in Casablanca on Tuesday afternoon to link up with head coach Justine Madugu's squad as preparations continue for the continental tournament.

The former Nigeria youth international was one of the standout performers during the Super Falcons' successful WAFCON campaign, scoring twice, including the vital equaliser in Nigeria's dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the final.

However, the arrivals of midfielder Deborah Abiodun and forward Gift Monday have been delayed after their scheduled flight from the United States was cancelled due to technical issues.

Both players had already checked in at the airport before being informed that their flight would no longer depart as planned.

The Nigeria Football Federation has since arranged alternative travel for the duo, who are now expected to join the rest of the squad in Casablanca as soon as possible.

The defending African champions have continued training at the La Noria Club in Casablanca before their planned relocation to Rabat, where all of Nigeria's Group C fixtures will be played.

The Super Falcons will begin the defence of their continental crown against Malawi next Tuesday before facing Zambia and Egypt in their remaining group-stage matches.

Before the tournament kicks off, the Nigerian delegation will attend the official team arrival meeting with officials of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee on Saturday, July 25.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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