Nigeria Sport (Soft click)
Celtic Boss O’Neill Faces Big Call on Iheanacho’s Future After Title-Winning Season
Super Eagles striker’s contract expires this month as new manager weighs up fitness and impact in Glasgow
Super Eagles striker’s contract expires this month as new manager weighs up fitness and impact in Glasgow
Incoming Celtic manager Martin O’Neill will make one of his first major decisions at Parkhead over the future of Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho, whose contract is set to run out at the end of June. The Scottish giants, fresh off their Premiership title triumph, have an option to extend Iheanacho’s deal by another year but are not expected to trigger it without reaching a new agreement with the Nigerian forward.
Iheanacho, 29, played a key part in Celtic’s dramatic push for the league crown, scoring crucial goals despite battling fitness issues throughout the season. The club’s preference is reportedly to negotiate fresh terms rather than simply activate the extension, leaving O’Neill with an early test of his man-management as he takes charge.
For Super Eagles fans, all eyes are on whether Iheanacho will remain in European club football at a high level. His strong finish to the campaign has reignited hopes that he can work his way back into Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle’s plans ahead of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches. Staying at a club like Celtic could give him the platform needed for national team selection.
Former Scotland international Alan McInally has urged Celtic to keep Iheanacho, highlighting his sharpness in front of goal. McInally stated, “If he can perform the way he did in the last six games over the course of the season, then he’s obviously worth keeping… If the manager feels he can get him going again, then he’s definitely worth keeping.” O’Neill himself has recognised Iheanacho’s quality but noted that ongoing fitness management will be key if any new deal is agreed.
With O’Neill expected to be unveiled as manager soon, a final decision on Iheanacho is likely before pre-season begins. Until then, both Celtic and Super Eagles supporters will be watching closely to see if one of Nigeria’s top forwards remains in Glasgow or moves on before AFCON qualifiers kick off.
Source: https://punchng.com/oneill-to-make-iheanacho-contract-decision/
Nigeria Sport (Soft click)
Barcelona Star Drops El Clasico Rivalry, Tips Vinicius Junior to Lead Brazil’s World Cup Dreams
A Barcelona player puts club rivalry aside, backing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior as Brazil’s next World Cup hope.
A Barcelona player puts club rivalry aside, backing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior as Brazil’s next World Cup hope.
A Barcelona star has set aside the fierce El Clasico rivalry to show support for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, tipping him to be the key man for Brazil in their next FIFA World Cup campaign. The exact identity of the Barcelona player and his comments were not detailed in available reports.
With both Barcelona and Real Madrid known for their intense battles on the pitch, it is rare to see a player from either side openly back a rival. The gesture highlights the respect Vinicius Junior commands across Europe following his strong performances for both club and country. However, the specific achievements or statistics behind this endorsement were not provided at press time.
For Nigerian football fans, the story underlines how club rivalries can take a back seat when it comes to national pride on the global stage. As Brazil look ahead to their next World Cup journey, all eyes will be on whether Vinicius can carry the weight of expectation and lead his team to glory.
Neither the Barcelona camp nor Vinicius Junior had issued official statements regarding this show of support at press time.
Brazil’s next fixtures and details about how this endorsement might impact squad selection or team dynamics were not confirmed in available reports.
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Nigeria Sport (Soft click)
Jessica Bieni Leads Female Yellow Greens to 52-Run Victory as Nigeria Outclass Malawi in Kwibuka 2026 Opener
Shola Adekunle shines with three wickets, while captain Favour Eseigbe marks her return with a flawless bowling spell
Shola Adekunle shines with three wickets, while captain Favour Eseigbe marks her return with a flawless bowling spell
Nigeria’s Female Yellow Greens kicked off their 2026 Kwibuka T20 Tournament campaign with a convincing 52-run win over Malawi at the Gahanga 2 Cricket Oval in Kigali on Wednesday. The Nigerians set a target of 98/8 in their allotted 20 overs, anchored by an unbeaten 25-run knock from Jessica Bieni, before dismissing Malawi for just 46 runs in only 10.3 overs to secure a dominant opening victory.
After being sent in to bat, the Yellow Greens overcame early setbacks through key contributions from Sarah Etim (14), Favour Eseigbe (11), and Christabel Chukwuonye (11). Malawi’s Lucky Malino caused problems with four wickets, but Nigeria’s lower order held firm to post a competitive total.
Defending their score, coach Theophilus Ibodeme’s side delivered a ruthless bowling display. Player of the Match Shola Adekunle led the charge with three wickets for 15 runs, while Henrietta Mbam picked up two wickets for 16 runs. Captain Favour Eseigbe, returning after nearly a year out, wrapped up proceedings by claiming two wickets in three balls without conceding a run.
Eseigbe praised her team’s resilience after the match: “Our plan was to go out there and score above 120, but credit must go to the Malawi bowlers because they bowled really well and troubled our batters. However, we had a Plan B. We never give up until the game is over.” She added that patience and strike rotation were key in keeping the scoreboard moving despite challenging conditions. No statement was available from the Malawi camp at press time.
The victory gives Nigeria an early boost as they continue their tournament run. Next up for the Female Yellow Greens is a clash against Brazil at Gahanga A Oval on Thursday, where they will look to build on this impressive start.
Source: https://punchng.com/cricket-nigeria-beat-malawi-in-kwibuka-2026-opener/
Nigeria Sport (Soft click)
Alex Iwobi Joins Super Eagles Centurions as He Hits 100 Caps in Portugal Friendly
Fulham star honoured with special plaque before kick-off in Leiria; joins exclusive list with Yobo, Enyeama, Musa
Fulham star honoured with special plaque before kick-off in Leiria; joins exclusive list with Yobo, Enyeama, Musa
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi marked a major career milestone on Wednesday night in Leiria, Portugal, as he made his 100th appearance for Nigeria during an international friendly against the Portuguese national team. The final score and goalscorers from the match were not reported at press time, but the night belonged to Iwobi, who was recognised before kick-off with a commemorative plaque from National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko.
Iwobi’s landmark appearance sees him become only the fourth player to reach a century of caps for the Super Eagles, joining Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa in this rarefied group. Since making his debut against DR Congo in Belgium on October 8, 2015, after switching allegiance from England’s youth teams, Iwobi has been a regular fixture for Nigeria. The Fulham midfielder has scored ten goals for the national side so far.
For Nigerian fans, Iwobi’s achievement stands out at a time when the Super Eagles are seeking new momentum ahead of upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The playmaker himself highlighted his famous goal against Zambia in Uyo back in October 2017 — a strike that sealed Nigeria’s spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup — as his most memorable moment in green and white. “I loved the occasion because my dad and my mum were both at the stadium and saw it all, and we celebrated together afterwards,” Iwobi told NFF Media. He added that he has no regrets choosing Nigeria over England: “I am proud to be where I am today and proud to wear the green and white.”
Neither the Super Eagles coaching crew nor the Nigerian Football Federation had issued further statements regarding Iwobi’s centenary at press time.
The Super Eagles’ next fixture has not yet been confirmed in available reports. Fans will now look ahead to see if Iwobi can inspire another big moment as AFCON qualification resumes.
Source: https://punchng.com/iwobi-makes-100th-eagles-appearance-in-portugal-friendly/
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