Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan and the other winners at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship will be presented with trophies rather than traditional medals, World Athletics has announced.

The new global competition will take place in Budapest, Hungary, from 11 to 13 September and will introduce a different approach to recognising athletes.

Only the winners of each discipline will receive an award. There will be no silver or bronze medals at the championship, with World Athletics saying the format is intended to underline the importance of becoming an Ultimate Champion.

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said the decision was based on the event’s aim of identifying the outstanding athlete in each discipline.

“We have made an intentional decision to move away from medals as the awards at the Ultimate Championship,” Coe said.

“This global championship is all about striving to be the one athlete who comes out on top. Distributing awards for the top three didn’t feel true to that foundational concept, so we are instead focused on the trophies given to the winners of each discipline.”

The trophies will be reserved for the athletes who finish first, meaning competitors who take second and third place will not receive traditional medals.

Alongside the winners’ awards, every athlete taking part in the first edition of the championship will receive a personalised bracelet as a lasting token of participation.

Each bracelet will be adjustable and will feature the athlete’s name engraved on its exterior. The official name of the event will be engraved on the inside.

Amusan is among the athletes expected to compete in Budapest and will have the chance to claim one of the specially designed trophies. Regardless of her result, she will also receive the commemorative bracelet, like every other athlete competing at the championship.

The event is expected to attract leading track and field athletes from around the world, all competing for the distinction of being recognised as the ultimate champion in their respective disciplines.

World Athletics says the awards concept reflects the central purpose of the competition: to identify the “best of the best” in global athletics. By presenting a single trophy in each discipline, organisers are placing the emphasis firmly on finishing at the top rather than rewarding the top three athletes.

The Ultimate Championship is therefore set to differ from the conventional medal structure used at major athletics competitions. While no silver or bronze medals will be awarded, all competitors will leave with a specially made bracelet bearing their name and the event’s official title.

For Amusan and the rest of the field, the Budapest championship will offer the opportunity to compete for the first trophies awarded under the new event format.

Nigeria’s Falconets completed their pre-tournament preparations with a 1-1 draw against Korea Republic at the Remes Sports Leisure and Spa Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, with Mary Mamudu scoring for the African side before Korea Republic equalised from the penalty spot.

Mamudu gave Nigeria the lead in the 29th minute, maintaining her recent form in front of goal. The forward had also scored in the Falconets’ previous warm-up match, a victory over Poland last Saturday.

Her goal put Moses Aduku’s team in front as they brought their series of friendly matches to a close ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Korea Republic responded after the interval and eventually restored parity with 12 minutes remaining. The equaliser came from a penalty, ensuring the Falconets’ final friendly ended level.

Nigeria will now switch their focus to their World Cup campaign, which begins with a Group F fixture against Spain on Monday, September 7. That match will be played at the Arena Sosnowiec in Sosnowiec.

The Falconets will remain at the same stadium for their second group match, when they face China on Thursday, September 10.

Their final Group F game is against New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13. That fixture will take place at the Stadion Miejski ?KS ?odz in ?odz.

The draw with Korea Republic brings Nigeria’s warm-up schedule to an end as they prepare for the opening round of the competition. The Falconets will be looking to carry the positive aspects of their recent performances into the tournament and make a strong start in Poland.

Mamudu’s goals in consecutive friendly matches provide the latest indication of her contribution in attack before the World Cup. She scored against Poland last Saturday and followed that effort with Nigeria’s opening goal against Korea Republic.

The late penalty denied Nigeria a second successive warm-up victory, but the result means they finish their pre-World Cup preparations with an encouraging performance against Korea Republic.

Aduku’s side now have three Group F fixtures ahead of them, beginning with Spain before matches against China and New Caledonia. The outcome of those games will determine Nigeria’s progress in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

The Falconets’ first two group matches will be staged at the Arena Sosnowiec, while their final fixture will be played in ?odz.

By Adeboye Amosu

Adeboye Amosu is a Senior Content Writer and an NPFL expert who covers the Super Eagles and Chelsea.

Nigeria will begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on Wednesday, 23 September, with the Super Eagles’ schedule now confirmed, Completesports.com reports.

The Matchday One fixture will be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, where Eric Chelle’s side will start their attempt to reach the next edition of Africa’s premier international tournament.

Nigeria will then travel to Morocco four days later for their second qualifying match, against Guinea-Bissau. That fixture against the Djurtus is scheduled for Sunday, 27 September.

Tanzania, known as the Taifa Stars, completes the four-team qualifying group.

The Super Eagles are expected to begin the campaign as strong favourites to finish top of the section, based on Nigeria’s record and standing in African football. The team are three-time winners of the Africa Cup of Nations and most recently finished third at the last tournament, hosted by Morocco.

Chelle’s team were last in action in June, when they played Portugal in an international friendly. Their focus will now turn to preparing for the opening qualifier and ensuring they take full advantage of home conditions in Uyo.

Nigeria will be seeking maximum points against Madagascar before travelling to Morocco for the meeting with Guinea-Bissau. A positive start would put the Super Eagles in a strong position as they begin a qualifying programme that includes two matches within the space of four days.

The fixture against Madagascar is the first competitive match listed for Chelle’s side in this qualifying campaign. The meeting with Guinea-Bissau will provide the next test as Nigeria continue their bid to secure progress from the group, with Tanzania also involved in the race for qualification.

The Super Eagles’ status as one of the continent’s leading sides means they will be expected to challenge for first place. Their recent third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations further underlines the level of expectation surrounding the team.

The opening match in Uyo will therefore carry significance beyond being Nigeria’s first fixture of the campaign. It will give the side an early opportunity to establish momentum before the quick turnaround and the trip to Morocco for the encounter with the Djurtus.

Nigeria’s qualifying dates are:

- Nigeria v Madagascar Wednesday, 23 September, Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo

- Guinea-Bissau v Nigeria Sunday, 27 September, Morocco

The Super Eagles will hope to make their home advantage count against the Barea before turning their attention to the second match of the group.

Related: FIFA Rankings: Super Eagles Stay 26th, Slip To Fourth In Africa

Nigeria and England midfielder Femi Azeez, who currently plays for Millwall, has been linked with a move to Brighton in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old right midfielder joined Millwall from Reading on 21 August 2024 in a transfer worth €1.15m. He remains contracted to the Championship club until 30 June 2028, while his current market value is €15m.

Azeez has made one Championship appearance this season, registering no goals or assists. He has also featured once in the EFL Cup, playing 84 minutes across the two competitions.

Brighton’s interest would place Azeez among the latest Championship players to be linked with a move to a Premier League club, although there is no indication that an agreement has been reached or that formal terms have been disclosed.

Azeez began his senior career with Reading after progressing from non-league football, including spells with Wealdstone, Hanwell Town, Bracknell and Northwood. He made the permanent move to Reading in 2021 before joining Millwall three years later.

The player’s contract and €15m market valuation provide the current financial context for the reported link, but the rumour remains unconfirmed. For now, Azeez remains a Millwall player with two years left on his deal.

German-Nigerian winger Noah Ajayi, currently with Manchester United’s under-18 side, has been linked with a move to Bundesliga club Augsburg.

Ajayi, 17, plays as a left winger and joined Manchester United’s under-18s from the club’s youth side on 1 July 2025. He signed a contract running until 30 June 2027.

The teenager has yet to make an appearance in the Under-18 Premier League this season, with Manchester United having played two possible games. He has not started a match or recorded a goal or assist in the competition during the current campaign.

A move to Augsburg would represent a step from youth football in England to Germany’s top flight, although the link remains a rumour and there is no indication that a transfer has been agreed.

Ajayi was born in Hamburg and is eligible to represent both Germany and Nigeria. His current registration is with Manchester United’s under-18 team, where he wears the number 92 shirt.

Nigeria centre-forward Gabriel Jesus David has joined SKN St. Polten from Belgian club Royal Antwerp, adding a 19-year-old attacker to the Austrian 2. Liga side’s squad.

David’s move was completed on 1 September 2026, ending his time with Antwerp after just over a year at the club. He joined the Belgian side from PSF Academy on 1 July 2025, following an earlier loan spell at Antwerp during the second half of the 2024-25 season.

The forward initially moved to Antwerp on loan from PSF Academy on 3 February 2025. That arrangement ran until 30 June, before his transfer to the Belgian club was completed the following month.

David’s senior club career has therefore included spells in Belgium and Austria, with his latest switch taking him to the second tier of Austrian football. He is registered as a centre-forward and will wear number 45 for St. Polten.

The move follows a season in which David was part of Antwerp’s squad in the Jupiler Pro League. He did not make an appearance in the opening four possible league matches of the 2026-27 campaign before moving to St. Polten.

Born on 2 January 2007, David represents Nigeria and is yet to turn 20. His arrival gives St. Polten a forward who has developed through academy football and gained experience in two European leagues before making the switch to Austria.

David joined Antwerp after his initial loan, with the Belgian club paying €200,000 for the player’s registration. His market value was listed at €200,000 at the time of the move to St. Polten, although no transfer fee was stated for his departure from Antwerp.

Royal Antwerp competed in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League, while St. Polten’s new signing will now play in Austria’s 2. Liga. The transfer represents the next stage of David’s club career after his progression from PSF Academy into senior football.

Gabriel Jesus David completed his move from Royal Antwerp to SKN St. Polten on 1 September 2026.

Honest Ahanor, the 18-year-old Italy-Nigeria defender, has joined Crystal Palace from Atalanta on loan in a move to the Premier League club.

The centre-back completed the switch on 1 September 2026, with his agreement at Palace running until 30 June 2027. The transfer does not include a fee, with Ahanor returning to Atalanta at the end of the loan period.

Ahanor moves to England after spending the previous season with Atalanta, who signed him from Genoa for €16m on 4 July 2025. His arrival at Palace represents the next stage of a career that began in Genoa’s youth system.

Born in Aversa, Italy, Ahanor is eligible to represent both Italy and Nigeria. He stands at 1.84m and is a left-footed centre-back, giving him a specific profile within Palace’s defensive group.

Before joining Atalanta, Ahanor progressed through Genoa’s academy. He played for Genoa Under-17 and Under-20 sides before moving into the senior club structure, and was part of the Genoa Under-18 team that won the Italian Youth Championship in the 2023-24 season.

His move to Atalanta came with a recorded market value of €5m at the time. That figure has since risen to €30m, placing Ahanor among the more valuable young defenders in the current transfer records.

The defender has not made an appearance in Serie A or UEFA Conference League qualifying during the 2026-27 season before his move to Palace. His recorded figures in both competitions stand at zero appearances, goals, assists and minutes.

Palace have secured Ahanor’s services for the campaign, adding a young defender who has already experienced a major transfer from Genoa to Atalanta and a loan move into English football. The agreement also establishes a clear return date, with Ahanor scheduled to leave Crystal Palace and rejoin Atalanta on 30 June 2027.

Ahanor’s completed loan move from Atalanta to Crystal Palace was registered on 1 September 2026.

England-Nigeria centre-back Abdulhalim Okunola has joined Boro U21 from Southampton U21, completing a move to Middlesbrough’s development side on 1 September 2026.

The 19-year-old defender arrives as Boro U21 begin their campaign in Premier League 2, the competition in which his new club and former side both operate. Okunola’s preferred position is centre-back and he is right-footed, adding a defender with experience of Southampton’s academy pathway to the Middlesbrough set-up.

Okunola spent the previous season with Southampton U21 after moving up from the club’s Under-18 side on 1 July 2025. He had not made an appearance in Premier League 2 or the National League Cup during the 2026-27 campaign before switching clubs.

The move represents the latest step in a youth career that began at Chelsea. Okunola joined Southampton U18 from Chelsea Youth on 1 July 2023 in a free transfer before progressing into the Southampton Under-21 squad two years later.

Born on 3 February 2007, Okunola is eligible to represent both England and Nigeria. His listed nationalities are reflected in his England-Nigeria background, while his playing profile identifies him as a defender whose primary role is in central defence.

Boro U21 also have National League Cup fixtures alongside their Premier League 2 schedule, giving the new arrival two competitions in which he can feature for the development side. At the point of his arrival, he had yet to record an appearance, goal or assist in either competition during the current season.

Okunola’s Southampton career followed a clear progression through Under-18 and Under-21 football, with his latest move taking him to another Premier League 2 club. The transfer was completed on 1 September, and he is now listed as a Boro U21 player.

Germany-Nigeria forward Kennedy Okpala has joined Dynamo Dresden from SC Paderborn on a season-long loan.

The 21-year-old centre-forward will remain with the 2. Bundesliga club until 30 June 2027, when the agreement ends and he is due to return to Paderborn. The move was completed on 1 September 2026, with no loan fee disclosed.

Okpala arrives after spending the first part of his senior career with Paderborn, who signed him from SV Waldhof Mannheim for €550,000 in January 2026. His transfer to Dresden represents a move from a Bundesliga club to the second tier for the 2026-27 season.

Born in Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Okpala has German and Nigerian nationality. He plays primarily as a centre-forward, is right-footed and stands 1.85m tall. With Dynamo Dresden, he will wear the number seven shirt.

The striker began his senior career at Waldhof Mannheim after progressing through the club’s under-17 and under-19 sides. He made the move into senior football in August 2023, before helping Mannheim win the Baden Cup during the 2025-26 campaign.

Okpala’s spell at Paderborn was brief, lasting less than eight months before his temporary switch to Dresden. The transfer gives him a change of club for the new campaign while his registration remains tied to Paderborn.

His market value is recorded at €1.5m, the same figure attached to his move from Mannheim earlier in 2026. Paderborn’s agreement with Dynamo Dresden includes a scheduled return at the end of the loan, rather than a permanent transfer.

Dynamo Dresden have therefore added a young forward to their squad for the current second-tier season, while Paderborn retain his rights beyond the campaign.

Okpala has completed his loan move from SC Paderborn to Dynamo Dresden, with the deal running until 30 June 2027.

Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign highly rated Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor in a deal worth about €48m, including add-ons, with the Italy international set to join the club in 2027.

The 18-year-old is expected to spend the 2026/27 season on loan at Premier League side Crystal Palace after completing his move to Stamford Bridge. The temporary switch will allow Ahanor to continue his development while gaining experience of English football.

Chelsea’s agreement with Atalanta was reported by Sky Sport Italia. The London club have moved for Ahanor after an impressive first season in Bergamo, during which he established himself as one of the club’s most promising young defenders.

Ahanor made 35 appearances in all competitions for Atalanta last season. He had joined the Serie A club from Genoa in July 2025, making his move to Atalanta only a year after leaving his former side.

His performances at club level also led to recognition from the Italy national team. Ahanor made his senior international debut in June and has since won two caps for his country.

The defender’s transfer from Genoa to Atalanta was worth approximately €20m. At the time, that fee made him the second-most expensive Italian player aged under 17, behind former Genoa and Monaco striker Pietro Pellegri.

Chelsea will now monitor Ahanor’s progress during his loan spell at Crystal Palace before he links up with their first-team squad in 2027. The club regard the defender as a significant long-term addition and have committed considerable resources to securing his services at an early stage of his career.

Ahanor’s imminent move comes after just one season with Atalanta, where his regular involvement across domestic and other competitions helped accelerate his development. His two appearances for Italy further increased his profile and attracted interest from leading clubs.

The agreement means Chelsea have secured a player who has already made a substantial impact at senior club level despite his age. However, the planned loan at Crystal Palace indicates that the immediate priority will be continued first-team football and adaptation to the demands of the Premier League.

Atalanta had previously rejected a bid from Brighton for Ahanor, underlining the competition for the defender before Chelsea completed the agreement. The transfer will not take effect in full until 2027, with Ahanor’s intervening season at Crystal Palace forming part of his route towards Chelsea’s first-team plans.

Nigerian forwards Gift Orban and Yira Sor played key roles as newly promoted Amedspor came from behind to defeat Trabzonspor 2-1 in the Turkish Super Lig on Monday, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Trabzonspor took the lead in the 11th minute through Mohamed Salah, but Amedspor responded just before half-time when Sor found the net to restore parity.

Sor was forced off with an injury five minutes after the restart, with Orban introduced as his replacement. The former Lyon forward made an immediate impact, reacting quickest after Andre Onana had saved Mbaye Diagne’s initial effort to fire Amedspor level.

Orban then completed the comeback in the 90th minute, scoring the decisive goal to secure a memorable victory for the newly promoted side.

Trabzonspor had Nigerian internationals Paul Onuachu and Chibuike Nwaiwu on the pitch for the entire match, but the visitors were unable to hold on to their early advantage.

The victory strengthens Amedspor’s early claim to compete with Turkey’s established top-flight clubs after earning promotion last season with 74 points from 38 matches, finishing second in the second tier.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has appointed Bright Ozebagbe and Deniran Ortega as his two assistants with the Nigerian Olympic team, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The appointment was disclosed on Tuesday by Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media in the Office of the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Chelle, who also oversees the Olympic Eagles, described Ozebagbe and Ortega as two of Nigeria’s brightest young coaches, praising their impressive profiles and expressing his excitement about working with them.

Ozebagbe is currently the Technical Adviser of Ikorodu City, having guided the Lagos-based club to a strong campaign last season, while Ortega is a UEFA-licensed coach trained by the Scottish Football Association and currently serves as one of the assistant coaches of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles.

Chelle has already presented his plans for the Olympic Eagles to the NSC leadership as preparations begin for the team’s qualification campaign.

The Olympic Eagles are expected to open camp in Abuja ahead of their qualifiers, which are scheduled to begin in November 2026.

The men’s and women’s Olympic football teams are under the supervision of the NSC, which is targeting qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games as well as a podium finish.

Lazio have made an enquiry about Nigeria winger Philip Otele as they consider a late move for the FC Basel forward before the summer transfer window closes.

The Serie A club are assessing a loan deal for the 27-year-old that could include an option to buy, according to transfer expert Ben Jacobs. However, discussions remain at an early stage and no agreement has been reached with Basel.

There is also no certainty that the proposed move will be completed before the transfer deadline.

Otele is currently under contract with the Swiss club until the summer of 2028. Basel exercised their option to sign him permanently from UAE side Al Wahda in June 2025, securing his long-term future with the club.

The forward spent the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan in Germany with Hamburg SV, having joined the Bundesliga club from Basel in February.

He made nine Bundesliga appearances during his time at Hamburg, scoring once and providing one assist. The Nigeria international was able to operate in a number of attacking positions during the spell, but Hamburg decided against making the move permanent.

Otele subsequently returned to Basel at the end of the campaign and is now the subject of interest from Lazio as the Italian club consider their options before the transfer window closes.

Any agreement would initially be structured as a temporary move, with Lazio potentially retaining the opportunity to sign Otele permanently at a later date. The two clubs have yet to settle the terms of such an arrangement, and the limited time remaining in the window could make negotiations difficult.

For Basel, the situation represents another decision over the future of a player they only committed to permanently in June 2025. For Otele, a move to Lazio would offer the chance to continue his career in Serie A after his recent experience in the Bundesliga.

The winger’s nine league appearances for Hamburg produced one goal and one assist, but his campaign was interrupted by the change of club and the subsequent decision not to activate a permanent transfer.

Lazio’s interest has not yet developed into a formal agreement, and the deal remains dependent on further talks between the Italian and Swiss clubs. With the deadline approaching, Otele’s next destination is still undecided.

Lazio have made an enquiry about Nigeria winger Philip Otele as they consider a late move for the FC Basel forward before the summer transfer window closes.

The Serie A club are assessing a loan deal for the 27-year-old that could include an option to buy, according to transfer expert Ben Jacobs. However, discussions remain at an early stage and no agreement has been reached with Basel.

There is also no certainty that the proposed move will be completed before the transfer deadline.

Otele is currently under contract with the Swiss club until the summer of 2028. Basel exercised their option to sign him permanently from UAE side Al Wahda in June 2025, securing his long-term future with the club.

The forward spent the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan in Germany with Hamburg SV, having joined the Bundesliga club from Basel in February.

He made nine Bundesliga appearances during his time at Hamburg, scoring once and providing one assist. The Nigeria international was able to operate in a number of attacking positions during the spell, but Hamburg decided against making the move permanent.

Otele subsequently returned to Basel at the end of the campaign and is now the subject of interest from Lazio as the Italian club consider their options before the transfer window closes.

Any agreement would initially be structured as a temporary move, with Lazio potentially retaining the opportunity to sign Otele permanently at a later date. The two clubs have yet to settle the terms of such an arrangement, and the limited time remaining in the window could make negotiations difficult.

For Basel, the situation represents another decision over the future of a player they only committed to permanently in June 2025. For Otele, a move to Lazio would offer the chance to continue his career in Serie A after his recent experience in the Bundesliga.

The winger’s nine league appearances for Hamburg produced one goal and one assist, but his campaign was interrupted by the change of club and the subsequent decision not to activate a permanent transfer.

Lazio’s interest has not yet developed into a formal agreement, and the deal remains dependent on further talks between the Italian and Swiss clubs. With the deadline approaching, Otele’s next destination is still undecided.

Lazio have made an enquiry about Nigeria winger Philip Otele as they consider a late move for the FC Basel forward before the summer transfer window closes.

The Serie A club are assessing a loan deal for the 27-year-old that could include an option to buy, according to transfer expert Ben Jacobs. However, discussions remain at an early stage and no agreement has been reached with Basel.

There is also no certainty that the proposed move will be completed before the transfer deadline.

Otele is currently under contract with the Swiss club until the summer of 2028. Basel exercised their option to sign him permanently from UAE side Al Wahda in June 2025, securing his long-term future with the club.

The forward spent the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan in Germany with Hamburg SV, having joined the Bundesliga club from Basel in February.

He made nine Bundesliga appearances during his time at Hamburg, scoring once and providing one assist. The Nigeria international was able to operate in a number of attacking positions during the spell, but Hamburg decided against making the move permanent.

Otele subsequently returned to Basel at the end of the campaign and is now the subject of interest from Lazio as the Italian club consider their options before the transfer window closes.

Any agreement would initially be structured as a temporary move, with Lazio potentially retaining the opportunity to sign Otele permanently at a later date. The two clubs have yet to settle the terms of such an arrangement, and the limited time remaining in the window could make negotiations difficult.

For Basel, the situation represents another decision over the future of a player they only committed to permanently in June 2025. For Otele, a move to Lazio would offer the chance to continue his career in Serie A after his recent experience in the Bundesliga.

The winger’s nine league appearances for Hamburg produced one goal and one assist, but his campaign was interrupted by the change of club and the subsequent decision not to activate a permanent transfer.

Lazio’s interest has not yet developed into a formal agreement, and the deal remains dependent on further talks between the Italian and Swiss clubs. With the deadline approaching, Otele’s next destination is still undecided.

Former Nigeria international Obafemi Martins has called for stronger competition among the Super Eagles’ attacking players, arguing that the team must reduce its dependence on Victor Osimhen, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Nigeria struggled to produce consistent results when Osimhen was unavailable during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, failing to win any of the five matches the Galatasaray striker missed. The Super Eagles drew with Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa twice before suffering a surprise defeat to Benin Republic.

Nigeria eventually reached the African play-offs but missed out on qualification for the World Cup after losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo on penalties.

Osimhen was unable to take part in the shootout after being substituted at half-time due to injury, with Akor Adams replacing him.

Martins believes the presence of quality alternatives would give the Super Eagles greater strength in attack. Reflecting on his own international career, he recalled competing with established forwards such as Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Osaze Odemwingie and Julius Aghahowa.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Martins said the competition he faced from Yakubu helped push him to perform at his best.

“You need someone that is going to compete with all the players, not just Osimhen. My own time, we had Yakubu there.

“If Yakubu starts the game, I will be on the bench waiting. I know if he is out and I score, I am going to start the next game. We are always like that. We do not hate each other because of that.”

The former Inter Milan striker also defended Osimhen’s passionate personality, insisting that his emotional reactions should not be interpreted as a negative attitude.

“You cannot keep him quiet. I think that is what is keeping him going as well, because the way he behaves does not mean he has a stinking attitude,” he said.

Martins urged Nigerians to appreciate the contribution Osimhen continues to make to the national team and support him.

“Seeing him is a blessing in the national team as a Nigerian. We should try to make him happy and let him score more goals.”

Osimhen has scored 35 goals for Nigeria and is just two goals away from equalling Rashidi Yekini’s record as the Super Eagles’ all-time leading scorer.

The 27-year-old has also enjoyed an impressive start to the new season with Galatasaray, scoring five goals in his first three league appearances. Manager Okan Buruk has revealed that the Turkish champions have adjusted their build-up play to get Osimhen into more dangerous attacking positions.

The tactical adjustment has paid dividends, with the Nigerian producing multiple direct goal contributions in three consecutive matches, including a goal and an assist in Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Göztepe at the weekend.

Meanwhile, former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has claimed that Osimhen remains interested in a potential move to Old Trafford despite reported interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

“I know for a fact that Victor Osimhen is a Manchester United fan. He loves Man United,” Saha said.

“All United have to do is make the connection, but that is why it has not happened yet. Osimhen is still waiting.”

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has appointed Bright Ozebagbe and Deniran Ortega as his assistants with the Nigerian Olympic Team, known as the Olympic Eagles.

The appointments were announced on Tuesday by Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Chelle, who also oversees the Olympic Eagles, said Ozebagbe and Ortega were among Nigeria’s brightest young coaches and had impressive profiles. He added that he was pleased to have the opportunity to work with both men.

The pair will join Chelle as Nigeria prepares for its qualification campaign for the Olympic Games. The team is expected to begin camping in Abuja soon, with the qualifiers scheduled for November 2026.

Ozebagbe is currently the technical adviser of Nigerian Premier League club Ikorodu City. The club narrowly missed out on a continental place on the final day of last season.

Ortega is a UEFA-licensed coach who was trained by the Scottish Football Association. He is also part of the coaching staff of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, the country’s men’s under-20 side.

Chelle has already presented his plans and preparations for the Olympic qualification campaign to the leadership of the NSC. The commission is responsible for supervising Nigeria’s Olympic football teams, both male and female.

The NSC is aiming not only to secure qualification for Nigeria’s football teams but also to see the country achieve a podium finish in Los Angeles.

The Olympic Eagles will therefore begin their preparations under a coaching structure that combines Chelle’s leadership with the experience of two young Nigerian coaches working in domestic and international development football.

Ozebagbe’s appointment follows his work with Ikorodu City, who came close to earning a continental ticket last season, while Ortega brings experience from the Flying Eagles and his coaching education under the Scottish Football Association.

The Nigerian Olympic team’s qualification schedule is due to begin in November 2026, and the planned Abuja camp will be the first stage of the preparations outlined by Chelle to the NSC leadership.

Nigeria’s men’s and women’s Olympic teams remain under the commission’s supervision as the country targets a strong showing at the Games in Los Angeles. The NSC’s stated ambition is to qualify both teams’ football programmes where possible and secure a place on the podium.

A related report has also examined whether Nigeria can sustain Chelle’s monthly salary of $100,000.

The story was written by James Agberebi, a sports content creator and analyst who has covered international matches involving both Nigeria’s men’s and women’s national teams.

Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has urged the Falconets to maintain their winning mentality when they face Korea Republic in their final pre-World Cup friendly on Tuesday, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Nigeria defeated hosts Poland 1-0 in their previous warm-up match on August 28, with Mary Mamudu scoring the decisive goal in first-half stoppage time. The Falconets held firm after the break to secure the morale-boosting victory.

Ikpeme praised the team for their performance against Poland and challenged the players to build on the result by defeating Korea Republic at the Remes Sports Leisure and Spa Stadium.

“You did very well in your friendly match against the host nation, by holding your own and eventually emerging victorious. The NFF and the entire Nigerian nation are proud of you,” Ikpeme said.

He added: “The victory over Poland has instilled a win-mentality in you, and another victory over Korea Republic on Tuesday will sustain that mindset, enabling you to confront the challenges of the group phase of the World Cup with the needed confidence and vibrancy. I urge you to go for outright victory against the Koreans.”

The friendly will be Nigeria’s final test before the team turns its attention to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, which begins in Poland on September 5.

The Falconets have been drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia. They will begin their campaign against Spain on September 7 before facing China PR on September 10 and New Caledonia on September 13.

Nigeria, two-time runners-up at the competition, will be hoping to build on the victory over Poland and enter the tournament in strong form.

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has ventured into entrepreneurship with the launch of DIIDS, a lifestyle brand targeting both men and women with a range of premium everyday essentials.

The brand was unveiled in Lagos on August 31, marking a new chapter for the Nigerian international as he begins to build a business portfolio beyond football.

Ndidi said the venture is part of his long-term plan to establish something that can continue to grow beyond his playing career.

“Football has given me a platform, but I know there is life beyond the game. DIIDS is an opportunity for me to build something that reflects my interests and can stand on its own as a brand,” Ndidi said.

The launch forms part of a broader personal vision built around his “WN — Built for Legacy” identity, which reflects his ambition to transition from elite footballer into an entrepreneur, media personality, mentor and creator of opportunities.

Ndidi said his interest in business was shaped by his upbringing in Nigeria, where discipline, hard work and responsibility played a major role in his development.

The Leicester City midfielder recalled helping his mother sell fruit as a child and also selling groundnuts, experiences that earned him the nickname “Omolepa” and helped shape his approach to work and business.

“I want to leave every place better than I found it. For me, that is what legacy means,” he said.

With DIIDS, Ndidi hopes to build a brand rooted in his African heritage while eventually developing it into a globally recognised lifestyle company.

22Bet has officially announced Ghana and African football legend Stephen Appiah as its new Global Ambassador, bringing one of the continent’s most respected sporting figures into a partnership centred on football, responsible gambling and social impact.

The agreement gives 22Bet a figure whose leadership and achievements are deeply woven into the history of Ghanaian football, most notably as the first captain to lead the Black Stars to the FIFA World Cup.

As Global Ambassador, Appiah will feature in football campaigns, exclusive content, supporter engagements and other major brand initiatives, while also supporting responsible gambling and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.

Appiah joins 22Bet’s growing African Football Network alongside three other notable legends of the continent – Togo icon Emmanuel Adebayor, former Kenya captain Victor Wanyama and Nigeria great Daniel Amokachi.

The four represent different generations and regions of African football, but share international profiles built through success with their national teams and careers at some of the biggest clubs in European football.

Four African football leaders

Appiah's arrival adds another influential name to a network with particularly strong links to the English Premier League through Adebayor, Wanyama and Amokachi.

Adebayor enjoyed a distinguished career in Europe, representing Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace in England, as well as Spanish giants Real Madrid and French club Monaco. The former Togo captain was named African Footballer of the Year in 2008 and remains one of his country's most celebrated sporting figures.

Wanyama became the first Kenyan to play in the Premier League, establishing himself with Southampton before joining Tottenham Hotspur.

Amokachi was part of Nigeria's celebrated generation that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 and Olympic football gold at Atlanta 1996. The powerful forward played for Everton and helped the club win the FA Cup in 1995, having also represented Club Brugge and Be?ikta? during a distinguished career.

Appiah brings a different but equally significant story to the network.

The captain who made Ghana believe

Nicknamed "Tornado", Appiah occupies a special place in Ghanaian football history.

He captained the country to its first FIFA World Cup in 2006, ending decades of frustration for a nation that had long been one of Africa's major football powers without previously reaching the senior global finals.

Ghana made an immediate impact in Germany, progressing from a difficult group containing eventual champions Italy, Czech Republic and the United States before reaching the Round of 16.

Four years later, Appiah was part of the Black Stars squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, coming within a penalty kick of becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

That leadership and connection with supporters will now become central to his work with 22Bet.

“Football has given me an extraordinary connection with people in Ghana, across Africa and in many other parts of the world. I have always believed that the influence you gain through football should be used positively, and that is one of the reasons I am excited about this partnership with 22Bet,” Appiah said.

“Becoming a Global Ambassador is not only about representing a brand. It is also an opportunity to engage football fans, encourage responsible choices and work on projects that can make a real difference in our communities.”

From Accra to Europe's biggest stages

Appiah's influence with the Black Stars was complemented by a club career that took him from Ghana to some of European football's most demanding environments.

After emerging at Accra Hearts of Oak, he moved to Italy and represented Udinese, Parma, Brescia and Juventus during an era when Serie A attracted many of the world's leading players.

He was part of Parma's Coppa Italia-winning side in 2002 and later joined Juventus, where he competed domestically and in Europe and won the Italian Super Cup in 2003.

Appiah subsequently became a popular figure at Fenerbahçe, helping the Istanbul giants win the Turkish Süper Lig in 2006-07 and the Turkish Super Cup in 2007 and winning many memorable matches in the UEFA Champions League.

His career also included success at the youth international level, where he won the U17 World Cup with Ghana and made appearances at the Olympic Games.

Football, responsibility and community impact

While football will remain at the centre of Appiah's ambassadorial work, 22Bet says the relationship has been structured to extend beyond promotional campaigns.

Responsible gambling will form a major part of the partnership, with Appiah expected to participate in initiatives encouraging gambling to be approached strictly as entertainment for adults, alongside messaging about informed decision-making, maintaining control and understanding the associated risks.

CSR programmes are also planned, with the partnership seeking to use Appiah's profile to support community-focused initiatives and create opportunities, particularly for young people.

A 22Bet spokesperson said: “Stephen Appiah represents many of the values we want this partnership to stand for — leadership, excellence, responsibility and a genuine connection with people. His influence goes far beyond football, particularly across Ghana and Africa. We are delighted to welcome him to the 22Bet family as our Global Ambassador. Together, we want to create memorable football experiences for supporters while also using this partnership as a platform to promote responsible gambling and support communities through meaningful CSR programmes.”

A growing African football connection

Bringing Appiah together with Adebayor, Wanyama and Amokachi gives 22Bet a group of ambassadors whose careers resonate across several of Africa's major football markets.

Between them, they have represented Ghana, Togo, Kenya and Nigeria while playing at World Cups, Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, the Olympic Games and some of Europe's biggest domestic competitions.

Their careers also provide a link between generations of African supporters – from Amokachi's achievements with Nigeria in the 1990s and Appiah's leadership of Ghana's breakthrough World Cup generation to Adebayor's Premier League prominence and Wanyama's rise from Kenya to English football.

For Appiah, the new role provides another platform to remain closely connected to the sport after retirement while using the standing he built during his playing career to reach supporters beyond Ghana.

For 22Bet, his appointment strengthens a growing African football network built around some of the continent's most recognisable former players.

The partnership will now seek to turn that collective football heritage into fan engagement, responsible gambling education and practical social initiatives – connecting four distinctive African football stories through a common platform.