Why Osimhen Was Subbed Before Penalties — Super Eagles Coach Reveals

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has explained his decision to substitute Victor Osimhen before the penalty shootout against Morocco in the 2025 AFCON semi-final. According to Chelle, Osimhen sustained a minor ankle injury and could not continue at full strength. The coach said he opted to introduce Paul Onuachu, who has strong penalty-taking statistics, to improve Nigeria’s chances in the shootout. Although the decision sparked debate among fans, Chelle maintained it was a tactical move based on fitness concerns and Onuachu’s reliability from the spot.

How many of you know this man? He is prophet Primate Elijah Ayodele. He once prophesied that playing Lookman and Osimhen at AFCON would cause Nigeria serious problems.
The “problem” is not even the prophecy anymore. The real problem is that both players have gone on to win Man of the Match, they are among the top contenders for highest goal scorer, they have driven the team into the semi-finals, and at this rate, Nigeria might even win the AFCON with them leading the charge. Football said, “let me correct this gently.”
So, let’s not talk too much… because some of you watching AFCON right now are the same people who refused to marry the love of your life because a prophet said no. Some abandoned their marriages, families, and children because “prophet said.” Others closed businesses, rejected opportunities, and walked away from progress all in the name of prophecy. Hope you are watching the matches well, sha.
Let me even help the prophet small, maybe the prophecy was misunderstood. Maybe it was not football “problem.” Maybe it was the problem of defenders facing Osimhen. Or the problem of goalkeepers dealing with Lookman. Because clearly, somebody is suffering and it’s not Nigeria.
The lesson is simple: be careful with prophecies. Faith is good, but blind dependence is dangerous. If your entire life is controlled by “prophet said,” evidence will one day embarrass you publicly just like this AFCON is doing now.
~`LAW Parlour

E Don Set for AFCON: BUA Chairman Rabiu Promises Super Eagles $1.5 Million If Dem Beat Algeria, Enter Final

E don set for AFCON oo! Nigerians no fit keep calm again as BUA Group Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, don drop heavy money promise for our Super Eagles after their hot victory over Algeria.

Following the boys’ 2–0 win that carried Nigeria enter the semi-finals, the billionaire businessman come out boldly announce say serious cash reward dey wait the players if dem continue to deliver.

Rabiu, wey post the message for him official X (Twitter) handle on Saturday, January 10, 2026, praise the team say dem don lift the spirit of the nation and make Nigerians proud again.

According to am, if Super Eagles win their semi-final match, he go release $500,000 immediately, plus $50,000 for every single goal wey dem score. As in, every goal na money!

But the real wahala dey the final.

Rabiu talk say if Nigeria carry this AFCON cup go house, he go drop another $1 million, plus $100,000 for each goal scored in the final match. Meaning say goals don turn to dollars for this tournament.

“Congratulations to our Super Eagles on a brilliant victory against Algeria. You have lifted the spirit of the nation,” Rabiu wrote. “Should you win the semi-final, I will reward you with $500,000 and $50,000 for each goal. If you go on to win the final, I further pledge $1,000,000 plus $100,000 for every goal.”

He still encourage the boys make dem no relent: “Keep making Nigeria proud. Proudly Nigerian.”

Recall say Nigeria beat Algeria 2–0 in Marrakech on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams for second half seal the match and send the Super Eagles straight to the semi-finals, where dem go face host nation Morocco.

Since that victory, celebration don burst everywhere – from streets to social media – as Nigerians and top business leaders don begin rally behind the team.

As e be now, one thing clear:
AFCON don turn serious business. Goals na dollars. Victory na millions. Wahala don set oo!

AFCON 2025: Ademola Lookman Sends Reassuring Message to Victor Osimhen After Heated On-Field Exchange Against Mozambique

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has addressed teammate Victor Osimhen following a tense on-field exchange during Nigeria’s 4-0 Round of 16 AFCON 2025 win over Mozambique. Lookman, who scored and assisted multiple times, emphasized unity in a post on Instagram, writing, “TOGETHER ALWAYS .” The confrontation occurred after Osimhen expressed frustration over a lost possession, but coach Eric Chelle downplayed concerns, stating there was no need to publicly discuss internal team matters. Fans and football stars have reacted to Lookman’s message, with many backing the team’s cohesion ahead of the quarterfinals.

#AFCON2025 #SuperEagles #AdemolaLookman #VictorOsimhen #NigeriaFootball #TeamSpirit #MozambiqueVsNigeria #FootballNews

Nigeria Misses 2026 World Cup, Osimhen’s €75m Galatasaray Move, Super Falcons’ WAFCON Glory and Other Major Nigerian Football Moments That Defined 2025

Nigerian football in 2025 was a year of sharp contrasts, marked by historic disappointments, landmark achievements and defining off-the-pitch controversies. As the year came to an end, fans reflected on moments that reshaped the nation’s football narrative, with the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup standing out as the most painful low point. After a two-year qualification campaign, Nigeria’s hopes were dashed following a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the African playoffs, leaving millions of supporters heartbroken.

Despite the World Cup setback, the year also delivered significant positives. The Super Falcons reaffirmed their dominance in African women’s football by winning a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, defeating hosts Morocco in the final and earning national acclaim and financial rewards from the federal government.

At club level, Remo Stars made history by winning their first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, a milestone achievement celebrated across the domestic football scene. Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen’s career took another major turn as the Super Eagles striker completed a record-breaking €75 million permanent transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray, choosing loyalty and stability over lucrative moves elsewhere.

The year also saw notable changes in leadership and personnel. Eric Sekou Chelle became the Super Eagles’ head coach, making history as the first non-Nigerian African to manage the national team. Veteran players William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa retired from international football, closing important chapters in Nigeria’s football history.

However, controversies lingered, including protests by Super Eagles players over unpaid allowances and renewed scrutiny of the Nigeria Football Federation over alleged financial mismanagement.

Overall, 2025 will be remembered as a turbulent but transformative year for Nigerian football — one defined by World Cup heartbreak, individual brilliance, domestic success, and renewed hopes of redemption at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The reason Victor Osimhen was booked against Tunisia at the AFCON has emerged after the Super Eagles striker ended his seven-game goal drought.

Galatasaray Congratulates Victor Osimhen After First AFCON 2025 Goal Against Tunisia

Victor Osimhen opened his goal account at AFCON 2025, scoring a brilliant header and providing an assist in Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Tunisia, helping the Super Eagles secure a spot in the Round of 16. His club, Galatasaray, praised his performance on social media, highlighting his decisive contributions. Osimhen had previously faced frustration with two goals ruled out for offside, making this breakthrough a significant moment. CAF also recognized his goal as the best of match-day six. Nigeria now prepares to face Uganda in their final group game on December 30, with Osimhen in fine form.

Jose Mourinho Reveals Key Strategy for Nigeria to Win AFCON 2025 as Super Eagles Start Strong

Former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho believes Nigeria has the talent, speed, and confidence to win AFCON 2025 in Morocco, emphasizing that unity and focus are crucial under tournament pressure. The Super Eagles began their Group C campaign with a 2-1 win over Tanzania, and striker Victor Osimhen urges the team to focus on the present and learn from past disappointments. With head coach Eric Chelle leading the squad, Nigeria aims to secure its fourth AFCON title by playing as a cohesive unit rather than relying on individual brilliance.

Ghanaian Influencer Begs FIFA to Let Victor Osimhen Play for Black Stars at 2026 World Cup

A Ghanaian content creator, Wode Maya, has sparked lively online reactions after jokingly pleading with Victor Osimhen to switch from Nigeria’s Super Eagles to Ghana’s Black Stars for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The call came after Osimhen scored a stunning brace for Galatasaray. While fans from both nations reacted with amusement and rivalry, Osimhen remains committed to Nigeria despite missing two World Cup qualifications.

Galatasaray Fans Troll Vincent Aboubakar After Osimhen Answers Criticism With Stunning Brace

Galatasaray fans have taken over Vincent Aboubakar’s Instagram page after Victor Osimhen delivered a brilliant brace—including a 93rd-minute overhead-kick winner—in the club’s 3-2 victory over Samsunspor. The online backlash followed Aboubakar’s earlier remarks claiming Osimhen “only has goals” and insisting Mauro Icardi and Tammy Abraham are better all-round strikers.

Osimhen responded on the pitch, scoring twice to secure three points for Galatasaray and immediately triggering a wave of reactions from supporters who accused Aboubakar of disrespect. Fans mocked the Cameroonian striker with memes, laughing emojis, and comments reminding him of his recent omission from Cameroon’s AFCON 2025 squad.

Osimhen, now one of the most influential players in Turkey, has reached 11 goals this season and is also the second-highest scorer in the UEFA Champions League behind Kylian Mbappé. He was recently announced as the most-searched football personality in Turkey for 2025.

Osimhen Pays Emotional Tribute as Troost-Ekong Announces Shock Retirement Before AFCON 2025

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has penned an emotional message to William Troost-Ekong, following the captain’s unexpected retirement from international football just weeks before AFCON 2025. Ekong, who served the national team for ten years and made 83 appearances, announced his exit shortly after leading a protest over unpaid wages during the World Cup play-offs.
Osimhen praised Ekong’s leadership, humility, and impact on the team, describing him as a “legend forever.” Ekong’s retirement has sparked strong reactions from fans, CAF, and the wider football community, many of whom are shocked by its timing ahead of the continental tournament in Morocco.

Nigeria Thrash Gabon 4–1 in World Cup Play-off Showdown.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a dominant performance on Thursday night, defeating Gabon 4–1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-off clash.

The match, played at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco, saw Nigeria assert control early and maintain pressure throughout the game.

Victor Osimhen scored twice as Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a commanding 4-1 win over Gabon in extra time, booking their place in the next stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.

After a goalless first half, Nigeria broke the deadlock through Akor Adams, who capitalised on a defensive error to put the Eagles ahead early in the second half. Gabon responded with a late equaliser just four minutes from time, sending the match into extra time.

In extra time, Chidera Ejuke calmly restored Nigeria’s lead before Osimhen added two more goals to seal a resounding victory. The Super Eagles’ defence, marshalled by Benjamin Frederick and Calvin Bassey, held firm to deny Gabon any comeback.

The result edges Nigeria closer to a World Cup spot, following their dominant 4-0 triumph over Benin Republic in the group stages, during which Osimhen scored a hat-trick. Gabon, finishing second in Group F behind Ivory Coast, also advanced to the playoff round.

With this victory, Nigeria move to the top of their qualification group, strengthening their chances of booking a place at the 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria strengthened their bid for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday as striker Victor Osimhen scored twice to inspire the Super Eagles to a 4-1 victory over Gabon in extra time, securing their place in the play-off final.

Cristiano Ronaldo leapfrogs Boniface, Osimhen, Messi, and others to become football’s first billionaire after mega Al-Nassr deal

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become football’s first-ever billionaire, with his net worth now estimated at a staggering £1.04 billion, according to financial analysts at Bloomberg.

The 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward reached the milestone after his career earnings, endorsement deals, and investments were evaluated and adjusted for tax rates and market performance. Bloomberg reported that Ronaldo’s lucrative stint in Saudi Arabia has “catapulted him to the top of the global sports rich list,” making him the first footballer to appear on their Billionaires Index.

Ronaldo’s wealth now far surpasses that of his long-time rival Lionel Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami in the United States.

A major contributor to Ronaldo’s fortune is his lifetime partnership with Nike, valued at around £745 million, alongside other endorsements with global brands like Tag Heuer, Armani, PokerStars, Samsung, Unilever, and Louis Vuitton.

The Portuguese superstar is also investing heavily in luxury real estate, including a £28 million mansion complex in his home country. He is often seen flaunting high-end jewellery and watches, among them a Franck Muller Invisible Baguette Diamonds Imperial Tourbillon worth £1.13 million.

At Al-Nassr, Ronaldo earns a jaw-dropping £167.9 million per year — roughly £300 per minute,though he recently confessed he’d prefer to play solely for Portugal. In addition to his record-breaking contract, Ronaldo reportedly holds a stake in Al-Nassr, further boosting his immense fortune.

Nigerian Goal Machine Osimhen Reaches Historic 10 UCL Goals, Turning Up the Heat on Messi, Ronaldo and others.

PSG Forward, Ousmane Dembélé, Leapfrogs Osimhen, Boniface and Others to Win the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or

Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé has been named the winner of the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or.

PSG’s domestic dominance and Champions League triumph made them frontrunners for the award, with teammates Achraf Hakimi and Vitinha also in contention. However, Dembélé emerged as the standout, edging Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who finished second in the voting.

At 28, Dembélé delivered the finest season of his career in 2024/25. Initially deployed on the right wing, he was later converted into a striker by manager Luis Enrique—a tactical switch that transformed PSG’s attack.

In Ligue 1, he registered 21 goals & 8 assists in 29 matches, finishing as joint-top scorer & earning a place in the Team of the Year. But it was his Champions League heroics that sealed his Ballon d’Or case, as he netted eight times, including crucial strikes against heavyweights Manchester City, Liverpool & Arsenal.

UPDATED: Ekong Dropped As Osimhen, Lookman Lead Nigeria’s Attack Vs Rwanda

Captain William Troost-Ekong has been benched as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman spearhead Nigeria’s attack in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

Coach Eric Chelle handed a start to 20-year-old Benjamin Frederick, who will partner Calvin Bassey in central defence. Wilfred Ndidi takes the armband, with Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka completing the midfield trio.

Stanley Nwabali keeps his spot in goal, while Moses Simon joins Osimhen and Lookman upfront. Nigeria, with just seven points from six matches, must win to keep alive their slim qualification hopes.

Nigeria’s Starting XI vs Rwanda:
Nwabali; Ola Aina, Bassey, Frederick, Onyemaechi; Ndidi (C), Iwobi, Onyeka; Simon, Lookman, Osimhen.

#SuperEagles #WorldCupQualifiers #NGARWA

Top European Clubs Snubbed Osimhen Over Character Concerns — Ex-England Footballer, Gary Linekar.

Former Barcelona and England striker, Gary Lineker, has revealed that several top European clubs backed out of signing Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen due to concerns about his character.

Before sealing a four-year move to Turkish giants Galatasaray in a deal reportedly worth €75 million, Osimhen had attracted serious interest from elite clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Arsenal.

However, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker suggested that behind-the-scenes concerns may have influenced those clubs’ decisions.

“I watched Osimhen a couple of times when Napoli played Leicester in the Europa League, and he really stood out,” Lineker said. “He was absolutely brilliant for Napoli—sensational.”

Despite praising his talent and performance, Lineker disclosed that certain off-field issues may have raised red flags. “I’ve heard whispers that he sometimes goes missing for a few days, which has led to some questions about his character,” he added.

Lineker’s comments shed light on why some of Europe’s top clubs may have hesitated despite Osimhen’s outstanding form in Serie A.

Osimhen’s €15m per season Deal Is a Path to Miser¥ —Primate Elijah Ayodele Warns Football Star Over Galatasaray Move.

Popular clergyman, Primate Elijah Ayodele has issued a stern spiritual warning to Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, claiming that the footballer’s recently signed 4-year deal with Turkish club Galatasaray will bring him nothing but miser¥.

In a viral video circulating online, the preacher declared that Osimhen’s move is a grave mistake that could lead to his downfall.

Speaking with urgency, the clergyman said: “Osimhen, that 4 years deal is failed. That 4 years deal, you will not enjoy it. You better have a rethink. Who give you that advice, Osimhen? Your r¥in and wr+tchedness is about to befall you. I am telling you!”

Osimhen’s €15m per season Deal Is a Path to Miser¥ Primate Elijah Ayodele Warns Football Star Over Galatasaray Move.

Popular clergyman, Primate Elijah Ayodele has issued a stern spiritual warning to Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, claiming that the footballer’s recently signed 4-year deal with Turkish club Galatasaray will bring him nothing but miser¥.

In a viral video circulating online, the preacher declared that Osimhen’s move is a grave mistake that could lead to his downfall.

Speaking with urgency, the clergyman said: “Osimhen, that 4 years deal is failed. That 4 years deal, you will not enjoy it. You better have a rethink. Who give you that advice, Osimhen? Your r¥in and wretchedness is about to befall you. I am telling you!”