Ahmed Ghali: Ex Nigeria youth international switches clubs in Czech Superliga

Ahmad Ghali has completed a permanent move to SK Sigma Olomouc from Slovan Liberec in the Czech Republic top league.

The ex-player of Abuja-based Mahanaim FC sealed a three-year permanent deal with a subsequent one-year option, following a successful medical.

Expressing his excitement about the latest transfer, the former Nigeria U20 and MFM FC player said "I'm happy to be here, I'm excited to go to such a great club with great ambitions. I believe I will help the team".

 

He continued "It was a bit surprising for me. Everything was agreed within one week. I had to make a decision quickly, it wasn't exactly easy, but on the other hand I didn't have to think too long. 

"Sigma is a club that will play in Europe. I see it as a step forward in my career," said the 25-year-old Nigerian midfielder, who can play on both sides of the pitch.

Salim Fargo Lawal: Sensational Nigerian striker makes team of the week in Croatian league

The scintillating performance of Nigerian striker, Salim Fago Lawal in the colours or NK Istra against NK Lomotiva in Croatian top- flight league game on Sunday has earned him a slot in the team of the week in Croatia.

Lawal scored in the 45th minute of the game to put his team in a commanding 2-0 advantage going into the break and he had a commanding presence all through the game that later ended 2-1 in favour of the visitors from Istra.

Lawal was indeed a tormentor against the defenders of NK Lomotiva all through the time he lasted on the pitch before he suffered a knock that made him to be replaced in the 58th min, but his display was good enough to be voted into the team of the week in Croatia.

The former Flying Eagles striker has continued to develop his game after joining the club in August, 2023 and this latest feat in Croatia will definitely propel him to continue to work harder and the reward will come.

Lawal has been on the radar of some clubs in Europe due to the great quality of his game for NK Istra.

Caleb Ochedikwu impresses in debut win for Croatian club

 

Nigerian youth international, Caleb Ochedikwu produced man of the match performance in his debut outing for Uljanik Pula helping them to a 2 -1 win over Grobnican in the Croatian top- flight game on Saturday, reports www.totorinews.com.

The former Mavlon FC player was a second half susbtitute and within few minutes on the pitch, he marshalled the midfield, where he also made an assist as Benjamin Pajkovic scored the second goal for the home side in the 70th minute.

Uljanik Pula had earlier opened scoring in the 48th minute through Robert Peric- Komsic, but the introduction of Ochedikwu in the 59th minute gave the team more stability in their quest to subdue their opponents for the maximum points.

He had the command of midfield, winning the tussles, as he also initiated attack from his quick interchange of passes with the attackers, where he almost made it a scoring debut, but the goal-post denied him twice in the game.

Although, Grobnican tried to claw their way back into the game in the 76th minute when Lovro Mikulica scored, there was nothing denying Ochedikwu and his teammates victory with their performance on the pitch.

Speaking after the game, a source close to Uljanik Pula was so delighted with the display of the midfielder, whom he described as a valuable addition to the club.

"He will be a great player. His performance was enough for me, an excellent debut game for the young player," the source said.

"He has big potential and we were all impressed," he added.

Ochedikwu signed for Uljanik Pula last month before the end of transfer window in Europe.

Salim Fargo Lawal: Nigerian striker tops wish list of major Belgian clubs

 

Sensational Nigeria and NK Istra striker, Salim Fargo Lawal is a subject of interest from notable clubs in the Belgian Jupiler league following his impressive performance with the Croatian club.

Totori News scooped that K.V Mechelen, an elite Belgian club side are among the clubs interested is signing the Nigerian attacker, who has continued to improve his game to the delight of the management of the club and fans.

Lawal has been a great phenomenon in Croatia after scoring three goals in 12 league games last season and started in seven games, but the hallmark of the striker, is his energetic performance in every match, that is imbibed with speed, strength and skills, with one of the goals in reckoning for the goal of the season in Croatia.

He has shown tremendous ability to learn fast, added with his professional discipline on and off the pitch, which has endeared him to the technical crew and the management of the club.

The 21- year old former Mavlon FC striker signed a three- year deal with NK Istra last year and he has continued to improve his game in the new season where he had made four starts and despite the transfer interests from clubs both within Croatia and across Europe, Lawal prefers to continue to ply his trade with NK Istra, where he has become the delight of the fans.

At the moment, the decision for Lawal to remain with NK Istra lies with the management of the club, as transfer negotiations are still on the table for the sublime striker.

Nigerian midfielder, Ochedikwu joins Croatian club side

Talented Nigerian midfielder, Caleb Ochedikwu has increased number of Nigerian players who made a switch to abroad this summer following his move to Croatian side, NK Uljanik Pula of Croatia, www.totorinews.com reports.

Ochedikwu agreed to sign a three year deal with NK Uljanik Pula after a successful trial that saw him impressed both the technical and management of the club. 

The 19 year old midfielder was discovered and nurtured by Mavlon FC of Lagos, a modest Nigerian club side that is gradually becoming the hub of football talents for European clubs with the latest acquisition of Ochedikwu.

With a playing style similar to that of Rodri of Manchester City and Spanish international, it was therefore not a surprise that he was handed three years contract.

The talented midfielder is known for winning the ball to thwart the threat of opponents, initiating attack right from the deep. 

He is also richly endowed with great shooting ability and visionary passes that can split open the opposition in a jiffy, setting up his attacking teammates for onslaught in search of goals.

The midfielder was a member of Flying Eagles team that won the bronze medal at the AFCON U-20 tournament hosted by Egypt in 2023.

Salim Fago Lawal: Nigerian youth international scores in Istra's humbling of Rudes

Nigeria youth International, Salim Fago Lawal was in terrific form for his club, Istra 1961, as he scored one of the goals in their 3-1 away win against Rudes, www.totorinews.com

It was yet another masterpiece for Istra 1961 in the Croatian top flight condemning Rudes home defeat. 

Lawal, the former Mavlon FC striker, who featured for the Flying Eagles of Nigeria at the last FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina hit the back of the net in the 16th min to make a strong statement that Istra 1961 came for the three points at stake.

But the joy of Istra 1961 travelling fans was short-lived when Riad Masala restored parity for Rudes three minutes later.

It was a ding- dong affair for both teams going into the break.

Second half completely belonged to Lawal and his teammates, as their efforts yielded fruits when substitutes Mario Cuic and Mateo Lisica scored in quick successions on the 73rd and 75th respectively to put the game beyond the reach of struggling Rudes.

Lawal played for 64 minutes before he was substituted.

Lawal Salim Fago: Nigeria youngster marks Istra starting berth with victory

Former Nigeria U20 forward, Lawal Salim Fago produced man of the match performance for his Croatia club side, 1961 Istra leading them to hard fought 2-1 win over Rudes on Saturday. 

The 21 year old Fago was handed his first start for the Pula based club and was instrumental to the team's first goal scored by Mario Cuic.

Rudes had taken an early lead through Fran Karacic but the host rallied to win the match despite going down to 10 men since half time. 

The former Mavlon FC striker's strong physical presence against NK Rudes defence was one of the factors that contributed to the 2-1 win of the host team.

Although, he did not score any of the goals, but there was no doubt that he had a good game with his aerial ability, dribbling, running into box, which helped in weary the defence of the away team.

The bully striker made his 69mins on the pitch to count to the delight of the fans of 1961 Istra and it is hoped that he will continue to raise the banner of Nigerian flag high at his modest Croatian club.

The victory has further cemented Istra stay in the Croatian top flight for next season. 

Salim Fago Lawal: Ex Mavlon striker hits brace in Istra humbling of Radnick

 

Former Mavlon Fc striker, Salim Fago Lawal continued with his goal scoring form for Istra in the 9-0 massacre Radnički NB, reports www.totorinews.com. 

The Nigerian junior international was a menace against the defence of Radnički NB and he was rewarded with two goals within 15minutes in the friendly encounter on Wednesday.

Lawal looked very sharp, quick, and precise on goal to score on 13th and 28th minute. He demonstrated strong predactor instinct in the box as a lethal striker.

Prior to him scoring, Advan Kadusic had opened the floodgate of goals in the 8th minute for Istra 1961 FC.

The bullish Nigerian attacker had earlier scored against Gorica where his team triumphed 2-0 and today's game was another improved performance from a striker who scored a goal against Italy at the FIFA U-20 tournament in Argentina last year.

There is no doubt that three goals and an assist in two games is a strong indication of a quality display of a young striker.

Daniel Daga meets football hero, Samuel Chukwueze

 

Defensive midfielder Daniel Daga had one of his dreams come through after finally meeting 24-year-old Super Eagles and Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze on Friday.

The story of Daniel Daga was first celebrated when he emerged Most Valuable player at the 2022 WAFU B U20 Tournament.

Daga, 16, was one of the shinning lights for Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina. His showing has attracted interests from Liverpool and AC Milan.

Having met Samuel Chukwueze at West Itam Stadium in what he described as the biggest moment of his life, Daga said patience is indeed a virtue. 

He eulogized the skillful Villarreal man as humble and kindhearted. 

Daniel Daga, who is on the books of One Rocket presented a beautiful portrait to Samuel Chukwueze.

Samuel Chukwueze appreciated the kind gesture and urged the teenager to keep working hard.

The 24-year-old was a regular fixture in the Villareal side this term, scoring six goals and providing five assists in 37 La Liga appearances as the Yellow Submarine finished fifth.

Having graduated from the club's youth academy in September 2018, the Nigerian has gone on to play over 207 games for Villarreal, netting 37 times over a five-year period.

Solomon Agbalaka: Developing into a decent, modern day full back

 

Saturday’s showing against Mozambique was another classy performance by the defender, and the full back has the potential to become one of the best of his generation. He was named man of the match for the second time in three days.

To the casual football fan, it may have come as little surprise that the Flying Eagles were able to overcome Mozambique in Saturday's final group game to seal their quarter-final place at the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations. 

Solomon Agbalaka popped up with the winner against Egypt and provided an assist in the 2-0 win over Mozambique.

Agbalaka ticks the fundamentals for a fullback in this era: good on the ball, can play under pressure and can affect the game higher up the field. The utility footballer has played in possession based sides in his career, which has shaped his understanding in the game. In teams like Broad City, MFM FC and 36 Lion, the fullbacks are constantly moving on the pitch: either keeping width near the touchline or drifting into central areas to create space.

He excels at these; he has very good feet and is a skilled dribbler; and is very good at retaining the ball and receiving passes. He’s a technically gifted player, the ball sticks to his feet anytime he receives it. 

Though the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament is just one-week-old, it seems as though Agbalaka has improved greatly over the course of just three games.

The defender who has received quality football education from Broad City and 36 Lion still has time on his side to improve on this, and add to an already very promising set of skills.

With the World Cup ticket still on the radar of the Flying Eagles, they have shown that the future is indeed bright for Nigeria.

Coventry City star striker, John Awodi shines at Flying Eagles camp

 

By Wale Mustapha

The current Flying Eagles camp is filled with fantastic players jostling for final place in the team for the AFCON U20 tourney billed for Egypt next month. 

One of them is a young striker, John Awodi from the UK based Coventry City Football Academy.

The striker was recently on trial with Queens Park Rangers of England and scored hattrick for them in a friendly.

He was granted permission by Coventry City International Academy to attend the second phase of camping for the Flying Eagles. 

Awodi has impressed the Ladan Bosso led technical crew with impressive displays in the team's camp at FIFA Goal Project Pitch.

The goal poacher appears to have the perfect height for a striker. He is very comfortable player on the ball, as well as having intelligence off the ball; which is always a fantastic trait for a striker to have. 

The teenager predominately operates as a striker, but he can be deployed as a winger and even just behind the striker; this is evidence of the versatility he possesses; one of his most impressive characteristics. His dribbling is also a key part of his game, with him able to control the ball confidently and beat players using speed and skill.

Strengths and Playing Style

Not only is Awodi quick with his feet, he is equally quick and effective with his decision making.

Very intelligent with his runs on and off the ball, Awodi has shown a penchant for creating space for himself as well as his teammates.

However, it is his goal scoring record and calmness in front of the goal that has hogged the limelight, and rightly so.

He is a calm customer even in the tight of positions – a trait very few players of his age possess – has a tidy shot and is quick to get into space in the attacking third.

Given his skill sets and the extended playing time being afforded to him, it is no surprise that he has already bagged goals for Flying Eagles in training.

Awodi's abilities as an attacking menace documented, but it is time to look at another aspect of his game that has impressed many – his defensive contribution. He loves to tackle, haggling the opposition defenders and is constantly tracking back to help his teammates out of precarious situations.

Conclusion

With his pace, precarious situations are often turned into advantageous ones as he has demonstrated an eye for fine link up play and counter attacking football.

He offers a lot of counter-attacking threat and he never disappoints with his finishing ability. For a forward, he has relatively good vision and awareness and can pick out some wonderful passes. 

It's evident to see that Awodi has talent in abundance. Not only is he a potential Flying Eagles regular in the future. John Awodi could be destined for greatness.

Egypt 2023: Ohaka, Nwosu, Yusuf arrive Flying Eagles' camp

 

Dominion Ohaka, Aminu Yusuf and Nathaniel Nwosu are early birds in the Nigeria national team camp for the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Lobi Stars defender Aminu Yusuf was one of the players who arrived in the Federal Capital Territory on Sunday night.

Also expected to be with the team on Sunday night is Giant Brillars’ goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso.

Before arriving camp, Ohaka and goalkeeper Nwosu featured for Water FC in a 5-0 massacre of Kuje FC at Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon.

Ohaka scored two goals and provided an assist in the rout. Kadiri Collins grabbed a double while John Edwin also netted in the game.

After the match, Ohaka and Nwosu breezed to the camp of the Flying Eagles.

Training sessions will commence on Monday as coach Ladan Bosso looks to pick his final squad for the tournament that also serves as the qualifying tournament for this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Indonesia.

Seven-time champions Nigeria will do battle with host nation, Egypt, Senegal and Mozambique in Group A of the 12-nation tournament taking place in the cities of Cairo, Alexandria and Ismailia, 19th February – 11th March.

All four semi-finalists at the championship will fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup.

Uganda, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Congo are in Group B, while The Gambia, Tunisia, Benin Republic and Zambia will slot it out in Group C.

Ex-Flying Eagles wing wizard Ahmad Ghali aims positive league result with AS Trencin

Former Flying Eagles and AS Trencin explosive winger, Ahmad Ghali has revealed his readiness for the next Slovak Super Liga challenge, against FK Pohronie coming up later today, at the Futbalovy Stadion Ziar nad Hronom.

AS Trencin manager, Peter Hlinka, has included Ghali in today's squad for the Matchday Nine of the ongoing Slovakian Super Liga, against bottom-placed team, Pohronie.

Speaking ahead of the game which he described as a difficult game, the 21-year-old attacker said that he is ready to help his team overcome Pohronie, who he believes can be dangerous on their days.

“ Today's  game against Pohronie will be difficult game in their Stadium, even though they are in the last position but they are good opponents both defensively and offensively.

“As a team, we have really worked hard this week to be ready for the game and we are ready to give everything today and win the game.”

Since he made his Fortuna Liga debut for Trencin against Pohronie on 13 June 2020, after his worthy performance with the Nigerian team at the 12th All Africa Games in Morocco, Ahmad has become an integral part of the team, scoring six goals and creating nine assists after 2,804 minutes of action.

Poland 2019: Makanjuola anticipates good runs for Flying Eagles

Flying Eagles' attacking winger, Success Makanjuola is relishing his first ever U20 World Cup with Nigeria expecting an historic outing from his team.