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Eagles set to punch 2025 AFCON ticket 

Fola Badmus04 mins

Reigning African vice-champions Nigeria know they will qualify for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations final tournament if they overcome the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign Matchday 5 encounter in Abidjan on Thursday. This knowledge will inform a feisty approach from the first blast of Senegalese referee Issa Sy’s whistle. After three wins out of their earlier four games (the only draw being the Matchday 2 session with Rwanda in Kigali), the Super Eagles are riding high with 10 points, four more than second-placed Benin Republic, who suffered a glitch in Kigali in the last round of games. A win virtually guarantees Nigeria’s leadership of the group going into the final-day tussles. On the other hand, the Cheetahs, with six points, know they cannot afford any more slip-ups following the tumble in Kigali, as they could still be tossed if they lose their last two games and Rwanda, on five, earn a minimum of two points in their own final two. Even Libya, with only one point, can still leap over Benin Republic if they beat Rwanda in Kigali, the Cheetahs are bumped by the Eagles, and the Knights rout the Cheetahs in North Africa on Monday. The foregoing dynamics will make for a vicious 90 minutes at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in the heart of the Ivorian capital on Thursday evening. With England-based centre-back Semi Ajayi absent as a result of injury, Coach Augustine Eguavoen is most likely to start with the rearguard that squared up to the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in Uyo last month, meaning Captain William Ekong and Calvin Bassey at centre back, with wing-backs Olaoluwa Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi. Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi and the couple of defensive midfielders Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika are available for the spaces in the middle, while Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar and Kelechi Iheanacho are in the selection pool for the fore. Victory will render Monday’s concluding qualifier against Rwanda, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, an academic session, with only the visitors keen to try and get something out of the clash while the Eagles play for sheer pride.         

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Arsenal makes contact over €75m Osimhen

Fola Badmus03 mins

Arsenal have reportedly contacted Napoli regarding the potential signing of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, as they consider reinforcing their attacking options for the upcoming transfer window. The Gunners are reportedly among several clubs tracking the prolific forward, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray and impressing with his performances. “The figure is 75 million euros. We will sit at the table with the person who gives 25 of this in advance,” he received the answer Sabah . According to Turkish outlet, Sabah, Mario Branco, the sporting director of Fenerbahce, recently reached out to Giovanni Manna, Napoli’s sporting director, to understand the terms of a potential deal. During the conversation, Manna reportedly quoted a price of €75m (£64.5m) for Osimhen, stating, “We will sit at the table with the club that offers €25m (£21.5m) upfront.” This sets a high bar for any suitors looking to secure Osimhen’s services, and certainly knocks any Turkish side out of the running. Osimhen, who is on loan at Galatasaray until the end of the current season, has made nine appearances for the Turkish giants, scoring eight goals and registering four assists. While Fenerbahce has shown significant interest in Osimhen, Arsenal remain in the mix along with Newcastle United and Chelsea. Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia has also reportedly entered the race for the Nigerian international, adding further competition for the in-demand striker. Osimhen himself has previously indicated that he is content at Galatasaray and wishes to see out his loan spell, but Napoli are clearly open to discussions should their financial demands be met. Arsenal will have to act decisively if they wish to beat their rivals to one of Europe’s hottest striking prospects, with Napoli’s terms already set: a substantial upfront payment will be key to opening negotiations. Mikel Arteta is understood to be keen on adding more firepower to Arsenal’s front line, and Osimhen, with his blend of physicality, pace, and proven finishing ability, fits the profile of the striker they are seeking. However, any move would require significant financial commitment given Napoli’s stance on the deal.

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