AFCONQ: Eguavoen names Boniface, Iheanacho, benches Osimhen for Rwanda clash

Interim head coach Austin Eguavoen has named Victor Boniface and Kelechi Iheanacho to lead the Super Eagles attack against the Amavubis of Rwanda in today’s AFCON 2025 deadrubber qualifying clash. In the absence of Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye will be in goal while Bright Osayi-Samuel, Gabriel Osho, William Troost Ekong are in the heart of defence. Bruno Onyemachi, Frank Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and Moses Simon are saddled with midfield role. The substitutes are; Amas Obasogie, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey, Victor Osimhen, Sadiq Umar, Jamilu Collins and Samuel Chukwueze. The tie is slated to kick off at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium at 5pm Nigeria time.

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Galatasaray coach calm amid Man Utd talk for Osimhen

Galatasaray coach Buruk Okan expects Victor Osimhen to see out the season. Osimhen is on-loan at Gala from Napoli, which have been approached by Manchester United in recent days for the Nigeria striker. But Okan said: “Osimhen intends to stay here until the end of the season. “He also wants to stay and has been telling me the same thing since the beginning. There is a clause, but it doesn’t matter, he said he will stay. “The important thing is the player, it is the player who decides and Osimhen says he will stay here. He said the same thing when he came.”

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Man Utd to offer £36.5m star plus cash for Osimhen

Man Utd will offer Joshua Zirkzee plus cash to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen instead of pursuing a deal for Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports. The Red Devils appointed Ruben Amorim as their new manager on November 1 with the Portuguese coach officially taking over his new side on November 11 after completing his duties as Sporting Lisbon boss. Amorim replaces Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman had a nightmare start to the new season at the helm after INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe put their faith in him over the summer. Ten Hag was sacked with the Red Devils winning just three of their first nine Premier League matches before interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy added another four points to their tally in his two league fixtures in charge. Amorim has a big job on his hands to turn around their fortunes with Man Utd currently languishing in 13th place in the Premier League table. And one of their biggest problems has been in front of goal with only Southampton, Crystal Palace and Everton scoring fewer goals than Man Utd (12) this season. Speculation has been building of a potential move for Sporting striker Gyokeres but that looks increasingly unlikely in the January transfer window. And now Ruleta Sport‘s transfer expert Gerardo Fasano insists that Man Utd will offer Zirkzee – who joined from Bologna in the summer for £36.5m – plus cash in exchange for Osimhen. Osimhen, who was previously called the “best striker in the world” at headers by Carlo Ancelotti, has been on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli during the first half of the season and has contributed eight goals and three assists in nine appearances in all competitions. And Fasano has revealed interest from Man Utd: “Manchester United are said to be on the trail of Victor Osimhen. I have been told that the English club, through Mr Amorim, could include the former Bologna striker Zirkzee in the negotiations for Osimhen. “Amorim has understood that Sporting Lisbon could ask too much for Gyokeres and is testing the waters for Osimhen. Zirkzee might not be the ideal striker for the coach.”

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Arsenal makes contact over €75m Osimhen

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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Osimhen opens Galatasaray goal account 

Napoli loanee Victor Osimhen scored his first two goals for Galatasaray on Saturday and celebrated with a funny message: ‘Finally.’ The Nigeria international had delivered two assists in the first two appearances for Galatasaray but found the net for the first time with the Turkish club in a home league game against Kisampasa on Saturday. Osimhen hit twice in the opening 28 minutes, and after scoring the first one, he celebrated by showing a Galatasaray shirt with the word ‘finally’ written on it. The Napoli loanee also imitated a goal celebration of ex-Inter captain Mauro Icardi when the Argentinean netted the third goal for Gala at minute 34. Osimhen will remain on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli until the end of the season. Galatasaray’s vice president, İbrahim Hatipoğlu, said earlier this week that the Nigerian forward will stay at the club in the January transfer window despite rumours. Oismhen’s Napoli contract includes a €75m clause and expires in June 2027. The 25-year-old scored 76 goals in 133 games with the Partenopei.

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