Bayer Leverkusen manager Carles Martinez says he will speak to Victor Boniface after the Nigeria forward reportedly walked down the tunnel when he learned he would not play in the 4-3 Bundesliga win over Mainz.

The 25-year-old had warmed up during the match but did not return to the substitutes’ bench after it became clear that he would not be introduced. Martinez used his remaining substitutions without calling on Boniface.

Martinez said he had not seen the incident because his focus had been on the action on the pitch. He added that he would first establish exactly what had happened before discussing the matter directly with the forward.

The manager did not announce any disciplinary action against Boniface.

Martinez understands striker’s frustration

Although he intends to speak to the Nigerian international, Martinez said he could understand why Boniface might have been frustrated.

The Leverkusen manager acknowledged that players want to help their team and make an impact, particularly when they are seeking regular opportunities. However, he stressed that deciding which players to use and when to make substitutions are responsibilities that belong to the coaching staff.

Martinez’s position is that selection decisions are made according to the circumstances of each match, meaning a player’s role can change from one game to the next.

Boniface’s reported reaction comes during a difficult spell for the striker in terms of playing time. He has featured for just five minutes for Bayer Leverkusen this season.

That limited involvement has left the 25-year-old with few opportunities to contribute to the club’s campaign. His omission against Mainz attracted further attention because he had been involved in the warm-up and the match remained closely contested before Leverkusen secured a seven-goal thriller.

The victory saw both teams score seven times between them, but Boniface was not given the chance to play a part as Leverkusen completed the match with a 4-3 win.

For now, Martinez has indicated that his priority is to understand the forward’s reaction rather than reach an immediate judgement. It remains unclear whether the incident will affect Boniface’s future opportunities at the club.

The striker will be looking to earn more minutes and regain a more prominent role, while Martinez prepares to discuss what happened after the Mainz match.

Former Nigeria Football Federation Technical Committee member Barrister Austel Elumelu has warned Nigeria against rushing to sue FIFA over the Democratic Republic of Congo’s alleged use of an ineligible player during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs.

Elumelu said Nigeria would first need to demonstrate that FIFA knew about the alleged breach and deliberately chose not to act. Without evidence of both knowledge and inaction, he believes a claim for compensation would be difficult to sustain.

Speaking exclusively to Brila.net, the legal practitioner said the completion of the qualifying playoff had further complicated the matter. He referred to the legal principle res extincta, which broadly concerns a matter or subject that no longer exists.

In this case, Elumelu argued that the playoff had already been concluded, making it difficult for Nigeria to seek a remedy connected to an event that was no longer ongoing.

Evidence of FIFA’s knowledge is central

Elumelu said the key issue was not only whether DR Congo fielded an ineligible player, but whether FIFA was aware of the alleged irregularity and intentionally failed to intervene.

Nigeria would need credible evidence linking FIFA to the alleged failure to act before any serious discussion about compensation could begin, he explained.

Even if Nigeria believes that an eligibility breach took place, establishing that FIFA knew about it before or during the playoff would be critical to any legal challenge. A claim based only on an alleged infringement by DR Congo would not necessarily establish responsibility on the part of FIFA.

Elumelu therefore advised Nigeria to avoid launching proceedings on the basis of allegations or revelations that could not be supported by reliable proof. He said the country should proceed only if it was certain that FIFA had prior knowledge of the alleged breach.

Compensation not automatic

Elumelu did not completely rule out legal action against FIFA. He said Nigeria could potentially challenge the governing body’s handling of the matter if it could prove that FIFA knew about the eligibility issue and deliberately ignored it.

Such evidence, he suggested, could expose shortcomings within FIFA and allow Nigeria to seek compensation or accountability over the way the complaint was handled.

However, proving prior knowledge would not automatically mean Nigeria was entitled to compensation. Any claim would still depend on the evidence available, the relevant regulations and the legal basis for establishing FIFA’s responsibility.

The situation therefore involves two separate questions: whether the result of a completed playoff could be overturned, and whether FIFA could be held accountable for allegedly failing to act on an eligibility complaint.

Focus on qualification

Alongside the legal difficulties, Elumelu urged Nigeria to improve its efforts to qualify for major international tournaments rather than pursue a case that might lack sufficient evidence.

His advice is that Nigeria should allow the matter to rest unless it can establish both that FIFA knew about the alleged player ineligibility and that it deliberately failed to act. Without those elements, he believes a case against FIFA would be difficult to maintain.

Stellenbosch FC have signed Nigerian midfielder Adeyanju Kazeem on a free transfer from Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) club Plateau United.

The South African Premier Soccer League side confirmed that all formalities relating to the move were completed last month. Kazeem now joins the club as they continue their campaign in the Betway Premiership.

His arrival is expected to add to Stellenbosch FC’s midfield options in the South African top flight. The move also extends the club’s record of recruiting players from Nigeria.

Kazeem is the fifth Nigerian to represent Stellenbosch FC, following Stanley Dimgba, Ibraheem Jabaar, Kazie Enyinnaya and Olisa Ndah.

The midfielder will wear the number 29 shirt after completing his move. He could make his first appearance for the club when Stellenbosch FC play Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday evening.

The transfer takes Kazeem into a new phase of his career, with the former Plateau United player preparing to adapt to a different football environment and compete in one of the continent’s competitive domestic leagues.

Stellenbosch FC will hope the Nigerian can make a positive contribution as he begins his time in South Africa.

Rafiu Durosinmi says the support of his Genk team-mates has been central to his outstanding start at the Belgian Pro League club.

The Nigeria international joined Genk from Italian side Pisa during the summer and has quickly become one of the team’s leading performers this season.

Durosinmi scored again on Saturday as Genk defeated Kortrijk 3-0, taking his league tally to six goals in eight appearances.

The 23-year-old believes the team’s collective support has helped him find the net so regularly, while the significance of wearing Genk’s Golden Bull shirt has provided an additional source of motivation.

“I’m happy to be able to put on the shirt with the Golden Bull. It gives extra motivation to be able to continue wearing this sweater. With the help of my teammates, I manage to score smoothly. I hope we can continue on this lane,” Durosinmi told HBVL.

He also stressed that maintaining his form over the full campaign mattered more than leading the scoring charts at this stage of the season.

“The most important thing is not that I’m at the top now, but that I’m still there at the end of the season. Otherwise, it will be of little use to you,” he added.

Durosinmi enjoyed family time during break

Saturday’s victory was Genk’s first match since the international break. While the forward was away from competitive football, he stayed in Belgium and used the time off to be with his family.

Durosinmi said the break gave him an opportunity to rest, although he admitted that he missed playing matches.

“I stayed in Genk. We had a few days off that I was able to spend with my family. That was very nice. Although I did miss the game,” he said.

The forward added that Genk had dropped points before the break, making a winning return particularly important for the club and its supporters.

“We missed some points for the break. It was important to give everything for the club and the fans and to start again with winning games. That’s what we were so hungry for.”

The Confederation of African Football is reconsidering plans to move the Africa Cup of Nations to a four-year cycle, with president Dr Patrice Motsepe revealing that a return to a biennial tournament is now under review.

Motsepe disclosed the development during the CAF Strategy Conference in Cape Verde, where football leaders from across Africa discussed the future direction of the sport on the continent.

The frequency of the Africa Cup of Nations was among the issues examined at the conference. Motsepe’s comments suggest CAF is prepared to revisit its earlier decision, made only months ago, to reduce how often Africa’s leading men’s national-team competition is held.

Under the original plan, the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, would be followed by another edition in 2028. The tournament would then move to a four-year schedule.

CAF had also intended to launch a new African Nations League in 2029. That competition was designed to provide African national teams with another major fixture in the international calendar after the Africa Cup of Nations became less frequent.

The proposed changes had drawn criticism from sections of the African football community. Concerns centred on the effect of staging the continent’s flagship national-team tournament less often and the potential consequences for teams, players and the wider African football structure.

Motsepe’s latest remarks indicate that CAF is now willing to reconsider the format after further discussions with football leaders. He also reflected on the process that had initially led to the decision to introduce a four-year cycle.

However, the CAF president did not announce a formal reversal of the earlier plan. He also gave no indication of when the review would be completed.

A return to a two-year schedule would require CAF to reassess its wider competition calendar, including the proposed African Nations League in 2029. The relationship between that competition and the timing of future Africa Cup of Nations tournaments would also have to be reconsidered.

For now, the biennial format remains a possibility rather than an agreed change. CAF’s next decisions will determine whether the Africa Cup of Nations continues under the proposed four-year model or returns to being played every two years.

The 2027 tournament in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda remains the next edition identified in the current plan, with the proposed 2028 competition forming part of the transition before the planned move to a four-year cycle.

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has warned Nigeria not to underestimate Comoros after a 2-0 victory in the first leg of their second-round qualifying tie for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The Brighton Women FC goalkeeper said the result had given Nigeria an important advantage, but insisted the team still needed to improve when the sides meet again on Tuesday.

Nigeria controlled much of Friday’s match in Ikenne-Remo, yet Nnadozie believes the two-goal lead is not enough to guarantee progress. She said the continued development of women's football meant less-fancied nations could no longer be judged by reputation alone.

The Super Falcons goalkeeper added that Nigeria would approach the return fixture with the same seriousness as a match against a more established opponent. Comoros, she warned, would be determined to respond after losing the opening encounter.

Nigeria are the most successful team in African women's football, having won the Women's Africa Cup of Nations a record 10 times. However, Nnadozie stressed that the country’s history could not secure qualification, particularly in a competition where every result is significant.

The return fixture is officially Comoros’ home leg but will again be played at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo. Nigeria must protect their advantage while maintaining enough attacking ambition to extend it.

Nigeria make strong start

Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen handed a senior debut to former Falconets captain Joy Igbokwe, who started in midfield.

The Super Falcons dominated possession and dictated the tempo for long periods, but they were unable to turn their first-half control into a goal. Toni Payne curled an effort wide in the 11th minute, before she created another opportunity for captain Rasheedat Ajibade in the 26th minute.

Ajibade’s shot struck the crossbar, but Glory Ogbonna could not convert the rebound as Comoros continued to withstand the pressure.

Nigeria finally broke through three minutes after half-time. In the 48th minute, Gift Monday nodded a cross into the danger area and Michelle Alozie reacted calmly to score with a right-footed tap-in.

The second goal arrived on the hour. Jennifer Echegini delivered a precise corner and Uchenna Kanu reacted quickest inside the box, heading past the goalkeeper.

Janet Akekoromowei replaced Payne in the 61st minute to make her senior debut for Nigeria, while Suliat Abideen came on for Monday in the 69th minute to earn her first cap. Folashade Ijamilusi replaced Kanu in stoppage time as Nigeria managed the closing stages.

Comoros had previously secured a reported 30-0 aggregate victory, but face a far tougher task against Nigeria. They must overturn a two-goal deficit to remain in contention.

The winners on aggregate will advance to the third round of the five-round African qualifying series, where Morocco await.

Bursaspor head coach Mustafa Er has praised Kelechi Iheanacho’s immediate influence after the Nigeria international made a prolific start to his career with the Turkish club.

The 30-year-old striker joined Bursaspor on a free transfer in the summer and has quickly become an important part of their campaign to win promotion.

Iheanacho has scored 12 goals and provided two assists in nine league appearances, establishing himself as one of the team’s leading contributors since arriving at the Green Crocodiles.

Er said Bursaspor had worked hard to complete the signing and expected the forward to make a decisive contribution in front of goal.

“We transferred Iheanacho so that he would score goals. We worked very hard for that transfer. We also need to thank our management,” Er said, according to the club’s official website.

The manager also said Iheanacho had attracted interest from a number of clubs before opting to move to Bursaspor. He believes the stature of the club played an important part in the player’s decision.

“There was a lot of demand for him. The size of the club was also very important in his choosing us. We are getting the contribution we want,” Er added.

Er praises Bursaspor’s improving spirit

Alongside Iheanacho’s goalscoring form, Er pointed to an improvement in the team’s unity and productivity as Bursaspor continue their promotion push.

The coach hopes Iheanacho can extend his scoring run in the club’s next fixture and said the squad’s positive atmosphere was helping players perform more effectively.

“Iheanacho continues to score. I hope he scores this week too. We have a positive team,” Er said.

“There is tremendous progress in team spirit. Productivity is also increasing. People are more productive when they are happy. We win as a team.”

Abia Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo described his side’s goalless draw with Rivers United as “two points dropped” after they failed to win at home for the third time in four matches this season.

The teams shared the points in Sunday’s EuroMatch/NPFL Matchday 8 meeting in Aba, leaving Abia Warriors with three home draws from their opening four fixtures at home in the 2026/2027 EUROMATCH-NPFL season.

Amapakabo said his players lacked confidence during attacking transitions and missed the chance to claim all three points.

“It’s two points dropped. You know, it’s two points dropped because, to me, I go into every game wanting to win. We had a big problem today in the offensive transition,” he said.

“Our players were not recognising the moment for transition enough. Like I told them, you must not fear. Show respect, but not fear. But I think that, at a point in time, it was like they were doubting their own abilities, which was a big factor in the game.”

The coach, who won the 2015/2016 EuroMatch/NPFL title with Rangers International, added that the club had now surrendered six points at home.

“I’ve lost six points at home so far, and it counts for something. If you look at it now, we’ve got nine points from eight games out of a possible 24. I always try to play to get the desired result,” he said.

Obioma carries goalscoring burden

Amapakabo also admitted he was concerned by Abia Warriors’ dependence on forward Chukwuemeka Obioma for goals.

The experienced striker, whom the coach described last season as “the only striker with the grace for goals”, has featured in almost all eight matches, scoring six goals and providing one assist.

“Yes, you know, when a team has one individual they count on for goals, it is not the best. I’ve been challenging some of my young players who have been around him. Look, you must stand up to be counted,” Amapakabo said.

“Because, if you leave him alone, at a point in today’s game, I felt pity for him because he was already completely fagged out.”

He said Obioma remained on the pitch deliberately because of his goalscoring ability, but called on other players to contribute.

“He’s played almost all eight games and scored six goals and provided one assist, an awesome performance for any striker anywhere in the world,” he added. “But we’ll continue working, hoping that one of those players will be able to come to the party.”

Meyanga praised after debut

Amapakabo handed young defender Godwin Meyanga his Premier League debut of the season and was pleased with the rookie’s display.

The former Nigeria U-20 national team, Flying Eagles, goalkeeper said Abia Warriors were rebuilding and praised Meyanga for responding positively to his instructions.

“I told him, ‘Boy, go out there and enjoy yourself. Play the game with all your heart’,” he said.

“I’ll keep on introducing the young lads, as long as they prove to me in our practice sessions that they can deliver results.”

Amapakabo added: “Kudos to him. He played against one of the biggest teams in the land this season, and I think I will score him very highly.”

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has warned Victor Boniface that the striker’s early departure down the tunnel during Saturday’s 4-3 Bundesliga win over Mainz will not happen again.

The Super Eagles forward reacted angrily after being left out of the team for a third time during the match’s final substitutes window. Coach Carles Martinez brought on Equi Fernandez and Jonas Hofmann in the 84th minute, prompting Boniface to leave the bench and head directly to the dressing room.

The incident has highlighted the 25-year-old’s difficult position at Bayer Leverkusen this season, with his opportunities limited. Boniface has made only one league appearance: a five-minute substitute outing against SV Elversberg on the opening day, during which he provided an assist.

He has since spent much of the campaign either sidelined or among the substitutes.

Martinez said he had not seen Boniface leave during the match but indicated that the matter would be discussed internally.

“I didn’t notice it during the game. I don’t know anything about it. If that’s what happened, we’ll speak to him,” Martinez told Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger.

“I can understand that every player wants to help the team. At the same time, decisions like that are part of football.”

Rolfes initially responded with a joke, suggesting Boniface may have had a practical reason for leaving the technical area. However, he later made clear that the player’s action was not acceptable.

“Perhaps he went into the dressing room a little too early today. It won’t happen next time,” Rolfes said.

Despite the warning, the Leverkusen sporting director acknowledged that Boniface’s fitness is improving and that he has continued to conduct himself professionally in training.

That leaves the striker with the possibility of earning a greater role as the fixture schedule becomes increasingly demanding.

Nigeria’s Sand Eagles remain confident of reaching the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations despite a 3-3 draw with Ghana in the first leg of their qualifying tie.

The match was played in Kaduna on Saturday, leaving the qualification contest finely balanced before the return fixture.

Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme acknowledged that Nigeria’s lengthy absence from international beach soccer had affected the team’s competitive sharpness.

However, he believes the Sand Eagles have a strong opportunity to secure their place at the continental tournament.

“We have not played the game for some time in terms of international beach soccer. We have just resumed, and our last competitive match was against Mauritania in a Beach Soccer AFCON qualifying tie two years ago,” Ikpeme told thenff.com.

The NFF official said the demands of beach soccer made regular preparation and player development essential if Nigeria were to improve their performances at international level.

“Beach soccer is a very tough game, and there is a need for consistency in the training and development of the players,” he said.

The first-leg result means Ghana’s Black Stars and the Sand Eagles will go into the return match with the tie still open. Nigeria must now build on their performance in Kaduna as they pursue qualification for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations.

Ikpeme also pledged the federation’s backing for the national beach soccer team, saying efforts would be made to provide the support required for the players to compete more effectively.

“I believe there is hope. During my time, I will work to ensure that we give the beach soccer national team all the necessary support,” he added.

The NFF acting general secretary said improving the team’s competitive preparation would be among his priorities as Nigeria attempt to overcome Ghana and return to the continental competition.

Rivers United technical manager Finidi George says he is encouraged by his side’s unbeaten away record in the 2026/2027 EuroMatch/NPFL season after they secured a goalless draw against Abia Warriors.

The point came in Sunday’s Matchday 8 fixture at the Enyimba International Stadium Aba and kept Rivers United unbeaten in the league. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Finidi praised his defenders and said he was satisfied with how the team had negotiated its away matches.

“I think we’ve really worked hard this season. We haven’t lost a match, despite the fact that we’ve been knocked out of the (2026/2027) CAF Champions League,” said Finidi, the former Enyimba manager and Super Eagles winger.

The result leaves Rivers United second in the 2026/2027 EuroMatch/NPFL table on 16 points, one behind leaders Rangers, who have 17.

Finidi said the defensive unit had made a positive contribution but warned that the increasing number of fixtures was placing pressure on his defenders.

“Yeah, I think the defence is doing well, but we still have to monitor the defenders properly because the accumulation of matches is beginning to take its toll. We’ll see if others can come in and perform at the same level.

“We’ll see what happens, but I’m quite happy with the way we’ve handled most of our away matches so far.”

Asked whether he regarded the draw as a valuable result, Finidi pointed to the importance of collecting points on the road, particularly after Rivers United missed out on last season’s league title by the narrowest margin.

“If I’m happy with the draw? Sometimes, at the end of the season, all these points will count for a lot, you know. Last season, we lost the league title by just one point. So, let’s see if this time around, we can maintain this form for a little longer,” said the former Ajax Amsterdam winger.

Rivers United had opportunities to take all three points in Aba but could not find a way past Abia Warriors. Finidi described his team’s performance after the interval as inconsistent, while also praising their control of the contest.

“The second half was off and on for us. But coming here to get a point on the road against a difficult side a lot of teams might have lost here by a big goal margin and for us to come here and even control the game, trying to see how we could score a goal, which didn’t happen, says something.

“But these are things that happen in football. All the same, we’re quite happy with the point, and we’ll build on it,” Finidi concluded.

Shooting Stars head coach Salisu Yusuf says his side’s defensive shortcomings were responsible for their 2-0 defeat by Kun Khalifat on Matchday 8 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The hosts made the most of mistakes at the back to claim an important home victory. Agor Chukwuma opened the scoring in the 40th minute, while Uche added a second in the 63rd minute to give Kun Khalifat a decisive advantage.

Yusuf accepted responsibility for the performance after the final whistle and said Kun Khalifat were worthy winners.

“The opponents deserved to win. They played better and defended well. We didn’t play well, and we defended poorly. That’s why we lost the game,” Yusuf said.

The result highlighted the work required by the experienced coach, who has only recently taken charge of the Oluyole Warriors.

Yusuf said improving the team’s defensive organisation would be his immediate priority, describing the condition of the backline as a serious concern.

“I have just joined the team, and we have to take a closer look at the defensive line. It is very disturbing,” he admitted.

Shooting Stars must now address those defensive problems as Yusuf prepares the squad for its upcoming fixtures.

Doma United technical adviser Ayeni Ayodeji said his side’s display in their 2-0 defeat by Nasarawa United was below the standards expected of them.

The result in Sunday’s NPFL fixture extended Doma United’s difficult run away from home, with the club now having lost their past three matches on the road.

Their only away victory this campaign came in week 2, when they defeated Inter Lagos 1-0.

Ayodeji said the coaching staff would review the reasons behind the defeat and work to correct the weaknesses before Doma United’s next home match.

“There’s no big deal about it, that’s Football for you, the league is a marathon you win some, you lose some and you draw some,” he said in his post-match comments.

“But the rational behind the losing is what we the coaches would have to go and look at and work on the lapses and get prepared for our next home game so that we can keep our tempo going.”

The coach acknowledged that the overall performance had not matched the team’s usual level, although he felt the match itself was not entirely poor and praised Nasarawa United for taking their opportunities.

“The performance was below our expectations because this is not the way we’ve been playing maybe it’s due to some issues and I will address that but aside that it’s not a bad game I give it to Nasarawa United, they had a fair game today and took their chances,” Ayodeji added.

Doma United will attempt to respond when they host Kun Khalifat FC next Saturday.

Umar Sadiq was absent through injury as Valencia were held to an entertaining 2-2 draw by Racing Santander in La Liga on Sunday evening.

The Super Eagles striker has made three league appearances for Valencia this season and scored one goal. However, he was unavailable for the match at El Sardinero because of the injury.

His absence did not prevent an open contest, with both teams showing attacking intent from the start and exchanging goals in a lively encounter.

Racing Santander looked to make the most of home advantage, using quick transitions to trouble Valencia. The visitors responded with greater experience and composure in possession, creating opportunities and remaining competitive throughout the game.

The match remained finely balanced as both sides pushed for a goal that would have settled the contest. Neither could find a decisive breakthrough in the closing stages, with both defences holding firm during a frantic finish.

The final whistle confirmed a 2-2 draw, leaving the points shared after a four-goal encounter at El Sardinero.

Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi made his return from injury as Olympique de Marseille defeated Troyes 2-0 in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Nnadi came on in the 73rd minute, replacing Kamissoko, to make his third league appearance of the season. The Nigerian international had been unavailable for much of the campaign because of injury.

The game remained goalless at half-time after a closely fought opening 45 minutes, but Marseille moved ahead five minutes after the restart. Amine Harit met a delivery from Emerson Palmieri in the 50th minute and finished to give the visitors the lead.

Troyes responded by pressing for an equaliser and struck the woodwork twice as they increased the pressure late in the match. Marseille, however, retained their defensive shape, with Nnadi helping to provide midfield stability during the closing stages.

Any prospect of a Troyes comeback ended deep into stoppage time when substitute Himad Abdelli converted a penalty in the 90th minute to confirm all three points for Olympique de Marseille.

Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi made his return from injury as Olympique de Marseille defeated Troyes 2-0 in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Nnadi came on in the 73rd minute, replacing Kamissoko, to make his third league appearance of the season. The Nigerian international had been unavailable for much of the campaign because of injury.

The game remained goalless at half-time after a closely fought opening 45 minutes, but Marseille moved ahead five minutes after the restart. Amine Harit met a delivery from Emerson Palmieri in the 50th minute and finished to give the visitors the lead.

Troyes responded by pressing for an equaliser and struck the woodwork twice as they increased the pressure late in the match. Marseille, however, retained their defensive shape, with Nnadi helping to provide midfield stability during the closing stages.

Any prospect of a Troyes comeback ended deep into stoppage time when substitute Himad Abdelli converted a penalty in the 90th minute to confirm all three points for Olympique de Marseille.

Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi made his return from injury as Olympique de Marseille defeated Troyes 2-0 in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Nnadi came on in the 73rd minute, replacing Kamissoko, to make his third league appearance of the season. The Nigerian international had been unavailable for much of the campaign because of injury.

The game remained goalless at half-time after a closely fought opening 45 minutes, but Marseille moved ahead five minutes after the restart. Amine Harit met a delivery from Emerson Palmieri in the 50th minute and finished to give the visitors the lead.

Troyes responded by pressing for an equaliser and struck the woodwork twice as they increased the pressure late in the match. Marseille, however, retained their defensive shape, with Nnadi helping to provide midfield stability during the closing stages.

Any prospect of a Troyes comeback ended deep into stoppage time when substitute Himad Abdelli converted a penalty in the 90th minute to confirm all three points for Olympique de Marseille.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored for the 10th consecutive game for club and country, but his goal could not prevent Bursaspor from losing 2-1 at home to Mardin 1969 Spor in the Turkish TFF 1. Lig on Sunday.

Bursaspor took the field looking to maintain their challenge at the top of the Turkish second division, but fell behind in the 21st minute when Tonio Teklic gave the visitors the lead.

Iheanacho restored parity in the 81st minute with an excellent strike from outside the penalty area, extending his remarkable scoring sequence and appearing to have secured a point for the hosts.

Mardin 1969 Spor, however, had the final say. Zdravko Dimitrov scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time to complete a dramatic 2-1 victory for the away side.

The goal was Iheanacho’s ninth in successive matches for Bursaspor in the Turkish First League. During that run, he has recorded 14 goal contributions, comprising 12 goals and two assists.

His latest effort also extended his scoring streak for both club and country to 10 matches this season. The sequence includes his goal for Nigeria in the Super Eagles’ recent 3-3 draw against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod, where he opened the scoring.

Iheanacho’s influence on Bursaspor’s attack has been significant. The club have scored 17 goals in the 2026–27 campaign so far, with the former Nigeria international directly involved in 82.4% of them.

Despite the defeat, Bursaspor remain in contention near the top of the table on 19 points. They are three points behind leaders Kayserispor and will attempt to respond when they travel to Muglaspor on Thursday, 15 October.

Iheanacho joined Bursaspor as a free agent in the summer of 2026 after leaving Celtic. He has enjoyed an outstanding start to life in Turkey, having earlier equalled and subsequently surpassed the club’s scoring-streak records previously held by Fernandao from the 2014/15 season.

Before moving to Bursaspor, Iheanacho helped Celtic complete a Scottish Premier League and Scottish Cup double. The forward previously played for Manchester City and Leicester City.

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen says his side must combine discipline, resilience and aggressive pressing when they face Barcelona at RAMS Park on Tuesday.

The Turkish Super Lig champions are looking to respond after losing their opening match to Sporting Lisbon, but they face a Barcelona team known for controlling possession and creating sustained pressure.

Osimhen acknowledged the quality in Barcelona’s squad while insisting Galatasaray were capable of competing in what promises to be a demanding encounter.

The Nigeria international said Galatasaray would need to disrupt Barcelona high up the pitch and remain organised when they do not have the ball.

“When you’re playing against a team with such quality players, you have to play with both excitement and seriousness; you need to apply pressure in the front area,” Osimhen was quoted by byahaber as saying.

“They possess the ball a lot, so in a match like this, you need to show some resistance.”

The striker added that Galatasaray were prepared to accept whatever outcome followed the match, while highlighting the significance of playing Barcelona in front of the home supporters.

“We’re ready, and whatever the result may be from that game, we’ll face it head-on,” he said.

“Playing against Barcelona at Rams Park will be magnificent.”

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze was involved as AC Milan were held to a 1-1 draw by Sassuolo in Serie A at the Mapei Stadium on Sunday evening.

The Nigeria international made his sixth league appearance of the campaign and produced an energetic performance, using his pace and direct running to trouble the Sassuolo defence. Chukwueze has also recorded two assists so far this season as he continues to develop within AC Milan’s tactical system.

He remained on the pitch until the 85th minute, when he was replaced by Hutchinson as the visitors pressed for a late winner.

Milan were forced into an early change during a goalless first half after Matteo Gabbia suffered an injury. Koni De Winter came on in his place, with neither side able to break the deadlock before the interval.

The match opened up after half-time, and AC Milan took the lead in the 63rd minute. Adrien Rabiot finished decisively after being played in by substitute Luka Modric.

Sassuolo, managed by Fabio Grosso, responded almost immediately. Their equaliser arrived just four minutes later, when defender Cas Odenthal converted from a set-piece situation to beat Mike Maignan and bring the home supporters to their feet.

AC Milan increased the pressure in the closing stages in search of a second goal. Further changes included the introduction of Ardon Jashari and Alphadjo Cisse, as the Rossoneri added fresh legs to their attack and midfield.

Sassuolo’s defensive organisation held firm, however, and the hosts secured a point from a contest in which both sides had opportunities to claim victory.