Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye praised his Udinese teammates and the club’s supporters after producing a standout performance in their 1-1 draw with Como in their opening Serie A fixture of the season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Okoye was named Man of the Match after making five crucial saves to help Udinese secure a point at home.

Udinese took the lead before the half-hour mark when Hassane Kamara raced onto Jürgen Ekkelenkamp’s pass before lifting the ball over Jean Butez and into an empty net.

Como drew level after the break when Okoye initially denied Trevoh Chalobah with an excellent save from his header. However, the Nigerian goalkeeper was powerless to stop Tasos Douvikas from converting the rebound.

Okoye was called into action again shortly afterwards, producing another impressive save to prevent Douvikas from completing the comeback.

Reflecting on the result, the Super Eagles goalkeeper acknowledged the quality of the opposition while expressing satisfaction with the point.

“It’s an important point; we played against a strong team, and we are happy. We entered the field to win, but in the end a point is fine,” Okoye said, according to Udinese’s official website.

The 26-year-old also played down his individual contribution, insisting the result was the product of a collective effort.

“I’m glad to help the team with my saves, but it’s the team that played a great game today. We are all happy.”

Okoye was particularly appreciative of the home support, highlighting the role played by the Udinese fans throughout the encounter.

“Starting over at home in front of our fans is beautiful; they helped us a lot. They are very important to us; we are grateful to have fans like that.”

The draw was Udinese’s second competitive match of the campaign after their 1-0 victory over Padova in the Coppa Italia first round last weekend.

Udinese will return to action next weekend away to Monza, with Okoye hoping to maintain his impressive start to the new Serie A season.

Nigerian champions Edo Queens will begin their 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League qualifying campaign on Monday when they face AS Garde Nationale of Niger in their opening Group B fixture of the WAFU B tournament in Burkina Faso, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The encounter is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Stade du 4 Août in Ouagadougou, with Edo Queens aiming to start their campaign on a winning note.

The reigning NWFL champions head into the competition with confidence, having been backed by assistant coach Gabriel Benson to deliver a strong performance.

Benson said the players are fully prepared and aware of the responsibility that comes with representing both Edo State and Nigeria on the continental stage.

“Edo Queens have all it takes to make the country proud,” he said.

“The girls are ready and good to go. They know the opportunity laid before them, and they also know that they are representing Edo State and Nigeria at large. I know they are ready to fight to the end to win our first game and the WAFU B trophy. We are here for real business.”

The coach added that the team arrived in Burkina Faso early enough to adapt to the conditions and has been working on ensuring the players are comfortable despite the hotter weather.

“We are playing our first match against AS Garde Nationale of Niger. We dream of nothing but total victory. We came here on time, and our players are acclimatising well.”

Benson acknowledged the difficulty of Edo Queens' group, noting that it contains three former champions, but insisted that his side is not intimidated by the challenge.

“We have come to play against anybody here, knowing that the group we are placed in has three former champions that we know.”

“We are not scared. It is a tough group, no doubt. AS Garde Nationale is the only team new to us in Group B. We are prepared, and it is one game at a time.”

Edo Queens will be hoping to reproduce their success from the 2024 WAFU B competition as they begin their latest quest for continental glory and a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze started the new Serie A season with an assist as AC Milan secured a 2-1 away victory over Torino on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Chukwueze was handed a starting role by new head coach Ruben Amorim and played the full 90 minutes as Milan opened their campaign with three points.

Milan took the lead through Alphadjo Cissé in the 64th minute before Chukwueze turned provider three minutes later, setting up Adrien Rabiot to double the visitors' advantage.

Torino pulled one back in stoppage time through Che Adams, but Milan held on to claim victory.

The result moved Milan into fourth position after the opening round of Serie A fixtures, while Chukwueze will hope his performance strengthens his position in Amorim's plans.

The Nigerian spent last season on loan at Premier League side Fulham, where he made 23 league appearances, scoring three goals and providing four assists.

Meanwhile, it was a disappointing start to life in Serie A for fellow Nigerian forward Akor Adams, who featured for the full 90 minutes as Venezia suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Lecce.

Adams joined Venezia during the summer from Sevilla, where he scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 32 league appearances.

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman featured as Atlético Madrid played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Villarreal in their La Liga encounter on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Lookman, who was making his second appearance for Atlético Madrid this season, had a relatively quiet outing before being substituted in the 79th minute for José Giménez.

Atlético took the lead shortly before the hour mark when Spain defender Pubill unleashed a powerful long-range effort into the top corner.

Villarreal quickly responded, with Moreno converting from the penalty spot after Morten Hjulmand brought down Tajon Buchanan inside the box.

Atlético's task became more difficult in the 76th minute when Robin Le Normand received a straight red card, leaving Diego Simeone's side with 10 men.

Villarreal capitalised on their numerical advantage two minutes later, with Mikautadze putting the visitors ahead in the 78th minute.

However, Atlético refused to surrender, and Giuliano Simeone restored parity in the 84th minute to secure a point for the home side.

The draw sees Atlético avoid defeat despite playing the final stages with 10 men, while Lookman continues to settle into life at the Madrid club following his summer move.

Nigeria youngster Zadok Yohanna made his Premier League debut as Brighton & Hove Albion began the 2026/27 campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Aston Villa at the Amex Stadium on Sunday, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The 19-year-old was named among Brighton’s substitutes before being introduced with 12 minutes remaining as the Seagulls completed a comfortable opening-day victory.

Despite his limited time on the pitch, Yohanna earned a 6.2 rating from DAZN. The platform described his contribution as: “Limited time but helped maintain defensive structure late on.”

Yohanna recorded 11 touches, completed all five of his passes, with all five coming in the opposition half, and completed one of his two attempted dribbles.

The victory moved Brighton to the top of the Premier League table on goal difference after the opening round of fixtures.

Yohanna began his career with Ikon Allah Football Academy in Nigeria before moving to Swedish club AIK in 2025. He subsequently featured for AIK’s first team during the 2026 season.

In June 2026, Brighton reportedly signed the teenager for €28 million, making the transfer a Swedish record.

Yohanna also received his first Super Eagles call-up in May 2026 for the Unity Cup in London, although AIK declined to release him as he continued his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.

His Premier League debut now represents another significant milestone in the youngster’s rapidly developing career.

Nigerian midfielder Anthony Dennis has completed his move to UAE Pro League club Al Jazira from Turkish side Goztepe, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Al Jazira confirmed the signing of the 22-year-old midfielder through its official X account, announcing that Dennis had joined the club and been registered as a resident player.

Dennis joined Göztepe from HB Academy in Abuja in January 2023 and initially played for the club’s U-19 team before breaking into the senior squad. He made his professional debut in a 1-1 TFF First League draw against Corum in January 2024.

The midfielder quickly established himself as an important member of the first team and played a key role in Goztepe’s promotion to the Turkish Süper Lig ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

His performances earned him a contract extension in May 2024, keeping him at the Turkish club until 2027.

Dennis went on to make 83 appearances across all competitions for Goztepe, scoring five goals and providing two assists. He also previously received an invitation to the Super Eagles.

The Nigerian midfielder will now begin a new chapter with Al Jazira, where he will look to build on his development and establish himself in the UAE Pro League.

Nigerian international Samuel Chukwueze was named Man of the Match after helping AC Milan begin the 2026/27 Serie A campaign with a 2-1 away victory over Torino at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Sunday, writes Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Chukwueze operated as a right wing-back and proved a constant threat on the flank, capping his impressive display with a brilliant assist for Milan’s second goal, which Adrien Rabiot converted.

The Nigerian created four chances, more than any other player in the match, while also recording impressive numbers for touches in the opposition box and possession won.

His performance offered an encouraging start to life under new Milan head coach Ruben Amorim, with the Portuguese coach deploying Chukwueze in a different role after the winger spent last season on loan at Premier League side Fulham.

The display also provided early evidence that Amorim’s tactical approach could suit the Nigerian, who will hope to maintain his form as Milan pursue a return to the Champions League.

Chukwueze will next have the opportunity to impress when Milan host Akor Adams’ Venezia at San Siro.

Adams, however, endured a difficult start to his Serie A campaign as Venezia suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Lecce, with the Nigerian striker playing the full 90 minutes. He joined Venezia from Sevilla during the summer transfer window.

Milan have undergone significant changes following a disappointing campaign last season, with the club targeting a top-four finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition. Amorim, who previously managed Sporting CP and had a difficult spell at Manchester United, has introduced his preferred 3-4-2-1 system as the Rossoneri look to rebuild.

C2E Sports Academy have been crowned champions of the 2026 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Nationwide after defeating Obosa Queens FA 2-1 in the final at Enyimba Stadium, Aba, on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

The victory brought the 2025/26 NWFL season to a close, completing the league’s three-tier competition structure after the Premiership and Championship divisions concluded.

C2E Sports Academy made a strong start to the final, with Agnes Ohuche opening the scoring in the 11th minute before Nina Ude doubled their advantage in the 30th minute.

Obosa Queens responded shortly after the restart, with Saidat Idowu reducing the deficit in the 47th minute. C2E, however, held firm for the remainder of the contest to secure the title.

The Nationwide Championship, held from August 16 to 23, featured 12 clubs competing for promotion and provided a platform for emerging female footballers to gain valuable competitive experience.

Both finalists earned promotion to the NWFL Championship for the 2026/27 season.

NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi praised the participating teams and stakeholders for contributing to the successful tournament, while also commending the Abia State Government and the Abia State Football Association for their support.

Shabi said the competition highlighted the depth of talent available in Nigerian women’s football and stressed the importance of providing young players with the right structure and opportunities to develop.

She also acknowledged the contribution of clubs, players, coaches, match officials, medical teams, volunteers, media organisations and partners throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

The NWFL congratulated C2E Sports Academy on their championship triumph and Obosa Queens FA on their promotion, with both clubs now set to compete in the Championship division next season.

The Super Falcons will begin their bid to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games when they face Comoros in the second round of the African qualifiers in October, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Nigeria received a bye into the second round alongside South Africa and Ghana after being ranked among Africa’s top teams. The two-legged tie against Comoros is scheduled for October 5–13, 2026.

Comoros booked their place in the second round in emphatic fashion, defeating Sudan 30-0 on aggregate. They won the first leg 17-0 before completing the rout with a 13-0 victory in the return fixture.

Nigeria will enter the tie as clear favourites, but the knockout format leaves little room for complacency. The Falcons must successfully navigate each round to secure one of Africa’s two available Olympic tickets.

A victory over Comoros would send Nigeria into the third round, where they could face either Morocco or Congo between February 23 and March 6, 2027. Morocco would present a particularly challenging test, having emerged as one of Africa’s leading women’s teams in recent years.

Fourth-Round Challenge

Should Nigeria progress beyond the third round, another two-legged tie awaits between October 4 and 12, 2027.

Potential opponents at that stage include Tunisia, Senegal, Benin Republic and Mali, meaning the Falcons will need consistency throughout a qualification campaign stretching over more than a year.

The final stage is scheduled for November 23 to December 4, 2027, when the remaining four teams will battle for the continent’s two Olympic berths.

A total of 35 African nations entered the qualifying competition, with the teams progressing through successive knockout rounds.

For Nigeria, four successful two-legged ties will be required to secure qualification for Los Angeles.

Falcons Target Consecutive Olympic Appearances

The Super Falcons returned to the Olympic Games at Paris 2024 after a 16-year absence and will now attempt to qualify for consecutive editions for the first time since reaching the 2004 and 2008 tournaments.

Nigeria previously competed at Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and Paris 2024, with the quarter-finals at Athens 2004 representing their best Olympic finish.

With four rounds standing between the Falcons and Los Angeles, preparation, squad depth, player fitness and adequate support will be crucial.

The journey to Los Angeles begins against Comoros in October, with Morocco or Congo potentially awaiting in the next round.

Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu was involved in a humorous moment with Mohamed Salah after Trabzonspor began their Turkish Süper Lig campaign with a 2-1 victory over ?stanbul Basaksehir on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

Salah was the standout performer at Papara Park, scoring twice to secure Trabzonspor’s first league win of the season. The Egyptian opened the scoring in the eighth minute before doubling the advantage four minutes after the restart.

Eldor Shomurodov reduced the deficit from the penalty spot, but Trabzonspor held on to claim all three points.

Television cameras later captured a playful exchange between Salah and Nwaiwu, with the Nigerian defender appearing to jokingly clean the Egyptian forward’s boots after one of his goals.

The amusing incident quickly caught the attention of fans, but Nwaiwu also made an important contribution on the pitch, producing a crucial early intervention to deny Shomurodov a clear opportunity.

The 23-year-old is part of Trabzonspor’s defensive setup alongside experienced players such as Stefan Savi? and former Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana. He is also included in the club’s UEFA Europa League squad.

Salah, meanwhile, has made an immediate impact since joining Trabzonspor on a two-year contract earlier this month following his departure from Liverpool.

With Salah already finding the net and Nwaiwu growing in importance at the back, Trabzonspor will hope the duo can help drive the club towards a successful domestic and European campaign.

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has expressed his delight after helping Hull City secure a memorable 2-0 victory over Manchester United in their Premier League opener at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, reacting quickest after United goalkeeper Senne Lammens had denied Oli McBurnie from a corner. His effort marked Hull City’s first Premier League goal in nine years.

The Nigeria international was delighted to play a decisive role in the Tigers’ impressive victory and praised the team’s strong start to the encounter.

“It was amazing. It kind of capped off the really good start that we had. We had a couple of chances before that which we didn’t manage to put away, but obviously that one got us into the lead, and also gave us something to protect, but also build on,” Ajayi told TNT Sports.

“I’m buzzing to get the goal to get us underway. I’m happy it left us getting three points.”

Despite the impressive victory, Ajayi has urged his teammates to remain focused and avoid getting carried away by the result.

The experienced centre-back stressed that Hull must continue to believe in themselves and concentrate on their performances rather than external expectations.

“We’re not really focusing on outside noise. We’re just worried about what goes on in the changing room. We know what we’ve got in the changing room, we believe in ourselves, and we back ourselves to do our best every single day,” he added.

“So, more performances like this, and hopefully, we’ll have a really, really positive season.”

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi was on target as newly promoted Hull City stunned Manchester United 2-0 in a dominant opening-day display at the KC Stadium on Saturday, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, rising highest to head home from a corner and give Hull a deserved lead.

The hosts doubled their advantage three minutes before half-time when Nobel Mendy powered a header past the United defence from Regan Slater’s free-kick delivery.

Both goals exposed Manchester United’s vulnerability from set pieces, with Michael Carrick’s side struggling to deal with Hull’s deliveries into the penalty area.

United improved after the break but failed to create enough clear-cut opportunities to mount a comeback. Marcus Rashford, who returned from a loan spell at Barcelona and was handed the No. 9 shirt, came on at half-time but could not inspire a turnaround.

The defeat gives Carrick plenty to address after his first Premier League game as United’s permanent head coach, while the club’s long wait for another league title continues following their last triumph in 2013 under Sir Alex Ferguson.

For Hull, the victory marked an emphatic return to the Premier League after securing promotion last season. Sergej Jakirovic’s side produced a disciplined display to claim a statement win against one of England’s biggest clubs.

Hull midfielder Slater summed up the result after the match, saying: “We picked up where we left off.”

The victory gives Hull an ideal start to their top-flight campaign, while United will look to respond when they host fellow promoted side Ipswich Town at Old Trafford next weekend.

Super Eagles winger Bright Ejuke was on target as Sevilla started their La Liga campaign with an impressive 3-1 away victory over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Sevilla took control early when Oso opened the scoring in the 15th minute, giving the visitors a deserved advantage.

Ejuke then doubled Sevilla’s lead five minutes after the restart, finding the net in the 50th minute to put his side firmly in control.

Romero added Sevilla’s third goal in the 57th minute, leaving Athletic Bilbao with a difficult task.

The hosts managed to pull one back through Paredes, but Sevilla remained composed to secure all three points.

Ejuke’s goal capped a strong individual display and provided an early boost for the Nigerian winger as Sevilla began the new La Liga season on a winning note.

Nigeria international Nathan Tella opened his goalscoring account for the new season as Bayer Leverkusen cruised to a 4-0 victory over Wehen Wiesbaden in the DFB-Pokal on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

Tella came off the bench and made an immediate impact, scoring Leverkusen’s third goal just four minutes after his introduction.

The winger replaced Fernandez in the 65th minute before finding the net in the 69th minute to cap an impressive cameo and help Leverkusen secure their place in the next round.

Patrik Schick opened the scoring shortly before half-time, while Lucas Vázquez doubled Leverkusen’s advantage two minutes after the restart.

Christian Kofane completed the rout in the 79th minute as the Bundesliga side maintained control throughout the encounter.

Leverkusen dominated possession with 71 per cent compared to Wehen Wiesbaden’s 29 per cent, while the hosts struggled to create any significant threat.

Tella’s goal provides an early boost as he looks to establish himself as a more prominent figure in Leverkusen’s plans this season.

His fellow Nigerian, Victor Boniface, remained an unused substitute as he continues his return to the Leverkusen squad following his loan spell at Werder Bremen last season.

Nigeria’s football crisis has taken a new turn as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have launched investigations into the utilisation of a ?12 billion Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The fund was reportedly approved to clear outstanding players’ allowances and bonuses, as well as salaries owed to coaches employed by the federation.

According to reports by SaharaReporters and THISDAY, financial records and utilisation documents relating to the fund are now with the two anti-graft agencies as part of their investigation.

The NFF has acknowledged that it is being investigated by both agencies. In a letter dated August 18, 2026, the federation said it could not release financial records requested under the Freedom of Information Act because the matter was already under investigation.

The letter, referenced NFF/LEG/10/1/879 and signed by Onoja Joshua, Esq., on behalf of NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, was sent to the Principal Partner of Cromwell & Okeke.

The request had sought access to financial records and other documents detailing how the ?12 billion intervention fund was utilised.

The investigation comes amid growing criticism of the administration of Nigerian football following a series of failures by the country's national teams.

The Super Falcons, defending champions at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, were eliminated in the quarter-finals before losing 2-1 to South Africa in the World Cup qualification playoff. The result means Nigeria will miss the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time since the tournament began in 1991.

The Super Eagles also failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the country's U-20 and U-17 teams have suffered setbacks in their respective World Cup qualification campaigns.

The latest development further increases pressure on the Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF administration, which is preparing for an elective congress scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The investigation into the ?12 billion fund is expected to place further scrutiny on the federation's financial management and could become a major issue as stakeholders debate the future direction of Nigerian football.

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has drawn a line under his difficult spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers and is focused on making the most of his new chapter at Ajax, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Arokodare made an immediate impact for the Dutch giants in their 4-2 UEFA Conference League play-off victory over FC Sion on Thursday, scoring just 43 seconds after coming off the bench and later providing an assist.

The 25-year-old rose above the Sion defence to head Ajax back in front after the hosts had fought back to level, before setting up Davy Klaassen for the fourth goal in the 87th minute.

Reflecting on his difficult period at Wolves, Arokodare insisted he has moved on from the experience and is determined to focus on improving with Ajax.

“I don’t think there’s a real reason or there’s a real excuse. I think it’s part of the game,” Arokodare told ESPN.

“As players, we have seasons and moments like this in our careers, and it’s something to learn from, that I’ve moved on from, and I’m focused on the new season.

“I’ve been preparing well with the Ajax team and the players, and I’m focused on this season. I’m focused on getting better, focused on better things for myself. Focused on not making the same mistakes I did. That’s all I’m focused on. Not focused on last season.”

The Nigerian joined Ajax from Wolves on a season-long loan and has made a promising start, recording one goal and two assists in four appearances despite limited playing time.

He made his Ajax debut against PEC Zwolle on August 9, coming off the bench to assist Jorthy Mokio in a 2-0 victory before featuring as a substitute against Shelbourne and SC Heerenveen.

His latest performance earned praise from Ajax head coach Míchel Sánchez, who highlighted the striker’s energy, work rate and ability to influence games after coming on.

“Tolu brought a lot of energy when he came on. He works hard, he scores, and he helps us,” Míchel told Ajax Life, per Goal.

The Spanish coach also praised Arokodare’s character, adding: “He has a good character. I think he is a nice boy. I hope he keeps helping us in this way.”

Ajax will take a 4-2 advantage into the second leg at the Johan Cruijff Arena next week as they seek to secure their place in the Conference League league phase.

For Arokodare, his latest contribution could strengthen his push for more playing time as Ajax navigate a demanding schedule.

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika made an impressive competitive debut for Eintracht Frankfurt as the Bundesliga side thrashed SC St. Tönis 11-0 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal on Friday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Onyedika played the full 90 minutes as Frankfurt dominated from start to finish, recording the biggest victory in the club’s history in the German Cup. His performance earned him an impressive 9.1 rating from SofaScore.

Only three of the 32 players involved in the match received higher ratings than the Nigerian. Jonathan Burkardt and Can Uzun both earned perfect 10.0 ratings, while defender Robin Koch finished with 9.3.

Frankfurt raced into a two-goal lead within the opening 10 minutes, with Burkardt heading home in the fourth minute before Koch doubled the advantage six minutes later.

Ayoube Amaimouni added a third in the 17th minute before Burkardt scored again in the 29th. Uzun then struck twice within two minutes, with Burkardt completing his hat-trick in the 41st minute.

Further goals from Elias Baum, Younes Ebnoutalib and Mario Götze sent Frankfurt into the break 10-0 ahead, setting a new record for the highest half-time score in DFB-Pokal history.

Farès Chaïbi completed the rout with the 11th goal in the 87th minute as Frankfurt comfortably booked their place in the second round.

Operating primarily as a defensive midfielder, Onyedika’s contribution went beyond the scoresheet. The Nigerian helped shield Frankfurt’s defence, controlled possession and provided the platform for the club’s attacking players to operate with greater freedom.

Onyedika joined Frankfurt from Club Brugge earlier this month on a contract running until 2031. He arrived in Germany with 24 Champions League appearances and four seasons of regular first-team football in Belgium under his belt.

The emphatic victory provides the Nigerian with an excellent start to his new chapter in Germany as Frankfurt continue their 2026/27 campaign.

Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi is set to undergo a medical at Hamburg on Saturday ahead of his permanent transfer to the Bundesliga club, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

According to transfer expert Fabrice Hawkins, Hamburg have reached an agreement with OGC Nice for the Nigerian international, with the French club expected to receive €2.5 million, including bonuses, for the 27-year-old forward.

Moffi is expected to complete his medical before signing a contract that will keep him at Hamburg until June 2029.

The move will provide the striker with an opportunity to revive his career after a difficult spell at Nice. Moffi spent the second half of last season on loan at Portuguese giants FC Porto, where he scored once and provided one assist in nine league appearances.

He was also part of the Porto squad that won the Portuguese league title.

Moffi initially joined Nice on loan from Lorient in January 2023 before completing a permanent transfer later that year. He went on to score 24 goals in 72 appearances across all competitions for the French club.

However, his time at Nice was disrupted last season following an incident involving supporters after the club’s 3-1 defeat away to his former side Lorient in November. Moffi was subsequently placed on sick leave for a week before moving to Porto on loan.

The Nigerian striker will now look to make a fresh start in Germany, with Hamburg hoping his goals can help strengthen their attack in the Bundesliga.

Arsenal began their Premier League title defence impressively, cruising to a 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday, with Nigeria internationals Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi featuring for the visitors, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Onyeka started and completed the entire game, while Awoniyi, who only joined Coventry from Nottingham Forest a few days earlier, was introduced with 20 minutes remaining. Neither Nigerian could prevent the Sky Blues from suffering a difficult return to the top flight.

Mikel Arteta’s side established control early and took the lead in the 15th minute through Kai Havertz before Bukayo Saka doubled the advantage eight minutes later.

Captain Martin Ødegaard completed the scoring four minutes after the restart as Arsenal secured a comfortable opening-day victory.

The result also marked Arteta’s 150th Premier League win as Arsenal manager, achieved in his 249th game in charge. Only Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho, Jürgen Klopp and Sir Alex Ferguson reached the milestone in fewer matches.

Arsenal entered the new campaign among the favourites after ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season. The Gunners will now look to defend their crown and secure consecutive league championships for the first time since their three-title run between 1932 and 1935.

Arteta handed Christos Tzolis a starting debut, while major summer signing Bruno Guimarães missed the game after picking up a knock in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City.

Arsenal will face their first away test of the season when they travel to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa on Monday, August 31. The Gunners will be seeking revenge after suffering a 2-1 defeat at the Midlands club on their previous visit.

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze has retained his No. 21 shirt at AC Milan ahead of the new Serie A season, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Chukwueze spent last season on loan at Fulham, where he enjoyed a resurgence after struggling to establish himself as a regular at the Italian club.

The Nigerian winger was reunited with compatriots Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi at Fulham and quickly earned the confidence of the coaching staff and supporters with his performances.

A permanent move to Fulham was reportedly considered during the summer, but the two clubs were unable to reach an agreement, leaving Chukwueze back at Milan.

With the new Serie A season set to begin this weekend, Milan have formalised their squad numbers, with Chukwueze keeping the No. 21 jersey.

The decision is another indication that the Nigerian remains part of Milan's plans as the club prepare for the new campaign.

Chukwueze will now hope to carry the confidence gained from his successful spell in England into the new season and establish himself as an important player at San Siro.