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Is Chikeluba Francis Ofoedu The Next Rashidi Yekini For Super Eagles?

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Ever since the late goal king Rashidi Yekini, who till date is the all time highest goal scorer of the Super Eagles, called it quits with the national team, Nigeria has not been able to find a replacement.

But the big question is why should finding a replacement for a top striker for the senior national team be a problem, considering the array of Nigerian goal bangers scattered all over the world?

Findings have shown that there is hardly a reputable football club in any part of the globe that doesn’t have atleast a Nigerian player, majority of whom are strikers.

Some of them are so good that they have continued to be lured by football clubs from one country and continent to another.

And some of them out of patriotism and love for fatherland, have continued to yearn for an invitation to the Super Eagles, in order to fill the vacuum.
But unfortunately, their yearnings have continued to go unnoticed by handlers of the team and authorities concerned.

One of such “beautiful brides” and patriotic Nigerian is Chikeluba Francis Ofoedu, popularly known as Chico by his friends and admirers.

Chikeluba is not a stranger to many at the home front as he started his blossoming football career in Nigeria.

Chico was born on November, 12 1992 in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria.

He currently plays for Isreali top division outfit, Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he has become a highly celebrated footballer, going by his performances for the club since joining them just last year.

Chikeluba Francis Ofoedu began his football career in Enugu like every other footballer; playing on the streets.

But in 2003, he was able to give his career another meaning when he joined Rivlane Academy under the tutelage of a former Udoji United defender Jude Agada, who was his coach and the very first coach that started teaching him the rudiments of the game.

In 2007, having felt he needed a bigger challenge, he joined the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Football Club, an Amateur League side, where he became the highest goal scorer with 12 goals the following year.

The team also participated in the Federation Cup, Nigeria’s oldest football competition.

He was later spotted by one of Nigeria’s traditional football clubs, Enugu Rangers, where he got an opportunity to join the youth team.

His rare talent saw him make it to the senior team of the club in the 2011-2012 season, where he scored eleven goals in the premier league campaign and became one of the best performers in the Nigeria Professional Football League.

His feat got the attention of some European Football clubs, who approached Enugu Rangers for his signature. A deal was later struck with Turkish side 1461 Trabzon, where he scored seven goals in twenty five appearances.

This rare feat caught the attention of another Turkish side Karşıyaka in 2013, where he scored twelve goals in forty appearances.

He later moved to Samsunspor in 2014 and bagged twenty goals in forty-nine appearances for the club.

Another Turkish side Eskişehirspor saw a great petential in this young Nigerian and got his signature in the year 2014. He scored nineteen goals in fifty-eight appearances for the club between 2016 and early last year, a feat that made it difficult for the management of the club to release him when offers came for him from Israeli top division outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv.

But after a fruitful discussion and much persuasions, the management of Eskişehirspor agreed a term with the Israeli side and so Chico moved to Maccabi Tel Aviv last year, where he has recorded five goals so far in Ten appearances and two assists.

Chikeluba Ofoedu is rated as one of the best Nigerian strikers in Europe, a reason why the Super Eagles need him in it’s fold.

It would be a great decision if the coaches and handlers of the Super Eagles could extend an invitation to this superb goal banger to compete alongside other strikers of the National team, since according to him, his biggest dream is to play in the Nigerian National team.

But would such dream come true for Chikeluba Francis “Chico” Ofoedu?

Only time will tell!

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Media Personality, J J Jabulani and siblings to celebrate mummy at 90

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Media Personality, J J Jabulani and siblings to celebrate mummy at 90

 

Media guru and highly respected on air personality, Jọlaoluwa Afọlabi famously known as J.J Jabulani is holding an elaborate 90th years birthday bash for his mummy, Mama Maria Ibipeju Afọlabi.

The birthday bash is holding on Friday, 25th April, 2025 at No 1 Ebute Road, Unity hall, opposite Indomie house, Lau junction, Ibafo, Ogun state. Many eminent personalities and media guys are expected to grace the epoch-making event.

Mama Ibipeju is a big business woman that trades on kolanut and gold in the 80s, she’s married to the popular pastor of the C&S church world wide Most Senior Apostle Samson Ọlayiwola Afọlabi of the revered Odofin compound in IREE town,Boripe local government of Osun state .

Mama is blessed with so many children among them is the ace broadcaster and media owner , Afolabi Jolaoluwa jabulani who is the last born of the nonagenarian.

Mama has great love and passion for gospel music spurred her interest in the usage of ‘SHEKERE’ in praising God till this moment and this singular act earned her the nick name (Iya Sekere)

Media Personality, J J Jabulani and siblings to celebrate mummy at 90

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Nanakeme Precious Poweidou Begins European Journey with Bosnia’s Zvijezda Gradacac

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Nanakeme Precious Poweidou Begins European Journey with Bosnia’s Zvijezda Gradacac

Nanakeme Precious Poweidou Begins European Journey with Bosnia’s Zvijezda Gradacac

 

Rising Nigerian football talent Nanakeme Precious Poweidou has officially signed with Zvijezda Gradacac, a professional football club in Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking a significant step in what he calls “a journey, not a hundred-meter race.”

 

The promising player expressed his excitement and gratitude following the signing, saying, “It is not a hundred-meter race, but a journey… I’m looking forward to a great career by God’s grace.”

 

The move to Zvijezda Gradacac marks Poweidou’s first professional contract in Europe, a milestone that signals both the beginning of his international career and the realization of years of dedication, discipline, and hard work on the pitch.

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From Dumbbells to DMs: Nigerian Gyms Evolve into Social Hotspots

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The Gym Love Triangle: Fitness, Fashion, and Flirtation in Lagos

 

In the age of fitness influencers, athleisure fashion, and Instagram-worthy workouts, Nigeria’s gym culture is booming. But beneath the sculpted abs and protein shakes lies a more complicated narrative: the gym as a new social playground—and sometimes, a romantic battleground.

From Ikeja to Festac and down to the bustling gyms in Ajah, what was once a space solely for sweat and stamina has evolved into something of a social experiment.

“People are using gyms to hook up,” says Folarin Adekoya, a regular gym-goer in Ikeja. “Some women come in wearing provocative outfits, and it’s not just distracting—it raises questions about their intentions.”

While the body goals are still a priority for many, others are raising eyebrows—and smartphones—as selfies, flirtation, and full-blown relationships begin to rival reps and routines.

“I Came to Lift, Not to Love”

Jason Onwuka, who trains regularly in Festac, says he’s seen it all.

“You have people who are here more for the vibe than the workouts. They spend more time talking and laughing than lifting weights,” he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He admits, however, that as society grows more individualistic, gyms have emerged as safe, neutral grounds for forming new connections.

“People are lonely. The gym is now a space to find friends, romance, and a sense of belonging,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it’s on you to stay focused.”

“Indecent Dressing Could Get Girls Banned” – Teddy A Warns

The debate recently went viral when Teddy A, a former Big Brother Naija star, posted a video lamenting what he called “indecent dressing at the gym.”

“We don’t want them to start banning girls from gyms because of indecent dressing,” he said in a video that triggered a flurry of reactions online.

While some praised his candour, others blasted his remarks as misogynistic and controlling, igniting fresh debates over dress codes, freedom of expression, and the sexual politics of the gym floor.

Fitness Centre Managers Respond

A gym manager in Ajah, who requested anonymity, told NAN that they’ve had to lay down the law to maintain order and respect.

“We’ve introduced dress guidelines and behaviour protocols. Still, people come to mingle, and as long as no one’s workout is disrupted, we don’t interfere,” he said.

He admitted that while some gym-goers blur the lines, many—especially professional women—come solely for fitness.

“They wear functional gear. Not everyone’s here for attention,” he added.

A Culture in Transition

As Nigeria’s middle class expands and wellness trends grow, gyms are no longer just places to burn calories—they’re becoming microcosms of urban life, where health, identity, and social dynamics all intersect.

But the question remains: Are gyms still sacred spaces for self-improvement—or just another scene for subtle seduction?

For now, the battle between body goals and “boo goals” continues to play out between the dumbbells and the dance bikes, one rep—and one DM—at a time.

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