*Beyond The Glitters: Primate Ayodele’s Prophetic Advice To Victor Osimhen In 2023

Nigerian super footballer, Victor Osimhen has no doubt had a very successful career so far, he has been regarded as the king of football especially at his club in Napoli.

Osimhen’s career has continued to grow bigger, with notable awards like African Footballer of the Year, confirming his status as one of Nigeria’s greatest football exports.

2023 marked the biggest year of Victor Osimhen’s career in Napoli and Africa but in the midst of the glitters that came in the form of international awards and trophies, there was Primate Ayodele’s prophecy foretelling an unpleasant moment for the player of the moment in 2023.

It didn’t make so much sense that someone with such success in his career would come across any challenge regarding his football career anytime soon but Primate Ayodele spoke about him facing challenges and revealing that the challenges he would face will make him leave his club, Napoli.

He warned that there will be ups and downs for Victor Osimhen if he remains in Napoli.

These were his words,

‘’Osimhen will leave his club because he will face several challenges and he must pray that he can still have the ability to score, he must look at it properly. I will tell Osimhen to leave Napoli to the next place so that things can change for him. If he still stays in Napoli, there will be ups and down.’’

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One year after Osimhen’s glittering career in Napoli, he suddenly went from a hero status to becoming unwanted at his club not because of his performances but for some management issues.

The last two weeks have been frustrating for Victor Osimhen; He had offers to move to Chelsea FC but was required to take a pay cut. Fortunately, Al Ahli FC in Saudi Arabia offered to sign him for a huge amount of money but somehow, his club reneged on their agreement and the deal was off. It would have been a massive turnaround for Osimhen’s career but the deal was frustrated. At the time the Al Ahli’s deal got closed, Chelsea FC had already decided not to proceed with their deal too.

The major embarrassing thing was that Osimhen had already been left out from Napoli’s squad, with his shirt number reportedly given to another player, He will have to wait till January before stepping on the field again if he remained at Napoli.

In the end, He had to settle for a loan deal with Galatasaray S.K till January when he will be able to move to his desired club again.

No doubt, Osimhen’s travails in the last few days are exactly a representation of Primate Ayodele’s prophetic warnings.

Nigeria’s Taekwondo Community Unites at 3rd FCT Unity TKD Cup

By Ifeoma Ikem

The 3rd FCT Unity TKD Cup, Nigeria’s premier civil-military sports event, has successfully concluded, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s taekwondo landscape. Held at the state-of-the-art HQ DAPT Multipurpose Indoor Gymnasium in Giri, FCT, Abuja, the two-day tournament brought together 187 athletes from 19 clubs across Nigeria, fostering unity, excellence and growth in the sport.

According to Ogunmuyiwa Gbolahan, Chairman of the Organising Committee, the event’s primary objective was to “bridge the technical gap between elite and amateur taekwondo athletes in Nigeria.” This goal was achieved through the provision of a platform for emerging poomsae and kyorugi athletes to hone their skills, thereby enhancing their competitiveness.

The tournament’s focus on technical development is particularly significant, given Nigeria’s growing presence in international taekwondo competitions. By nurturing homegrown talent, the country can increase its chances of producing world-class athletes.

The 2024 edition of the FCT Unity TKD Cup marked several significant milestones. Notably, adult competitors participated in the seniors category for the first time, expanding the tournament’s scope and providing a more comprehensive competitive experience.

The introduction of electronic taekwondo sparring for seniors, juniors and cadet competitors was another notable innovation. This technology enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of the competition, aligning Nigeria’s taekwondo events with global standards.

Other notable achievements included accommodation for referees and the Main Organising Committee on-site, ensuring seamless event management; and the utilisation of two courts throughout the tournament, streamlining the competition.

The event also celebrated 50 years of taekwondo in Nigeria (1974-2024), highlighting the sport’s growth and impact on the country’s athletic landscape. This milestone underscores the dedication and perseverance of Nigeria’s taekwondo community.

The participation of a university team, courtesy of GM Sirajo Yusuf, Director of Sports, Federal University Lokoja, marked another significant first. This development signals the expanding reach of taekwondo in Nigeria’s educational institutions.

Nigeria Army emerged the overall winner on the medals table with 7 gold medals. The tournament equally honoured outstanding athletes with prestigious awards. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards recognised exceptional performances in various categories.

In the kids category, Victor Martins and Crown Umeh emerged the top male and female; while Chijioke Kalu and Unique Umeh were top Teens. Others were Benjamin Okuomose and Eno Mfon James (Adults); as Ameh Emmanuella and Progress Kebonkwu emerged top Cadet and Junior Female for the Youths Empowerment Foundation Award.

The FCT TSCON Awards recognised outstanding contributions to taekwondo development such as Taekwondo Father of the Year: Pharm. Ameh S. Ameh;
Taekwondo Mother of the Year: Barr (Mrs) Idada; Taekwondo Boy of the Year: Daniel Gashinbaki; and Taekwondo Girl of the Year: Igweike Olisanyelu.

The event also recognised notable figures who have contributed to the growth of taekwondo in Nigeria, including: Gen CG Musa, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt Gen TA Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff; Brig Gen AR Bello, Director of Army Physical Training, GM Dominic Bassey, most senior TKD Pioneer in Nigeria, GM Abdulmumin Yusuf, VP Nigeria Taekwondo Black Belt College and GM Abdullahi Saidu Baba, president, Nigeria Taekwondo Federation.

The 3rd FCT Unity TKD Cup has set the stage for future taekwondo competitions in Nigeria, promoting unity, excellence and growth in the sport. As Nigeria’s taekwondo community continues to thrive, events like this tournament will play a vital role in shaping the country’s athletic future.

The tournament’s success is a testament to the dedication of Nigeria’s taekwondo community and the support of key stakeholders. As the sport continues to grow, Nigeria’s athletes will undoubtedly make their mark on the international stage.

OSIMHEN: Top 25 Nigerian footballers overseas earn $77.66m annually

Since ex-Nigeria midfielder Sylvanus Okpala blazed the trail in 1983, when he joined Uniao of Portugal from Enugu Rangers, there has been an astronomical increase in the number of Nigerian footballers venturing overseas to sign lucrative contracts with foreign clubs, making significant strides in the global football arena in terms of performance and earnings. Based on information on the various player earnings websites such as Salary Sport and Capology, here are the top 25 Nigerian players plying their trade overseas who collectively rake in a whopping $71.73m, approximately N81.86bn annually, PETER AKINBO writes

1. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, $16.96m)

Victor Osimhen is currently the highest-earning Nigerian player, with an annual wage of $16.96m.

At 25, Osimhen has firmly established himself as one of the best forwards in the world, leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades during the 2022/23 season. His performances earned him accolades, including the Serie A Best Striker award and the 2023 African Player of the Year award.

As Serie A’s highest-paid player, Osimhen accounts for nearly 24% of the total earnings of the top 25 Nigerian players. This not only cements his status as Nigeria’s top earner but also places him among the highest-paid African footballers globally. He just completed a loan move to Galatasaray in Turkey.

2. Alex Iwobi (Fulham, $5.57m)

Alex Iwobi, who recently moved from Everton to Fulham in the Premier League, earns $5.57m) annually.

The 28-year-old midfielder has found a new lease of life since his move to Craven Cottage, becoming a key player for the London club with his versatility and creativity in the Premier League.

3. Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, $5.05m)

Leicester City’s midfield powerhouse, Wilfred Ndidi, earns $5.05m annually at the Premier League side

The 27-year-old has been a mainstay in Leicester’s midfield since his arrival in 2017.

Renowned for his tackling and defensive contributions, Ndidi was instrumental in Leicester’s FA Cup triumph in 2021 and their Community Shield win in 2022, and he figured prominently in their Championship triumph last season as the Foxes secured an immediate return to the Premier League.

4. Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, $4.84m)

Samuel Chukwueze, who joined AC Milan from Villarreal in 2023, is another high-earner with an annual salary of $4.84m.

The 25-year-old winger, known for his speed and dribbling ability, was a key player for Villarreal during his time in Spain, helping them secure the UEFA Europa League title in 2021.

His switch to Milan has further elevated his career, and he has promised to dazzle in the Serie A this campaign.

5. Joe Aribo (Southampton, $4.66m)

Joe Aribo, a versatile midfielder with Premier League side Southampton, takes home $4.66m) annually.

The 28-year-old joined the Saints from Rangers and quickly became a mainstay in their lineup.

11. Frank Onyeka (Brentford, $2.69m)

Onyeka, 27, has been a key figure in Brentford’s midfield since joining them in 2021. His energy and box-to-box play have been crucial to the Bees’ Premier League survival.

The Nigeria international earns $2.69m annually at Brentford Community Stadium.

Onyeka has been an integral part of Brentford’s midfield since joining from FC Midtjylland in 2021.

12. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, $2.46m)

Ademola Lookman, currently playing for Atalanta in the Italian Serie A, earns $2.46m per year.

The 26-year-old winger enjoyed a stellar debut season in Italy, finishing as Atalanta’s top scorer in the 2023/24 campaign, which he topped up with a hat-trick in the Europa League final to secure Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy.

Lookman’s pace and finishing ability have made him a key figure in Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.

13. Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen,$2.20m)

Victor Boniface has swiftly made a name for himself at German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, where he is tied to a $2.20m annual salary.

He was part of the Invincibles squad last season as they won the league and domestic cup, which was double unbeaten in all competitions except the UEL final against Atalanta.

The 23-year-old striker joined Union Saint-Gilloise and has impressed in the Bundesliga with his physical presence and goal-scoring prowess.

14. Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, $2.07m)

Chidera Ejuke, a dynamic winger who also just completed his move to Sevilla in the Spanish La Liga, earns $2.07m per year.

Known for his dribbling and creativity, the 26-year-old was a key player in the Russian Premier League for CSKA Moscow.

15. Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, $1.94m)

Onuachu, a towering striker, currently plying his trade with Southampton in the Premier League, earns $1.94m annually.

The 30-year-old, who excelled on loan at Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor last season, joined the Saints in 2023 after a prolific spell in Belgium with Genk. His aerial prowess has added a new dimension to the Saints’ attack.

16. Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, $1.94m)

Nathan Tella, a versatile winger who recently moved to Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga, earns $1.94m per year.

Like Boniface, he was also pivotal in their double-winning campaign, contributing crucial assists and late goals.

The 25-year-old’s pace and direct running have made him a key part of Xabi Alonso’s high-flying side.

17. Gift Orban (Lyon,$1.94m)

Gift Orban, a rising star at French Ligue 1 outfit Lyon, takes home £,$1.94m a year.

The 22-year-old forward burst onto the scene with a remarkable goal-scoring feat in the Belgian Pro League at Gent before securing his move to the Ligue 1.

The young striker’s goal-scoring exploits have already made him a fan favourite at the French club after he scored three late goals in their domestic cup run to take them to the final, where they lost to PSG last season.

18. Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, $1.81m)

Cyriel Dessers is a striker with Glasgow Rangers, earning $1.81m annually.

The 29-year-old forward has played across multiple European leagues, including Italy and the Netherlands, where he was top scorer in the Eredivisie and in the Europa League for Feyenoord.

Dessers’ ability to find the back of the net has made him a key addition to Rangers.

19. Umar Sadiq (Real Sociedad, $1.32m)

Umar Sadiq, a 27-year-old striker, earns $ 1.32 monthly on the Spanish La Liga side Real Sociedad.

The tall and powerful forward has made a name for himself in Spain, first with Almeria and now with Real Sociedad. His ability to hold up play and score crucial goals has made him an important asset for the Basque club as they compete in both La Liga and European competitions.

20. Isaac Success (Udinese, $1.21m)

Isaac Success, a 28-year-old forward, takes home $ 1.21m per year at Italian Serie A club Udinese.

The versatile attacker, who can play across the front line, has found a stable home in Italy after his time in England with Watford. Success’s strength and technical ability have made him a useful player for Udinese as they navigate the highly Italian topflight.

21. Odion Ighalo (Al-Wehda, $1.10m)

Veteran striker Odion Ighalo continues to earn handsomely even though he is in the twilight of his career, with an annual salary of $1.10m at Al-Wehda in Saudi Arabia.

The former Manchester United forward remains one of Nigeria’s most successful exports, having enjoyed a prolific stint in Asia.

@punchng