A report by PUNCH Sports Extra states that FC Barcelona has officially renewed its interest in Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen. The Catalan giants reportedly view the 27-year-old as the ideal long-term replacement for veteran Robert Lewandowski.
Despite interest from Juventus and Atletico Madrid, Barcelona is said to be preparing a significant bid. Galatasaray, where Osimhen is currently playing, has reportedly set a starting price of around €80 million for the forward, who has scored 15 goals in 21 games this season.
However, club insiders in Turkey suggest that Galatasaray is in no hurry to sell their star asset. Negotiations are expected to be complex, given Osimhen’s long-term contract and his current high standing within the Turkish club’s project.
Osimhen’s move to a top-three European league seems inevitable given his current form. For Barcelona, securing him would be a statement of intent for their rebuild, while for Nigerian fans, it would mean seeing their top star return to one of the world’s most prestigious football stages.
* Daily Post Nigeria (Website): “Galatasaray Insider… dismissed rumours suggesting Victor Osimhen might leave the Turkish champions.”
* Haberlisin (Turkish Media): “Barcelona believe his blend of pace and ruthless finishing fits perfectly with their next phase.”
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/barca-relaunch-move-for-e80m-osimhen/ February 13, 2026
Photo Credit: Daily Post
Tag: super eagles
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Barcelona Relaunches Pursuit of Victor Osimhen for Summer Transfer
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Ademola Lookman Set for Blockbuster Move to Atletico Madrid on Deadline Day
A TikTok video by Sky Sports News (shared via Yahoo Sports) has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian sports community as Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman is reportedly finalizing a move to Atletico Madrid. On this winter transfer deadline day, the Atalanta forward is the subject of intense negotiations, with the Spanish giants closing in on a deal to bolster their attacking options.
The move marks a significant step up for Lookman, whose stock has risen dramatically following his historic hat-trick in the Europa League final and consistent performances in Serie A. Atletico Madrid, having recently sold Conor Gallagher to Tottenham, are looking to Lookman’s explosive pace and clinical finishing to drive their La Liga and European campaigns.
As the 1900 GMT deadline approaches for Europe’s top leagues, Lookman is the most high-profile African player on the move. Reports indicate that Atalanta has already begun looking for replacements, potentially acquiring Giacomo Raspadori to fill the void. The deal is expected to be one of the most expensive involving a Nigerian player in recent years.
Meanwhile, other Premier League clubs are scrambling to finalize deals. Manchester City has already spent big on Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo, while Crystal Palace is dealing with a collapsed medical for Jean-Philippe Mateta, which could impact their late-window strategy.
* Steve Douglas (Associated Press): “Atletico Madrid is close to signing Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta.”
* The Guardian (Live Update): “Transfer window shuts in England, France, Germany and Italy at 1900 GMT… Atletico Madrid is close to signing Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman.”
Echotitbits take:
Lookman joining Diego Simeone’s Atletico is a match made in tactical heaven. Simeone loves hard-working, versatile forwards, and Lookman’s recent form suggests he can thrive under the intense pressure of the Metropolitano. This move solidifies him as Nigeria’s most “in-demand” player globally, potentially rivaling Victor Osimhen’s market influence.
Source: Yahoo Sports — https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/transfer-deadline-premier-league-clubs-085554738.html February 2, 2026
Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports
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South African Forward Ademola Lookman Finalizes Landmark Move to Atlético Madrid
Figures cited by Premium Times show that Nigerian international Ademola Lookman has arrived in the Spanish capital to complete a high-profile transfer to Atlético Madrid. The 28-year-old forward, who enjoyed a stellar stint at Atalanta in Italy, is undergoing medical examinations today before signing a contract that is expected to make him one of the highest-paid Nigerian athletes in Europe.
The move marks a significant step in Lookman’s career, as he joins the squad of the renowned Diego Simeone. His versatility and proven track record in the Europa League have made him a primary target for the Spanish giants, who are looking to revitalize their attacking options for the second half of the 2025/2026 season.
Vanguard confirmed the agreement, stating that the deal was finalized after weeks of intense negotiations between the two clubs. A sports analyst quoted in the report said, “Lookman’s move to Madrid is a testament to the rising profile of Nigerian talent in elite football.” The Punch also validated the news, reporting that fans in Lagos and Madrid are already celebrating the deal; one headline noted: “Lookman is the final piece of Simeone’s puzzle.”
Echotitbits take:
Lookman’s move to La Liga is more than just a sports story; it’s a branding win for Nigerian football. His consistent performance at the highest level makes him a key asset for the Super Eagles ahead of upcoming international qualifiers. Watch for how his playing style adapts to the rigorous defensive philosophy of Atlético, and the potential impact on his market value by the 2026 World Cup.
Source: BBCSport – https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c07xlzl9892o, February 2, 2026
Photo credit: BBCSport
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Super Eagles Star Ademola Lookman Finalizes €40 Million Move to Atlético Madrid
In a report by Yahoo Sports, Nigerian international Ademola Lookman has successfully reached a final agreement to join Spanish giants Atlético Madrid. The deal, valued at approximately €40 million, involves a €35 million fixed fee with an additional €5 million in performance-based bonuses, marking one of the most significant winter transfers for a Nigerian player.
Lookman, who famously scored a hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final for Atalanta, reportedly snubbed a lucrative offer from Turkish club Fenerbahçe to play under Diego Simeone. The 28-year-old winger is scheduled to undergo his medical examinations in Madrid within the next few hours to finalize the long-term contract.
The move is seen as a strategic bolster for Atlético Madrid’s attacking line as they look to close the gap on Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga. Lookman’s departure from Italy ends a successful stint where he became one of the most feared attackers in Serie A, consistently delivering high-level performances for both club and country.
Logistical steps are already underway for the “Super Eagles” talisman to travel to Spain. Fans in Nigeria are closely monitoring the development, as Lookman follows in the footsteps of Nigerian legends who have graced the Spanish top flight, such as Finidi George and Mutiu Adepoju.
* Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano on X): “Lookman has definitively chosen the Madrid club, despite strong offers from other teams… logistical steps are already underway.”
* The Whistler (Official Website): “The agreement between Atalanta and Atlético Madrid consists of a €35m fixed fee, with an additional €5m in performance-related add-ons.”
Echotitbits take:
Lookman moving to a “gritty” defensive-minded team like Atlético is a fascinating stylistic match. Simeone prizes work rate and clinical finishing, two things Lookman has in abundance. This move elevates his profile significantly ahead of the next AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, making him arguably the most high-profile Super Eagle in a top-three European league right now.
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/atletico-agree-e40m-deal-for-lookman-as-fenerbahce-atalanta-talks-stall/ February 1, 2026
Photo Credit: The Punch
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Amaju Pinnick Insists Nigeria Would Not Have Missed 2026 World Cup Under His Lead
The Punch reports that former NFF President Amaju Pinnick said the Super Eagles would have qualified for the 2026 World Cup if he had remained in charge of Nigerian football.
Pinnick referenced his administration’s experience with difficult qualification campaigns, pointing to Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup as evidence of administrative competence.
Channels TV and Vanguard also covered reactions, noting divided public opinion and skepticism from analysts about counterfactual claims of future success.
Echotitbits take: Pinnick’s remarks read like positioning for influence ahead of future football politics. While he can point to sponsorship and administrative wins, Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup complicates the legacy narrative. Expect the debate to intensify as NFF elections and team performance pressures converge.
Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/852490-2026-world-cup-pinnick-claims-super-eagles-would-have-qualified-under-his-watch.html 2026-01-30
Photo Credit: Premium Times
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Samuel Chukwueze Bereaved Following Mother’s Passing
The family of Super Eagles and Fulham forward Samuel Chukwueze has announced the passing of their mother, with emotional tributes shared by his brother on Instagram.
Reports indicate she died after a brief illness. Condolence messages have already spread through the football community as the family prepares burial arrangements.
The loss comes as Chukwueze is expected to return to club duties following his recent international commitments.
Echotitbits take: Losing a parent is a massive blow, especially for a player who often credits family support for his rise. Expect Fulham to grant compassionate leave, and don’t be surprised if his return to action carries a visible emotional edge.
Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/super-eagles-forward-samuel-chukwueze-loses-mother-after-brief-illness/ 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: Vanguard -
Wilfred Ndidi goes viral after shielding a little girl from the rain before kickoff
In a post shared by @power_of_africa, Wilfred Ndidi was captured using his body to cover a little girl from the rain—an unscripted moment that fans are reposting as proof of humility and character beyond football. The clip spread quickly across X and Facebook pages, with many calling it the “real captain energy” type of gesture that sticks with kids forever.
Echotitbits take: Athletes are brands, and “human moments” are the strongest currency. If Ndidi’s club or Nigeria’s football media teams pick this up, expect it to be used in community campaigns and player-profile storytelling.
Source: Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/61562612382338/posts/-nigerian-captain-wilfred-ndidi-covering-the-little-girl-from-rainfall-before-th/122148902594420412/?_rdc=1&_rdr# January 28, 2026
Photo Credit: Facebook -
Victor Osimhen Sparks Social Media Frenzy After Galatasaray Masterclass
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen delivered another headline performance for Galatasaray, scoring a decisive brace in a high-stakes league match and sending fan engagement surging across social platforms.
His signature celebration and emotional tribute have amplified the conversation about his future, with speculation ranging from a permanent stay in Turkey to a major summer transfer to a Premier League giant.
Beyond the pitch, Osimhen’s community-facing presence in Istanbul—through fan interactions and charity appearances—has strengthened his standing as more than a goal scorer in Turkish football culture.
Echotitbits take: Osimhen is currently among the most marketable Nigerian athletes globally. His Turkey run is not just football—it is brand redemption. Wherever he goes next, he will likely take a large, highly engaged fan base with him, making him premium inventory for sponsors.
Source: Pulse Sport – https://www.pulsesports.ng/lifestyle/story/king-osimhen-rises-by-100000-followers-after-destroying-mourinhos-fenerbahce-in-turkish-cup-2025040309183028214 2026-01-26
Photo Credit: Pulse Sport -
Akor Adams’ Lumumba-inspired pose sparks conversation after Nigeria’s AFCON win
Reporting by BellaNaija indicates that Super Eagles striker Akor Adams triggered a wave of online debate after Nigeria’s 2–0 AFCON quarter-final win over Algeria, thanks to a still, raised-arm celebration some interpreted as a Patrice Lumumba tribute.
The outlet notes the gesture was framed on social media as an intentional salute, and the moment quickly moved from sports highlight to cultural symbol—fueling commentary far beyond football.
As with many viral sports moments, interpretation is doing the heavy lifting: supporters see meaning and solidarity, while critics debate appropriateness and context.
- PUNCH Sports Extra reports Adams “paid tribute to Patrice Lumumba” after scoring in Nigeria’s win. (PUNCH — website)
- The Guardian’s live coverage of the match notes Adams “sealed the victory” as Nigeria beat Algeria 2–0. (The Guardian — live blog)
Echotitbits take: This is the new sports-media loop: one gesture becomes a story, then a symbol, then a controversy. Watch whether the player or team gives more context—and whether commentators keep it focused on the win or widen it into politics and identity debates.
Source: BellaNaija — January 10, 2026 — https://www.bellanaija.com/2026/01/akor-adams-lumumba-celebration-afcon/
BellaNaija 2026-01-10
Photo Credit: BellaNaija
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Osimhen’s touchline flare-up sparks renewed debate on leadership and temperament
Figures cited by The Guardian Nigeria highlight renewed concern about Victor Osimhen’s on-field temperament following a reported incident involving teammate Ademola Lookman.
Other coverage suggests the situation may be contained internally, as unity messages and reports of apologies circulated afterward.
The episode shows how one sideline moment can dominate the story cycle more than the result itself in today’s social-first sports media.
- AP via SMDailyJournal (Web): “Just football… together always.”
- Soccernet.ng (Web): “Osimhen… apologised to Lookman…”
Echotitbits take: Star players now manage two games—on the pitch and online. Watch for official team comments, future lineup dynamics, and whether leadership narratives affect public-brand positioning.
Source: The Guardian Nigeria — 2026-01-09 —https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/848216-why-osimhens-temperament-matters-as-much-as-his-goals.html
Source: The Guardian Nigeria 2026-01-09
Photo Credit: The Guardian Nigeria