Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian U20 international Victor Eletu extends AC Milan contract
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian U20 international Victor Eletu extends AC Milan contract

AC Milan has confirmed a contract extension for Nigerian U20 international Victor Eletu, therefore guaranteeing the midfielder’s future at the San Siro until at least 2027.

With a two-year extension maintaining him at the club until 2027 and an option for a third year, Eletu agreed to the extension before the 2025-26 season.

The 20-year-old continues to be a highly regarded prospect inside the Milan youth system despite a string of injuries. Italian transfer specialist Gianluca DiMarzio asserts that Eletu is considered essential to AC Milan’s plans. This fresh contract shows their dedication to his recovery and development.

Eletu was a great performer for AC Milan’s Primavera (U19) team before his injuries, where his strong midfield game and leadership qualities were praised.

The contract specifies a clear development path for Eletu as he will be included in the club’s newly created U23 team for the next season, which will be competing in Serie D. His role and new contract with the U23 team offer a clear road ahead for his development.

Though he saw no playing time, Eletu was among the AC Milan squad for one Serie A game and two Europa League matches. On the global scene, he also distinguished himself as a key member of the Flying Eagles squad at the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Aminata Bangura back in SLFA's Presidential race after CAS ruling
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Aminata Bangura back in SLFA’s presidential race after CAS ruling

A provisional ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has reinstated Aminata Bangura in the race to contest the presidency of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) in Saturday’s elective congress.

Bangura was disqualified from the shortlist of four contenders after the SLFA alleged that she had falsified her police clearance. But she challenged the decision by filing an appeal with CAS last week. The matter is far from over, though, as the court points out in its six-page ruling, stating that a final ruling could affect Bangura’s appeal regardless of the outcome of the election.

The elective congress will take place in Port Loko on 2nd August with two other candidates on the ballot. Babadi Kamara and Alhaji Umaru Bah join Bangura in Saturday’s election. The incumbent, Thomas Daddy Brima, who was disqualified after the FA’s integrity checks, failed to win a court injunction to postpone the congress.

The process leading up to Saturday’s election has been fraught with controversy as various parties accuse each other of political interference and other dark tactics, including intimidation. It is unclear when a final ruling will be issued by CAS, but based on the stipulated timelines, it could take weeks to conclude.

Everton's move delights Moroccan International Adam Aznou
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Everton’s move delights Moroccan International Adam Aznou

New Everton arrival Adam Aznou has said that a chat with boss David Moyes convinced him to join the team. (Photo Everton)

The Morocco international signed with Everton on Tuesday for a cost of about €9 million, therefore ending his three-year tenure at Bayern Munich.

A graduate of Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, Aznou relocated to Germany in 2022 and made his first-team debut for Bayern against Union Berlin on November 2, 2024.

Spending the second half of the 202425 season on loan at La Liga team Real Valladolid, the 19-year-old left-back made 13 appearances and gathered priceless experience.

Aznou expressed his anticipation about playing in what he thought to be the finest league in the world and described Everton’s new stadium as “perfect”.

“I’m so happy to be here. I am honoured to be a member of this team. The project they provided me is truly excellent,” the adolescent told evertontv. “I am very eager to get started as the Premier League is the top league in the world.” The stadium is lovely. For our supporters, it generates the perfect ambience. For us, it is ideal.

“Moyes discussed the team with me and how he expects me to help. I decided immediately following our chat. Encouraged by his words, I chose to sign.

Moyes remarked, “We are delighted to bring Adam to Everton. He is a young, gifted player with a great future. Finding left-backs is difficult, and we’re happy to have a young player who we hope will grow while at Everton.

Kumba Brima nets four goals on her UEFA Champions League debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kumba Brima nets four goals on her UEFA Champions League debut

Sierra Leone’s Kumba Zainab Brima had an outstanding UEFA Women’s Champions League debut, scoring four goals for Riga FC Women in the first qualifying round semi-finals held at the Stade Achille Hammerel stadium in Luxembourg.

Her goals came in the 11th, 18th, 24th, and 55th minutes during their 4-1 victory over FC Flora, an Estonian professional football club based in Tallinn. Kristina Teern scored in the 27th minute for Flora.

Brima, a key player for Riga’s women’s team, has a valuable opportunity to showcase her skills on a prominent stage. Recently, she scored a hat-trick in their 10-0 win against FC Metta.

The second semi-final of the tournament features Racing FC Union Luxembourg going up against AEK Athens at 20:00.

The winners will advance to the final, while the losers will compete for third place. Only the tournament champion will qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Kumba Brima set for UEFA Champions League tie against FC Flora
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kumba Brima set for UEFA Champions League tie against FC Flora

Sierra Leone international Kumba Zainab Brima is set to compete in the UEFA Women’s Champions League with FC Riga’s women’s team. They will face FC Flora in the semi-finals of Group I today in Luxembourg at 14:00 Estonian time.

Brima, who has been a key player since joining Riga’s ladies, has a valuable opportunity to showcase her skills on the big stage. The second semi-final of the tournament features Racing FC Union Luxembourg against AEK Athens at 20:00.

The winners will advance to the final, while the losers will compete for third place, with only the tournament champion qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Champions League proper.

FC Flora midfielder Karola Purgats expressed confidence despite prior travel issues, emphasizing the team’s strong desire to win. She noted a previous loss to Riga FC but remains focused on the semi-final.

Coach Ljubov Maksimova highlighted the effective collaboration with head coach Aleksandra Ševoldajeva, who brings international experience and strategic insights.

The team is focusing on game situations and improving confidence. FC Flora has 18 players available, but Kristina Tullus and Eva-Maria Niidu are unlikely to participate due to injuries.

Getafe CF sign Moroccan defender Abdelkabir Abqar until 2028
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Getafe CF sign Moroccan defender Abdelkabir Abqar until 2028

Moroccan central defender Abdelkabir Abqar has agreed a three-year deal, ending June 30, 2028 with Getafe CF.

Having left Deportivo Alavés, where he made 29 La Liga appearances last season, the 25-year-old was a free agent. Trained at the Mohammed VI Academy, Abqar signed with Alavés in 2017 and was elevated to the first team in 2022.

Hoping to draw on Abqar’s knowledge and abilities, Getafe wants to improve its defense for the 2025-2026 season.

Abqar’s signing marks a fresh start in his career as he also aims to establish himself on the Moroccan national team.

“Getafe CF has reached an agreement with Moroccan centre-back Abdel Abqar to join the club for the next three seasons , until June 30, 2028. 

At 26, Abqar is a full international for his country and arrives at Getafe on a free transfer after spending the last five seasons with Deportivo Alavés, with whom he rose to the top flight of Spanish football and where he has played 56 matches over the last two seasons,” the Spanish announced.

Gambian international Alieu Fadera joins Sassuolo on loan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Gambian international Alieu Fadera joins Sassuolo on loan

Looking for more regular playing time in the 2025-26 season, Gambian international Alieu Fadera has completed his  loan transfer to US Sassuolo.

23-year-old Fadera is leaving Como for Sassuolo looking for a new beginning in Serie A. Starting his career at Real de Banjul, the Gambian international had a strong season at Como, playing 28 games, but lost his starting position in February after receiving a red card.

Starting in Slovakia with Pohronie, where he scored 5 goals and added 4 assists in the 2020/21 campaign, his path in European football began there. He next played in Belgium for Zulte Waregem and KRC Genk.

Ten appearances in qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2026 FIFA World Cup make Feder ten times valuable player for the Gambia national team. Preparing for the Coppa Italia game against Catanzaro on August 15, he is now with Sassuolo for preseason training.

Morocco first to touch down in Kenya ahead of CHAN 2024
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco first to touch down in Kenya ahead of CHAN 2024

Ahead of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, Morocco has arrived.

Landing in Nairobi, the team is eager to get ready for the competition hoping to be the first to lift the CHAN championship three times.

At 4:00 am local time on Monday morning, the Atlas Lions arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to be greeted by a vibrant East African welcome highlighting energetic traditional dancers and music. 

Hoping to create history as the first team to secure the CHAN trophy for the third time, the North African giants are quickly getting set as they prepare for their first match.

“We are excited to be here and ready for CHAN,” stated AS FAR defender Marouane Louadni, who added that Nairobi is already great and that the weather is amazing. We cannot wait for a successful competition.

On Saturday, August 2 marks the start of the competition for national league players only, highlighting regional ability. Other Groups Soon after Morocco are scheduled to arrive.

On Sunday they start their Angola campaign. Two-time winners Morocco is in Group A with Kenya, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia, and is widely regarded as a clear frontrunner.

Mustapha Bundu's Hannover beat Cagliari in a test Friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu’s Hannover beat Cagliari in a friendly

In their last test before the new season, Mustpah Bundu’s Hannover 96 defeated Italian Serie A club Cagliari Calcio 2-0 at the Heinz von Heiden Arena. The Sierra Leone International played for 760 minutes of the contest.

Hannover 96 will kick-start their Bundesliga 2 campaign against Kaiserslautern on August 3rd at their Heinz von Heiden-Arena at 12:30 pm.

Bundu was Hannover 96’s tenth summer signing: Attacker Mustapha Bundu joins the Maschsee on a free transfer from English second division club Plymouth Argyle.

He arrived with a 16-goal assist in the Championship last season. The Sierra Leone international signs a three-year contract until June 30, 2028.

Osman Kakay makes Niké Liga debut in Kosice defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kakay makes Niké Liga debut in Kosice defeat

Sierra Leone international Osman Kakay played his first FK Košice Slovakia Niké Liga match on Sunday against Podbrezová at the ZELPO Aréna, but the team suffered a 3-1 defeat.

Four adjustments to the starting lineup made by Coach Roman Skuhravý were in contrast to the cup game versus Grodno. Three changes were made in the midfield: Kakay, Jakúbek and Dimun replaced the trio of Madleňák, Zsigmond and Čerepkai. Jones changed Mijanić in attack.

Following a 3-2 loss in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League versus Neman Grodno from Belarus on Thursday, this marked their second straight defeat. In this game, Kakay, 27, made his first start for the club.

In the rematch of the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League, set for 8:00 p.m. on neutral ground in Szeged, Hungary, Thursday, July 31, 2025, they will face the Belarusian Neman Grodno next.