Category: Sport News

Nigeria's Stanley Nwabali set to depart Chippa United
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali set to depart Chippa United

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has officially handed in his request to part ways withย Chippa Unitedย after spending four years at the club.

In a statement published on Thursday, Chippa United verified Nwabali’s exit, stating that the 29-year-old requested official leave despite signing a three-year contract extension in 2024. The club said it had approved his request and given him a discharge.

Chippa United Football Club praised Stanley Nwabali for his years of service, commitment, and professionalism, and wished him success in his future endeavours. The club has not disclosed if he will be a free agent or if a move is already in place, and Nwabali has remained silent about his next destination.

With his profile rising over the last two seasons, Nwabali is attracting interest from teams in the Premier Soccer League, as well as clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia. He joined Chippa United from Katsina United in 2022 and made over 70 appearances.

His leadership was recognized after he became club captain in 2024. Nwabali also established himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, particularly with strong performances at the Africa Cup of Nations. His departure signals the end of a significant chapter in his career, with anticipation about his next move.

๐’๐‹๐…๐€'s ๐๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ข๐๐ž๐ง๐ญ Kamara p๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐…๐ˆ๐…๐€ ๐๐š๐๐ ๐ž๐ฌ ๐ˆ๐ง๐ญ๐ž๐ซ๐ง๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐š๐ฅ ๐Ž๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ข๐œ๐ข๐š๐ฅ๐ฌ
by Football Sierra Leone

SLFA president Kamara presents FIFA Badges to officials

Five referees and assistant referees who would referee international games in 2026 received FIFA badges from Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Mr. Babadi Kamara.

On Wednesday, February 4, at the SLFA Headquarters in Kingtom, the event began. This event is central to the Association’s efforts to raise Sierra Leone’s visibility in international football and to raise match refereeing.

FIFA released a list of international match officials for the year, including five centre referees and five assistant referees from Sierra Leone, so the presentation came after that. The six males and four women chosen demonstrate SLFA’s dedication to including women and fostering female referees throughout the nation.

President Babadi Kamara of SLFA praised them for their accomplishments in his remarks and urged them to uphold strict moral, fairness, and professionalism.

He underlined the need of openness, discipline, and excellence in umpiring. He pointed out that their conduct on the field mirrors not only who they are but also the state of Sierra Leonean football globally.

Praising the officials for their efforts and commitment, the Sierra Leone Football Association wished them luck as they represent Sierra Leone in international football competitions.

Listed are the FIFA International Match Officials

๐‘๐ž๐Ÿ๐ž๐ซ๐ž๐ž๐ฌ
๐Ÿ. ๐”๐ฆ๐ฎ ๐Œ๐š๐ซ๐š๐ก (๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ)
๐Ÿ. ๐‘๐š๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ ๐Œ. ๐‚๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ž๐ก (๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’)
๐Ÿ‘. ๐€๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐š๐ญ๐š ๐…๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐š๐ก (๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’)
๐Ÿ’. ๐’๐ฎ๐ฅ๐š๐ข๐ฆ๐š๐ง ๐’. ๐Š๐š๐ฆ๐š๐ซ๐š (๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’)
๐Ÿ“. ๐Œ๐จ๐ก๐š๐ฆ๐ž๐ ๐๐จ๐œ๐ค ๐“๐š๐ซ๐š๐ฐ๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ (๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ”)

๐—”๐˜€๐˜€๐—ถ๐˜€๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ป๐˜ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ณ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐˜€

๐Ÿฒ. ๐—™๐—ฎ๐˜๐—บ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฎ ๐— ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐˜€๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐˜† (๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฎ)
๐Ÿณ. ๐—”๐—ด๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐—”. ๐—š๐—ฏ๐—น๐—ฎ (๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฑ)
๐Ÿด. ๐— ๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฑ ๐—”. ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ต (๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฑ)
๐Ÿต. ๐—ฆ๐—ฎ๐—ต๐—ฟ ๐—”. ๐—™๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐—ป (๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฑ)
๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฌ. ๐—”๐—น๐˜‚๐˜€๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฒ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ต (๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฑ)
Sierra Leone FA appoints Secretary General and Assistant
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone FA appoints Secretary General and Assistant

Mohamed Benson Bawoh has been appointed as the new General Secretary of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), with Ishmail Saidu Kanu serving as the Deputy General Secretary. Both appointments take effect immediately.

This decision followed a meeting of the SLFA Executive Committee, which emphasized the Association’s commitment to enhancing its administrative framework and ensuring effective football management throughout the country.

In a statement, the Executive Committee expressed confidence in the leadership qualities and professional experience of both individuals, highlighting that their roles will be crucial in advancing the Association’s strategic objectives and ongoing football development initiatives.

Recognizing the importance of their contributions to the growth of football in Sierra Leone, the SLFA extended warm wishes to Mr. Bawoh and Mr. Kanu as they embark on their new roles.

Nigerian attacker Ademola Lookman pens Atlรฉtico Madrid deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian attacker Ademola Lookman pens Atlรฉtico Madrid deal

Nigerian International Ademola Lookman has joined Atlรฉtico Madrid on a contract to 30 June 2030 after completing a medical. The club said in a statement on Monday that the 28-year-old winger has signed for four and a half seasons.

Atlรฉtico had reached a preliminary agreement withย Atalantaย on Sunday, then formalised the transfer after tests and a contract signing at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in front of chief executive Miguel รngel Gil Marรญn. The fee is 35 million.

Atlรฉtico described Lookman as a versatile right-footer who can play as a second striker or as a winger on either flank, using pace and dribbling to unsettle defences.

Born in Wandsworth, United Kingdom, he later took Nigerian nationality. He came through Waterloo FC and Charlton Athletic, debuting for Charltonโ€™s first team in November 2015, then moved to Everton, Leipzig, Fulham and Leicester City before joiningย Atalanta in the summer of 2022.

In Bergamo, he was pivotal in Atalantaโ€™s first European trophy, the 2023-24 Europa League, scoring all three goals in the 3-0 final win over Xabi Alonsoโ€™s Bayer Leverkusen. He played 137 games, scoring 55 goals and supplying 27 assists.

Lookman represented England at the youth level and won the Under-20 World Cup in 2017. He made his Nigeria senior debut on 25 March 2022 and has 41 caps and 11 goals.

League One promotion-chasing Lincoln City sign Sierra Leone's Kamil Conteh
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

League One promotion-chasing Lincoln City sign Sierra Leone’s Kamil Conteh

Lincoln City have borrowed Bristol Rovers midfielder Kamil Conteh through the end of the season. On 2 February 2026, he joined Lincoln City on loan for the remainder of the season.

For the League Two strugglers Bristol Rovers this season, the 23-year-old has 34 appearances in all tournaments.

After first rising through the ranks at then-Premier League Watford, Conteh, 23, has logged almost 150 senior competitive career appearances.

Middlesbrough, Grimsby Town, and Bristol Roversโ€”EFL clubsโ€”he has subsequently visited. The January transfer window business for City concludes with Conteh’s arrival.

Conteh activated his release clause and signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Bristol Rovers on 26 January 2024 for around ยฃ300,000. He made his debut the next day, scoring in a 3-1 win over Oxford United.

However, manager Iรฑigo Calderรณn announced in March 2025 that Conteh was unlikely to play again that season due to a knee injury and subsequent bone infection.

After the team was relegated to League Two, Conteh returned from injury and scored the winning goal in a 1-0 EFL Trophy match against Plymouth Argyle in November 2025.

Sierra Leone's youth midfielder Hindolo Mustapha pens West Bromwich deal.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s youth midfielder Hindolo Mustapha pens West Bromwich deal

English Championship side West Bromwich Albion has signed Sierra Leone youngster Hindolo Mustapha on loan from Crystal Palace until the conclusion of the 2025โ€“2026 season.

Having won the Eagles’ Under-21 Player of the Season trophy for 2024/25, the 19-year-old shows up at The Hawthorns having scored 11 goals and seven assists in 29 games.

Having been capped three times by the national team of Sierra Leone, Mustapha first half of the present semester on loan in Germany with 2. Bundesliga club 1. FC Nรผrnberg.

Following on from fellow attacking midfielder Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, who signed on loan from Aston Villa just hours previously, Hindolo is the second fresh member of the Baggies first-team roster on deadline day.

The Teenager claims the move to the West Midlands presents him with a fantastic chance to exhibit his skill on the senior stage.

He exclaimed, “This opportunity really thrills me.” Hit the ground running and demonstrate my abilities.

โ€œI believe I can contribute positively and ideally advance the team up the Championship table.

“I love attacking and dribbling with the ball, opening chances for my team-mates and for myself. I’m eager to get started.

by Football Sierra Leone

Star Sport Academy is in talks regarding a collaboration with Besiktas

After an official visit to Turkey, Star Sport Academy Chairman Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally met with top officials of the prestigious club Besiktas, marking a significant step toward international collaboration.

Productive meetings were held with club leaders during the visit, including Serdar Topaktepe, Director of Academy, and Yagiz Berke, Director of External Relations, which helped to get a possible cooperation between Star Sport Academy and BeลŸiktaลŸ.

Long-term football growth, talent development, and knowledge sharing are among the goals of this possible cooperation.

Once completed, the collaboration is anticipated to provide fresh avenues for young athletes, coaching education, and worldwide exposureโ€”a significant turning point in Star Sport Academy’s goal of worldwide athletic greatness.

Serdar Topaktepe, Director of Academy - Besiktas
Serdar Topaktepe, Director of Academy - Besiktas
Star Sport Academy Chairman Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally met with the Turkish prestigious club Besiktas
Star Sport Academy Chairman Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally met with the Turkish prestigious club Besiktas
Four Coach Educators from Liberia to lead a CAF D Diploma coaching course
by Football Sierra Leone

Four Coach Educators from Liberia to lead a CAF D Diploma coaching course

The Liberia FA has confirmed that following a formal request from the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), four of their qualified Coach Educators will travel to Sierra Leone to help with CAF D License training.

Ten days over four locations will constitute the course’s span. The LFA confirmed that the delegation comprising Kesselee King Kanneh, Roberts N. Lartey, James Salinsa Debbah, and Sergeant Alhajee Omar Konneh will help to run a rigorous CAF D License Diploma coaching course.

This is a major stride for regional football growth and technical collaboration between the two Member Associations.

With a curriculum combining theoretical classroom teaching with on-field practical sessions, covering basic methods, tactics, and player management for young athletes, the CAF License D is an entry-level coaching qualification for grassroots and kids’ football.

Olympic Safi record vital win over Ivorian side San Pedro
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Olympic Safi record a vital win over Ivorian side San Pedro

Olympic Safi asserted a significant home win following a thrilling match where they narrowly defeated San Pรฉdro 2โ€“1 in their CAF Confederation tie on Sunday.

The Moroccans started the scoring in the 29th minute as Salaheddine Errahouli finished a quick counter-attack, slamming a right-footed strike into the top corner from the left side of the box to put Safi a deserved lead at the half.

After the break, San Pรฉdro showed more urgency and almost scored many times; most obviously, when Lacinรฉ Dosso struck the post from far range, and Alpha Karamoko compelled a strong save from goalkeeper Hamza Hamiani.

Late in the game, Olympic Safi increased their lead through the replacement Moussa Konรฉ, who coolly fired home from close range in the 88th minute to give the hosts full control.

San Pรฉdro pulled one back deep into stoppage time when Amalaman Allou converted from inside the box following an assist from Lacinรฉ Dosso, but the goal came too late to change the outcome as Olympic Safi held on for the win that puts them in second place behind USM Alger.

Olympic Safi 2โ€“1 San Pรฉdro
Zamalek edge Al Masry to maintain top spot in Confederation Cup
by FSL News

Zamalek edge Al Masry to maintain top spot in Confederation Cup

In a close Sunday evening match, Zamalek delivered a determined away showing to beat Al Masry 2โ€“1 to maintained their grip at the top of Group D in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The guests assumed the lead in the 22nd minute when Hossam Abdelmaguid struck his shot low into the corner from the penalty spot following a foul in the box.

Respond positively, Al Masry was rewarded in the 32nd minute as Salah Mohsen calmly converted a penalty of his own to even things following a handball decision.

Both teams sought a decisive goal in the second half, with opportunities at either end and several interruptions breaking the flow of the game.

Eventually finding the breakthrough in the 75th minute, Zamalek reacted quickest to a corner and fired a left-footed shot into the bottom corner from close range. Oday Dabbagh did so.

Late on, Al Masry searched for an equaliser, but Zamalek stood strong across seven minutes of additional time to grab all three points away from home.

Al Masry 1โ€“2 Zamalek