Category: Football Africa

Zimbabwe's defender Isaac Mabaya joins Wigan Athletic
by FSL News

Zimbabwe’s defender Isaac Mabaya joins Wigan Athletic on loan

Defender Isaac Mabaya has joined Wigan Athletic on loan from Liverpool until the finish of the 2025/26 season. Having made his first-team debut for Liverpool last season against Plymouth Argyle, the 20-year-old is a former England youth international.

The Premier League, EFL, and FA must all agree with this loan agreement. Mabaya’s seventh acquisition of the Summer Transfer Window gives Wigan’s defense much-needed depth.

Preston native Mabaya started at Liverpool when he was six years old. Reaching the U18s at merely 16, he climbed the ranks of the youth team. Training and playing in Asia during Liverpool’s 2022/23 preseason, he impressed with the first team under Jürgen Klopp and grabbed notice.

Mabaya spent most of his time with Liverpool’s senior Academy squad demonstrating his excellent physical ability after signing his first professional contract in summer 2023. Having been on the bench for Liverpool’s Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven recently, he made his professional debut in an FA Cup match against Plymouth Argyle early in 2025.

He will start with Wigan Athletic until the close of the 2025–26 Sky Bet League One campaign. Having formerly played against Lowe’s team in preseason, he hopes to get priceless senior football experience.

“I am happy to be here and cannot wait to begin,” Mabaya said. I think I can contribute something to the team after discussing my expectations with the Head Coach. I find the Gaffer’s approach of play quite appealing; I have had several discussions with him. This is a perfect opportunity for my career to expand. I am anxious to perform in front of the fans because I understand the importance the Club carries. I’m eager to play for the supporters since I have heard how crucial they are and how wonderful the audience is!

Ryan Lowe, head coach, remarked, “I have known Isaac for years.” He feels ready to play even if he has several injuries. Knowing his caliber, I almost signed him when I was at Preston North End. A strong right wingback, he will help our right-side performance. We observed him play for Liverpool U21s and he is fit and enthusiastic to be here. We are delighted to have him and feel he would be a wonderful asset to the team.

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.

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.

Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo express pride in United move
by FSL News

Cameroon International Bryan Mbeumo happy to play for United

Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo expressed his pride in playing for Manchester United. The right winger, born in France, joined the club from Brentford in a deal worth about £65 million for five years, with an option for one more year. (Photo Rio Show)

He is the third Cameroonian to sign with Manchester United, following midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba and current teammate Andre Onana.

In an interview with Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, Mbeumo shared how exciting it is to wear the team’s shirt. “I’m really proud because Manchester United has fans everywhere and is well-known around the world. When I return to Cameroon, it’s going to feel amazing,” Mbeumo said.

He was also asked about his inspiration in football. Mbeumo named four-time African Player of the Year Samuel Eto’o as a key figure in his career. “Samuel Eto’o is a great player. He scored many goals, and that’s what I wanted to do. I am now scoring goals and helping my team win. He was a big inspiration for me,” Mbeumo added.

Bryan Mbeumo played for six seasons at Brentford and helped the team move up from the English Championship. He came through the Troyes academy and has played 22 times for the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, scoring six goals.

Moroccan forward Zakaria Aboukhlal pens move to Torino
by Football Sierra Leone

Moroccan forward Zakaria Aboukhlal pens move to Torino

Morocco national team forward Zakaria Aboukhlal has transferred to Italy’s Serie A side Torino on a four-year contract and aims to improve Torino’s attack, which struggled last season.

Torino announced the signing of Aboukhlal, 25, on Tuesday after bringing him in from Toulouse, a club in France, for €8.5 million.

They finished 11th in the 2024-25 Serie A season, scoring only 39 goals in 38 matches. Aboukhlal, who started his career at PSV, is a versatile forward known for his ability to play on either wing. His best season was in 2022-23, where he scored 10 goals and provided 5 assists in 37 matches for Toulouse.

He is skilled, quick, and strong on the ball, which gives Torino manager Marco Baroni several options to boost the team’s offense. Aboukhlal will compete for playing time with players like Ché Adams, Antonio Sanabria, and returning Colombian Duván Zapata. His versatility can help complement the team’s other goal scorers.

Before the season starts, Torino will play friendly matches against AS Monaco and Valencia. They will begin their season with a Coppa Italia game against Serie B club Modena on August 18.

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.

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.

Super Falcons of Nigeria fight back from two goals down to WAFCON 2024 holders
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria fight back from two goals down to WAFCON 2024 holders

Nigeria won their tenth TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title by defeating Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic comeback.

The match took place at the Stade Olympique in Rabat. Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Nigeria’s Super Falcons rallied in the second half, with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and a late winner by Joe Echegini.

Morocco initially took the lead with goals from Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaâ Mssoudy before Nigeria’s comeback, sparked by a penalty awarded after a VAR review for a handball by Nouhaila Benzina.

Momentum shifted to Nigeria when Okoro provided a key pass to Ijamilusi in the 71st minute, who equalised with a left-footed shot.

The Super Falcons secured their victory just before extra time, as Esther Okoronkwo assisted Joe Echegini, who scored in the 88th minute. Despite late pressure from Morocco, Nigeria held strong during stoppage time.

This win marked Nigeria’s 10th African championship in 13 editions, reinforcing their dominance in African women’s football and sending a clear message that they remain the team to beat.

Eric Chelle names 23-man squad Super Eagles for CHAN
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Eric Chelle names 23-man Super Eagles squad for CHAN

With important Super Eagles B team members including captain Junior Harrison Nduka and leading scorer Anas Yusuf, head coach Eric Chelle has released his team for the forthcoming CHAN tournament.

Nine players from Remo Stars, winners of the Nigeria Premier Football League, have been chosen in his last 23-man team for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Before leaving for Zanzibar, where they will conduct a second-phase training camp and play warm-up games against Zanzibar, the team has been training at the Remo Stars Sports Institute.

Grouped with Senegal, Sudan, and Congo, Nigeria aspires to win their first CHAN championship following a runner-up in 2018 and bronze in 2014.

Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will host the 2–30 August tournament.

The Super Eagles B Squad 

Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena Ani (Enyimba FC); Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United); Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars)

Defenders: Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Bankole Afeez (Kwara United); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Uzondu Harrison (Ikorodu City); Junior Harrison Nduka (Remo Stars); Ngengen Leonard (Ikorodu City); Steven Mayo Egbe (Rivers United)

Midfielders: Adedayo Olamilekan (Remo Stars); Hadi Haruna (Remo Stars); Otaniyi Taofik (Rivers United); Akanni Qudus (Remo Stars); Michael Tochukwu (Remo Stars); Alex Oyowah (Remo Stars)

Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Shola Adelani (Ikorodu City); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Ijoma Anthony (Abia Warriors); Godwin Obaje (Rangers International); Jabbar Malik (Remo Stars)