Category: Football Africa

Destiny Efosa Egharevba joins AC Renate from Fiorentina
by FSL News

Destiny Efosa Egharevba joins AC Renate from Fiorentina

Italian-born Nigerian forward Destiny Efosa Egharevba, 21, has left Serie A club Fiorentina to join Serie C team AC Renate.

AC Renate announced the move on Friday, August 2. Egharevba signed a two-year contract that runs until June 30, 2026, with a club option for the 2026-2027 season.

Egharevba started his career at Chievo and then joined Fiorentina, where he won the Italian Cup and Italian Super Cup. However, he did not play for the senior team despite receiving four call-ups during the 2021-2022 season.

Egharevba spent the last two seasons in Serie C, playing 37 matches with Vis Pesaro, Fiorenzuola, and Recanatese.

Egharevba can play in multiple positions, including right winger, centre forward, right midfielder, left winger, or second striker. AC Renate will start their season against Pro Patria on August 25, 2024.

Sierra Leone's FC Kallon lost 2-1 to Remo Stars in Nigeria. The game took place during the Coal City Cup pre-season tournament in Enugu.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Opening Coal City defeat for FC Kallon in Nigeria

Sierra Leone’s FC Kallon suffered a 2-1 defeat against Remo Stars in Nigeria during the Coal City Cup pre-season tournament in Enugu.

The match was a brilliant display of skill and unwavering determination. Remo Stars made a stunning comeback, securing a thrilling 2-1 victory.

Both teams created chances, but FC Kallon took the lead in the 40th minute through Hassan Milla Koroma’s clever finish.

In the second half, Remo Stars equalized and then secured a 2-1 victory in the 90+2 minute. Coach Daniel Ogunmodede praised his team’s spirit and determination.

The Coal City Cup provides teams with a platform to prepare for the new season. Remo Stars’ win will be remembered as a highlight of this year’s competition.

Shooting Stars played to a 2-2 draw against host team Coal City.

In the tournament opener, Rangers International of Enugu defeated Enyimba on Thursday.

Agu Kenechukwu’s left-footed shot inside the box in the 51st minute turned out to be the match-winner for the reigning NPFL champions.

Norwich City’s Abu Kamara in Southampton radar
by FSL News

Norwich City’s Abu Kamara in Southampton radar

Southampton wants to sign Norwich City’s Abu Kamara as a winger this summer. According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, officially, the club is getting ready to show their interest in the 20-year-old player.

Both Saints’ manager Russell Martin and assistant Matt Gill are familiar with Kamara from their previous work at Carrow Road. However, Norwich is hesitant to let go of Kamara and plans to include him in Johannes Hoff Thorup’s first-team squad for the Championship this season.

Kamara, an England U20 international, has been consistently present in City’s pre-season matches and is highly regarded by Thorup. He aims to incorporate more young talent into the squad.

Kamara, the child of Sierra Leonean parents, is under contract with Norwich until 2025, with an option to extend for another year. In addition to Southampton, Jupiler sides and Belgian side Anderlecht have also shown interest in him.

Egypt clinch historic Olympic Games semi-final berth
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt clinch historic Olympic Games semi-final berth

At the Paris 2024 Games, Egypt made history by reaching the Olympic football semi-finals for the first time. They achieved this by beating Paraguay 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout.

The match was tied at halftime, but Paraguay scored first. However, Egypt managed to equalize with a late goal before winning in the penalty shootout. This means that Africa will have two teams in the semi-finals, with Egypt joining Morocco.

This success shows the growing strength of African football on the world stage. Egypt will now face tournament hosts France in the semi-final.

The Egyptian team is looking forward to this challenge and hopes to go even further in their quest for Olympic gold.

Egypt’s journey has captured the imagination of football fans worldwide, and the semi-final against France promises to be an exciting match.

Paris 2024 Olympics Fixtures | 05 August 2024

16h00 GMT | Morocco vs Spain

19h00 GMT | France vs Egypt

Mogbwemo Queens share CAF Champions League opening qualifier spoils with AS Mande
by FSL News

Mogbwemo Queens share opening qualifier spoils with AS Mande

Sierra Leone’s women’s champions, Mogbwemo Queens, opened their 2024 CAF Champions League Zone A qualifiers with a goalless draw against Malian side AS Mande at the Southern Arena in Bo City.

The Queens adopted a cautious approach at the onset of the match, meticulously observing their adversaries.

AS Mande took charge in the first quarter, fashioning three clear-cut chances but failing to capitalize on them. However, Mogbwemo Queens promptly escalated their efforts, disrupting AS Mande’s rhythm.

In the latter stages of the first half, the Queens had a remarkable opportunity in the final third but were unable to convert it.

Mogbwemo Queens’ forthcoming fixture is slated for August 5, 2024, against Aigles De La Médina from Senegal.

Meanwhile, Senegal’s Aigles de la Médina started with a 2-0 win over Red Scorpions of the Gambia in the competition’s second match at the same venue.

Mogbwemo Queens share CAF Champions League opening qualifier spoils with AS Mande
Mogbwemo Queens share CAF Champions League opening qualifier spoils with AS Mande
Senegal's Aigles de la Médina started with a 2-0 win over Red Scorpions of the Gambia
Senegal's Aigles de la Médina started with a 2-0 win over Red Scorpions of the Gambia
FC Kallon will kick start their highly anticipated Coal City International Cup opener against the formidable Remo Stars on August 2, which marks match day 2 in Enugu City, Nigeria.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s FC Kallon set for Remo Stars Coal City Opener

FC Kallon will kick start their highly anticipated pre-season Coal City International Cup opener against the formidable Remo Stars on August 2, which marks match day 2 in Enugu City, Nigeria.

The Coal City Cup is a yearly international football tournament held at The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, Nigeria. The first 11-day edition of the competition will take place from August 1-11, 2024. The Rangers International Football Club of Enugu will be the host team.

In 2024, the competition will feature four teams from the NPFL, including Kallon, and one other team from outside the country.

Head coach Mohamed Kallon has carefully selected his 23-man squad to represent the club and Sierra Leone on the international stage.

Eager to claim victory in their first match against Kano Pillars, Kallon FC is ready to start an exciting journey.

They will face Rangers on August 4 and then play against Remo Stars on August 5 to conclude the first round of matches.

In the tournament opener, Rangers International of Enugu defeated Enyimba on Thursday.

Agu Kenechukwu’s left-footed shot inside the box in the 51st minute turned out to be the match-winner for the reigning NPFL champions.

Sierra Leone's FC Kallon Set for Remo Stars Coal City Opener
Sierra Leone's FC Kallon Set for Remo Stars Coal City Opener
Birmingham City, Hull City, and Sierra Leone defender Curtis Davies has announced his retirement from football.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Former Villa, Leicester City and Sierra Leone defender retires

Birmingham City, Hull City, and Sierra Leone defender Curtis Davies has announced his retirement from football.

Davies, 39, who began his career at Wimbledon, made 686 first-team career appearances, including three for England U21, and has finally hung up his boots.

In October 2023, at age 38, Davies was called up to the Sierra Leone national team squad for their friendly matches against Benin and Somalia.

On 5 June 2024, Davies scored his first Sierra Leone international goal in a 2–1 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification win against Djibouti.

“The day has finally come… After much deliberation over the last few months, I have decided to retire from football. Growing up as a kid, I simply wanted to be a footballer.

So, to have been able to play and score at Wembley, play in the Premier League, and represent both England U21 and Sierra Leone during my 23 years truly was a dream come true.

There have been plenty of ups and maybe even more downs, but all combined it made my journey a very special one.” Davies announced his retirement on Twitter.

In 2005, Davies joined West Bromwich Albion, where he made 35 starts and scored two goals in his first season with Albion, which ended with the club being relegated to the Championship.

In July 2006, he signed a new four-year contract and was appointed captain permanently, having captained the team on several occasions during the previous season to become the club’s second-youngest captain of all time.

Davies had spells at Aston Villa, Leicester City, Hull City, and Cheltenham Town.

Senegal striker Ismaïla Sarr is Crystal Palace's latest acquisition
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal striker Ismaïla Sarr is Crystal Palace’s latest acquisition

Crystal Palace has signed Senegal’s forward Ismaïla Sarr on a five-year deal, making him the club’s third summer transfer window signing.

The 26-year-old forward has extensive experience in English football, playing for Watford and Marseille. He also played in France for Metz and Rennes.

Ismaïla Sarr has 64 appearances for the Senegal national team, scoring 13 goals. He won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021. He received Goal of the Season awards in the Football League and the Europa League.

Crystal Palace’s management has expressed belief in Sarr’s abilities. Manager Oliver Glasner highlighted Sarr’s successes and expressed confidence in his potential contribution to the squad.

Sarr expressed delight in joining Crystal Palace and his commitment to making a valuable contribution. Crystal Palace extends a warm welcome to Ismaïla Sarr and best wishes for his upcoming career with the team.

Nigeria and Zambia end Women's Olympic Football adventure
by FSL News

Nigeria and Zambia end Women’s Olympic Football adventure

The Super Falcons and Zambia Queens suffered defeats on the final day of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, as they were beaten by Japan and Germany, respectively.

Nigeria lost 3-1 to Japan in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, Paris 2024. This was their third loss in a row. Despite the support of the fans, the Super Falcons couldn’t find their rhythm, and Japan took advantage of their weaknesses.

Riko Ueki passed the ball to Maika Hamano for an easy goal to break the tie. Mina Tanaka scored the second goal after Ueki’s powerful header hit the crossbar.

Nigeria got a glimmer of hope when Jennifer Echegini cleverly passed with Christy Ucheibe and scored from outside the box. However, Japan sealed a morale-boosting 3-1 victory with a fantastic free-kick from Kitagawa.

Japan 3-1 Nigeria – Goals Japan scorers: Hamano (22), Tanaka (32), Kitagawa (45+5) Nigeria scorers: Echegini (42)

In Group B, Zambia’s team captained by Barbara Banda, scored six goals and conceded thirteen in the three games, resulting in their elimination from the tournament.

Germany and the US both qualified for the next stage after Germany’s win over Zambia. Lea Schuller scored a great solo goal in the first half, followed by Klara Buhl’s goal in the second half.

Barbra Banda scored for Zambia, but Germany secured the win with another goal from Schuller and a late goal from Elissa Sens.

Zambia 1-4 Germany – Goals Zambia scorer: Banda (49) Germany scorers: Schuller (10, 61), Buhl (47), Sens (90+7)

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho joins Spanish side Sevilla
by FSL News

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho joins Spanish side Sevilla

Spanish side Sevilla FC has officially confirmed the signing of Nigerian international and former Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho.

Iheanacho’s contract with Leicester City ended in June after seven years with the club. “Kelechi Iheanacho (Imo, Nigeria, 03/10/1996) is now a new Sevilla FC player, the fifth signing for this 24/25 season after Ejuke, Peque, Saúl and Sambi.

He has signed for two seasons, with the option for one more, arriving on a free transfer after his time at Leicester City,” the Spanish side noted about the Nigerian International.

Iheanacho played in just half of Leicester’s 46 Championship matches last term, starting 10, with Jamie Vardy as the first-choice starting striker.

The move to Sevilla aims to replace Youssef En-Nesyri after the Moroccan striker joined Fenerbahce earlier this month. Iheanacho is Sevilla’s second striker signing of the summer transfer window after Peque, a former Spain youth international, joined from Racing Santander.

Iheanacho joined Leicester City in 2017 after spending time on loan in their youth academy. For the Premier League champions in 2015/16, he played 232 matches, scoring 61 goals and providing 34 assists until the last campaign 23/24.

The new Sevilla striker has also played 19 European competition matches, with 7 games in the Champions League, 11 in the UEFA Europa League, and one in the Conference League. To date, Iheanacho has played 55 matches and scored 19 goals with the senior team. His greatest achievement came in 2017 with the U-17 World Championship win.