Tolu Arokodare scored his first Premier League goal, but it wasn't enough to prevent Wolverhampton Wanderers from falling to a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Arokodare, who was dropped from Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations squad earlier this week, rose highest to power home a header in the 90th minute, giving Wolves a glimmer of hope.

However, it was not to be, as Arsenal's Bukayo Saka scored a late winner, diverting the ball into the net via Yerson Mosquera's own goal in the fourth minute of added time.

The match was a dramatic encounter, with two own goals and a pulsating finish.

Arsenal had taken the lead through a Sam Johnstone own goal in the 70th minute, but Arokodare's stunning header had levelled the scores just moments before the dramatic finale.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

English outfits, Crystal Palace and Birmingham City are vying for the signature of Basel striker Philip Otele, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 26-year-old Nigerian forward has impressed since joining Basel from UAE Pro League club Al Wahda, scoring nine goals in 18 appearances during his initial six-month loan spell.

Otele's move to Basel was made permanent at the end of the 2024/25 season, and he has continued to shine, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 16 appearances for the Swiss club this season.

The interest from Crystal Palace and Birmingham City comes as Otele's stock continues to rise, with other clubs reportedly keeping tabs on the striker's progress.

Fulham and Eintracht Frankfurt have also been linked with Otele, who has proven himself to be a versatile and prolific goal-scorer.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Fulham head coach Marco Silva has confirmed that the club has not yet opened talks with Samuel Chukwueze over a permanent transfer, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The news of the Nigerian forward move to London on full has been on the back the winger's impressive performances since joining on loan from AC Milan.

Chukwueze, who has scored two goals and registered three assists in seven league appearances, is reportedly keen to remain at Craven Cottage beyond this season, and Fulham has an option to buy him for between £22-26m.

However, Silva is relaxed about the situation, expressing confidence that the deal will be done at the right time.

"No talks," Silva said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

"We have protected ourselves with the deal. He's been very good for us; let's hope he can do the same things in the next 1-2 games. We have an option with him."

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Samuel Chukwueze delivered an outstanding performance on his full Premier League debut as Fulham secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian winger was Fulham’s standout performer in the first half, recording the most touches in the opposition box (6), most chances created (2), and most completed take-ons (2) His impressive display earned him the Premier League Player of the Match award.

Chukwueze also provided the assist for Fulham’s opening goal, continuing his fine form after registering an assist in his previous league match.

Fulham started brightly, racing into a two-goal lead with quick-fire strikes from Kenny Tete and Harry Wilson in the 4th and 6th minutes. Tottenham fought back in the second half, and Mohammed Kudus halved the deficit in the 59th minute, but Marco Silva’s men held firm to claim all three points.

Chukwueze featured for 80 minutes before being replaced by Kevin, while fellow Nigerians Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey also played key roles in the victory. Iwobi made way late on for Timothy Castagne as Fulham closed out a resilient away win.

Uche Dozie 

Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka has praised his loan spell at Augsburg, saying it was a crucial step in his development and career, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian international spent the 2024/25 season with the Bundesliga club, making 31 league appearances.

Onyeka, 27, has rediscovered his form under Brentford manager Keith Andrews this season, registering two assists in nine appearances across all competitions.

Reflecting on his time at Augsburg, Onyeka said the loan was a valuable experience that helped him grow as a player.

"I've had a great time at Augsburg," Onyeka said.

"The loan was a boost to my development and career. I was able to play regularly and gain valuable experience in the Bundesliga."

Onyeka's impressive performances at Augsburg earned him a recall to the Brentford fold, and he has quickly become a key player for the Bees.

With his contract set to expire in 2026, Onyeka's strong performances have sparked interest from several clubs.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun  

Fulham defender, Calvin Bassey has identified Liverpool's Mohamed Salah as the most challenging player he has faced in the Premier League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

In a 'Best Friend Test' interview with Sky Sports alongside teammate Alex Iwobi, Bassey praised Salah as an "unbelievable player" who consistently forces defenders into difficult situations.

Bassey, who has faced Salah on multiple occasions, noted that the Egyptian forward's pace, dribbling, and movement make him a handful to defend against.

He particularly highlighted their battles in matches between Fulham and Liverpool, where Bassey often finds himself directly facing Salah due to the teams' formations.

Beyond his skills on the pitch, Bassey also commended Salah's impact on African football, describing him as the most influential African player in the Premier League.

He believes Salah has brought global recognition to the continent's football in a way that stands out in this generation.

“Mohamed Salah is unbelievable. He is such a baller. When you get dragged out to defend him, you are in trouble,” Bassey said.

“Obviously, when we play Liverpool, we usually go half man-for-man, so I will often face him directly.

“I have played against him twice, and he is always a handful.”

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager, Vitor Pereira was pleased with Tolu Arokodare's performance on his Premier League debut against Newcastle United,  Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Arokodare started the match at St. James' Park and played 66 minutes before being replaced by Jhon Arias.

Despite the team losing 1-0, Pereira was satisfied with the 24-year-old Nigerian striker's display, considering he had only one training session with the team before the match.

“He (Arokodare) did well, of course he is not in the physical condition to do better,” Pereira told the club’s official website.

Arokodare may not have had a significant impact on the game, but he did enough to impress Pereira.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare is poised to join Wolverhampton Wanderers in a deal worth €27 million, making him the most expensive outgoing in KRC Genk's history, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 24-year-old will undergo medical tests on Saturday before finalizing his transfer to the Premier League club.

Sander Berge's €25 million move to Sheffield United in 2020 holds the most expensive transfer before now.

- *Arokodare is expected to bolster Wolves' attacking options, having scored 40 goals in 112 appearances for Genk since joining in 2023

Arokodare's impressive form last season, where he emerged as the top scorer in the Belgian Pro League with 21 goals, has caught the attention of several top clubs.

Wolves moved swiftly to secure his signature, outmaneuvering interest from European giants AC Milan and Napoli.

The transfer is expected to be finalized soon, with Arokodare set to sign a five-year contract with Wolves.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Fulham are reportedly targeting Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze as a potential replacement for Adama Traore, who is attracting interest from Nottingham Forest, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to Calciomercato, Chukwueze is seen as an ideal substitute by the Whites, who previously attempted to sign the Nigeria international in January.

AC Milan, Chukwueze's current club, are willing to sell him for a fee between €15-20m after a relatively underwhelming two-year spell.

Chukwueze should the move see the light if the day, will be teaming if with his compatriots, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Italian side, Juventus are considering a move for Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigeria international has a €10.5m release clause following the club's relegation from the Premier League.

The 29-year-old defensive midfielder has attracted interest from several clubs, including Manchester United and Everton in the Premier League, as well as suitors in Saudi Arabia.

Ndidi joined Leicester City from KRC Genk in 2017 for €17m and has been a key player for the Foxes since then.

However, his future remains uncertain as he weighs up his options.

A decision on Ndidi's next move is eagerly awaited, with several top clubs including Everton, Fulham and Al Hilal monitoring.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has bid farewell to West Bromwich Albion after six years with the club, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 31-year-old centre-back announced his departure on social media after being released by the Baggies.

Thank you to everyone connected with @WBA for an incredible six years. To the staff, my teammates, and the fans — thank you for accepting me and embracing me in a way that truly made me feel at home,” Ajayi wrote on Instagram.

Ajayi joined West Brom from Rotherham United in 2019 and has now left the Hawthorns with his contract set to expire at the end of next month.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Newcastle United are reportedly in advanced talks with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of striker Victor Boniface, Nigeriasoccernet.com gathers.

According to German publication BILD, the deal is nearing completion.

The 24-year-old Nigerian international has scored 11 goals in 27 Bundesliga matches this season, despite struggling with injuries.

Boniface played a key role in Bayer Leverkusen's domestic double last season and joined the club from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023.

A potential move to Al Nassr fell through in January, but Newcastle United now appear to be closing in on signing the talented striker.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing a bid for Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 24-year-old's future at Leverkusen is uncertain, with manager Xabi Alonso potentially leaving for Real Madrid.

Boniface was close to joining Al Nassr in January, but the deal fell through. Juventus are also interested in signing him.

Leverkusen are open to selling Boniface for around £43 million.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun  

Ademola Lookman is wanted by several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Newcastle United, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The 27-year-old winger has impressed with Atalanta in Serie A and for Nigeria internationally.

He has contributed 25 goals (18 goals and seven assists) for Atalanta this season.

Lookman, who has previous Premier League experience with Fulham and Leicester City, according to CaughtOffside, may meet with the interested clubs soon.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

AC Milan are prepared to listen to offers for winger Samuel Chukwueze this summer, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The 25-year-old has failed to impress since joining the Rossoneri from Villarreal three years.

Chukwueze was close to joining Fulham in January and turned down a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia last summer.

Clubs in the Premier League, LaLiga, and Saudi Arabia remain interested in the Nigerian international.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Premier League club, Bournemouth is preparing a bid for Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 24-year-old has established himself as Udinese's first-choice goalkeeper in Serie A and has attracted interest from several top clubs.

Okoye, valued at around €7m, has three years remaining on his contract with Udinese. He joined the Zebras from Watford two years ago.

The goalkeeper has kept three clean sheets this season, showcasing his skills in the process.

AC Milan showed interest in Okoye last summer, and now Bournemouth has emerged as a potential suitor for his signature.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo is hopeful that defender Ola Aina and striker Taiwo Awoniyi will be available for the Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur next week, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Aina and Awoniyi have missed Forest's last two league games due to calf and hamstring injuries. The team lost both matches against Aston Villa and Everton.

"We need all the players," Nuno said. "It is going to be hard work to the end, so having all the players available would be helpful."

Forest currently sit third in the table, three points ahead of Newcastle United in fourth, and another defeat could jeopardize their chances of securing a Champions League spot.

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo is hopeful that Nigerian international Ola Aina will return to action soon after being sidelined with a calf injury, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Aina missed last weekend's match against Aston Villa and will also be unavailable for the upcoming fixture against Everton.

"For the next one, we hope. It's being assessed day by day," Nuno said.

"He spends countless hours at the training ground receiving treatment. We're doing everything we can to get him back as soon as possible."

The Super Eagles defender has made 30 Premier League appearances this season for Nottingham Forest, scoring twice.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has revealed his transfer preference amid links to Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United this summer, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigeria international is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, but his future plans are set to take him to the Premier League or Juventus.

Osimhen, 26, has enjoyed a successful loan spell in Turkey, scoring 28 goals in all competitions for Galatasaray, who are on the verge of winning the league title.

Despite previously hinting at a permanent move to Galatasaray, Osimhen is now targeting a summer transfer to England or Juventus, according to ESPN.

Galatasaray are expected to try to convince Osimhen to stay, but the attacker is believed to be keen on making the move.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Southampton manager,  Ivan Juric has left the club after their relegation from the Premier League was confirmed on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Croatian coach's tenure lasted just 108 days, during which he lost 12 of his 14 top-flight matches.

Juric's departure is reportedly due to a relegation clause, leaving behind Nigeria internationals Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu at Saint Mary's.

sealed after a 3-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, despite needing a combination of results to stay up.

The team finishes the season with a record-low 10 points after 31 matches and a goal difference of -51, having won just two and drawn four games this season.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun