Rangers manager Derek McInnes has expressed confidence that Nigerian defender Emmanuel Fernandez will play an even more influential role for the Scottish giants during the 2026/27 season, following an impressive debut campaign at Ibrox, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Fernandez, who joined Rangers from Peterborough United last summer, quickly established himself as an important member of the squad, scoring six goals in 33 appearances across all competitions despite the club missing out on the Scottish Premiership title.

Speaking in comments published by Rangers View, McInnes acknowledged the expectations placed on Fernandez and fellow youngster Youssef Chermiti after both arrived at the club with significant transfer fees.

"Both of them are relatively young, and they came with a lot of expectations on them with the price tag and the kind of profile," McInnes said.

The Rangers boss stressed that every player at the club is expected to compete for trophies, while recognising that younger players also need time to develop and fulfil their potential.

"I am pretty sure when you speak to these lads and everybody who signs for Rangers, they should all have that kind of inherent feeling that we are here to win things and be successful. But there is also, at that age, a development process," he added.

McInnes believes Fernandez and Chermiti have already demonstrated their quality and challenged both players to deliver those performances on a more consistent basis.

"Both lads, at their best last season, showed their real quality. The challenge for them and for me is to get their best more often. When they are on top of their game, both have got so much to offer at both ends of the pitch, and I think that hopefully we can see that," he said.

Fernandez will now be looking to build on his impressive first season at Ibrox as he aims to become one of Rangers' standout performers in the 2026/27 campaign.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) have declared winger Ismail Ayodele absent without official leave (AWOL) after he failed to report for the club's scheduled activities, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Ibadan-based club disclosed that the winger, who still has one year remaining on his current contract, has not resumed with the squad as expected ahead of preparations for the new season.

According to the club, Ayodele's absence constitutes a breach of his contractual obligations, stressing that the player remains under contract and is required to fulfil the terms of his agreement.

Shooting Stars have yet to announce any disciplinary measures against the winger, but indicated that the matter will be handled in accordance with the club's internal regulations and the provisions of his contract.

Former Gombe United chairman Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe has defended Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau over the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, while alleging that former NFF president Amaju Pinnick continues to wield significant influence within Nigerian football, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Gara Gombe, who is also the founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Athletics and Other Sports Development Commission, an advocacy group promoting transparency and accountability in sports administration, argued that it would be unfair to hold Gusau solely responsible for Nigeria's unsuccessful World Cup qualification campaign.

According to him, comments reportedly made by Pinnick, including his description of himself as a "life president" of the NFF and his claim that he still maintains regular contact with Super Eagles players, suggest that the former football administrator continues to play an influential role despite leaving office more than four years ago.

Gara Gombe questioned whether any former football federation president elsewhere in the world would publicly refer to himself in such terms, arguing that the remarks create the impression that Pinnick still sees himself as central to the administration of Nigerian football.

He also claimed that Pinnick's reported admission of maintaining close communication with members of the Super Eagles points to continued access to, and influence over, the national team.

The former Gombe United boss further recalled Pinnick's earlier public comments in which he allegedly said he had instructed former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr to include what he described as "my player, my quota" in Nigeria's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

According to Gara Gombe, those remarks reinforced long-standing concerns about administrative interference in team selection during Pinnick's tenure.

He also criticised the former NFF president for allegedly failing to publicly intervene when Super Eagles players reportedly threatened to boycott Nigeria's FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off over unpaid bonuses and allowances, arguing that Pinnick should have used his perceived influence to help resolve the situation.

Defending the current NFF leadership, Gara Gombe maintained that Gusau inherited longstanding structural and administrative challenges after assuming office and has since focused on stabilising the federation.

He insisted that many of the problems affecting the Super Eagles existed before the current administration and warned that unless the underlying issues within Nigerian football are addressed, the country could also miss out on qualification for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Gara Gombe further alleged that individuals associated with previous shortcomings in Nigerian football are attempting to shift responsibility for the World Cup qualification failure onto the present NFF leadership.

He called for greater transparency, accountability and honest self-assessment within Nigerian football, stressing that meaningful progress can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of the sport's recent setbacks rather than engaging in what he described as political scapegoating.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigeria Football Federation nor former NFF president Amaju Pinnick had publicly responded to the allegations.

National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko has clarified the controversy surrounding the ?6.44 billion budgetary provision linked to Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The clarification follows concerns raised by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who questioned why the allocation, listed in the 2026 Appropriation Act as "Special Presidential Support Group for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers," remained in the budget despite the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the tournament.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Atiku described the provision as puzzling and demanded an explanation for its inclusion.

"How does a serious government budget ?6.44 billion for presidential support for World Cup qualifiers after the country had already been eliminated?"

He also questioned who authorised the budget line, why it was retained in the appropriation, and what the allocation was intended to finance.

The budget provision has since sparked widespread public debate, with many calling for greater clarity over its purpose.

Responding to the concerns, Dikko dismissed suggestions of any irregularity, explaining that the controversy resulted from a misunderstanding of Nigeria's budget implementation process.

According to the NSC chairman, the allocation was originally included in the 2025 Appropriation Act to support the Super Eagles' FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign but was never released before the end of the fiscal year.

Despite the non-release of the funds, he said the commission proceeded with financing Nigeria's qualification campaign, including the playoff fixtures, through alternative funding sources.

Dikko explained that the Federal Government subsequently approved the rollover of unfunded 2025 budget provisions into the 2026 fiscal year to settle obligations for projects already executed or to complete outstanding programmes.

"A simple check would show that this budget sub-head has been in the Federal Government budget since the 2025 Appropriation Act to support the objectives for the World Cup qualifiers," Dikko said.

He further noted that although the Super Eagles eventually failed to qualify, the team completed its campaign after recovering from a difficult start to reach the playoff stage.

The NSC chairman also revealed that when the 2026 budget was being prepared, Nigeria still had an active petition before FIFA concerning the qualification process. According to him, this justified retaining the budget provision pending the outcome of the administrative proceedings.

Following the official end of Nigeria's World Cup qualification hopes, Dikko disclosed that the NSC worked with the National Assembly and the Budget Office to initiate a budget corrigendum, allowing the allocation to be legally redirected to support other Nigerian national teams participating in international competitions.

He explained that the use of a budget corrigendum is a recognised legal mechanism for correcting or amending provisions contained in the Appropriation Act.

Dikko insisted that the rollover complied with the Federal Government's budget implementation policy across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), stressing that budget provisions can be carried forward where projects have already been executed but the approved funds have yet to be released.

The debate has reignited calls for improved transparency and accountability in Nigeria's budgeting process, particularly regarding allocations for major national sporting programmes and other government-funded projects.

Nigeria's preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations have suffered a blow after the Super Falcons' scheduled pre-tournament friendly against Ghana's Black Queens was cancelled, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The highly anticipated encounter, popularly referred to as the "Jollof Derby," was due to take place on Saturday, July 18, at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca. However, the Super Falcons confirmed on Friday via their official X account that the fixture would no longer hold because of unforeseen circumstances.

“The friendly match between the Super Falcons and the Black Queens planned for Saturday, 18 July 2026, in Casablanca is off due to unforeseen circumstances.”

The fixture was expected to provide head coach Justine Madugu with a final opportunity to assess his squad before the start of the continental tournament. It would also have renewed one of African women's football's fiercest rivalries, with Ghana and Nigeria first meeting in the final of the inaugural Women's Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Nigeria in 1998.

The Super Falcons began their training camp in Casablanca earlier in the week, with Madugu overseeing the team's first training session at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli on Tuesday.

Among the early arrivals in camp were captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Fatima Oloko, defenders Oluwatosin Demehin, Glory Ogbonna, Christy Ucheibe, Shukurat Oladipo and Rofiat Imuran, midfielder Jennifer Echegini, and veteran forward Asisat Oshoala.

Nigeria heads into the tournament as defending champions and Africa's most successful women's national team, having lifted a record 10 WAFCON titles. The Super Falcons will now be aiming to secure an unprecedented 11th continental crown in Morocco.

Drawn in Group C, Nigeria will face Malawi, Zambia and Egypt, with all their group-stage matches scheduled to take place in Rabat. Their title defence begins against Malawi on July 28 before subsequent fixtures against Zambia and Egypt.

Ahead of the competition, Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga shared a light-hearted exchange with Oshoala during a pre-tournament panel featuring several African football stars, including Ghana's Cynthia Konlan and Egypt's Nadine Ghazi.

Oshoala jokingly challenged the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, over Nigeria's dominance in African women's football.

“Calm, sister, relax. You and Temwa need to calm down,” Oshoala said.

Chawinga responded with a smile:

“Super Falcons need to calm down. Do not give us 5-0, please. One-nil is enough.”

The humorous exchange has since gained widespread attention on social media, with supporters applauding the mutual respect and friendship between two of Africa's biggest stars, even as Malawi prepares to test itself against the reigning champions.

The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations will run from July 19 to August 8. The four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, while the fifth-placed team will earn a place in the intercontinental play-offs.

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has revealed his desire to pursue a career in football administration after retirement, saying Nigerian football can only progress if more former players are entrusted with leadership positions, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The former Nigeria skipper, who retired from international football in 2025 after making 83 appearances for the Super Eagles, disclosed that he has already begun preparing for life after playing by enrolling in educational programmes organised by the English Football Association.

Rather than becoming a coach, Ekong believes he can make a greater impact through administrative and governance roles within football.

“I have had so many people ask me about coaching the team; I am not sure that is something that I really want to do.

“I think there also need to be players that think about going one level above that, whether it is going to be in the boardroom, whether it is going to be working with federations, with FIFA, with CAF, whether the NFF. I think that is probably where you can make the biggest change,” Ekong told Brila FM.

The central defender admitted that football administration in Africa is often influenced by politics but maintained that former players possess the knowledge and experience required to help improve the game if given meaningful opportunities.

“It is a difficult landscape because in African football there is also a lot of politics involved. We have so many ex-players who have a great understanding of the game. I do not think we have seen enough ex-players getting involved from the top. For me in Nigerian football, it is about finding ways that we can collaborate and enhance the federation because we have been there; we have seen it,” he said.

Ekong cited several former footballers who have successfully transitioned into leadership positions, including Andriy Shevchenko and Samuel Eto’o, who both became presidents of their respective football federations, as well as Brazilian legend Zico, who served as his country's Minister of Sports.

“What I would love to do now, and the way I am preparing this part of my career, is to try and find ways where I can be part of the solution to see Nigeria reach bigger heights than we did when I was a player,” he added.

Ekong enjoyed an illustrious international career, representing Nigeria at the 2016 Olympic Games, the 2018 FIFA World Cup and multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He captained the Super Eagles to a runners-up finish at the 2023 AFCON, where he was named the tournament's Best Player.

His remarks come amid renewed discussions about the state of football administration in Nigeria following the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Former striker Peter Ijeh recently blamed poor administration and a lack of accountability for the team's struggles, while ex-captain John Obi Mikel criticised the country's football system during an appearance on Peter Crouch's podcast, revealing he had declined invitations to get involved due to disagreements with current officials.

However, former Nigeria international Oladimeji Lawal responded by urging Mikel to contribute practical solutions rather than public criticism, noting that, to his knowledge, the former Chelsea midfielder had not invested in any football academy or facility in Nigeria since retiring.

Rivers United have stepped up preparations for the 2026/27 season by adding several experienced Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) stars to their squad as they gear up for the CAF Champions League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Port Harcourt club has secured the services of former Enyimba captain Ekene Awazie and ex-Abia Warriors defender Imo Obot, who previously earned an invitation to the Super Eagles. Awazie joins as an experienced winger, while Obot is renowned for his proficiency from set-piece situations.

The Pride of Rivers have also completed the signing of defensive midfielder Salman Abubakar from Enyimba as coach Finidi George continues to reshape his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Other new arrivals include former Abia Warriors defender Innocent Gabriel, Kano Pillars centre-back Muktar Mohammed, Plateau United midfielder Chinemerem Ugwueze, Bayelsa United left-back Ubong Williams, and midfielder Alex Oyowah, who returns to Rivers United after spending the last two seasons with Remo Stars.

The newly recruited players have already joined their teammates in training at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Omagwa as preparations intensify for the forthcoming domestic and continental campaigns.

The club is yet to formally unveil the latest additions, with an official announcement expected soon.

"An official statement will be made soon," Rivers United's Head of Media, Charles Mayuku, said when contacted by Complete Sports.

Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga has playfully appealed to the Super Falcons to show mercy when both teams meet in their opening Group C fixture at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Nigeria will begin their quest for another continental title against Malawi on July 28 in Rabat, having also been drawn alongside Zambia and Egypt in Group C.

During a pre-tournament panel featuring some of Africa's leading women's football stars, including Ghana's Cynthia Konlan, Egypt's Nadine Ghazi and Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala, the Super Falcons forward jokingly reminded the Chawinga sisters of Nigeria's long-standing dominance in African women's football.

Responding with humour, Tabitha Chawinga laughed off the exchange and pleaded with the nine-time African champions not to hand Malawi a heavy defeat.

"Super Falcons need to calm down. Do not give us 5-0, please. 1-0 is enough," Chawinga said.

The light-hearted moment has since gained attention across social media ahead of the tournament.

Nigeria head into the competition as defending champions after staging a remarkable comeback to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the 2025 final and claim a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.

Meanwhile, the Super Falcons' scheduled friendly against Ghana's Black Queens in Casablanca was called off due to unforeseen circumstances.

The Nigerian squad opened camp in Casablanca earlier this week, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Asisat Oshoala, Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe, Oluwatosin Demehin, Glory Ogbonna, Fatima Oloko, Shukurat Oladipo and Rofiat Imuran among the early arrivals.

The 2026 WAFCON will take place from July 26 to August 16, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, while two additional teams will progress to the inter-confederation play-offs.

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has completed a free transfer to Turkish club Bursaspor following his departure from Scottish side Celtic, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigeria international arrives at the former Turkish champions as a free agent, bringing an end to his spell in Scotland and opening a new chapter in his career.

Bursaspor will be counting on Iheanacho's experience and proven goalscoring pedigree to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, while the 29-year-old is eager to reignite his career with regular football in Turkey.

The move also sees Iheanacho add another country to his football journey, having previously featured in England and Scotland before making the switch to the Turkish league.

German Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt have submitted an official bid for Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian international has emerged as one of the most sought-after midfielders in the summer transfer window following a series of impressive performances for Belgian champions Club Brugge.

Onyedika's future has become the subject of growing speculation as he enters the final year of his contract with the Belgian club, prompting interest from several top European sides.

Eintracht Frankfurt have now taken the initiative by making the first formal approach, as they look to reinforce their midfield ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Club Brugge are yet to decide on the Bundesliga club's proposal, while many other European teams continue to monitor the 25-year-old's situation closely.

With interest expected to intensify in the coming weeks, the race for Onyedika's signature remains firmly open as the summer transfer window gathers pace.

Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo says her priority at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations is helping Nigeria retain the title rather than pursuing individual honours, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Okoronkwo was one of Nigeria's standout performers at the previous edition of the tournament, scoring three goals and providing six assists in six appearances as the Super Falcons lifted the continental crown. Despite her impressive contributions, the 29-year-old did not receive an individual award.

The AFC Toronto forward was also nominated for the 2025 CAF Women's Player of the Year award, which was eventually won by Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak.

Reflecting on the upcoming tournament, Okoronkwo stressed that securing another title for Nigeria means far more to her than any personal recognition.

"Not necessarily. I already have motivation from our last win. I am not going into the next tournament because I did not win an individual award," Okoronkwo told CAFOnline.

"That has happened and is in the past. My focus is on repeating history and retaining the trophy. We won the trophy, and that is more important to me than an individual award. If the country is happy, I am happy."

Although team success remains her main objective, the striker admitted she is eager to demonstrate her full potential after battling injuries throughout much of her career.

"I have a lot to prove. I want to show people what I can do despite the injuries. I have spent much of my career injured and have not always been able to show my full ability. I am happy that I showed some of it in the last tournament," she added.

Nigeria's Falconets midfielder Shakirat Moshood has completed a move to Portuguese Liga BPI side SCU Torreense after signing a two-year contract, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 18-year-old joins the Portuguese outfit from former Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) champions Bayelsa Queens, where she emerged as one of the country's most exciting young prospects.

The transfer marks Moshood's first professional move to Europe and represents another major milestone in her rapidly developing career.

The talented midfielder first gained international recognition as captain of Nigeria's Flamingos at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, where her leadership qualities and commanding performances in midfield earned widespread praise.

Her outstanding displays also saw her finish as runner-up for the 2025 CAF Women's Youth Player of the Year award, further cementing her reputation as one of Africa's brightest young talents.

Moshood has since continued her impressive rise with the Falconets, playing a pivotal role in Nigeria's successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, which will be held in Poland this September. She is expected to be one of the team's key figures at the tournament.

At club level, she joins an ambitious SCU Torreense side preparing for a landmark campaign after securing qualification for the UEFA Women's Champions League for the first time in the club's history. The Portuguese side will compete on Europe's biggest club stage in the upcoming season.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from Udinese this summer, reaffirming his commitment to the Serie A club, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian international has been tipped for a switch to Italian giants Juventus following another impressive campaign with the Zebras, where he kept 10 clean sheets in 30 Serie A appearances last season.

Despite the growing transfer rumours, the 26-year-old insisted his full focus remains on Udinese and revealed he is eager to continue his development with the club.

"Of course, I still have goals in my career, but currently my head is completely at Udinese. I enjoy it without thinking too much about the future," Okoye told Transfermarkt.

"In football, things can change quickly, and if it happens, I know that the club is well positioned and can still earn a nice replacement. But until then, I am 100 per cent Udinese professional."

The former Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper has two years remaining on his current contract with Kosta Runjaic's side.

Okoye joined Udinese from English Championship club Watford in 2023 and has since established himself as one of the club's key performers.

Udinese will begin their 2026/27 season with a Coppa Italia clash against Serie B outfit Padova on August 15.

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has dismissed suggestions that he and compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho relied on "juju cream" to recover from injuries during their time at Leicester City, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The clarification follows comments made by former Leicester City captain Jamie Vardy on the latest episode of his podcast, Jamie Vardy's Having a Party, in which the veteran striker claimed the Nigerian duo often returned from injury breaks in Nigeria with what he described as "juju cream."

"They used to get injured. Little knocks, then go back to Nigeria for just one day. They come back with a nice big tub of juju cream," Vardy said.

"That was the only thing that the masseuse was allowed to apply to the injured area. They used to tell us that it had come from a Nigerian witch doctor."

The remarks sparked widespread reactions on social media, with former Super Eagles forward Victor Anichebe tagging both Ndidi and Iheanacho on Instagram and asking the Leicester midfielder to explain the substance Vardy had referenced.

Responding to Anichebe, Ndidi revealed that the ointment was simply locally sourced shea butter and not any form of mystical or magical remedy.

"Shea butter," Ndidi replied, putting to rest the speculation surrounding Vardy's comments.

Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree and is widely used across Nigeria for skincare and therapeutic purposes.

Known by different local names, including ka?e or ka?anya in Hausa, òkwùmá in Igbo and òrí in Yoruba, the product is commonly used in cosmetics, skin moisturisers, hair care products, massage oils and soaps due to its nourishing and healing properties.

Turkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce have entered the race to sign Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigeria international has attracted significant transfer interest following his impressive loan spell at Trabzonspor last season, where he rediscovered his prolific goalscoring form.

Several clubs in Turkey and across Europe are monitoring the experienced forward ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, with Fenerbahce emerging as the latest club to express interest in securing his services.

Onuachu remains under contract with Premier League side Southampton, but his future has been the subject of growing speculation after struggling for regular playing time in England.

Fenerbahce are understood to be keen on reinforcing their attacking department and believe the 32-year-old possesses the experience and quality required to spearhead their attack in both domestic and European competitions.

With interest in the former Genk striker continuing to grow, negotiations are expected to gather pace in the coming weeks as clubs compete for the signature of the Nigerian international.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary Committee has overturned the sanctions imposed on Cynosure FC by the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO), ruling in favour of the club after reviewing its protest, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The committee decided during its meeting on July 15, 2026, after examining the circumstances surrounding the NLO's ruling, and concluded that the sanctions were not based on any formal or informal complaint against the club.

In its findings, the committee established that player Orngudwem Raphael was initially registered with Abakaliki FC before moving to Nigeria National League (NNL) side Solution FC, Awka, where he featured during the first half of the 2025/26 season.

According to the committee, Solution FC officially released the player through a letter dated January 20, 2026, before Cynosure FC completed his registration on March 17, 2026, after he observed the mandatory 30-day waiting period. Documentary evidence presented to the committee confirmed that the transfer process complied with the regulations.

The committee also examined the case of Ogbodo Valentine Chizoba and found that the midfielder originally belonged to Cynosure FC before joining NNL outfit Osun United through a mutual agreement between the two clubs.

However, it noted that Ogbodo never signed a binding contract with Osun United after his registration for the 2025/26 NNL season and did not feature in any competitive match, with his name only appearing on the match sheet for the February 14, 2026 fixture against Godswill Akpabio FC.

Following the required 30-day waiting period, the player returned to Cynosure FC and was re-registered on March 16, 2026, with documentary evidence supporting the process.

The committee further criticised the NLO for failing to investigate a letter dated April 2, 2026, in which Osun United declared Ogbodo missing, describing the omission as an abdication of responsibility.

After reviewing all the evidence, the NFF Disciplinary Committee ruled that the allegations of fielding ineligible professional players in the amateur league were not substantiated.

"The evidence against Cynosure FC on the alleged illegal participation of professional players in the amateur league is unsustainable. It is shrouded in doubt and therefore unreliable," the committee stated.

Consequently, the committee ordered that the sanctions contained in the NLO Disciplinary Committee's decision of May 19, 2026, be set aside, declared Cynosure FC's protest successful, and noted that the ruling remains subject to the right of appeal by any aggrieved party.

Championship side Stoke City have expressed interest in signing Nigerian striker Josh Maja following his departure from West Bromwich Albion, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 27-year-old is available on a free transfer after failing to reach an agreement with the Baggies over a new contract, bringing his spell at The Hawthorns to an end.

According to Transferfeed, Stoke City manager Mark Robins is a long-time admirer of the former Sunderland forward and is eager to reunite with him ahead of the new Championship season.

Maja is familiar with life at the bet365 Stadium, having spent the second half of the 2021/22 campaign on loan from French side Girondins Bordeaux. Although his stint yielded just one goal in 15 Championship appearances, Stoke remain keen on securing his signature.

The Potters are expected to face competition for the Nigerian, with fellow Championship clubs Watford and Bristol City also monitoring his situation.

According to Transfermarkt, Maja, who has one senior international appearance for the Super Eagles, is currently valued at €4.5 million.

The striker joined West Bromwich Albion from Bordeaux in the summer of 2023 and scored 19 goals in 81 appearances across all competitions during his time with the club.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Kun Khalifat have continued to strengthen their squad with the signing of four new players ahead of the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Owerri-based club confirmed the arrivals of Enyimba midfielder Hogan Umoh, Niger Tornadoes midfielder Chima Deruo, Bendel Insurance central defender Preye Seikrowei and Calabar Rovers defensive midfielder Ediri Ejogharado.

In a statement released by the club's media department, Kun Khalifat disclosed that all four players have completed their moves.

"For now, the four players have signed documents for us. It's already a done deal," the statement read.

The Pride of Imolites are reinforcing their squad after narrowly avoiding relegation last season and are determined to put together a more competitive team for the upcoming campaign.

Head coach Obinna Uzoho is expected to rely on the new additions as Kun Khalifat seek to improve their fortunes and establish themselves in the NPFL during the 2026/27 season.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie is closing in on a return to Nigeria Premier Football League side Bendel Insurance, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The experienced shot-stopper is understood to be in advanced negotiations with the Benin City club, with discussions progressing positively as both parties work towards finalising the deal ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Obasogie previously enjoyed a successful spell with Bendel Insurance, where he established himself as one of the league's standout goalkeepers before moving on to continue his career elsewhere.

His expected return is set to provide a significant boost for Kennedy Boboye's side as they strengthen their squad for the new season.

The 26-year-old would add experience, leadership and quality to the Benin Arsenals' goalkeeping department as the club targets a stronger campaign after narrowly missing out on continental qualification last season.

If the move is completed, Obasogie will also have the opportunity to relaunch his club career in familiar surroundings while continuing his quest to remain in contention for a place in the Super Eagles squad.

Serie A club Fiorentina have stepped up their pursuit of Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare by submitting an improved offer to Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Italian outfit have proposed a loan deal that includes a €22 million purchase clause as negotiations continue with Wolves over the Nigerian international's transfer.

Discussions between the two clubs remain ongoing as they work towards reaching an agreement before the start of the new season.

Arokodare is reportedly open to the move and views Fiorentina as the ideal destination to continue his development at the highest level of European football.

The 25-year-old has attracted considerable interest following his impressive performances, with Fiorentina optimistic that their improved proposal will be enough to secure his signature and bring him to the Stadio Artemio Franchi ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.