Atlético Madrid have reportedly expressed concerns over the handling of Ademola Lookman during the recent FIFA international window, Nigeriasoccernet.com understands.

The Madrid-based club is said to be unhappy with the forward’s heavy involvement in Nigeria’s friendly matches, questioning the decision-making of the Nigeria Football Federation regarding his workload.

Sources close to the club indicate that Atlético’s technical and medical teams were particularly worried about the physical demands placed on the player, especially given the limited competitive significance of the fixtures. The concern centres on the risk of fatigue and potential injury at a critical stage of the European season.

Lookman, who remains a key figure for both club and country, featured prominently during the international break, further intensifying concerns about load management and player welfare.

Atlético’s position highlights the ongoing tension between club sides and national teams over player usage, particularly in non-competitive matches. Clubs are increasingly calling for stricter monitoring of player workload to protect fitness levels and long-term availability.

The NFF is yet to issue an official response, but the situation is expected to prompt further discussions around player welfare and international commitments ahead of future FIFA windows.

Semi Ajayi provided an assist as Hull City were held to a 1–1 draw by Oxford United in their EFL Championship clash on Friday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ajayi made an early impact in the encounter, setting up Mohamed Belloumi for the opening goal just four minutes into the game. The assist marked the Nigerian defender’s first of the season for the Tigers.

The centre-back delivered a solid performance and remained on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, continuing his consistent run in the team.

Oxford United responded quickly, with Cameron Brannagan finding the equaliser in the 13th minute to ensure both sides shared the spoils.

Ajayi has now featured 16 times in the league this season, playing a key role in Hull City’s campaign as they push for promotion.

The result leaves Hull City in fifth position on the table with 67 points, as they continue their fight to secure a place in the promotion spots.

Coventry City head coach Frank Lampard has showered praise on Frank Onyeka following his standout performance in the 3–2 win over Derby County, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Onyeka opened his goal account for the Sky Blues with a crucial strike during Friday’s encounter at the CBS Arena, playing a key role in securing all three points for his side.

Reacting after the game, Lampard highlighted the midfielder’s all-round contribution, noting that his goal was a reflection of the hard work he consistently brings to the team.

“The work that he does for the goal is exactly what he has been doing for us, and it’s what we brought him in to do, breaking up play. But there’s more to his game,” Lampard told Sky Sports.

The former Chelsea manager also praised Onyeka’s physicality and technical ability, describing him as a complete midfielder who adds value beyond his defensive duties.

“The physical part of his game is one thing, and breaking it up. But he has got that also (shooting). All round, he’s a quality player and an amazing lad,” he added.

Lampard further commended the Nigerian international’s humility and professionalism since arriving on loan from Brentford, revealing the personal sacrifices Onyeka has made to settle into life at the club.

“When someone comes in from the Premier League, and he’s just so diligent. He had a baby when he first came in, he’s staying in hotels, not seen his family… all those little things, and the way he trains and prepares, that’s massive signals for the rest of the players,” Lampard explained.

The Chelsea legend concluded by emphasising Onyeka’s impact on the pitch, stating that his performances have already endeared him to the Coventry City faithful.

Manchester United U21 coach Adam Lawrence has expressed satisfaction with the progress of young striker Chido Obi at the club, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 18-year-old centre forward had a taste of first-team action last season but has spent the current campaign moving between the U18 and U21 squads as part of his development.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Lawrence acknowledged the challenges that come with transitioning between youth and senior levels but commended Obi for maintaining the right attitude.

“I do think that has been a good thing for him on the whole,” Lawrence said.

The coach noted that stepping away from the first-team environment after initial exposure can be difficult for young players, often leading to frustration. However, he praised Obi for staying focused on his long-term growth.

“But I think credit to Chido. What he’s obviously done over this period is he’s gone, ‘this is the situation that I’m in. This is what I’m working towards to help take my game to the next level, and then I’m going to go after it,” he added.

Lawrence further stressed that the youngster must continue working hard between now and the end of the season, while highlighting his positive mindset as a key factor in his development.

Despite limited involvement with the senior squad this term, Obi’s progression within the youth setup continues to attract praise, with the club confident in his potential to break through in the future.

Werder Bremen head coach Daniel Thioune has hinted at deploying Felix Agu in a different position as he looks to maximise the defender’s versatility, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Agu is currently competing with Olivier Deman for the left-back role, with Deman establishing himself as the preferred option after taking advantage of injury setbacks affecting his rivals earlier in the season.

Despite this, Thioune remains confident that Agu still has an important role to play within the squad due to his adaptability and overall quality.

“We’ve experimented a lot with Felix because I know how versatile he is and where he can bring quality to the team,” Thioune was quoted as saying.

The Nigerian international was recently deployed in a more advanced role, featuring on the left wing during a friendly match against Bremen’s U-23 side, a move that further underlines the coaching staff’s willingness to explore alternative positions for him.

Thioune pointed to that performance as evidence of Agu’s potential to contribute beyond his natural defensive role.

“We’re considering exactly that. He played on the left wing in the friendly because I believe it can work,” he added.

“If he’s fit and at 100 percent, then in my opinion he belongs on the pitch. Now we have to decide where we’ll put him, but we won’t know that until Saturday.”

Agu’s versatility could prove crucial for Werder Bremen as they continue to navigate the demands of the season, with the coaching staff keen to ensure the defender remains a key part of the team regardless of position.

Frank Onyeka netted his first goal for Coventry City as they secured a 3–2 victory over Derby County on Friday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian midfielder opened the scoring for Frank Lampard’s side with 13 minutes left on the clock, finishing calmly from inside the box to register his maiden goal for the Sky Blues. Onyeka delivered a solid performance and was on the pitch for the full duration of the encounter.

The 27-year-old joined Coventry on loan from Brentford last summer and has gradually become an important figure in the team’s setup, contributing both defensively and in transition play.

The victory strengthens Coventry’s position at the top of the table, as they now sit 11 points clear of second-placed Millwall with six matches remaining in the season.

With their current form, Coventry City are edging closer to securing automatic promotion to the Premier League, as they continue their push for a return to the English top flight.

Nigeria striker Paul Onuachu has climbed into the top 10 of the European Golden Shoe standings following an impressive scoring run for Trabzonspor in the 2025/26 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 31-year-old forward has netted 21 league goals and provided two assists in 24 appearances in the Turkish Super Lig, underlining his importance as the focal point of Trabzonspor’s attack. His tally has earned him 31.5 points, placing him 10th in the current Golden Shoe rankings.

The ranking system applies a coefficient that gives greater weight to goals scored in Europe’s top five leagues, which explains the gap between Onuachu and the leading contenders.

At the top of the standings is Harry Kane, who leads the race with 31 goals and 62 points for Bayern Munich. He is followed by Kylian Mbappé with 23 goals (46 points) for Real Madrid, and Erling Haaland, who has 22 goals (44 points) for Manchester City.

Others in the top 10 include Igor Thiago of Brentford with 19 goals (38 points), Luis Suárez with 24 goals (36 points) for Sporting CP, as well as Deniz Undav and Vedat Muriqi, who both have 18 goals (36 points) for VfB Stuttgart and RCD Mallorca respectively.

Also ahead of Onuachu are Ayase Ueda with 22 goals (33 points) for Feyenoord and Joaquín Panichelli, who has 16 goals (32 points) for RC Strasbourg.

Onuachu’s inclusion in the top 10 highlights his consistent goal-scoring form this season and reinforces his status as one of the most prolific Nigerian forwards currently playing in Europe.

Semi Ajayi is set to return to action for Hull City when they face Oxford United in a crucial EFL Championship encounter on Good Friday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The defender missed Nigeria’s recent international friendly against Jordan national football team after being granted permission to return to England early.

Ajayi had featured for the Super Eagles in their 2-1 victory over Iran national football team, where he played 46 minutes before being substituted.

Following his early return, reports from England indicate that the centre-back has now been cleared to play and is expected to be available as Hull City resume their league campaign.

His return will be a timely boost for Hull City as they prepare for a key fixture in their push for a strong finish to the season.

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Greg Etafia has disclosed that Stanley Nwabali is expected to secure a move to a new club this summer, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Nwabali became a free agent in February after mutually terminating his contract with Chippa United, and is yet to finalize a switch despite attracting multiple offers.

Etafia revealed that the goalkeeper had opportunities to leave during the Africa Cup of Nations but could not reach an agreement at the time.

“When I spoke to him, he told me he had a lot of offers when AFCON was on, he needed to go, but there is no agreement within the club,” Etafia told Brila.

The former international explained that competition at Chippa United, particularly from Dumisani Msibi, also influenced Nwabali’s decision to move on in search of regular playing time.

Despite being without a club, the 29-year-old has continued to maintain his fitness while awaiting the end of the season to assess his options.

Nwabali was notably left out of Nigeria’s recent friendlies against Iran and Jordan, with head coach Éric Chelle opting for goalkeepers who are actively playing at club level.

Etafia, however, believes the shot-stopper still deserves recognition for his contributions to the national team, drawing comparisons with situations involving Ademola Lookman in the past.

Calvin Bassey is expected to return to action for Fulham FC on April 11 after missing Nigeria’s March international friendlies due to a back injury, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The defender had initially been named in the Super Eagles squad for games against Iran and Jordan but was forced to withdraw shortly before the fixtures, raising concerns given his importance to the team. His absence came as a surprise after he completed 90 minutes in Fulham’s 3–1 Premier League win over Burnley FC before the international break.

Subsequent medical assessments have confirmed that the injury is not serious, with Bassey expected to resume full training in early April and return to competitive action soon after.

During his absence, head coach Éric Chelle handed a late call-up to Chibuike Nwaiwu to provide defensive cover, offering the youngster an opportunity to impress at the international level.

Bassey’s return comes at a crucial stage of the campaign for Fulham, who are entering the decisive run-in of the season. He is expected to be available for the club’s upcoming Premier League clash against Liverpool FC at Anfield.

The 26-year-old has been a key figure in Fulham’s defence this season, featuring consistently in league matches, with his only notable absence prior to this injury coming during the Africa Cup of Nations.

Paul Onuachu has reiterated his commitment to Trabzonspor despite attracting interest from several clubs, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian striker has been in prolific form this season, scoring 21 goals and providing two assists in 24 league appearances, a run that has drawn attention from Bundesliga sides Bayer 04 Leverkusen, VfL Wolfsburg, and Werder Bremen.

Interest has also emerged from Al-Ahli Saudi FC, who are reportedly prepared to offer the forward a lucrative deal worth around €6 million, significantly higher than his current salary in Turkey.

However, Onuachu remains focused on continuing his journey with Trabzonspor after completing a permanent move from Southampton FC last summer.

The 31-year-old forward made his intentions clear, emphasizing his ambition to achieve success with the club.

“I will stay here. We have trophies to win with Trabzonspor,” he was quoted as saying.

Ashleigh Plumptre has started her rehabilitation programme following a successful surgery on her left foot, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Super Falcons defender underwent the procedure last weekend after sustaining the injury. She later shared an update on social media, expressing gratitude for the support she received during her recovery period.

“The most beautiful week back home for surgery,” Plumptre wrote on Instagram, appreciating the backing of her club, Al-Ittihad Ladies Club, throughout the process.

The 27-year-old is expected to spend several months on the sidelines as she works towards full fitness. This marks the second major injury setback for the former Leicester City Women player since joining Al-Ittihad.

Plumptre previously suffered a serious injury in March 2024, which kept her out of action for around six months despite an impressive start to her debut season, where she scored eight goals in 12 matches.

The injury also ruled her out of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris due to fitness concerns.

Villarreal CF and Be?ikta? J.K. are set to go head-to-head for the signature of Anthony Dennis, with Göztepe S.K. increasing their asking price to €10 million, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 21-year-old midfielder has attracted growing interest across Europe, with clubs also monitoring his situation ahead of a possible summer move.

Dennis has enjoyed a solid campaign in the Turkish league, scoring 3 goals in 24 appearances for Göztepe this season and establishing himself as a key figure in midfield.

The defensive midfielder remains under contract with the club until June 2027, placing Göztepe in a strong position during negotiations.

He joined the Turkish side from HB Academy Abuja in 2023 and has since continued his development, attracting attention from top European clubs with his performances.

Alex Iwobi has been shortlisted for the Premier League Goal of the Month award for March following his stunning strike for Fulham, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian international earned his nomination after scoring a brilliant long-range effort in Fulham’s 2–1 home victory over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Iwobi’s composed side-footed finish from outside the box in the 34th minute stood out as one of the standout goals of the month.

The 29-year-old has enjoyed a solid campaign, registering four goals and three assists in 23 appearances for Fulham this season.

Morgan Gibbs-White is among the nominees twice for his goals against Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City, while teammate Elliot Anderson also made the shortlist for his long-range strike against City.

Other nominees include William Osula of Newcastle United, Bernardo Silva of Manchester City, Iliman Ndiaye of Everton, and John McGinn of Aston Villa.

Fans are expected to vote for the winner, with the final decision to be determined through a combination of public votes and a panel of experts.

Trabzonspor are determined to keep Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu at the club this summer, despite reported interest from teams in Saudi Arabia and across Europe, Nigeriasoccernet.com understands.

Onuachu, 31, joined the Black Sea Storm permanently from Southampton last summer for around €5.6 million. The Nigerian international has enjoyed a prolific season, scoring 23 goals and providing two assists in 27 appearances across all competitions.

Reports suggest Saudi Professional League side Al Ahli are prepared to offer Onuachu a salary four times higher than his current earnings. However, the striker has shown reluctance to leave Turkey, citing his strong bond with Trabzonspor supporters.

Under contract with Fatih Tekke’s side until 2028, Onuachu also has an option to extend for an additional year, reinforcing the club’s intent to retain one of their key attacking assets.

Sevilla have appointed Luis García Plaza as their new head coach, with Super Eagles duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke set to operate under the Spanish tactician, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

The Rojiblancos parted ways with Matías Almeyda on Monday, opening the door for Plaza to lead the team until 2027. “Sevilla FC have reached an agreement with Madrid-born coach Luis García Plaza (01/12/1972), who will take charge of the first team until 2027,” the club confirmed in a statement.

Plaza, 53, began his managerial career with Spanish side Unión Deportiva Altea. Most recently, he guided Deportivo Alavés to promotion and ensured their stability in La Liga before leaving the club in December 2024.

The Rojiblancos now look to the new coach to inject fresh ideas and reinvigorate the squad, with Adams and Ejuke expected to play significant roles in his plans.

KRC Genk are considering the sale of Yira Collins Sor at the end of the season as uncertainty surrounds his contract situation, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The winger has just one year remaining on his current deal, with no ongoing discussions over an extension. According to Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, the club is unwilling to risk losing him on a free transfer.

Sor joined Genk from Slavia Prague in December 2022 and has contributed six goals and two assists across all competitions this season.

In recent years, fellow Nigerians Paul Onuachu and Tolu Arokodare have also moved on from Genk, joining Southampton F.C. and Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C., respectively.

The 25-year-old is currently in camp with the Nigeria national football team ahead of their upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan.

Victor Osimhen has successfully undergone surgery on a fractured right forearm sustained during Galatasaray S.K.’s 4–0 defeat to Liverpool F.C. in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Turkish club confirmed in a statement that the procedure was carried out at Maslak Ac?badem Hospital by club doctor Yener ?nce following initial medical assessments and X-rays.

The injury occurred during the first half at Anfield after a mid-air collision with Ibrahima Konaté, who landed on the striker’s arm. Despite the discomfort, Osimhen continued until halftime before being substituted.

While recovering in Nigeria ahead of the surgery, Osimhen revealed that Konaté reached out to check on his condition after the match.

The 27-year-old remains optimistic about his recovery, estimating a four-week healing period followed by two weeks to regain full match fitness.

Prior to the injury, Osimhen had been in excellent form, registering 19 goals and seven assists in 29 appearances across all competitions, including seven goals in the UEFA Champions League.

Nathan Tella has signed a new long-term contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen, committing his future to the Bundesliga side until June 30, 2031, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 26-year-old attacker agreed to a five-year extension, with the club highlighting his importance due to his versatility and attacking qualities.

In an official statement, Leverkusen confirmed the extension, noting Tella’s ability to operate across multiple attacking positions, including both wings and as a second striker.

Tella joined the German outfit from Southampton F.C. in 2023 and has since grown into a key member of the squad.

His previous contract was due to expire in 2028, but the new deal reflects the club’s strong confidence in the Nigerian international as they aim to remain competitive both domestically and in Europe.

Victor Osimhen has confirmed he will undergo surgery after suffering a fractured arm, with the Galatasaray S.K. striker expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Super Eagles forward revealed the extent of the injury during a livestream with Carter Efe, explaining that surgery is required to fix the damage.

“I need to go under the knife… it will take a maximum of five to six weeks, six weeks at most, and I will be back to football,” Osimhen said.

He further outlined his recovery process, noting that rehabilitation will likely include an initial four-week recovery period followed by two weeks of individual training before rejoining the team.

The injury was sustained during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool F.C. at Anfield, after a heavy challenge involving Ibrahima Konaté left the striker in visible discomfort.

Subsequent medical examinations confirmed a fracture in his right forearm, ruling him out for a period as he begins recovery.

Osimhen has since returned to Nigeria ahead of the procedure, with his comeback expected to depend on how well he progresses through rehabilitation.