Super Eagles-eligible goalkeeper Noah Atubolu is reportedly closing in on a move to Eintracht Frankfurt, where he could link up with fellow Nigerian international Raphael Onyedika, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to Kicker, SC Freiburg and Atubolu have reached an agreement in principle over a contract extension that would facilitate a potential loan move to Frankfurt while protecting Freiburg’s financial interests.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper, who has also attracted interest from Marseille, was originally contracted to Freiburg until June 2027. He had previously rejected an extension after setting his sights on a move to a bigger club, preferably in the Premier League.

However, reported interest from Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Hull City failed to result in a transfer, leaving Atubolu facing an uncertain future at Freiburg.

Atubolu has been Freiburg’s first-choice goalkeeper for the past three seasons and helped the club reach the 2026 UEFA Europa League final. He also made 36 Bundesliga appearances last season and has received senior Germany call-ups, although he was not included in the country’s 2026 World Cup squad.

His prospects of returning to Freiburg’s starting lineup have diminished following the arrival of Mio Backhaus from Werder Bremen as the club’s new first-choice goalkeeper.

Frankfurt, meanwhile, are looking to strengthen between the posts after conceding seven goals in a pre-season defeat to Brentford. Freiburg have reportedly valued Atubolu at around €15 million, a fee Frankfurt are reluctant to pay outright.

A contract extension followed by a loan, potentially including an option to buy, is therefore emerging as the preferred solution for both clubs.

Born in Germany to Nigerian parents, Atubolu remains eligible to represent both Germany and Nigeria. He has made 22 appearances for Germany U21 but is yet to play for the senior national team, meaning the door remains open for a future Super Eagles switch.

If the move goes through, Atubolu would join Onyedika at Frankfurt. The Nigerian midfielder completed a permanent move from Club Brugge this month and has already made an impressive start to life in Germany.

Onyedika earned a 9.1 rating from SofaScore after helping Frankfurt thrash SC St. Tönis 11-0 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal, the biggest victory in the club’s history in the competition.

Barcelona have revived their interest in Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen after failing to make significant progress in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, with the Nigerian now emerging as a priority target, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to Todomercatoweb, Barcelona have turned their attention back to Osimhen after their efforts to sign Alvarez failed to produce the desired outcome. TeamTalk also reports that sporting director Deco has intensified the club’s pursuit of the Galatasaray striker.

Osimhen had previously featured on Barcelona’s shortlist during the summer as an alternative option, but the 27-year-old is now reportedly viewed as a more attainable target as the Catalan giants look to strengthen their attack before the transfer window closes.

The Nigerian has made an explosive start to the new season, scoring four goals in Galatasaray’s opening two Turkish Süper Lig matches.

Osimhen rescued a point with a brace against newly promoted Corum FK before scoring twice and providing an assist in a 4-0 victory over Erzurumspor.

His latest goals have extended his remarkable run of direct goal contributions in the Süper Lig to 15 consecutive matches, during which he has registered 15 goals and six assists.

The striker enjoyed an outstanding 2024/25 campaign, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 26 goals and helping Galatasaray secure another domestic double.

His impressive form followed his permanent move from Napoli to Galatasaray in a club-record €75 million deal and has continued to attract interest from several leading European clubs, including Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

Galatasaray have consistently maintained that they have no desire to sell their star forward, although growing interest from abroad could test the Turkish champions’ resolve.

With the transfer deadline approaching, Barcelona’s sporting department are reportedly working to secure a new striker, and Osimhen could now become the club’s preferred attacking target if their pursuit of Alvarez remains unsuccessful.

Chelsea are in advanced negotiations over a €40 million deal to sign Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, with the highly rated teenager already agreeing personal terms with the Premier League giants, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are working on an agreement that would see the 18-year-old initially join another Premier League club this summer to continue his development before moving to Stamford Bridge in June 2027.

“Chelsea are in advanced talks over a €40m deal for Honest Ahanor from Atalanta,” Romano wrote on X.

“Understand the agreement for 18-year-old defender would include joining a Premier League club this summer in order to develop and then join Chelsea in June 2027.

“Honest already said yes to Chelsea.”

Ahanor enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Atalanta last season, making 22 Serie A appearances and establishing himself as one of the club’s promising young defenders.

The defender began his youth career at Genoa, progressing through the Italian club’s U15, U16 and U17 teams before making the switch to Atalanta in July 2025 for a reported €16 million, plus €4 million in potential bonuses.

He subsequently signed a three-year contract with the Bergamo-based club, the maximum permitted for a player under the age of 18.

Ahanor also gained experience on the European stage, making his Champions League debut in September 2025 when he played the full 90 minutes in Atalanta’s 2-1 victory over Club Brugge.

Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, Ahanor was initially eligible to represent Nigeria before turning 18. His international eligibility became a subject of discussion because Italian law does not automatically grant citizenship to children born in the country to foreign parents.

After turning 18 and obtaining Italian citizenship, Ahanor received his first call-up to the Italy U21 squad in March 2026 under head coach Silvio Baldini.

He was subsequently included in Italy’s senior squad in May for friendly matches against Luxembourg and Greece in June.

Chelsea’s interest therefore represents another significant step in the rapid development of the versatile defender, who could now spend the coming season gaining regular Premier League experience before completing his move to Stamford Bridge in 2027.

Eko United FC have appointed Oladunni Oyekale as their new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Oyekale arrives with considerable experience in Nigerian football, having previously guided two different clubs to promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

His appointment is expected to provide Eko United with valuable experience as the Lagos-based club prepares for its maiden campaign in the NNL.

The club will be hoping Oyekale’s promotion-winning pedigree can help them adapt quickly to the demands of second-tier football and make a strong impression in their debut season.

Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has been handed a two-match suspension following his red card in Trabzonspor’s UEFA Europa League playoff first-leg defeat to Ferencváros, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Trabzonspor suffered a narrow 1-0 loss at Papara Park, with Kristoffer Zachariassen scoring the only goal of the encounter in the 17th minute.

Nwaiwu was sent off in the closing stages of the tightly contested match, leaving Trabzonspor to complete the game with 10 players.

As a result, the Nigeria international will miss Thursday night’s second leg at the Ferencváros Stadion.

The 23-year-old will also be suspended for Trabzonspor’s opening league-phase fixture if the Turkish club overturns the first-leg deficit and qualifies for the next stage of the competition.

Nwaiwu has established himself as a regular member of the Black Sea Storm since joining the club from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC in January.

The centre-back has also featured twice for Trabzonspor in the Turkish Süper Lig this season.

Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have settled into their training camp in Trzebnica, Poland, as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The two-time runners-up began their training programme on Wednesday at the Stadion Miejski, Fair Play Arena, with head coach Moses Aduku and his technical crew putting the players through their paces.

Having arrived in Poland on Tuesday, the Falconets immediately shifted focus to tactical organisation, technical execution, physical conditioning and team cohesion ahead of the global tournament.

As part of their final preparations, Nigeria will play two international friendly matches against Poland and South Korea. The Falconets will face hosts Poland on Friday, August 28, at the Municipal Stadium in Brzeg, with kick-off scheduled for 12 noon local time.

Aduku’s side will then take on South Korea on Tuesday, September 1, at the Remes Resort & Spa Football Stadium, with the encounter scheduled to begin at 4pm local time.

The two fixtures will provide valuable tests for the Falconets while allowing the coaching staff to assess the squad, fine-tune their tactical approach and expose the players to different styles of play.

The friendlies should also help the Nigerian youngsters acclimatise to the conditions in Poland and adjust to the pace and intensity of international football.

Meanwhile, captain Joy Igbokwe and defender Faridat Abdulwahab have been replaced in the squad after failing to secure visas for the tournament. Vivian Kachi and Alaba Olabiyi have subsequently joined the team as their replacements.

Aduku and his assistants will continue to demand maximum commitment from the players as they seek to build a squad capable of mounting a serious challenge for the title.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group F alongside former champions Spain, China PR and New Caledonia.

The Falconets will begin their World Cup campaign against Spain on September 7 before facing China PR on September 10. Their final group-stage fixture will come against New Caledonia on September 13.

Nigeria finished runners-up at the 2010 and 2014 editions of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. After twice coming close to lifting the trophy, the Falconets will be determined to finally end their wait for a maiden title.

With the tournament fast approaching, the remaining days in Poland will be crucial for Aduku’s team as they look to sharpen their tactics, improve team chemistry and build momentum before the World Cup begins.

Super Eagles and FC Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi has emerged as a potential target for Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiyah, with the Nigerian defender facing an uncertain future at the Portuguese giants, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Porto are keen to keep the 28-year-old and have held discussions over a contract extension, but negotiations have reportedly stalled due to Sanusi’s wage demands.

With the Nigeria international entering the final year of his current contract, Porto could consider selling him during the ongoing transfer window rather than risk losing the experienced defender for nothing next summer.

Al-Qadsiyah are understood to be monitoring the situation and could make an approach for Sanusi as they look to strengthen their squad with an experienced left-back.

Sanusi joined Porto in 2020 and has since established himself as an important member of the Portuguese club, winning domestic honours during his time at the Estádio do Dragão.

Nigeria’s Falconets have made two changes to their squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Captain Joy Igbokwe and defender Faridat Abdulwahab have been replaced after the duo were unable to secure visas to travel for the tournament.

Vivian Kachi and Alaba Olabiyi have subsequently been called up as replacements and have joined the squad as preparations continue for the global youth competition.

The Falconets will now continue their final preparations in Poland as they get set for their opening fixture at the tournament, with the team hoping to make a strong impression on the international stage.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau has resigned from office alongside several members of the federation’s Executive Committee, bringing his administration to an abrupt end amid growing concerns over the state of Nigerian football, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Gusau’s resignation comes barely a month before the NFF elective congress, which was initially scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State. However, the National Sports Commission (NSC) had already moved to halt the electoral process and was considering a normalisation committee to oversee the federation and prepare the ground for a fresh election.

The development follows weeks of mounting criticism of the Gusau-led administration, particularly over the performances of Nigeria’s national teams and the wider management of football in the country.

Pressure intensified after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, resulting in Nigeria missing the competition for a second successive edition despite Africa receiving an expanded allocation of slots.

The crisis deepened further after the Super Falcons failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Nigeria’s women had participated in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 1991, but that record ended after a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the African play-off in Morocco.

The Falcons had earlier been eliminated by Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, forcing them into the play-off route for World Cup qualification.

The disappointing results triggered widespread calls for changes within the NFF, with stakeholders questioning the federation’s leadership and management of the national teams.

Gusau had responded by inaugurating a fact-finding committee in August to investigate the reasons behind the poor performances of the country’s national teams. The committee was given two weeks to submit its findings.

At the same time, the NSC began consultations on a broader restructuring of Nigerian football.

Reports that the Federal Government had directly ordered the NFF board to resign were denied by NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade on August 20, with the commission maintaining that consultations were ongoing on how best to re-engineer Nigerian football.

The situation subsequently escalated, with reports suggesting that several members of the NFF Executive Committee were considering their positions. By August 25, as many as nine board members were reportedly considering resignation, potentially paving the way for a normalisation committee.

Gusau’s resignation is expected to accelerate the proposed restructuring of Nigerian football.

A transitional normalisation arrangement could oversee the affairs of the NFF, address outstanding governance issues and prepare the framework for a new electoral process. Reports have suggested three months, although the final composition, mandate and duration of any committee will depend on official decisions.

The September 27 elective congress had initially been approved by the NFF after the federation brought the date forward by 24 hours to avoid a clash with the Super Eagles’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar on September 25. The NSC’s intervention has now thrown that timetable into uncertainty.

The immediate task will be to establish a credible transitional structure capable of restoring stability while ensuring that any new electoral process is transparent, inclusive and properly conducted.

For Nigerian football, however, the challenge extends beyond replacing administrators. There is an urgent need to strengthen domestic competitions, improve youth development, ensure greater continuity in national-team management and restore confidence among players, coaches, sponsors and supporters.

Gusau, who was elected NFF president in September 2022, leaves office at one of the most difficult periods in recent Nigerian football history.

His resignation opens a new chapter, but the success of the transition will ultimately depend on whether the authorities use the opportunity to pursue genuine institutional reforms rather than simply replace one set of personalities with another.

The coming weeks could therefore prove decisive, not only in determining who leads the NFF but also in shaping the direction of Nigerian football for years to come.

The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Mohammed Sanusi, has reportedly resigned from his position amid a major shake-up within the country’s football governing body, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Sanusi’s resignation was confirmed by the former NFF chief scribe on Thursday, according to Daily Sun, with the 2014-appointed secretary general reportedly stating that both his resignation and that of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau were genuine.

The development comes amid increasing pressure on the NFF leadership following a difficult period for Nigerian football. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons suffered the historic setback of missing out on the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Reports had earlier indicated that several members of the NFF Executive Committee had also stepped down. Vanguard reported that Gusau and other board members had resigned, with some reports claiming as many as eight of the 13 Executive Committee members had departed.

Sanusi has served as NFF General Secretary since 2014 and has played a central role in the federation’s daily administration, overseeing national team programmes, competitions and the implementation of decisions taken by the NFF Executive Committee and Congress.

The reported mass departures could leave the federation facing questions over its immediate leadership structure and whether an Emergency Congress may be required to determine the next phase of its administration.

The crisis also comes at a crucial point in the NFF’s electoral calendar. The federation had earlier approved an elective congress for September 2026 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, although recent developments surrounding the proposed restructuring of Nigerian football could affect the process.

Meanwhile, the NFF has faced increased scrutiny over the management of government funds allocated to national teams. Security agencies have reportedly commenced investigations into the utilisation of a Federal Government intervention fund released to the federation.

For now, the immediate challenge will be establishing an interim administrative arrangement capable of keeping the federation operational while the appropriate NFF organs determine the constitutional and statutory steps required.

The reported departures of Sanusi and Gusau would represent a major change in Nigerian football administration. However, the precise legal and administrative implications will depend on the formal resignation notices, the number of Executive Committee vacancies, and the provisions of the March 2026 NFF Statutes.

At the time of publication, the NFF had yet to issue a comprehensive official statement confirming all the reported resignations.

The Abia State Government has commenced the reconstruction of the Umuahia Township Stadium as part of efforts to improve sports infrastructure and facilities across the state, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The development comes ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, with Abia Warriors set to temporarily move away from their traditional home ground.

The Umuahia-based club have adopted Elephant Park in Aba as their temporary home venue for the upcoming NPFL campaign.

The stadium is expected to undergo extensive rehabilitation aimed at upgrading its facilities and creating a more suitable environment for football and other sporting activities upon completion.

Abia Warriors will therefore play their home matches at Elephant Park, Aba, while reconstruction work continues at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie has expressed his delight after returning to Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Bendel Insurance, describing the move as a homecoming, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The shot-stopper previously featured for the Benin Arsenal before leaving the club several seasons ago to pursue a new challenge. He has now returned to the Edo-based outfit with more experience and renewed determination.

Obasogie reflected on his return in a message shared on Instagram.

“Back to where part of my journey began,” the goalkeeper wrote.

“Sometimes, life takes you away so you can grow, learn, and become stronger. Today, I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to my former team not just as a player, but with more experience, hunger, and determination.

“I’m ready to give my all for the badge, the team, and the supporters. Back home, back to work. Let the journey continue.”

The return of Obasogie is expected to provide Bendel Insurance with valuable experience and strengthen their squad as the club prepares for the new NPFL season.

Nigerian referee Joseph Odey Ogabor has been appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take charge of the CAF Champions League preliminary round first-leg encounter between Medeama SC and TP Mazembe, with his compatriots also included in the officiating crew.

The match is scheduled for September 6, 2026, at the TNA Stadium in Tarkwa, Ghana, with kick-off set for 3:00 p.m. GMT. Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ogabor will be assisted by fellow Nigerians Tejiri Besmart Digbori and Ahmad Tijjani Mustapha, while Salisu Basheer has been appointed as the fourth official.

Gambian Bakary K. Jammeh will serve as Match Commissioner, with Ivorian Sinko Zeli appointed as Referee Assessor.

The fixture will mark Medeama's first competitive outing of the 2026/27 season, with the Ghana Premier League champions looking to secure an advantage against experienced Congolese opponents TP Mazembe.

The return leg is scheduled for September 12, 2026, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nigeria’s U23 team will begin their quest for a place at the 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations in the second qualifying round after receiving a bye in the opening stage, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Olympic Games-bound side will face either Mauritania or the Democratic Republic of Congo, who will first meet in the opening round, with Nigeria set to take on the winner over two legs.

Should Nigeria progress, they will face the winner of the tie involving Burkina Faso and the winner between Sierra Leone and Zambia in the final qualifying round.

The Nigerian U23 side must overcome that final hurdle across two legs to secure a place at the 2027 U23 AFCON, which will be hosted by Egypt.

The tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the Olympic Games, making qualification particularly important for Nigeria as they continue their bid to return to the global showpiece.

Nigeria have been drawn against West African rivals Ghana in the second round of the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The two nations will battle for a place at the continental finals, with the first leg scheduled to take place between October 9 and 11, 2026.

The return leg will be played between October 16 and 18, with both sides aiming to secure qualification for the tournament.

Senegal will host the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria will hope to overcome Ghana and secure a place among Africa’s leading beach soccer nations.

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi opened his goalscoring account for Coventry City as the Sky Blues defeated Plymouth Argyle 4-2 in the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Awoniyi gave Coventry a perfect start, finding the net early in the encounter to put his side ahead.

Jack Rudoni doubled Coventry’s advantage before Plymouth pulled one back through Oliver Irow midway through the first half.

The visitors completed their comeback shortly after the restart when Amaechi scored in the 54th minute to level the contest at 2-2.

Coventry responded strongly, with Mason restoring their lead before Victor Torp added a fourth goal to seal an entertaining 4-2 victory.

The goal marks a positive start to Awoniyi’s new chapter at Coventry following his summer move from Nottingham Forest.

The Nigerian striker will now hope to build on his EFL Cup opener and establish himself as a key attacking figure for Frank Lampard’s side.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye praised his Udinese teammates and the club’s supporters after producing a standout performance in their 1-1 draw with Como in their opening Serie A fixture of the season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Okoye was named Man of the Match after making five crucial saves to help Udinese secure a point at home.

Udinese took the lead before the half-hour mark when Hassane Kamara raced onto Jürgen Ekkelenkamp’s pass before lifting the ball over Jean Butez and into an empty net.

Como drew level after the break when Okoye initially denied Trevoh Chalobah with an excellent save from his header. However, the Nigerian goalkeeper was powerless to stop Tasos Douvikas from converting the rebound.

Okoye was called into action again shortly afterwards, producing another impressive save to prevent Douvikas from completing the comeback.

Reflecting on the result, the Super Eagles goalkeeper acknowledged the quality of the opposition while expressing satisfaction with the point.

“It’s an important point; we played against a strong team, and we are happy. We entered the field to win, but in the end a point is fine,” Okoye said, according to Udinese’s official website.

The 26-year-old also played down his individual contribution, insisting the result was the product of a collective effort.

“I’m glad to help the team with my saves, but it’s the team that played a great game today. We are all happy.”

Okoye was particularly appreciative of the home support, highlighting the role played by the Udinese fans throughout the encounter.

“Starting over at home in front of our fans is beautiful; they helped us a lot. They are very important to us; we are grateful to have fans like that.”

The draw was Udinese’s second competitive match of the campaign after their 1-0 victory over Padova in the Coppa Italia first round last weekend.

Udinese will return to action next weekend away to Monza, with Okoye hoping to maintain his impressive start to the new Serie A season.

Nigerian champions Edo Queens will begin their 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League qualifying campaign on Monday when they face AS Garde Nationale of Niger in their opening Group B fixture of the WAFU B tournament in Burkina Faso, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The encounter is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Stade du 4 Août in Ouagadougou, with Edo Queens aiming to start their campaign on a winning note.

The reigning NWFL champions head into the competition with confidence, having been backed by assistant coach Gabriel Benson to deliver a strong performance.

Benson said the players are fully prepared and aware of the responsibility that comes with representing both Edo State and Nigeria on the continental stage.

“Edo Queens have all it takes to make the country proud,” he said.

“The girls are ready and good to go. They know the opportunity laid before them, and they also know that they are representing Edo State and Nigeria at large. I know they are ready to fight to the end to win our first game and the WAFU B trophy. We are here for real business.”

The coach added that the team arrived in Burkina Faso early enough to adapt to the conditions and has been working on ensuring the players are comfortable despite the hotter weather.

“We are playing our first match against AS Garde Nationale of Niger. We dream of nothing but total victory. We came here on time, and our players are acclimatising well.”

Benson acknowledged the difficulty of Edo Queens' group, noting that it contains three former champions, but insisted that his side is not intimidated by the challenge.

“We have come to play against anybody here, knowing that the group we are placed in has three former champions that we know.”

“We are not scared. It is a tough group, no doubt. AS Garde Nationale is the only team new to us in Group B. We are prepared, and it is one game at a time.”

Edo Queens will be hoping to reproduce their success from the 2024 WAFU B competition as they begin their latest quest for continental glory and a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze started the new Serie A season with an assist as AC Milan secured a 2-1 away victory over Torino on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Chukwueze was handed a starting role by new head coach Ruben Amorim and played the full 90 minutes as Milan opened their campaign with three points.

Milan took the lead through Alphadjo Cissé in the 64th minute before Chukwueze turned provider three minutes later, setting up Adrien Rabiot to double the visitors' advantage.

Torino pulled one back in stoppage time through Che Adams, but Milan held on to claim victory.

The result moved Milan into fourth position after the opening round of Serie A fixtures, while Chukwueze will hope his performance strengthens his position in Amorim's plans.

The Nigerian spent last season on loan at Premier League side Fulham, where he made 23 league appearances, scoring three goals and providing four assists.

Meanwhile, it was a disappointing start to life in Serie A for fellow Nigerian forward Akor Adams, who featured for the full 90 minutes as Venezia suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Lecce.

Adams joined Venezia during the summer from Sevilla, where he scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 32 league appearances.

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman featured as Atlético Madrid played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Villarreal in their La Liga encounter on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Lookman, who was making his second appearance for Atlético Madrid this season, had a relatively quiet outing before being substituted in the 79th minute for José Giménez.

Atlético took the lead shortly before the hour mark when Spain defender Pubill unleashed a powerful long-range effort into the top corner.

Villarreal quickly responded, with Moreno converting from the penalty spot after Morten Hjulmand brought down Tajon Buchanan inside the box.

Atlético's task became more difficult in the 76th minute when Robin Le Normand received a straight red card, leaving Diego Simeone's side with 10 men.

Villarreal capitalised on their numerical advantage two minutes later, with Mikautadze putting the visitors ahead in the 78th minute.

However, Atlético refused to surrender, and Giuliano Simeone restored parity in the 84th minute to secure a point for the home side.

The draw sees Atlético avoid defeat despite playing the final stages with 10 men, while Lookman continues to settle into life at the Madrid club following his summer move.