Venezia manager Davide Nicola has praised Akor Adams after the striker’s goal secured a 1-0 win over Napoli at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on Saturday.

Adams broke the deadlock four minutes into the second half, taking advantage of a defensive mistake by Napoli’s Benoit Badiashile before finishing to give Venezia all three points.

The victory was only Venezia’s second in Serie A this season. Napoli, meanwhile, were beaten for the third time in the campaign.

Nicola was reluctant to focus on one player, but said Adams’ work rate and qualities had made an important contribution to the result.

> “I don’t like to talk about individuals. Adams puts his heart and soul into it, he has some very important qualities, he helps the team. Akor has incredible room for improvement,” Nicola said, according to Pazzi di Fanta.

The performance further demonstrated Adams’ growing importance to a Venezia side attempting to find greater consistency in the Italian top flight.

Venezia’s next fixture is away to Genoa on Sunday, October 25, 2026, when they will try to follow up their morale-boosting victory against Napoli.

Shooting Stars Sports Club defender Adelowo Gbolagade has made his 100th Nigeria Premier Football League appearance.

The milestone came during 3SC’s 3-1 victory over Ranchers Bees in Friday’s week 9 fixture in Ibadan.

The result was particularly significant for the Oluyole Warriors, ending a run of five consecutive league matches without a win.

Shooting Stars marked Gbolagade’s achievement with a message on their official X handle.

“100 NPFL APPEARANCES,” the club wrote.

“A century of appearances for Shooting Stars SC.

“Congratulations to our Defender Gbolagade Adelowo on reaching 100 NPFL appearances for the Oluyole Warriors.”

Gbolagade will have the opportunity to add to his tally when 3SC travel to Lagos to face Ikorodu City next Sunday.

Galatasaray secured a narrow 1-0 away victory over Genclerbirligi in Matchweek 8, with a late own goal ending a frustrating night for Victor Osimhen at the Eryaman Stadium in Ankara.

The Turkish champions had been held at bay for most of the match, as Genclerbirligi goalkeeper Irfan Can Egribayat produced a series of saves to deny Galatasaray’s attack. But his error in the 88th minute ultimately decided the contest and gave the visitors all three points.

The result allowed Galatasaray to regain momentum after their disappointing midweek UEFA Champions League defeat by Barcelona.

Osimhen started and played the full match, but the Nigerian striker was unable to add to his side’s score despite being their most dangerous attacking player. He registered seven shots, more than any other player on the pitch, and had 10 touches in the Genclerbirligi penalty area.

The 27-year-old also created two chances and supplied two key passes as he repeatedly looked for an opening. Egribayat, however, continued to frustrate him, including with an impressive stop from a close-range header.

Osimhen was visibly disappointed after another opportunity was denied, while Genclerbirligi’s disciplined defensive performance appeared likely to secure the hosts a valuable point.

That prospect changed in the closing stages. During a Galatasaray attack, Egribayat made a costly mistake under pressure and turned the ball into his own net in the 88th minute.

The own goal finally broke Genclerbirligi’s resistance and spared Galatasaray from further frustration. Although Osimhen did not score, his statistics reflected the influence he had on the match, as Galatasaray eventually secured victory through a late stroke of fortune.

Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu is expected to miss Monday’s Turkish Super Lig meeting with Besiktas after suffering a muscle injury in Thursday’s 4-2 UEFA Conference League win over KuPS.

The Nigeria international put Trabzonspor ahead in the third minute at Papara Park, but was forced to leave the field only seven minutes later after sustaining the injury.

Turkish newspaper Fanatik reported that the 32-year-old has already started treatment, although he is unlikely to recover in time for the Matchday Eight fixture.

Sabah has also said Onuachu is expected to be unavailable, a situation which could force Trabzonspor manager Thomas Reis to adjust his attacking plans for the anticipated encounter.

The club are now waiting to see whether the forward can regain fitness before Monday’s match. If he is ruled out, Guinea-Bissau international Franculino Dju is being considered as a possible replacement in the starting XI.

Dju was among the substitutes for the victory against KuPS and could be given the opportunity to lead the attack if Onuachu does not recover in time.

The forward previously drew attention in Nigeria after scoring against the Super Eagles during their most recent 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Onuachu has made 10 appearances for Trabzonspor in all competitions this season, playing 590 minutes and scoring three goals.

His absence would represent a setback for Trabzonspor before the visit of Besiktas, although the final decision on his availability will depend on his recovery from the muscle problem.

Umar Sadiq was absent as Valencia and Athletic Bilbao played out a 0-0 draw in a closely contested La Liga match at Mestalla Stadium on Saturday.

The Super Eagles striker is currently nursing a hamstring injury and has made three appearances for Valencia this season, scoring once.

Athletic Bilbao enjoyed most of the possession, controlling 63% of the ball, but were unable to turn that advantage into a goal. Their attacks frequently involved Inaki Williams and Robert Navarro, although Valencia’s disciplined defensive structure limited the visitors’ opportunities.

Cesar Tarrega helped organise Valencia’s low block, while goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski made sure Athletic Bilbao could not find a way through. The home side remained compact without the ball and resisted sustained pressure during a match dominated by midfield battles.

Valencia posed a different threat on the counter-attack. Arnaut Danjuma and Javi Guerra provided the main attacking outlets as the hosts looked to exploit space behind the visitors’ defence.

Valencia registered 13 shots, but Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon was equal to the attempts that tested him. His important saves ensured that the visitors preserved their clean sheet and secured a point away from home.

Both managers attempted to change the pattern of the contest with tactical adjustments and second-half substitutions. Harvey Elliott was introduced for Valencia, but the changes did not produce the clear-cut chances required to break the deadlock.

With both defences maintaining their concentration, neither team managed to apply a decisive finish in the final third. The result leaves Valencia continuing their search for consistency during their tactical rebuild, while Athletic Bilbao return to the Basque Country with a hard-earned away point.

Kwara United and Abia Warriors drew 1-1 in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday Nine fixture in Ilorin on Saturday.

Ali Ferinyaro gave the home side the lead in the 34th minute, but Abia Warriors responded after the interval when Emmanuel Nnaji equalised eight minutes into the second half.

The result leaves Kwara United, known as the Harmony Boys, 11th in the table with 11 points from nine matches. Abia Warriors are 15th, having also played nine games.

The two sides were unable to find a winner despite the visitors drawing level early in the second half, ensuring they shared the points.

There was another 1-1 draw in a separate Matchday Nine fixture at Pantami Stadium, where Doma United were held by Kun Khalifat FC.

Kun Khalifat FC moved in front in the 54th minute, but Doma United restored parity just four minutes later through Tijani Azeez.

Neither team could produce a decisive second goal, leaving both sides with a point from the encounter.

Five further Matchday Nine fixtures are scheduled for Sunday.

Terem Moffi came off the bench as Hamburg secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Stuttgart in Saturday’s Bundesliga match at the Volksparkstadion.

The Nigeria international replaced Vieira in the 78th minute and made an energetic contribution during his late appearance. Moffi has scored once in six appearances for Hamburg this season.

Hamburg spent much of the game defending in a disciplined and compact shape under coach Merlin Polzin, despite Stuttgart controlling 66% of possession.

The visitors created the clearer chances and came close to taking the lead in the first half when Deniz Undav struck the post from close range. Stuttgart continued to apply pressure after the interval, recording 19 attempts in total.

Hamburg’s defence stood firm, while goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes made several important interventions to keep Stuttgart scoreless and preserve the hosts’ hopes of taking all three points.

With the match appearing to be heading towards a goalless draw, Hamburg produced the decisive moment in the 88th minute. Miro Muheim found space before firing past Dennis Seimen to give the home side victory.

Muheim had also scored the decisive goal in Hamburg’s win over Hoffenheim the previous week. His late strike again proved enough to settle a closely contested match and send the home supporters at the Volksparkstadion into celebration.

Alex Iwobi’s 33rd-minute goal earned Fulham a 1-0 win over Hull City and ended their wait for a first Premier League victory of the season.

The forward’s finish at Craven Cottage was enough to secure all three points for Marco Silva’s side, who moved up to 15th in the table on five points.

Fulham had gone into the match without a win from their opening six league fixtures. Their previous record stood at two draws and four defeats.

Nigeria international Calvin Bassey captained Fulham, while Semi Ajayi was involved for Hull City.

The result provided a much-needed lift for Fulham, with Iwobi’s goal deciding a closely contested match and giving the home side their first league success of the campaign.

Elsewhere, Manchester City recovered from their UEFA Champions League defeat by Paris Saint-Germain with a 3-2 victory over Brentford at the Etihad.

The result took City to 21 points and temporarily moved them six points clear of reigning champions Arsenal, who are due to visit Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The win also meant Enzo Maresca became the first manager to win each of his opening seven Premier League matches in charge.

Liverpool also claimed an important away victory, coming from behind to beat nine-man Brentford 2-1.

That result lifted the Reds to fifth place in the Premier League table on 12 points. Liverpool had to overturn an early deficit before taking advantage of Brentford being reduced to nine players.

In the lunchtime fixture, Chelsea defeated Everton 2-0 to make it successive victories.

Chelsea’s latest win followed their emphatic 5-1 victory over Bournemouth, giving them back-to-back successes in the Premier League.

Super Eagles forward Akor Adams scored the only goal as Venezia beat reigning Italian champions Napoli 1-0 on Saturday.

Adams’ decisive finish settled a closely contested Italian Serie A match and secured all three points for the hosts.

Napoli were unable to find an equaliser as Venezia defended their advantage to claim a narrow but important victory.

The result provides a significant boost to Venezia, who will aim to build on the performance as the Serie A campaign continues.

For Adams, the match-winning contribution underlines his growing importance to the team as he continues to make his mark in Italian football.

Alex Iwobi’s first-half goal earned Fulham a 1-0 victory over Hull City on Saturday, securing their first Premier League win of the season.

The Nigeria international’s decisive finish was enough to settle a narrow contest and give Fulham all three points.

Fulham had been waiting for their first league victory of the campaign, with the result providing a much-needed lift for the team.

It also eased pressure on manager Rafael Arbeloa, whose side had struggled to find a winning formula at the start of the season.

Iwobi’s goal proved crucial as Fulham protected their advantage after the break and held on for maximum points.

The victory represents an important turning point for Fulham as they aim to build momentum and improve their position in the Premier League standings.

Atletico Madrid maintained their challenge near the top of La Liga with a hard-earned 1–0 win away to Espanyol on Saturday, with Nigeria winger Ademola Lookman starting for Diego Simeone’s side.

Lookman made his ninth appearance of the campaign at the RCDE Stadium and operated on the flank during a disciplined first-half performance. He was withdrawn at half-time as Simeone adjusted his approach for the second half.

Atletico controlled much of the match, finishing with 72% possession and 15 shots, but were unable to turn their dominance into an early breakthrough. Espanyol defended deep in a compact 5-4-1 formation and held firm for most of the afternoon.

The visitors continued to apply pressure after the interval, although Espanyol’s defensive organisation limited the space available in the final third. Simeone responded by using his substitutes to add greater attacking impetus as Atletico searched for a way through.

Julian Alvarez was among the players introduced and made an immediate impact. The forward helped to change the rhythm of the contest before combining with Alex Baena for the decisive moment.

With Espanyol appearing close to earning a valuable point, Baena finally broke the deadlock in the 89th minute. He produced a clinical finish beyond goalkeeper Angel Fortuno to give Atletico the lead late in the game.

Espanyol had little time to respond, and Atletico saw out the closing stages to secure a narrow victory.

The result underlined Atletico’s patience on a day when their possession and attacking pressure were repeatedly met by a stubborn defensive block. The three points also keep Simeone’s side firmly in contention near the summit of the La Liga standings.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia says he hopes Paris Saint-Germain are drawn against Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League so he can play against his former Napoli team-mate Victor Osimhen.

The Georgia international and Osimhen helped Napoli win the championship together, but have not yet met as opponents since leaving the Italian club.

Kvaratskhelia was asked about the Nigeria striker and praised Osimhen’s all-round qualities.

“Osimhen is truly a fantastic striker. He runs, presses, shoots, heads the ball, and sometimes even makes unexpected assists,” Kvaratskhelia said, according to BSNSports.com.ng.

“We won a really beautiful championship in Naples together with him, but we haven't faced each other as opponents yet (laughing). Of course, I'd love to play against him.”

Kvaratskhelia moved to Paris Saint-Germain after his time at Napoli, while Osimhen is at Galatasaray. A meeting between the two clubs in Europe would give the pair the chance to renew their partnership as rivals.

The 24-year-old said he would particularly like the fixture to take place at Galatasaray’s stadium, having been impressed by the club’s support during the current Champions League campaign.

“Especially at Galatasaray's stadium. This year, I watched Galatasaray in the Champions League, and at their home, they really did incredible things, and they have a fantastic fan group,” he said.

Kvaratskhelia added that he had watched videos of Osimhen celebrating victories on Instagram and had gained a better understanding of the striker’s decision to join Galatasaray.

“I also had the chance to watch Osimhen's celebrations on his Instagram account. There's truly an amazing atmosphere there. I understand better now why Osimhen chose that place.”

Besiktas head coach Vincenzo Italiano has described Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi as a “top-class” player after giving him playing time.

Italiano said the decision to involve Ndidi was not based on tactical or technical considerations, but on the midfielder’s need for minutes during a demanding period for the club.

“This isn't a technical or tactical decision. Ndidi deserves to get some playing time too,” Italiano said.

“Salih has played in too many matches this season, and we have a packed schedule ahead of us.

“That's why I gave Ndidi a chance to wear the shirt. Ndidi is a top-class and quality player. I thought he needed to get some minutes today. I believe he'll do good things.”

Italiano’s comments underline his belief in Ndidi’s ability as Besiktas manage their squad during a busy run of fixtures.

Enyimba assistant coach Lawrence Ukaegbu wants his side to respond to last weekend’s 4-2 defeat by Katsina United when they host Warri Wolves in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.

The People’s Elephant conceded four goals in the away loss and Ukaegbu says defensive organisation must improve if Enyimba are to return to winning ways in Aba.

Speaking to Completesports.com, Ukaegbu also called on the team’s forwards to make better use of their opportunities in front of goal.

“We hope to maintain a good performance against Warri Wolves and also learn to capitalise on every goalscoring chance that we get,” he said.

The assistant coach identified the need to cut out avoidable errors after Enyimba’s disappointing result against Katsina United.

“We also need to keep our defence tight and avoid conceding cheap goals like the team did against Katsina United,” Ukaegbu added.

Despite the setback, he remains confident that Enyimba can secure victory in the weekend fixture and offered an assurance to the club’s supporters ahead of the meeting with Warri Wolves.

“I can assure Enyimba fans that the team will defeat Warri Wolves in Aba,” he said.

Lazio are preparing a new contract for Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, with the Serie A club keen to secure his long-term future in Rome.

The 25-year-old has become an important part of the Lazio squad since moving from Turkish club Hatayspor in 2024. His progress has been affected by injury problems, but the club remain keen to retain him beyond the current agreement.

Dele-Bashiru has two years left on his existing contract. However, according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Lazio are considering improved terms as they seek to protect their investment in the midfielder and keep him at the club for the long term.

The Nigeria international has previously been linked with a move to the Premier League, but Lazio’s plans indicate they want him to remain part of their squad in the coming seasons. The proposed renewal would also provide greater certainty over his future as he continues to establish himself in the team.

Lazio are reviewing the contracts of other key players

Lazio are also assessing possible contract renewals for Danish winger Gustav Isaksen and Italian midfielder Nicolo Rovella.

The club’s interest in extending those agreements reflects its wider effort to retain important members of the squad. Dele-Bashiru, Isaksen and Rovella are all being considered as part of those plans, although no details of any new contracts have been provided.

Dele-Bashiru recently returned to competitive football after suffering a hamstring injury on the opening day of the season against Bologna.

He came on for 30 minutes in Lazio’s 3-1 win against Monza last weekend, marking his first appearance since the injury setback. His involvement represented a gradual return to action after the lay-off and gave him an opportunity to rejoin the squad in a competitive match.

The midfielder’s return comes as Lazio prepare for another demanding Serie A fixture. They will travel to face Juventus away from home on Sunday.

Lazio’s work on a new agreement for Dele-Bashiru comes while the player still has two years remaining on his current deal. The Rome-based club’s intention is to extend that commitment and ensure the midfielder remains tied to the squad after recovering from his latest injury.

Paris Saint-Germain Feminine have confirmed that Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade will undergo surgery after fracturing her fibula during international duty.

The 26-year-old forward suffered the injury in Nigeria’s second-leg meeting with Comoros in the second qualifying round of the 2028 Olympic Games. The match was played at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne.

Ajibade was unable to continue after being injured in the 23rd minute and was replaced by Folashade Ijamilusi. Nigeria went on to complete a 5-0 victory in the qualifier.

Paris Saint-Germain Feminine announced the diagnosis and treatment plan in a statement published on the club’s official website.

“Rasheedat Ajibade, who was injured during Nigeria’s most recent national team match against Comoros, has suffered a fibula fracture,” the statement said.

“Our forward will undergo surgery soon, performed by one of the Club’s leading surgeons, before beginning her rehabilitation with the Paris Saint-Germain medical team.”

The operation will be carried out by one of the club’s leading surgeons before Ajibade begins her recovery programme under the supervision of Paris Saint-Germain’s medical staff.

The former Atletico Madrid player is expected to start rehabilitation after the procedure. The French club is expected to provide further information about her recovery and anticipated return to action.

Ajax Amsterdam great Frank de Boer has called for patience with Tolu Arokodare, saying the Nigerian forward can succeed at the club if he receives the right service.

Arokodare joined Ajax from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan in the summer, with the Eredivisie club holding an option to buy him permanently. His arrival brought immediate pressure, with comparisons drawn between the Super Eagles striker and former Ajax icons Marco van Basten and Patrick Kluivert.

However, the 24-year-old has made an encouraging start in Amsterdam. He has scored seven goals and provided two assists in 11 appearances across all competitions, despite starting only six of those matches.

Arokodare was in the starting line-up for Ajax’s UEFA Conference League meeting with Croatian side HNK Hajduk Split on Thursday. He completed the full 90 minutes as Ajax were beaten 2-1.

Speaking to Ziggo Sport, via Ajax Showtime, De Boer said Arokodare’s effectiveness would depend partly on how Ajax use him. The former Ajax manager believes the team should look to provide more crosses from wide areas to take advantage of the striker’s qualities.

“We are used to comparing a striker to Van Basten and Kluivert, but I have also seen a few times that he is technically gifted and that you can make very good use of him,” De Boer said.

“I have seen some great things. So just let him play.”

De Boer’s comments come as Arokodare continues to establish himself in an Ajax attack that has asked him to follow a long line of distinguished forwards.

The Nigerian had previously endured a difficult spell in England with Wolverhampton Wanderers before making the move to the Netherlands. Despite that background and the expectations attached to his new club, his early scoring record has given him a strong platform.

Arokodare remains contracted to Wolverhampton Wanderers until June 2029. For now, he will continue leading Ajax’s attack while attempting to build on his first 11 appearances and respond to the support offered by figures such as De Boer.

Adelowo Gbolagade celebrated his 100th league appearance for Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan with a 3-1 victory over Ranchers Bees.

The milestone was reached in Friday’s week 9 fixture at home, as the Oluyole Warriors ended a run of five consecutive league matches without a win.

Gbolagade reflected on the achievement in a message posted on his official X handle after the match.

“All glory and honour belong to God Almighty for the journey so far. ???,” he wrote.

“From the beginning until this milestone, His grace has been sufficient. I’m grateful for the opportunity to wear this badge, represent this great club.”

The victory lifted 3SC to 12th place in the league table, with the Ibadan club now on 11 points after nine matches.

Gbolagade’s century of league appearances comes as 3SC seek to build momentum following their return to winning ways against Ranchers Bees. The result brought an end to a difficult sequence of five successive league games without victory.

The midfielder’s landmark appearance was therefore marked by a positive result for the Oluyole Warriors, who secured all three points in front of their home supporters.

3SC’s record after nine matches leaves them 12th in the standings on 11 points.

Warri Wolves will travel to Enyimba International Stadium in Aba on Sunday believing they can take a positive result from their Matchday Nine meeting with nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League champions Enyimba.

Head coach Hassan Abdallah has urged his players to combine confidence with discipline, organisation and concentration as they prepare for one of the toughest fixtures of their league campaign.

The Seasiders’ recent start has increased the importance of their visit to Aba, but Abdallah said his squad remained focused on producing a committed performance against their highly decorated opponents.

“We respect our opponents, but we are going into the game with belief in our ability,” Abdallah told the club’s media. “The players understand what is required of them, and our focus is on putting in a good performance and getting a positive result. We will approach the match with the right mentality and give our best.”

The coach added that his players were aware of the demands of the contest and would need to maintain their concentration throughout the match if they were to come away with a favourable outcome.

Warri Wolves captain Innocent Orukpe has also expressed confidence in the team’s prospects, saying the players were motivated by the challenge and determined to maintain consistency as the season progresses.

“We are highly motivated and focused on the task ahead,” Orukpe said. “We know the league is a marathon, and what matters is how consistently we perform as a team.”

He said the squad would need to remain united and disciplined in order to deliver on its objectives.

“We must remain disciplined, believe in ourselves and keep working together to achieve our objectives,” Orukpe added. “We are optimistic about getting a positive result in Aba.”

Warri Wolves will now look to turn the confidence expressed by their coach and captain into a strong display when they face Enyimba on the latter’s home ground.

Super Eagles winger Yira Sor has returned to full training after spending approximately six weeks recovering from an injury, raising hopes that he could feature for Amedspor against Konyaspor on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 26-year-old suffered the injury during Amedspor’s Turkish Super Lig encounter against Trabzonspor last month, forcing him to miss several matches.

Sor had made an encouraging start to his campaign before the setback, scoring once in three league appearances for the club.

His return to full training offers Amedspor another attacking option as they prepare for their weekend fixture, although his availability will depend on the coaching staff’s assessment ahead of the match.

Amedspor will enter the encounter in confident mood after going unbeaten in their last five league outings, recording three victories and two draws.

They currently occupy third position in the Turkish Super Lig standings with 14 points from seven matches.

Sor’s potential return could provide a timely boost as Amedspor look to extend their unbeaten run and maintain their strong start to the season.