Esther Okoronkwo delivered a standout performance to earn Player of the Match honours as AFC Toronto secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Vancouver Rise in their season opener, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian forward contributed a goal and an assist in the encounter played at the Swangard Stadium, helping her side complete a comeback from 2-1 down.

Okoronkwo played a key role in turning the game around, setting up Sarah Stratigakis for the equaliser early in the second half before firing home the decisive goal 18 minutes from time.

The 29-year-old was later substituted in the 84th minute for Kaila Novak after an influential display.

Okoronkwo’s latest performance builds on an impressive record from last season, where she registered 11 goals and eight assists in 29 appearances for AFC Toronto, underlining her importance to the team’s attacking setup.

Victor Osimhen has been cleared to feature in Sunday’s intercontinental derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian forward had raised concerns after wearing a protective arm brace during Galatasaray’s Turkish Cup defeat to Gençlerbirli?i on Wednesday.

Fenerbahçe subsequently lodged an official complaint with the Turkish Football Federation, arguing that the protective gear could pose a risk to other players. However, the complaint was dismissed after it was confirmed that the brace was medically prescribed and approved following consultations with the relevant authorities.

Both sides played out a 1-1 draw in their first meeting earlier this season, setting the stage for another fierce contest.

Sunday’s clash could prove decisive in the Turkish Süper Lig title race, with Galatasaray currently holding a four-point lead over their closest rivals, Fenerbahçe.

Osimhen has been a key figure for the Yellow and Reds this season, registering 12 goals and four assists in 19 league appearances.

Gift Orban has issued a public apology following an altercation with a supporter after Hellas Verona’s Serie A clash against AC Milan, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The incident occurred outside the Stadio Bentegodi after Verona’s 1–0 home defeat, where the Nigerian striker, visibly frustrated, declined requests for photographs from fans. Tensions escalated when another supporter struck Orban’s car with an open hand, prompting a reaction from the player that was captured on camera.

The 21-year-old later took to social media to apologise for his conduct, acknowledging his actions and expressing regret over the incident.

“I wish to sincerely apologise to all the fans for my behaviour,” Orban wrote on his Instagram story.

“I understand how important your support is, and I am sorry if I ignored those who asked for photographs and autographs. You deserve respect, and at that moment I let you down.

“I am also profoundly sorry for how I reacted, there is no excuse for having lost control, and I take full responsibility.

“I promise to learn from this error and do my best. The fans are a fundamental part of this club and I appreciate the passion and loyalty that you show every day.

“I will work hard to win back your trust, not just with words, but with action. Thank you for your continued support. I remain fully focused on giving my best for the club whenever I step onto the pitch.”

Atlético Madrid forward Ademola Lookman could be in line for a return to action in Saturday’s La Liga clash against Athletic Bilbao, after missing the trip to Elche CF due to injury concerns, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Head coach Diego Simeone confirmed that the Nigerian international is making good progress following discomfort in his abductor sustained during last weekend’s Copa del Rey final.

Lookman has been undergoing individual training as part of his recovery and was omitted from the matchday squad against Elche as a precaution. However, Simeone has expressed optimism that both Lookman and teammate Alexander Sorloth could be available for selection this weekend.

“It’s possible that both Sorloth and Lookman will already be available on Saturday, based on what the doctors are saying,” Simeone stated.

Atlético’s medical team is adopting a cautious approach to ensure the forward regains full fitness ahead of a crucial UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg encounter against Arsenal FC next Wednesday.

The Spanish side are eager to have Lookman available for the high-stakes European fixture as they continue to compete on multiple fronts this season.

Former Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju has thrown his support behind Kelechi Iheanacho, backing the Celtic FC forward for a potential return to the Super Eagles following his recent resurgence in form, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Iheanacho has endured a difficult campaign plagued by injuries, particularly recurring hamstring issues that have limited his playing time since his summer move. Despite these setbacks, the 29-year-old has managed six goals and one assist in 18 appearances for the Hoops.

The striker recently reminded fans of his quality with a match-winning performance in the Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren FC, where he scored twice in extra time to send Celtic into the final.

Reacting to his upturn in form, Adepoju, a member of Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, believes Iheanacho still has what it takes to contribute at the international level.

“Kelechi has always been a very good player and a good scorer who has done very well over the years. Unfortunately, these past few years he has not been finding it easy,” Adepoju said.

“I’m happy that he is coming back and doing very well at Celtic. I just believe he will be able to sustain that and continue.

“Experience matters, and if he is doing very well and the national team handlers find him worthy, then he can still come back. I believe he has that ability to return to the team.”

Adepoju’s comments add to growing calls for Iheanacho’s reintegration into the national setup as the Super Eagles continue to reshape the squad ahead of upcoming international competitions.

Victor Osimhen is expected to make his long-awaited return for Galatasaray in their Turkish Cup quarter-final encounter against Gençlerbirli?i at RAMS Park, Nigeriasoccernet.com understands.

The Nigerian striker has been sidelined for the club’s last four matches due to an arm injury sustained earlier in the season. Although he was named in the squad for the recent league meeting with Gençlerbirli?i, he remained an unused substitute.

However, there has been a positive development in his recovery, with Osimhen completing full training with his teammates on Monday, signaling his readiness to gradually return to competitive action.

According to reports from Turkish outlet Sabah, the 27-year-old forward is expected to feature briefly in the cup tie, with plans for him to play between 15 to 20 minutes as he builds match fitness ahead of the crucial Istanbul derby against Fenerbahçe.

Galatasaray head into the fixture in strong form, remaining unbeaten in their last 10 Turkish Cup matches, scoring 24 goals and conceding just eight. Victory over Gençlerbirli?i would see them advance to the semi-finals, where they will face either Samsunspor or Trabzonspor.

Osimhen’s return is expected to provide a significant boost for the Yellow and Reds as they approach a decisive phase in both domestic and cup competitions.

Umar Sadiq returned to the scoresheet as his goal helped Valencia CF secure a 1-1 draw against RCD Mallorca in Tuesday’s La Liga encounter, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian striker had gone seven matches without finding the net prior to the trip, but produced a timely response to help his side avoid a third consecutive defeat.

Valencia fell behind early in the second half when Samu Costa gave Mallorca the lead in the 49th minute. However, Sadiq restored parity in the 67th minute, heading into an empty net from close range after a well-worked attacking move.

The goal was Sadiq’s second of the league campaign, with the forward also contributing two assists in 14 appearances for Valencia this season.

The result leaves Valencia in 13th position on the table with 36 points from 32 matches, as they continue their push to finish the season strongly.

Gift Orban was reportedly involved in a heated post-match altercation following Hellas Verona’s 1-0 defeat to AC Milan at the Stadio Bentegodi on Saturday evening, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Nigerian striker was visibly frustrated after the result and declined to stop for a photo with a supporter outside the stadium. The situation escalated when Orban exited his vehicle and engaged in a verbal exchange with a fan, while another supporter reportedly struck his car with an open hand.

Italian authorities, including the public order police unit Digos, were present at the scene and are currently reviewing footage as part of an ongoing investigation.

Orban joined Verona on loan from TSG Hoffenheim last summer and has been an important figure for the team this season. He has registered seven goals and three assists in 28 league appearances for the Yellow and Blues in the Serie A.

Despite the incident, the 22-year-old forward continues to attract attention from clubs monitoring emerging talent in the Italian top flight.

Kelechi Iheanacho expressed his delight after playing a decisive role in Celtic FC’s dramatic victory over St Mirren FC in the Scottish Cup semi-final, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian striker came off the bench with just seven minutes remaining in normal time and went on to deliver a match-winning performance in extra time, scoring twice to send Celtic into the final against Dunfermline Athletic.

His first goal came via a near-post header from a James Forrest cross, before he added a second with a composed left-foot finish inside the box.

Speaking after the game, Iheanacho admitted his excitement over the result and his contribution.

“I can’t really describe how I feel at the moment. I’m really happy,” he told Celtic TV.

He also highlighted the team’s response in extra time after a brief scare when St Mirren fought back.

“In extra-time, we just had to get after them, press them and get the goals, that was the plan,” he added.

Looking ahead, Iheanacho stressed that Celtic’s focus now shifts back to their league title push before the Scottish Cup final scheduled for May 23.

He added that although he has not studied Dunfermline extensively, the team is fully prepared to fight for silverware.

“Cup finals are never easy… but collectively, as a team, we’ll really fight to win it,” he said.

Okan Buruk has explained why Victor Osimhen was left out of Galatasaray’s squad for their clash against Gençlerbirli?i in the Turkish Süper Lig, writes Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Osimhen, who travelled with the team for the fixture, was ultimately not included in the matchday squad, a decision that initially raised concern among supporters.

Speaking after the game, Buruk revealed that the omission was purely precautionary due to fatigue observed during training sessions.

“Osimhen took part in certain parts of training. After those sessions, he experienced some fatigue,” Buruk was quoted by Sporx.

The Galatasaray coach further explained that the decision was made jointly with the medical department to avoid any risk of worsening the striker’s condition.

“Coach Yener, Osimhen, and I spoke about it. We didn’t find it appropriate for him to be in the squad this week,” he added.

Buruk, however, expressed confidence that the Nigerian forward will return soon, with a possible appearance in the next cup fixture before a crucial league showdown against rivals Fenerbahçe.

“We can look ahead to the next cup match and see how many minutes he can play. Of course, he will be able to play in the Fenerbahçe match,” he concluded.

Osimhen’s fitness will continue to be closely monitored as Galatasaray enters a decisive phase of their domestic campaign.

Emmanuel Fernandez has been named in the PFA Scotland Scottish Premiership Team of the Year following an outstanding debut campaign with Rangers FC, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 24-year-old centre-back earned the recognition through votes from fellow professionals in the Scottish Premiership, underlining his impact in Scotland’s top flight. Notably, he is the only Rangers player included in the prestigious lineup.

Fernandez joined the Light Blues in the summer of 2025 and, after an initial adjustment period, quickly established himself as a key figure in defence. He has made 28 appearances across all competitions, impressing with his aerial dominance, composure on the ball, and overall defensive solidity.

His fine form at club level also earned him a call-up to the Super Eagles, where he has already begun to make his mark. The defender made his international debut earlier this year and scored on his first full start in a friendly, further highlighting his rapid rise.

Reacting to the honour, Fernandez expressed his delight, stating that the recognition “means a lot” to him and that his debut season at Ibrox has surpassed expectations. He was named in defence alongside Paul McGinn of Motherwell FC, as well as Craig Halkett and Harry Milne of Heart of Midlothian.

The recognition comes amid growing interest from top European clubs, with reports suggesting Rangers could demand a significant transfer fee for the England-born Nigerian in the upcoming transfer window.

Fernandez’s journey from lower-league football in England to becoming a Team of the Year selection and a Nigeria international within a year highlights his rapid development and growing reputation as one of Africa’s emerging defensive talents.

Tolu Arokodare has been sanctioned by Wolverhampton Wanderers following a dressing room altercation with teammate Mateus Mane, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The incident reportedly occurred after Wolves’ heavy 4-0 defeat to West Ham United, when tensions among players escalated. What began as a verbal disagreement between the two players is said to have developed into a physical confrontation, with Arokodare identified as the aggressor.

Club authorities responded swiftly by imposing a fine on the Nigerian striker as part of disciplinary measures aimed at maintaining order and professionalism within the squad.

In the immediate aftermath, Arokodare was left out of action, remaining an unused substitute during Wolves’ subsequent 3-0 loss to Leeds United.

The situation has raised questions about the forward’s standing within the team, with indications that his future at the club could come under review ahead of the summer transfer window.

Sporting Lagos have secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Osun United in Osogbo, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Heading into the decisive final-day fixture, Sporting Lagos knew only a win would guarantee their return to the top flight, and they delivered with a disciplined away performance to clinch the lone promotion ticket from Conference B. The result saw them finish top with 36 points.

For Osun United, the defeat capped a disappointing campaign, confirming their relegation to the Nationwide League One after a season plagued by inconsistency.

Elsewhere, Akwa United kept their hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Solution FC in Awka. However, despite the victory, they narrowly missed out on promotion, finishing second with 35 points, just one behind Sporting Lagos.

Other results on the final day saw First Bank FC play out a thrilling 3-3 draw against Godswill Akpabio United, while Stormers suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Ekiti United. Calabar Rovers also recorded a 1-0 win over Abakaliki FC, though it was not enough to avoid the drop.

At the end of the campaign, First Bank FC, Osun United, and Calabar Rovers were relegated.

Sporting Lagos’ promotion also marks a significant milestone for football in Lagos State, with Ikorodu City, Inter Lagos, and Sporting Lagos set to feature together in the NPFL next season for the first time.

Ola Aina delivered an impressive performance as Nottingham Forest secured qualification for the UEFA Europa League semi-finals with victory over FC Porto, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian defender played the full 90 minutes as Forest edged past a 10-man Porto side at the City Ground, progressing after a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Portugal.

Morgan Gibbs-White scored the decisive goal, sealing a historic result for Forest, who have now reached the semi-finals of a European competition for the first time since 1984.

Porto’s challenge was dealt an early blow when Jan Bednarek was sent off just eight minutes into the contest following a high challenge on Chris Wood.

Aina’s solid display at the back earned him a strong rating of 7.40 from BBC Sport, highlighting his influence in the crucial encounter.

Fellow Nigerians Terem Moffi and Zaidu Sanusi were also in action for Porto, although both players were substituted in the second half.

Nottingham Forest will now face Aston Villa in the semi-finals as they continue their remarkable European campaign.

Ryan Alebiosu is expected to be available for Blackburn Rovers’ Championship clash against Coventry City at Ewood Park, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The defender was forced off at half-time during Rovers’ midweek defeat to Southampton after an awkward fall following a challenge with Ryan Manning.

However, head coach Michael O’Neill has provided a positive update, confirming that the Nigerian international has come through training and is in contention for selection.

“Ryan came through training today having come off in the game on Tuesday night, so that was a bonus,” O’Neill told RoversTV.

Alebiosu has been a key figure for Blackburn this season, contributing one goal and four assists in 38 league appearances.

Rovers, currently 20th on the table with 48 points from 43 matches, remain locked in a battle to avoid relegation.

For Coventry City, the stakes are equally high at the opposite end of the table, as they require just one point from the encounter to secure promotion to the Premier League, setting up a high-pressure clash at Ewood Park.

Raphael Onyedika has been shortlisted for the 2026 Ebony Shoe Award, which honours the best African player or player of African descent in the Belgian top flight, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Club Brugge midfielder is among a competitive list of nominees that includes Promise David of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Zakaria El Ouahdi of Racing Genk, Parfait Guiagon of Sporting Charleroi, and Adem Zorgane, also representing Union Saint-Gilloise.

Onyedika has enjoyed an impressive campaign, making 25 league appearances and scoring once, while playing a key role in Club Brugge’s midfield setup.

The Ebony Shoe Award has a rich history of Nigerian winners, underlining the country’s strong influence in Belgian football. Tolu Arokodare claimed the honour last year, while Daniel Amokachi won the inaugural edition in 1992. Other past Nigerian recipients include Victor Ikpeba, Godwin Okpara, Celestine Babayaro, and Paul Onuachu.

The winner of this year’s award will be announced on May 4 at the Hotel Tangla, where the continent’s finest talents in Belgium will be celebrated.

Maduka Okoye has described Udinese’s emphatic victory over AC Milan at the San Siro as a moment the team will never forget, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Zebras stunned the Rossoneri with a 3-0 win in their Serie A clash, with goals from Davide Bartesaghi (own goal), Jürgen Ekkelenkamp, and Arthur Atta sealing an impressive result.

Reflecting on the performance, Okoye expressed his delight at both the result and the occasion.

“It’s a weekend we’ll never forget. Winning 0-3 at San Siro is special. It was a huge emotion, an incredible evening for all of us,” he told the club’s official website.

The Nigerian international was one of the standout performers on the night, making key saves to preserve his clean sheet, his third consecutive shutout.

Okoye also highlighted the collective effort behind the defensive display, crediting his teammates for their contribution.

“For me, keeping a clean sheet is like scoring a goal. I’m happy to have kept three in a row, but it’s down to teamwork, which starts from the attack,” he added.

The victory represents a major boost for Udinese as they continue their campaign, with Okoye’s form providing added confidence at the back.

Maduka Okoye has been named in the Serie A Team of the Week following a standout display in Udinese’s impressive 3-0 victory over AC Milan, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian goalkeeper produced a series of crucial saves at the San Siro, denying efforts from Luka Modri?, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Youssouf Fofana to secure a memorable win for his side.

Okoye’s performance also saw him register his third consecutive clean sheet, the first time he has achieved the feat in his professional career.

It marks the second time this season that the shot-stopper has been included in the Serie A Team of the Week, underlining his growing importance to Udinese.

His teammate Jürgen Ekkelenkamp also earned a place in the weekly selection following his contribution to the victory.

Udinese will look to build on their momentum when they host Parma at the Bluenergy Stadium in their next league fixture.

Diego Simeone has declared that Atlético Madrid are ready to challenge for the UEFA Champions League title after eliminating Barcelona to reach the semi-finals, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Rojiblancos suffered a 2-1 defeat in the second leg at home but progressed 3-2 on aggregate, having secured a crucial 2-0 victory at Camp Nou in the first leg.

Atlético, who are yet to win Europe’s elite club competition, will now face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals.

Speaking after the match, Simeone expressed confidence in his team’s ability to go all the way this season.

“We’ll go into it with all our hope, with total belief. We know the strengths we have and our flaws,” he said.

“We’re ready. We’re going to go after what we’ve been chasing for many years.”

Simeone, who has been in charge of Atlético for over a decade, previously guided the club to Champions League finals in 2014 and 2016, both of which ended in defeat to rivals Real Madrid.

Reflecting on the club’s journey under his leadership, the Argentine coach highlighted the team’s consistency at the highest level despite several rebuilds.

“It’s been fourteen years now, it still excites me to see that the team keeps competing,” Simeone added.

“The players have changed, we’ve had to start over a bunch of times, and here we are again among the four best teams in Europe.”

Ademola Lookman has shared his thoughts following Atlético Madrid’s progression to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals despite a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Diego Simeone’s side lost on the night at the Metropolitano Stadium but advanced 3-2 on aggregate after doing enough across both legs to secure qualification.

Barcelona made a flying start, with Lamine Yamal opening the scoring in the fourth minute before Ferran Torres added a second shortly after to put the visitors in control.

However, Lookman pulled one back for Atlético just past the half-hour mark, a goal that proved crucial in keeping his side ahead on aggregate.

Reacting after the game, the Nigerian international admitted it was a challenging encounter but praised his team’s resilience.

“Going 2-0 down was tough. A game of two halves, really, we stuck in there, we dug in. We didn’t get the win tonight, but we’re through to the semi-finals,” he told TNT Sports.

Atlético Madrid will now face the winner of the tie between Arsenal and Sporting CP in the semi-finals as they continue their quest for European glory.