Yemi Olanrewaju has been appointed as a permanent head coach for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Enyimba International of Aba.

Olanrewaju took charge of the two-time African champions on an interim basis after Finidi George left the post in May to take charge of Super Eagles.

The young tactician was offered the assistant coaching role by his former boss, Finidi, who is now in charge of Rivers United.

The 32-year-old has however turned down the offer and instead opted to remain at Enyimba.
It is the first time Olanrewaju will be taking charge of a club as a full-time head coach in the Nigerian top flight.

He once worked as an assistant coach at Magate FC, MFM and Vandrezzer.

2021 French Ligue 1 Champions, LOSC Lille, have beaten Anderlecht and other Dutch clubs to win the race for Beyond Limits Football Academy striker, Adeshina Ibrahim Ayodele.

The 18-year-old striker was a part of the Beyond Limits team that defeated Congo’s C.N Brazzaville to become the first African winner of the Viareggio Cup in Italy.

Ayodele scored five goals and provided an assist in that tournament, averaging a goal contribution every fifty minutes.

As per Fabrizio Romano, Victor Osimhen’s former employers have agreed to sign Ayodele for the upcoming 2024/2025 season, although there are still finer details yet to be completed, the move is sealed.

Anderlecht and also Dutch clubs wanted him but now set to join Lille.

Shina was a core member of the Beyond Limits Football Academy team that emerged victorious in the NNL play-offs, securing a promotion to the Nigerian Professional Football League ahead of next season, where they will compete in the Nigerian top tier alongside their parent club, Remo Stars.

Inter Milan’s Ebenezer Akinsanmiro is also a product of the Beyond Limits Football academy.

He made his debut for the 2010 treble winners in the just concluded season.

Ligue 1 club, Lille have agreed a deal to sign Nigerian youngster, Adeshina Ibrahim Ayodele, DAILY POST reports.

The former Ligue 1 champions signed Ayodele from Beyond Limits Academy in Nigeria.

According to transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, Lille beat Belgian club, Anderlecht and a Dutch club to the player.

Victor Osimhen, Vincent Enyeama and Osaze Odemwingie are the three Nigerian players, who have played for Lille in the past.

Ayodele was a key member of the Beyond Limits Football Academy side that emerged victorious in the Nigeria National League (NNL) play-offs, securing promotion to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) for next season.

The player was a member of the Beyond Limits team that defeated Congo’s C.N Brazzaville to become the first African team to win the Viareggio Cup in Italy.

He scored five goals and provided one assist to help Beyond Limits Academy emerge champions.

Portuguese club Boavista have announced the signing of Nigeria midfielder Ibrahim Alhassan.

Alhassan linked up with Boavista from the Belgian second-division club, Beerschot.

The former Flying Eagles star, who penned a two-year contract, is the club’s first summer signing.

The 27-year-old previously played in Portugal for CD Nacional between 2018 and 2022.

He is now the third Nigerian at Boavista, with Chidozie Awaziem and Bruno Onyemaechi also key parts of the squad.

“I am very happy. Signing for Boavista was an easy decision, firstly because I know how great the club is and also because I have already played in Portugal, which I consider to be my second home,” the 27-year-old said.

“I am very excited about this challenge and I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and start this adventure.

“I usually play as a defensive midfielder, but last season I often played in central defence. I am a team player and I am always available to help my teammates, whatever the position.”

Chelsea announced on Thursday evening that their Director of Football Development and Operations, Neil Bath, has decided to step down and leave Stamford Bridge after more than 30 years at the club.

The Premier League west London club disclosed this in a statement on their website.

Neil has built a richly deserved reputation as one of the leading developers of youth football and coaching talent across the world for the past three decades.

His legacy extends well beyond the gates of Chelsea Football Club, with a vast alumni of players and coaches whose careers across the continent have flourished due to Neil’s influence.

Speaking to the club website, Neil said he intended to rest and have some time away from the game.

He said: “After 30 years working at Chelsea, I feel it is the right time for me to have some time off and take a break from a job that I have put so much time into.

“I intend to rest and have some time away from the game, however, I will continue working over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition for the organisation.”

Former England manager Sam Allardyce has asked Portugal coach Roberto Martinez to drop Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench for Portugal’s quarterfinal game against France.

He said the 39-year-old is now a liability for Portugal at Euro 2024.

Ronaldo only needs to redeem his image at the tournament in Germany, as he has struggled to impress for his nation.

Allardyce, a former Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle boss, told William Hill and Footy accumulator’s podcast on No Tippy Tappy Football: “Given the talent that Portugal have in their squad, I think they’ve been quite disappointing. They’ve got so much talent and so much ability on the ball, but they’re having to carry Ronaldo now.

“Even though he is still very fit for his age, he simply doesn’t have the same energy levels anymore. The other players have to carry him and they’re good enough to do it, but he still hasn’t scored yet. Roberto Martínez won’t be brave enough to drop Ronaldo.”

Spain and Man City defensive midfielder Rodri said he has been impressed by Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella’s performances at the ongoing Euro 2024 in Germany.

Both players are representing Spain at the tournament and the midfielder says he is in awe of his teammate’s form.

Spain has emerged as the favourite to win the trophy, having been in exceptional form at the 2024 European Championships, winning every single fixture so far.

Rodri and Cucurella have featured in three of their four fixtures.

Rodri told El Partidazo de Cope, as quoted by Metro: “I know them all but, the level that Cucurella is showing.

“I already knew him but the level he is showing in a context like this in a Euro Cup, he is helping us a lot, especially defensively, with the character he has. I am loving it and I hope he continues at this level.”