Ola Aina has inked new Nottingham Forest deal until 2028
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian defender Ola Aina inks new Nottingham Forest deal

Nottingham Forest has confirmed that Nigerian defender Ola Aina has signed a fresh deal, therefore lengthening his contract through the summer of 2028.

Beginning in 35 of 38 Premier League games, the Nigerian was crucial in the team’s 24/25 run.

Mostly used on the right side of Forest’s stout defence throughout the season, the versatile 28-year-old had spent the majority of the past season playing leftback.

He acquired possession in the defensive third more times than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues during the 2024–2025 campaign, thanks in large part to his persistent defence.

Ola Aina scored twice during Forest’s seventh-place Premier League finish, including a spectacular 30-win over West Ham.

From Turin, he joined Forest in the summer of 2023 and has made 59 appearances thereafter. Having played 100 games in Italy’s top division, Aina is on the verge of another milestone with only four caps required to reach 50 for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Aina expressed his enthusiasm at the contract extension and stated he feels at home with the club and is getting ready for the next season.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis lauded Aina’s personality and influence; Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson noted his contributions on and off the field. Aina is happy to keep travelling with the club and help meet its goals.

Striker Alie Conteh joins Norwegian side Strømsgodset
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Alie Conteh joins Norwegian side Strømsgodset

Striker Alie Conteh, 20, has signed a four-year contract with Norwegian top-tier side Strømsgodset and will wear jersey number 20 ahead of the season’s second round.

“I am very happy to join Strømsgodset. I have dreamed of this moment and worked hard to reach it,” said the player from Sierra Leone after completing his contract.

After successful negotiations with Mjøndalen, the transfer details were finalized, and Conteh passed his medical examination. He is now officially a Strømsgodset player until the summer of 2029.

“We are pleased to secure a young and promising striker who has shown great development at Mjøndalen,” said sports manager Jostein Flo. “We appreciate Mjøndalen for their positive dialogue that allowed us to bring him in before the transfer window.”

Conteh, on loan from Goderich FC, quickly made an impact at Mjøndalen by scoring a hat-trick in his second match. Last season, he played 30 games and scored seven goals, while this season he has netted 12 goals in 17 matches.

He will train with his new teammates for the first time on Tuesday and hopes to play in Sunday’s home game against Tromsø.

“I have the mentality of a lion, and I’m a hard-working player who wants to give everything for the team,” he said. “I want to bring joy to the supporters by scoring goals.”

Nigeria and Algeria register opening Women's Cup of Nations win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria and Algeria register opening Women’s Cup of Nations wins

Nigeria started their quest for another Women’s Africa Cup of Nations championship with a 3-0 victory over Tunisia in Group B on Sunday at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

With a header from Omorinsola Babajide’s cross, Asisat Oshoala found the fourth minute. Nigeria dominated the first half, keeping Tunisia under pressure. Just before halftime, Babajide scored following a pass, bringing the total to 20; VAR confirmed the goal.

Nigeria made three substitutions at halftime, bringing in Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, and Christy Ucheibe, thereby adding energy to the squad.

Elsewhere, thanks to a goal from midfielder Ghoutia Karchouni, Algeria won 1-0 versus Botswana in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024 in Morocco.

Described as a tight shot with a reserved celebration, the aim represents her return to her roots and her loyalty to the team at the age of 29.

All Sunday's WAFCON results
All Sunday's WAFCON results
Senegal ease past DR Congo in WAFCON opener
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal ease past DR Congo in WAFCON opener

Senegal made a powerful statement in Group A of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 4-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday in Mohammedia.

Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye each scored two goals in a dominant first half, leading the Lionesses of Teranga to an emphatic win in their opening match.

The scoring started in the fifth minute when Mama Diop struck a powerful shot into the net after receiving a pass from Méta Kandé. Nguenar Ndiaye doubled the lead in the 13th minute with a composed finish, and by the 22nd minute, Diop had her second goal, capitalising on a defensive error. Just before halftime, Ndiaye headed home from a Hapsatou Diallo cross, ensuring a four-goal lead.

In the second half, DR Congo regrouped, hitting the woodwork and forcing Senegal’s goalkeeper, Adji Ndiaye, into several key saves. Despite their efforts, the Leopardesses couldn’t find a goal.

The result puts Senegal at the top of Group A, ahead of Morocco and Zambia, who drew 2-2 in their opening match.

For DR Congo, this loss serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead as they look to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Meanwhile, Senegal appears poised to compete strongly for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Mustapha Bundu makes Hannover debut in defeat to Randers
by Football Sierra Leone

Mustapha Bundu makes Hannover debut in defeat to Randers

On Saturday, Sierra Leone International Mutapha Bundu made their debut at Hanover 96, in their 2-1 loss to Danish team Randers FC in Germany after 120 minutes.

After quitting the English team Plymouth Argyle, free agent Bundu, 28, joined the German side.

Randers FC continued their strong preseason performance with a third consecutive victory, defeating Hannover 96 2-1.

They took the lead in the 31st minute when Mohamed Touré scored from a great cross by Simen Bolkan Nordli.

Hannover equalised ten minutes later, but Elies Mahmoud clinched the win in the 110th minute after capitalising on a rebound following his initial shot, sealing the match for Randers FC.