Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns and coach Rhulani Mokwena part ways
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns and coach Rhulani Mokwena part ways

Mamelodi Sundowns and Rhulani Mokwena have mutually agreed to conclude their working relationship, marking the end of Rhulani Mokwena’s role as Head Coach.

Mokwena won four league trophies with Sundowns, two as co-coach. Last season, he guided Sundowns to the first-ever African Football League but they couldn’t win the CAF Champions League, their main goal.

Sundowns express its sincere appreciation to Rhulani Mokwena for his invaluable contributions to the club’s successes and achievements during his tenure as Head Coach.

Mokwena will always be considered a part of the Mamelodi Sundowns Family, and the club wishes him the utmost success in his future endeavours.

The decision was made by the Board, taking into consideration the club’s objectives and expectations and was not influenced by any individual associated with the club.

“Sundowns is deeply committed to the development and growth of South African coaches and players. Coach Manqoba Mngqithi and the Technical Team will continue to lead and oversee the training and preparation of the players for the upcoming season,” Sundowns noted.

Mamelodi Sundowns is diligently preparing to compete in all upcoming competitions and is honoured to be one of the four Football Clubs representing the African Continent in the historic FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

Nigeria's forward Muhamed Tijani Joins Plymouth Argyle 
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s forward Muhamed Tijani Joins Plymouth Argyle 

English Championship side Plymouth Argyle has signed Muhamed Tijani on loan from Slavia Prague. The deal is subject to EFL approval and international clearance.

The Nigerian forward, 23, scored 13 goals in 33 games for Taborsko in the 2021/22 season. He also played in the Europa League for Slavia Prague, scoring two goals.

At the international level, Tijani was part of the Nigeria under-20 squad that competed in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

He played his first international match on 24 May 2019 against the Qatar under-20 side. He scored his first international goal on 30 May through a penalty kick against the Ukraine under-20 team.

Argyle’s Head Coach, Wayne Rooney, is excited about Tijani joining the team and is looking forward to working with him.

Argyle can buy the player at the end of his loan spell. Tijani, from Nigeria, moved to the Czech Republic at 18 to join Banik Ostrava’s youth system.

In the summer of 2023, he moved to Slavia Prague for approximately £1m and played 19 times, scoring four goals. Two goals came in the UEFA Europa League, including a last-ditch winner away to FC Sheriff.

Wayne Rooney, Head Coach of Argyle, said, “Muhamed’s arrival enhances our forward line with his size, athleticism, and scoring ability. He’s experienced in the Europa League and is eager to improve.”

Neil Dewsnip, Director of Football, added, “We’re thrilled to have Muhamed on board. He brings a different profile to our forward line and has immense growth potential. We’re excited to have him on board before pre-season begins.”

Anderlecht eye Portsmouth winger Abu Kamara
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Anderlecht eye Portsmouth’s winger Abu Kamara

After a successful loan spell with Portsmouth, Norwich City winger Abu Kamara is a summer target for Belgian top-tier side Anderlecht, Football Sierra Leone understands.

Kamara’s impressive performance at League One champions Portsmouth has attracted interest, but Norwich plans to include him in their first-team under manager Johannes Hoff Thorup.

Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke reports that Anderlecht, managed by former Norwich youth coach Brian Riemer, are keen on signing Kamara and wants to bring him to Belgium this summer.

A source from Norwich has confirmed that they plan to include Kamara in their first-team set-up this summer while their new head coach, Thorup, assesses the squad.

Kamara was an important player in Portsmouth’s championship-winning season last year. He scored ten goals and provided eleven assists in 52 games.

This summer, he made his debut for England’s U20 team. The 20-year-old, who came through City’s academy, has one year left on his contract at Carrow Road, and Norwich has a one-year option.

Al-Merrikh unveil Nigerian keeper Olorunleke Oluwasegun Ojo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al-Merrikh unveil Nigerian keeper Olorunleke Oluwasegun Ojo

Al-Merrikh SC has unveiled their new signing, Nigerian goalkeeper Olorunleke Oluwasegun Ojo, who previously played for Enyimba FC.

The club made the announcement on its official Facebook page, but no terms of the contract were mentioned.

Ojo began his senior career with Giwa FC in 2013 and later moved to Kano Pillars in 2014.

In 2021, he joined Enyimba and eventually became the team captain in 2023. Ojo has represented Nigeria at various levels and was part of the Nigeria U20s team that won the 2015 African U-20 Championship.

He received his first call-up to the senior Nigeria national team in 2022 and was included in the squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, making him the only player selected from the Nigeria Professional Football League.

FC Basel has extended the contract of Adriano Onyegbule, a German-Nigerian attacking midfielder, until the end of the 2026-2027 season.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder Adriano Onyegbule extends FC Basel contract

FC Basel has extended the contract of Adriano Onyegbule, a German-Nigerian attacking midfielder, until the end of the 2026-2027 season.

Onyegbule, 18, joined Basel in 2022 and made his senior debut in May 2023. He has been promoted to Basel’s first team for the upcoming season.

Onyegbule has represented Germany’s youth teams in six matches and remains eligible to play for the Flying Eagles.

The midfielder moved from RB Leipzig’s youth department to Rotblau around two years ago and, has so far, made four competitive appearances for the first team.

Most recently, the German-Nigerian dual citizen has mainly played in the U21s, where he has made 39 appearances (3 goals).