Category: Sport News

Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba joins Manchester United
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba joins Manchester United

Manchester United has signed Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton for £70 million, paying an initial £65 million with an extra £5 million in add-ons. Brighton included a sell-on clause in the deal.

United strengthened their midfield after signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer. Baleba signed a five-year contract with an option for a sixth year. He expressed his excitement, stating, “It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams.”

Baleba’s move follows United’s 2-0 defeat to Hull City in the Premier League opener. He is currently sidelined with an ankle injury from pre-season training and has made 112 appearances for Brighton, scoring four goals.

In a farewell video, Baleba thanked Brighton fans, saying, “Last season was hard. I will be looking for your result every week for the rest of my life.”

This transfer raises United’s summer spending to £153 million as they prepare for the Champions League. Baleba brings strength and experience to the midfield, addressing the team’s need for more physicality and power. His defensive capabilities and speed could significantly impact the team’s performance this season.

DR Congo's Jules Ahoka signs for Sunderland from Royal Antwerp
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo’s Jules Ahoka signs for Sunderland from Royal Antwerp

Sunderland has signed DR Congo midfielder Jules Ahoka from Belgian club Royal Antwerp on a long-term contract. 

Ahoka, 20, is a DR Congo youth international and has agreed to a long-term contract with the club.

“I am very happy and proud to join Sunderland,” said Ajoka, who played in both of Antwerp’s league games this season.

“It is a big club with great ambitions, and I am excited to be here. I want to work hard, learn from my teammates and the staff, and keep improving as a player. I will give everything for the club and can’t wait to get started.”

Ahoka is Sunderland’s third summer signing, joining Belgian left-back Thomas Meunier and French right-back Dayann Methalie.

“Jules is a player we have been watching closely, and he has shown good qualities for his age,” said Sunderland director of football Florent Ghisolfi. “He has great potential, and we believe Sunderland is the right place for him to grow.”

Mogbwemo Queens Name 22-Woman Squad for WAFU-A Qualifiers
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Mogbwemo Queens Name 22-Woman Squad for WAFU-A Qualifiers

Mogbwemo Queens Football Club head coach Adama P. Suma has unveiled a 22-player squad for the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU A Zone qualifiers in The Gambia.

The reigning national women’s top-flight champions and representative of Sierra Leone at this year’s zonal women’s inter-club tournament will be led by a balanced squad featuring two goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and six forwards as they prepare to compete for a place in the next stage of Africa’s premier women’s club competition.

Coach Suma’s squad includes two goalkeepers, Isatu Dumbuya and Ahouef Larissa Godui. The defensive line-up comprises Fatmata T. Koroma, Musu Sengeh, Saio M Quraishi, Edit David Doe, Penda Colley, Honoria Hotta, Olufunke Victoria Taiwo, and Sangay M. Moulton.

In midfield, coach Suma has selected Jeneba Koroma, Kadiatu M. Kamara, Fatmata Turay, Sallay Jatta, Adama Jalloh, and Jeanette Dominique Sagna.

The attacking options are Fanta Nabe, Nadi Quade, Amos Patrick, Isatu A Bangura, Wuyah Mohai, and Marguerite S Ahouassou.

Coach Suma, who’s no stranger as guardian of Mogbwemo Queens in the WAFU-A’ Zone Women’s tournament after the team’s debut two years ago in Liberia, has described his latest squad announcement as “one that reflects the club’s ambition to make a strong impression in the WAFU-A’ Zone qualifying competition and secure progression in the CAF Women’s Champions League pathway.”

With the regional qualifiers bringing together leading women’s clubs from the WAFU-A’ Zone, the Sierra Leonean side will be seeking to combine defensive stability, midfield creativity, and attacking firepower under Suma’s leadership.

Meanwhile, the squad, which departed Freetown via the Lungi International Airport for Banjul on Sunday, August 23, is currently in the Gambia, all set to carry Sierra Leone’s hopes in this year’s WAFU-A’ Zone Women’s Champions League qualifying campaign.

Mohamed Salah opens Trabzonspor account with a brace
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Salah opens Trabzonspor account with a brace

Mohamed Salah netted two goals in his initial Turkish Super Lig match for Trabzonspor, nearly securing a hat-trick, as they triumphed over Istanbul Basaksehir.

The 34-year-old forward from Egypt departed Liverpool after nine years, where he tallied 257 goals, on a free transfer this summer.

Initially anticipated to sign with a club in Saudi Arabia, he chose to join the Turkish outfit on a two-year contract, earning £280,000 weekly.

This match marked his third outing for Trabzonspor; he previously came off the bench against Kasimpasa last weekend and started in their Europa League play-off first-leg loss to Ferencvaros.

He found the net for his new team after intercepting a ball from the away goalkeeper, Muhammed Sengezer, before scoring through a deflection off the post.

After Eldor Shomurodov equalized from the penalty spot, Salah reclaimed the lead for his team with a first-time shot from 10 yards.

The seasoned player was issued a yellow card for diving when he fell in the box with 11 minutes remaining.

He believed he had completed his hat-trick in injury time by scoring into an empty net from 45 yards, but was flagged for offside.

Hamburger SV Sign Striker Terem Moffi from OGC Nice in France
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hamburger SV Sign Striker Terem Moffi from OGC Nice in France

Hamburger SV has signed 27-year-old Nigerian centre forward Terem Moffi from OGC Nice, marking their seventh signing this summer.

Claus Costa, the Sporting Director, praised Moffi’s physicality and determination, stating that he is a striker who is hard to control.

Moffi underwent medical exams at the Athleticum training ground in Volkspark last weekend and then signed his contract. He will wear the number 9 jersey for HSV.

“Terem fits perfectly into our team. His signing adds depth and versatility to the center forward position, improving our overall strength. His experience at a high international level will benefit our younger players. We are thrilled to welcome Terem to HSV,” said Kathleen Krüger, the board member for sport.

Costa added, “We believe Terem will bring extra firepower to our game and enhance our squad’s versatility. Our next task is to integrate him quickly so we can start the new Bundesliga season with energy and confidence.”

Terem Igobor Moffi has had an interesting career, playing in six countries before coming to Germany, his seventh. He was born on May 25, 1999, in Calabar, Nigeria, and moved to England at 17 to join the Buckswood Football Academy.

He started his professional career in Lithuania with FK Kauno Zalgiris and FK Riteriai. In January 2020, he joined KV Kortrijk in Belgium, then moved to FC Lorient in the fall of the same year. In early 2023, he signed with OGC Nice and recently spent the latter half of last season on loan at FC Porto. Overall, he has scored 88 goals and made 13 assists in 228 competitive matches.

Moffi has also played for Nigeria’s national team since 2021, making 23 appearances and scoring six goals with two assists. In October 2023, he started alongside his new teammate Jordan Torunarigha.

Moffi said about his transfer, “The coach convinced me during our talks. The location, the great fans, and the club’s direction influenced my decision. Even though HSV has played in the second division for a few years, it is still a well-known club worldwide. When I informed my father about their interest, he immediately recognized the club and was excited. It has been incredible for me, and I’m thrilled to be part of the club’s history.”

He also shared his thoughts on his playing style: “As a striker, I love scoring goals, but I also enjoy working for the team and supporting everyone. Being the new guy feels a bit strange, but I look forward to getting to know everyone and starting our journey together.”