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“Choosing Nigeria Was the Best Decision of My Career” – Ademola Lookman

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Ademola Lookman has described his choice to play for Nigeria as one of the most rewarding decisions of his career.

The talented winger, born in Wandsworth, London, to Nigerian parents, initially wore the English jersey at the youth level.

He was part of England’s U-20 team that lifted the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2017, marking a major milestone for the young Three Lions.

However, in February 2022, Lookman made the significant decision to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria.

The decision materialized a month later when he made his debut for the Super Eagles during a crucial 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ghana.

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Although Nigeria fell short of securing a place at the World Cup, Lookman’s commitment to his roots had already set the stage for a promising international career.

Earlier this year, Lookman got his first taste of a major tournament with Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. He didn’t just participate — he shined.

His agility, skill, and composure on the ball earned him three goals and an assist over the course of seven matches.

His standout performances were pivotal in propelling Nigeria to the final, where they narrowly lost to the host nation.

His efforts were recognized when he was named in the AFCON Team of the Tournament.

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Reflecting on his journey in an interview with Sporty TV, the 27-year-old expressed how much this chapter of his career has meant to him.

“Choosing to play for Nigeria was a massive turning point for me. Every moment wearing the Super Eagles jersey has been a blessing,” Lookman said.

He mentioned the unity within the squad, emphasizing how the players’ bond and teamwork have contributed to their progress.

“We’ve achieved a lot together and are still growing. The togetherness we share is something special,” he added.


 

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Osimhen Says He Will Stay at Galatasaray If They Build a Stronger Team

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Victor Osimhen’s future at Galatasaray is still uncertain, but the club is doing all it can to keep the Nigerian star, including bringing in major reinforcements. According to Turkish journalist Ali Naci Küçük, Osimhen made it clear that he would only consider staying if the club was serious about building a top-level squad—and that demand played a key role in their recent move to sign Leroy Sané from Bayern Munich.

Sané, who will leave Bayern when his contract ends on June 30, has already agreed to a three-year deal with the Turkish champions. The German winger will earn €9 million per season plus a €3 million loyalty bonus. However, he might still feature for Bayern Munich in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup before his switch becomes official.

Osimhen, who scored 37 goals and delivered 8 assists during his loan spell at Galatasaray, is not rushing into a decision about his future. Despite the club’s eagerness to tie him down, he is taking his time to assess the project. Küçük revealed that Osimhen’s stance echoes that of Mauro Icardi when he joined the club. “Icardi once said, ‘If you build a strong team, I’ll stay.’ Osimhen said the same,” he explained during an interview on Futbol Arena’s YouTube channel.

Galatasaray have reportedly offered Osimhen a contract worth €14 million a year, plus bonuses. But according to the insider, while the club is moving fast, Osimhen remains calm and cautious. “He deserves time and understanding,” Küçük added, urging fans and media to respect the striker’s decision-making process.


 

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Barcelona Denied Club World Cup Place Despite Winning La Liga and Trophies

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Barcelona reportedly made a last-minute attempt to join the 2025 Club World Cup but were turned down by FIFA, despite a successful domestic season. The Spanish giants reached out to world football’s governing body hoping to take advantage of an unexpected opening at the tournament. The vacancy came after Mexican side Club León was disqualified for breaching FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules, since they share ownership with local rivals Pachuca.

Although Barca had a strong case—having won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup in the 2024–25 season—the spot didn’t go to them. Instead, FIFA kept things within the CONCACAF region, awarding the place to MLS side LAFC. LAFC secured their participation by defeating Club América in a play-in match organized to fill León’s place.

Barcelona had failed to qualify automatically through the standard ranking system and hoped their recent silverware would be enough to earn them a place. However, FIFA stood by its regional representation structure and passed on the Catalan club’s late push for inclusion.


 

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Messi Struggles to Score as Inter Miami and Al Ahly Play 0-0 in Club World Cup

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Inter Miami kicked off their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw against Egyptian champions Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium, but Lionel Messi struggled to make the difference on a night dominated by defensive displays.

Al Ahly started brightly, pushing forward with confidence and creating several chances early on. However, Inter’s veteran goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was in top form, keeping his side in the game. His standout moment came when he saved a first-half penalty from Trezeguet, diving low to block the shot and recovering quickly to collect the tame follow-up.

Messi, who was largely quiet in the first half, began to show flashes of his brilliance after the break. He played a key role in Miami’s improved attacking rhythm, but Al Ahly’s keeper El Shenawy was equally up to the task. He denied Tadeo Allende from close range and later parried away Messi’s sharp drive from just outside the box. The Argentine also came close with a clever free-kick that curled around the wall but found the side netting.

Despite both teams showing intent, neither side could find the finishing touch. The result leaves everything to play for as Inter Miami prepare to face Porto in Atlanta on June 19, while Al Ahly take on Palmeiras in New Jersey on the same day.


 

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