Sport
“My Favourite Nigerian Footballer Currently Has to Be Ademola Lookman” – Dominic Solanke
Tottenham Hotspur forward Dominic Solanke has expressed his strong desire to visit Nigeria in the near future, saying he looks forward to connecting with his roots.
The 27-year-old, born in Reading, Berkshire, to a Nigerian father and an English mother, has yet to make the trip to Nigeria.
Solanke, who previously played for Chelsea, shared his excitement in a recent interview with Showmax, revealing that a visit to Nigeria is something he’s eager to do.
“I haven’t actually been yet,” Solanke admitted. “I definitely need to take some time off soon and go and see my roots, so hopefully in the next few years.”
While Solanke’s career with the England national team means he is no longer eligible to represent Nigeria, his connection to the country remains strong.
The striker mentioned that he closely follows Nigerian football and keeps up with the accomplishments of Nigerian players, including his friends and fellow professionals.
One of his favorites is Ademola Lookman, a standout Nigerian footballer who has made significant strides in Europe.
Solanke praised Lookman’s incredible performances over the past few years, calling them “nothing short of phenomenal.”
He added, “What he has been doing has been crazy, especially for the Nigerian national team, so I have been super proud.”
Solanke also spoke highly of Victor Osimhen, one of the top strikers in world football.
The Nigerian forward, who plays for Serie A side Napoli, has been consistently impressive, and Solanke has been following his progress.
“Another of my favorite Nigerian footballers has to be Victor Osimhen.
He has been one of the best in the world,” he said, recognizing Osimhen’s impact both at the club level and with the Nigerian national team.
Despite his English international commitments, Solanke’s admiration for Nigerian footballers and his intention to reconnect with his Nigerian heritage shows the depth of his cultural ties and interest in his father’s homeland.
Lionel Messi says he’s heading into this year’s FIFA Club World Cup with a fresh perspective as he gears up to represent Inter Miami on the global stage. The Herons are set to begin their campaign at the Hard Rock Stadium against Egyptian side Al Ahly, in what will be the first-ever expanded 32-team edition of the tournament.
Messi, who has already won the Club World Cup three times with Barcelona, admitted that things feel different this time around. “It’s a special tournament and I’m excited to be part of it again,” he said. “But my mindset is different now compared to when I played it with other teams. Still, I feel energized and hopeful. I’m ready to compete against top teams and give my best.”
This will mark Messi’s fourth appearance at the Club World Cup, but his first with an MLS side, making it a milestone moment for both him and Inter Miami.
Galatasaray are reportedly prepared to make Victor Osimhen the highest-paid player in Turkish football history if he chooses to remain with the club. The Nigerian striker had a sensational 2024/2025 season on loan in Istanbul, scoring 37 goals and delivering eight assists in just 41 games. His efforts helped Galatasaray clinch both the Turkish Super Lig title and the Turkish Cup.
While Osimhen has yet to confirm where he’ll play next season, Galatasaray are eager to keep him. In the meantime, they’ve added German winger Leroy Sane to their squad on a free transfer from Bayern Munich. Sane is expected to earn €12 million per season after tax, currently the highest salary in the Turkish league.
But Galatasaray are reportedly ready to go even further for Osimhen. The club is willing to offer him €15 million a year after tax—significantly more than what Sane will earn. Osimhen has already turned down a massive deal from Saudi side Al-Hilal, who were ready to pay him €40 million per year plus €5 million in bonuses, showing he’s weighing more than just money in his decision.
Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, believes Ousmane Dembélé has done more than enough to earn this year’s Ballon d’Or. Dembélé has been in top form throughout the 2025 season, scoring 25 goals and playing a key part in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic trophy sweep. PSG ended the season with wins in Ligue 1, the Champions League, Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions.
In a chat with Le Figaro, Diallo said, “He might just be the favourite. Dembélé has had a remarkable season.” He added that it’s great to see two French stars—Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé—being serious contenders for the award, but made it clear Dembélé truly deserves the top prize.
-
Entertainment18 hours agoBurna Boy Says His New Album Shows How He Stayed Strong Even When Life Got Hard
-
Entertainment13 hours agoWeekend Watchlist: What to Watch This Weekend (June 14–15)
-
Entertainment17 hours agoV from BTS Cheers for J-Hope as a Fan at J-Hope Encore Concert
-
Sport13 hours agoMessi Says He’s Ready for Club World Cup and Hopes to Help Inter Miami Shine
-
News13 hours agoOluremi Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Donate Blood and Save Lives
-
Entertainment18 hours agoSquid Game S3 Trailer Shows Gi-hun’s Fight to End the Deadly Games for Good
-
Politics13 hours agoKenneth Okonkwo Says Peter Obi Betrayed Him by Supporting Abure Group
-
Sport17 hours agoGalatasaray Ready to Pay Osimhen More Than Any Player in Turkey to Keep Him at the Club