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NWFL Super 6: Bayelsa, Rivers Bag 1st Wins, Confluence Bounce Back

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The 2023/2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six witnessed thrilling actions on Matchday 2, with Bayelsa Queens and Rivers Angels both securing their first victories of the tournament.

Both teams boosted their chances in the race for the domestic title this season with the wins on Monday.

In a related development, Confluence Queens bounced back from their Saturday’s opening-day humiliation at the hands of Edo Queens to claim a crucial win, adding more excitement to the competition.

Bayelsa Queens 1-0 Nasarawa Amazons

Hosts of the 2024 NWFL Premiership Super Six, Bayelsa Queens, recorded their first win of the tournament with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nasarawa Amazons at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Monday.

The Solid Babes had an early chance to take the lead when Odo Bibiana’s effort struck the crossbar in the seventh minute, much to the relief of Domo Okara’s side and the home fans.

After a goalless first half, the match appeared to be heading for a stalemate until a last-minute drama unfolded, which saw substitutes Mercy Omokwo and Mercy Itimi combined to break the deadlock in the 90th minute.

Itimi converted Omokwo’s long ball to secure the win.

This victory lifted Bayelsa Queens to four points from two games, positioning them well in the title race.

They will next face Confluence Queens on Wednesday, while Nasarawa Amazons will aim for their first win against Rivers Angels.

Edo Queens 1-2 Rivers Angels

Rivers Angels also claimed their first win of the playoff tournament with a 2-1 victory over Edo Queens in a South-South derby where all three goals were scored in the first half at the same venue.

Florence Alexander opened the scoring for the Jewels of Rivers in the 11th minute with a free kick that was surprisingly spilled by Edo Queens’ goalkeeper Ijeoma Uzoma.

The Ogbonda Whyte’s side doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Valentina Uroko inadvertently turned the ball into her net. Edo Queens responded quickly, reducing the deficit through Emem Essien, who dribbled past her marker before beating keeper Ademola Morufa.

Despite a disallowed goal from Deborah Odiagbe in the 59th minute and a similar fate for Sefiat Idris’ strike, Rivers Angels held on for the win.

This triumph moved them level on four points with Bayelsa Queens at the top of the log. Rivers Angels will next face Nasarawa Amazons, while Edo Queens aim to return to winning ways against winless Heartland Queens.

Heartland Queens 0-2 Confluence Queens

Confluence Queens returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over debutants Heartland Queens, bouncing back from their 5-1 defeat to Edo Queens in the tournament opener.

Goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, returning from national team duty, provided a boost by keeping a clean sheet and restoring confidence in Confluence.

After a drab goalless first half, Merit Offor broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 76th minute, scoring her second goal of the tournament.

Ten minutes later, Offor was replaced by Feranmi Odutade, who made an immediate impact by heading in the second goal just a minute after her introduction.

This result saw Confluence Queens climb up the standings to fourth with three points and renew their hopes for the first ever title.

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Chelsea Handed Injury Boost As Omari Kellyman Nears Return

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Chelsea are set to receive a welcome boost with Omari Kellyman nearing a return to action after a frustrating start to his Stamford Bridge career.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a £19 million summer transfer, has been sidelined with a serious hamstring injury since September.

Kellyman initially made an impression with Chelsea’s Under-21s, scoring twice in three appearances, including during a 4-2 defeat to Leipzig in the Premier League International Cup. However, his progress was halted by the injury, which has kept him out of action for months.

READ MORE: Chelsea Desires Permanent Deal For João Félix After Collapse Of Omorodion Deal

According to reports from the Daily Mail, Kellyman is now on track to return within the next four weeks, offering Chelsea a much-needed boost as the team looks to navigate a congested festive fixture schedule. The teenager is expected to be fit before Christmas and could soon make his senior debut for the club.

Reflecting on his move to Chelsea earlier this year, Kellyman expressed his excitement about joining the West London outfit. “It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player. It’s a massive club with an amazing history, so it is great to join. It is a dream come true for sure. I’m buzzing to have put on the shirt and can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Kellyman’s footballing journey began at Derby County, where he progressed through the youth ranks and was promoted to the first-team squad by Wayne Rooney at just 16 years old.

After leaving Derby for Aston Villa in 2022, he signed his first professional contract and made his Premier League debut last season against Manchester City.

Despite his brief stint at Villa, which included a Europa Conference League appearance, Kellyman made the high-profile move to Chelsea in June, signing a six-year contract.

Now, as he edges closer to full fitness, both the player and the club will hope his long-awaited debut signals the start of a successful tenure at Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea Holds Scouting Summit With Enzo Maresca

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Earlier this month, Chelsea Football Club convened a comprehensive meeting of their first-team recruitment team, aimed at aligning their efforts with the club’s overarching vision.

This scouting summit brought together approximately 30 of the club’s key talent identifiers, with the objective of reinvigorating the search for future stars in world football.

Adding an extra layer of inspiration to the gathering, Leicester City manager and former Manchester City assistant, Enzo Maresca, made a guest appearance. Maresca, who briefly worked alongside some of Chelsea’s current personnel during his time under Pep Guardiola, took time to pose for a group photograph with the team. Those present reportedly left the summit feeling “enthused, energised, and as motivated as ever” to uncover the next generation of footballing gems.

READ MORE: Osimhen Casts Doubts Over Touted Winter Move To Chelsea

The Italian tactician has maintained an interest in Chelsea’s squad and their emerging talents. A source close to Maresca suggested that he harbours a keen desire to see Cole Palmer, one of Chelsea’s brightest young signings, team up with Joao Felix, the Portuguese forward who enjoyed a brief but impactful loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season.

While Palmer continues to thrive at Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester City, Felix’s future remains uncertain, with speculation persisting about whether the Blues could revisit a permanent deal for the Atlético Madrid star.

Chelsea’s recruitment team will undoubtedly keep such possibilities in mind as they look to execute their shared vision, leveraging the energy from this summit to identify players capable of complementing the club’s long-term strategy. With Maresca’s words and presence leaving a lasting impression, the search for the world’s finest footballing gems continues in earnest.

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Lukeba’s €90m Clause Attracts Real Madrid, PL Clubs

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RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has become a hot topic in the transfer market following details about his new contract.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lukeba’s release clause will come into effect in the summer of 2025, starting at around €90 million and varying from season to season.

This development has drawn the attention of football giants, with Real Madrid reportedly keeping a close watch on the French centre-back’s progress. Premier League clubs are also monitoring Lukeba as a potential defensive reinforcement for 2025.

READ MORE: Wizkid Breaks Spotify Records With ‘Kese (Dance)’ Release

The 20-year-old, who joined Leipzig from Olympique Lyonnais in 2023, has already made an impression in the Bundesliga with his composed defensive skills and tactical versatility. His rising profile has placed him among Europe’s most promising young defenders, making him a coveted target for top clubs.

Leipzig’s decision to include a fluctuating release clause highlights their commitment to protecting Lukeba’s value while leaving the door open for a future big-money move.

With Real Madrid and several Premier League sides in the mix, the 2025 summer transfer window is already shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Lukeba’s career. Fans and scouts alike will be closely watching his development as he continues to shine in Leipzig’s backline.

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