Sports
NWFL Premiership Promises Thrilling Season-Opener
The 2023/2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership is poised to kick off in grand style with an electrifying clash between the reigning champions, Delta Queens, and the spirited newcomers, Ekiti Queens, at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium
Biztellers reports that the battle kicks-off on Tuesday.
According to a statement signed by Head of Media, Nigeria Women Football League, Samuel Ahmadu, the game promises all the thrills because the reigning champions would stake their winning which dates back to 2022, against the new comers in the game.
Describing it as ‘Battle of Titans,’ Ahmadu said, “Delta Queens, the reigning Nigerian champions with an unprecedented winning streak since 2022, are eyeing their seventh domestic title and enter the season opener with unwavering determination under the guidance of Tosan Blankson.
The game promises experience versus skill and Ahmadu noted that “Ekiti Queens, fresh from their promotion through the NWFL Championship, are poised to upset the hierarchy and showcase their mettle against the seasoned champions in their debut at the elite level.”
The above scenario would witness, the rising against the odds, as Ekiti Queens’ remarkable journey through the NWFL Championship and their impressive showing at the recent Besty Obaseki Cup foretell a competitive spirit that aims to shake up the established order in Nigerian women’s football.
“The clash is poised to captivate fans with the finest display of football artistry, promising an extraordinary start to Ekiti Queens’ debut season in the topflight,” he said.
Coach Taiwo Moses of Ekiti Queens expressed confidence ahead of the showdown, thus, “We are prepared and determined to secure victory against the league champions.”
In response, Manager, Delta Queens, Tosan Blankson, acknowledged the challenge posed by the newcomers but remained steadfast in the pursuit of defending the title, acknowledging, “Victory is assured; they will be respected.”
Biztellers reports that the eagerly anticipated curtain raiser would be broadcast live on AfroSport, captivating audiences worldwide as the NWFL Premiership 2023/2024 season unfolds with an intense clash between established dominance and emerging talent.
He called on female football lovers to stay tuned to witness this riveting clash, signaling the dawn of an enthralling season in women’s football.
#NWFLPremiership #NWFL24 #EkitiQueens #DeltaQueens #WomenFootballRising #NWFLPremiershipSeasonOpener
Sports
Chelsea Handed Injury Boost As Omari Kellyman Nears Return
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.
Sports
Chelsea Holds Scouting Summit With Enzo Maresca
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.
Sports
Lukeba’s €90m Clause Attracts Real Madrid, PL Clubs
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.