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NWFL Super Six: Bayelsa, Edo Queens Boost Title Quest With Victories

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The 2023/2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six reached Matchday three with three riveting games at Samson Siasia Stadium in Bayelsa state capital on Wednesday.

The two South-South teams, Bayelsa Queens and Edo Queens, significantly boosted their title chances with victories, while Nasarawa Amazons and Rivers Angels played out a goalless draw in the first match of the day.

Nasarawa Amazons 0-0 Rivers Angels

Nasarawa Amazons continued their search for a first win in the Super Six after a 0-0 draw with fellow former league champions, Rivers Angels, in a cagey affair.

Olamide Adugbe came close for Rivers Angels in the fourth minute, but her attempt went wide. Despite numerous chances from both teams, including Bibiana Odoh missing a sitter for Nasarawa, the game ended in a stalemate.

The result places Rivers Angels second on the log with five points from three games, ahead of their next encounter against Confluence Queens on Friday. Nasarawa Amazons have two points from three games and will hope to secure their first win against in-form Edo Queens.

Confluence Queens 0-2 Bayelsa Queens

Hosts of the Super Six, Bayelsa Queens, secured their second win of the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Confluence Queens, thanks to goals from Zainab Olapade and Chinyere Igboamalu.

Olapade opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick in the 23rd minute. Mercy Omokwo almost doubled the lead in the 37th minute, but her effort hit the crossbar.

Igboamalu, who replaced Cameroonian Evannick Touta, doubled the lead in the 88th minute with a sublime finish. The 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League bronze medalists now top the table with seven points from three games, ahead of their next encounter against Heartland Queens. Confluence Queens will face Rivers Angels next.

Heartland Queens 1-3 Edo Queens

Edo Queens bounced back from their 2-1 loss to Rivers Angels with a 3-1 victory over debutants Heartland Queens. Chioma Moses broke the deadlock in the 34th minute for Edo Queens, followed by Kafayat Mafisere doubling the lead five minutes later.

Emem Essien extended the lead two minutes into the second half with a rebound goal. Emmanuella James reduced the deficit for Heartland Queens in the 69th minute, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their second loss of the Super Six.

This marks the first time this season that Obi Ogbala’s side has suffered consecutive losses, and they will face table toppers Bayelsa Queens on Friday.

The NWFL Premiership Super Six continues with more exciting games as Matchday Four beckons at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa on Friday, May 24, 2024.

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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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