Sports
United Nigeria Airlines Enters N100m Sponsorship Deal With Enyimba FC
It is good times for Nigeria’s most successful football club, Enyimba Football Club of Aba, which has attracted a whooping N100 million sponsorship from a domestic airline, the United Nigeria Airlines.
The two-year deal, which was sealed in Enugu over the weekend, by the parties, is seen in footballing circles as a milestone for both organisations.
It contains such details as use of the airline’s branded T-shirts and other materials by the players and, the provision of airline transportation for the team, etc.
According to Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, he became specially attracted to the Enyimba FC since the legendary Kanu Nwankwo became the Chairman of the club.
He noted that his airline’s mantra which is ‘Flying to Unite’ is in line with what football does to Nigerians.
The airline, he pointed out, had identified football as a very important factor that unites Nigerians regardless of state, tribe or religion.
He said, “Football is one thing that if it’s being played, you always place emotional attachment and it gives one joy and in our Corporate Social Responsibility, we see that as an important thing that we should identify with and we didn’t find anyone better than working with the King himself, Papilo (Kanu Nwankwo).
“The happiest moment in my life had to do with Super Eagles that was the Atlanta 1996. Unfortunately, again the saddest moment in my life had to also do with the Super Eagles that was USA 1994, the day we lost that match to Italy.
“But the 1996 Atlanta match, I’ve watched it over 50 times because it refreshes me, especially the semi-final because Kanu was at the centre of it.
“I’ll go with those players anywhere they want to go to. It may not be important to this occasion, but because of the joy of that era, no member of that team will pay for any service that I’m in charge of because they have contributed much to the lives and joy of Nigerians.”
On his part, Chairman, Enyimba FC and former Super Eagles captain, Kanu Nwankwo expressed deep appreciation for the partnership with the United Nigeria Airline.
He noted that though the club had lost four matches in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), the news of the airline’s sponsorship boosted the morale of the players.
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.