Super Eagles and Fulham attacking midfielder, Alex Chuka Iwobi, has revealed why Fulham tick on the pitch under the tutelage of their head coach, Marco Silva, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Cottagers ended the 2023/2024 campaign in 13th position, recording 13 wins from 38 games, but have improved under the Portuguese manager this season.

Fulham are currently in the top half of the league, securing nine wins from the first half of the 2024/2025 season, and Iwobi has played a vital role in the team’s progress.

The Nigerian has scored five goals and provided three assists for Silva’s side this term, recording his most productive season in his career. He’s also contributed to the most goals for Fulham this season (8), alongside USMNT left-back, Antonee Robinson.

Quizzed about why the team have improved from their run last season, the former Arsenal midfielder credited the coach, claiming his influence and standards for excellence go beyond the football pitch.

“He gives everyone that love and pays attention to detail. He treats everyone the same – from the players to the people in the canteen and he always demands the best,” Iwobi said as revealed by Daily Mail.

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Silva pushed hard to bring Alex Iwobi from Everton two summers ago and that has proven to be a great decision, as both parties have thrived to push Fulham forward.

Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, after his side’s loss to their London rivals on boxing day, praised Fulham’s set-up under Silva, lauding the team’s ability to transition, and citing the quality of players like Iwobi and Jimenez.

Fulham begin the second half of the Premier League campaign on January 5th by welcoming Ipswich Town to the Craven Cottage. Kieran McKenna’s side stunned many by securing a rare 2-0 win over Chelsea at Portman Road last night.

Osayi-Samuel’s future has dominated transfer talks in Turkish football in the past six months. The 27-year-old defender joined Fenerbahce from QPR in 2021, and he has blossomed there. He has made 157 appearances, with seven goals and 14 assists to his name.

But it now seems that Osayi-Samuel is looking for a new challenge. This is as his contract is set to expire in June 2025, but he has refused to sign an extension despite multiple offers from Fenerbahce.

Osayi-Samuel has been heavily linked with a transfer to the English Premier League. He was even sighted watch a Crystal Palace game against Arsenal at Selhurst Park two weeks ago.

However, recent reports form Turkey are indicating that Osayi-Samuel may not move to England.

According to BBO Sports, the Fenerbahce star has agreed on personal terms with Turkish Super Lig champions.

Although nothing is concrete yet, it is not the first time that Osayi-Samuel has been linked with Galatasaray. If it is confirmed that he has signed an extension, then he will automatically move to the Lions at the end of the season.

This transfer will cause a stir in Turkish football as Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are the two biggest club in Turkey and they have a big rivalry.

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen currently dons Galatasaray colors, but he would have left the club by the end of the season. So Osayi-Samuel and Osimhen might not get to play together.

The Nigerian professional footballer expressed his gratitude and excitement about returning to play in Nigeria with the People’s Elephant.

The former Super Eagles striker is making a long-awaited return to the NPFL, having last featured for Ocean Boys during the 2006/07 season.

“We are delighted to officially announce the addition of former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye to our fold,” the club stated on its official website on Monday.

“We are confident in the experience and professionalism he will bring to our remaining matches this season, especially under the guidance of our new coach,” the club added via X (formerly Twitter).

The experienced forward, who recently joined Enyimba, expressed his delight at this new chapter in his career. Taking to social media, Ideye shared his thoughts with fans:

He wrote: “No place like home. Thank you, Enyimba FC, for the opportunity. God bless.”

No place like home..
Thank you @EnyimbaFC for the opportunity. God bless.. pic.twitter.com/dOKwt53q1Q

— Brown Aide Ideye (MON) (@brownaideideye) December 30, 2024

According to TransferMarkt, Ideye joined Enyimba on a free transfer from Al-Yarmouk SC. He will be aiming to strengthen the squad as they push for a better position in the league, where they currently sit eighth in the standings.

From individual accolades to historic team achievements, Nigerian players and teams showed resilience and brilliance on some of the sport’s grandest stages.

Ademola Lookman emerged as a star for both club and country, while William Troost-Ekong reaffirmed his leadership on the international stage.

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Off the pitch, there were managerial shifts and domestic glories that also defined the year.

Here, Soccernet.ng recount the top 10 moments that left an indelible mark on Nigerian football in 2024.

10. Flying Eagles retain WAFU B title

In October, Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, confirmed their dominance in West African football by defending their WAFU B U20 Championship title.

A thrilling 2-1 victory over Ghana in the final, held at the Stade de Kégué in Lome, Togo, sealed their triumph.

The Flying Eagles had entered the tournament as reigning champions, having claimed the title in 2022 with a commanding 3-1 victory over Benin.

However, their title defence began shakily with a 1-0 loss to Burkina Faso in the group stage.

The team rebounded impressively, defeating Côte d’Ivoire and Niger to secure a place in the final against fierce rivals Ghana.

Two well-taken goals from young forward Kparobo Arierhi ensured Nigeria’s victory, confirming their status as the region’s football powerhouse.

The win also earned Nigeria a spot at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

9. Edo Queens conquer Nigeria and WAFU B

Edo Queens had a year to remember, emerging as champions of the Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL) and the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers.

The Benin City-based club clinched their maiden NWFL title in May, narrowly edging out Rivers Angels on goal difference after a fiercely contested playoffs.

Their triumph marked a historic moment for Edo Queens and secured their spot in the WAFU B Champions League qualifiers.

In August, Edo Queens added another feather to their cap by winning the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers with a resounding 3-0 victory over Benin’s Ainonvi FC in the final.

Goals from Suliat Abideen, Emem Essien, and an own-goal from Ainonvi FC’s Elizabeth Ukandu sealed the win at the Stade de La Paix de Bouaké in Côte d’Ivoire, earning them a place at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League.

Edo Queens’ campaign at the continental tournament, however, ended in disappointment with a fourth-place finish.

8. Rangers International win NPFL title

Rangers International of Enugu ended an eight-year wait for domestic glory by winning the 2023/2024 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title.

The Flying Antelopes sealed the championship in June with a game to spare, but the winners eventually finish the season on 70 points.

The title triumph marked Rangers’ eighth NPFL title, reaffirming their status as one of Nigeria’s most successful clubs.

Their triumph also secured a return to the CAF Champions League, where they were billed to represent Nigeria alongside runners-up Remo Stars.

7. El-Kanemi Warriors end 32-year FA Cup drought

June also saw El-Kanemi Warriors lift their third Nigerian FA Cup, ending a 32-year trophy drought.

The Maiduguri-based club defeated Abia Warriors 2-0 in the final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, with Ibrahim Salihu scoring both goals.

Salihu’s brace, including a clinical finish in the 65th minute, ensured victory for El-Kanemi, who had previously won the FA Cup in 1991 and 1992. The triumph earned them a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup and a N50 million cash prize.

6. Victor Boniface’s double triumph in Germany

Victor Boniface had a stellar debut season with Bayer Leverkusen, becoming the first Nigerian to win both the Bundesliga and the German Cup in the same season.

Boniface’s contributions were pivotal to Leverkusen’s success, as he finished the Bundesliga season as the club’s top scorer with 14 goals.

His consistent performances earned him four Bundesliga Rookie of the Month awards and the coveted Rookie of the Season accolade.

Leverkusen’s unbeaten campaign across all domestic competitions was capped by their DFB Pokal victory, with Boniface playing a key role throughout.

His remarkable season also saw him named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season, cementing his status as one of Europe’s brightest talents.

5. Super Falcons return to the Olympics

The Super Falcons made a triumphant return to the Olympics after a 16-year absence, defeating South Africa 1-0 on aggregate in the qualifiers.

Rasheedat Ajibade’s penalty in Abuja proved decisive as Nigeria secured one of Africa’s two tickets to the Paris 2024 Games.

Despite their historic qualification, the Falcons’ Olympic campaign ended in disappointment.

Drawn in a tough group with Spain, Japan, and Brazil, they failed to progress past the group stage, suffering narrow defeats in all three matches.

Nonetheless, the Falcons’ qualification was a significant milestone, confirming their status as Africa’s most successful women’s team.

4. William Troost-Ekong wins AFCON Player of the Tournament

Though the Super Eagles fell short in their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, captain William Troost-Ekong shone brightly, earning the prestigious Player of the Tournament award.

His standout performances included three crucial goals, one of which was the opener in the final against Côte d’Ivoire.

Troost-Ekong’s recognition was the first time in 22 years that a defender had claimed the award and the first Nigerian recipient since Austin Okocha in 2004.

While South Africa’s Ronwen Williams narrowly edged out Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali for the Best Goalkeeper accolade, the Super Eagles had further cause for celebration as Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, and Troost-Ekong were named in the Team of the Tournament.

3. Ademola Lookman’s Europa League hat-trick glory

Ademola Lookman etched his name into history with a sensational hat-trick for Atalanta in the Europa League final, as the Italian side defeated Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen 3-0.

His goals not only secured Atalanta’s second major trophy in their 117-year history but also ended Leverkusen’s remarkable 51-game unbeaten streak.

Lookman’s heroics made him just the sixth player to score a hat-trick in a major European final, and the first since 1975.

A truly proud moment for Nigerians worldwide.

Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini said of Lookman that unforgettable night:

“Nobody imagined he could make this much progress. He wasn’t overly prolific in ­England. I played him in a slightly more ­attacking role and this season he’s had a great year.

“Tonight he achieved something that will remain in the annals of football history.”

2. Super Eagles reach AFCON final

The Super Eagles defied the odds to reach their first AFCON final in a decade, overcoming injuries to key players, pre-tournament doubts, and a challenging path.

Despite a 2-1 loss to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final, the team’s journey captivated fans.

Troost-Ekong’s first-half header gave Nigeria an early lead, but Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller completed the comeback for the Elephants.

The match was a bittersweet end to a campaign where the Super Eagles defeated giants like South Africa, Cameroon, and even the Ivorians, showing resilience under coach José Peseiro.

Tragically, six Nigerian fans lost their lives during and after the semifinal against South Africa, casting a somber shadow over the tournament.

1. Lookman crowned Africa’s Best

December brought Nigeria her proudest moment of the year as Ademola Lookman was named CAF African Footballer of the Year.

The Atalanta forward’s stellar season included 17 goals and 10 assists in the 2023-24 campaign, a Europa League hat-trick, and key contributions to Nigeria’s AFCON run.

Lookman succeeding compatriot Victor Osimhen is the first time Nigerians would win back-to-back African Player of the Year awards since Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba in the 1990s. Lookman also earned a Ballon d’Or nomination, finishing 14th.

On the same night, Nigeria celebrated more triumphs as Chiamaka Nnadozie claimed Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, and the Super Falcons were named Women’s National Team of the Year.

Honourable Mentions

Ndidi and Iheanacho celebrate Championship glory

Leicester City’s Nigerian duo, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, helped the club secure the Championship title and a swift return to the Premier League after relegation in 2023.

Rivers Angels claim ninth Federation Cup

Rivers Angels ended a six-year drought by defeating Naija Ratels 1-0 in the Federation Cup final, securing their ninth title through Blessing Okpe’s penalty strike.

Finidi George’s brief Super Eagles reign

Finidi George’s short stint as Nigeria’s head coach brought hope and disappointment.

Celebrated as the first substantive Nigerian manager in nearly a decade, his tenure ended abruptly following poor results in World Cup qualifiers.

The 24-year-old forward is leading the Belgian Pro League goalscoring charts, with 13 goals and four assists in 20 league games for Genk.

Thorsten Fink’s side have scored 40 goals in the league this season, and Arokodare’s numbers have accounted for 43% of the team’s output.

The former Amiens striker, in recent days, drew praise from club legend, Patrick Goots, and has now caught the eye of another in Mathijseen who confirmed Arokodare is drawing interest from English Premier League clubs.

“I’m sure that Premier League clubs are watching him. The striker has a profile that is attractive to many top teams: physically strong, scoring ability and a huge impact on the game.

Tolu may give himself lunacy for his hard work, but the current staff have also played an important role by giving him the confidence he needed,” the 61-year-old said in quotes revealed by Voetbal 24.

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Arokodare’s contract with Genk runs till the summer of 2027, and that puts the Belgian side in a dictatorship role in terms of negotiations, as they can make financial demands for their in-form striker, or even decide to wait it out without breaking a sweat as the Nigerian has enough time on his current deal.

However, with interest from the English top-flight, the former FC Koln striker might be tempted, and attempt to force a move away from Genk. As per Transfermarkt, Arokodare’s worth is about €9m, and a sale for that figure will nearly double the amount Fink’s side paid to sign the striker from SC Amiens two years ago.

The stalemate denied Rivers United the chance to finish 2024 atop the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) standings.

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The match was marred by controversy, with Plateau United’s early dominance creating tension.

The visitors thought they had taken the lead in the 18th minute when Vincent Temitope’s strike found the back of the net. However, referee Olawale Fawole disallowed the goal, citing a foul throw in the buildup.

Plateau United eventually got their breakthrough in the 51st minute, as Temitope redeemed himself, converting a clever assist from Adamu Abubakar to put the Jos-based side ahead.

The pressure told on Rivers United manager Finidi George, who was sent off in the 80th minute for dissent, unable to contain his frustration.

But Rivers United found a lifeline deep into stoppage time when Handsome Surveyor scored from close range to level matters in the sixth minute of added time.

The equaliser sparked chaos, with Plateau United’s bench protesting vehemently, leading to a lengthy delay.

Referee Fawole subsequently dismissed Plateau United head coach Mbwas Mangut for dissent, adding to the drama of the evening.

The draw keeps Rivers United in second place on the NPFL table, two points adrift of leaders Remo Stars, who secured a gritty 2-1 victory over Akwa United on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Shooting Stars climbed to third with their fifth consecutive win, a narrow 1-0 triumph over Kwara United.

Reigning champions Rangers International and Abia Warriors were the standout performers of Matchday 19, both earning impressive away victories.

Rangers stunned Niger Tornadoes 1-0 at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna, courtesy of Bashir Usman’s 33rd-minute goal.

Meanwhile, Sheddy Kenneth’s 35th-minute strike handed Abia Warriors a vital 1-0 win over Bayelsa United at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker broke the deadlock at Old Trafford last night inside four minutes, finishing brilliantly from Lewis Hall’s cross before Joelinton scored the game’s second in the 19th minute.

The Brazilian midfielder headed home from Anthony Gordon’s cross, beating Lisandro Martinez in the air, and leaving Andre Onana no chance. While Ruben Amorim’s side grew into the game after their early mishap, The Magpies kept things tight at the back to seal their first win at the Theatre of Dreams since 2013.

Isak’s goal against the Red Devils was his 12th in the Premier League this season, putting him third in the highest goal scorer rankings behind Erling Haaland (14) and Mohammed Salah (17). Additionally, the Swede striker leapt into 4th place on Newcastle’s list of Premier League goal-scorers, equalling Ameobi and Andy Cole’s record.

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Isak’s goal last night was his 43rd in the Premier League, the same amount Ameobi scored. However, the former Real Sociedad striker scored those goals in 69 games while Ameobi scored the same amount in 295 games.

The 192cm tall forward is now just behind Peter Beardsley (47), Callum Wilson (47), and Premier League legend Alan Shearer (148) in Newcastle’s all-time EPL goalscorers.

Newcastle’s win against Manchester United takes them to 5th on the English Premier League table, and within three points of Chelsea who occupy 4th position. The victory was also Eddie Howe’s first away win at Old Trafford.

The win was only Newcastle’s second league victory at the iconic stadium since 1972 and handed United their third consecutive home loss — a feat not witnessed in 45 years.

Even more remarkably, it was the first time since September 1962, during Sir Matt Busby’s reign, that Manchester United suffered five league defeats in a calendar month.

Osula, who joined Newcastle from Sheffield United for a reported £15 million (approximately N29 billion) earlier this year, would have relished the chance to play in such a significant encounter.

However, Eddie Howe’s side did not require his services, as early strikes from Alexander Isak and Joelinton sealed the three points, capping off a stellar end to 2024 for the Magpies, who sit fifth in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old forward has made six Premier League appearances as a substitute this season but is still waiting for his first goal in England’s top flight.

Last season, he featured 21 times in the Premier League for relegated Sheffield United, including a crushing 4-2 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Who is William Osula?

Born on August 4, 2003, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Osula began his football journey at FC Copenhagen’s academy before moving to Sheffield United’s youth ranks in 2018.

He made his senior debut for the Blades in a Championship clash against Blackpool in March 2022 and netted his first senior goals in the FA Cup, scoring against Gillingham and Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.

In the 2022/23 season, Osula was loaned to Derby County in League One, where he scored five goals in all competitions. His Premier League breakthrough came last season, with 21 appearances for Sheffield United.

International conundrum: Nigeria or Denmark?

Osula’s international career is as intriguing as his club journey. Born to a Danish mother and a Nigerian father, he is eligible to represent either country.

Denmark has already introduced him to their youth setup, with Osula debuting for the U19s in February 2022.

He has since progressed to the U21 team, scoring four goals in eight appearances.

Despite his involvement with Denmark’s youth teams, Osula remains eligible for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, as he has yet to make a senior appearance for the Danish national team.

With his ability to operate on either flank, Osula would be a valuable addition to Nigeria’s attacking options, which include African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman and prolific striker Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen joined the Yellow-Reds on loan from Napoli with a clause allowing him to join any club of his choice in January, provided there is an agreed deal with the Neapolitans.

The Nigerian international has quickly adjusted to life in Turkey, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists in 15 appearances for the club.

The Super Eagles talisman has been on the radar of Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United, who are particularly eager for a January deal to rescue their struggling Premier League campaigns.

Currently, Galatasaray are on the verge of securing their 25th Süper Lig title, sitting eight points clear at the top of the league table and sixth in their Europa League group standings.

Reports further suggest that Osimhen is determined to see out the season with Galatasaray and win trophies with the team, rather than leave his job half-done with a midseason exit.

As the January transfer window approaches, the Nigerian international is not expected to be a transfer focus, as he remains committed to his role at Galatasaray.

Boniface has been out of action for Bayer Leverkusen since the end of November when he sustained a thigh injury. He has been in a recover process since, but he is now fit.

In his absence, Die Werkself performed quite well, with Czech star Patrik Schick delivering ten goals in his last ten games.

Boniface is currently enjoying his holidays, but his return date has been set. He will be looking to challenge Schick for his place in the starting eleven. According to Kicker, The 24-year-old striker could play against Dortmund on January 10.

Boniface has already produced six goals in ten Bundesliga appearances this season, and coach Xabi Alonso will be hoping that he reaches peak form quick.

This is the most important part of the campaign, as the games will start pouring in, and Bayer Leverkusen would want to avoid any slip-up.

Borussia Dortmund have proven to be a tough customer for Bayer Leverkusen in recent years. The last time Die Werkself defeated their Black and Yellow counterparts was in 2022.

Bayer Leverkusen currently sit second in the Bundesliga, five points behind leaders Bayern Munich.