Sadiq’s future has been in the balance in recent months due to his struggles at Real Sociedad. The 27-year-old Super Eagles striker joined Txuri-urdin two years ago, but his time has been blighted with injuries and he has failed to deliver whenever he is fit.

In recent months, there have been talks linking him with a transfer to La Liga clubs Valencia and Getafe. But nothing has been concluded yet as the transfer market is not open yet.

Meanwhile, it seems like Valencia will have issues getting Sadiq’s transfer sorted. This is as Football Espana report that Los Ches have to let go of an attacker to make space for Sadiq, and this is due to La Liga’s stringent financial rules.

The number one option for Valencia to let go is Rafa Mir. The Spaniard has failed to impress at Valencia since his loan transfer from Sevilla last summer. And shipping him out will free up their finances.

Real Sociedad have already slapped a €1 million price tag on Sadiq for clubs interested in signing him on loan, and this is a decent fee for the clubs interested.

Sadiq will be desperate to get the deal sorted so he can get back to playing regular football.

As part of its year-end outreach, the Sunday Stephen Miram Orphanage donated 15-kilogramme bags of food to widows at the Mountain of Fire Ministry, Region 31, Ojodu Berger.

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The initiative put together by Stephen, who famously chose Nigeria over Spain at the international level, was designed to provide a dignified and joyful holiday season for widows in the community.

Speaking at the event, former Real Betis star Stephen outlined the foundation’s mission.

“Our goal is to restore hope, dignity, and opportunities for a brighter future,” he said as per TV360 Nigeria. 

“Today’s event marks yet another occasion where we are distributing rice as an end-of-year gesture of goodwill to families in need, ensuring the widows in our community can enjoy the yuletide season.

“Our mission at the orphanage is to provide a safe, loving, and supportive environment for orphans, widows, and vulnerable children, helping them grow emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Through our work, we strive to restore hope, dignity, and opportunities for a brighter future.”

Stephen’s football journey is just as inspiring as his charitable efforts.

Born in Nigeria, he initially represented Spain at the U19, U20 and U21 levels, even appearing at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

However, he later switched allegiance to Nigeria, making his Super Eagles debut in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

On the club front, Stephen enjoyed a career spanning Valencia, Osasuna, Real Betis, Real Salt Lake, and CSKA Sofia, among others.

With Valencia, he lifted the Copa del Rey in 2008, though injuries and limited opportunities led to loan moves, including stints with Real Betis and Bnei Sakhnin.

After a career that saw him ply his trade across Europe, Israel, and the United States, he retired in 2020.

Sadiq has struggled to adapt to life at Real Sociedad since he joined the club from Almeria in 2022.

The Nigerian forward was great during his time at Almeria, registering 43 goals and 19 assists in 84 appearances. Unfortunately, he has failed to replicate those performances at Real Sociedad.

Sadiq’s time at San Sebastian has been marred by injuries. In his first season, he played just three games before suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept him put for the rest of the campaign.

Last season, he got a lot of game time, as he played 34 games. But he only produced three goals and one assist.

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This season, he has produced just one assist in eleven appearances. He has struggled to pin down a regular shirt and is now one of the fringe players at the club. Meanwhile, Sadiq has been heavily linked with an exit, with some clubs in Spain looking to acquire his services.

According to Relevo, Getafe and Valencia are set to battle each other for Sadiq’s signature. Both clubs want to get his services in a six-month loan deal that will keep him till the end of the season.

Sadiq seems keener on moving to Valencia, and they should be able to pay the €1 million which Real Sociedad are demanding to sanction the loan deal. The 27-year-old striker will hope to make the move and find his form again.

Onyeka, who impressed under the guidance of Jose Peseiro during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, has caught the attention of several top European clubs.

Girona was initially interested in the Nigerian international, but Valencia is now set to compete fiercely for his signature as the 2024 summer transfer window draws to a close.

However, according to BBC, while the Brentford Midfielder is keen on a move to Valencia, the deal is not straightforward. the Premier League side prefers a permanent transfer, while Valencia is pushing for an initial loan agreement.

With the Nigeria Internayional’s desire to play in La Liga this season, both clubs will need to find common ground before the window shuts.

If the transfer goes through, Onyeka will join fellow Super Eagles stars Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke, who currently play in the league for Sevilla FC.

Onyeka has been listed among the 23-man squad to feature for the Bruno Labbadia’s men in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

The 26-year-old midfielder will be looking on continuing his impressive stats with the Nigerian Eagles when they face these two teams in September.

The CAF Player of the Year has been linked with a move away from Italy in the past few months, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain tipped to be his likely destinations.

While personal terms do not seem to be a problem for these European clubs, Osimhen’s €130 million release clause has made clubs turn their backs away.

There have been several offers from these clubs, including a player plus cash exchange that would amount to the striker’s exit clause, but Napoli do not want any exchange. They want the money.

Two Saudi Arabian clubs, Al Ahli and Al Hilal, are also interested in the services of the former Wolfsburg man, and for these clubs, triggering Osimhen’s clause is not a problem as it simply banks on the strikers’ “yes”.

The financial package involved is tempting to the Super Eagles star, considering he rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia to stay in Naples last summer.

Former Italy manager, Cesare Prandelli reiterated Mikel Obi’s thoughts on Osimhen’s future, telling the striker to make a mark in Europe’s top leagues in his prime, before heading to the Middle East.

“Osimhen in Arabia? A champion must establish himself in Europe, he has the chance. There will be time to go elsewhere,” the EURO 2012 silver medalist said on Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli in quotes revealed by Sports2u.

Napoli have been negotiating with Romelu Lukaku, and as per multiple reports, the Belgian has agreed to sign a three-year deal that’ll see him re-unite with Antonio Conte, but Osimhen’s stay at the club puts the deal on hold.

The Real Sociedad forward has been looking to move for a while, and now it seems his departure is imminent.

Real Sociedad, where Sadiq has a contract until 2028 with a 100 million euro buyout clause, agrees that a change would be best for everyone.

According to Que, Getafe, Sevilla, Valencia, and Rayo Vallecano have all submitted offers to Real Sociedad for Sadiq.

Talks are already underway to figure out the best way for him to leave San Sebastian.

Though Sadiq has not made a final decision, he wants to stay in the Spanish league. He has also caught the eye of some Dutch Eredivisie clubs, but they are mainly fighting to avoid relegation, which doesn’t appeal to him.

Sadiq, who became Real Sociedad’s most expensive signing when they bought him from UD Almería for up to 25 million euros, is ready for a new challenge.

Despite his high price tag, he has only managed four goals in 39 appearances for Sociedad, a stark contrast to his prolific record at Almería, where he scored 43 goals in two seasons.

The Nigerian striker is considering offers from clubs like Valencia and Sevilla, which he sees as better opportunities.

These teams are interested in securing him on loan, a move that would let them assess his performance without a major financial commitment upfront. This could help rejuvenate their attacking options, which have been lacking in recent seasons.

Sadiq is determined to leave Real Sociedad and find a team where he can rediscover his form and contribute significantly. The coming weeks will be crucial in deciding his next destination, with several Spanish clubs keen to add him to their rosters.

Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze scored his first goal of the season to help Villarreal claim a tough 2-1 victory over Valencia.

Villarreal welcomed Valencia in their final Laliga game of 2022. Super Eagles star Chukwueze got a rare nod to start for the Yellow Submarine against their Gattuso-tutored opponents.

Both teams started on equal footing, but it was Valencia that took the initiative early on. Edinson Cavani profited off a rebound in the box and fired home from close range to make it 1-0 in the 21st minute.

However, Villarreal had the perfect reply for them as Chukwueze stepped up to the occasion. The Super Eagles forward got on the end of a cross and controlled the ball perfectly. He then struck a wicked shot into the bottom left corner to make it 1-1 just before halftime.

Chukwueze had a great game. To add to his goal, he registered two shots on target, 44 touches, and one interception before he was hauled off in the 72nd minute.

Villarreal were the better side in the second half, and they eventually got the winner just before the game ended.

Juan Foyth connected cleanly with a cross and put a fine header past Mamardashvili to seal a 2-1 win for Villarreal.

The former Royal Charleroi is enjoying a debut campaign with the Les Douges having scored eight goals in 12 appearances for them.  Christopher Galtier’s side face Valencia in their third match of Group H, and Osimhen has shown his readiness for the encounter.

The 20-year-old whose eight goals have all come at Lille’s home ground was seen scoring a ‘worldie’ in training today. The former Wolfsburg striker already has one goal in the Champions League and will be hoping to increase his tally when Los Ches come to town.

https://twitter.com/LOSC_EN/status/1186604204296724481

Meanwhile, Osimhen’s international teammate, Samuel Chukwueze has warned Valencia to be wary of the threat posed by Osimhen ahead of the Champions League encounter.

“He (Osimhen) is a great player. He has a lot of speed and (eye for) goal. He reads (the opposition) very well. He is a very complete forward, Chukwueze said.

Lille will be hoping to pick up their first win in Group H when they welcome Valencia on Wednesday night.

The Nigerian international who on Monday was nominated for the second edition of the Kopa Trophee, netted in the team’s 2-1 loss against Chelsea in Matchday 2 of the competition.

He was also named Ligue 1 Player of the Month for September after taking his league goal tally in the league to seven for the season and he will be key to any hopes the French side have of registering a win.

Osimhen has proved a constant threat from set-pieces and through balls, while he is also one of the leading shot takers in France this season, averaging just shy of four per game.

With the team yet to pick up a point in the group, Lille manager, Christophe Galtier will saddle Osimhen with the goal-scoring responsibility of shooting down a Valencia side that will also be aiming for the maximum point.

A 74th minute Rodrigo goal ensured Valencia left London with all the three points at stake as Chelsea began their Champions League campaign on a sorry note.

Tammy Abraham was lively in the first half but a shadow of his weekend self in the second 45, as Valencia appeared to be the perfect antidote for the free-scoring 21-year-old.

Frank Lampard stuck with the 3-4-3 that helped his men smash Wolves 5-2 last weekend – a game that saw Abraham grab a hat trick – with the Blues manager making only one change to that XI – Zouma coming in for the injured Rudiger.

On the other hand, Valencia made two changes after their own 5-2 defeat to Barcelona – Cheryshev and Kondogbia getting the nod to replace Torres and Guedes.

Chelsea had not lost a game in European competition since 2017-18 when they went out in the round of 16 of this competition to Barcelona. They won 12 and drew three of their European games last season as they went on to win the Europa League. And crises-ridden Valencia seemed all ready for the taking.

But the hosts found the going tough, with the La Liga outfit staying compact and composed from kick-off.

Chelsea’s best chance finally arrived at the end of the half when Azpilicueta found Willian who took the ball on the half-volley and forced a save from Cillessen. Valencia were however, able to clear the rebound.

It remained scoreless at the break with the hosts probably the better side. They made a few good chances, but no clear-cut ones. Valencia showed enough though to look dangerous on the counter.

It's all square at the break, but the Blues have looked good in this first half.#CHEVCF pic.twitter.com/dYApubH0hs

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 17, 2019

With the game petering out into a lame stalemate and less than 20 minutes left on the clock, Lampard went for broke, bringing on Olivier Giroud in place of Kurt Zouma, a tactical change no less.

It was Valencia though who made the game’s next telling impact. Kovacic fouled Gaya in a central position. Parejo’s resultant free-kick found Rodrigo who had made a clever run unmarked towards the near post. The Valencia man hit the ball into the ground and watched it bounce over Kepa and into the roof of the net to give the visitors the lead.

The goal, by the way, was only Rodrigo’s third Champions League goal in his 25th appearance in the competition, his first in 10 for Valencia. Not a bad game in which to get it.

It was time for Chelsea to really chase the game.

The Blues piled forward in numbers, half in determination and half in desperation. Eventually, VAR came to the rescue and handed the Blues a penalty, having adjudged Wass to have blocked a shot with his arm.

Ross Barkley took the spot-kick and missed, handing Chelsea their first defeat in Europe since 15 matches ago.