A senior secondary three (SS3) student at Universal Comprehensive College, Ikorun, Lagos, Adeola Oluwaseun Afolayan has set his mind on getting a breakthrough into football as a career with Grass Runners FC of Sagamu.

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Sports247 gathered that the towering central defender, who adores Liverpool of England and Netherlands national team captain, Virgil van Dijk, has already gauned a link with officials of Grass Runners about the possibility of joining them next month.

With his final paper in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) secondary school leaving assessment holding this week, Afolayan believes he can quickly shift all his attention towards the beginning of a much-desired football career.

The youngster, who is fondly called ‘Adex’ by his colleagues and friends, is currently working out with Super Accurate Football Academy of Ikotun, where he receives tactical instructions and useful career tips from Coach Oseni Adewale (aka Super).

“I am happy that my WAEC exam will end on Thursday. That means I will be able to face football fully from next week. I’m not thinking of going to any university, because it’s football that I want to play for a living.

“I want to specially thank Coach Super for teaching me how to play football. I also watch top players like Van Dijk to learn from them and improve my game. He is my favourite player.

“I am happy that my uncle is already arranging a link for me to join Grass Runners FC when they resume from their break ahead of the new NLO season,” said Afolayan, who is also fondly called ‘Dazzler.’

Sports247 gathered further that the indigene of Kwara State has not dropped his boots but he continued training on his own all through the period of the WAEC papers, though his parents stopped him from attending the football academy during this examination period.

The post Adeola Afolayan Adores Virgil van Dijk, Eyes Career Breakthrough With Grass Runners FC Of Sagamu first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Adeola Afolayan Adores Virgil van Dijk, Eyes Career Breakthrough With Grass Runners FC Of Sagamu appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Head coach of Edo Queens, Moses Aduku, has insisted that his team will not get carried away despite moving to the top of the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six standings following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Rivers Angels.

READ ALSO: Thierry Henry Clarifies ‘Nigeria Shorts’ Joke After iShowSpeed Incident’s Backlash 

The Matchday Four win pushed Edo Queens to nine points from four matches and set up a decisive final-day clash against defending champions Bayelsa Queens at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

Aduku praised his players for their resilience and discipline after bouncing back from an opening-day defeat to record three consecutive victories in the competition.

“I want to give kudos to my girls for playing to instruction and also for believing in ourselves that we could bounce back after that opening defeat,” Aduku said after the match.

Despite the impressive turnaround, the experienced tactician stressed that the team’s mission is far from complete, warning against premature celebrations ahead of the title showdown.

“We are not celebrating yet. Our focus completely shifts to Bayelsa Queens — that’s all I can say for now. We know we have one final hurdle to clear against a very tough opponent who happen to be the defending champions,” he added.

The upcoming encounter is expected to be a thrilling finale to the NWFL Super Six, with Bayelsa Queens also still in contention for the title as they seek to defend their crown.

For Edo Queens, victory in the decisive fixture would complete a remarkable redemption story and secure the club’s first-ever NWFL Premiership title.

The Benin City side has shown remarkable character throughout the tournament, recovering from early disappointment to place themselves within touching distance of domestic glory.

All eyes will now be on Port Harcourt as two of Nigeria’s top women’s football clubs battle for supremacy in what promises to be a high-stakes season finale.

The post NWFL Super Six: ‘Not Time for Celebration Yet’ — Aduku Maintains Focus Ahead of Bayelsa Queens Decider first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post NWFL Super Six: ‘Not Time for Celebration Yet’ — Aduku Maintains Focus Ahead of Bayelsa Queens Decider appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Thierry Henry has clarified comments he made about Nigeria during a light-hearted exchange with popular streamer IShowSpeed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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The former Arsenal and FC Barcelona forward came under criticism from some Nigerian fans after joking that wearing a mix of national team kits was “bad luck.”

The incident happened during the World Cup clash between the United States men’s national soccer team and Paraguay national football team, which ended in a 4-1 victory for the United States.

IShowSpeed attended the match wearing a USA jersey paired with Nigerian shorts, prompting Henry’s playful remark.

According to Henry, the joke was misunderstood by some viewers on social media, leading to backlash from Nigerian supporters who interpreted the comments as disrespectful toward Nigeria.

Speaking in a video posted online, Henry moved quickly to clear the air.

“I needed to clarify something because I don’t think people understand when you say stuff sometimes or when a joke is a joke,” Henry said.

The 1998 World Cup winner explained that his comments had nothing to do with Nigeria specifically, but rather the superstition of mixing different kits together.

“I just said to him it is bad luck to break the set. Could have been the shorts of France, Italy or Spain, I would have said the same thing,” he added.

Henry also stressed his admiration for Nigeria and its football supporters, especially Arsenal fans from the country.

“I even said that I love Naija. And by the way, I do. I have my respect for Nigeria and the people there. A lot of Arsenal fans, by the way out there, so don’t misunderstand that stuff, please.”

The French legend concluded by reiterating that Nigeria was never the subject of the joke.

“Nigeria is never bad luck. I was just saying breaking the set is bad luck with any other shorts.”

The clarification has since eased tensions online, with many fans accepting that the exchange with IShowSpeed was intended purely as harmless banter during the World Cup coverage.

The post Thierry Henry Clarifies ‘Nigeria Shorts’ Joke After iShowSpeed Incident’s Backlash  first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Thierry Henry Clarifies ‘Nigeria Shorts’ Joke After iShowSpeed Incident’s Backlash  appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.