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“Benin Appreciated My Talent When Nigeria Didn’t” — Ex-Benin International Mouritala Ogunbiyi Reflects on Career, Loyalty

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Former Benin Republic international Mouritala Ogunbiyi has revealed why he chose to represent the Cheetahs over his country of birth, Nigeria, saying the decision was driven by opportunity, appreciation, and the chance to fulfil his international ambitions.

Speaking exclusively to Sports247 during the colourful appreciation ceremony held in honour of immediate past Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), Ogun State Chairman Chief Olaseinde Bankole (Zico) at the Oba Moshood Alani Oyede Mini Stadium, Joju, Sango-Ota, Ogunbiyi paid glowing tribute to the veteran coach for supporting him at a crucial stage of his career.

Read Also: Day 2: Team Nigeria Eyes Another Victory Against Namibia in Billie Jean King Cup Promotion Push | Sports247 Nigeria

“I really appreciate Coach Zico because he supported my career when I needed it most,” Ogunbiyi said.

The event, organised by the Leventis Joju Area Sports Committee, brought together football stakeholders, former internationals, coaches, and administrators to celebrate Bankole’s immense contributions to grassroots football development.

Reflecting on his international career, Ogunbiyi admitted that missing out on the Super Eagles was one of football’s realities, insisting that circumstances and connections often determine opportunities at the highest level.

“It’s a long story. Connections affect some good players from achieving their dream of representing the Super Eagles. Benin Republic appreciated my talent and welcomed me as family,” he explained.

The former midfielder traced his football journey from the grassroots in Ota, where he began his career before joining Indomie FC and later moving to Benin Republic to pursue professional football.

Ogunbiyi enjoyed a distinguished career, representing clubs including Enyimba FC, Étoile du Sahel, Guingamp, Nîmes, Paris FC, and USS Krake, winning trophies at virtually every club he played for.

“One unique thing about my career is that I won laurels with every club I represented,” he proudly stated.

The creative midfielder earned 47 international caps and scored six goals for Benin Republic between 1998 and 2019. He was also a member of the Benin squad that featured at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, facing Nigeria during the tournament.

Asked where his loyalty would lie if Nigeria met Benin Republic in an AFCON final, Ogunbiyi gave an emphatic response.

“It will surely be Benin Republic. I played in three AFCON tournaments and faced Nigeria, even though we lost. My heart belongs to the Dahomey.”

He concluded by expressing gratitude for the love he received throughout his international career.

“I was loved for my creativity in Benin Republic, and the name Mouritala Ogunbiyi became everyone’s favourite.”

Ogunbiyi’s story remains a powerful reminder of how opportunity, recognition, and belief can shape the international careers of African footballers.

The post “Benin Appreciated My Talent When Nigeria Didn’t” — Ex-Benin International Mouritala Ogunbiyi Reflects on Career, Loyalty appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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Nigeria Players Abroad

West Ham Submit €30m Bid for Nigerian Defender Chibuike Nwaiwu

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Premier League side West Ham United have made a strong move to secure the services of Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, submitting a €30 million bid for the highly-rated centre-back.

READ ALSO: Favour Ofili Not Listed Among 29 Athletes Invited By AFN For Commonwealth Games In Scotland

However, Turkish club Trabzonspor are standing firm in negotiations and have reportedly informed the London club that they will not entertain offers below €35 million for the Super Eagles prospect.

Sports247 reports that Nwaiwu has emerged as one of West Ham’s priority defensive targets this summer as the Hammers look to strengthen their backline ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

The Nigerian’s impressive performances in Turkey have attracted significant interest from several European clubs, but West Ham appear to have taken the first concrete step by tabling an official offer.

Despite the sizeable €30 million proposal, Trabzonspor are reluctant to part ways with one of their key players unless their valuation is met.

The Turkish side regard the defender as an important figure in their long-term plans and are determined to maximise any potential transfer fee.

Sources close to the negotiations indicate that discussions between both clubs remain ongoing, with West Ham expected to return with an improved offer in an attempt to bridge the €5 million gap.

For Nwaiwu, a move to the Premier League would represent a major milestone in his career and provide an opportunity to test himself in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.

The Nigerian defender has built a reputation for his composure on the ball, aerial dominance, and defensive intelligence, qualities that have made him an attractive option for clubs seeking defensive reinforcements.

West Ham manager and the club’s recruitment team are understood to be keen admirers of the player and believe he possesses the attributes needed to succeed in English football.

As the summer transfer window gathers momentum, all eyes will be on the negotiations between the two clubs. Whether West Ham are willing to meet Trabzonspor’s €35 million valuation could ultimately determine if Chibuike Nwaiwu gets the chance to begin an exciting new chapter in the Premier League.

The post West Ham Submit €30m Bid for Nigerian Defender Chibuike Nwaiwu first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post West Ham Submit €30m Bid for Nigerian Defender Chibuike Nwaiwu appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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Grassrunners FC Starlet Angelo Agbejoye Signs First Professional Contract with Swedish Club Djurgårdens IF

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Promising Nigerian youngster Angelo Agbejoye has taken a significant step in his football career after signing his first professional contract with Swedish top-flight club Djurgårdens IF.

Sports247 reports that the talented attacker, who developed at Grassrunners FC in Ogun State, will now continue his growth in the Allsvenskan, Sweden’s premier football league, as he embarks on an exciting new chapter in European football.

Read Also: Favour Ashe Blazes to 9.93s, Crowned Nigeria’s Fastest Man at AFN Commonwealth Games Trials | Sports247 Nigeria

Agbejoye’s move represents a major milestone for both the player and his former club, reflecting years of dedication, hard work, and steady development. Widely regarded as one of Grassrunners FC’s brightest prospects, the young forward has earned recognition for his technical ability, attacking flair, and potential to excel at the highest level.

The switch to Djurgårdens IF provides Agbejoye with the opportunity to test himself in a competitive European environment while continuing his progression under professional coaching. The Stockholm-based club has a strong tradition of nurturing young talent, and expectations will be high that the Nigerian can adapt quickly and make a positive impression.

Expressing his excitement after completing the move, Agbejoye described the signing of his first professional contract as a dream come true and an important milestone in his journey. He is eager to showcase his abilities in Sweden and contribute to the success of his new team while continuing to develop as a player.

The transfer also highlights the growing reputation of Nigerian grassroots academies in producing players capable of attracting interest from clubs across Europe. Grassrunners FC, in particular, will take pride in seeing one of its own secure an opportunity on the international stage.

For Nigerian football fans, Agbejoye’s move offers another example of the country’s rich reservoir of young talent making its mark abroad. As he settles into life in Stockholm and prepares for the challenges of the Allsvenskan, many will be watching closely to see how the exciting attacker adapts to professional football.

With ambition, talent, and a fresh opportunity ahead of him, Angelo Agbejoye begins his European adventure hoping to establish himself at Djurgårdens IF and lay the foundation for a successful career at club and international level.

The post Grassrunners FC Starlet Angelo Agbejoye Signs First Professional Contract with Swedish Club Djurgårdens IF first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Grassrunners FC Starlet Angelo Agbejoye Signs First Professional Contract with Swedish Club Djurgårdens IF appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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Bukayo Saka’s Documentary Finalised For Unveiling With Historic Implications 

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A television documentary about the life and career of Arsenal star, Bukayo Saka has been finalised in production and ready to be released into the global film market.

READ ALSO: Zadok Yohanna’s Coach Explains Massive Transfer Attention From Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United, Others

Sports247 gathered that the documentary, which will also include aspects of Saka’s private life and socials, will be unveiled this Friday, with a view to shoring up public interest heading into his appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

The film’s main channel, WhatsApp confirmed that the star’s story, which has a guest appearanve by Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry for the production, is titled ‘Bukayo Saka: The Time Is Now.’

The film also dives into Saka’s upbringing at home and teenage days in Ealing area of London as well as his passage through Arsenal’s Hale End Academy, before delving into his private life off the pitch.

UK’s Standard tabloid further disclosed that Saka’s documentary, which was directed by Emmy winner, Robert Alexander, will be released this Friday on Disney+ and further widescale distribution would follow.

WhatsApp and Modern Arts combined their resources in enacting the production of the historic biopic, which Saka pointed out gave him the chance to tell his football story in a way it has never been done before.

Saka retorted, “People see the goals and the matches, but they don’t see what it takes behind the scenes, and part of that is my support system … WhatsApp messages from the people who were there long before any of this; who have believed in me every step of the way.”

 

Sports247 gathered further that the documentary will include some of the star’s lowest monents, like the cold reception he got after missing a decisive penalty in England’s Euro 2020 final loss to Italy at Wembley Stadium.

The post Bukayo Saka’s Documentary Finalised For Unveiling With Historic Implications  first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Bukayo Saka’s Documentary Finalised For Unveiling With Historic Implications  appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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