Super Falcons stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Jennifer Echegini have returned to Paris Saint-Germain training following their involvement with Nigeria at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Sport247 reports that the Nigerian duo rejoined their PSG teammates on Wednesday as the French club intensified preparations for their upcoming UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying clash against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Both Ajibade and Echegini looked sharp during the training session, marking an important step in their transition back to club football after representing Nigeria on the continental stage.

Their return provides a significant boost to PSG as the club prepares for a demanding Champions League qualification fixture.

Ajibade has established herself as an important figure for both club and country, while Echegini has continued to develop her reputation as one of Nigeria’s exciting attacking midfielders.

The pair will now turn their attention back to PSG as they look to regain full match fitness and compete for places in the squad ahead of the new season.

PSG are scheduled to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers on Thursday at 6:00pm.

The encounter will provide Ajibade and Echegini with an opportunity to make an immediate impact following their return from international duty, although the final decision on their involvement will rest with the PSG technical team.

Their presence could prove valuable for the French side as they begin their European campaign, with PSG targeting progression to the next stage of the competition.

For the Nigerian internationals, the fixture also represents the beginning of another demanding club season after a busy period with the Super Falcons.

Both players will be hoping to carry their international form into the PSG setup and play important roles as the French giants pursue success domestically and in Europe.

With Ajibade and Echegini back in the fold, PSG have welcomed two key Nigerian internationals back at a crucial stage of their preparations.

The focus now shifts to Frankfurt, where the Super Falcons duo could make their presence felt on the European stage once again.

The post Ajibade, Echegini Return to PSG Training Ahead of Champions League Qualifier appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Akor Adams could hardly have imagined a more impressive introduction to Italian football.

On a night when Venezia required inspiration, the Super Eagles striker delivered in emphatic fashion, scoring twice and providing an assist as his new club came from 2–1 down to defeat Modena 3–2 in the Coppa Italia.

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It was more than a debut.

It was a statement.

Adams, who arrived from Sevilla in a reported €16 million deal that could rise with add-ons, demonstrated why Venezia identified him as a key figure in their plans ahead of their return to Serie A.

The Nigerian opened the scoring in the 26th minute before Modena turned the match around. However, rather than fade from the contest, Adams remained central to Venezia’s response.

He later set up John Yeboah for the equaliser before completing the comeback himself with a second goal in the 85th minute.

In total, Adams contributed directly to all three Venezia goals.

A highly encouraging introduction to Italian football.

Adams Has Already Sent a Warning

While the Coppa Italia is not Serie A, the performance has immediately heightened expectations regarding what Adams could deliver once the league campaign begins.

The 26-year-old arrives in Italy with a point to prove.

Having previously played in Norway, France and Spain, his move to Venezia represents another opportunity to establish himself in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.

There is also a compelling narrative developing.

Adams is not merely beginning a new chapter; he is joining a distinguished line of Nigerian forwards who have left their mark on Serie A.

The benchmarks are significant.

The Nigerian Serie A Record Adams Is Chasing

For many years, Obafemi Martins set the standard for Nigerian strikers in Italy.

The former Inter Milan forward scored 28 Serie A goals in 88 appearances, establishing himself as one of the country’s most effective attackers in the competition.

Simy Nwankwo later surpassed that tally, finishing his Serie A career with 31 goals in 101 appearances. His standout campaign came in 2020/21, when he scored 19 league goals for Crotone despite the club’s relegation.

Victor Osimhen then redefined the record entirely.

The Napoli striker registered 65 Serie A goals in 108 appearances, becoming Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer in the Italian top flight.

Adams therefore faces a considerable challenge.

However, every record begins with a first goal.

He has already scored two—before even making his Serie A debut.

The Numbers Nigerian Strikers Left Behind

Nigeria’s leading Serie A scorers include:

Victor Osimhen — 65 goals

Simy Nwankwo — 31 goals

Obafemi Martins — 28 goals

Stephen Makinwa — 16 goals

Victor Obinna — 14 goals

These figures highlight the scale of the task ahead for Adams.

There is, however, a more immediate benchmark within reach.

Before Simy’s 19-goal season, Martins’ 11 goals in the 2004/05 campaign stood as the highest single-season tally by a Nigerian in Serie A. Simy later raised that standard to 19.

That may represent Adams’ first realistic target.

Beyond that lies progression: double figures, then 15, and potentially beyond.

Why Adams Could Be Different

Adams offers an intriguing profile for Venezia.

He combines physical presence and aerial strength with the ability to operate effectively inside the penalty area. His debut against Modena also suggested he can contribute beyond finishing.

His assist for Yeboah demonstrated creative awareness, while his two goals underlined the clinical edge Venezia will rely on from their leading striker.

Such versatility could prove valuable in Serie A, where forwards are often required to operate against disciplined defensive structures and experienced centre-backs.

Early indications are promising.

However, the true test will come with the demands of weekly Serie A competition.

From Debut Impact to Serie A Consistency

There is always a risk of overinterpretation following a standout cup performance.

Adams will be aware of that reality.

One exceptional performance can announce a striker; sustained consistency defines him.

For now, though, the Nigerian has given Venezia supporters exactly what they hoped for: goals, energy, and a glimpse of his potential.

A broader narrative is also emerging.

His progress in Italy will inevitably be measured against the standards set by Martins, Simy, and particularly Osimhen.

The record remains distant.

But after a debut featuring two goals, an assist, and a decisive role in a 3–2 comeback victory, Akor Adams has made an early and convincing statement.

Serie A now has another Nigerian striker to follow closely.

The post Akor Adams Sets Early Serie A Mark, Tracks Nigeria’s Greats’ Scoring Records appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

The stumbling block to Victor Osimhen’s proposed move to Arsenal is reportedly not the Nigerian striker, but Galatasaray’s firm decision to keep hold of their star forward.

Osimhen’s potential transfer to the Premier League remains one of the biggest stories of the summer, with Arsenal continuing to monitor the 27-year-old as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attacking options.

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Recent discussions between Arsenal and Galatasaray over the availability of Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri have reportedly provided an opportunity for both clubs to discuss Osimhen’s situation, with Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta also understood to have explored the conditions for a possible deal.

However, there is still a significant hurdle to overcome.

Why Galatasaray Are the Problem

Galatasaray have publicly maintained that Osimhen is not for sale, despite reports suggesting that a bid in the region of £60 million could potentially force the Turkish champions to reconsider their position.

That stance has placed Arsenal in a difficult position.

Osimhen is reportedly keen on the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League, while Arsenal are searching for a proven goalscorer capable of adding another dimension to their attack.

The Nigerian has already made a strong start to the new season, scoring twice in Galatasaray’s opening league fixture against Çorum FK.

After the match, however, Osimhen refused to fuel speculation about his future, choosing instead to remain focused on his football.

That could prove significant.

If Arsenal can persuade Galatasaray to open negotiations, Osimhen’s reported willingness to consider a Premier League move could make the transfer considerably easier to complete.

What Arsenal Could Mean for Osimhen

A move to Arsenal would represent another major chapter in Osimhen’s career.

The Nigerian has already experienced top-flight football in France, Germany, Italy and Turkey, but the Premier League remains one of the biggest challenges yet to be conquered.

Arsenal would offer him the chance to compete regularly in one of the world’s most watched leagues while also pursuing Champions League success.

Under Arteta, Osimhen could operate in a system capable of maximising his biggest strengths — explosive pace, intelligent movement, physical presence and clinical finishing.

His ability to attack space behind defensive lines could also provide Arsenal with a different threat in the final third.

The Big Career Gamble

But a move to Arsenal would not be without risks.

The club already has Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz among its attacking options, meaning Osimhen could face serious competition for the central striker role.

His salary demands and the financial commitment required to complete the transfer would also make the deal a significant investment for Arsenal.

Yet if the Nigerian succeeds in England, the rewards could be enormous.

A successful Premier League spell could elevate Osimhen from an established elite European striker into one of the most recognisable forwards in world football.

It could also strengthen his claim as one of the leading African players of his generation.

Galatasaray Hold the Key

For now, the situation appears straightforward:

Osimhen is not the major stumbling block, Arsenal remain interested, but Galatasaray hold the power to decide whether the transfer can move forward.

Until the Turkish champions soften their position and agree to negotiate, Arsenal’s interest will remain just that — interest.

The next move is therefore not primarily Osimhen’s.

It is Arsenal’s to make an offer and Galatasaray’s to decide whether their prized striker is finally allowed to leave.

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