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Osimhen Left Stranded After Deadline Day Deals Collapse

Napoli has handed the No. 9 shirt to Romelo Lukaku, just as Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen’s move to either Chelsea or Al Ahli fell through. The 25-year-old striker was expected to leave on deadline day, but no deal happened

Delegates from Chelsea were in Naples until the final moments of the transfer window on Friday, before accepting a deal could not be done.

The Blues told Napoli they would take the reigning African player of the year on loan with an obligation to buy, but could not agree on personal terms with the forward. Meanwhile, Al Ahli signed Ivan Toney from Brentford for £40 million, despite agreeing to a deal to buy Osimhen earlier on Friday.

It was claimed the Saudi Pro League side had a bid worth £67m accepted by Napoli and offered Osimhen a four-year package worth £135m in wages and bonuses. Chelsea was unwilling to match the terms on offer in Saudi Arabia and did not want to overspend on the deal due to Profit and Sustainability regulations.

The Nigerian will remain in Naples following a breakdown in his relationship with the Napoli hierarchy. His name no longer appears on the club website, while new signing Lukaku is listed as their No. 9 shirt. He has also not been registered for the upcoming Serie A season and will most definitely train away from his teammates while he awaits the January transfer window.

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Ivorian Star Diomande snubs Liverpool, picks preferred destination

Leipzig’s 19-year-old sensation Yan Diomande has reportedly agreed to a five-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain, dealing a massive transfer blow to Liverpool.

The highly sought-after Ivory Coast international, who is currently representing his nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has been courted by several elite European clubs over the past few months.

Liverpool notably saw an €100 million (£86.8m) bid rejected by Leipzig last week and are expected to return with an improved offer.

However, despite the Premier League interest, Diomande has reportedly prioritised a move to the French capital, fully convinced by the sporting project presented by president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and manager Luis Enrique.

With personal terms now out of the way, they now have to negotiate with Leipzig, who are adamantly insisting that the versatile winger, who is tied to a long-term contract until June 2030, is not for sale unless a staggering €120 million offer arrives at their door.

Paris Saint-Germain have established European dominance under Enrique, successfully securing consecutive UEFA Champions League titles during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 campaigns.

The teenager believes joining the reigning European champions will provide him with the optimal platform to secure major trophies and eventually achieve his personal ambition of winning the Ballon d’Or.

His massive valuation is justified by a spectacular breakthrough 2025/26 Bundesliga season, where he registered 12 goals and nine assists in 33 appearances after joining Leipzig from Spanish side Leganés just last summer.

As Diomande prepares for Ivory Coast’s World Cup Round of 32 clash against Norway on Tuesday, June 30, Liverpool are now forced to pivot toward alternative targets such as Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh.

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Why I snubbed England to play for the Super Eagles – Ola Aina

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has revealed the reasons behind his decision to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria. Super Eagles of Nigeria defender Ola Aina was born in Southwark, London, to Nigerian parents, and was a mainstay in the England youth setup during his younger years.

The 29-year-old climbed the ranks from the U16s to the U20s, earning over 20 caps for the Young Lions. However, despite being called up to the U21s in 2015, the former Chelsea academy star ultimately chose a different path after training with the Super Eagles in London in March 2017.

Reflecting on that pivotal career move, Aina explained that his roots played the biggest role in his choice.

“Born and raised in London, I chose to play for Nigeria. It was simply a decision I made when I was around 20. That’s where my parents are from; that’s my heritage,” Aina told Nottingham Forest’s YouTube channel.

“The opportunity presented itself, and I believed it was the right one at that moment, so I embraced it wholeheartedly, and here I am today.”

also touched on the deep emotional connection his family has with his international career, noting how much it means to them to see him in the famous green-and-white jersey.

“My family is extremely proud of me, particularly when I wear the Super Eagles shirt.

“They cherish it even more than I do. For me, it’s a privilege; it’s an honor. It’s truly remarkable to play for them.”

Aina has since become a cornerstone of the national team.

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CAF Vows To Take ‘stern action’ after chaotic AFCON final scenes

African football’s governing body CAF, said Monday “appropriate action” would be taken against “those found guilty” after chaotic scenes marred the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. CAF did not attribute blame to either Senegal or Morocco. On Sunday’s final, most of the Senegalese players walked off in protest when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded hosts Morocco a penalty deep into time added on of normal time, with the match tied at 0-0.

A group of their fans fought with Moroccan security personnel at the other end of the stadium in Rabat. Once the players returned to the pitch, Senegal’s keeper Edouard Mendy saved the spot kick, and Senegal went on to win 1-0 in extra time.

“The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night,” read their statement.

“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers.

“CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”

The Senegal players eventually returned after former Liverpool star Sadio Mane, one of the few of his team to remain on the pitch, remonstrated with them to do so.

Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, who had originally won the penalty, then sent his spot kick into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Senegal went on to win the final with a brilliant goal from Pape Gueye in extra time.

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