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Brothers at war: Nigerian players go head to head in Super Eagles battle

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Victor Osimhen is back with a bang (Photo Credit: Napoli FC)

This European football weekend will put some players of the Super Eagles of Nigerian squaring up against each other.

In the English Premier League, Nigeria’s most improved player this season, Alex Iwobi will be up against the duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho as Everton takes on Leicester City.

Another match that will see brother at war will see Taiwo Awoniyi and Emmanuel Dennis taking on Frank Onyeka as Nottingham Forest host Brentford while in Italy, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will clash in a top-of-the-table meeting in Serie A between Napoli and Atalanta where the Naples outfit could open a gap at the top with a win.

Africannewswatch brings you a preview of the war of Super Eagles players.

Alex Iwobi vs Wildred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho

Baring any last minute injury, Alex Iwobi should be selected as Everton take on Leicester with Wilfred Ndidi hopefully starting after overcoming a niggling injury.

Alex Iwobi is now Everton's main man (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Alex Iwobi is now Everton’s main man (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Kelechi Iheanacho was a substitute in Leicester’s 1-0 loss against Manchester City and is looking to have another run after an encouraging display against the EPL champions.

The Toffees have claimed two wins from three at home and will be hoping to put up a sterling performance against a Leicester team that has not been able to replicate form that saw them always compete for the top four in recent seasons.

Taiwo Awoniyi, Emmanuel Dennis vs Frank Onyeka

With Nottingham Forest hosting Brentford, the trio of Taiwo Awoniyi, Emmanuel Dennis and Frank Onyeka could come face to face but with Awoniyi seeming to lose steam these days, Dennis may well be the starter with the former Union Berlin forward coming on as a sub.

Taiwo Awoniyi and Reds teammates celebrate first EPL goal (Photo Credit: Nottingham Forest FC)

Taiwo Awoniyi and Reds teammates celebrate first EPL goal (Photo Credit: Nottingham Forest FC)

Last weekend, Onyeka was dropped to the bench for Wolves’ after three starts but the hard tackling midfielder will hope to make another start at the City Ground.

Victor Osimhen vs Ademola Lookman

Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are two hot Nigerian forwards currently setting the Italian Serie A on fire with goals and as Napoli takes on Atalanta in a top of the table clash, the two Super Eagles stars will be looked upon by their respective clubs to deliver the goals.

Ademola Lookman was the hero for Atalanta (Photo Credit: Atalanta FC)

Ademola Lookman was the hero for Atalanta (Photo Credit: Atalanta FC)

While Osimhen got his first Serie A hat-trick last weekend in Napoli’s 4-0 routing of Sassuolo, Lookman was also on song as Atalanta defeated Empoli 2-0 to take his season tally to five.

As Luciano Spalletti’s unbeaten side travel to second-placed Atalanta intent on continuing their outstanding start in the league, Lookman and company will be looking to truncate that run.

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Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

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Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

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SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

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South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”

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