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Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has not ruled out the possibility of Nigerian striker Sadiq Umar remaining at the club for the 2025/2026 season, despite widespread speculation linking him with a summer move away.



Sadiq spent the second half of last season on loan at Valencia, where he regained form and confidence. The former Almería forward netted five goals in 16 La Liga appearances, following a difficult first half of the 2024/2025 campaign at Sociedad, where he struggled to secure regular minutes.



As the 2025/2026 season approaches, Sadiq will be eager to sort out his future, either by cementing a place at Sociedad or moving elsewhere in search of consistent game time. With Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers resuming in September, the forward knows regular minutes will be crucial to earning a national team recall.




Editorial



We appreciate Real Sociedad's openness regarding Sadiq Umar's future. His successful loan spell at Valencia demonstrated his potential, and it's encouraging to see the club acknowledge his contributions. The decision now rests with new head coach Sergio Francisco, who will assess Sadiq's fit within the team's plans. Given Nigeria's upcoming World Cup qualifiers, securing regular playing time is crucial for Sadiq's international aspirations.



Aperribay praised Sadiq’s professionalism and revealed the forward has been training well with the group that has remained at Zubieta, Real Sociedad’s training base. He stated, "The information I have about Sadiq is that he's trained very well, like the entire group that has stayed in Zubieta."



The final decision regarding Sadiq’s future will rest with new head coach Sergio Francisco. Aperribay added, "We'll have to see how Sergio views Sadiq, and we'll make decisions based on what I've said."




Did You Know?





 
Sadiq Umar began his European career at AS Roma before moving to Almería, where he made a significant impact.


 
During his loan at Valencia, Sadiq scored five goals in 16 La Liga appearances, showcasing his scoring ability.


 
Real Sociedad's training base, Zubieta, is renowned for developing young talents and has been instrumental in nurturing players like Mikel Oyarzabal and Martin Ødegaard.


 
The 2025/2026 season marks a pivotal year for Sadiq, as he aims to secure a spot in Real Sociedad's squad and earn a place in Nigeria's World Cup qualifiers.


 
Sadiq's versatility allows him to play across the forward line, making him a valuable asset for both club and country.

Shooting Stars are determined to retain head coach Gbenga Ogunbote, whose two year contract with the club has recently expired. Both parties are eager to continue their partnership, and the club management is actively working on a new contract for Ogunbote.



Olaniyan Akoro, the club chairman, confirmed the initiation of contract talks, stating, I can say that the meeting kick starts immediate preparation for the next season and also the beginning of the efforts to keep our Technical Adviser, coach Gbenga Ogunbote.



Under Ogunbote's guidance, Shooting Stars finished the 2023/24 season in fourth place, narrowly missing out on continental competition. The team and officials are expected to take a break before beginning preparations for the new season.



Editorial



The move to retain Gbenga Ogunbote as head coach of Shooting Stars is a strategic decision that underscores the importance of stability and continuity in football management. Ogunbote’s tenure has brought notable improvements to the team, culminating in a commendable fourth place finish in the NPFL. This achievement, while falling short of continental qualification, highlights the progress made under his leadership.



For Shooting Stars, retaining Ogunbote offers several advantages. Continuity in coaching allows for the further development of team strategies, player development, and the nurturing of a cohesive team culture. Ogunbote’s understanding of the team’s dynamics and his established rapport with the players are invaluable assets that a new coach would take time to develop.



The early initiation of contract talks also sends a positive message to the players and fans, reinforcing the club’s commitment to building on the current momentum. It reflects a proactive approach by the management, prioritizing long term success over short-term fixes. This decision aligns with the club’s broader goals of achieving su
From Ogunbote’s perspective, the willingness to continue with Shooting StarsShooting Stars indicates his belief in the project and the potential for further success. His experience and tactical acumen have already yielded positive results, and with continued support from the management, there is a strong foundation for future achievements.



As the club embarks on preparations for the new season, maintaining this leadership continuity will be crucial. It provides a sense of direction and stability, essential for navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead. The collaborative efforts between Ogunbote and the club management will be instrumental in shaping the team’s future trajectory.



Did You Know?


 
Experienced Coach Gbenga Ogunbote is a seasoned coach in Nigerian football, known for his tactical expertise and ability to turn around the fortunes of clubs he manages.

 
Improved Performance Under Ogunbote’s leadership, Shooting Stars improved significantly, finishing fourth in the 2023/24 NPFL season, a notable achievement for the club.

 
Development Focus Ogunbote has a strong focus on player development, which has helped Shooting Stars build a competitive squad capable of challenging for top positions.

 
Club Stability Maintaining coaching stability is crucial for Shooting Stars as it allows for the development of long term strategies and sustained team performance.

 
Continental Aspirations The club narrowly missed out on continental competition this season, but with Ogunbote at the helm, they aim to achieve this goal in the near future.

Sometimes, Outlook might not work if other Office-related processes are still running.

Celtic have confirmed the signing of Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho on a one-year deal, with an optional extension finally bringing a much-needed attacking presence to the squad, just before the Europa League registration deadline. This move followed the abrupt termination of his contract at Sevilla, and came amid strong fan criticism over a previously unsettled transfer window.



Manager Brendan Rodgers, who previously coached Iheanacho at Leicester City, has voiced high confidence in his new signing, describing him as "such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate," and adding, "He has great experience and he is right in his peak years, so he can be a great signing for us."



Editorial



We echo Rodgers’ belief in Iheanacho’s potential to reignite his career at Celtic. This signing isn’t mere window-dressing it’s a statement of intent. Seeing a player granted a fresh platform based purely on his qualities, not just recent form, shows the club values his underlying talent.



Celtic have offered Iheanacho a low-pressure environment to rebuild, surrounded by familiar systems and teammates. In many ways, this could be the reset he needs an opportunity not just to score goals, but restore belief in himself and remind us all of why he once lit up Premier League stadiums.



Now, it’s time for him to repay that trust with intangible qualities: leadership in the box, unyielding work ethic, and the ability to deliver when games demand it. In that space between promise and fulfilment lies his moment.





Did You Know?





 
Iheanacho signed with Celtic on the final day of the transfer window, finalising it just in time for Europa League registration.


 
He reunites with Brendan Rodgers, his manager at both Manchester City and Leicester City.


 
Celtic supporters were vocal in their disapproval of the club’s transfer activity selling Adam Idah without a replacement—making Iheanacho’s arrival a critical moment.


 
Joe Hart, former Manchester City and England goalkeeper, praised Iheanacho’s "quality" and suggested the supportive environment at Celtic could allow him to reclaim the form that once made him a star.


 
According to Finidi George, ex-Super Eagles coach, Celtic’s attacking style is "perfect" for Iheanacho, provided the environment aligns with his strengths.