Monday Odigie has stepped down as the technical adviser of Bendel Insurance, a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club. According to reports, he submitted his resignation to the club's secretary, Mr. Charles Ihimekpen, on Thursday in Benin City.
Bendel Insurance has struggled in the 2024-25 NPFL season, securing only three wins, three draws, and six losses in 12 matches. The team currently sits at the bottom of the league table with just 12 points.
Odigie had previously led the club to victory in the 2023 President Federation Cup, marking a significant achievement in his tenure.
Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray have expressed interest in signing Lyon forward Gift Orban, according to reports from Fanatik.
The club is in the market for a striker following Mauro Icardi’s season-ending ACL injury, sustained just before the international break.
Orban, 22, has caught the attention of Galatasaray’s management, who view him as a strong candidate to fill the void left by the former Argentina international.
The Nigerian forward joined Lyon in January from Belgian Pro League side KAA Gent. Since his arrival in France, Orban has made five appearances for Lyon, scoring twice.
Galatasaray’s pursuit of Orban highlights their determination to maintain their attacking firepower as they navigate the rest of the season without their star striker.
Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior has uncovered ancestral ties to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon after undergoing a DNA test facilitated by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in collaboration with AfricanAncestry.com.
The results were revealed during a ceremony on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at Fonte Nova Stadium, ahead of Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. Vinícius received a certificate confirming his heritage, presented by the CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues, alongside his father, Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira.
The initiative is part of the CBF’s Roots of Gold campaign, which celebrates the contributions and cultural pride of Afro-Brazilians in football and beyond.
Speaking at the event, Rodrigues highlighted the campaign’s mission, stating, “To celebrate Vini Jr. is to celebrate the success of all Brazilians. By discovering his roots, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity and acknowledge the invaluable role of Afro-Brazilian culture in shaping our national identity and football excellence.”
Gina Paige, founder and president of AfricanAncestry.com, emphasized the significance of reconnecting individuals of African descent to their origins.
“Vini Jr. embodies a deep desire to honour his heritage. However, like many descendants of Africans, his ancestral story has been obscured by racism and the scars of slavery. Through this DNA test, we traced his lineage to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon,” Paige explained. “This reconnection is not just a celebration but also an act of resistance, aligning with his advocacy for social justice on and off the field.”
Reacting to the discovery, Vinícius’ father expressed heartfelt joy. “It’s important to know where we come from. Many Brazilians are unaware of their ancestry. Knowing we’re connected to Cameroon is deeply meaningful.”
The moment Vinícius received his certificate was broadcast on the stadium’s giant screens, drawing applause from the audience. In a symbolic gesture, he wore a special jersey featuring the flags of Brazil and Cameroon during the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
This discovery underscores the importance of celebrating heritage and identity, inspiring a deeper connection between cultures and a shared history that transcends borders.
Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. Uncovers Cameroonian Heritage Through DNA Test
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has reportedly pinpointed Xabi Alonso as the ideal candidate to succeed Carlo Ancelotti as manager of the LaLiga giants.
Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Perez admires Alonso’s tactical acumen and believes his style of play aligns perfectly with the expectations at Real Madrid. The speculation comes amid a challenging season for Los Blancos, who have already recorded three defeats—surpassing the total losses (two) from the entirety of last season.
Key challenges have plagued Ancelotti's squad this season. Toni Kroos’ retirement has left a void in midfield, disrupting the team’s structure and identity. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé’s much-anticipated arrival has yet to blend seamlessly with the squad, raising concerns about attacking cohesion.
Despite his past success with the club, including delivering major trophies, Ancelotti faces mounting pressure. His contract runs until the summer of 2026, but a trophyless campaign this season could expedite his departure, paving the way for Alonso’s return to the Bernabeu—this time as head coach.
Perez is also reportedly keen on bringing Bayer Leverkusen’s rising star, Florian Wirtz, to Madrid, potentially linking him with Alonso to usher in a new era for the Spanish giants.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Real Madrid to see how the club navigates these uncertainties and whether Alonso’s homecoming becomes a reality.
