Nigeria’s senior women’s national team coach, Justine Madugu, has named a 25-player squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Cameroon women’s national football team, with rising goalkeeper Fatima Oloko earning a place in the squad.

Oloko joins an experienced goalkeeping unit that includes first-choice shot-stopper Chiamaka Nnadozie, while team captain Rasheedat Ajibade also headlines the list for the high-profile fixtures.

Impressive Domestic Form

The Cross River State-born goalkeeper has been in outstanding form this season, recording four clean sheets in five to six league appearances. Her consistency between the posts has drawn attention from national team selectors and fans alike.

Oloko previously featured for Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, gaining valuable international experience that appears to have strengthened her readiness for senior national duty.

Rising Popularity

Beyond her on-field performances, Oloko has gained admiration from supporters following a widely circulated video clip that highlighted her athleticism and confident presence. Recent training footage has also showcased her commanding saves and vocal leadership at the back.

Eyes on Yaoundé Debut

The Super Falcons are scheduled to face Cameroon in a series of friendlies beginning February 28 in Yaoundé. The matches are expected to serve as key preparation fixtures as Nigeria continues to build momentum ahead of major continental competitions.

All eyes will now be on Oloko as she seeks to make her senior debut and compete for a starting role in one of Africa’s most competitive women’s national teams.

Follow BONA NAIJA for more

Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman scored his first La Liga goal as Atletico Madrid secured a 4–2 comeback victory over Espanyol on Saturday.

Lookman found the net in the 58th minute, rising to connect with a corner kick to restore Atletico’s two-goal cushion at 3–1. The goal capped an impressive second-half response after the hosts fell behind early in the contest.

Atletico had gone into the break trailing before striker Alexander Sørloth led the revival with two goals, while Giuliano Simeone also got on the scoresheet. Espanyol pulled one back late on, but Diego Simeone’s side held firm to seal all three points.

Instant Impact After Big-Money Move

The 28-year-old winger only joined Atletico a few weeks ago following a €35 million transfer from Atalanta, but he has already made a strong impression in Spain.

With four goals and two assists in six appearances across competitions, Lookman’s early performances have quickly endeared him to Atletico supporters and boosted the club’s attacking options.

Nigerian Fans React

The goal sparked celebrations among Nigerian football fans, who praised the Super Eagles star for adapting swiftly to life in La Liga. Many supporters hailed his contribution as further proof of his growing influence at the top level of European football.

Lookman will now look to build on his strong start as Atletico continue their push in the Spanish title race.

Follow BONA NAIJA for more

The 2025-26 Champions League playoffs burst into life this week as 16 teams battled for a place in the coveted round of 16. With the first legs now completed, European heavyweights including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United have put themselves in strong positions ahead of the decisive return fixtures.

The new playoff format has added extra drama, with teams that narrowly missed the top eight fighting to keep their continental hopes alive.

Vinicius the Hero as Real Madrid Edge Benfica

Spanish giants Real Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 away victory over Benfica thanks to a brilliant strike from Vinicius Junior.

The Brazilian once again proved decisive on Europe’s biggest stage. However, the match was not without controversy, as allegations of racist abuse aimed at Vinicius overshadowed an otherwise intense encounter.

Despite the distractions, Madrid did what they often do in the Champions League find a way to win.

Galatasaray Stun Juventus, PSG Survive Monaco Scare

In Istanbul, Galatasaray delivered one of the shocks of the round with a stunning 5-2 demolition of Juventus, taking a commanding advantage into the second leg.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to defeat AS Monaco 3-2 in an all-French showdown.

Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund eased past Atalanta 2-0 to take firm control of their tie.

Newcastle Dominate, Bodø/Glimt Shock Inter

The biggest statement of the round came from Newcastle United, who crushed Qarabag FK 6-1 away from home, effectively sealing their passage to the next round.

Bayer Leverkusen also impressed with a composed 2-0 victory over Olympiacos in Greece.

But the biggest surprise unfolded in Norway, where Bodø/Glimt defeated Inter Milan 3-1 in freezing conditions, putting the Serie A side under serious pressure ahead of the return leg in Italy.

Atletico Held in Six-Goal Thriller

Atlético Madrid endured a frustrating night after twice surrendering the lead in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Club Brugge.

With the second leg set for Madrid, Diego Simeone’s side must now deliver at home to secure a place among Europe’s final 16.

Champions League Playoffs: First-Leg Results

• Galatasaray 5-2 Juventus
• Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid
• Monaco 2-3 PSG
• Dortmund 2-0 Atalanta
• Qarabag 1-6 Newcastle
• Olympiacos 0-2 Leverkusen
• Club Brugge 3-3 Atletico Madrid
• Bodo/Glimt 3-1 Inter

Champions League Playoffs: Second-Leg Fixtures

Tuesday, February 24

• Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge – 12:45 p.m. ET
• Leverkusen vs Olympiacos – 3 p.m. ET
• Inter vs Bodo/Glimt – 3 p.m. ET
• Newcastle vs Qarabag – 3 p.m. ET

Wednesday, February 25

• Dortmund vs Atalanta – 12:45 p.m. ET
• Real Madrid vs Benfica – 3 p.m. ET
• Galatasaray vs Juventus – 3 p.m. ET
• PSG vs Monaco – 3 p.m. ET

When Is the Champions League Round of 16 Draw?

The draw for the 2025-26 Champions League round of 16 will take place on Friday, February 27. The entire knockout bracket will be finalized on that date.

Potential Round of 16 Pairings

• Monaco or PSG vs Barcelona or Chelsea
• Galatasaray or Juventus vs Liverpool or Tottenham
• Benfica or Real Madrid vs Sporting CP or Manchester City
• Dortmund or Atalanta vs Arsenal or Bayern Munich
• Qarabag or Newcastle vs Chelsea or Barcelona
• Club Brugge or Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham or Liverpool
• Bodø/Glimt or Inter vs Manchester City or Sporting CP
• Olympiacos or Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich or Arsenal

The round of 16 first legs are scheduled for March 11 and 12, with return fixtures on March 18 and 19.

With Europe’s elite now on the brink, the second legs promise high drama, late twists, and defining moments as the race for Champions League glory intensifies.

Follow BONA NAIJA for more

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has reportedly submitted 19 key conditions to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as negotiations continue over a new contract.

BONA Naija gathered that the Malian tactician is pushing for a revised deal worth $130,000 monthly, a figure that reportedly covers his entire technical crew and personal assistant — contrary to earlier reports suggesting he was demanding $100,000 for himself alone.

Chelle currently earns about $50,000 per month under his existing agreement with the NFF.

Welfare & Logistics Demands

According to reports, Chelle’s proposed conditions include:

• A private SUV with chauffeur and security
• Accommodation in a well-secured residence with 24-hour uninterrupted electricity
• A furnished office equipped with a projector for tactical analysis
• Dedicated internet provision
• Flight tickets for his wife and two children (business class for Chelle and his wife, economy for the children)
• GPS provision
• Supply of proper equipment in line with his technical requirements

Technical Autonomy & Structural Requests

Beyond welfare, Chelle is believed to be seeking operational control and improved football structure, including:

• Full authority to choose international friendly matches based on opponents
• Well-structured camping programmes
• The right to initiate youth development projects
• Provision to travel abroad to monitor and engage Nigerian players
• Provision to watch Nigeria’s local league to identify talents for the Super Eagles, U23, U20 and U17 teams
• No interference in team selection and player call-ups
• Formal working contracts for his technical staff
• Guaranteed salary payment on or before the 30th of every month
• Bonuses and allowances in line with federation structure
• Inclusion of his personal assistant in the bonus framework
• Monthly meetings with all national team coaches

Marseille Link Adds Twist

The development comes amid reports linking Chelle with French giants Olympique de Marseille, following a recent change of agents a move that has intensified speculation around his future.

Big Decision for NFF

If accepted, Chelle’s proposed package would represent a significant financial commitment by the NFF. However, several of the demands especially regarding technical independence, scouting structure and timely salary payments reflect standard practices in elite football management.

As discussions continue, Nigerian football stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether both parties can strike a deal that balances ambition with financial reality.

Follow BONA NAIJA for more

Ademola Lookman and Raphael Onyedika were on the scoresheet for Atletico Madrid and Club Brugge in their exhilarating 3-3 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League (UCL) knockout round playoff tie.

Both Super Eagles of Nigeria players shone under the bright UCL lights, with Onyedika also providing the assist that ensured the hosts equalised in the final minutes at the Jan Breydel stadium on Wednesday night.

Atletico took the lead from the penalty spot through Julian Alvarez following a handball, before Lookman continued his fine form in Madrid with a goal from point blank range after a corner kick knockdown found its way to the attacker in the first half added time. The goal was his third for Atletico in four starts, as the visitors took a two-goal lead into the halftime break.

An impressive Brugge side roared back with two goals in eight minutes early in the second half, led by Onyedika. The midfielder was on hand to prod the ball into the net on the rebound in the 52nd minute to hand the hosts a lifeline before Nicolo Tresoldi scored from a similar distance on the hour to complete the turnaround. Atletco thought they had done enough for the win following a Joel Ordonez own goal 11 minutes from time, but Onyedika supplied the pass for Christian Tzolis to slot an angled drive beyond Jan Oblak to ensure both sides have all to play for in the return leg set for next week Tuesday at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid.

In other matches, Inter Milan fell to a shock 3-1 defeat at the hands of Bodo/Glimt, the UCL surprise team of the season, while Newcastle put Qarabag to the sword with a 6-1 win at their backyard, with Anthony Gordon scoring five of those goals. Bruno Onyemaechi, Super Eagles fullback, was, however, on the losing side for Olympiacos in their 2-0 loss at home to Bayer Leverkusen.

RESULTS
Club Brugge 3-3 Atletico Madrid
Bodo/Glimt 3-1 Inter Milan
Qarabag 1-6 Newcastle United
Olympiacos 0-2 Bayer Leverkusen

Follow BONA NAIJA for more