MORE FROM Solace Chukwu

Ikpeba: Why did the Prince of Monaco flop at Dortmund?

In 1999, the former Nigeria international arrived in Westphalia to great expectation, but failed to make a mark in Germany and left under a cloud

Solace Chukwu

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Honouring Kanoute's role in building Sevilla

The Mali international's seven-year stay in Andalusia powered a quantum leap forward for the modest club as they announced themselves in Europe

Solace Chukwu

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Why Mahrez falls short of a place in Africa's Prem dream team

The Algerian has taken the PL by storm, but falls just short of a place in Goal's African all-star line-up

Solace Chukwu

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Can Daka follow the Haaland and Mane path to greatness?

The Zambia international has had a leading role at Salzburg thrust upon him, and could be set to follow in the footsteps of some illustrious alumni

Solace Chukwu

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Why Kondogbia is not the man to solve Mourinho's Spurs woe

Reports have linked Spurs with a move for the Valencia midfielder, but the answer to their midfield problems is much closer to home

Solace Chukwu

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Can Nketiah replace Aubameyang as Arsenal's attacking lynchpin?

The 20-year-old has been tipped as a possible replacement for the Gunners' leading scorer, but is there substance there?

Solace Chukwu

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Where does Ighalo rank among Nigeria’s greatest Prem strikers?

The Manchester United striker has hit the ground running at Manchester United, and has enjoyed a career comparable to some of Nigeria's PL greats

Solace Chukwu

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Could Obi Mikel's coronavirus bravery spell the end of his career?

The former Nigeria captain condemned the ongoing Turkish Super Lig, and could pay a bigger price than the termination of his Trabzonspor contract

Solace Chukwu

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Why hasn't Iwobi's Everton career got off the ground?

The Nigeria international moved to Merseyside last summer, but is little more than a squad player under Carlo Ancelotti

Solace Chukwu

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Partey's composure, economy underpin Liverpool exit

The Ghana international was imperious in the middle of the park, and his performance ought to force Arsenal's hand this summer

Solace Chukwu

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Do Nigeria need to fight England for Arsenal sensation Saka?

The teenager has been a revelation for the Gunners, and his performances have predictably sparked a conversation about his international future

Solace Chukwu

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Sarr enters Prem folklore, can he inspire Watford escape?

The Senegal winger owned champions-in-waiting Liverpool, and offers a blueprint for the Hornets' continued stay in the top flight

Solace Chukwu

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Stop-start Keita can still be influential for Liverpool

The Guinea international has struggled to get his career at Anfield going, but he remains an exciting option to have in the pursuit of European glory

Solace Chukwu

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Gueye stinker raises UCL questions for PSG

The Senegal international was alarmingly off-colour on Tuesday night, the latest in a series of underwhelming displays on Europe's biggest stage

Solace Chukwu

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Boyhood Man United fan Ighalo proves dreams can come true

The former Nigeria international has completed an unexpected dream move, but it is difficult to envisage how it'll pan out for him at Man United

Solace Chukwu

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Guardiola must buy into Mahrez stock for UCL tilt

The ability of the Algeria international to improvise is the key to getting Pep over his weird hump in Europe, and to staving off a failed season

Solace Chukwu

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Iheanacho resurgence & Leicester's new possibilities

The 23-year-old has made himself useful again, and his understanding with poacher Jamie Vardy could see him remain in the starting lineup

Solace Chukwu

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Maja's irrepressible form the litmus test of Marseille's title credentials

As fourth travel to take on second this weekend, the Nigeria international striker poses the biggest threat to the host's possible Ligue 1 ambitions

Solace Chukwu

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Ljungberg must wean Arsenal off Aubameyang dependence

Rather than catering to him, it's getting the Gabon international to play where the team needs him to that would be the Swede's first win in charge

Solace Chukwu

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Mourinho effect could help Aurier rewrite his Spurs story

The Ivory Coast international looks to have a new lease on life since the Special One turned up in North London

Solace Chukwu

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Does Napoli mutiny offer Koulibaly a clean break?

The fallout of the breakdown between the management and players in Naples could finally allow the Senegal international make the step-up he's been due

Solace Chukwu

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Do diving allegations distract from Mane legacy?

The Liverpool forward has had to stave off suggestions he seeks to con referees, but to focus on that would be to miss the point

Solace Chukwu

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Ziyech playing on his own terms with Ajax stay

The 26-year-old surprised many by electing to remain at the Dutch champions, and only offers glimpses of his genius on Champions League nights

Solace Chukwu

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Understanding Osimhen's ineffectiveness away from home

The Nigeria international has been unable to export his home form for Lille, and consequently Les Dogues have struggled for results on the road

Solace Chukwu

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Can Ayew and Palace heap more misery on City?

The Ghana international has been in sparkling form for the Eagles this term, and could be set to compound the champions' woes on Saturday

Solace Chukwu

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Dennis, Tau lead imperfect Brugge to perfect night

There was a mixed bag in terms of the individual performances of the African players as the Belgian side upset the odds on Tuesday night

Solace Chukwu

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Ramon Azeez's Barca heroics mark return to relevance

The 26-year-old was the star of the show as Granada stunned the reigning league champions, but it took a lot to get him to this point

Solace Chukwu

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Can Chelsea’s Abraham prove he’s more than a flat-track bully?

Will the in-form striker get the nod against Liverpool when Frank Lampard's side face another stern test on Sunday?

Solace Chukwu

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Chukwueze needs more bow-strings for La Liga second act

The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakout year last season, but is more of a known quantity now, and must expand his repertoire to continue to dazzle.

Solace Chukwu

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Iwobi at Everton: Will he be a hit?

Goodison Park is home now for the Nigeria international, and he already has the tools to be a hit on Merseyside.

Solace Chukwu

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Iwobi: Arsenal must reject Everton interest

The Toffees are in for the Nigeria international, but it would be a mistake for the Gunners to allow him leave this summer

Solace Chukwu

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Diawara ready to pilot new Roma project under Fonseca

The Guinea international has big shoes to fill in the capital, but it could be the making of him

Solace Chukwu

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Ademola Lookman: Everton's loss is RasenBallsport Leipzig's gain

The promising youngster will find a home in Germany, and, under Julian Nagelsmann, is set to finally fulfil his potential.

Solace Chukwu

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Wonderkid Nketiah coming of age in America

The youngster has been one of Arsenal's standout players during the ICC, and could be set for a major impact this season with the Gunners.

Solace Chukwu

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Pepe can elevate average Ivory Coast to Afcon contenders

In a tournament whose winners are often spurred by individual brilliance, the Elephants have a proper shot with the LOSC Lille superstar

Solace Chukwu

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Returning Ghoulam reminding Napoli how good he is

The Algerian full-back has endured a disappointing year, but is fit again and served notice of his return against Frosinone

Solace Chukwu

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Keita can offer Liverpool control amidst festive chaos

The Reds made hard work of their visit to Turf Moor, but amidst the toil, the Guinea midfielder finally came good

Solace Chukwu

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Success performances point to life after Deeney

The Nigerian's goal against Huddersfield has solidified his resurgence, and the forward could be the one who helps Watford look to the future

Solace Chukwu

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Hakimi's Atletico decimation whets the appetite for more

The Morocco international was the game's standout player as Atletico were roundly trounced on Wednesday

Solace Chukwu

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Super Eagles who must up their game against Libya

Despite an impressive victory on Saturday, there's plenty scope for improvement with some of Nigeria's individual performances

Solace Chukwu

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What does Moses Simon's recall mean for Samuel Kalu?

The return of one of Gernot Rohr's trusted lieutenants could have grave consequences for the continued growth of the Super Eagles

Solace Chukwu

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Mikel highlights Rohr's favouritism and inconsistency

The Super Eagles coach has eschewed merit and a level playing field in favour of keeping his favourites happy

Solace Chukwu

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Could slow start from Salah and Mane open the door for Solanke?

The Reds have seen their acclaimed front three underwhelm this season, but in the Anglo-Nigerian wonderkid they have a potential curveball

Solace Chukwu

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Bailly can do better than being Mourinho's scapegoat

The Ivorian has been ostracized in the league since defeat away at Brighton, but surely deserves much better than he's getting at Old Trafford

Solace Chukwu

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NFF Presidential Profile: Amaju Pinnick

On the eve of the NFF elections, the odds seem to favour the return of the incumbent, but his reign so far has been a mixed bag

Solace Chukwu

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Bold Brugge will entertain with Dennis and Danjuma duo

The Belgian side are rank underdogs in Group A, but their attacking style and flying Nigerian wingers should win them some admirers

Solace Chukwu

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Who are the UCL's top African contenders?

Which of the continent's Champions League contenders are best placed to win Europe's premier club competition this term?

Solace Chukwu

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Enyeama at Lille: The highs and lows

It is a sad end to a fine career in the French top flight for Nigeria's record appearance holder, who left Les Dogues after seven years on Friday

Solace Chukwu

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Emery is perfect manager to improve Iwobi

As rumours linking the Nigeria international with a move abroad swirl, this summer marks a critical fork in the road of the youngster's career

Solace Chukwu

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How Nigeria must rebuild after World Cup 2018 exit

The Super Eagles' elimination was not altogether unexpected, and now Gernot Rohr must kick the second phase of his rebuilding project into gear

Solace Chukwu

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Why did Africa's five fail at 2018 World Cup?

Not since 1982 has there been a World Cup knockout stage without an African side, but where did it all go wrong for the continent's quintet?

Solace Chukwu

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Inordinate respect halts Super Eagles against Argentina

A young Nigeria side was guilty of showing too much respect to Argentina on Tuesday, and paid the painful price

Solace Chukwu

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Should Rohr stick with Iceland plan against Argentina?

With Nigeria in control of their destiny, what would be the best way to come away with a first-ever World Cup win over Argentina?

Solace Chukwu

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Undercooked Super Eagles fail to address weaknesses

Nigeria face an uphill task to get out of Group D following a frankly embarrassing display against a below-par Croatia

Solace Chukwu

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Why does Moses have a lot to prove at Russia 2018?

The Chelsea man finally looks ready to make his mark for Nigeria on the world stage

Solace Chukwu

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Could Senegal copy Liverpool in Russia?

In order to escape a daunting group, the Teranga Lions may look to replicate Jurgen Klopp's attacking approach in Russia

Solace Chukwu

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Does Koulibaly red prove top level is beyond him?

The Senegal international endured an afternoon to forget in Florence last weekend, and may well have sunk Napoli's title charge

Solace Chukwu

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Is Salah's year set to get even better at the World Cup?

A deluge of goals has powered Liverpool in the CL, and a great World Cup with Egypt would cap off the year in the most exciting manner imaginable

Solace Chukwu

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Lovren latest lapse should open the door for Matip

The Croatia international was exposed again on Tuesday, and surely can't be the best long-term partner for Virgil Van Dijk

Solace Chukwu

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Will Keita & Diawara thrive under Paul Put?

Will Africa's top talent again be let down by an unimaginative coach at international level?

Solace Chukwu

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Didier Drogba: The man for the big occasion

As the Ivorian unfurls his retirement plans on his 40th birthday, Goal examines his career and legacy

Solace Chukwu

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NFF Awards 2018: Player of the Year Nominees

Goal assesses the nominees for the men's Player of the Year award at the inaugural NFF awards

Solace Chukwu

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Keita is the man to validate Klopp's Anfield revolution

For all their big game performances, Liverpool continue to look just short of the top. They can't get RB Leipzig's midfield maverick in soon enough.

Solace Chukwu

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Ayew reunion gives Swansea relegation edge

The reunion of the Brothers Ayew in South Wales makes the Swans very daunting opposition for any team in the Premier League

Solace Chukwu

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Why Moses is worthy winner of Goal APOTY 2017

The Chelsea man claims our top prize after an unexpected year, but what made the Nigerian Africa's star performer in 2017?

Solace Chukwu

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Where is Africa's next great goalkeeper?

With two of Africa's all-time greats between the sticks winding down, there do not seem to be many queuing up as potential heirs.

Solace Chukwu

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Asamoah, Benatia are Juve's wildcards

The pair have a mixed injury history, but have done enough to suggest that they can play a key role for Juve this term

Solace Chukwu

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Assessing Africa's WC chances

Now that the balls have come out, the planning can begin in earnest, but just how much of a chance do Africa's representatives stand in Russia?

Solace Chukwu

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Can Boufal still be a hit at Southampton?

Has the Morocco playmaker's recent form done enough to suggest they he can be a success in the Premier League?

Solace Chukwu

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Could Mane's Senegal match 2002 vintage?

Through to the World Cup for the first time since the heroics of 2002, can Senegal, led by the Liverpool forward, reach the same level as that team?

Solace Chukwu

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CAF POTY Shortlist: Mohamed Salah early favourite

Africa's football governing body has released a shortlist of 30 for the top award, but there is already one standout candidate

Solace Chukwu

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Brahimi, Marega, Aboubakar powering Porto

Porto look set to halt the cold, ruthless procession of Benfica titles, and it is their African trio at the frontline fighting back with fire

Solace Chukwu

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Bakambu needs consistency to join Africa's elite

The Villarreal man has begun the season in sterling form, but remains somewhat underappreciated. What can he do to turn it around?

Solace Chukwu

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Africans in the UCL: How did they fare?

Who were the continent's star performers during Champions League matchday 3?

Solace Chukwu

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Achraf vs. Aurier: Africa's present vs. future

The Morocco international has seized his chance with Real Madrid, but has a lot to learn from the missteps of his more seasoned counterpart

Solace Chukwu

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Is Koulibaly perfect for Pep's Man City?

Manchester City against Napoli promises fireworks, and a chance for the Senegal international to show why he would so suit the English giants

Solace Chukwu

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African All Stars headed for UCL group stage glory

Some of Africa's finest football exports will hope to drive their teams into the knockout stages of the Champions League

Solace Chukwu

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Who is Everton signing Onyekuru?

The Eupen forward has enjoyed a breakthrough season in Belgium - so should Toffees fans be excited at the news he is on his way to Goodison Park?

Solace Chukwu

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