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Messi and Olise Inspire Brighton’s New Nigerian Star Zadok Yohanna — Why He Models His Game After Mahrez

Yohanna, Brighton’s €30m teenager, reveals his football idols and how teammates in Nigeria always saw shades of Mahrez in him

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Yohanna, Brighton’s €30m teenager, reveals his football idols and how teammates in Nigeria always saw shades of Mahrez in him

Brighton & Hove Albion’s latest signing, Zadok Yohanna, has revealed that Lionel Messi and Michael Olise top his list of favourite footballers — but it’s Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez whose style he is most often compared to by friends back home in Nigeria. The 18-year-old midfielder joined the Premier League side from AIK Stockholm after a breakthrough season in Sweden, with Brighton paying a record €28m plus €2m in add-ons for his signature.

In a recent video interview, Yohanna opened up about the players who shaped his football journey. ‘My favourite player is Lionel Messi and I think right now I like Michael Olise. I also play like Riyad Mahrez,’ Yohanna said. According to the former Ikon Allah FA youngster, his creativity and dribbling have drawn plenty of comparisons with Mahrez from those who watched him grow up in Nigeria. ‘My teammates in Nigeria call me Riyad Mahrez; they say I dribble and play like him rather than Lamine Yamal or Olise,’ he added.

Mahrez, who lifted the Premier League trophy with both Leicester City and Manchester City, is widely respected across Africa for his technical brilliance and ability to turn games with individual flair — qualities that Yohanna’s supporters believe he shares. For Nigerian fans, Yohanna’s move to Brighton marks another big step for homegrown talent making waves abroad. His rise comes on the back of an eye-catching season at AIK Stockholm, where he became the most expensive player ever sold by a Swedish club.

Yohanna’s admiration for Michael Olise underlines a growing trend among young African players looking up to inventive attacking midfielders. Olise himself enjoyed an outstanding campaign at Bayern Munich last season after moving from Crystal Palace and is now regarded as one of Europe’s brightest prospects.

Brighton secured Yohanna on a five-year contract, with expectations high ahead of the new Premier League campaign. Neither Brighton head coach nor officials from the Nigerian Football Federation had commented on Yohanna’s statements at press time. The midfielder will now focus on adapting to life in England as he aims to impress Seagulls fans when the season kicks off.

Source: https://punchng.com/messi-olise-my-favourite-players-yohanna/

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Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Nwabali Returns as Okoye Left Out — Iheanacho Leads New-Look Super Eagles Against Russia

Stanley Nwabali starts in goal while Kelechi Iheanacho captains a reshuffled Super Eagles XI for the Russia clash

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Stanley Nwabali starts in goal while Kelechi Iheanacho captains a reshuffled Super Eagles XI for the Russia clash

Stanley Nwabali has been handed the starting spot in goal, while Maduka Okoye is missing from the squad as Kelechi Iheanacho leads a refreshed Super Eagles line-up against Russia. The final score and goalscorers were not reported at press time, but the selection marks a significant shift for Nigeria’s national team.

The Super Eagles, under their current management, have opted for notable changes in their starting eleven. With Nwabali back between the posts, all eyes are on how the team will cope without Okoye’s presence. Iheanacho’s appointment as captain signals confidence in his leadership, especially as the team seeks to find new chemistry on the pitch. Details about other starters and tactical approaches were not confirmed in available reports.

For Nigerian fans, this shake-up could be a hint at bigger plans ahead of upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers or World Cup preparations. The absence of Okoye and the trust placed in Nwabali are likely to spark debate about who should be Nigeria’s number one going forward, especially after recent form and performances.

Neither the Super Eagles coaching crew nor representatives from the Nigerian Football Federation had issued any statements regarding the squad changes at press time. Similarly, there were no comments from Russia’s camp about Nigeria’s new line-up.

The Super Eagles’ next fixture details were not provided in available reports. Fans will be watching closely to see if this new-look squad becomes the standard as major qualifiers approach.

Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/russia-vs-nigeria-xi-nwabali-in-okoye-missing-as-iheanacho-leads-new-look-super-eagles-2026100507044867094

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Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Portugal FA President Breaks Silence on Ronaldo’s Post-2026 World Cup Plans — Why the Legend Refused to Retire

Fans eager for answers left hanging as official statement on Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement remains unclear

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Fans eager for answers left hanging as official statement on Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement remains unclear

Portuguese Football Association president’s much-anticipated revelation on why Cristiano Ronaldo did not hang up his boots after the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked serious debate among football fans. However, as at press time, no specific details about Ronaldo’s decision or any official comments from the Portugal FA president were available in the provided report.

There was widespread expectation that, following the global tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo might call time on his illustrious career with Portugal. Yet, the source article did not confirm whether Ronaldo has made any retirement announcement or shared his reasons for continuing. Fans across Nigeria and beyond are still waiting for direct words from either Ronaldo or the Portugal FA leadership regarding his future plans.

For Super Eagles supporters and Nigerian football observers, Ronaldo’s longevity is a talking point — especially as Nigeria look to build a squad capable of mixing it with Europe’s best in future tournaments. The uncertainty around his international career leaves room for speculation about potential match-ups between the Super Eagles and Portugal in upcoming competitions.

Neither Ronaldo nor any Portuguese official had issued a statement at press time addressing his post-World Cup intentions. No quotes or detailed explanations were included in the available report, so fans will have to wait longer for confirmation straight from the source.

Portugal’s next confirmed fixture and whether Cristiano Ronaldo will feature remain unreported in this update. Nigerian fans should keep tabs on official channels for further developments.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Portugal \| Only Football Season 2 Episode


Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/portugal-fa-president-finally-reveals-why-ronaldo-didnt-retire-after-2026-world-cup-2026100502001451151

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Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Ndidi Admits Frustration After Super Eagles’ Defeat to Guinea-Bissau Leaves Fans Demanding Answers

Wilfred Ndidi’s honest reaction exposes tension in the camp as Super Eagles struggle to find their rhythm

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Wilfred Ndidi’s honest reaction exposes tension in the camp as Super Eagles struggle to find their rhythm

The final score was not reported at press time, but Wilfred Ndidi has admitted he was angry following the Super Eagles’ defeat to Guinea-Bissau. Details about the venue, scorers, and key moments were also unavailable in the source material. Ndidi’s candid admission shines a light on the mood within the team after a disappointing result.

How it unfolded remains unclear, as no concrete match events or statistics were confirmed in available reports. The source did not provide information about goals, minute-by-minute action, or tactical changes that influenced the outcome.

For Nigerian fans, this defeat — whatever its margin — is a cause for concern. The Super Eagles have struggled for consistency in recent fixtures, and another loss raises questions ahead of upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Ndidi’s frustration reflects a squad searching for answers as supporters demand improvement.

No official statements from Super Eagles head coach or any other team official were provided at press time. Likewise, reactions from Guinea-Bissau’s camp or independent analysts were not included in the available report.

The Super Eagles’ next fixture, venue, and date were not specified in the source. With AFCON qualification on the horizon, all eyes will be on how Ndidi and his teammates respond in their upcoming matches.

Nigeria Player Ratings After Guinea-Bissau Defeat \| Super Eagles Performance Reviewed


Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/ndidi-was-angry-super-eagles-star-makes-honest-admission-about-guinea-bissau-defeat-2026100500570184527

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