🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Akor Adams dismisses Sevilla exit reports amid transfer speculation
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Super Eagles striker Akor Adams has dismissed reports linking him with a summer exit from Sevilla, stating he is happy at the Spanish club and not focused on transfer speculation. The 26-year-old, currently with the Nigerian squad, addressed rumors suggesting he might leave Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán this summer. Marseille has been identified as a serious suitor, reportedly preparing an offer around €18m, though Sevilla values him closer to €25m and is not in a hurry to sell. Adams told Footy-Africa that he has not heard anything about a transfer and that rumors are part of football, but he is focused on his contract with Sevilla after a difficult but ultimately successful season. Adams arrived at Sevilla from Montpellier in January and, after a challenging start, finished the 2025/26 campaign with 10 goals and three assists in 32 appearances, playing a key role in keeping Sevilla in La Liga. This performance has attracted interest from clubs in England, Saudi Arabia, and France. Marseille sees Adams as a priority signing for their summer rebuild, leveraging his previous experience in French football. La Liga’s financial regulations require Sevilla to generate revenue from player sales before registering new signings, which could influence future decisions. For now, Adams remains focused on his international duties, and Sevilla shows no urgency to move him.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Al-Ittihad striker George Ilenikhena has reportedly committed his international future to Nigeria after discussions with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. The 19-year-old, who was born in Lagos and moved to France as a child, is eligible to represent both countries but has not played for France at any level. Chelle has reportedly monitored Ilenikhena for almost a year and outlined his plans for the forward. While Ilenikhena was previously weighing options, reports suggest he could initially play for Nigeria’s U-23 team before joining the senior national side. This decision is seen as a boost for Chelle, who is building a squad for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and strengthening options for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Ilenikhena began his professional career with Royal Antwerp, then moved to AS Monaco, and joined Al-Ittihad earlier this year. He previously made UEFA Champions League history as the youngest African player to reach 15 appearances in the competition.
Nigerian striker Rafiu Durosinmi is set to become Genk's most expensive signing, with the Belgian club agreeing to a €10.5 million deal with Pisa. The agreement, which includes performance-related bonuses and a 10 percent sell-on clause for Pisa, will surpass Genk's previous record transfer of €7 million for Theo Bongonda in 2019. Durosinmi, 23, joined Pisa from Viktoria Plzen in January for approximately €9 million but scored only once in 12 appearances. Pisa's decision to sell was influenced by their relegation from Serie A, allowing them to recover most of their investment. Genk is banking on Durosinmi regaining the form he showed in the Czech Republic, where he was highly rated. The Belgian club has a history of developing Nigerian forwards, including Paul Onuachu and Tolu Arokodare, who both achieved success and moved to the Premier League. Standing at 1.92 meters, Durosinmi fits the profile of the powerful center-forward Genk traditionally develops. This move could also enhance his prospects for the Super Eagles, as regular play and goals in Belgium might bring him back into contention for Nigeria's national team.
Anthony Joshua is reportedly motivated to continue his boxing career for an additional three years, according to Matchroom chairman Barry Hearn. This new outlook follows earlier suggestions from promoter Eddie Hearn that 2026 might be Joshua's final year in the sport. Joshua's perspective shifted after a difficult period, including a car accident in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two friends and left him with minor injuries. He has since returned to fighting, knocking out Jake Paul in December. Joshua is scheduled to fight Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, while Tyson Fury faces Mariusz Wach in Thailand. If both win, a fight between Joshua and Fury is targeted for November. Despite speculation that the Fury bout could be Joshua's last, Barry Hearn states that Joshua has rediscovered his long-term ambition, now discussing fighting until around age 39. Hearn noted that Joshua is in an "amazing place" and highly motivated for the long term, partly fueled by the tragic accident.