THE IDAN: ₦1 Billion Dreams, WAFCON Debutants, And Nigerian Stars On The Move

CTN ‘Idan’ Rough & Tough – Edition 8

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

The countdown is on. The new NPFL season kicks off in just over a month, with clubs gearing up for the historic ₦1 billion prize. Meanwhile, the Super Falcons are putting the finishing touches on their WAFCON preparations, and Nigerian players continue to make waves in the European transfer market.

This is Nigerian football. And it is cooking.

Let’s get into it.

THE IDAN OF THE WEEK: The Super Falcons Squad

The Performance: Head coach Justine Madugu named a 25-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Result: Nigeria, the defending champions and record 10-time winners, will face Egypt, Zambia, and tournament debutants Malawi in Group C.

The Squad: Captain Rasheedat Ajibade (PSG) leads the team, while six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal) and reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton) also make the cut.

The Stakes: The four semi-finalists qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The Idan Verdict: The Falcons have the squad, the experience, and the hunger to win a record-extending 11th WAFCON title. The tournament starts on July 26. We will be watching every kick.

Idan!

ROUGH & TOUGH MOMENT OF THE WEEK: Kelechi Iheanacho’s Turkish Adventure

It is not every day that a Nigerian striker with Premier League pedigree makes a surprising move to Turkey’s second division.

Kelechi Iheanacho has signed a three-year contract with newly promoted Turkish side Bursaspor.

The 29-year-old striker left Celtic after a successful spell in which he played a key role in the club’s domestic double . He scored nine goals and provided one assist in 24 appearances across all competitions for the Scottish champions.

The Rough & Tough Reality: Bursaspor, a club that won the Turkish Super Lig in 2010, is now in the Trendyol 1. Lig (second division) and aiming for an immediate return to the top flight . They see Iheanacho as the man to lead that charge.

The Idan Verdict: Kelechi, you are an Idan. A Premier League winner with Leicester City. A Scottish champion with Celtic. Now, you are bringing your experience to a historic club in need of revival. That is the mark of a professional.

Idan! (Provisional — pending Bursaspor promotion.)

WHERE EUROPEAN LEAGUES FEAR TO TREAD

You know what you will never see in the English Premier League?

A 29-year-old striker with 9 goals in 24 appearances for a Champions League club choosing to move to the second division of Turkey.

In Europe, the money dictates everything. A player of Iheanacho’s pedigree would likely choose a top-flight club or a lucrative Saudi offer.

But Iheanacho chose Bursaspor. A club with history. A club with ambition. A club on the rise.

That is the Nigerian football spirit. Sometimes, you choose the project, not the money.

Rough & Tough? Yes. But also deeply admirable.

AKOR ADAMS: SERIE A BOUND

While Iheanacho was settling in Turkey, another Super Eagles striker was making his way to Italy.

Akor Adams is set to join Serie A newcomers Venezia in a deal worth up to €23 million.

The Details: The transfer package includes a guaranteed €16 million, with an additional €7 million in performance-related bonuses . The move makes Adams Venezia’s most expensive signing in history.

The Striker: The 1.90-metre striker arrives after an impressive spell at Sevilla, where he scored 10 goals. He is expected to spearhead Venezia’s attack as they battle for Serie A survival.

The Challenge: Adams has the chance to match or surpass Victor Osimhen’s debut-season numbers in Serie A. Osimhen scored 10 league goals and provided three assists in his first Italian top-flight campaign.

The Idan Verdict: Akor Adams, you are an Idan. From Montpellier to Sevilla to Venezia. The journey is not over. It is just beginning.

Idan!

CHIBUIKE NWAIWU: FULHAM READY TO PAY €30M

The transfer market is not done with Nigerian players yet.

Chibuike Nwaiwu, a 22-year-old Super Eagles defender, is reportedly the subject of a €30 million bid from Premier League club Fulham.

The Background: Trabzonspor rejected Fulham’s initial offer, but the London club has stepped up their interest. Negotiations are said to have reached an advanced stage.

The Connection: Nwaiwu would join compatriots Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey at Craven Cottage if the deal goes through.

The Idan Verdict: €30 million for a 22-year-old Nigerian defender is serious money. Nwaiwu, you are an Idan. The Premier League is calling.

Idan!

PLATEAU UNITED SIGN DAYO OJO

While the big-money European transfers grab the headlines, the NPFL is quietly building for the new season.

Plateau United have completed the signing of experienced midfielder Dayo Ojo on a one-year deal.

The Details: Ojo joins on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Benin Republic club ASVO FC . He has made more than 200 appearances in the NPFL for clubs including Remo Stars, Sunshine Stars, and Enyimba.

The Context: Head coach Gbenga Ogunbote has long admired the midfielder, having previously attempted to sign him during his time as Shooting Stars.

The Idan Verdict: Experience matters. Ojo brings leadership and quality to Plateau United. Solid signing.

Idan! (Provisional — pending Plateau United’s performance.)

THE PARTING SHOT

Nigerian football is in a golden period.

The NPFL is set for its richest season ever . The Super Falcons are ready to defend their continental crown . Nigerian players are making moves across Europe.

The signs are clear: Nigerian football is on the rise.

Go and watch the NPFL. Go and watch the Falcons. Go and watch Nigerian talent conquer the world.

Idan!

— CTN Sports

Next edition Tuesday, July 28. Send your hot takes, WAFCON predictions, and transfer rumours to our social media handles.

Idan! 🦅