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The released players are Anietie Uko, Erikan Francis, Lazarus Ebuka, Itebu James and Joshua Unoro.

Others are Babatunde Omosebi, Onhanedo Onyedikachi, Emenike John and Emmanuel Ita.

Uko joined Tanzanian side Mbeya Kwanza while Francis moved on loan to Heartland.

Meanwhile, Akwa United have strengthened their squad with five new players in readiness for the second stanza.

The second stanza is expected to commence on February, 14 2026.

Nigeria lost to the host team, Morocco, in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on January 14, as the match was decided by a penalty shootout.

Nigeria played defensively against strong opponents in the 2025 Afcon and had their worst attacking game, managing only two shots throughout the entire 120 minutes of the match.

Veteran goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou was the hero in the shootout, saving penalty kicks from Bruno Onyemaechi and Samuel Chukwueze.

Nigeria’s main forwards, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, did not get much support or chances because Alex Iwobi could not control the midfield play.

During Chelle’s recent appearance on RMC Sport’s After Foot, the host mentioned that Nigeria could have lagged behind if it weren’t for Calvin Bassey’s outstanding play at the center of their defense.

Chelle quickly spoke up, pointing out that fullbacks, Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel also did a great job.

“Calvin, you have the left-back Bruno Onyemaechi, who was playing really well,” Chelle said.

“You have the right-back Bright, who was also very impressive.

“These players might have lost the game, but they tried their best and put in all their effort. The question was if I should follow the original plan or try making some changes and see what happens.

“But I wasn’t sure that waiting would stop us from giving up two or three goals.”

Thinking about how tough the game was, Chelle said, “The stadium was packed with fans, it was really chaotic.

“I had never seen a match like that before; it was just amazing. I wasn’t sure that holding back would prevent more pain, so we decided to push forward. But if you watch the game, after fifteen minutes, we weren’t able to press effectively.”

Bassey was chosen in the official Team of the Tournament, along with his teammates, Lookman and Osimhen.

The Promise Keepers latest acquisitions include Dada Oladimeji, Nsikak Raphael, Kingsley Uduak, Aniebiet Sunday and Melvin Ebitimi.

The new players have resumed training in readiness for the second stanza of the second stanza.

The club’s head coach, Paul Offor, is confident that the new players have the needed qualities to contribute to the team’s target of securing a return to the top flight at the end of the season.

Akwa United will trade tackles with Rovers FC when the second stanza commence later in the month.

They occupy the top spot on the NNL Conference B table with 19 points.

The Norway international scored a goal in Man City’s Premier League 2-1 win against Liverpool on Sunday to take his goals tally to 21 goals so far.

Haaland is four goals ahead of second-position Brentford’s Igor Thiago on the goal chart.

Behind Thiago is Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo, who has 12 goals to his name.

Here are the top scorers in the Premier League after the weekend’s matches:

Erling Haaland (Man City) – 21 goals

Igor Thiago (Brentford) – 17 goals

Antoine Semenyo (Man City) – 12 goals

Hugo Ekitiké (Liverpool) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United) – 10 goals

João Pedro (Chelsea), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) and Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) – 9 goals.

The players are Namapele James and Emmanuel Ohiobe.

Shooting Stars announced the duo’s promotion after they signed their first professional contract with the club.

Meanwhile, Shooting Stars have also bolstered their squad with the additions of Timitimi Ineikade and Charles Ribannu.

Ineikade and Ribannu joined the Oluyole warriors as free agents.

Shooting Stars are aiming to secure a place on the continent next season.

Haaland is said to earn around £500,000 per week, with £10 million worth of bonuses per year.

The 25-year-old striker is the 72nd biggest taxpayer in the UK at the moment.

The Norway international is paying £16.9 million in tax each year.

On his part,  Salah, who is 81st on the list, earns around £400,000 per week at Liverpool.

The Egyptian international also earns £10 million per year in bonuses at Anfield.

The 33-year-old winger is paying £14.5 million in tax each year to the UK government.

The top five highest taxpayers in the UK are Fred and Peter Done and family (Gambling – £400.1m),  Alex Gerko (Financial trading £331.4m), Chris Rokos (Hedge fund £330m), Stephen Rubin and family (Sportswear £325.6m) and Denise, John and Peter Coates (Gambling £227.1m).

The Gunners disclosed this in a statement on their website ahead of their Premier League tie with Leeds United on Saturday evening.

Sweet joined Arsenal’s academy back in May 2015. He went on to sign his first professional contract with the Premier League North London club in July 2025.

The 19-year-old has already joined up with his new teammates and he is expected to play for Dagenham & Redbridge against Farnborough on Saturday.

“We wish Will Sweet all the best for his loan spell and look forward to seeing his continued development,” Arsenal’s statement partly read.

Sweet is expected to gain first team experience at the National League South club.