Onuachu, Osimhen, others set for title defences as new season begins News

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Onuachu, Osimhen, others set for title defences as new season begins

By Daily Sports Nigeria on August 15, 2026

Paul Onuachu, Rinsola Babajide and several other Nigerian stars who savoured continental glory last season are bracing for title defences as fresh campaigns get underway across Europe, PETER AKINBO writes

Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor)

Onuachu was one of the standout performers in Turkey last season, finishing as the Süper Lig’s top scorer and playing a starring role as Trabzonspor beat Konyaspor 2-1 to win the Turkish Cup, opening the scoring in the 18th minute before restoring the lead from the penalty spot after Konyaspor had levelled. Despite persistent transfer interest from Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş and clubs in Saudi Arabia this summer, the 32-year-old remains at the Black Sea club and could lead their bid to retain the trophy this season.

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)

Victor Osimhen will also hope to help Galatasaray defend the Süper Lig title they won last term, though his future in Istanbul remains the subject of intense transfer speculation involving Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Saudi side Al Hilal.

The 27-year-old was instrumental as the Turkish giants reached the Champions League round of 16 last season, and Galatasaray have so far resisted offers for their prized striker.

Zaidu Sanusi (Porto)

Zaidu Sanusi will aim to help Porto defend the Taça de Portugal after signing a contract renewal with the Portuguese champions this summer, ending speculation over a possible exit to Leeds United or Atalanta.

Sanusi was a key figure as the Dragons won the trophy with two matches to spare last season, marking his second title with the club.

Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague)

Igoh Ogbu will also be eager to help Slavia Prague defend their Czech league crown, having played a part in the club’s second successive title last season. However, the 26-year-old will begin the new campaign on the sidelines after undergoing surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon, with his return expected around the end of September.

Francis Uzoho (Omonia Nicosia)

Francis Uzoho remains at Omonia Nicosia, who will be looking to build on last season’s domestic success in Cyprus as the club prepares for another continental campaign.

Babajide, Oladipo (AS Roma)

Babajide and Shukurat Oladipo are set to spearhead AS Roma’s bid to retain the Serie A Femminile title after guiding the Italian club to the championship last season, finishing 10 points clear of second-placed Inter Milan. The duo, however, return to club duty still nursing the disappointment of a painful WAFCON 2026 exit with the Super Falcons.

Nigeria’s bid for a record-extending 11th continental title ended in the quarter-finals in Morocco, where the defending champions lost 1-0 to Cameroon, a result that also cost the team automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Fellow title-winner Christy Ucheibe, who won a domestic treble with Benfica last season, was also part of the squad that suffered the shock last-eight elimination, the first time in the tournament’s history that the Super Falcons have failed to reach the semi-finals.

Source Punch Ng

Posted August 15, 2026