2016: ELIMINATED in the quarter-finals
2017: ELIMINATED in the quarter-finals
2018: ELIMINATED in the quarter-finals
2019: ELIMINATED in the semi-finals
2020: ELIMINATED in the quarter-finals
2021: ELIMINATED in the round of 16

2022: ELIMINATED in the group stage, then defeated in the Europa League, then ELIMINATED

2023: ELIMINATED in the group stage, then defeated in the Europa League, then ELIMINATED

2024: ELIMINATED in the quarter-finals
2025: ELIMINATED in the semi-finals

(11 years) OF FAILURE
(11 years) OF HUMILIATION
(11 years old) RETURN
(11 years old) WITHOUT EUROPEAN CUP

🥹

Guess the club

Nero

Pius Ikedia: The Diminutive Dynamo of Nigerian Football

Pius Nelson Ikedia, born on July 11, 1980, in Lagos, Nigeria, is a retired professional footballer best known for his blistering pace, flair, and creativity on the right flank. Though modest in stature at 1.66 meters, Ikedia’s presence on the pitch was anything but small. His speed, agility, and dribbling ability made him one of Nigeria’s most exciting wingers during his playing years.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Ikedia began his football journey on the streets of Lagos and quickly rose through the ranks at Bendel Insurance, a club renowned for grooming local talents. His impressive displays earned him a move to ASEC Mimosas in Ivory Coast, where he further honed his skills and attracted the attention of European scouts.

In 1999, his big break came when Ajax Amsterdam signed him a significant achievement for a young Nigerian footballer at the time. Although he struggled to cement a regular starting spot at the Dutch giants, his speed and technique showed promise, particularly in his early appearances.

European Club Career

Ikedia spent six seasons in the Netherlands, playing for Ajax, Groningen (on loan), RBC Roosendaal, and AZ Alkmaar, among others. Some of his career highlights include:
• Ajax (1999–2005) – 25 league appearances, 2 goals
• Groningen (Loan, 2002–03) – 27 appearances, 1 goal
• RBC Roosendaal – Over two seasons, he played 53 games and scored 5 goals
• AZ Alkmaar & RKC Waalwijk (Loan) – 12 appearances combined

He also had brief spells outside the Netherlands, featuring for Metalurh Donetsk in Ukraine, AZAL in Azerbaijan, and Mağusa Türk Gücü in Northern Cyprus. Ikedia concluded his career playing amateur football in the Netherlands, officially retiring in 2016.

International Career with the Super Eagles

Ikedia was a key figure in the Nigerian national setup in the early 2000s, earning 15 caps and scoring one goal for the Super Eagles between 1997 and 2004.

He represented Nigeria at several major tournaments:
• 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney
• 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan featured in group-stage matches, including high-profile games against Argentina and England
• 2004 African Cup of Nations made appearances in the tournament as Nigeria pushed for continental glory

While not always a first-choice starter, Ikedia brought energy and pace off the bench, often changing the tempo of games.

Health Scare and Resilience

In August 2016, Ikedia suffered a major health scare during an exhibition match in the Netherlands involving former Ajax players. He collapsed on the pitch and was immediately resuscitated. Thankfully, he survived the ordeal and recovered fully a testament to his resilience both on and off the field.

Legacy

Though his name may not be mentioned among the all-time greats of Nigerian football, Pius Ikedia’s career remains a story of talent, determination, and heart. From the dusty fields of Lagos to the iconic stadiums of Europe and international tournaments, he earned his place in the rich tapestry of African football.

Fans will forever remember him for his electric pace, fearless dribbling, and his unwavering passion for the beautiful game.

Muslim Navigators: Who Sailed the Oceans Before Columbus?

Long before the European “Age of Discovery” Muslim explorers were already charting the seas, documenting coastlines, and advancing the science of navigation.

Ahmad ibn Majid

A legendary Arab navigator and seafarer of the 15th century, often called “The Lion of the Sea.” He authored detailed manuals on maritime navigation, including the famous “Book of Useful Information on the Principles and Rules of Navigation.”

Ibn Battuta

One of the greatest Muslim travelers in history, who journeyed across more than 40 countries, from North Africa to China, India to the Maldives. His travel logs offer unmatched insights into the geography, cultures, and faiths of the medieval world.

Suleiman al-Tajir

A 9th-century merchant and explorer. Among the first to describe China in detail, he also documented maritime routes across the Indian Ocean and the thriving Arab trade networks.

These men were not just explorers — they were seekers of knowledge, driven by faith and a desire to benefit the Ummah. Their legacy in geography and seafaring continues to inspire today.

Alhamdulillah!

“Europeans never built any civilization”.- Prof James Smalls.

Sources reveal that in recent days, Man United have been approached with the opportunity to proceed and start talks for Nicolas Jackson. Chelsea have opened their doors to United.

Jackson priority - STAY and fight for place at Chelsea. If that’s not possible, he’d be keen on a move to United.

“Nicolas Jackson also would not close his doors to a move to Manchester United even without Champions League or European football next season.”

“According to sources close to the negotiations, Chelsea still maintain an interest in Alejandro Garnacho as an option in case Manchester United want to open a proper negotiation for Nicolas Jackson; the message has been received at Carrington, as United are aware of Chelsea's potential interest in Garnacho and they are open to discussing conditions of a swap deal involving Nicolas Jackson.”

Fabrizio Romano

#CFC | #Chelsea

@CFC_ChelseaFC

*BREAKING*

Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has secured another significant global role.

The United States, France, the UK, China, Russia, and the United Nations have collectively appointed Goodluck Jonathan as the U.N. Global Crisis Envoy. This position mirrors the prestigious role once held by Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of the UK, who served as the Middle East envoy for the United Nations, European Union, United States, and Russia.

Goodluck Jonathan will make history as the first African to assume the position of Head of State in this capacity, a groundbreaking milestone that underscores his influential status on the world stage.

His journey is remarkable: from lecturer to Commissioner, progressing to Deputy Governor, then Governor, advancing to Vice President, Acting President, and ultimately President. Now, he transitions from leader of a nation to a prominent figure on the global front.

Congratulations H.E Sir.

Kid: "Daddy, why are the African players WHITE and the European ones BLACK?"

Daddy how do you answer this? Good luck

*BREAKING* Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has secured another significant global role.

The United States, France, the UK, China, Russia, and the United Nations have collectively appointed Goodluck Jonathan as the U.N. Global Crisis Envoy. This position mirrors the prestigious role once held by Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of the UK, who served as the Middle East envoy for the United Nations, European Union, United States, and Russia.

Goodluck Jonathan will make history as the first African to assume the position of Head of State in this capacity, a groundbreaking milestone that underscores his influential status on the world stage. His journey is remarkable: from lecturer to Commissioner, progressing to Deputy Governor, then Governor, advancing to Vice President, Acting President, and ultimately President.

Now, he transitions from leader of a nation to a prominent figure on the global front. Congratulations H.E Sir.

From Daily Times Nigeria comes this report

Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has secured another significant global role.

The United States, France, the UK, China, Russia, and the United Nations have collectively appointed Goodluck Jonathan as the U.N. Global Crisis Envoy. This position mirrors the prestigious role once held by Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of the UK, who served as the Middle East envoy for the United Nations, European Union, United States, and Russia.

Goodluck Jonathan will make history as the first African to assume the position of Head of State in this capacity, a groundbreaking milestone that underscores his influential status on the world stage.

His journey is remarkable: from lecturer to Commissioner, progressing to Deputy Governor, then Governor, advancing to Vice President, Acting President, and ultimately President. Now, he transitions from leader of a nation to a prominent figure on the global front.

Congratulations H.E Sir.

Jamie Carragher has downplayed Chelsea’s recent Club World Cup triumph, emphasizing that the competition lacks the intensity and difficulty of the Premier League or Champions League. He warned that using the trophy as a sign of future domestic or European dominance would be misleading. According to Carragher, the level of competition in the Club World Cup simply doesn’t match up to Europe’s top leagues.

Carragher also questioned Chelsea’s place in the tournament, noting they qualified by winning the Champions League four years ago—under a different coach and with a mostly different squad. He described FIFA’s criteria as “weird” and suggested that Chelsea’s participation was more about legacy than merit. His comments reflect broader skepticism about the tournament’s relevance to top-tier football success.

#Chelsea #Carragher #ClubWorldCup #CFC #PremierLeague #FootballNews #FIFA #JamieCarragher #UCL #EPL

BREAKING: Massive confusion

Europe was not aware they would be paying for American support to Ukraine.

France, Hungary, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Germany have declined the offer to purchase weapons from Donald Trump.

Statements made by each country below:
Italy won't buy weapons for Ukraine under US initiative—La Stampa citing defense officials

Italy's military budget, as reported, can't fund such operations.

France refuses to join US arms purchases for Ukraine—Politico citing French officials

Macron is actively pushing for European-made weapons instead of relying on the US.

France seeks to replace American weapons with its own.

Trump wants Germany to buy 5 Patriot systems for Ukraine instead of 2, which Germany proposed.

The budget for extra defense systems is still pending. The Germans can only send Ukraine 2 of its AD systems at the moment.

Hungary and the Czech Republic decline to join the US arms purchase plan for Ukraine.

"Hungarian money, weapons, and soldiers will not go to Ukraine," FM

"We'll focus on alternative ways to support Ukraine." —Czech PM

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS MUHAMMAD BABANGIDA CHAIRMAN OF THE BANK OF AGRICULTURE, OTHERS AS CHAIRMEN AND HEADS OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Muhammad Babangida, the son of the former military President, as chairman of the revamped Bank of Agriculture.

President Tinubu approved the appointment today, along with seven others. Some of them will serve as chairmen or directors-general of Federal agencies.

Muhammad Babangida, 53, is an alumnus of the European University in Montreux, Switzerland, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Public Relations and Business Communication. He later attended Harvard Business School's Executive Program on Corporate Governance in 2002.

Others appointed by the President are:

Lydia Kalat Musa (Kaduna State) Chairman, Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA).

Jamilu Wada Aliyu (Kano State) Chairman, National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).

The Hon. Yahuza Ado Inuwa (Kano State) is the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) chairman.

Sanusi Musa (SAN, Kano State) is the Chairman of the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution(IPCR).

Prof. Al-Mustapha Alhaji Aliyu (Sokoto State) is the Director-General of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA).

Sanusi Garba Rikiji (Zamfara State) is the Director-General of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN).

Mrs Tomi Somefun (Oyo State) is the Managing Director of the National Hydro-Electric Power Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC).

Dr Abdulmumini Mohammed Aminu-Zaria (Kaduna State) has been appointed Executive Director of the Nigerian Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC).

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
July 18, 2025