By: Fabian Apechihin

Chelsea have completed the signing of Dutch forward Emanuel Emegha from Strasbourg in a deal worth €26 million, with the 21-year-old penning a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge, according to FootballTransfers.

The Blues moved decisively for the Netherlands U21 international following their frustrating goalless draw against Crystal Palace in their Premier League opener. Despite splashing out on forwards Joao Pedro (€100m) and Liam Delap earlier in the window, manager Enzo Maresca insisted on further attacking reinforcements to sharpen his side’s cutting edge.

Emegha’s market value has soared after a breakout 2023/24 Ligue 1 campaign, where he scored 14 goals in 27 appearances. Strasbourg had only signed him from Sturm Graz last year, but his progress made a departure almost inevitable. French outlet L’Equipe described the sale as “unavoidable,” though it has provoked anger among Strasbourg fans, who accuse Chelsea’s ownership group, BlueCo, of meddling excessively in the French club’s affairs. Protests are reportedly being planned, particularly as head coach Liam Rosenior had only recently named Emegha club captain in recognition of his leadership and professionalism.

For Chelsea, the signing is timely, coming just after Nicolas Jackson’s departure. The club views Emegha as a long-term solution to spearhead their attack, while Maresca sees him as central to the squad’s ongoing rebuild.

The focus will now shift to how quickly the young striker can adapt to the Premier League and contribute to Chelsea’s push for silverware this season.

Do you want me to also condense this into a shorter transfer announcement format (like a 3–4 paragraph club press release), or keep the full-length news feature style?

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Former Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin branch, Chief Rafiu Balogun (SAN), has urged his professional colleagues, particularly those who are alumni of the University of Ilorin, to provide mentorship to their junior ones, especially undergraduates .

The former Ilorin NBA branch Chairman said the much needed mentorship is necessary to complement the efforts of those who have cultivated the act of giving back financially to their alma mater.

Chief Balogun, who was an alumnus of the University of Ilorin and one of the 50 Ambassadors of the institution, spoke with journalists on the sidelines of the “University of Ilorin Ambassadors’ investiture, Distinguished Alumni and Award ceremony, where the University raked in cash donations of N600 million from the honourees.

The legal luminary, who doubles as the North Central Chairman of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria and Chairman of the Kwara State chapter of the society, stressed the need for Nigerians, especially those who are successful in their professional callings to cultivate the habit of rendering service to humanity.

He added: “That is why in the Red Cross, one of our seven principles is humanity, service to humanity is key, it is very paramount. As the Chairman of Red Cross here in Kwara State and Chairman of the North Central of Red Cross, I totally agree with what Kuliyan Gerin said that you must give back to the society.

“People like us, I am not rich but at least we’re providing mentorship to our juniors, to our students through the law society because I was the one that started the Law Society here during my tenure as
President. We mentored them, we are also giving back, it could be in terms of knowledge, in terms of materials, in terms of fees, advice, it can come in any way. It needs not be money alone.

“So that is why I am totally in support and in line with Kuliyan Gerin that you cannot say because you have succeeded in life you have amassed so much wealth without giving back.

“In fact, God is going to judge you, you are going to render account, according to Professor Oloyede.

“So, we appreciate them (UNILORIN) because they thought we have been representing the University well, and that is why we are honoured.”

End

by Ajadi Ashraf, Kaduna.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti says there is mutual respect between his side and fierce rivals Barcelona, as both clubs gear up for an intense run-in across multiple competitions.

Speaking ahead of Madrid’s weekend La Liga clash against Valencia, Ancelotti acknowledged Barcelona’s form and quality, stating, “Barcelona is playing well, they’re in good form. I think there’s a lot of respect for Barcelona because of their quality, and I think Barcelona also has a lot of respect for Real Madrid.”

Madrid trail league leaders Barcelona by three points with nine matches left to play and will face the Catalan side in the Copa del Rey final on April 26. Both teams are also through to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Los Blancos booked their place in the Copa final after a dramatic 5-4 aggregate win over Real Sociedad, while Barcelona narrowly edged past Atletico Madrid.

Madrid’s preparations for the weekend are clouded by injury concerns, with first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois still sidelined due to a muscle issue. Second-choice keeper Andriy Lunin is also a doubt, leaving the door open for 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez to possibly make his senior debut.

“There is no concern, Courtois is much better and we think he can make it for Tuesday [against Arsenal],” Ancelotti said. “We have a doubt for tomorrow’s game with Lunin… and if he’s not fit I have total confidence in Fran.”

Ancelotti acknowledged the physical toll of their midweek extra-time thriller and praised upcoming opponents Valencia, who are unbeaten in four games.

“We have some doubts, obviously, due to the effort in extra-time,” he said. “We are aware that Valencia are doing very well. This is an important moment of the season.”