Egyptian Premier League side Ittihad of Alexandria have bolstered their squad with the signing of Nigerian forward John Ebuka and midfielder Isaac Saviour as the club continues its aggressive recruitment drive ahead of the new season.

The signing of Isaac Saviour effectively rules him out of the Nigerian squad going to East Africa for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) next month.

Ittihad confirmed on Sunday that Ebuka, 28, has penned a two-year contract following his transfer from Masry.

 The move marks a reunion between Ebuka and Ittihad head coach Ahmed Sami, under whom he previously played at Ceramica Cleopatra.

During their stint together, Ebuka netted three goals and registered one assist in 14 league appearances.

Although Ebuka’s recent spell at Masry yielded just one goal in 12 matches after his January move, Ittihad are banking on his overall experience in the Egyptian topflight to boost their attacking options.

The Nigerian striker has tallied 33 goals and eight assists in 114 league appearances across previous stints with ENPPI, Ceramica Cleopatra, and Masry.

Joining him at the Alexandria-based club is compatriot Isaac Saviour, who featured for Enugu Rangers in the Nigerian Professional Football League last season. Details of Saviour’s contract were not disclosed.

Ittihad’s latest signings are part of a broader summer overhaul. The club recently completed a swap deal with Ceramica Cleopatra that brought in Mohamed Toni and Mohamed Metwally “Kanaria” in exchange for Mohamed El-Maghrabi, while Mahmoud Ajeeb and Nour Alaa also joined as part of the arrangement.

Other arrivals at the club include Abdelrahman Boudy, experienced goalkeeper Mahmoud Abdel-Rahim “Genish,” Ahmed Mahmoud, and Mohamed Sami, as Ittihad look to challenge for a higher finish in the upcoming Egyptian Premier League campaign.

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Moroccan football powerhouse Raja Casablanca are reportedly targeting Nigerian international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as part of their squad overhaul ahead of the 2025/26 season.

According to South African sports outlet Unplayable, the three-time CAF Champions League winners are closely monitoring Nwabali, who currently plies his trade with Chippa United in the South African Premier Division.

The 29-year-old has seen his stock rise significantly in recent months, particularly after his standout performances for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Côte d’Ivoire.

Nwabali played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s impressive run to the AFCON final, winning plaudits for his composure, shot-stopping skills, and leadership between the sticks.

His performance against South Africa in the semi-final — where he saved two penalties during the shootout — earned him continental acclaim and cemented his status as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers.

At club level, Nwabali has been equally influential. Last season, he made 26 appearances for Chippa United and currently serves as the team captain. His leadership and consistency have made him a fan favorite and a key figure in the club’s recent campaigns. However, sources suggest that Chippa United are willing to consider a transfer if a credible offer is tabled. Nwabali is currently valued at €650,000 on Transfermarkt, though his market worth may climb given his international pedigree.

Raja Casablanca, who endured a disappointing and trophyless 2024/25 season in the Botola Pro League, are seeking to bolster their squad as they aim to reassert their dominance in Moroccan and African football.

The club is reportedly prioritizing experienced and battle-tested players, with Nwabali fitting that profile.

Founded in 1949, Raja is one of Morocco’s most storied football institutions. In addition to their three CAF Champions League titles (1989, 1997, 1999), the Casablanca-based club boasts multiple domestic titles and a strong continental reputation.

The potential signing of Nwabali is seen as part of a broader plan to restore the club’s competitiveness ahead of next season’s league and continental campaigns.

If the move materializes, it will represent a major step forward in Nwabali’s career, giving him exposure in one of Africa’s top leagues and the opportunity to compete in elite continental tournaments such as the CAF Champions League.

Neither Chippa United nor Raja Casablanca has officially confirmed the transfer discussions, but insiders suggest talks could intensify in the coming weeks as the Moroccan giants push to finalise key additions before the new season kicks off.

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A source close to Wydad Casablanca told Reuters on Wednesday that the Moroccan club is not in talks to sign Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo from Al-Nassr.

Spanish outlet Marca reported that Wydad were hoping to sign five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo to lead their attack at the Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States and starts next month.

“It was just a friendly talk between Wydad’s president and an agent close to Ronaldo, without going beyond informal discussions,” a source told Reuters.

Ronaldo, 40, is the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League with 24 goals this season.

Wydad, the last African Champions in 2022, will face Manchester City on June 18 before taking on Juventus and Al-Ain in Group G of the Club World Cup.

-Reuters

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