A heartwarming moment has captured the internet’s attention, as a video of Cameroonian football legend and President of the Cameroonian Football Federation, Samuel Eto’o, recognising a former teammate working as a security guard goes viral.

The encounter reportedly took place after an Ecobank Group seminar in Douala, Cameroon, according to a report shared on X by a news platform, ED HUB.

In the video, Eto’o, surrounded by fans and attendees, was leaving the venue when someone offscreen called out his name.

At first, he glanced back briefly before walking on, but then he stopped, turned again, and realised it was an old friend.

The man, dressed in a security uniform, walked into the frame, and Eto’o’s face lit up in recognition.

The former Barcelona star warmly shook hands with his old teammate, embraced him briefly, and exchanged pleasantries in Bassa’a, a Cameroonian dialect.

Eto’o was visibly moved, repeatedly patting his friend’s arm as they reminisced.

Turning to the crowd gathered around them, Eto’o introduced the man, saying, “He was my colleague. I played with him.”

The touching moment has drawn widespread admiration on social media, with many users praising Eto’o for his humility.

This heartfelt moment has however earned him praise among netizens.

Hendrïxx, tweeting as @Mr_humble87, wrote, “When life favors you, don’t ever think others are lazy. Bravo to Eto’o on acknowledging his old teammate.”

Another user,  @MrsLucyEssel, wrote, “Much respect to Etoo. Even if he doesn’t meet him again this man would forever remember this day.”

Dark Cookies, tweeting as @ayo30bg, speculated on how Eto’o recognised him, saying, “I think he called him a name his old friends or close family calls him and caught his attention very fast.”

Some users even translated parts of their conversation spoken in Bassa’a.

Keke, tweeting as @corenti67008438, explained, “He Said: we need to meetup, we can’t speak right now because I have meetings in 10 minutes but tell Christian (assistant of Eto’o and friends of both) to do everything we meetup we gonna speak my friend. I’m happy to see you.”

Many netizens reflected on the unexpected twists and turns of life.

Twiddle™, tweeting as @Boison__, wrote, “Life be someway o. May all the boys we roll with succeed and may we all meet at the top!”

Another user, @Phemmydeji, added, “Life is deep. Sometimes you really can’t understand the mystery.”

Spanish La Liga side Sevilla have signed in Nigerian striker Akor Adams from French Lique Club, Montpellier HSC.

The Nigerian has scored three goals and registered three assists for La Paillade this season with the club currently rock bottom of Ligue 1.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who revealed earlier on his X handle that talks were at the advanced stage for the player to join Sevilla before the closure of the January transfer window on Friday, January 31, 2025 midnight, has later revealed that the deal has been sealed for €5.5m transfer fee.

Adams has been Montpellier’s go-to Number 9 since joining the club in the summer of 2023. Since arriving from Norway, he has scored 13 goals in 49 games. However, Sevilla have now acquired his services.

In financial difficulty and facing relegation to Ligue 2, Montpellier had been looking to raise funds this month. Adams represented one of La Paillade’s more bankable assets.

Italian Serie A side Udinese have removed Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from their registered players list amid an ongoing investigation into alleged betting irregularities.

The 25-year-old, who is being investigated over suspicious betting patterns surrounding a yellow card he received during Udinese’s 2-1 win against Lazio on March 11, 2024, faces a potential five-year ban if found guilty.

Investigators raided Okoye’s house following a complaint by betting agency Sisal, whose algorithm detected unusual gambling activities linked to the goalkeeper’s yellow card for time-wasting in the 90th minute.

The Prosecutor’s Office in Udine also searched the premises of Diego Giordano, a pizzeria owner whose restaurant is frequented by Juventus footballers, as part of the investigation.

Udinese have replaced Okoye with newly-signed goalkeeper Egil Selvik in their 25-man squad, though it remains unclear if the decision was due to the allegations or the Nigerian’s season-ending wrist injury.

The club’s coach, Kosta Runjaic, had earlier maintained that the team’s atmosphere remained positive despite the controversy.

“We haven’t talked about it; we’re focused on Como. The atmosphere is still very good; the team spirit is there, and we’re working diligently,” Runjaic said.

Okoye, who joined Udinese in 2023 from Watford, has made 37 appearances for the Italian club. His legal representatives have dismissed the betting allegations as baseless.

The 28-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the standout players for Fulham in the highly competitive Premier League, contributing significantly to the team’s efforts on the pitch.

Iwobi has been in exceptional form this season, netting seven goals and providing three assists for Marco Silva’s side. This marks Iwobi’s most prolific campaign in the English top flight since he began his professional journey with Arsenal a decade ago, highlighting his development and growth as a player.

In a recent interview with Lagos Talks FM, Okocha shared his pride in Iwobi’s achievements, affectionately referring to him as his nephew. He remarked, “I am very happy with him (Iwobi) and his progress.”

Notably, Iwobi has been a consistent presence in the Fulham squad, featuring in all 22 of their Premier League matches this season, demonstrating both his fitness and reliability.

Meanwhile, Washington Egor has been appointed as the new head coach of Ikorodu City Academy. The announcement of Egor’s appointment was made official by the club on Tuesday, signalling a new chapter for the academy.

Egor, a rising coach in the football scene, will be supported by Emmanuel Otupe as his assistant.

In his first statements as head coach, Egor expressed his eagerness to make a meaningful impact at the Lagos-based club. “I’m delighted to work with the Oga Boys,” Egor stated in an interview with Ikorodu City Academy media. He also mentioned that he has been closely following the development and progression of the team, indicating his familiarity with the club’s dynamics.

Egor emphasized his commitment to the team’s success, saying, “I’m dedicated and ready to continue the good work with the help of the Almighty God and the support of the Management.”

Under his leadership, Ikorodu City Academy will compete in the Nationwide League One, where Egor aims to foster talent and drive the team towards achieving greater heights.

[NaijaNews]