Lagos, Nigeria — Nigerian football icon Jay-Jay Okocha has taken a swipe at former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, criticizing his stance on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and questioning his understanding of African football. In an interview that surfaced on X, Okocha dismissed Carragher’s credibility, saying: “There are some players you just overlook when…
Miami, USA — Football legend Lionel Messi has opened up about his struggles during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, admitting he found little joy in his two-year spell at the French club. The 37-year-old Argentine forward, who joined PSG in 2021 after spending 21 years at Barcelona, has since found a renewed sense of fulfillment…
Milan, Italy — Spanish football icon Cesc Fabregas has emerged as a top contender for the AC Milan managerial role, potentially taking charge of Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze next season. The speculation follows mounting uncertainty over the future of Milan’s current head coach, Sergio Conceição, whose position has come under scrutiny after consecutive Serie A…
Nigeria, Flamingoes – In a significant show of support for the Nigerian U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingoes, Hon. Kunle Soname, founder of Remo Stars Football Club, had pledged a generous sum of N2.5 million as they gear up for their crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa. The match is set to take place…
Nigeria – The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will decorate a total of 30 referees with the badge of the world football governing body, FIFA, on Thursday morning, thereby conferring upon them the authority to officiate as international arbiters in 2025. The decoration will be performed by the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, alongside the…
Nigeria – Nigerian football legend and former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, is providing young talented players with the opportunity to hone their skills through the ‘Staruf Academy,’ his accredited football academy. Known in football circles as ‘Dodo Mayana,’ Rufai was part of Nigeria’s golden era, winning the historic 1994 Nations Cup hosted by Tunisia….
NIGERIA – Victor Osimhen says he has special affection for Turkish Super Lig champions, Galatasaray. Osimhen linked up with Okan Buruk’s side on loan from Napoli last September. The Nigeria international is well loved by the supporters and teammates. The 27-year-old has scored 20 goals and registered five assists in 25 appearances across all competitions…
London, England — Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has equaled Haaland Matches Van Nistelrooy’s Premier League Record historic Premier League milestone previously set by Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy. Haaland, returning to City’s starting lineup after recovering from injury, scored the decisive goal in his side’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The Norwegian forward…
Naples, Italy — Napoli Sporting Director Giovanni Manna has emphasized the club’s urgency in finalizing Victor Osimhen’s future ahead of the summer transfer window. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Manna acknowledged the widespread interest in Osimhen, describing him as a highly sought-after player in the transfer market. “Victor remains a key subject of discussion, not…
EPL –The English Premier League, EPL, title race for the 2024/25 season took another dimension following the conclusion of the match-day 26 fixtures at the weekend. News reports that Liverpool opened an 11-point gap in the Premier League table on Sunday. This follows their 2-0 win against Premier League champions, Manchester City at the Etihad…
Liverpool, England — Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has asserted that his goal-scoring exploits outweigh those of Manchester City’s prolific striker, Erling Haaland. Speaking to Sky Germany ahead of Liverpool’s crucial showdown against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, the Egyptian star highlighted the challenges of scoring from the wing compared to playing as a central…
Rotterdam, Netherlands — Robin van Persie has been named the new head coach of Feyenoord, signing a contract that runs until the summer of 2027. The former Dutch international returns to the club where he made a significant impact as a player, scoring 46 goals and providing 16 assists across two stints. Feyenoord’s CEO, Dennis…
Nigeria _ Seventeen-year-old Mirra Andreeva has become the youngest player to win a WTA 1000 title, clinching the Dubai Tennis Championships with a decisive 7-6 (7-1), 6-1 victory over Clara Tauson. Andreeva’s remarkable journey to the title included triumphs over Grand Slam winners Marketa Vondrousova, Iga Swiatek, and Elena Rybakina. Following her win, Andreeva expressed…
Manchester, England — Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes securing a top-four finish this season would be a significant achievement for his squad. City, currently fourth in the Premier League, have faced a challenging campaign marked by injuries to key players. Their recent Champions League play-off exit to Real Madrid further compounded their struggles. Speaking…
Birmingham, England — Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that the 2-1 loss to Aston Villa was the most difficult defeat for his side this season. Despite taking an early lead, Chelsea once again struggled to maintain control, allowing their opponents back into the game, a recurring issue that has cost them 13 points from…
The Gunners look to close the gap on Liverpool and keep their title hopes alive! Can Arteta’s side get the job done at the London Stadium? 👀🔴 #WHUARS #Epi live
EPL – Ruben Amorim admits David Moyes is doing a better job reviving Everton than the under-fire Manchester United boss has been able to achieve in his short spell at Old Trafford. Amorim will go head-to-head with Everton boss Moyes on Saturday as he looks to drag United out of their shocking decline. The former…
Barcelona, Spain — Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has emphasized that the team will not take Benfica lightly in their UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash. Speaking to the club’s official website, Deco stressed the need for thorough preparation to avoid any surprises. “There are no easy matches at this stage. We’ve already faced them…
Champions League – All the eight teams that have qualified for the Champions League last 16 via the playoffs have been confirmed. On Tuesday night, Club Brugge, Benfica, Bayern Munich and Feyenoord all progressed into the next round. They were joined on Wednesday by Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and PSV. In the early…
Madrid, Spain — Kylian Mbappé delivered a sensational hat-trick as Real Madrid secured a 3-1 victory over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League second-leg play-off, sealing a 6-3 aggregate win to advance to the next round. The French superstar made history, becoming the first player to score a Champions League knockout stage hat-trick against…
Lagos, Nigeria — The Super Eagles have expressed unwavering support for Ademola Lookman following criticism from Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini over his missed penalty in their UEFA Champions League defeat to Club Brugge. In a show of solidarity, Nigeria’s senior men’s national team took to their official X handle, reposting Lookman’s response with the…
Madrid, Spain — Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has expressed his desire for a rematch against Liverpool in this season’s UEFA Champions League. Los Blancos are one step away from securing a spot in the Round of 16, needing to navigate a crucial play-off clash against Manchester City. Carlo Ancelotti’s side holds a slender 3-2…
Bergamo, Italy — Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has strongly criticized Ademola Lookman for missing a crucial penalty during their Champions League play-off against Club Brugge. Trailing 3-1 on the night and 5-2 on aggregate, Atalanta had a chance to pull one back when Juan Cuadrado was fouled inside the box. Lookman, who came…
Turkey – Victor Osimhen says Galatasaray scaled through a difficult test in Monday night’s Turkish Super Lig clash against Caykur Rizespor. Okan Buruk’s side defeated their hosts 2-1 in a thrilling encounter. Osimhen scored both goals for the Yellow and Reds in the game. The Nigeria international said Galatasaray deserved to beat their opponents. “I…
FABREGAS – Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has compared Ethan Nwaneri to the club’s former captain Cesc Fàbregas. Wenger said Nwaneri is a ‘creator and special talent,’ comparing the 17-year-old’s mentality to that of a young Fàbregas. Nwaneri has burst onto the scene at Arsenal this season. The 17-year-old has established himself as one of…
Nigeria – The Refereeing Development Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has suspended referee Wilfred Charway from officiating in Nigeria National League (NNL) matches. According to the committee, the decision was taken due to Charway’s questionable officiating during the match between Solution FC and Godswill Akpabio FC, played in Awka on Saturday, February 15,…
Madrid, Spain. — Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has admitted that the club is feeling the absence of retired midfield maestro Toni Kroos this season. Kroos, a former Germany international, ended his professional career after Euro 2024, bringing an end to a glittering spell at Real Madrid. Having played together from 2018 to 2024, Courtois…
Madrid, Spain — Former Arsenal and Real Madrid star Mesut Özil has called on referees to ensure the protection of young talent Arda Güler from rough challenges on the field Özil made this appeal during an interview with Turkish media, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding promising players from reckless tackles that could hinder their growth….
NIGERIA – Ademola Lookman and Sead Kolasinac have returned to Atalanta training just in time for their decisive UEFA Champions League second-leg playoff against Club Brugge. Their availability provides a much-needed boost for La Dea as they aim to overturn a first-leg deficit. According to Eco di Bergamo correspondent Giulia Mazzoleni, both players were spotted…
LEAGUE – The stage is set for the UEFA Champions League’s knockout phase playoff second-leg fixtures. The second-leg playoff matches will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. News reports that the first-leg playoff fixtures were played last week. There are currently 16 teams – Monaco, Benfica, Celtic, Bayern Munich, Feyenoord, AC Milan, Brest, Paris…
Paris, France — Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United have reportedly submitted verbal contract offers for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, with both clubs prepared to activate his €75 million release clause. According to Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, Osimhen is on the verge of signing with a top-tier management agency, with a Real Madrid player playing a…
