Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

As the sun sets over Rabat, all eyes will turn to one of African women’s football’s most iconic rivalries: Nigeria versus South Africa. This evening’s semi-final clash at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) promises fireworks, history, and no shortage of emotion. Dubbed “a clash of titans” by former Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie, the match pits the continent’s most successful team against the current title holders. Nigeria, nine-time champions, have only failed to lift the trophy three times since the tournament’s inception. South Africa, on the other hand, are a team on the rise, looking to assert…

Ashleigh Plumptre has voiced her thoughts on the Super Falcons’ emphatic 5-0 win over Zambia in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), revealing that the Nigerian side were made to feel like underdogs ahead of the encounter. Heading into Friday’s clash, the Falcons faced skepticism from pundits and fans alike. Much of the attention had been on Zambia’s star-studded frontline, featuring the dangerous duo of Barbara Banda and Racheal Kundananji. There were widespread concerns over whether Nigeria’s defence could contain the high-flying Copper Queens, who had impressed in the group stages. However, those doubts were…

Arsenal have completed the signing of England international Noni Madueke from Chelsea for an initial fee of £48.5 million, with potential add-ons pushing the final amount past £50 million. The 23-year-old winger has signed a five-year contract with the Gunners, becoming the fourth arrival of a busy summer transfer window at the Emirates Stadium. Madueke left Chelsea’s Club World Cup camp in the United States ahead of their final against Paris Saint-Germain to finalise the deal. “Humbled and blessed to be here,” Madueke posted on Instagram. “Thank you to everyone that made this possible. I can’t wait to get on…

Barcelona have opened talks over a deal to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, with the move edging closer as the Spanish champions seek to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the 2025-26 season. The proposed transfer would initially be a loan move with an option to buy, and discussions involving intermediaries have already taken place. Sources suggest there is optimism on both sides that a deal can be agreed upon. Rashford, 27, has not featured for United since he was substituted during their 2-1 Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen on 12 December. He was later dropped from the…

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Brentford to sign Bryan Mbeumo in a deal worth £65 million, potentially rising to £70m with add-ons. The move makes Mbeumo the most expensive player sold in Brentford’s history and continues a summer of bold spending under new manager Ruben Amorim. The Cameroon international is expected to undergo his medical in the coming days ahead of United’s pre-season tour of the United States, which begins Tuesday. The 25-year-old will become United’s third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha and Spanish left-back Diego Leon. United had previously seen…

In a surprising move that blends global entertainment with British football, legendary rapper Snoop Dogg has become a co-owner and minority investor in Swansea City AFC, a Championship club looking to reclaim its place in the Premier League. The announcement was made official on Wednesday, just days after the 53-year-old hip-hop icon appeared as the headline model for Swansea’s new 2025–26 home kit. The California-born artist, known globally not just for his music but also for his charismatic presence and passion for sport, now joins the club’s growing ownership group, which includes Real Madrid and Croatia great Luka Modric. Snoop…

Ruth Chepngetich, the reigning women’s marathon world record holder, has been provisionally suspended following a failed drugs test, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Wednesday. The 30-year-old Kenyan runner, who stunned the world with her record-breaking performance at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, tested positive for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). The substance, often used medically for fluid retention and high blood pressure, is prohibited at all times under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code due to its common use as a masking agent. According to the AIU, a urine sample collected from Chepngetich on 14 March 2025 revealed an…

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has returned to full training with Nottingham Forest, giving the Premier League side a major boost ahead of the 2025/26 season. The 27-year-old had been sidelined since May due to a serious abdominal injury that required a complex two-stage surgical procedure. Awoniyi’s injury came at a crucial point during the final stretch of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, leaving Forest without one of their most reliable attacking outlets. The forward had been enjoying a steady season before the setback, contributing vital goals and assists that helped the club maintain its top-flight status. Nottingham Forest confirmed…

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been given a major boost at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with two of their key players, Rasheedat Ajibade and Ashleigh Plumptre, named in the Group Stage Best XI. The team for the tournament so far was selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Technical Study Group (TSG) following an intense and exciting group phase. Both players have been instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the knockout rounds, standing out with consistent performances and showing the experience and quality that have made them mainstays in the national team. Plumptre: Defensive Rock Ashleigh Plumptre…

In a significant move to bolster their squad ahead of the new Premier League season, AFC Bournemouth have confirmed the £25 million signing of Serbian international goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea. The 25-year-old arrives at the Vitality Stadium on a five-year contract, becoming the club’s third major signing of the summer. Petrovic, who impressed on loan at French side Strasbourg last season, is expected to be the new number one under manager Andoni Iraola following the departure of Kepa Arrizabalaga. Petrovic’s move to the South Coast comes after a standout season in Ligue 1, where he was named Strasbourg’s Player…