Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Former Netherlands international Royston Drenthe is reportedly on course for a successful recovery following a stroke, according to his manager. The 38-year-old, who enjoyed a career spanning some of Europe’s top clubs, was admitted to hospital in October, prompting concern among fans and former teammates. Drenthe’s representative, Tjarda Zeggelink of FC de Rebellen, told BBC Sport that the ex-Real Madrid winger is “in an important phase of his rehabilitation process.” He added that Drenthe has been working with “great dedication and discipline,” demonstrating the same commitment and professionalism that defined his football career. “While it is still too early to…

Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn have both successfully made weight for their highly anticipated rematch, clearing the final hurdle before they meet again at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night. The weigh-in, conducted behind closed doors in London, confirmed both fighters at 11st 5lb (72kg)—setting the stage for another fierce chapter in one of British boxing’s most heated modern rivalries. The moment was particularly significant for Eubank Jr, 36, after the controversy surrounding their first meeting in April. On that occasion, the Brighton fighter missed the middleweight limit by a razor-thin 0.05lb, resulting in a hefty £375,000 fine. This…

England’s preparations for their final 2026 World Cup qualifier have taken a setback as Marc Guehi has withdrawn from the squad due to a foot injury. The Crystal Palace defender, who has been a growing presence in England’s backline, will now return to his club to continue rehabilitation. Guehi, 25, sustained the injury during Crystal Palace’s Conference League match against AZ Alkmaar last week. The defender suffered what has been described as a heavy bone bruise, leaving him temporarily “unable to walk” in the days following the European fixture. His absence from Palace’s 0-0 Premier League draw against Brighton last…

Former WBO world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is facing a potentially career-derailing ban after testing positive for cocaine on the eve of his October fight with Briton Fabio Wardley. The 33-year-old New Zealander, long regarded as one of boxing’s most respected professionals, is now at the centre of a disciplinary process that could leave him sidelined for months—or even years. The adverse finding came from a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) sample collected on 25 October, one day before Parker stepped into the ring at London’s O2 Arena. Despite the looming test result, Parker proceeded with the bout, which ended in…

Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Dublin proved far more dramatic than anyone expected, as the Portugal captain was sent off during his side’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to the Republic of Ireland. What unfolded next ignited a war of words between managers, raised questions over Ronaldo’s temperament, and left Portugal awaiting a disciplinary verdict that could affect their World Cup campaign. Before the match, Ronaldo had joked that he would “try to be a good boy” to avoid hostility from the Irish crowd. Yet by the hour mark, the 40-year-old had again cemented his place as a pantomime villain in…

Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma admitted his side fell short after a 4-1 loss to Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final on Thursday night. The match, played at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, saw the Panthers of Gabon compete valiantly but ultimately succumb to the attacking firepower of the Super Eagles in extra time. Gabon started the match with hope, looking to upset one of Africa’s top footballing nations. Jerome Akor opened the scoring for Nigeria early on, putting Gabon on the back foot. Despite the early setback, Gabon showed resilience. Mario…

Real Madrid’s charge toward another La Liga title hit a small bump on Sunday as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by city rivals Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio de Vallecas. The result trims their lead at the top of the table to five points, opening the door for Barcelona to close the gap later in the evening. The defending champions arrived in Vallecas aiming to restore their seven-point cushion after Villarreal’s 2-0 win at Espanyol had briefly cut the gap. But Xabi Alonso’s men, who have won 10 of their opening 12 league games, were stifled by…

Norwegian international Andreas Schjelderup has revealed he is facing conviction in Denmark for illegally sharing a video when he was 19, calling it a “stupid mistake” and taking full responsibility for his actions. The 21-year-old Benfica winger, who has seven caps for Norway, issued a public statement on Instagram on Saturday, admitting to sharing a video clip while playing for Danish Superliga side Nordsjaelland — without realising the nature of its content. Schjelderup’s admission comes just days before Norway’s crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Estonia and Italy, fixtures that could secure the country’s first appearance at a World Cup…

Lewis Hamilton has described his first season with Ferrari as “a nightmare” after a disastrous Sao Paulo Grand Prix saw him retire for the fifth time this season. The seven-time world champion’s switch from Mercedes to Ferrari was billed as one of the most dramatic moves in Formula 1 history — but so far, the dream partnership has failed to deliver. Hamilton’s race in Brazil unravelled almost immediately. Starting mid-grid after a tricky qualifying session, he was clipped by the Williams of Carlos Sainz in the opening lap, sending his Ferrari bouncing over the kerbs. Then, in his eagerness to…

Robert Lewandowski rolled back the years with a stunning hat-trick as Barcelona triumphed 4-2 over Celta Vigo in a thrilling La Liga encounter at the Estadio Abanca-Balaídos. The victory moves the Catalan giants within three points of league leaders Real Madrid, who were held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano earlier in the day. At 37, Lewandowski remains a model of sharpness and composure, and his performance in Vigo was a masterclass in timing and finishing. The Polish striker’s treble — including a penalty, a volley, and a header — showcased the range of skills that have defined his…