Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially opened camp in Uyo with 13 players reporting for duty ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa. The camp, based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, began to bubble with activity on Monday as captain William Troost-Ekong, goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Felix Agu, and midfielder Raphael Onyedika were among the earliest arrivals. Their presence set the tone for what promises to be an intense build-up to the two qualifiers that could shape Nigeria’s path to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.…

Spanish club Sevilla have confirmed the termination of Kelechi Iheanacho’s contract, drawing a premature end to the Nigerian forward’s time at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. The Super Eagles striker had joined the Rojiblancos on a free transfer in the summer of 2024 after leaving Leicester City. His contract was originally set to run until June 2026, but after just one season marked by limited opportunities, both parties have now agreed to part ways. A Short Stay in Spain Iheanacho’s move to Sevilla was seen as a fresh start following Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League. The Spanish side hoped…

Alexander Isak has brought the curtain down on his time at Newcastle United with a heartfelt message to the club’s fans following his record-breaking move to Liverpool. The Sweden international striker joined the Merseyside giants on deadline day in a dramatic £125 million transfer, making him the most expensive signing in British football history. His departure ends a three-year spell at St James’ Park, one that saw both triumph and controversy. From Hero to Record Sale Isak arrived at Newcastle in 2022 from Real Sociedad for £60 million, a club record at the time. His impact was immediate. Combining pace,…

England manager Thomas Tuchel has handed recalls and opportunities to Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jarell Quansah for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. The surprise call-ups underline Tuchel’s determination to balance experience with fresh energy as England prepare for back-to-back fixtures that could prove pivotal in their qualifying campaign. Loftus-Cheek’s Return After Seven Years For Loftus-Cheek, now 29 and plying his trade at AC Milan, the call-up marks a remarkable return to the national team fold. The midfielder last wore the Three Lions shirt in November 2018, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against the…

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has slammed a fine of N1 million on Warri Wolves following a breach of security during their Matchday Two fixture against Enugu Rangers at the Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro. The league body, in its official communication on Monday, said the sanction was necessary after the Seasiders failed to provide “prompt, adequate and effective” security measures which led to a delay in the scheduled 4 p.m. kick-off. Despite the eventual smooth completion of the game, which Warri Wolves won 2-0, the NPFL disciplinary committee stressed that the lapse in security arrangements undermined the league’s…

Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare has penned an emotional farewell to Genk supporters as he prepares to finalise a £27m move to Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 24-year-old is expected to be unveiled by Wolves on Monday after passing a medical, with the fee representing a club-record sale for Genk. His departure closes a two-year chapter in Belgium that saw him develop into one of the league’s most feared forwards. Emotional Goodbye Taking to social media, Arokodare thanked Genk fans for their support and reflected on the memories he has made since joining in 2023. “After two years with this…

Manchester United have agreed a deal worth an initial £18.1m to sign Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, ending their pursuit of Aston Villa’s World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez. The 23-year-old, capped nine times by Belgium’s Under-21s, is travelling to Manchester to finalise a five-year contract. United view him as one of Europe’s brightest goalkeeping prospects and a potential long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois at international level. United’s Goalkeeping Woes The move comes amid growing concern over United’s current options between the posts. Turkish international Altay Bayindir, signed in 2023, has made a series of costly mistakes in the…

Liverpool have agreed a British record £125m fee to sign Sweden striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, smashing their own transfer record in a dramatic end to the summer window. The deal, which could rise to £130m with add-ons, eclipses the £107m Chelsea paid Benfica for Enzo Fernandez in 2023 and ranks as one of the biggest transfers in football history. Saga Finally Ends The transfer concludes a drawn-out saga involving Isak, 25, who had been unsettled on Tyneside since July. Newcastle initially rejected Liverpool’s £110m bid, but with the striker eager to leave and a replacement already secured in…

Bayer Leverkusen have sensationally parted company with manager Erik ten Hag after only two Bundesliga fixtures, making his dismissal the fastest in the league’s history. The 55-year-old Dutchman, who signed a two-year deal in May following his exit from Manchester United, leaves the German club after a turbulent summer and a disastrous start to the new campaign. Leverkusen confirmed the news on Monday morning, with managing director Simon Rolfes acknowledging that the decision was taken reluctantly but decisively. “Building a new and successful team with this set-up is not feasible,” Rolfes said. “Nobody wanted to take this step, but the…

Newcastle United supporters made their feelings plain at Elland Road on Saturday. As Alexander Isak’s absence dragged into a third league game, the away end turned on their record signing with chants of: “We don’t care about Isak, he don’t care about me, all we care about is NUFC.” The Sweden international has made no secret of his wish to join Liverpool before Monday’s transfer deadline, and Newcastle’s fanbase has grown restless. Meanwhile, a new hero is waiting in the wings. Nick Woltemade, the £69m arrival from Stuttgart, was mobbed by supporters outside the ground despite being unable to play,…