Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

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…

Jannik Sinner has won his maiden Wimbledon title, overcoming reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping four-set final that confirmed the Italian’s rise to the pinnacle of men’s tennis. The 23-year-old world number one defeated Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Centre Court, avenging a heartbreaking loss to the Spaniard at last month’s French Open. That Roland Garros final saw Sinner squander a two-set lead and three championship points. But on the famed grass of SW19, he turned the tables with a composed, relentless performance. “It is so special. I’m living my dream,” said Sinner, clutching the trophy as Italy’s…

Chelsea have been crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions after a stunning 3-0 demolition of Paris Saint-Germain in a fiery final at MetLife Stadium. Cole Palmer delivered a masterclass, scoring twice and assisting a third as the Blues sealed their second major trophy under Enzo Maresca, following their UEFA Conference League triumph in May. This emphatic win caps off a remarkable resurgence for Chelsea, who were once mocked for their mid-table Premier League finishes but have now ascended to global dominance. Against a PSG side chasing an unprecedented five-trophy season, it was the West Londoners who played with composure, aggression,…

Chelsea have slapped a £100m price tag on Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson, sparking waves across Europe’s transfer market as clubs scramble to bolster their squads ahead of the new season. AC Milan are reportedly among the clubs keeping tabs on the 24-year-old forward, but the Blues’ valuation could prove a stumbling block. Jackson joined Chelsea in 2023 from Villarreal and has shown flashes of brilliance in his time at Stamford Bridge, though consistency has sometimes eluded him. Despite that, Chelsea believe Jackson’s potential, age, and the inflated market justify the nine-figure valuation. The move appears to be part of Chelsea’s…

Nottingham Forest are threatening legal action against Tottenham Hotspur amid growing tensions surrounding the potential transfer of midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. The Premier League side is investigating whether Spurs have breached a confidentiality clause in the player’s contract, specifically tied to his £60 million release clause. Sources close to the matter have told BBC Sport that Forest are furious with Tottenham’s approach and suspect a serious breach of protocol. The club believes Spurs’ interest became public prematurely due to a violation of a confidentiality agreement, and they are now consulting legal experts to consider their next move. According to Premier League…

Everton have completed the signing of highly rated France Under-21 striker Thierno Barry from Villarreal in a deal worth £27 million. The 22-year-old has signed a four-year contract, committing to the Toffees until June 2029. He becomes the Merseyside club’s first major signing of the summer transfer window and a key addition to their frontline following the departure of Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the end of his contract. Barry scored 11 goals and recorded four assists in 38 appearances for Villarreal last season, helping the La Liga side secure a fifth-place finish and a return to the Champions League. The Spanish…

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has received a one-year prison sentence from a Spanish court for tax evasion but will not serve time behind bars. The 66-year-old Italian, who recently ended his second spell at Real Madrid to take over as Brazil’s head coach, was found guilty of failing to pay €1 million (£830,000) in taxes during his first stint at Real from 2013 to 2015. Ancelotti must instead pay a fine of €386,361.93 (£333,045.92). Under Spanish law, prison terms under two years for non-violent first-time offenders are typically suspended. Ancelotti testified earlier this year, saying he never intended to commit…

Botswana women’s national team head coach Alex Malete says his team will look to capitalise on any mistakes by the Super Falcons when both sides meet on Thursday in a crucial Group B fixture at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The Mares will face a daunting challenge against Nigeria, Africa’s most successful women’s football team, who started their WAFCON campaign in dominant fashion with a 3-0 victory over Tunisia. Botswana, meanwhile, are under pressure after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Algeria in their opening match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. Speaking ahead of…