Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed the dates and venues for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, which will determine Africa’s final representative for the global showpiece. The mini-tournament, featuring four African teams comprising Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will take place from November 13 to 16, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco. The playoff winner will advance to the intercontinental playoff, where they will compete for Africa’s 10th and final spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Key Fixtures and Venues According to CAF, the semi-final matches will be played on Thursday, 13 November, at two venues:…

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has issued a public apology to supporters, teammates, and club officials following his angry reaction to being substituted during Sunday’s 2-1 El Clásico victory over Barcelona. The Brazilian, who has been one of Madrid’s standout performers this season, was taken off in the 72nd minute at the Santiago Bernabéu. Clearly frustrated, Vinicius headed straight down the tunnel rather than joining his teammates on the bench. Cameras later captured him muttering in discontent, saying: “Always me! I’m leaving the team! It’s better if I leave, I’m leaving,” sparking speculation about his future at the club. After…

A man has died after his electric wheelchair collided with a car driven by Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez in northern Italy. The fatal incident occurred in the province of Como, near Lake Como, on Monday evening. According to local authorities, the wheelchair is believed to have veered into the path of Martinez’s vehicle as it travelled alongside a main road. Italian police confirmed to Reuters that the 27-year-old Spanish goalkeeper immediately stopped his car and attempted to assist the victim, but the man succumbed to his injuries before emergency services could arrive. “The car driven by Inter goalkeeper Josep…

Chelsea will hope Liam Delap’s return from injury can ignite their faltering attack as the Blues prepare for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie at Wolves. The 22-year-old striker has been sidelined for 10 matches with a hamstring injury sustained during August’s 2-0 Premier League win over Fulham. His comeback arrives at a crucial time for Enzo Maresca’s side, who are struggling for consistency and creativity in front of goal. Chelsea’s latest setback — a 2-1 home defeat to Sunderland — exposed familiar issues, with Maresca lamenting his team’s “lack of creativity” and poor crossing. The loss leaves the Blues chasing stability…

Premier League giants Chelsea are reportedly tracking the progress of 19-year-old Flying Eagles winger Sani Suleiman, who has been turning heads following his performances at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. Suleiman, who plies his trade with Slovak side AS Trenčín, enjoyed a standout tournament with Nigeria’s U-20 team, showcasing his pace, dribbling ability, and creativity on the wing. His displays at the global event caught the attention of scouts from several European clubs, and Chelsea are now among those keen to secure his services. The young winger has continued to impress in Slovakia since returning from Chile,…

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie has been shortlisted for the 2025 International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) Women’s Best Goalkeeper award, further cementing her reputation as one of the brightest goalkeeping talents in world football. The 24-year-old, who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Women’s Super League (WSL), earned the nomination after a stellar year for both club and country. Nnadozie’s performances at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco were particularly influential, as she helped the Super Falcons claim a record-extending 10th continental title. Her outstanding saves and commanding presence between the posts…

Martin O’Neill has downplayed his return to Celtic Park, insisting he is only “keeping the seat warm” until a permanent manager is appointed following Brendan Rodgers’ dramatic resignation. The 73-year-old former Hoops boss, who left Celtic two decades ago after a glittering spell, was persuaded to step in as interim head coach after what he described as a “shock call” from major shareholder Dermot Desmond. “I took a gasp of breath and asked if this was real,” O’Neill told TalkSport. “It’s difficult to turn down someone who gave you the job in the first place when they had great options…

Tottenham Hotspur extended their unbeaten Premier League away run with a commanding 3-0 victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium, handing the Toffees their first defeat at their new home. Dutch defender Micky van de Ven was the unlikely hero, scoring twice in the first half to put Spurs in control before Pape Matar Sarr added a late third to seal the win. The result lifted Thomas Frank’s side to third in the table, five points behind leaders Arsenal, while Everton slipped to 14th. The hosts had arrived with an unbeaten record at their new Bramley-Moore Dock ground, but Tottenham’s…

Lando Norris reclaimed the Formula 1 world championship lead with a flawless performance at the Mexico City Grand Prix, cruising to victory ahead of Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen. The McLaren driver was untouchable from pole to flag, securing his sixth win of the season and moving one point clear of teammate Oscar Piastri in the standings. It was a statement drive from Norris, who had not led the championship since April. His dominance came amid chaos behind, where Verstappen, Leclerc, and others were embroiled in a series of dramatic battles and penalties. Norris in Command from the Start Concerns…

Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga to five points with a 2-1 win over Barcelona in El Clasico — but the evening wasn’t without drama as tension surrounding Vinicius Junior resurfaced. It was a statement victory for Xabi Alonso in his first league Clasico as manager, with Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe leading the way. Bellingham marked his return to form with a goal and an assist after a difficult spell recovering from shoulder surgery, while Mbappe continued his ruthless scoring streak. Yet what should have been a near-perfect night for Real Madrid turned sour…