Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento has been omitted from England’s squad for Monday’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia at Wembley. The 22-year-old was an unused substitute in Friday’s 2-0 victory over Albania, but will now sit out the next fixture as Thomas Tuchel reshuffles his squad. England initially selected 26 players for the two qualifiers, but UEFA regulations require teams to trim their matchday squad to 23 for each game. As a result, Livramento, alongside goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, has been left out for the Latvia match. Meanwhile, Morgan Gibbs-White and Jarrel Quansah return to the squad after missing the Albania…
Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi
As Ramadan draws to a close, Bournemouth forward Dango Ouattara is clear about what comes first in his life—faith. “For me, faith comes first. It comes before football,” the 23-year-old Burkina Faso international told BBC Sport Africa. A devout Muslim, Ouattara prays five times daily, including before and after every match, as a way to “stay humble” and refocus. “It helps me correct myself in society, stay calm, and be on the right path,” he said. A Rising Star at Bournemouth Ouattara has been in fine form this season, scoring nine goals in 30 appearances, a major improvement from last…
Zimbabwe defender Emmanuel Jalai has vowed that the Warriors will give their all when they take on Nigeria in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. Michael Nees’ side is still searching for their first win in the qualifiers and will be looking to cause an upset when they face the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Jalai, 26, acknowledged Nigeria’s strength but remains confident that Zimbabwe can pull off a surprise result. “Of course, it is not going to be an easy game, but football is always unpredictable and full of surprises. We…
Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has emphasized the importance of star striker Victor Osimhen experiencing the FIFA World Cup, calling it a milestone every top player should reach. Osimhen played a crucial role in Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, scoring twice in their 2-0 victory over Rwanda. The win marked the Super Eagles’ first in the qualifiers, moving them to fourth place with six points. The Galatasaray defender, who represented Nigeria at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, shared his thoughts ahead of their next qualifier against Zimbabwe on Tuesday. “Just a few players in the Super Eagles have…
Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga has expressed his satisfaction with his decision to leave Manchester United, insisting that the move has been beneficial for his career. The Sweden international, who has been in impressive form for Forest this season, revealed in an interview with Fotbollskanalen that he still holds Manchester United close to his heart but has no regrets about moving on. A Fresh Start at Nottingham Forest After struggling for regular playing time at Old Trafford, Elanga made the switch to Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023 in search of more opportunities. Since joining, he has established himself…
Chelsea will have to pay Manchester United £5m if they decide against signing Jadon Sancho permanently this summer, despite an initial obligation to buy the winger for between £20m and £25m—provided they finish at least 14th in the Premier League. The 24-year-old joined Chelsea on loan from United last August after a fallout with then-United manager Erik ten Hag. While he initially impressed at Stamford Bridge, his form has dipped significantly. Since scoring his last goal on December 8 against Tottenham, he has managed just one assist in 18 appearances. Sancho’s struggles have raised concerns at Chelsea, where his stats…
Football fans were treated to an unforgettable night of Nations League action as the quarter-final second legs delivered 21 goals, dramatic comebacks, and penalty shootout heartbreak. With three matches going into extra time and two being settled by spot kicks, it was a night of pure chaos that saw France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain advance to the semi-finals. Ronaldo’s Mixed Night as Portugal Prevails Cristiano Ronaldo had the chance to put Portugal ahead early against Denmark when he won a penalty just five minutes in. However, the 40-year-old legend saw his effort saved by Kasper Schmeichel, marking the 32nd penalty…
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has omitted Morgan Gibbs-White, Jarell Quansah, and Aaron Ramsdale from his squad for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Albania at Wembley. Gibbs-White, initially left out of the squad, was later called up after Cole Palmer withdrew. However, UEFA rules allow only 23 players in a matchday squad, forcing Tuchel to make cuts. Captain Harry Kane is set to lead the attack, with Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice expected to start in midfield. Phil Foden, Morgan Rogers, and Anthony Gordon are competing for attacking roles. Tuchel, known for favoring a back three, has focused on a…
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will lead the Super Eagles’ attack as Nigeria takes on Rwanda in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier tonight in Kigali. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali as the starting goalkeeper, maintaining faith in the shot-stopper following his solid performances at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. Bright Osayi-Samuel will start at right-back, while Ola Aina takes the left-back role, with Bruno Onyemaechi dropping to the bench. Captain William Troost-Ekong will marshal the defense alongside Fulham’s Calvin Bassey at center-back. In midfield, Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi will play…
Former Nigeria international Sunday Rotimi has urged the Super Eagles to take advantage of Benin Republic’s 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe and secure a crucial win against Rwanda in today’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Kigali. Nigeria currently sits fifth in Group C, with Rwanda and South Africa leading on seven points each. Benin’s draw leaves them on six points, keeping the group wide open. Rotimi, now a goalkeeping coach at Rivers United, believes this result presents a golden opportunity for the Super Eagles. “The players know what’s at stake. This is beyond the coach’s instructions—it’s about self-motivation,” Rotimi said.…
