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…
Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi
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.…
Rasmus Højlund came off the bench to fire Denmark to a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final at Parken Stadium. The Manchester United striker netted the decisive goal in the 78th minute, calmly finishing Andreas Skov Olsen’s cross. Højlund marked his goal with Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature ‘Siu’ celebration but insisted it was a tribute, not mockery. “It was not to mock him. He has been a great inspiration in my football career,” Højlund told Danish broadcaster TV2. Denmark had earlier missed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Christian Eriksen’s penalty…
Louis Buffon, son of legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, has pledged his international future to the Czech Republic rather than Italy. The 17-year-old Pisa winger, who qualifies for the Czech team through his mother, model Alena Seredova, has been called up to the Czech U-18 squad for upcoming matches against England, France, and Portugal. Buffon made his professional debut for Pisa in Serie B earlier this month and believes representing the Czech Republic is the best choice for his development. “I talked to my family, and we decided this was the best path for my career,” he said in an…
Rwanda midfielder Jojea Kwizera believes playing at home will be a huge advantage for his team when they face Nigeria in Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The Amavubi will host the Super Eagles at the 45,508-capacity Amahoro Stadium in Kigali for their Group C matchday 5 clash. Rwanda, currently leading the group with seven points, are four points ahead of Nigeria, who are yet to win in the qualifiers. In a video shared by the Rwanda Football Association, Kwizera urged fans to show full support. “We have a really big advantage playing at home. I invite everyone to come…
Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong has dismissed concerns over Nigeria’s poor away record against Rwanda, insisting that victory is a must in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The Super Eagles have never beaten the Amavubi on away soil in three previous attempts, but Troost-Ekong is confident they can change that this time. “We’ve read about our record, but we are not bothered. I was part of the last game in Kigali that ended goalless, but we know a draw is not an option this time,” he told thenff.com. “Our goal is to secure three points and boost our qualification…
Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole has expressed his excitement after receiving his first-ever invitation to the Super Eagles for Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Speaking to the Super Eagles media team, Bankole described the experience as “amazing” and shared his joy at training alongside Nigeria’s top stars. “It has been great. Being in the midst of the big boys, the superstars, is an incredible feeling,” he said. Bankole, who has consistently been one of the standout goalkeepers in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), remained confident that his hard work would eventually earn him a…
