Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has thrown his support behind Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah to win this year’s Ballon d’Or award, describing the Egyptian as the most impactful and consistent player over the course of last season. Speaking in an interview with British GQ, the Brazilian midfielder admitted that the competition for football’s most prestigious individual prize is always fierce but believes Salah’s performances stand out among his peers. “It’s very difficult, but in my opinion, for me, Salah,” Casemiro said. “He is the best player with his impact on the game. He scores so much and assists so much.” Casemiro…

Arsenal’s early season optimism has been tempered by yet another injury concern, with summer signing Noni Madueke facing an anxious wait on the results of a knee scan. The winger, who joined from Chelsea for £48.5 million in July, was forced off during the Gunners’ 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday, raising fears that Mikel Arteta’s attacking depth could once again be stretched thin. The 22-year-old pulled up midway through the first half, visibly uncomfortable, and was replaced at the interval by Bukayo Saka, who himself was only making his return from a month-long hamstring lay-off.…

Former Nigerian international and youth coach Fatai Amoo has expressed confidence that the Flying Eagles will deliver a strong performance at the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. The tournament, which runs from September 27 to October 19, offers Nigeria’s youth team another chance to chase their elusive first title at this level. The Flying Eagles have been drawn into Group F, where they will face Colombia, Norway, and Saudi Arabia. Though the group presents challenges, Amoo believes Nigeria has both the talent and pedigree to progress deep into the tournament. “I am backing the Flying Eagles to excel…

Liverpool’s summer signing Hugo Ekitike continued his dream start to life at Anfield with another influential performance in the 2-1 Merseyside derby victory over Everton. His seamless transition from Eintracht Frankfurt to the Premier League has not only delivered goals but also created an unexpected tactical conundrum for new head coach Arne Slot. Signed for £70m after a hot pursuit that saw Liverpool edge out Newcastle United, the 23-year-old Frenchman has already become a cult hero among the Kop. On Saturday, he delivered again, scoring Liverpool’s second goal with a composed finish under Jordan Pickford before leaving the pitch to…

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles continued their preparations for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against host nation Chile in a friendly encounter played on Saturday. The fixture, staged as part of both nations’ warm-up schedule, gave coach Aliyu Zubairu valuable insights into his squad ahead of the global tournament, which kicks off later this month. The w started brightly and showed great composure against a technically sharp Chilean side buoyed by home support. In the 18th minute, their early energy was rewarded when Ahmed Akinyele rose highest to meet a Tahir Maigana corner kick. His powerful…

Real Madrid extended their flawless start to the 2025-26 La Liga season with a 2-0 victory over Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday. The result keeps Carlo Ancelotti’s side on track with five wins from five, asserting their dominance at the top of the Spanish top flight. Espanyol arrived in the capital hoping to frustrate the reigning champions with a disciplined low block. For much of the first half, their compact defensive setup limited Real Madrid’s ability to impose their trademark fluid attacking style. However, it took a moment of individual brilliance to break the deadlock. In the 22nd…

After a nervy start and conceding twice in the opening 30 minutes, Spurs’ performance showcased a new fighting mentality under manager Thomas Frank.

West Ham’s early-season struggles reached a breaking point on Saturday as pressure mounted on head coach Graham Potter following a 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace. Eight months into a two-and-a-half-year contract, Potter’s position is under intense scrutiny, with the club quietly beginning to explore potential managerial replacements. The loss to Palace marked West Ham’s fourth defeat in their opening five Premier League fixtures and their third consecutive home reverse, each coming against London rivals Chelsea, Tottenham, and now Palace. The London Stadium faithful, already frustrated with the board’s stewardship, turned their ire on Potter, chanting “sacked in the morning”…

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has entered discussions with Chelsea over the treatment of Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi, two high-profile players currently frozen out of the club’s first-team set-up. Both players, once key figures in Chelsea’s squad, now find themselves sidelined under head coach Enzo Maresca, who has made it clear they are not part of his immediate plans. As things stand, Sterling and Disasi are training away from the main group, sparking concerns from the players’ union over whether their professional rights are being fully respected. Sterling and Disasi in Limbo Sterling, 30, remains one of the highest-paid…

The South African Football Association (SAFA) and midfielder Teboho Mokoena are under the spotlight after FIFA officially opened disciplinary proceedings regarding the player’s eligibility during a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier. The development, announced this week, could have major ramifications for Bafana Bafana’s qualification hopes. The Issue at Hand The controversy surrounds the March 21, 2025, World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho, played in Polokwane City. South Africa won the encounter 2-0, but FIFA now alleges that Mokoena should not have taken part due to suspension. The Mamelodi Sundowns star had previously collected yellow cards in matches against Benin Republic…