Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Falconets striker Chiamaka Okwuchukwu has narrowly missed out on the 2024 CAF Women’s Young Player of the Year award. The highly competitive category was ultimately won by Morocco’s rising star Doha El Madani. Okwuchukwu, who had an impressive year representing Nigeria at both club and international levels, was shortlisted alongside Egypt’s Habiba Sabry. Despite missing out on the award, her nomination underscores her growing reputation as one of Africa’s brightest young talents. Men’s Young Player of the Year In the Men’s Young Player of the Year category, Senegal’s Lamine Camara retained the title, winning the award for the second consecutive…

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Nigerian football stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have been named in the CAF FIFPro Men’s Best XI for 2024, a prestigious recognition of their stellar performances over the year. Osimhen, the 2023 African Player of the Year, retained his spot in the elite lineup, cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s top strikers. The 25-year-old forward is joined in attack by his compatriot Ademola Lookman, who succeeded him as the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year, and Egypt’s iconic captain Mohamed Salah. Celebrating Nigerian Excellence This marks a moment of pride for Nigerian football as two of its…

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Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has urged Instagram and authorities to take stronger action against online racism after he was subjected to vile abuse following his team’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Juventus. Walker, 34, shared a screenshot of the offensive message on Instagram, condemning the “vile, racist, and threatening abuse” and calling for immediate intervention to prevent such incidents. “No one should ever experience this,” Walker wrote, adding that he and his team remain committed to improving on the field and fostering unity. Manchester City issued a statement strongly condemning the abuse, pledging their full support to Walker and…

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Beijing, China – Li Tie, the former head coach of China’s national men’s football team and a prominent figure in Chinese sports, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for bribery, according to state media reports. His case has become a focal point of President Xi Jinping’s intensified anti-corruption campaign, which has targeted various sectors including sports, banking, and the military. Li, 47, was convicted of fixing matches, accepting over $16 million in bribes, and offering bribes to secure coaching positions. His offenses spanned from 2015, during his tenure as an assistant coach at Hebei China Fortune Club, to…

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Manchester City have posted a record-breaking revenue of £715m for the year ending 30 June 2024, marking the highest in Premier League history. The figure surpasses their previous best of £712.8m despite a year that fell short of their historic 2023 Treble triumph. The club celebrated a fourth consecutive league title and victories in the Club World Cup and European Super Cup. City reported a pre-tax profit of £73.8m, with wages dropping by £10.3m to £412.6m. Commercial revenue saw a slight rise to £344.7m. Additionally, the club recorded a £92.8m net profit from transfer activities, including the sales of Julian…

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Ibrox witnessed a night of ferocious intensity as Rangers battled to a 1-1 draw against a lackluster Tottenham Hotspur. Cyriel Dessers nearly stole victory late on, but Fraser Forster, Spurs’ savior, delivered a crucial stop to deny the hosts. Tottenham arrived seemingly unprepared for the hostile environment. Manager Ange Postecoglou, aware of Ibrox’s challenges from his Celtic days, watched his team wilt under relentless Rangers pressure. Nicolas Raskin set the tone early, dispossessing Spurs players with ease, while James Tavernier and Igamane combined for a well-deserved opener. Postecoglou’s substitutions, including Dejan Kulusevski, brought some semblance of order, culminating in Kulusevski’s…

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On a night when Manchester United secured a hard-fought Europa League victory against Viktoria Plzen, all eyes were on Andre Onana. The Cameroonian goalkeeper’s error in the first half, leading to Matej Vydra’s opener, added fuel to an ongoing debate: Is Onana a liability or an integral piece of Ruben Amorim’s tactical puzzle? A String of Errors Onana’s attempt to pass out to Matthijs de Ligt was intercepted by Pavel Sulc, setting up the opener for the Czech side. Although Rasmus Højlund’s brace ensured United’s eventual victory, Onana’s mistake did not go unnoticed. This error came hot on the heels…

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The Football Association (FA) is set to support Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, alongside backing the multi-nation hosting of the 2030 tournament. The FA’s stance is expected to be confirmed during Wednesday’s online FIFA Congress, where both bids will likely be ratified. Saudi Arabia is the sole contender for the 2034 World Cup, while the 2030 edition is poised to be awarded to unopposed co-hosts Spain, Morocco, and Portugal, with early matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. Although Saudi Arabia’s hosting appears certain, the FA’s endorsement has sparked controversy due to the kingdom’s human rights…

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At 43 years old, Fernando Alonso refuses to let age dim his ambition for a third Formula 1 World Championship. The Spanish driver, who clinched his two titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, remains steadfast in his belief that he can achieve the ultimate glory again. With an eye on the sweeping regulation changes set for the 2026 season, Alonso’s dream is far from over. Alonso’s hopes have been bolstered by Aston Martin’s strategic signing of Adrian Newey, the renowned Formula 1 designer, to lead the creation of their car for 2026. Widely considered one of the most influential…

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Former world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis has pleaded guilty in connection with the death of his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins. Hoskins, 31, was struck by a vehicle driven by Dennis outside their Adelaide home on 30 December 2023, and later died in hospital. Dennis, who was initially charged with dangerous driving causing death and driving without due care, admitted to a lesser charge of aggravated dangerous driving, creating the likelihood of harm. His plea means he acknowledged driving a vehicle in close proximity to Hoskins, knowing it was likely to cause harm or showing reckless disregard for her safety.…

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