Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Emma Raducanu’s impressive run at the Miami Open ended in a hard-fought quarter-final loss to world number four Jessica Pegula. Despite battling illness and needing medical treatment in the second set, the 22-year-old Briton pushed Pegula to three sets before falling 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 6-2. Raducanu, ranked 60th, played some of her best tennis since winning the 2021 US Open. She led 5-2 in the second set and had four set points before calling for medical assistance, where she had her blood pressure checked and used ice towels to cool down. Despite the setback, she showed resilience to win the…

By [Your Name] In a surprising mid-season shake-up, Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda will replace Liam Lawson in their senior Formula 1 team with immediate effect. The Japanese driver will make his Red Bull debut alongside Max Verstappen at his home Grand Prix in Suzuka from April 4-6. The decision comes after just two races in the 2025 season, where Lawson struggled with the RB21 car. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner stated that the team had to act quickly. “It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races, and…

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is investigating an incident in which Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda was subjected to “hateful language” from a fan during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Gotham FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New York. Gotham FC has apologized to Orlando and is working with the NWSL on the investigation. “This behaviour is unacceptable and has no place in our league or stadiums,” the NWSL, Orlando Pride, and Gotham FC said in a joint statement. Stadium security addressed the situation after it was reported, monitoring the fan for the remainder of the match. Banda, named BBC…

Afghan-born footballer Nadia Nadim sees her participation in Soccer Aid as an opportunity to represent women who lack access to sports and a voice in society. Nadim, 37, fled Afghanistan as a child after her father was executed by the Taliban. Growing up in a refugee camp, she discovered football, leading to a successful career with clubs like Manchester City and the Danish national team. With women’s rights severely restricted in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return in 2021—including a ban on competitive sports—Nadim believes Soccer Aid can highlight these issues to a wider audience. “It’s important to create awareness and…

Red Bull Racing is reportedly considering dropping Liam Lawson after just two races in the 2025 Formula 1 season, raising questions about the team’s management and decision-making. Lawson, who replaced Sergio Perez at the end of 2024, has struggled to adapt to Red Bull’s challenging car. He crashed out in Melbourne and finished last in qualifying and the race in China, failing to match teammate Max Verstappen’s pace. While Lawson’s poor performances are a concern, Red Bull’s problems extend beyond its newest driver. Verstappen himself has admitted the car is difficult to handle, suffering from mid-corner understeer and instability. The…

Brisbane is set to construct a brand-new 63,000-seat stadium as the centerpiece of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Queensland government has announced. The state-of-the-art multi-sport venue will be located in Victoria Park, hosting the Games’ opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the athletics events. Additionally, the new stadium will serve as Brisbane’s primary cricket venue after the historic Gabba stadium is demolished post-Games. The decision was confirmed by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, marking a significant shift from previous government assurances that a new stadium would not be built. A Surprising Policy Shift “I have to own that,…

Juventus have sacked head coach Thiago Motta after just nine months in charge and replaced him with Croatian Igor Tudor. Motta, 42, took over in June 2024 but struggled to maintain consistency. The 36-time Serie A champions currently sit fifth in the league, one point outside the Champions League qualification spots. His tenure ended after back-to-back heavy defeats—3-0 to Fiorentina and 4-0 at home to Atalanta. Juventus also crashed out of the Coppa Italia and failed to qualify for the Champions League after losing to PSV Eindhoven in the play-off round. His replacement, Tudor, is a former Juventus defender who…

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…

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…