Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek has said women’s tennis no longer needs events like the so-called “Battle of the Sexes” to prove its value, insisting the women’s game now “stands on its own”. Her comments follow a highly publicised exhibition match in Dubai last week, where men’s player Nick Kyrgios defeated women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets on a modified court designed to level the contest. While the event drew global attention, Swiatek was unconvinced of its significance beyond entertainment. “I think for sure it attracted a lot of attention,” Swiatek said. “It was entertainment, but I wouldn’t…

Thomas Frank cuts the figure of a man caught between expectation and reality at Tottenham Hotspur, trapped in what feels increasingly like a gilded cage. Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was not a disaster in isolation, but it reinforced a growing sense of joylessness that continues to define Spurs under their head coach. At full-time, the familiar sound of boos echoed around the stadium. They were not directed solely at Frank, but they carried a deeper frustration — a collective release from supporters weary of unfulfilled promise. This magnificent arena, once a symbol of ambition…

Brennan Johnson’s move to Crystal Palace marks one of the most eye-catching transfers of the winter window, with the Wales forward completing a club-record £35m switch from Tottenham Hotspur. For Palace, it is a statement of intent; for Johnson, a chance to restart momentum after a frustrating spell in north London. The 24-year-old is expected to be part of Palace’s squad for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Newcastle, just days after finalising the deal. Palace moved swiftly and decisively, fending off interest from Bournemouth, who had identified Johnson as a potential replacement should Antoine Semenyo depart amid Manchester City’s pursuit.…

Brazil and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos is recovering in hospital after undergoing what he has described as a “preventative medical procedure”, reassuring fans worldwide that there is no cause for alarm. The 52-year-old former left-back shared an update on his condition via social media, posting a photograph of himself smiling from a hospital bed. In a clear and personal message, Carlos dismissed rumours that he had suffered a heart attack, stressing that the procedure was planned in advance and completed successfully. “I recently underwent a preventative medical procedure, planned in advance with my medical team,” he wrote. “The procedure…

Gabonese football has been plunged into crisis after the country’s government suspended the national team, banned star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and sacked head coach Thierry Mouyouma following a disastrous Africa Cup of Nations campaign. The dramatic decision was announced by Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula in the wake of Gabon’s 3-2 defeat by Ivory Coast on 31 December, a result that confirmed their elimination from the tournament in Morocco. Gabon finished bottom of their group, having already lost to Cameroon and Mozambique, and failed to register a single point. Describing the performances as “disgraceful”, Mamboula outlined sweeping sanctions that go far…

Anthony Joshua’s driver has been formally charged following a tragic road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of the former heavyweight champion’s team and left the boxer himself injured. Police confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before the Sagamu Magistrate Court in Ogun State on Friday, where he was charged in connection with the crash. Prosecutors have brought four counts against him, including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a valid driver’s licence. The case has been adjourned until 20 January. The incident…

Chelsea’s troubling pattern of dropping points from winning positions has intensified scrutiny on manager Enzo Maresca, raising the question: is it down to his tactical decisions or the inexperience of his substitutes? The Blues have surrendered 11 points from leading positions at Stamford Bridge this season, more than any other Premier League club. Including away matches, Chelsea have lost 13 points from winning positions – exactly the gap separating them from league leaders Arsenal. The latest setback came in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, where substitute Ollie Watkins scored twice to snatch victory, leaving Chelsea 10 points behind third-place…

Manchester United head coach . has insisted his decision to alter the club’s tactical approach was driven by timing and necessity rather than pressure, as he seeks to guide his injury-hit squad through a demanding period of the season. Amorim abandoned his trademark back three with wing-backs for the first time in United’s recent win over Newcastle United, instead opting for a more traditional back four supported by two holding midfielders. The shift paid immediate dividends, delivering only the club’s second clean sheet of the campaign, even if the system effectively became a back six in the closing stages as…

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri has undergone a minor heart operation after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, the Italian club has confirmed. The 66-year-old is expected to return to his regular duties within the next few days, easing concerns over the health of one of European football’s most distinctive coaching figures. Italian media reported the procedure was routine and precautionary, aimed at correcting an irregular heart rhythm rather than addressing a life-threatening condition. Lazio said Sarri is recovering well and remains in close contact with his coaching staff as preparations continue for Sunday’s Serie A clash at home to Napoli. Sarri…

Cristiano Ronaldo has declared he will not retire from football until he reaches the remarkable milestone of 1,000 career goals, underlining his enduring ambition as he continues to defy age and expectation. The Portugal captain, now 40, reaffirmed his determination after scoring twice in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 win over Al Akhdoud in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday. Those goals took his combined tally for club and country to 956, leaving him just 44 short of a figure few once thought possible in the modern era. Speaking in Dubai after being named Best Middle East Player at the Globe Soccer Awards,…