Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo was named Player of the Match following her outstanding performance in Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Tunisia in their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group B opener on Sunday. Despite starting the game on the bench, Okoronkwo made an immediate impact after being introduced in the second half, helping to seal the victory and impressing fans and analysts alike with her skill, vision, and attacking presence. Nigeria, who are chasing a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, were already in control when Okoronkwo entered the game. First-half goals from Asisat Oshoala and Rinsola Babajide had given…

Nigeria’s Super Falcons began their campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Tunisia on Sunday, delivering a commanding performance that underlined their status as tournament favourites. The Group B opener, played at the Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat, saw the nine-time champions stamp their authority early and maintain control throughout. Goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chiwendu Ihezuo secured all three points and a comfortable lead in the group. It was a statement win for Nigeria, who had never beaten Tunisia at WAFCON, with their only previous meeting ending in…

Marcus Rashford is expected to return to Manchester United training on Monday, marking the beginning of what could be a pivotal summer in the 27-year-old’s career. After a turbulent season that saw him loaned out to Aston Villa following a fallout with manager Ruben Amorim, Rashford’s Old Trafford future remains unresolved. Rashford, who has been with United since the age of seven, spent the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan at Villa Park after being frozen out by Amorim in December. During his short spell at Aston Villa, the England international made 17 appearances, scoring four goals and…

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with multiple sexual offences, including five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The charges, which involve three women and span alleged incidents between 2021 and 2022, were confirmed by the Metropolitan Police on Thursday. Partey, 32, who until recently played for Premier League side Arsenal, has denied all the allegations through his lawyer and said he looks forward to clearing his name in court. According to the police, the charges relate to three separate complainants. Two counts of rape relate to one woman, three other counts of rape involve…

Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams has ended months of speculation surrounding his future by signing a new 10-year contract with the Basque club. The 22-year-old, who played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, has extended his stay at San Mamés until June 2035, effectively ruling out a summer move to Barcelona or Bayern Munich. Williams had been heavily linked with a switch to La Liga rivals Barcelona, with reports emerging last month that the Catalan giants had agreed personal terms with the player. German powerhouse Bayern Munich were also rumoured to be tracking his progress. However, the Spain…

The football world continues to mourn the tragic loss of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, whose sudden death in a car accident on Thursday sent shockwaves across the global sporting community — including among Nigerian footballers at home and abroad. Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva died in the early hours of Thursday morning following a high-speed crash on the A-52 highway near Palacios de Sanabria in Spain’s Zamora province. According to Spanish authorities, the vehicle suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, causing the fatal accident around 12:40 am local time. The Portugal international was returning to Liverpool…

Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a moment of brilliance to set up Gonzalo García’s winning goal as Real Madrid edged past Juventus 1-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. In a closely contested match in front of 62,149 fans, it was Alexander-Arnold’s superb second-half cross that separated the two European giants. The England international, making his fourth consecutive start under Xabi Alonso, swung in a pinpoint delivery which García powered into the top corner with a well-timed header in the 54th minute. The goal marked García’s third of the tournament and…

Arsenal have completed the signing of Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for a reported fee of £5 million, marking the end of the 30-year-old’s eventful six-year stint at Stamford Bridge. Kepa has signed a three-year contract with the Gunners and is expected to compete for the number one shirt alongside fellow Spaniard David Raya. The deal brings a new chapter for Kepa, who arrives at the Emirates Stadium after a season-long loan at Bournemouth, where he featured in 35 matches across all competitions. He now joins Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, a team pushing for Premier League and European glory after…

Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo has pledged his future to the club by signing a new contract extending his stay at Vitality Stadium until the summer of 2030. The 25-year-old Ghanaian forward’s commitment comes after an impressive rise since joining the Cherries from Bristol City in January 2023. Semenyo’s new deal underlines his importance to Bournemouth’s plans as they prepare for another Premier League campaign. Having already signed a long-term contract 12 months ago, this extension offers both the club and player added stability amid increased attention from some of England’s biggest clubs. Since arriving in Dorset, Semenyo has become a…

Harry Kane scored twice as Bayern Munich cruised into the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup with a 4-2 victory over Flamengo at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The England captain delivered a masterclass in clinical finishing, netting once in each half to ensure the German champions outclassed the Brazilian giants in a thrilling Last 16 encounter witnessed by over 60,000 spectators. It took Bayern just six minutes to get on the scoresheet, though it came through an unfortunate moment for Flamengo’s Erick Pulgar, who diverted the ball into his own net following a cross from the right.…