Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Former WBO world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is facing a potentially career-derailing ban after testing positive for cocaine on the eve of his October fight with Briton Fabio Wardley. The 33-year-old New Zealander, long regarded as one of boxing’s most respected professionals, is now at the centre of a disciplinary process that could leave him sidelined for months—or even years. The adverse finding came from a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) sample collected on 25 October, one day before Parker stepped into the ring at London’s O2 Arena. Despite the looming test result, Parker proceeded with the bout, which ended in…

Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Dublin proved far more dramatic than anyone expected, as the Portugal captain was sent off during his side’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to the Republic of Ireland. What unfolded next ignited a war of words between managers, raised questions over Ronaldo’s temperament, and left Portugal awaiting a disciplinary verdict that could affect their World Cup campaign. Before the match, Ronaldo had joked that he would “try to be a good boy” to avoid hostility from the Irish crowd. Yet by the hour mark, the 40-year-old had again cemented his place as a pantomime villain in…

Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma admitted his side fell short after a 4-1 loss to Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final on Thursday night. The match, played at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, saw the Panthers of Gabon compete valiantly but ultimately succumb to the attacking firepower of the Super Eagles in extra time. Gabon started the match with hope, looking to upset one of Africa’s top footballing nations. Jerome Akor opened the scoring for Nigeria early on, putting Gabon on the back foot. Despite the early setback, Gabon showed resilience. Mario…

Real Madrid’s charge toward another La Liga title hit a small bump on Sunday as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by city rivals Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio de Vallecas. The result trims their lead at the top of the table to five points, opening the door for Barcelona to close the gap later in the evening. The defending champions arrived in Vallecas aiming to restore their seven-point cushion after Villarreal’s 2-0 win at Espanyol had briefly cut the gap. But Xabi Alonso’s men, who have won 10 of their opening 12 league games, were stifled by…

Norwegian international Andreas Schjelderup has revealed he is facing conviction in Denmark for illegally sharing a video when he was 19, calling it a “stupid mistake” and taking full responsibility for his actions. The 21-year-old Benfica winger, who has seven caps for Norway, issued a public statement on Instagram on Saturday, admitting to sharing a video clip while playing for Danish Superliga side Nordsjaelland — without realising the nature of its content. Schjelderup’s admission comes just days before Norway’s crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Estonia and Italy, fixtures that could secure the country’s first appearance at a World Cup…

Lewis Hamilton has described his first season with Ferrari as “a nightmare” after a disastrous Sao Paulo Grand Prix saw him retire for the fifth time this season. The seven-time world champion’s switch from Mercedes to Ferrari was billed as one of the most dramatic moves in Formula 1 history — but so far, the dream partnership has failed to deliver. Hamilton’s race in Brazil unravelled almost immediately. Starting mid-grid after a tricky qualifying session, he was clipped by the Williams of Carlos Sainz in the opening lap, sending his Ferrari bouncing over the kerbs. Then, in his eagerness to…

Robert Lewandowski rolled back the years with a stunning hat-trick as Barcelona triumphed 4-2 over Celta Vigo in a thrilling La Liga encounter at the Estadio Abanca-Balaídos. The victory moves the Catalan giants within three points of league leaders Real Madrid, who were held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano earlier in the day. At 37, Lewandowski remains a model of sharpness and composure, and his performance in Vigo was a masterclass in timing and finishing. The Polish striker’s treble — including a penalty, a volley, and a header — showcased the range of skills that have defined his…

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has defended his player rotation policy following sharp criticism from former England captain Wayne Rooney. The Italian coach stood firm after Rooney suggested senior Chelsea players should “question” the manager’s frequent changes to his starting lineup. Rooney’s remarks came after Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday — a match in which Maresca made seven changes from his previous lineup. It marked the fifth consecutive game that the Chelsea boss has altered at least seven positions, a trend that has divided opinion among pundits and supporters alike. Maresca, however, insists his rotation…

“Out of 571 referees working in professional leagues, 371 have betting accounts, and 152 are actively placing bets,” Hacıosmanoğlu alleged.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been named the Premier League’s Manager of the Month for October, marking the first time the Portuguese tactician has received the honour since his appointment at Old Trafford nearly a year ago. Amorim, who took charge of United in November 2024, guided his team to a perfect run of three league victories in October, easing mounting pressure after a shaky start to the season. The month began with a much-needed home win against Sunderland before United stunned Liverpool with a memorable 2-1 triumph at Anfield – their first victory on Merseyside since January 2016.…