Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

The Premier League has once again been dominated by controversy surrounding video assistant referee (VAR) decisions, with several high-profile calls sparking fury from managers and players. Burnley and Fulham were the latest clubs to find themselves on the wrong end of contentious rulings that have reignited the debate about VAR’s role in the modern game. At Old Trafford, Burnley manager Scott Parker accused VAR of stripping the sport of its passion after his side’s agonising 3-2 defeat to Manchester United. The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when Jaidon Anthony was penalised for pulling Amad Diallo’s shirt. Referee Sam…

Former Nigerian international Austine Eguavoen has expressed understanding and support for Junior Nduka’s decision to join the Iraqi League, highlighting the player’s right to seek new opportunities and the financial benefits involved. Nduka, the former Remo Stars captain, was part of the squad that won the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title last season. He also featured in the recently concluded CHAN tournament with the Home Eagles, where Nigeria exited earlier than expected. His move to Iraq has sparked debate among fans, with many questioning the choice over staying in Nigeria or exploring opportunities in more prominent African competitions. Eguavoen…

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has cautioned his players against underestimating the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier next month. The Bafana Bafana boss, who guided his team to the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, has his side sitting on top of Group C with 13 points from six matches. But with two critical fixtures coming up in September – against Lesotho and Nigeria – Broos stressed that focus and discipline will be essential if South Africa are to maintain their lead. South Africa on top but wary of…

The Champions League league-phase draw has delivered high drama for England’s top clubs, with both Liverpool and Manchester City set to face record 15-time winners Real Madrid in a blockbuster opening round of fixtures. Thursday’s draw in Nyon confirmed that all six Premier League representatives will face daunting schedules as the competition enters its second season under the expanded 36-team “Swiss-style” format. Premier League’s tough assignments Liverpool’s reunion with Real will carry added intrigue after former captain Trent Alexander-Arnold left Anfield for the Spanish giants this summer. The right-back is now set for an emotional return to Merseyside, with Jurgen…

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz will undergo surgery on a knee injury sustained after the opening weekend of the Premier League season, but the German international is not expected to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The 26-year-old, who came off the bench in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening day, was absent for the 5-0 home win against Leeds United last weekend. It has now been confirmed that he requires a minor operation to correct the problem, though medical staff are optimistic that his recovery will be measured in weeks rather than months.…

Crystal Palace made history on Thursday night as they secured their first-ever appearance in the group stage of a European competition, edging past Norwegian side Fredrikstad with a narrow 1-0 aggregate victory in the UEFA Conference League play-offs. Oliver Glasner’s men arrived at the Nye Fredrikstad Stadion holding a slender lead thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s strike in the first leg at Selhurst Park. They clung onto that advantage despite a nervy and uninspiring performance in Norway, which saw them held to a goalless draw. Palace struggle to impose themselves The visitors failed to find their rhythm in attack, continuing a…

West Ham United’s turbulent start to the Premier League season has cast a long shadow over manager Graham Potter, with mounting concerns about results, recruitment, and the very direction of the club. The Hammers have endured three consecutive defeats, shipping 11 goals in just three games, a run that has plunged the side into crisis. Their latest loss, a Carabao Cup exit to Wolves, was made worse when captain Jarrod Bowen clashed with a fan at full-time, an incident emblematic of a toxic mood growing around the London Stadium. Former midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker summed up the mood, describing the situation…

England and Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has challenged Arsenal to finally deliver a major trophy this season, insisting that their new squad depth leaves them with no excuses. The former striker, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, noted that Mikel Arteta’s side now boasts one of the most formidable squads in Europe following a busy summer transfer window. A Strengthened Arsenal Squad Arsenal’s summer business has transformed their squad. The arrival of Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon provides the Gunners with the number nine they have lacked in recent years. His physical presence and goalscoring record…

Sevilla striker Akor Jerome Adams will miss Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa due to a long adductor muscle injury in his left thigh, suffered during Sevilla’s La Liga defeat to Getafe last weekend (Daily Post Nigeria, Yahoo Sports). At 25 years old, this represents a significant setback for both club and national team. Sevilla confirmed on Wednesday that Adams is unavailable not only for the qualifiers but also for this weekend’s fixture against Girona (Daily Post Nigeria, Yahoo Sports). The injury occurred in live action, prompting the club’s medical staff to rule him…

Fulham are moving decisively to secure a permanent transfer of Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan, with the deal reportedly valued at around €25 million and negotiations in advanced stages. According to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, “Milan and Fulham are in constant contact to close a €25 million transfer,” comprised of a mix of fixed fees and add-ons (SempreMilan). Further confirmation from Football-Italia adds that Milan have officially set the asking price at €25 million, and Fulham are working swiftly to reach an agreement before the transfer window slams shut (Football Italia). The playmaker’s career trajectory has been somewhat…