Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has slammed a fine of N1 million on Warri Wolves following a breach of security during their Matchday Two fixture against Enugu Rangers at the Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro. The league body, in its official communication on Monday, said the sanction was necessary after the Seasiders failed to provide “prompt, adequate and effective” security measures which led to a delay in the scheduled 4 p.m. kick-off. Despite the eventual smooth completion of the game, which Warri Wolves won 2-0, the NPFL disciplinary committee stressed that the lapse in security arrangements undermined the league’s…

Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare has penned an emotional farewell to Genk supporters as he prepares to finalise a £27m move to Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 24-year-old is expected to be unveiled by Wolves on Monday after passing a medical, with the fee representing a club-record sale for Genk. His departure closes a two-year chapter in Belgium that saw him develop into one of the league’s most feared forwards. Emotional Goodbye Taking to social media, Arokodare thanked Genk fans for their support and reflected on the memories he has made since joining in 2023. “After two years with this…

Manchester United have agreed a deal worth an initial £18.1m to sign Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, ending their pursuit of Aston Villa’s World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez. The 23-year-old, capped nine times by Belgium’s Under-21s, is travelling to Manchester to finalise a five-year contract. United view him as one of Europe’s brightest goalkeeping prospects and a potential long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois at international level. United’s Goalkeeping Woes The move comes amid growing concern over United’s current options between the posts. Turkish international Altay Bayindir, signed in 2023, has made a series of costly mistakes in the…

Liverpool have agreed a British record £125m fee to sign Sweden striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, smashing their own transfer record in a dramatic end to the summer window. The deal, which could rise to £130m with add-ons, eclipses the £107m Chelsea paid Benfica for Enzo Fernandez in 2023 and ranks as one of the biggest transfers in football history. Saga Finally Ends The transfer concludes a drawn-out saga involving Isak, 25, who had been unsettled on Tyneside since July. Newcastle initially rejected Liverpool’s £110m bid, but with the striker eager to leave and a replacement already secured in…

Bayer Leverkusen have sensationally parted company with manager Erik ten Hag after only two Bundesliga fixtures, making his dismissal the fastest in the league’s history. The 55-year-old Dutchman, who signed a two-year deal in May following his exit from Manchester United, leaves the German club after a turbulent summer and a disastrous start to the new campaign. Leverkusen confirmed the news on Monday morning, with managing director Simon Rolfes acknowledging that the decision was taken reluctantly but decisively. “Building a new and successful team with this set-up is not feasible,” Rolfes said. “Nobody wanted to take this step, but the…

Newcastle United supporters made their feelings plain at Elland Road on Saturday. As Alexander Isak’s absence dragged into a third league game, the away end turned on their record signing with chants of: “We don’t care about Isak, he don’t care about me, all we care about is NUFC.” The Sweden international has made no secret of his wish to join Liverpool before Monday’s transfer deadline, and Newcastle’s fanbase has grown restless. Meanwhile, a new hero is waiting in the wings. Nick Woltemade, the £69m arrival from Stuttgart, was mobbed by supporters outside the ground despite being unable to play,…

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…