Philadelphia, PA — In a dramatic turn of events, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was ejected during his team’s 111-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas Eve. The reigning NBA MVP found himself at the center of controversy after a heated confrontation with referee Jenna Schroeder in the second quarter. The incident unfolded when Embiid was called for a third personal foul following a charge on Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, who was sent sprawling to the court with 2:59 remaining in the first half. Embiid, visibly frustrated, confronted Schroeder, ripping off his protective face mask in protest.…
Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi
Valtteri Bottas is set to rejoin Mercedes as their reserve driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season, marking a homecoming for the 35-year-old Finn after a three-year stint with Sauber. Bottas, who raced for Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, brings a wealth of experience, having secured 10 Grand Prix victories and 20 pole positions during his tenure with the Silver Arrows. He will serve as backup for George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. “Returning to the Mercedes family feels like coming home,” Bottas said. “I’ve had incredible moments in my 12 years in F1, and I’m excited to use…
Farhad Moshiri has sold his stake in Everton to the Friedkin Group, ending an eight-year tenure marked by challenges on and off the pitch. The £400m deal marks a new chapter for the Toffees, with fans expressing cautious optimism about the future. In an open letter to supporters, Moshiri admitted mixed emotions, reflecting on both the struggles and accomplishments during his ownership. “I fully understand that in football, results on the pitch are paramount, and they haven’t been good enough,” he wrote, citing missed potential following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure for Real Madrid in 2021. Moshiri highlighted progress, including the development…
IBF heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois has cast doubt on Anthony Joshua’s readiness for their anticipated rematch, stating, “Where is AJ? I can’t find him.” Despite extensive talks, the fight scheduled for 22 February has been scrapped, with Dubois now set to face top contender Joseph Parker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Dubois, 27, defeated Joshua in September, solidifying his claim as one of boxing’s elite. However, Joshua’s camp has cited an injury as the reason for withdrawing from the rematch. Speaking to BBC Sport, Dubois expressed confidence ahead of the Parker bout, saying, “Parker’s experienced and on a good run,…
In a match befitting Tottenham’s reputation for chaotic entertainment, Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs edged past Manchester United 4-3 to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium bore witness to a rollercoaster encounter filled with brilliance, blunders, and late drama. Spurs seemed set for a comfortable victory as Dominic Solanke struck twice, with Dejan Kulusevski adding a third to secure a 3-0 lead early in the second half. But true to their unpredictable form, Tottenham gifted United a lifeline when goalkeeper Fraser Forster’s errant pass allowed Joshua Zirkzee to score. Moments later, Forster compounded his woes, accidentally deflecting a clearance…
Marc Guiu, Chelsea’s 18-year-old forward, has become the latest sensation in European football following a stunning first-half hat-trick in Chelsea’s 5-1 win over Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League. The young Spaniard’s clinical performance not only secured Chelsea’s place as group leaders but also crowned him the league phase’s top scorer with six goals. Guiu’s goals showcased his predatory instincts. He opened the scoring by pouncing on a defensive error, added a second with an audacious finish from a tight angle, and capped his treble with a composed header from Noni Madueke’s cross. Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, now a…
Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended by the Football Association (FA) following an “adverse finding” in a routine urine test. The Premier League club and the player insist the 23-year-old has never knowingly used banned substances, and an investigation is underway. The FA’s notification of the adverse finding came as a shock to both Chelsea and Mudryk. The Ukrainian international, who has not featured in Chelsea’s squad for the past four games, last appeared as an unused substitute against Aston Villa on December 1. Chelsea and Mudryk Respond Chelsea released a statement affirming their support for the FA’s…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian football stars Ademola Lookman, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons for their exceptional victories at the 2024 CAF Awards in a statement by a presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman clinched the prestigious CAF Men’s African Footballer of the Year award, while Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was named Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year. The Super Falcons themselves earned the accolade for Women’s National Team of the Year. The awards ceremony, held on Monday at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, showcased the continent’s finest talents in football. In a…
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Football legend Ronaldo Nazário has declared his intention to run for the presidency of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), vowing to restore the national team’s prestige and reconnect it with the country’s fans. The 48-year-old, a two-time World Cup winner with Brazil, seeks to replace current CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues. Ronaldo’s announcement comes as Brazil continues to grapple with underwhelming performances in major tournaments, having last won the World Cup in 2002 and failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals since. Ronaldo’s Vision for Change Speaking to Globo Esporte, Ronaldo highlighted the dwindling public interest in…
Falconets striker Chiamaka Okwuchukwu has narrowly missed out on the 2024 CAF Women’s Young Player of the Year award. The highly competitive category was ultimately won by Morocco’s rising star Doha El Madani. Okwuchukwu, who had an impressive year representing Nigeria at both club and international levels, was shortlisted alongside Egypt’s Habiba Sabry. Despite missing out on the award, her nomination underscores her growing reputation as one of Africa’s brightest young talents. Men’s Young Player of the Year In the Men’s Young Player of the Year category, Senegal’s Lamine Camara retained the title, winning the award for the second consecutive…