Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Genk striker Tolu Arokodare has expressed his excitement after receiving his first-ever call-up to the Super Eagles for Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The 24-year-old, currently the top scorer in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League with 17 goals, was initially named in the 39-man provisional squad before making the final 23-man list. Speaking to NFF TV, Arokodare admitted he was surprised but also confident that his performances would earn him national team recognition. “I knew it was coming because I was doing pretty well, and I was hoping for it,” he said. “Being in the…

The 2025 Formula 1 season kicked off in dramatic fashion with Lando Norris securing victory in an action-packed Australian Grand Prix, edging out Max Verstappen. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated Ferrari debut saw him finish a modest 10th, raising questions about how long it will take the seven-time world champion to adapt to his new team. A Learning Curve for Hamilton Since joining Ferrari, Hamilton has emphasized the steep learning curve he faces in understanding the car, its systems, and his new team environment. Throughout the Melbourne weekend, he repeatedly referred to “building” knowledge to extract maximum performance. “I’ve learned a…

West Ham striker Michail Antonio has opened up about the horrific car crash that left him hospitalized for weeks and facing a long road to recovery. The 34-year-old footballer crashed his Ferrari into a tree in Epping Forest on a stormy Saturday in early December. Images of the wreckage shocked fans, leaving many questioning if he had survived. Antonio, speaking in an exclusive interview with BBC One’s Morning Live, described the incident as a life-changing moment. “It made me realize how close I was to dying,” he admitted. “I’ve been given another chance at life.” A Horrifying Ordeal On the…

Steven Gerrard has stepped down as head coach of Al-Ettifaq by mutual consent after 18 months at the helm. The former Rangers and Aston Villa manager, who took over the Saudi Pro League side in July 2023, departs following a string of disappointing results that have left the team hovering five points above the relegation zone. Despite signing a two-year contract extension in January 2024, which was set to keep him at the club until 2027, Gerrard’s tenure has been cut short after managing only five wins in 17 league matches this season. Al-Ettifaq currently sits in 12th place in…

Fifpro and Fifa discuss fixture congestion amid strike threats. Player representatives from Fifpro have met with Fifa to address growing concerns over fixture congestion, which has led to the threat of strike action from players. The discussions centered on the expanded 32-team Club World Cup set to take place in 2025. While Fifa President Gianni Infantino expressed a willingness to collaborate, sources indicate that mounting pressure from players and unions pushed Fifa into negotiations. Manchester City midfielder Rodri and other leading players have been vocal about the strain caused by the packed schedule. With clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City…

Lewis Hamilton has crashed his Ferrari during the team’s pre-season testing in Spain. The seven-time world champion lost control of the 2023 car at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya but emerged unscathed. Ferrari declined to comment on the incident, which occurred during Hamilton’s second day of testing alongside teammate Charles Leclerc. The team views the crash as a normal part of Hamilton’s adaptation process after 12 years with Mercedes. With F1’s strict testing restrictions, Hamilton is limited to running older cars. He completed 30 laps at Fiorano before moving to Barcelona for a three-day session. Ferrari’s priority is integrating Hamilton into…

David Coote, a former Premier League referee who officiated over 100 top-flight matches, has spoken publicly about his sexuality and the immense pressures of his career. In a candid interview, Coote revealed he hid his identity as a gay man throughout his time in football, fearing the abuse and stigma it could bring. The 42-year-old said the demands of his job, combined with personal struggles, led to behaviors that ultimately caused his dismissal from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December 2024. “A Deep Sense of Shame” Speaking to The Sun, Coote described the emotional toll of hiding…

Super Eagles and Nantes forward Moses Simon has announced the birth of his son, sharing the joyous news on his official X handle. Simon posted heartfelt words of gratitude alongside photos of his wife during her pregnancy and their two daughters. “I find no words strong enough to express my exact feelings, I’m sincerely grateful to GOD,” Simon wrote. “GOD has blessed my home with a baby boy. Thanks, my Queen, for this marvelous gift to our family, you are indeed a strong woman and I am always proud of you ❤️.” The football star, who has been in impressive…

Brazilian star Neymar has parted ways with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, with his contract terminated by mutual agreement. The 32-year-old forward joined Al-Hilal in August 2023 for €90m (£77.6m) but managed only seven appearances for the club due to injuries, including a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament suffered during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023. Al-Hilal released a statement thanking Neymar for his contributions, saying: “The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career at Al-Hilal and wishes the player success in his career.” Despite signing a two-year contract…

Radja Nainggolan, the former Belgian international footballer, has been arrested in connection with a major cocaine trafficking investigation, according to a statement released by the Brussels prosecutor’s office. The 36-year-old midfielder was among several suspects apprehended on Monday morning as Belgian police executed multiple raids across the country. Authorities are investigating an alleged drug trafficking network that reportedly imported cocaine from South America to Europe, using the port of Antwerp as a key entry point before redistributing the substances within Belgium. “The investigation concerns alleged facts of importation of cocaine from South America to Europe, via the port of Antwerp,…