Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Enyimba head coach Stanley Eguma has praised his team’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Mozambique’s Black Bulls in the CAF Confederation Cup, describing the performance as a morale booster and a gift to Nigerian football fans. The two-time African champions dominated the match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday, revitalizing their hopes in Group D. Speaking after the match, Eguma, who recently assumed the managerial role, reflected on the progress made in a short time. “This result is like a New Year gift to Nigerians because they’ve been yearning for this kind of performance in continental football,”…

Kenneth Omeruo has expressed his excitement after returning to full training with Turkish Super Lig side Kasimpasa, following a lengthy injury layoff. The 31-year-old defender sustained an injury during Kasimpasa’s 3-3 draw against Galatasaray in October, sidelining him for nine matches. Now fit again, Omeruo is eager to rejoin his teammates and make an impact on the pitch. The Nigeria international shared his joy on social media, writing: “It’s been a difficult few months. Glad to be running again… can’t wait to start helping my team again. I have missed it. #UncleK #OffThePitch.” Omeruo has made five league appearances for…

Pep Guardiola has issued a clear challenge to Jack Grealish, urging the Manchester City forward to rediscover the form that made him indispensable during the club’s historic Treble-winning campaign in 2023. Grealish, 29, has struggled to cement his place in the starting XI this season, with just six starts in City’s 20 Premier League matches. The England international was limited to a late substitute appearance in Sunday’s 4-1 victory over West Ham United, replaced by standout Brazilian Savinho, who contributed two assists in a dominant performance. Addressing Grealish’s current form, Guardiola said, “Do I want the Jack that won the…

Novak Djokovic, the 37-year-old Serbian tennis legend, has revealed lingering feelings of “trauma” when visiting Melbourne, three years after being deported under Australia’s strict Covid-19 regulations. In 2022, Djokovic’s visa was canceled on “health and good order” grounds due to his unvaccinated status, forcing him to miss the Australian Open. The ordeal included a five-day stay in an immigration hotel and a high-profile legal battle that ended with his deportation. Speaking to Melbourne’s Herald Sun, Djokovic admitted, “The last couple of times I landed in Australia, going through passport control brought back trauma from three years ago. Some traces of…

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance against Manchester United on Sunday has reignited debates about his defensive abilities and the impact of transfer speculation on his form. The 26-year-old Liverpool right-back endured a torrid afternoon at Anfield as Liverpool narrowly escaped with a 2-2 draw against their underperforming rivals. The match highlighted Alexander-Arnold’s defensive struggles, with both United goals stemming from his side of the pitch. His inability to contain Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes drew sharp criticism from pundits and fans alike. Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane didn’t hold back, suggesting, “If Trent keeps defending like that, he’s heading to Tranmere…

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has issued a rallying call to his players ahead of today’s high-stakes Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield. Amorim, who has faced mounting pressure amid a challenging season, emphasized the need for his team to overcome their anxieties and rediscover their confidence on the pitch. Speaking in an exclusive interview with the club’s website, the Portuguese manager admitted that the squad is grappling with nerves but expressed optimism about turning their fortunes around. “They are anxious and sometimes afraid on the pitch,” Amorim confessed. “We have to cope with that. We need the leaders…

Former England striker Gary Lineker has heaped praise on Alex Iwobi for his outstanding performances for Fulham this season. Iwobi, who joined the London club last summer, has quickly established himself as a key player under manager Marco Silva. The Nigeria international has contributed five goals and three assists in 19 Premier League appearances, helping Fulham secure eighth place in the league standings. Speaking on his podcast, The Rest is Football, Lineker highlighted Iwobi’s impact. “Iwobi has had a terrific season. He’s been around the Premier League for a while, and his performances have been pivotal for Fulham’s success this…

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen delivered another standout performance, scoring in Galatasaray’s 2-1 victory over Goztepe in the Super Lig on Saturday. The Nigerian striker, in his 12th league appearance for the Turkish giants, opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a clinical penalty, sending the home fans into raptures. Osimhen’s tally for the season now stands at an impressive 10 goals and three assists, underscoring his value to the team. Goztepe responded in the 27th minute through Romulo, briefly silencing the vibrant Galatasaray supporters. However, Yunus Akgün restored the lead in the 61st minute with a brilliant strike,…

Valencia CF has bolstered their squad with the six-month loan signing of Nigerian forward Umar Sadiq from Real Sociedad, with an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season. The move comes as Valencia battles relegation, sitting 19th in La Liga. New manager Carlos Corberán hopes Sadiq’s arrival will provide the firepower needed to revive the team’s fortunes. Sadiq, 26, has struggled for form at Sociedad, netting just four goals in 35 league appearances. However, his impressive record at Almeria, where he scored 43 goals and contributed 13 assists in 84 games, highlights his potential to…

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has affirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s commitment to the club despite ongoing speculation about his future. The 26-year-old England right-back, out of contract this summer, was approached by Real Madrid, but Liverpool rejected any January move. Slot confirmed Alexander-Arnold will feature against Manchester United on Sunday, praising his exceptional form and dedication this season. “He’s fully committed to us,” Slot said. Speculation also surrounds Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, whose contracts similarly expire in six months. Slot dismissed concerns about destabilization, emphasizing the resilience of players at top clubs. “If speculation destabilized us, we’d really have a…