Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

The year 2024 was a thrilling one for sports enthusiasts worldwide, with numerous events that showcased the best of human athleticism, skill, and determination. From historic tournaments to inspiring achievements, both globally and in Nigeria, here is an expanded overview of the year’s most memorable moments in sports. Global Sporting Highlights Paris 2024 Summer Olympics The Paris Summer Olympics, held from July 26 to August 11, captured global attention with its innovations and celebrations of diversity. Among the standout moments were the debut of breaking (breakdancing) as an Olympic sport and the achievement of full gender parity in athlete participation.…

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has called for reinforcements in the January transfer window, admitting the squad is “short in a couple of areas” amid a challenging run of form. Spurs have slipped to 11th in the Premier League after losing three of their last four games, including a 6-3 home defeat to Liverpool. Key injuries to goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and defenders Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have compounded their struggles. Speaking ahead of their Boxing Day clash with fourth-placed Nottingham Forest, Postecoglou emphasized the importance of careful planning for January. “We’ve been planning for a while,” said the…

La Liga strugglers Valencia have appointed Carlos Corberan as their new head coach, bringing the Spaniard back to his homeland after an impressive stint with West Bromwich Albion. Corberan, 41, has signed a contract until the end of the 2026-27 season, taking over from Ruben Baraja, who was sacked following Valencia’s poor start to the campaign, with just two wins in 17 league matches. Valencia triggered Corberan’s release clause, reportedly between £3-4 million, to secure his services. The appointment comes as the club sits second-bottom in La Liga, four points from safety, and prepares to face reigning champions Real Madrid…

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.…

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…