Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Chelsea have been dealt a major early-season blow with striker Liam Delap sidelined until December after sustaining a hamstring injury in the 2-0 victory over Fulham before the international break. The 22-year-old was forced off just 14 minutes into the clash at Stamford Bridge, with manager Enzo Maresca confirming that his recovery timeline is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks. Although the England Under-21 international has avoided surgery, Chelsea’s medical staff are taking a cautious approach. The club hopes he could make a return in late November, potentially offering a boost in time for the festive fixture congestion.…

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles will face Venezuela in an international friendly on Friday, November 14, at the Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas. The clash provides José Peseiro’s men with a valuable opportunity to test themselves against South American opposition as they continue preparations for the final rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The fixture comes at a crucial moment for the Super Eagles, whose World Cup qualifying campaign has been anything but smooth. Having dropped points in key matches against Zimbabwe and South Africa, Nigeria’s path to Canada, Mexico, and…

Ange Postecoglou has brushed aside talk of needing to silence critics as he begins his tenure as Nottingham Forest’s new manager, declaring that his track record speaks for itself. The 60-year-old Australian, unveiled at the City Ground on Thursday, returns to management just three months after his dismissal from Tottenham Hotspur. Despite guiding Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years — the Europa League title in May — his side endured a disastrous domestic campaign, finishing 17th in the Premier League. Postecoglou replaces Nuno Espírito Santo, who was relieved of his duties on Monday night after 21 months…

Former Premier League referee David Coote has pleaded not guilty to a charge of making an indecent image of a child, following a police investigation earlier this year. The 43-year-old, who was dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December 2023, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. Court Appearance Coote, of Woodhill Road in Collingham, Nottinghamshire, spoke briefly during the 18-minute hearing to confirm his name, date of birth, and enter a plea of not guilty. He was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 9 October. The charge relates…

Jamie Vardy is ready for a new chapter in his remarkable footballing journey, insisting that “age is just a number” as he begins life in Italy with Serie A newcomers Cremonese. The 38-year-old striker ended a glittering 13-year spell at Leicester City this summer, departing the King Power Stadium as one of the club’s all-time greats. Over 500 appearances, he netted 200 goals, including 24 in the unforgettable 2015-16 season when Leicester shocked the world by winning the Premier League title. Now, Vardy is embracing a fresh challenge in northern Italy after signing on a free transfer with Cremonese. The…

Chelsea Football Club has been charged with 74 alleged breaches of Football Association (FA) rules in relation to payments made to agents, intermediaries, and third parties between 2009 and 2022. The latest development adds another layer of scrutiny to the club’s financial practices during the Roman Abramovich era. Scope of the Charges The alleged breaches primarily cover transactions between the 2010-11 and 2015-16 seasons, though the FA’s charge spans over a decade of activity. The focus is on the way the club handled dealings with player representatives and third-party ownership structures, which are tightly regulated to prevent conflicts of interest…

The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have not been short of drama, and the latest controversy surrounds Nigeria’s talismanic striker Victor Osimhen. Former Ghanaian captain Asamoah Gyan has sensationally claimed that Osimhen faked the injury which forced him off during Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo last week. Osimhen, who joined Turkish giants Galatasaray this summer in a record deal, appeared to sustain a knock midway through the first half after colliding with Rwandan defender Niyomugabo. He was substituted immediately and missed Nigeria’s crucial 1-1 draw against South Africa days later in Bloemfontein. However, Gyan has cast doubt on…

Cape Verde are on the cusp of history after defeating Cameroon 1-0 in Praia on Tuesday, moving within touching distance of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time. Dalion Livramento’s brilliant solo strike sealed a famous victory against the five-time African champions and left the Atlantic island nation, with a population of under 600,000, needing just one more win from their remaining two fixtures to secure a ticket to the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States. A Famous Night in Praia Cape Verde entered the clash one point ahead of Cameroon at the top…

The Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada suffered another devastating blow on Tuesday night after being held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in Bloemfontein. It was a match billed as a must-win for Nigeria, but instead the team left the Toyota Stadium with only one point, further complicating their qualification path. The Match South Africa struck first through an unfortunate own goal from captain William Troost-Ekong midway into the first half. Nigeria responded just before the interval when defender Calvin Bassey calmly slotted home after connecting with…

The Super Eagles were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by South Africa in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. Nigeria, who came into the tie seeking maximum points to boost their qualification hopes, had to settle for a share of the spoils after a tense and hard-fought battle with the Bafana Bafana. Completesports.com’s Adeboye Amosu assesses the performances of the Nigerian players in what proved to be another difficult outing for the three-time African champions. Stanley Nwabali – 7/10 The Chippa United goalkeeper produced a composed display on familiar soil.…