Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

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…

Nigerian football stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have been named in the CAF FIFPro Men’s Best XI for 2024, a prestigious recognition of their stellar performances over the year. Osimhen, the 2023 African Player of the Year, retained his spot in the elite lineup, cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s top strikers. The 25-year-old forward is joined in attack by his compatriot Ademola Lookman, who succeeded him as the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year, and Egypt’s iconic captain Mohamed Salah. Celebrating Nigerian Excellence This marks a moment of pride for Nigerian football as two of its…

Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has urged Instagram and authorities to take stronger action against online racism after he was subjected to vile abuse following his team’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Juventus. Walker, 34, shared a screenshot of the offensive message on Instagram, condemning the “vile, racist, and threatening abuse” and calling for immediate intervention to prevent such incidents. “No one should ever experience this,” Walker wrote, adding that he and his team remain committed to improving on the field and fostering unity. Manchester City issued a statement strongly condemning the abuse, pledging their full support to Walker and…

Beijing, China – Li Tie, the former head coach of China’s national men’s football team and a prominent figure in Chinese sports, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for bribery, according to state media reports. His case has become a focal point of President Xi Jinping’s intensified anti-corruption campaign, which has targeted various sectors including sports, banking, and the military. Li, 47, was convicted of fixing matches, accepting over $16 million in bribes, and offering bribes to secure coaching positions. His offenses spanned from 2015, during his tenure as an assistant coach at Hebei China Fortune Club, to…

Manchester City have posted a record-breaking revenue of £715m for the year ending 30 June 2024, marking the highest in Premier League history. The figure surpasses their previous best of £712.8m despite a year that fell short of their historic 2023 Treble triumph. The club celebrated a fourth consecutive league title and victories in the Club World Cup and European Super Cup. City reported a pre-tax profit of £73.8m, with wages dropping by £10.3m to £412.6m. Commercial revenue saw a slight rise to £344.7m. Additionally, the club recorded a £92.8m net profit from transfer activities, including the sales of Julian…

Ibrox witnessed a night of ferocious intensity as Rangers battled to a 1-1 draw against a lackluster Tottenham Hotspur. Cyriel Dessers nearly stole victory late on, but Fraser Forster, Spurs’ savior, delivered a crucial stop to deny the hosts. Tottenham arrived seemingly unprepared for the hostile environment. Manager Ange Postecoglou, aware of Ibrox’s challenges from his Celtic days, watched his team wilt under relentless Rangers pressure. Nicolas Raskin set the tone early, dispossessing Spurs players with ease, while James Tavernier and Igamane combined for a well-deserved opener. Postecoglou’s substitutions, including Dejan Kulusevski, brought some semblance of order, culminating in Kulusevski’s…