Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

On a night when Manchester United secured a hard-fought Europa League victory against Viktoria Plzen, all eyes were on Andre Onana. The Cameroonian goalkeeper’s error in the first half, leading to Matej Vydra’s opener, added fuel to an ongoing debate: Is Onana a liability or an integral piece of Ruben Amorim’s tactical puzzle? A String of Errors Onana’s attempt to pass out to Matthijs de Ligt was intercepted by Pavel Sulc, setting up the opener for the Czech side. Although Rasmus Højlund’s brace ensured United’s eventual victory, Onana’s mistake did not go unnoticed. This error came hot on the heels…

The Football Association (FA) is set to support Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, alongside backing the multi-nation hosting of the 2030 tournament. The FA’s stance is expected to be confirmed during Wednesday’s online FIFA Congress, where both bids will likely be ratified. Saudi Arabia is the sole contender for the 2034 World Cup, while the 2030 edition is poised to be awarded to unopposed co-hosts Spain, Morocco, and Portugal, with early matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. Although Saudi Arabia’s hosting appears certain, the FA’s endorsement has sparked controversy due to the kingdom’s human rights…

At 43 years old, Fernando Alonso refuses to let age dim his ambition for a third Formula 1 World Championship. The Spanish driver, who clinched his two titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, remains steadfast in his belief that he can achieve the ultimate glory again. With an eye on the sweeping regulation changes set for the 2026 season, Alonso’s dream is far from over. Alonso’s hopes have been bolstered by Aston Martin’s strategic signing of Adrian Newey, the renowned Formula 1 designer, to lead the creation of their car for 2026. Widely considered one of the most influential…

Former world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis has pleaded guilty in connection with the death of his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins. Hoskins, 31, was struck by a vehicle driven by Dennis outside their Adelaide home on 30 December 2023, and later died in hospital. Dennis, who was initially charged with dangerous driving causing death and driving without due care, admitted to a lesser charge of aggravated dangerous driving, creating the likelihood of harm. His plea means he acknowledged driving a vehicle in close proximity to Hoskins, knowing it was likely to cause harm or showing reckless disregard for her safety.…

Uefa has played down concerns over potential scheduling conflicts between the 2025 Women’s European Championship and the expanded FIFA Men’s Club World Cup. The men’s tournament, taking place from 15 June to 13 July 2025 in the United States, will feature 32 teams, including Chelsea and Manchester City. Meanwhile, Euro 2025 is set to run from 2 to 27 July in Switzerland, meaning that some matches could overlap. Despite this, Uefa managing director Nadine Kessler is not concerned, stating, “We’re talking about two tournaments, in two different countries, with two different timezones.” Kessler emphasized that Uefa’s broadcasting agreements differ from…

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed concerns about the demanding schedule his team faces, with a grueling 16-hour round trip to Kazakhstan followed by a Premier League match just days later. The Blues will travel to Almaty for their UEFA Conference League clash with Astana on Thursday. Due to ongoing stadium renovations in Kazakhstan’s capital, the team must make the 3,700-mile journey, which includes an eight-hour flight each way. The flight route has been altered to avoid conflict zones in Ukraine, Russia, and Syria, adding to the travel time. Once they arrive in Almaty, temperatures are expected to plummet to…

Millwall head coach Neil Harris will depart the club following Saturday’s match against Middlesbrough. Harris, the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, returned for a second stint in February 2024 and guided the Lions to safety in the Championship. Under his leadership, they finished 13th last season after a difficult start. However, the club has struggled this season, sitting 11th and without a win in four games. In a statement, Harris expressed his love for the club, stating, “This club is more than a job to me, it’s my club and always will be,” adding that the time felt right to step…

Four Manchester City stars feature in the 2024 Fifpro Men’s World XI, highlighting their dominance during another stellar season. The team includes Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, all of whom were instrumental in City’s fourth consecutive Premier League triumph. Joining them is Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, the sole representative outside Real Madrid and City. Real’s players include Jude Bellingham, who topped the overall voting, Toni Kroos, Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, Vinicius Jr, and Kylian Mbappe, who switched to Madrid from PSG this summer. Notably absent is Lionel Messi, left out for the first time…

Guinea midfielder Naby Keita is set to join Hungarian champions Ferencvaros on loan from Werder Bremen in January, with an option for a permanent transfer. Keita, 29, has been sidelined at Bremen since his suspension in April for refusing to travel with the team for a match against Bayer Leverkusen. Bremen’s sporting director, Clemens Fritz, confirmed the decision, stating, “It was clear Naby would not play for Werder again. This loan is the best solution for everyone involved.” Keita, who joined Bremen on a free transfer in June 2023, has struggled for form and fitness, managing just five Bundesliga appearances,…

West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek dedicated his goal in a vital 2-1 victory over Wolves to teammate Michail Antonio, who remains hospitalized following a car accident on Saturday. The 34-year-old forward, West Ham’s all-time Premier League top scorer, underwent surgery for a lower limb fracture on Sunday and is recovering under medical care. Speaking after the match, Soucek revealed the team had a video call with Antonio before the game. “We played for him,” Soucek said. “He’s in my heart, and I wanted to score for him today.” The Hammers players warmed up wearing Antonio shirts, and Soucek celebrated his…