The latest FIFA ranking has placed Nigeria as the 43rd-best team across the globe. The World football governing body announced this on its X handle on Thursday. The ranking places Nigeria one step ahead as the Super Eagles rounded off 2024 in the 44th position. Argentina remained top thanks to impressive wins In second place is Spain and France is in third place. England is fourth, while Brazil ranked fifth,…

Donald Trump’s new tariffs have sent shockwaves through global markets, but their effects could extend beyond economics and into the world of sports. With the U.S. set to host major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, businesses, sponsors, and athletes could feel the strain of increased trade barriers. Sponsorship and Merchandise Challenges Many major sponsors, including global brands like Nike, Adidas, and Hyundai,…

The United Kingdom is on course to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup after being named the only “valid” bidder for the tournament, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland submitted a joint bid in March, and with no other bids meeting the deadline, the UK is in pole position to stage the competition. “Today, I can confirm we received one valid bid for 2035,…

Arsenal have suffered a major defensive blow as Brazilian centre-back Gabriel Magalhães has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury that requires surgery. The 27-year-old was forced off in the first half of Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. Following medical assessments, the club confirmed that Gabriel will undergo surgery in the coming days and will begin rehabilitation…

Newcastle United secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Brentford at St. James’ Park, strengthening their push for a top-four Premier League finish. Goals from Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali ensured the Magpies emerged victorious in their first match since lifting the Carabao Cup. The game began with a celebratory mood, as Newcastle fans welcomed their cup-winning side back home. However, the contest proved to be a tough test for Eddie…

Manchester City continued their push for a Champions League spot with a 2-0 win over struggling Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium. Goals from Jack Grealish and Omar Marmoush sealed the victory as Pep Guardiola’s side climbed to fourth in the Premier League standings. Grealish, making his first league start since December, wasted no time making an impact, scoring just two minutes into the match after a cutback from Savinho.…

Aston Villa strengthened their push for a top-four finish with a commanding 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium. Goals from Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, and Donyell Malen secured all three points for Unai Emery’s side, who leapfrogged Brighton in the Premier League standings. After a goalless first half, Villa took control early in the second period. Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, opened the scoring…

Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield, with Diogo Jota’s 57th-minute strike proving to be the difference. The win edges Liverpool closer to a record-equalling 20th top-flight title, leaving them 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League with just eight games remaining. The match was a tense affair, with Everton frustrating Liverpool’s attacking efforts in the first half. However, the breakthrough came…

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has set Yuki Tsunoda a clear challenge ahead of his highly anticipated debut alongside Max Verstappen: get as “close as possible” to the reigning four-time world champion. The 24-year-old Japanese driver was announced last week as the replacement for Liam Lawson, who was dropped just two races into the 2025 Formula 1 season. Now, Tsunoda prepares to race in front of his home crowd…

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will be out for up to seven weeks with the ankle injury he suffered in Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final win at Bournemouth, says manager Pep Guardiola. The Norwegian was substituted in the 61st minute after scoring the equaliser as City went on to beat the Cherries 2-1 and reach the semi-finals. A video was posted on social media showing the 24-year-old leaving the Vitality Stadium on crutches…

Real Betis midfielder Isco has humorously suggested that the club should crowdfund to extend Brazilian winger Antony’s loan from Manchester United. Antony, who joined Betis in January for the remainder of the season, has made a significant impact, scoring four goals and providing four assists in 12 appearances. Despite his strong performances, Betis are covering a substantial portion of his wages, with reports indicating they pay at least 84% of…

Major League Soccer side LAFC and Mexican giants Club America could play a one-off match to determine the final spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The vacancy arose after Club Leon was removed from the tournament for violating FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules due to their ties with fellow qualifiers Pachuca. FIFA confirmed it is considering the play-off, with the winner replacing Club Leon in Group D, alongside Chelsea,…