Lando Norris laid down an early marker at Monza as he topped Friday practice for the Italian Grand Prix, outpacing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by less than a tenth of a second. The McLaren driver, who needs to claw back points in the title fight against his team-mate Oscar Piastri, clocked the fastest lap of the day in an encouraging start to the weekend. Norris arrives in Italy under pressure after…

Just four years ago, Raheem Sterling stood at the heart of England’s attack, inspiring his country to the Euro 2020 final and earning recognition as one of the Three Lions’ most influential figures. Today, at 30, the winger finds himself in a very different position: in exile at Chelsea, confined to the club’s so-called “bomb squad” with £30m in wages still left on his contract. The decline has been stark.…

By Boluwatife Kehinde Boxing fans worldwide are set for a spectacle as Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather have agreed to face off in an exhibition fight in spring 2026. Although the date and venue are yet to be confirmed, promoters at CSI said negotiations were complete, paving the way for a blockbuster event mixing nostalgia, legacy, and entertainment. READ ALSO: Tyson Fury’s gloves are off for good – Arum doubts return…

By Boluwatife Kehinde Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have been drawn in Group B of the 2025 WAFU B U-17 Championship, where they will face Burkina Faso and the Benin Republic. The draw, conducted on Thursday in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, also confirmed the host nation will stage the competition from 20 September to 3 October. Group A features hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger Republic and Togo. The tournament doubles as the qualifying…

By Boluwatife Kehinde Former Bayer Leverkusen head coach Erik ten Hag released an official statement following his abrupt dismissal after just two Bundesliga matches in charge. The Dutch manager, who arrived in the summer, failed to secure a league win during his short tenure. His reign began with a 2-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim and ended with a dramatic 3-3 draw against ten-man Werder Bremen. Although Leverkusen cruised to a…

Wilfred Ndidi has sounded a stern warning ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, insisting that the Super Eagles cannot afford another slip-up if they are to keep their dreams of reaching the mundial alive. The three-time African champions face the Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday in a crucial Matchday 7 clash. Nigeria are under pressure after a disappointing home draw…

England Under-17s’ 2-1 friendly victory over Venezuela in Duisburg was overshadowed by two stoppages caused by reports of racist abuse, prompting the Football Association (FA) to launch discussions with organisers and governing bodies over potential action. The match, staged in Germany as part of preparations for next month’s European Championship qualifiers in Lithuania, was halted twice in the second half after allegations that one or more Venezuelan players directed racist…

Djed Spence says he hopes to inspire the next generation as he prepares to become the first Muslim footballer to represent England’s senior men’s team. The Tottenham Hotspur full-back, who has six England Under-21 caps, has received his first senior call-up for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. His inclusion crowns a remarkable turnaround in fortunes after years of loan spells and limited playing time. Though the Football Association…

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to sanction the departure of goalkeeper André Onana to Saudi Arabia, with the Pro League’s transfer window still open. The 29-year-old Cameroon international, who joined United from Inter Milan in 2023, could become the latest Premier League player to be lured by lucrative Middle Eastern offers. According to Teamtalk, United are willing to let Onana leave if the right offer arrives. The club’s stance reflects…

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá is weighing up legal action against the Football Association (FA) after being cleared of spot-fixing charges in what has been described as the largest disciplinary case in English football history. The Brazilian, 28, was accused of deliberately collecting yellow cards to influence betting markets, an allegation first raised in August 2023. By May 2024, the FA had charged him on four counts of intentionally…

For the first time in the history of English women’s football, minimum salaries will be introduced for players in the top two tiers of the professional game this season. The move, announced by WSL Football, represents a landmark step toward fully professionalising the Women’s Super League (WSL) and WSL 2. WSL Football, which oversees England’s professional women’s leagues, did not disclose the exact salary amounts, but confirmed the minimum will…

PGMOL chief Howard Webb has admitted officials made a “misjudgement” in disallowing Josh King’s goal for Fulham during their 2-0 defeat at Chelsea last weekend, reigniting debate around VAR’s role in the Premier League. The 18-year-old striker thought he had put the Cottagers ahead in the 22nd minute at Stamford Bridge, only for the effort to be ruled out after a lengthy review. VAR intervened to highlight a foul in…