It was another show of mighty victories for Europe’s elite clubs over their opponents during matchday 2 of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League group stage games. It took Arsenal half an hour and five minutes to score the decisive goal that put them ahead of visitors PSG at the Emirates Stadium. Goals from familiar names, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, secured a resounding 2-0 victory for Arsenal. Barcelona returned to winning ways following their disappointing performance away at Osasuna over the weekend in La Liga. They pummeled Young Boys 5-0. Robert Lewandowski scored a brace, while Martinez and Raphinha—who was…
Author: Oladimeji Adeoye
The English FA has overturned Bruno Fernandes’ red card following Manchester United’s appeal. The incident occurred during United’s 3-0 defeat against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday, where Fernandes was sent off in the 42nd minute for an unsportsmanlike tackle on a Tottenham player. The club argued that the referee’s decision to dismiss Fernandes was incorrect, prompting them to file the appeal. However, with the appeal receiving approval means that the Manchester United captain will now be unavailable for the club’s next three matches against Aston Villa, Brentford, and West Ham, which he was initially set to miss.
Former Barcelona and Spanish midfielder Andrés Iniesta is set to retire from football after hinting at the development on his social media page. In the caption, he wrote: “COMING SOON. 8, 10, 24,” referring to the day he is set to announce his retirement from the sport, with the number eight being synonymous with his shirt number. Iniesta, who famously played for Barcelona where he began his senior career, was with the Catalan club from 2002 to 2018. In 2018, he joined the Japanese club Vissel Kobe, where he played until 2023. He then moved to Emirates Club in the…
Atletico Madrid and French forward Antoine Griezmann announced his retirement from international football on his social media pages at 33. Antoine Griezmann shared on his social media pages: “It’s with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life. Thank you for this wonderful tricolor adventure, and see you soon.” His illustrious ten-year career with the French national team saw him earn 137 senior caps and score 44 goals, making him his country’s joint-third highest appearance maker and fourth-top scorer. He represented France in six major tournaments. French national team head coach Didier Deschamps, reacting to…
Manchester United were completely outclassed by Tottenham Hotspur today at the old Trafford after another ignominy from Ten Hag and his boys. They conceded 3 goals in the entire 90 minutes losing Bruno Fernandes just few minutes before the conclusion of the first half. Manchester United’s struggles this season persist as they trailed to Tottenham Hotspur at halftime at Old Trafford. In an eventful first half, Johnson’s goal added to the tension between both teams before Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for unsportsmanlike conduct just three minutes before the break. Tottenham completely dominated at Old Trafford, boasting…
The English Premier League (EPL) matchday 6 saw some of the league’s top teams in action. Arsenal and Chelsea secured impressive victories, both winning by a 4-2 margin, while Newcastle frustrated Manchester City with a draw. Arsenal bounced back this weekend after being denied a win at the Etihad Stadium last week, following John Stones’ late equalizer that resulted in a 1-1 draw. Tonight, Arsenal’s goals came from Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, and an own goal by Wilfred Ndidi, which helped them overcome their opponents in a 4-2 thriller. Leicester City’s James Justin scored twice, but it wasn’t…
Bayer Leverkusen and Super Eagles forward, Victor Boniface, has revealed the two leagues he prefers over the English Premier League during an interview session with Sporty TV. When asked if he would like to join the English Premier League soon, Boniface disclosed that he’s not a fan of the world’s most recognized league, instead showing his preference for La Liga and the Bundesliga. “No. I have been saying this even before I had an international passport, even before I dreamed of coming to Europe. I don’t really like the Premier League; I prefer Spanish and German football.” The Akure-born striker…
The Nigeria Football Federation has announced its decision to retain its Technical and Development Sub-Committee’s recommendation for Coach Augustine Eguavoen to continue as the interim head coach of the Super Eagles for the Nigeria national team’s qualifying matches for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Libya next month. The Federation also approved the retention of his technical team, which includes Fidelis Ilechukwu, Daniel Ogunmodede, Olatunji Baruwa, and Tomaz Zorec, who were temporarily in charge of the team during the Eagles’ AFCON qualifying games against Benin Republic—resulting in a 3-0 win—and Rwanda, where they drew in matchday one and two,…
A youthful team of Arsenal and Liverpool were the latest clubs to reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after beating their opponents to make the last eight of the competition. Arsenal ran riot against Bolton Wanderers during their 5-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners led in both halves, with goals powered by Declan Rice, who scored the opener. Seventeen-year-old Ethan Nwaneri netted a brace. In the 64th minute, Raheem Sterling opened his goal tally, making it four for Arsenal. Kai Havertz sealed the win by scoring in the 77th minute. Although Bolton scored a consolation goal…
Raphaël Varane and Como are discussing a potential contract termination as the player considers retiring. French defender Raphaël Varane, currently with Como, is contemplating retirement from football due to recurring injuries, according to Fabrizio Romano: “After his recent injury, Varane is seriously considering leaving professional football to focus on a new chapter immediately. His contract termination has already been discussed with Como, the Italian club he joined this summer.” Varane, 31, has suffered numerous injuries, one of the reasons his contract with Manchester United was not renewed by the Red Devils. This summer, he secured a move to the Italian…
Chelsea and Manchester City have advanced to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after securing victories in the third round. Christopher Nkunku, who has regained his form, scored a hat-trick in Chelsea’s commanding win over Barrow AFC. The French forward netted twice in the 8th and 15th minutes, and Barrow conceded an own goal just before the half-hour mark, giving Chelsea a 3-0 lead at halftime. In the second half, Neto Pedro, a summer signing from Wolves, added his name to the scoresheet, while Nkunku completed his hat-trick with the final goal in Chelsea’s most dominant win of the…
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group and one of Arsenal’s biggest fans, has expressed regret for not purchasing the club when it was valued at $2 billion, especially now that its worth has doubled. “Actually, I regret not buying it before, but my money was more needed for completing my project, the Dangote Refinery, than for buying Arsenal. I would have bought the club for $2 billion, but I wouldn’t have been able to finish my project. So, it was either I finish my project or go and buy Arsenal.” Around 2020, when Arsenal…
Rangers International F.C. of Enugu have been eliminated from the CAF Champions League in the second preliminary round after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Angola’s Sagrada Esperança. The Flying Antelopes had beaten their opponents by a goal to nil in Nigeria, but the aggregate score ended 3-2 in favor of Sagrada Esperança. Meanwhile, Enyimba FC secured their place in the CAF Confederation Cup, advancing to the group stage by winning a penalty shootout against Étoile Filante of Burkina Faso at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria. Both legs ended in a barren draw, and a penalty shootout was required to…
Arsenal were unlucky after drawing 2-2 against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this evening. Unexpectedly, Arsenal almost held on to a 2-1 full-time victory but were set back following John Stones’ equalizer in the late minutes of the second half. First Half: Manchester City took an early lead at the Etihad Stadium, with Erling Haaland scoring brilliantly from a superb Savinho assist. It was his 100th goal in 105 appearances for the Cityzens since joining from Dortmund. Meanwhile, Arsenal quickly responded when Ricardo Calafiori’s powerful strike beat Ederson, leveling the game. Just before halftime, Arsenal gained the advantage as…
AS Roma Football announced today that CEO Lina Souloukou has stepped down from her role. In April 2023, Lina came into the limelight after she was appointed as the new CEO and General Manager of AS Roma. The club thanked her for her services, while it claimed to focus on its future. “We thank Lina for her dedicated service during a critical period for the club and wish her the best in her future endeavors. The ownership remains fully committed to AS Roma’s growth and success, with a continued focus on the values that make our club so special.”
Chelsea triumphed over London rivals West Ham at the London Stadium, with Nicholas Jackson playing a pivotal role, contributing to all three goals. Jackson netted twice in the first half, scoring in the 4th and 18th minutes with brilliant assists from Jadon Sancho and Caicedo. Despite West Ham matching Chelsea in possession and posing more goal threats, the Blues held firm. Cole Palmer added a third, assisted by Jackson, who was involved in every Chelsea goal. This marks Chelsea’s second consecutive win, following their clean sheet victory against Bournemouth, earning them six points. Chelsea now sit just two points behind…
The UEFA Champions League matchday one continued on Thursday, with Arsenal, Benfica, Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Brest, and Monaco securing crucial victories over their opponents. Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta and Arsenal shared the spoils after brilliant saves from David Raya helped the Gunners hold the home team to a stalemate at full time in Italy. Barcelona’s first defeat of the season came in Monaco, France, after an early red card to Garcia reduced the La Liga side to 10 men. It was their second consecutive game with a red card, although they pulled through in the first. 17-year-old Lamine Yamal scored…
Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface has shared an inspiring quote about how he used to spend N30 to watch Champions League football in viewing centers at the Army Barracks in Akure, and how he is now fulfilling his dream by making his debut in the UEFA Champions League. The Bayer Leverkusen forward, known for his memes on social media, shared this: “From paying N30 to watch Champions League football at night back then at 323 Army Barracks, Akure, to playing my first Champions League game. Proud of this moment.” Boniface started the game against Feyenoord last night for Bayer Leverkusen,…
The Nigeria Professional Football League champions, Enugu Rangers, have shown interest in signing Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa, who has expressed his desire to return to the Nigerian top-flight league. Musa previously played in the league with Kano Pillars from 2009 to 2010 and had a second spell with the Sai Masu Gida in 2021. On his X page, formerly Twitter, he shared an image of all 20 participating clubs in the NPFL, asking his followers which team they would like him to join: “Let’s go again. Which of these teams do you wish for me to sign?” Although the…
The 2024-25 UEFA Champions League season kicked off yesterday with six games featured on Tuesday of Matchday one. Bayern München scored nine, and Harry Kane four, to make it a prolific first night of league phase action on which the holders Real Madrid won with two late goals. Real Madrid, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, Sporting CP and Juventus start the 2024-25 UCL brilliantly – winning their first games of the campaign. Young Boys 0-3 Aston Villa For the first time in 41 years, Aston Villa win their first game in the Uefa Champions League putting three pass Young Boys…
Liverpool FC has announced the death of a fan who traveled to Italy ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League tie against AC Milan. Philip Dooley died before kickoff time after a road traffic accident, Liverpool has announced: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our supporter, Philip Dooley, following a road traffic accident in Bergamo in the early hours of this morning. Philip was a lifelong Liverpool fan who had traveled to Italy to be at tonight’s Champions League game against AC Milan. Our staff in Milan are working with the local police and consulate, and continue to support…
After issuing a record 14 yellow cards during Chelsea’s clash with Bournemouth last weekend—the most ever in a single game in Premier League history—Anthony Taylor will not referee any of the 10 Premier League fixtures this weekend. However, he will serve as the fourth official for Ipswich Town’s match against Southampton on Saturday and Brighton & Hove Albion’s game against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which oversees officiating in English football, stated that this decision is not related to his recent officiating but is part of the regular rotation of referees for fixtures. During…
Barcelona has confirmed that Dani Olmo will be out for a period of four to five weeks after the 26-year-old was subbed off during Barcelona’s 4-1 victory away at Girona. Olmo scored the third goal in the 61st minute after Lamine Yamal’s brace in the first half, making it his third goal since joining Barcelona in the summer transfer window this season. Barcelona confirmed that Olmo injured his right hamstring and will be sidelined for several weeks: “Tests conducted this Monday morning on Dani Olmo have revealed that the FC Barcelona forward has injured his right hamstring. He is expected…
Arsenal secured all three points against their London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby at White Hart Lane, the home of the Spurs. Gabriel Magalhães’ brilliance in the 64th minute sealed Arsenal’s victory, marking their third consecutive win at White Hart Lane. Despite the absence of key midfielders Declan Rice, who was suspended after receiving a red card in Arsenal’s previous match against Brighton, and club captain Martin Odegaard, sidelined due to an injury sustained during the international break, the Gunners showed resilience against a dominant Tottenham side. Arsenal now joins Manchester City, Brighton, and Nottingham Forest as…
Liverpool were left in disarray after suffering their first defeat of the season at Anfield, as Nottingham Forest clinched their first win at the iconic ground in 65 years. In this new era under manager Arne Slot, Liverpool had started their 2024-25 campaign brilliantly, securing three consecutive victories, the most recent being a commanding 3-0 triumph over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Nottingham Forest delivered a resilient performance at Anfield, repelling every Liverpool attack with their staunch defense. They struck late, with Callum Hudson-Odoi scoring the decisive goal that sealed their historic win. If not for this solitary goal, Arne…
Manchester United cruised to victory against Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium, climbing to 7th in the league with two wins and two losses so far this season. United took control of the game early, finishing the first half with a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from new signing Matthijs de Ligt and Marcus Rashford. For Rashford, it was his first goal since March, while De Ligt opened his account as a United player. Despite Southampton having a slight edge in possession with 52% compared to United’s 48%, the Red Devils were more clinical, recording ten shots on target against the…
Chelsea FC has announced that Nicholas Jackson has extended his contract by two additional years, which will keep him at the London club until 2033. Jackson joined Chelsea in 2023 from Villarreal and enjoyed an impressive first campaign at Stamford Bridge. He netted 17 goals across all competitions and has started the current campaign strongly, scoring two goals in four appearances. In his statement after signing the contract, the 23-year-old expressed his happiness: “I am feeling very good and am very happy to sign a new contract and stay at the club.” “It feels great that the club has confidence…
The Super Falcons’ head coach, Randy Waldrum, has resigned from his position, citing his wife’s worsening health condition as the reason in the first paragraph of his letter dated September 12, 2024. “It’s been a very difficult few weeks following the Olympics with my wife’s health issues, and the worries that obviously come with that. After much thought and consideration, I am hereby resigning my position as head coach of the Super Falcons. This will allow the NFF ample time to find the next manager to take over this incredible squad.” The American joined the Super Falcons in 2020, despite…
Arsenal FC has confirmed that their head coach, Mikel Arteta, has committed his future to the club by extending his stay with the London side. Arteta joined Arsenal in 2019 and has since revitalized the club, finishing as runner-up twice to Manchester City and guiding the team to FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs. He has also re-established Arsenal’s presence in top European football, securing Champions League qualification for the first time in seven years—all achieved with the third-youngest squad in the Premier League. Arsenal’s Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, said: “We’re delighted to have extended Mikel’s contract. “Mikel is a dynamic…
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has declined a mediation offer made by the French soccer league’s legal commission in a dispute with his former club PSG over unpaid wages and bonuses. The 25-year-old French player, who switched club allegiance to Real Madrid as a free agent, alleged that the French champions owe him €55 million (around $60 million). According to The Athletic, the mediation offer was rejected by the player’s representative, who met with PSG yesterday and informed the Associated Press about the non-payment of three months’ salary and the last third of a loyalty bonus. Conversely, PSG, where Mbappé…