Author: Oladimeji Adeoye

The saints today disclosed the acquisition of Nigeria midfielder Joe Aribo from Rangers, Glasgow of Scotland. The News Chronicle had previously hinted at the 25-year midfielder being linked to Southampton earlier this week. Aribo must have won the attention of Southampton after he made the most appearances of over 70 in their entirety last season for club and country. Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl said: “Joe is a player with many qualities to his game, and we are very excited to welcome him to the squad in time for the pre-season trip to Austria. “We believe Joe can bring energy and…

Igor Benevenuto became the first FIFA-ranked referee to reveal his sexuality as gay. The 41 years revealed this to Globoesporte in a podcast record dropped on Friday. The Brazilian said he is happy to have made this revelation after 23 years of handling the whistle. He further said for those 23 years of active service he could not because of the fear of prejudice and persecution. Igor has now followed in the footsteps of two Scottish referees, Craig Napier and Lloyd Wilson, Blackpool forward Jack Daniel, and Josh Cavallo of Adelaide. During the podcasts session, he said: “Football is a…

The former Liverpool striker and Celta Vigo Captain Iago Aspas has not been spoken about enough. Aspas plays currently with Celta Vigo in Spain, where he has had a resplendent career without the media recognizing it. Since 2016-17, no La Liga player has scored more goals than Aspas aside from Lionel Messi and Luiz Suarez. In many views, a lot of football enthusiasts believe his move to Liverpool in 2013 waned his recognition by the media as it’s popularly known that when a player fails in the most competitive league, he may not get such notoriety. But we have had…

Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from his Wimbledon semi-final against Nick Kyrgios with a suspected abdominal injury. The 36-year-old had been in pain even during his quarter-final game against Taylor Fritz but finished the game after a first aid treatment was administered. Reports from Spanish media said the Australian Open champion had undergone seven millimetres of tears to his abnormal muscles. The Spanish dream to complete the calendar year Glam slam has dwindled. He would have been the first to do so after Rod Laver in 1969. In a press conference the Spaniard said: “Unfortunately, as you can imagine I am…

The Super Falcons wore a new look last night when they took on Botswana as against what they were on Tuesday. The victory builds up hopes for the Falcons to qualify for the next round. Super Falcons are now second place in group C three points behind Banyana Banyana of South Africa who defeated Burundi by 3-1 and the same points as Botswana. A win over Burundi, who is yet to secure a point in the group might just be enough to ride the Falcons to the next round. Gotham forward Ifeoma Onumonu scored for the Falcons 21 minutes into…

The Owena Waves, despite losing their 36th game away at Owerri to Heartland through a lone goal, escaped relegation this season. Sunshine after 36 games maintained 51 points with 4 goals advantage. Should Sunshine acquire a point more, this means no team from 15th position can reach their tally. The Owena Waves are hoping for a continental spot and could displace Remo Stars, who currently sit on the third position when both sides clash this weekend at Akure. Last season Sunshine survived relegation with a two points advantage over Jigawa Golden who finished 17th place on 43 points. Sunshine will…

Nigerian midfielder, Joe Aribo’s move to a Premier League side, Southampton, is imminent. Joel Aribo who joined Glasgow Rangers in 2019 from Charlton Athletic has always had a £10m release clause in his contract, and it’s certain Rangers may not let the versatile player leave until their demand is reached. With Antonio Colak travelling to the UK to complete his medical with the Rangers confirmed, Joe Aribo could be heading to Southampton before the week runs out. According to The Athletic, Rangers and PAOK have agreed on a deal of around £1.8m for the striker which now provides optional three…

Iñaki Williams has completed his switch from being Spanish to Ghanaian. The 28-year-old becomes the second player after Tariq Lamptey to agree to represent the Blacks Stars over their country of birth this year. Iñaki Williams was born to Ghanaian parents Felix Williams and Maria Arthuer who moved to Spain to search for a better life. The Ghanian Football Federation disclosed the development on their page and is hoping Eddie Nketiah, Nico Williams and Callum Hudson Odoi follow in the same footsteps before the commencement of the world cup. FIFA eligibility rules were made flexible for players recently and players…

Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has launched an investigative panel to checkmate two matches that recorded the most goals in the country league since its invention. Lunbembu pummelled Kahula 95-0 and Gulf FC thrashed Koquima Lebanon 91-1 during their encounter in the second division of the Sierra Leone league. Nonetheless, the game had ended 2-0 and 7-1 during the first half before goals began oozing in the second half. SLFA has rebuffed both results and described them as an embarrassment to the league. Both Kahunla and Gulf FC had the same number of points going to their final round…

French giant PSG cut ties with Argentine manager Pochettino after 18 months in charge of the club. Despite winning three trophies, French Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophies Des Champions, Mauricio was sacked and replaced with Christophe Galtier. It is obvious PSG has prioritized the Champions League over other trophies and had sacked Thomas Tuchel and Unai Emery for failing to deliver a Champions League gold medal to the team. In a club statement, PSG revealed they have cut ties with Mauricio Pochettino: “Paris Saint-Germain confirms that Mauricio Pochettino has ended his role at the club. The Argentine coach…

Manchester United today unveiled their first summer signing, Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. The Dutch left fullback signed a four years deal worth €17m plus add-ons. The 22-year-old has made 136 career appearances for Feyenoord, where he began his youth career before he was promoted to the senior team. Luke Shaw, who plays regularly for Manchester at the left-back, had his season hampered by injury last season. Tyrell may be his assistant at the position, or Ten Hag could prefer the Dutch over Luke Shaw. Manchester United are pleased to confirm that Tyrell Malacia has joined the club, signing a contract…

The 11-time champions were defeated today by Banyana Banyana of South Africa during the first game of group C. The Falcons are down to the bottom of the table, with Botswana and Burundi yet to play their game tonight. The game ended 0-0 during the first half and South Africa won the tie by 2-1 with all three goals coming in the second half of the game. Seoposewe and Magaia helped South Africa with a 2-0 lead through their 60 and 62 minutes strike. Rasheedat Ajibade helped the Falcons reduce the goal deficit by scoring at the added minute to…

With two games to end the blockbuster season, MFM horrendously has been relegated to Nigeria National League after failing to rise above 36 points in all their 36 games played. The 1-2 defeat they suffered at home to Ikon Allah’s boys yesterday dented their opportunity to remain in the first direction league. During the game yesterday Idris Munir lit up the stadium scoring at the 22 minutes for Ikon Allah. At the 63-minute, Chukwudi Ekeocha levelled for MFM, unfortunately for them, Tornadoes scored at the injury minute. With 36 points and two games available Mountain of Fire Ministry, FC can…

English champions Manchester City today disclosed the acquisition of Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United. The 26-year-old completed his club switch in a deal of €45m plus add-ons. Kalvin becomes City’s third summer acquisition following the arrival of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, Stefan Ortega and Julian Alvarez. The English defensive midfielder will wear the iconic number 4 worn formerly by Vincent Kompany. A Leeds United academy graduate, Phillips made his first-team debut in 2015. In the 2019–20 season, Phillips was a member of the Leeds team coached by Marcelo Bielsa that won the Championship. Following this season, Phillips made his…

Gabriel Jesus’ move to Arsenal has been confirmed by both clubs. The News Chronicle late last month reported on the 25-year-old Brazilian’s completion of medicals and agreement on a five years deal for a fee of around £45m. Jesus has been handed the number 9 Jersey which was previously worn by Alexander Lacazette who has returned to Lyon this summer. Jesus lauded his new Manager Mikel Arteta, with whom they spent three years together at Manchester City. “We spoke a couple of times about the club, the players, the project, and the future. I believe 100 per cent in Mikel.…

CAF today during their committee meeting concluded to postpone the 2023 AFCON tournament which was primarily scheduled to hold from June/July 2023. The development was made due to the unfriendly rainy season that may arise during those months in the Ivory Coast. During the CAF executive committee meeting in September 2014, three venues were decided for 2019, 2021 and 2023 which were initially planned to play in Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Guinea. Cameroon hosted the last edition played in January 2022 which was won by Senegal. “The 2023 Afcon will now be played between January and February 2024,” Mostepe told…

Adesanya had an easy victory over the Cannonier as he dominated all through the rounds. The fight was not competitive, with Jerod’s poor performance. Israel had a similar introduction into the ring as WWE legend Undertaker. Cannonier’s best moments came when he tried to bring down Israel, but the Nigerian defended himself well and continued his resplendent actions. In the fourth round, fans were beginning to boo when both men were standing at striking range. Israel has now retained his title for the fifth time in a row. In the end, the judges gave all for UFC middleweight champion Israel…

D’Tigers qualified for the next round after recording 20-0 over Mali, who didn’t show up and were walked over in favour of D’Tigers. They secured 8 points and will join group leader Cape Verde and third place team Uganda to move to the next round. According to the pre-qualification guideline, the top three teams in group A will be merged with the top three teams in Group C consisting of Côte d’Ivoire, Angola, Guinea, and the Central African Republic. Meanwhile, Nigeria will face off with Uganda on Sunday at 2 pm after both teams lost to the eventual group winner,…

The Africa Women’s Nations Cup which is scheduled to begin today has had its monetary value set on winners and runner-ups increased by 150%, CAF President disclosed. In today’s first game, host nation Morocco goes against Burkina Faso at 9 pm local time in group A. The increase rose from USD 975 000 to USD 2 400 000 – an increase of almost USD 1.5 million. 11th times champion Super Falcons won the last edition in 2018 and will surely set their priority high on this year’s edition. CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe announced this development during a press briefing:…

Tanzania outfit Azam FC has disclosed the signing of Plateau United’s defensive midfielder, Isah Ndala, on a two-year contract. The 19-year-old agreed to a N550,000 deal during his contract signing which was done in the presence of club Owner Yusuf Bakhresea and club CEO Abdulkarim Amin. Ndala became the club’s third signing this summer, following the arrival of two Ivorian strikers Tape Edinho and Kipre Junior. The club also unveiled former Sevilla and Real Betis Manager Dani Cadena yesterday as the club’s new head coach. Ndala had played with two clubs in the Nigeria Professional League. He played with Plateau…

The Nigeria national league has suspended this week’s fixtures amidst allegations of favouritism for teams who are jostling for NPFL promotion. The league is split into a group of four A1, A2, B1 and B3. The top two from each group play another little tournament between themselves called SUPER 8 to determine the NNL champion. The NNL organizer has decided to suspend this week’s fixture to reappraise the league as teams will be getting ready for NPFL promotion. To curtail match-fixing and favouritism, NNL has decided to checkmate the league before the top eight are decided. Currently, from Group A1,…

Tottenham today announced the acquisition of Everton striker Richarlison in a deal worth £60m. The Brazilian completed his medical and paper signing last night and will be Antonio Conte’s fourth signing this summer for Tottenham following the arrival of Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perišić, and Fraser Forster. Richarlison joined the Toffees in 2018 from Watford for a fee of around £40m. The 25-year-old forward has played a vasertile role during his 4 years stay with Everton. He has been deployed to play as a centre-forward, left-winger, right-winger, second striker and attacking midfield role. He scored 53 goals with 14 assists in…

CAF has released 30 men’s list of players who will jostle for the best player award come July this year. CAF announced the return of the award ceremony after two years of absence. Sadio Mané of Liverpool and Asisat Oshoala of Barcelona were the last players to win the most celebrated award in Africa for men and women’s editions. The African Champions, Senegal has the highest number of players shortlisted 5, Egypt and Morocco have 4 players each on the list, 2021 AFCON host nations Cameroon, Mali, and Burkina Faso have 3 players each and, Ivory Coast has two players.…

Akpeyi, 35, was among players released this month by South African club Kaizer Chiefs as they prepare ahead for next season’s campaign. Having stayed five years in South Africa, Akpeyi can be registered as a local. The Nigerian goalkeeper moved to South Africa, joining Chippa United back in 2015 from Warri Wolves. He made his most career appearances (104) with Chippa United until 2019 before moving to Soweto-based club Kaizer Chiefs. At Keizer, Akpeyi developed himself to the rank of a starter, making his contribution from his 69 appearances. According to South African Journalist, Lorenz Kohler Daniel, Akpeyi’s talks broke…

Cameroon’s men National team also known as Indomitable Lions were notorious for their iconic sleeveless shirts in 2002. They won the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations edition using the sleeveless kits. Indomitable Lions defended the title, having won the previous edition in 2000. The kits which comprise Yellow socks, red shorts and a sleeveless green top were described to be a vest and not a shirt by FIFA. Cameroon used the iconic sleeveless shirt all through the 2002 AFCON and was informed by FIFA that the sleeveless shirt would not be allowed during the World Cup. FIFA spokesperson Keith Cooper…

Nigeria forward Odion Ighalo helped Saudi Arabia outfit Al Hilal land their 18th league title following his club victory over Al Faisaly at their turf by 2-1 score. They were crowned champions after going two points clear over close rival Al lttihad. Odion Ighalo at 32 is still exhibiting his goal-scoring prowess. In All competitions, this season, Odion Ighalo scored 30 goals and assisted 4 times for Al-Hilal in his 41 appearances for the Saudi Arabia outfit. Igalo lamented how he waited for 17 years before winning his first major trophy. “I waited 17 years before winning my first league…

The 28-year-old defender made her debut, playing 90 minutes in USWNT’s 2-0 victory over Columbia last night. Pickett was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the United States on September 15, 1993. She was born without a limb and has never let that be a setback for her in pursuing her career in football. She began her career with Florida State Seminoles from 2012 to 2015 before seeking professional club football in 2016. Furthermore, she made 90 minutes appearance during the friendly game against Colombia yesterday where they triumphed 2-0 at full time as both teams prepare for the World Cup…

One of Super Eagles’ prominent young talents, Sani Keita, football career was shambled following a red card he received during Nigeria’s game against Greece in the 2010 World Cup group stage game. Keita was sent off after his unsportsmanlike attitude towards a Greece player. Many Nigerians believe that his red card cost Nigeria the game. The aftermath of the red card was not pleasing to Keita’s football career and his life. Sani received over 1000 death threats from football enthusiasts via his mail, Twitter and other social media sites. Super Eagles were in the lead by 1-0 over Greece before…

Gabriel Jesus joined Arsenal for a fee of £45m from English Premier League champions Manchester City until 2027 according to Fabrizio Romano. Pep Guardiola’s inconsistency in leveraging on a natural top9 recently and the arrival of Erling Haaland forced out the Brazilian despite running on decent form towards the end of the season. Having lost two of their prolific strikers Pierre Aubameyang and Alexander Lacazette, Arsenal has reacted quickly by renewing Eddie Nketiah’s deal and adding Gabriel Jesus to strengthen the attack. Jesus began his professional career with Palmearis in Brazil before moving to Manchester City in 2017. The Brazilian…

League Management Company(LMC) has reacted to the game between Katsina United Vs Remo Stars which took place during the round of 35 on Sunday. LMC rebuffed the claims making rounds on social media that the game had extended beyond 30 minutes of additional play. LMC in their official website said, Katsina United players protested on the equalizing goal scored by Remo Stars which had led to huge time-wasting. They further enlightened football enthusiasts on why the game lasted until 36 minutes of additional time. The League Management Company explained that live scores, flash score and its equivalent where fans and…