Author: Oladimeji Adeoye

Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has invited 23 players to the Eagles camp ahead of their last qualification game against São Tomé in Uyo.  Having previously defeated Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone, Nigeria has earned 12 points staying top of the group, so regardless of the outcome, the Super Eagles have already booked their ticket to participate in the 2024 AFCON slated for January in the Ivory Coast. GOALKEEPERS: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke ojo (Enyimba FC); Adebayo Adeleye ( Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel) DEFENDERS: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Tyronne Ebuehi (Empoli FC, Italy); Jordan Torunarigha (KAA Gent,…

Arsenal left it late to defeat their visitors, the Red Devils, following Declan Rice’s and Gabriel Jesus’ late strikes for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta boys resilience in the vigorous tie helped them edge Manchester in a 3-1 encounter at full time. Rashford put the Red Devils ahead with a 0-1 lead in the 26th, Unfortunately for Manchester United, Arsenal Captain Odegaard leveled the game at 1-1 just after 2 minutes Rashford grabbed the first goal of the game. The first half ended in a 1-1 following a vigorous encounter. Arsenal were denied a penalty after the referee consulted the VAR. The…

Samson Siasia asserted that he has learned his lesson after FIFA 5 years ban for his involvement in match-fixing around 2019. The former Super Eagles player and manager was initially banned for life by FIFA, but in 2021 his ban was reduced to 5 years and the $50,000 removed. Siasia while speaking with Punch, said he didn’t know his ban still extended until next year after thinking it should have ended this year. “I thought I was going to be free this year (2023) and I was so excited. But I had to look through the document that FIFA served…

Chelsea suffered an emphatic defeat at home to Nottingham Forest during the fourth game of the English Premier League, 2023-2024 season. Former Manchester United forward,l second-half strike, Anthony Elenga through Awoniyi assist was enough to cause damage to Chelsea in the blockbuster encounter. Despite 21 goal attempts and controlling 75% of the ball possession, Chelsea had only 2 shots on targets and were unable to convert any into goal. Definitely not what Todd Boehly and Pochettinho planned to see at this moment of the season. Chelsea dropped to fourth place with 4 points after 4 games in the 2023-24 season.

Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi completed his move from Everton to Fulham on the last hours of the deadline day of the summer transfer. Fulham in their unveiling asserted that the Nigerian has put pen to paper until 2028. “The Club is delighted to announce the signing of Alex Iwobi from Everton for an undisclosed fee. Iwobi has agreed a contract until the summer of 2028.” The Lagos born began his professional career at Arsenal following his debut under Arsene Wenger in 2015 through to 2019. He joined Everton the same year before Fulham acquired his service on the last day…

Brighton have announced the signing of Ansu Fati on a season-long loan from Barcelona, Brighton has confirmed. “We are pleased to confirm the signing of Ansu Fati on a season-long loan from Barcelona.” Fati who was handed the number 10 jersey following the departure of Messi was seen as the youngster to replace the Argentine. Unfortunately for Fati, injury played a huge setback to his Barcelona career. The 20-year-old made 36 La Liga appearances last season for Barca, as they secured their first title in four years. Men’s first team head coach Roberto De Zerbi said, “This is a great…

Liverpool have rejected Al Ittihad’s massive £150m bid for their talisman according to Sky Sports and Fabrizio Romano. Liverpool already have lost three players to the Saudi League this summer – a feat that has mandated Jürgen to begin a midfield rebuilding. Fabinho and the club captain Jordan Hrnderson departed the club for the Saudi Pro League this summer. Roberto Firmino was released by Liverpool as a free agent before sealing a move. According to Fabrizio, Liverpool doesnt have the intention to sell their hitman even with the tempting offer. “Liverpool reject formal bid of over £100m from Al Ittihad…

The UEFA Champions League draw was held yesterday in Monaco, France, at exactly 4 pm Nigerian time. Eight Nigerian players will be representing their European clubs in this season’s Champions League tournament following the conclusion of the draw last night. Victor Osimhen – Napoli. The Super Eagles forward no doubt, will be one of the best strikers to watch out for as he prepares to help the Azzurri to their first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph. Osimhen missed Napoli’s first leg quarter-final game against AC Milan last season when they were knocked out by Milan. He piloted Napoli to their first…

Nigeria U20 defender, Benjamin Fredrick has completed a loan move from Kaduna based club in Nigeria, Simoiben FC to Premier League outfit Brentford until the end of 2023-24 the club have announced. “We are pleased to announce the signing of Benjamin Fredrick on loan from Simoiben FC until the end of the 2023/24 season. The move is subject to international clearance. There is also an option to make the signing permanent.” According to the club, Benjamin will join up with Neil MacFarlane’s B team for the campaign. Benjamin was part of the Nigeria U20 team that featured in the recent…

Chelsea FC have confirmed the reunion of Romelu Lukaku and José Mourinho at AS Roma. Lukaku joined the club after Chelsea and Roma agreed a loan deal for the Belgian striker. “The Belgium international, who joined Chelsea in the summer of 2021, spent the previous campaign on loan at Inter Milan. Lukaku will link up in the Italian capital with former Chelsea head coach José Mourinho, who guided Roma to the Europa League final last season.” Mourinho has been Lukaku’s admirer for a long time, following their reunion for the third time at a different club. José Mourinho brought young…

The Nigeria Football Federation through its Technical Committee has revealed that Super Eagles’ head coach, Jose Peseiro has been offered three days grace to accept a pay cut from his current salary of $70,000 or cut ties with the senior men’s team.  Peseiro’s 12-month contract with NFF expired a few months ago and there’s now a new prerequisite to renewing the contract if he so wishes. According to the report, Jose may not align with NFF’s new proposal, and if that happens, the  Federation will appoint an interim coach who will guide the Super Eagles in their second game against…

Folarin Balogun has joined AS Monaco from Arsenal, the French Ligue club announced. The 22-year-old forward, according to Fabrizio, joined AS Monaco on a deal in excess of €40m package, €30m plus significant add-ons structure. Arsenal will have a sell-on clause, it was always a crucial point in negotiations. It will be a bit less than 20%. Balogun made his senior debut in 2020 with Arsenal and after three years of failing to convince Mikel Arteta for a first team jersey, he has been loaned to Middlesbrough and Reims in that space of time before making a permanent move to…

The fixture for the Nigeria Premier League was made yesterday by the league stakeholders, with all club representatives in attendance. The People’s Elephant will begin their title defense against the Benin Arsenal in the match day one fixture. Enyimba, who is without the CAF Champions League football, after crashing out from the tournament on Sunday following a goalless draw against Libya giant Al Ahly Benghazi on their turf in Aba, will have nothing distracting them from defending the title. Another match to watch out for in the match day one fixture is the game between Rivers United and Remo Stars,…

The PFA Awards had a new holder last night after its grand finale. Bukayo Saka was voted PFA Young Player of the Year, the 21-year-old Arsenal forward beat teammates Gabriel Martinelli, Erling Haaland of Manchester City, Jacob Ramsey of Aston Villa, Brighton striker Evan Ferguson and Moises Caicedo, who recently joined Chelsea. His goal involvement for Arsenal last season was massive and has been capped in every one of the 38 games of Arsenal two seasons in a row. Despite her World Cup disappointment since the quarter-final game against Nigeria, Lauren James was voted the best player in the women’s…

Liverpool’s captain Van Dijk could be hit with more match ban by the English F.A. Virgil was sent off during Liverpool’s game against Newcastle United, he was charged with an improper behaviour following his sending off at Newcastle, and could now have his suspension extended. According to Neil Jones, Liverpool could be without captain Virgil van Dijk for more than just their next fixture after the Dutch centre back was slammed with an FA improper conduct charge. Van Dijk is accused of behaving in an improper manner and using abusive or insulting words toward a match official following his sending…

The Cameroon Football Federation has recalled Manchester United’s Andre Onana back to the Cameroonian Men’s National team ahead of their AFCON qualifiers against Burundi, billed to play on 12th September.  The development comes 9 months after Andre Onana’s suspension from the Cameroonian 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar, after an altercation with the head coach. Onana retired from National duty after the situation. The 27-year-old joined Manchester United from Ajax as a replacement for De Gea who has been in the club for 12 years. Since making his Premier League debut, Andre has featured in all of the three games…

Chelsea FC have updated their injury list ahead of their EFL second tie against AFC Wimbledon. The list of players includes; Carney Chukwuemeka, Benoit, Badiashile, Armando Broja, Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, Wesley Fofana, Marcus Bettinelli, and Trevoh Chalobah. “The following injury update has been provided ahead of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup second round tie against AFC Wimbledon. Benoit Badiashile – at the end stages of his rehabilitation programme. Marcus Bettinelli – continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme. Armando Broja – at the end stages of his rehabilitation programme. Trevoh Chalobah – continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme. Carney Chukwuemeka…

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is set for a return to the Premier League after agreeing on personal terms with Nottingham Forest as per Fabrizio Romano. “Nottingham Forest to submit official bid soon for Wilfred Ndidi. The nigerian midfielder has agreed personal terms with Forest, and now club-to-club talks will be crucial.” Ndidi will depart Leicester City, who got relegated last season from the English first-tier league to the second tier, to reunite with three of his Nigeria teammates (Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, Dennis Emmanuel). Leicester have begun a perfect start in the Championship as they have won all of…

Nigerian representative, NPFL title holder, Enyimba FC have been knocked out from the CAF Champions League following a barren draw against Al Ahly Benghazi of Libya. Benghazi earned the qualification spot after beating Enyimba by 4-3 away at Libya in the first round.  Also, Remo Stars were knocked out via a spot kick by Meadema FC of Ghana following a 1-1 aggregate in both meetings. The Ikenne based club voyage in their first Continental tournament ends in disappointment. Meanwhile, Bendel Assurance edged ASO Chlef of Algeria to reach the second round of the CAF Confederation qualifiers yesterday

Nigerian forward Taiwo Awoniyi did not only score last night for Nottingham Forest against Manchester United, but made history by becoming the third African player in the Premier League history to score in seven successive matches. It took the Ilorin-born striker just 2 minutes into the tie to cause chaos at Old Trafford, scoring an early lead goal for the visitors. Forest extended their lead after two minutes, but their strength was truncated after one of its players was sent off via a red card – a feat that aided Manchester in a comeback to win the tie by 3-2.…

The Governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Honourable Philip Shuaibu, have congratulated Bendel Insurance after the Benin Arsenal defeated ASO Chlef of Algeria to reach the second round of the CAF Confederation yesterday. Prior to yesterday’s game, Insurance in Edo edged the Algerian outfit by a lone goal last week. ASO yesterday beat Insurance by a lone goal, resulting in a 1-1 aggregate. The tie was decided by a penalty shoot-out, in which the Benin Arsenal defeated the home side by 4-3 all thanks to their goalkeeper who put up a heroic performance by saving two penalties.…

Manchester United came from behind to steal three massive points over 10 men Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford during match day three of the 2023-24 Premier League season. Nigerian striker, Taiwo Awoniyi set Forest for the lead just two minutes into the encounter, Forest Extended their lead to 0-2 after Boly scored a nice goal. Spirited Manchester United responded cancelling all goal deficit through Eriksen, Casemiro and Fernandez spot kick, finishing the game on 3-2 massive victory. United has returned to winning ways after suffering a defeat in their last game away at White Hart Lane. They have moved to…

Fulham held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw at the Fly Emirates during their third Premier League tie of the season.  Pereira scored just a minute into the encounter, ensuring the visitors took an early lead. Saka responded after Arsenal earned a penalty to level the game at 1-1 in the 70th minute. Fortunately for Arsenal, Eddie Nketiah struck to help the home side lead by 2-1, 15 minutes later, Paulinha got that massive goal for Fulham which earned them a point away from home. Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey was sent off in the 83rd minute following his consecutive yellow cards.…

Bundesliga giant, Bayern Munich, today unveiled the signing of 23-year-old goalkeeper Daniel Peretz from Israeli outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv on a five year contract. “FC Bayern have signed 23-year-old goalkeeper Daniel Peretz on a five-year deal through to 30 June 2028. He joins from Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv and will wear the No.18 shirt.” Jan-Christian Dreesen, FC Bayern CEO: “With Daniel Peretz, we’re very well-equipped in our goalkeeping team in terms of prospects – both for this season and the future. Daniel is a goalkeeper with great potential. In his young years, he’s already proven his ability not just…

Manchester United have provided an update on their fullback Luke Shaw, who after assessment will not be fit to face Nottingham Forest this weekend, due to an injury he sustained before the weekend tie. Shaw featured in the Manchester Premier opener against Wolves where he played the entire 90 minutes. He also was part of the United squad that lost 2-0 away at Tottenham last weekend. “Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has sustained an injury which will rule him out of forthcoming games. The muscle issue is still being assessed but the England left-back is expected to be out of…

The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) today announced the death of American wrestler Windham Rotunda, popular known as Bray Wyatt. Bray died aged 36 following a heart attack he suffered. The statement read “WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36. WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends, and fans.” According to his Wikipedia page, Rotunda was a third-generation professional wrestler, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Blackjack Mulligan, his father Mike Rotunda, and two of his uncles – Barry and Kendall Windham. His younger…

Nigerian midfielder Nnmadi Ofoborh departs Rangers Nigerian midfielder Nnmadi Ofoborh has left Rangers Glasgow on mutual consent, the club has updated.  Since joining Rangers in 2021-22, Nnamdi didn’t make any league appearance for the Scottish outfit. The midfielder, who joined Rangers at the start of the 2021-22 season has opted to pursue a career elsewhere. Everyone at Rangers wishes Nnamdi all the very best of luck for the future.” Nnamdi who was loaned to Wycombe Wanderers made 33 appearances with the club, at Bournemouth, he made 5 caps. On May 24, 2019, he was called to represent Nigeria U20 where…

Chelsea to be without 8 senior players for their tie against Luton Town Chelsea FC have revealed that 8 senior players will be absent for their tie against Luton Town this weekend.  The club in their update asserted the state of each of the players’ injuries development. The following injury update has been provided ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League match with Luton Town. Benoit Badiashile – at the end stages of his rehabilitation programme. Marcus Bettinelli – continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme. Armando Broja – at the end stages of his rehabilitation programme. Trevoh Chalobah – continuing to undergo…

Forgotten Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye  joins Udinese Udinese FC today announced that Maduka Okoye has joined the club, penning a four-year deal which will keep him in the club until 2027.  “Maduka Okoye is an Udinese player, having joined the club from Watford FC on a contract that runs until 30 June 2027. As a goalkeeper with a real physical presence and impressive technique, Okoye already has international experience with Nigeria under his belt, as well as playing time in the Championship and the Eredivisie.” Okoye joined Watford from Rotherdam before the English side got relegated, and the Nigerian shot stopper…

According to a report which emanated from Enugu Rangers Facebook page, the Enugu state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has approved the appointment of Barrister Amobi Paulinus Ezeaku, as the CEO/G.M of the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International F.C of Enugu. According to Enugu Rangers, the appointment is contained in a release dated Wednesday, August 23, 2023, by the Secretary to Enugu State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, who had twelve other appointees into various boards and parastatals in the state. The release stated that the appointments take immediate effect. Barrister Ezeaku who just returned to the country after completing studies and earning…