Author: Oladimeji Adeoye

Arsenal’s English defender, Ben White, emerged as the clear winner of the title “Arsenal’s best player for March.” With 41% of the votes, Ben surpassed his teammates Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, and Declan Rice to secure the monthly accolade. March witnessed Ben’s outstanding performance as he played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s pursuit of the title and their ongoing participation in the UEFA Champions League. Following his recent contract extension, Ben showcased his skills in all three of Arsenal’s games against Sheffield United, Brentford, and Manchester City. During his 245 minutes on the pitch, he not only scored against Sheffield…

Rivers United has been eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup in the quarter-final round after suffering a 2-0 defeat to USM Alger of Algeria at the Stade Omar Hammadi Stadium. Despite a goal advantage in the first leg played at the Godwills Apkabio International, Stadium, Rivers was unable to progress beyond the quarterfinal round, after having an aggregate score of 2-1 in favour of USM Alger. Alger dominated the game with 63% of ball possession and 12 goal attempts, out of which 6 were on target. The Pride of Rivers managed to make only 6 attempts with just one on…

The Refereeing Development Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has taken action against two Nigeria League Referees who were involved in inappropriate officiating during the match between Jigawa Golden Stars and Sporting Supreme in the second tier of the Nigeria League. It has been reported that the referees allowed a goal to stand despite the home team, Jigawa Golden Stars, scoring it with their hands. The Refereeing Development Committee has expressed disappointment over this incident and has promptly removed the referees from their positions. Zaharadeen Nasiru from Katsina and Usman Auwalu from Borno State, the referees involved, have been officially…

Following an outstanding performance against Brighton and Hove Albion, Arsenal reclaimed the top spot in the Premier League. Arsenal’s lead was secured by Bukayo Saka’s 33rd minute penalty goal, marking his 30th goal contribution for Arsenal across all competitions this season. In the 66th minute, former Chelsea players Kai Havertz and Jorginho combined for another goal, further extending Arsenal’s advantage to 3-0 with Leandro Trossard’s goal just before stoppage time. With this victory, Arsenal now sits at the summit of the Premier League table, one point ahead of Manchester City, who also won their match, and Liverpool, who have a…

Following a slim victory recorded over Union Berlin away from home, Bayer Leverkusen will be crowned the Champions of the Bundesliga with just a win from the remaining six league games. The point difference between Leverkusen and Bayern Munich extended to 16 after match 28 where Bayern Munich were beaten by FC Heidenheim in a seven goals thriller match. Mathematically, Bayern can’t extend their points beyond 78 should they win all their 6 games, meanwhile Leverkusen with just a win from six games left will amass 79 points. They could achieve this feat in an invincible campaign, to haven played…

Belgian midfielder, Kevin Debruyne, netted his 100 goals for Manchester City following their 2-4 away win against Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Debruyne magnificent strikes against Crystal Palace saw him become just the 18th man to have scored 100 goals in history. The landmark comes in his 372nd appearance for the Club, having already amassed 166 assists across all competitions. Since joining City, De Bruyne has been integral to a golden period for the Club which has culminated in the club holding the Big Five trophies – Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club…

The Super Falcons of Nigeria this evening defeated Bayana Bayana of South Africa to build hope for one of the two Africa representatives in the 2024 Women’s Olympic Games. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade spot kick in the 43rd minute secured a first half lead, which was the only goal that separated both sides after 90 minutes of play. As the Super Falcons hope to gain their spot in the tournament for the first time in 16 years, they will travel to South Africa to conclude the second leg of the final round of these qualifiers.

It was a historical scene last night when Chelsea commanded a last-minute grasp of a 4-3 victory against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, putting an end to the seven-year winless streak suffered against United.  It was Chelsea’s first top-flight victory since the Álvaro Morata sublime 55th-minute strike against the Red Devils on November 5, 2017, in which Chelsea had struggled to earn a victory over the years. Chelsea established a two-goal lead through an early strike from club captain Conor Gallagher and a Cole Palmer penalty. Unfortunately for the Blues, Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes’ goals neutralized all of Chelsea’s…

The Premier League has nominated players and managers for the March awards. The EA has selected seven Premier League players: Alexander Isak, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo Muniz Fulham, Cole Palmer, Antoine Semenyo, Son Heung-min, and Benjamin. In the Best Coach category, four managers, including Jürgen Klopp, Mikel Arteta, Andoni Iraola, and Ange Postecoglou of Spurs, have been nominated. Fans are encouraged to vote for their favorite by 12:00 BST on Monday, 8 April. Public votes will be combined with those of a panel of football experts to determine the winners, who will be announced next week. Previous winners this season…

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, believed his arch-rivals in the Premier League (Arsenal and Liverpool) will drop points while the title could be decided on the last day. “If we win all our games it will be down to the last day because they are not five, six, seven points in front,” Guardiola said. “It will not be easy. I see Liverpool and Arsenal dropping points, but you never know. “We have to show up and do our job and don’t regret that we should have won that game because they lost the game after. “We cannot do anything. We…

South African club, Keizer Chiefs has announced the tragic demise of their defender Luke Fleurs during a hijacking incident that occurred in Johannesburg, South Africa. According to a reliable sports journalist, Lorenz Kohler in South Africa, Luke was stabbed by his attackers and was confirmed dead after the dreadful incident that occurred last night. “It is with a great deal of sadness that we announce that Kaiser Chiefs player, Luke Fleurs tragically lost his life last night during a hijacking incident in Johannesburg. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.” The club revealed…

Chelsea Football Club has issued an official statement through their official channels in defense of their midfielder, Conor Callagher, who has faced severe insults from irate fans after an incident involving a Chelsea mascot boy before their game against Burnley on Saturday. In a widely circulated video across social media platforms, the boy was seen attempting to greet Gallagher, who was positioned at the front of the line in the stadium tunnel. Despite multiple attempts to shake hands with Gallagher, he instead greeted the next boy, seemingly ignoring the mascot’s advances. Some individuals have characterized Gallagher’s actions as racist due…

The Super Falcons of Nigeria has updated their X official page (formerly Twitter) to assert that 19 of the 22 invited players have reported to camp ahead of their final round of the 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament against Bayana Bayana scheduled for Friday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Atlético Madrid forward, Rasheedat Ajibade, along with Tochukwu Oluehi, and Jumoke Alani were the earliest to report to camp yesterday, followed by several others (Jiwuaku Linda, Okeke Chidinma, Oladipo Shukurat, Nnadozie Chiamaka, Ohale Osinachi, Toni Payne, Kanu Uchenna, Monday Gift, Abiodun Deborah, Echegini Jennifer and Ucheibe Christy Halimatu…

In an interview with L’Équipe, Manchester United defender Raphael Varane revealed that he has advised his seven-year-old son against heading the football due to the potential long-term harm it could cause. “My seven-year-old son plays football, and I advise him not to header the ball”. “Even if it does not cause immediate trauma, we know that in the long term, repeated shocks are likely to have harmful effects”. “I don’t know if I will live to be 100, but I know that I have damaged my body… I can feel that”. Varane expressed concern about the cumulative effects of repeated…

AFC Ajax has made a statement revealing the suspension of Alex Kroes, the CEO and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AFC Ajax. According to the Board, the suspension will take immediate effect while the club intends to terminate the collaboration permanently. This decision was made after the Supervisory Board learned that Kroes purchased over 17,000 shares of Ajax a week before his intended appointment was announced on August 2, 2023. The Supervisory Board sought external legal advice, which indicates that he likely engaged in insider trading. Insider trading is a criminal offense. Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Michael van…

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has given injury update on four senior team players ahead of their Premier League game against Aston Villa: John Stones, Kyle Walker, Ederson and Nathaniel Ake who was the only player in the list that played against Arsenal on Sunday but was unfortunately, was pulled out of the game in the first half due to injury.  Pep Guardiola in his press conference said John Stones could be available against Aston Villa – but thinks Kyle Walker, Ederson and Nathan Ake are unlikely to feature. Walker was forced off in the 1-0 England defeat to Brazil…

Super Eagles defensive midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi inspired Leicester City to an emphatic victory over in-form Norwich City during their 39 Championship League games. Leicester City earned a decisive 3-1 victory over their visitors. Ndidi, who started the game, played until the 85th minute before he was replaced by Belgium international Denis Preat. It is his 5th game for the Foxes since returning from injury, while Wilfred Ndidi was an unused substitute for the whole of the 90 minutes. Norwich took an early lead at King Power Stadium through Gabriel Sara’s 20-minute strike. Leicester City bounced back, leveling the score to…

Following a violent brawl that occurred during the Turkish Süper Lig game between Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor a fortnight ago, the Turkish Football Federation has summoned three Fenerbahçe players, including Bright Osayi, for a disciplinary hearing.  In a video that went viral on all social media platforms, irate home fans violently infested the pitch after the blockbuster match between the rival teams ended that went in the favour of Fenerbahçe, which commanded a 2-3 victory. The attack was fueled after Fenerbahçe players and members of the coaching staff celebrated their victory, which then resulted in goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic receiving a punch…

Ethan Chidebere Nwaneri has recently put pen to paper on his inaugural professional contract with Arsenal. Representing England and eligible to play for Nigeria, Ethan’s journey began when he joined Arsenal in May 2015. He swiftly made his mark as a crucial player, progressing through the ranks of Arsenal’s Academy. This season alone, Ethan has displayed his remarkable goal-scoring abilities, netting an impressive 14 goals at the academy level. He has also been a prominent figure for the Gunners, earning 14 caps across various competitions. In February of this year, he made his debut in the senior team as a…

The Gunners held the Premier defending champions to a barren draw at the Etihad Stadium following a tight tie between both teams. Arteta would take this result to be a great outcome, sniffing a point and clean sheet from the Cityzen on their turf.  First half: The game ended barren after 45 minute of play at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City had an absolute dominance against their visitors after maintaining a 72% ball possession against the 28% Arsenal managed. Both had 4 shot on goal and as well one each on target. Second half: Nothing changes in this half as…

Rivers United today defeated USMA Algiers of Algeria to set their hope for the semi-final of the CAF Confederation Cup. The Pride of Rivers must avoid defeat to make it to the next round of the CAF Confederation when they visit Algeria for the second leg of the game. River’s first half lead through Augustine Okejepha goal separate the side after full time at the Godwills Apkabio Int’l Stadium this afternoon. The Pride of Rivers, who have had two of their NPFL games postponed due to their involvement in the Continental tournament, will travel to Algeria to take on Algiers…

A young Nigerian striker, Ibrahim Hafiz Umar, who plays for Ojodu FC, has commenced his trial period at Chelsea FC in London. As per reports from Nigeria Sports Writers, Oladimeji Daniel Adeoye, the 18-year-old had initially agreed to join Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt but changed his mind and decided to participate in trials with Chelsea instead. This decision by Chelsea was influenced by Hafiz’s impressive performance in the Viareggio Cup in Italy, where he scored 10 goals in 6 games for Ojodu City. If Hafiz is successful in his trial period, he will be added to the rank of Nigerian players,…

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has described his former boss Pep Guardiola as the best manager in the world by a mile during his pre-match press conference at Sobha Realty Training Centre on Friday afternoon ahead of their blockbuster tie against the Cityzen on Sunday evening.  While the Premier League race tight up between Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City, the Gunners will visit the Etihad Stadium on Sunday as they set and hope to complete a consecutive treble victory over title rivals haven beaten them in the Community Shield and in the Premier. “It [his relationship with Pep] had to change,…

Former Super Eagles captain and coach, Sunday Oliseh, has disagreed with appointing a foreign coach for the role of the head of the national team. In his exclusive interview with Punch, Oliseh certified Finidi George and Emmanuel Emunike for the roles.  “If we (Nigeria) cannot offer our indigenous coaches opportunities to help the country’s football, then who else will?” “Everyone knows I’m an advocate of an indigenous coach to lead the Eagles, those two (Amuneke and Finidi) are good for the job,” “Anybody who really understands football will know that the Eagles don’t need a foreign coach, but the indigenous…

Liverpool FC, who identified it’s former midfielder, Xabi Alonso as Klopp’s possible successor as pulled out of the race as it’s believed that the Spanish will remain with Bayer Leverkusen until next season according to Fabrizio Romano.  Bayern Munich, who relieved Thomas Tuchel of his duties last month, will wait to monitor the situation surrounding Alonso’s contract with Leverkusen: “It’s over between Liverpool and Xabi while Bayern will wait until the end, but the expectation is for Alonso to stay.” The transfer journalist on Football stated that Leverkusen is expecting Alonso to sign an extension of contract: “Bayer Leverkusen, waiting…

Eyimba FC coach, Finidi George, has asserted that he’s not pressured to be made the head coach of the Super Eagles permanently during his interview with Modo TV.  About a fortnight ago, the former Ajax and Super Eagles winger was appointed the interim head coach of the Nigeria senior team following the exit of Jose Peseiro, whose contract had ended after the 2023 AFCON. The Nigeria Football Federation placed a public notification inviting all eligible persons to apply for the vacant post of the Super Eagles head coach, stating March 13 as the deadline for applicants following the discontinuation of…

Chelsea Football Club today has provided an update on their midfielder, Roméo Lavia who is set to be sidelined for the rest of the season following a set back in recovery from injury.  “Midfielder Roméo Lavia is to unfortunately miss the remainder of our 2023-24 campaign following a setback in his recovery.” According to the club, his medical assessment has indicated that the Belgium recovery has encountered a huge setback and won’t be fit to play anymore this season. “Recent medical assessments have confirmed that Lavia, who sustained a significant thigh injury against Crystal Palace back in December, will not…

Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham, commended his English national teammate Kobbie Mainoo for his remarkable display in his debut for the Three Lions of England against Belgium last night. The 18-year-old Mainoo, who started the game, made a strong impression as England secured a 2-2 draw at London’s Wembley Stadium. Bellingham, describing Mainoo as “brilliant,” acknowledged the pressure that comes with high expectations but expressed confidence in his future success at Manchester United and the national team. “I know how hard it can be when there’s a clamour and people put a lot of pressure on you… but he’s definitely…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria were beaten last night by Mali during their second FIFA International Friendly game held in Stade de Marrakech, Morocco.  Mali commanded a decisive full-time victory thanks to an early goal from B. Tour and a late strike from K. Doumbia. Despite earning the most possession of 59% against Mali who managed 41%, Nigeria didn’t register a single shot on goal the entire minutes of play. The victory was Mali’s first since 2014 when they last beat the Nigerian home base team in the AFCON qualifiers.

Super Eagles and Fenerbahçe defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel, has stated his reason for the first time since the brawl that occurred during the Turkish Super Lig game between Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor last week Sunday.  Bright Osayi was seen in a video attacking an unknown pitch invader as a defense for his vulnerable teammates following his team’s 2-3 victory at Trabzonspor. The defender asserted that the invaders had dangerous weapons on them with which they invaded the turf with, so a defense was vital. He further revealed that some of his teammates were injured in the process, while some were left in…