Chelsea could soon face a significant setback if star player Cole Palmer is sidelined due to disciplinary issues. As the Blues prepare for a crucial Premier League clash against league leaders Liverpool at Anfield this weekend, Palmer’s standout performance in his second season has drawn attention. He has scored six goals and provided five assists, including all four goals in a thrilling 4-2 win over Brighton last month. However, despite his contributions, Palmer has accumulated three yellow cards in the first seven games, putting him at risk of suspension. If he receives two more yellow cards, he would face a…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has categorically denied claims that the country issued an apology to Libya regarding the recent detention of the Super Eagles in Benghazi. This clarification follows an inaccurate report by The Libya Observer suggesting that Nigeria had apologized for the incident. In a statement released on Wednesday, October 16, by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Communication Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, it was explained that the erroneous report misrepresented a diplomatic phone call between Tuggar and Libya’s Eastern-based Foreign Minister, Abdelhadi Lahweej. Instead of issuing an apology, the Nigerian government expressed dissatisfaction with how…
France and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has revealed that he turned down Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to join Juventus in the last transfer window. In a post shared by Fabrizio Romano on X, Pogba confirmed, “Yes, I turned down Pep Guardiola’s approach to accept the Juventus proposal. That story is true,” he told Gazzetta. He also emphasized that he would never join Serie A rivals AC Milan, stating that even if Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a senior advisor at AC Milan, were to call him, he would not betray Juventus. Pogba is set to return to the pitch in January after his…
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has stated that he will never join Serie A rivals AC Milan. He emphasized that even if AC Milan senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic were to call him, he would not betray Juventus. Pogba is set to return to football in January after his ban for testing positive for testosterone was recently reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. There are reports of ongoing negotiations between Pogba and Juventus regarding the termination of his contract, leading to speculation about potential moves to several European clubs, including Marseille. “Will I join AC Milan? Impossible.…
The Honourable Minister of Sports Development has reaffirmed that the government is taking decisive steps to address the recent challenges faced by the Super Eagles during their international outing in Libya. The Minister emphasized the administration’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerian athletes and ensuring such incidents do not happen again. This was revealed in a statement by the Minister’s spokesperson, Diana Mary Nsan, on Wednesday. Speaking on the issue, the Sports Minister said, “The Federal Government is fully aware of the situation involving our Super Eagles in Libya. We want to assure Nigerians that we are not taking…
Victor Osimhen has reflected on his decision to join Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray this summer, asserting that he wouldn’t allow anyone to dictate his future. The Nigerian international signed a season-long loan deal with Galatasaray after negotiations with Chelsea and Al-Ahli fell through. The 25-year-old mentioned he was prepared to remain at Napoli until January when he was approached by Galatasaray. “I had plans to stay there and wait for three or four months and then leave in January, but I felt it was fair to stay because I wouldn’t let anyone decide for me,” Osimhen said in an…
According to The Athletic, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is more likely to extend his contract with the Premier League club if they face severe punishment over their 115 financial charges. The club is expected to learn its fate by the end of 2024, with speculation suggesting they could face a massive points deduction. In the worst-case scenario, City could even face relegation, raising doubts about Guardiola’s future. His current contract expires at the end of this season, and a negative outcome could lead to a major decision regarding his tenure.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has revealed that he has imposed a strict fashion ban on the club’s players. Known for his trendsetting style, Beckham surprised many by prohibiting the team from sharing their pre-match outfits on social media. In a conversation on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, the two discussed how athletes, particularly in U.S. sports like basketball, often showcase their fashion before games. Beckham then admitted he had enforced a similar rule at Inter Miami. “Yeah, funnily enough, our team started doing it a couple of times and I stopped that,” he said. Ferdinand, surprised by the decision, teased…
British broadcaster Piers Morgan has claimed that Lionel Messi is not the greatest Argentinian player of all time. Morgan made the statement on X (formerly Twitter) in response to a Marca poll that ranked Messi, now playing for Inter Miami in MLS, as the greatest player ever. The poll saw Messi finish ahead of his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazil’s legendary Pele. Morgan quote-retweeted the results, saying, “Messi’s not even the greatest Argentinian player of all time.” Messi holds the record for winning the Ballon d’Or eight times, with Ronaldo trailing behind with five.
Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim has dismissed rumors linking him as Pep Guardiola’s potential successor at Manchester City. Guardiola’s contract with the Premier League champions expires next summer, and with no negotiations yet for an extension, speculation has grown about his future. Adding to the rumors is the appointment of Sporting’s Hugo Viana, a close associate of Amorim, as City’s next director of football. However, in an interview with Cabine Desportiva, Amorim clarified: “Hugo Viana and I have different, separate paths. His appointment doesn’t mean I’m going to Manchester City. We maintain a professional relationship, which won’t last forever.”
PGMOL chief Howard Webb has stated that there have been only two errors made by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) this season. Since its introduction in the English top flight in 2019, VAR has been a source of controversy, but Webb insists that the technology is improving and that mistakes are being minimized following a rocky start. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Webb remarked, “I don’t think we managed expectations well regarding VAR. We knew it would perform well in clear situations, where it’s obvious something is wrong at first glance.” He added, “We have an independent panel…
Nathan Tella of the Super Eagles has expressed his frustration with Bayer Leverkusen due to a lack of playing time. The Nigerian international transferred from Southampton to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2023 for approximately €23 million. During his debut season, Tella made a significant impact, contributing to the team’s success in winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal with 11 goal involvements across 39 matches. However, he has faced challenges securing playing time this season under manager Xabi Alonso, which has also affected his chances of being called up to the national team. Tella revealed that he has had open…
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record after netting a hat-trick in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Bolivia. Messi scored three goals and provided two assists in Argentina’s dominant 6-0 victory. The hat-trick marked the 37-year-old’s 10th at the international level, matching Ronaldo’s record for most international hat-tricks. La Albiceleste are well on their way to securing qualification from South America, sitting three points clear of second-placed Colombia and six points ahead of rivals Brazil. On the same night, Ronaldo failed to score in Portugal’s 0-0 draw against Scotland in the UEFA Nations League, visibly frustrated by…
New England manager, Thomas Tuchel, has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to manage Manchester United. Tuchel was one of the top candidates linked to the Old Trafford role, with Erik ten Hag’s future under scrutiny. The former Chelsea and PSG boss reportedly held discussions with United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe over the summer. However, Tuchel chose to take on the England national team job, becoming only the third non-Englishman to manage the Three Lions. When asked why he accepted the England role instead of waiting for the Manchester United offer, Tuchel said: “The way John [McDermott] and Mark…
Heavyweight contender Zhilei Zhang has expressed his support for Daniel Dubois in a potential rematch against Anthony Joshua, confidently predicting victory for the Briton. In an interview with Seconds Out, Zhang voiced his belief that Dubois can replicate his September 21 victory at Wembley, where he knocked out Joshua in the fifth round. “I can’t say I’m disappointed because, as a boxing fan, I look at it from that perspective,” Zhang remarked. “Joshua has been at the top for years, and being at the top of the food chain definitely changes your mentality.” Zhang raised concerns about Joshua’s mental state…
The Nigerian government has refuted claims that it issued an apology to Libya over the mistreatment of the Super Eagles upon their arrival in the North African country for a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. This comes after The Libya Observer published a report on Tuesday, stating that Libya had received an apology. However, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, dismissed the report. In a statement on Wednesday, Tuggar’s Special Assistant on Media and Communication Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, called the report a deliberate attempt to mislead football authorities and fans across Africa and gain political leverage. Tuggar clarified…
Kylian Mbappé’s legal team now believes the Real Madrid and France star is a suspect in a Swedish rape investigation. According to RMC Sport, the alleged incident took place in a Stockholm hotel on October 10th, while Mbappé was on a short vacation. That evening, the 25-year-old reportedly dined at a restaurant and later visited a nightclub. Although Swedish prosecutors confirmed that an investigation is underway, Mbappé was not initially named. However, a report from Swedish outlet Expressen later implicated the French international, drawing significant media attention. Mbappé’s lawyer, Canu Bernard, defended the player on French television, stating, “He’s done…
Just a few months after private discussions between Thomas Tuchel and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United appeared poised to make the bold move of appointing the German as their new manager. During the summer, when it seemed Erik ten Hag might depart, Tuchel was a top candidate for the role. However, Ratcliffe and his group ultimately decided to stick with Ten Hag. With United enduring their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, The Manchester Evening News reported that Ten Hag’s future was again in doubt, leading the club to reconsider Tuchel as a possible replacement. While the club explored…
Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as England’s manager, starting on January 1, 2025. The 51-year-old German has signed an 18-month contract and becomes the third non-British permanent manager of the men’s national team, following Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. Gareth Southgate resigned in July after England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Lee Carsley, who has overseen four matches since taking on the interim role in August, will continue as manager for the upcoming Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland next month. Tuchel, who departed Bayern Munich at the end of last season, expressed…
At least eight countries have secured their spots in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place in Morocco. The qualified teams are Congo, Senegal, Egypt, Angola, Cameroon, Algeria, Burkina Faso, and host nation Morocco. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed this in a series of posts on their X account on Tuesday. Congo, Senegal, Egypt, and Angola are the most recent teams to qualify, following victories in their matches today. Congo defeated Tanzania 2-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Angola edged Niger Republic 1-0, Egypt beat Mauritania 1-0, and Senegal secured a 1-0 win…