Chelsea has officially announced the return of Benoit Badiashile, Ben Chilwell, and Carney Chukwuemeka to first-team training ahead of their upcoming clash against Fulham this weekend. The Blues are set to face the Cottagers at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, with both teams aiming to make advancements in the Premier League standings. Chelsea enters the west London derby on the heels of a frustrating loss to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg. Similarly, Fulham faced disappointment in the League Cup, relinquishing a 1-0 lead against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday night. Mauricio Pochettino is eager to bounce back with…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I don’t have specific information about the mentioned decision made by Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino regarding Ian Maatsen’s loan to Borussia Dortmund in January. However, it’s common for football clubs to loan out young players to gain more playing experience and develop their skills. It seems that Mauricio Pochettino believes that the loan move to Borussia Dortmund will be beneficial for both Chelsea and Ian Maatsen. Loan spells can provide young players with valuable playing time, allowing them to mature and develop their abilities in a competitive environment. For the most…
Chelsea’s head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, has expressed his concern regarding star forward Christopher Nkunku’s lingering hip injury. Nkunku, who had already missed the initial four months of the season due to a knee injury sustained in the summer, returned for just four games before encountering a hip issue during training, sidelining him for the last two matches. Initial reports indicated that Nkunku’s recent injury was minor and would entail minimal time away from action. However, as he has yet to return to training, Pochettino admitted uncertainty about the status of Nkunku’s fitness. “I do worry about the situation of Nkunku,”…
Erik ten Hag has extended his well wishes to Jadon Sancho following the winger’s loan departure from Manchester United. Sancho has returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan until the end of the season in a bid to revive his career after a public disagreement with Ten Hag in September. The clash between Ten Hag and Sancho arose when the winger was omitted from the matchday squad against Arsenal. Ten Hag questioned Sancho’s training levels, leading to a social media exchange where Sancho challenged the manager. This refusal to apologize resulted in Sancho being excluded from the first team. Now that…
As the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) unfolds in Ivory Coast, where teams are gearing up for the continent’s premier footballing event, Nigeria’s Super Eagles are poised to make a strong impression in the 34th edition. With an impressive array of attacking talents, the West African nation appears well-positioned to contend for its fourth Cup of Nations trophy. However, as the tournament in Ivory Coast approaches, there are reports suggesting that the Super Eagles might introduce a new captain for their clash against Equatorial Guinea. According to information from media outlet OwnGoalNigeria, the Nigerian national team is anticipated to have…
Kyle Walker is once again facing the disapproval of his wife amid circulating rumors of infidelity. The Manchester City right-back has recently made headlines for his off-the-pitch affairs, resulting in strain on his marriage with childhood sweetheart Annie Kilner. Despite enduring numerous rumors of infidelity throughout their relationship, which began when they met as teenagers in Sheffield, Walker and Kilner seem to have reached a breaking point. Annie Kilner, who has stood by Walker’s side through his football journey from Sheffield United to Tottenham and then to Manchester City, took to social media this week to announce their separation. In…
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has indicated a potential return to action in time for the club’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth on January 21. Despite missing Liverpool’s recent cup fixtures due to a hamstring injury, Szoboszlai, who joined from RB Leipzig in the summer, is optimistic about being fit for the trip to the Vitality Stadium. However, he emphasizes the importance of a cautious approach, expressing a preference to miss an additional match if necessary to avoid the risk of exacerbating the injury. “I’m still running without a ball, but soon I will be able to carefully try training with…
Cameroon needs to adopt a strategic approach like this to reclaim the AFCON title from Senegal. Unfortunately, their Football Association has reportedly neglected to arrange proper travel accommodations for their fans. As a result, Ngando Pickett, the iconic supporter and mascot of Cameroon, has been compelled to embark on a challenging journey by land, crossing five countries to reach Ivory Coast. This situation has arisen due to insufficient resources on the part of the Cameroonian government and FECAFOOT, as reported by Derek Katey Caesar. In a distressing turn of events, Ngando, who has passionately supported the Indomitable Lions for “40…
Arsenal’s signing spree continues with the acquisition of United States right-back Emily Fox, who notably started all four games at last year’s Women’s World Cup. The move comes in response to Noelle Maritz’s recent transfer to Aston Villa and Laura Wienroither’s ongoing absence due to an ACL injury sustained in May, leaving Arsenal in need of defensive reinforcements. To address the defensive reshuffling caused by Katie McCabe’s shift to the right flank, Arsenal has secured the services of the 25-year-old Fox. Expressing her enthusiasm for joining the club, Fox highlighted Arsenal’s commitment to excellence, global stature, and familial atmosphere. She…
Manchester United has been linked with a potential move for Crystal Palace standout Michael Olise, but former Red Devil Mikael Silvestre remains skeptical about the likelihood of the transfer. Despite reported interest from Liverpool and Arsenal in the French U21 international, who has made a significant impact with five goals and an assist in nine Premier League games this season, Olise remains a sought-after player. Manchester United sees him as a potential upgrade on Antony, who has faced challenges in his second season, particularly due to a hamstring injury. United holds a negotiation advantage, given Palace’s longstanding interest in bringing…
One might easily perceive Chelsea as exhibiting a sense of greed, a criticism they often face. The Blues already boast a significant share of the sport’s top talent and have dominated much of the domestic silverware in the past five or six years. However, the ongoing season presents their sternest challenge. The pressure is mounting as manager Emma Hayes strives to conclude her decade-long tenure at Chelsea on a triumphant note, with European honors being the sole path to achieve that feat. Complicating matters is the absence of star striker Sam Kerr. Certainly, Chelsea has alternatives in its arsenal. The…
Chelsea’s star striker, Sam Kerr, has put an end to any uncertainties surrounding her immediate future at the club by agreeing to a contract extension, according to sources from 90min. Kerr, a two-time WSL Golden Boot winner and the current FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year, had been sidelined due to an ACL injury suffered during Chelsea’s winter training camp in Morocco. While Kerr’s existing contract was set to expire at the end of the current season, sparking speculations about a potential return to the United States, where she previously played for the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL before…
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been compelled to make a last-minute alteration to their AFCON squad, as Paul Onuachu steps in to replace the injured Umar Sadiq. Responding swiftly to the setback of losing Umar Sadiq, the Nigerian Super Eagles have called up the formidable striker Paul Onuachu to mitigate the impact. This move comes ahead of the imminent AFCON2023, set to commence on Saturday. Onuachu, the towering 6ft 8in striker from Trabzonspor, now seizes the opportunity to represent his country at the AFCON, taking over the role vacated by the injured Real Sociedad player. Unfortunately, Umar Sadiq’s absence from the…
Barcelona secured a spot in the Supercopa de Espana final against Real Madrid with a less-than-convincing 2-0 victory over Osasuna in Saudi Arabia. In a match far from being a classic, Xavi’s team struggled to seal the game despite dominating possession. Robert Lewandowski scored the crucial opening goal just before the hour mark, and Lamine Yamal sealed the victory at the end, providing Barcelona with their first two-goal margin of victory since September. However, it’s evident that Barcelona will need to raise their game significantly against Madrid if they hope to retain the trophy. The semi-final lacked the goal-scoring spectacle…
Jadon Sancho has expressed his delight at returning to Borussia Dortmund, describing it as a “dream” and an opportunity to reignite his career. The winger recently left Manchester United on a six-month loan to Dortmund, and notably, the deal does not include a purchase clause. In an interview with club media, Sancho shared his excitement, saying, “Very good to be back. Dortmund is home to me. Making my debut here in professional football, it’s always been a dream for me, so I’m happy to be back. Can’t wait to get started. Of course [I’m buzzing]. Can’t wait to get started.”…
Ian Maatsen has inked a fresh two-year contract with Chelsea and finalized a six-month loan move to Borussia Dortmund. Originally set to expire in 2025, Maatsen’s existing contract had prompted Chelsea to explore offers, with the player turning down a £31.5m transfer to Burnley in the summer. In a compromise, Maatsen committed to a new two-year deal, extending his association with Chelsea until 2026. However, the contract includes a release clause that will activate upon his return from Dortmund at the end of the current season. Expressing his enthusiasm for the loan move, Maatsen stated, “Borussia Dortmund tried hard to…
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has indicated a potential return to action in time for the club’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth on January 21. Despite missing Liverpool’s recent cup fixtures due to a hamstring injury, Szoboszlai, who joined from RB Leipzig in the summer, is optimistic about being fit for the trip to the Vitality Stadium. However, he emphasizes the importance of a cautious approach, expressing a preference to miss an additional match if necessary to avoid the risk of exacerbating the injury. “I’m still running without a ball, but soon I will be able to carefully try training with…
The rhythm echoes through Abidjan, Ivory Coast, heralding the anticipation of the grandest football celebration of the year – the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Circle Saturday, January 13th, on your calendars for the tournament’s commencement, marked by an intense clash between hosts Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau. A Flashback: This occasion marks Ivory Coast’s second time hosting the AFCON, the initial instance dating back to 1984. In those days, only eight teams contended over 15 days, a sharp contrast to the upcoming 24-nation spectacle. While Cameroon secured victory in ’84, Ivory Coast couldn’t replicate home-field advantage, exiting after the…
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are determined to end their four-game winless streak as they confront Equatorial Guinea in the opening match of the 2023 African Cup of Nations this weekend in Ivory Coast. The three-time African Cup of Nations champions enter the highly anticipated Group A game following a disappointing 2-0 loss to Guinea in their previous warm-up match, aiming for victory over Equatorial Guinea to regain their winning form. NGA vs EQG: Super Eagles Squad Update, Potential Starting XI, And Kickoff Schedule for the 2023 AFCON Group Game In team news, Victor Boniface will be sidelined for the…
Nigeria’s Super Falconets have touched down in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, gearing up for the initial phase of their 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Burundi. The highly anticipated match is scheduled for Sunday at the Azam Sports Complex in Dar es Salaam. FIFA relocated the game to Tanzania due to Burundi’s inability to furnish a suitable venue for the encounter. Subsequently, the return leg is set to unfold at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja next weekend. The ultimate victor from these two clashes will secure a spot in the 2024 U-20 Women’s World Cup, slated to…