Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Super Eagles Receives Boost As Victor Osimhen Declared Fit For Crucial World Cup Qualifiers Against South Africa and Benin Republic. The Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a significant boost ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches with the return of star striker Victor Osimhen. Osimhen’s availability had been in doubt following his recent injury, which saw him miss Napoli’s game against Fiorentina. The injury was sustained during a match against Bologna, causing concern among fans and officials alike about his fitness for the upcoming international fixtures. However, Osimhen made a strong return to action in Napoli’s…

Rafael Nadal’s Potential Farewell Ends with Loss to Alexander Zverev at French Open In what might be his final appearance at the French Open, Rafael Nadal faced a tough defeat against Alexander Zverev in the first round. The 14-time French Open champion and 22-time Grand Slam winner was bested by the in-form German fourth seed with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3. Nadal, who has become synonymous with Roland Garros, struggled to find the level of play that has made him nearly unbeatable on the Parisian clay. Despite a thunderous reception from the crowd at Court Philippe Chatrier, the…

NNL Strikes deal with SLTV  for Super-8 live televising, a move that has been lauded by pundits and fans alike. The Nigeria National League (NNL) has announced an exciting partnership with Metrodigital (SLTV) to broadcast all matches of the upcoming NNL Super 8 live. This collaboration aims to bring the second-tier league closer to its supporters by airing the matches on SLTV’s dedicated satellite channel, A N FOOTBALL. The agreement was confirmed in a letter of consent from Paul Osuji, Ph.D., Head of Operations at Metrodigital, following a series of meetings with the NNL management. SLTV will pick up the…

Rwanda Awaits FIFA Clearance on Ex-Lobi Stars Striker Elijah Ani. Rwanda’s head coach, Thorsten Frank Spittler, has revealed that the national team is awaiting FIFA’s approval to allow former Lobi Stars and current Bugesera FC striker Elijah Ani to play for the Amavubi in the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho. This development was reported by BSNSports. Spittler praised Ani as an exceptional player and a commendable individual who could significantly boost the team’s performance. He mentioned that the Rwanda Football Association is in communication with FIFA, hoping that recent amendments to the laws governing players’…

 European Super League may yet arise from the ashes of condemnation, following a positive ruling in its favour by a commercial court in Spain. In a significant ruling, a Spanish court has declared that UEFA and FIFA acted improperly in banning clubs from joining the breakaway European Super League (ESL). Madrid’s commercial court determined that the European and world football governing bodies were engaging in anti-competitive behavior and abusing their dominant position in the sport. This decision aligns with a similar ruling made by the European Court of Justice in December. The case was initiated by A22 Sports Management,…

Unai Emery and Aston Villa Bromance Set To Continue For Five More Years At Least Following New Contract  Aston Villa has announced that head coach Unai Emery has signed a new five-year contract, extending his tenure with the club until June 2029. This new agreement, which includes a salary increase, was formalized following an extension signed last month. Emery, who has been pivotal in driving Aston Villa’s recent successes, expressed his enthusiasm for the future. “I am very happy to be leading this club. There’s a great chemistry in Aston Villa,” he stated. The extended contract reflects Aston…

Henry Nwosu Endorses Elegbeleye for Pitch Awards Sportsmanship Category Former Super Eagles star Henry Nwosu has thrown his support behind the nomination of Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), for the prestigious Pitch Awards Sportsmanship category for 2023. In a heartfelt endorsement, Nwosu, who has coached several professional league teams including Union Bank of Lagos and Gateway of Abeokuta, praised Elegbeleye as a selfless leader and technocrat. Reflecting on their past interaction, Nwosu recounted a memorable encounter from 2008 when he was the coach of the U-17 team. “Elegbeleye saw me in Abuja…

Chelsea Set to Appoint Enzo Maresca as New Head Coach Chelsea are on the verge of finalizing a contract with Enzo Maresca as their new head coach. The Italian has expressed his enthusiasm for the Chelsea project, and the agreement is now focused on the final details of his contract, which could be either a two-year deal with an option for a further season or a straight three-year deal. Maresca, currently with Leicester City, having led them back to the premier weeks ago is eager to take on the role, and Chelsea are equally keen to bring him on…

Tanzania and South Africa Triumph in CAF African Schools Football Championship Finals The CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals concluded with a spectacular celebration of African youth football on Friday, 24 May, in Zanzibar. The four-day competition ended on a high note as Tanzania and South Africa emerged as champions in their respective divisions. In a thrilling final at Amaan Stadium, the Tanzanian boys’ team clinched the title with a victory over Guinea, much to the delight of the home supporters. The girls’ final saw South Africa ascend to the summit of African youth football, securing a dramatic…

Finidi George Names Squad for World Cup Qualifiers Nigeria’s Head Coach, Finidi George, has announced a formidable squad of 23 players for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic. The squad features a mix of experienced internationals and exciting new talents, including rave-of-the-moment Ademola Lookman and African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen. Among the selected players are goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who has been in stellar form, and other prominent names such as Maduka Okoye, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface,…

NPFL Matchday 33: Enyimba and Akwa United Secure Away Wins Matchday 33 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) saw thrilling action across various venues, with Enyimba and Akwa United achieving the only away victories on Sunday. At the Umuahia Township Stadium, Enyimba emerged victorious in a closely contested oriental derby, defeating Abia Warriors FC 1-0. Bernard Ovoke scored the decisive goal, giving the People’s Elephant a hard-fought win. In Owerri, Heartland dominated their match against Gombe United FC, securing a convincing 3-0 victory. The hosts showcased their superiority, leaving Gombe United unable to find the back of…

Edo Queens New Champions of Nigeria Women Football League Edo Queens have been confirmed as the champions of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), marking a historic achievement for the team. The decisive moment came during the NWFL Super Six final showdown in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where they drew 1-1 with Bayelsa Queens, securing their maiden title with a total of 10 points. The final day of the Super Six was filled with intense competition and high stakes. Edo Queens, managed by Moses Aduku, displayed resilience and skill throughout the tournament. Their draw against Bayelsa Queens was enough…