Sports

UEFA Champions League fans are in for another exciting phase of action following the completion of the draw for the round of 16 and knockout play-off fixtures. One of the headline clashes will see Portuguese side Benfica lock horns once again with Spanish giants Real Madrid in a high-profile encounter. The draw has revived memories of the dramatic meeting between both teams on the final day of the league phase. In that decisive clash played in Portugal, Benfica defeated Real Madrid 4–2 under the guidance of José Mourinho. That victory proved pivotal, helping Benfica secure a place in the knockout play-offs while preventing Madrid from earning automatic qualification to the round of 16. Teams were paired based on their final standings at the end of the league phase, with clubs r...

The Premier League reportedly blocked Man United legend Ryan Giggs from being inducted into their Hall of Fame when he faced trial for domestic abuse of his ex-girlfriend. Giggs, 52, had been intended to be an inaugural member of the Hall of Fame alongside Alan Shearer after the Premier League launched the concept, borrowing  from the model in American sports. The Welshman was then quietly withdrawn from the process because of the charges he faced, according to the Telegraph. The first players to be committed to the Hall of Fame were supposed to be announced in 2020, but there was a delay due to the pandemic. In the time that then passed, the nomination committee were aware of the developments with Giggs and his accuser, opting to leave him off their list, according to the...

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has said Michael Carrick deserves to be appointed the club’s permanent manager following an encouraging start to his spell in charge. Keane, who had earlier expressed reservations about Carrick taking the role long-term, appeared to soften his position after the former midfielder led United to impressive wins over Manchester City and Arsenal. Speaking on The Overlap, Keane backed the idea of Carrick being given the job full-time, commending his impact and the timing of his appointment. “I hope they give it to him,” Keane said. “I hope he gets it in the summer. I don’t necessarily think it’s the right decision, but I wish him well. “I’ve said what I think already. If he gets the job in the summer, then you just say, ‘Fair enough, good luck to h...

Feyenoord head coach Robin van Persie has described it as heartbreaking to watch his son suffer a serious career ending injury during the club’s 2–1 defeat to Real Betis in Thursday’s Europa League clash. Nineteen-year-old Shaqueel van Persie, who was introduced in the 73rd minute, made an immediate impact by assisting Casper Tengstedt’s goal that briefly pulled Feyenoord level. However, his night ended in distress just ten minutes later when he landed awkwardly on his right leg. The youngster’s knee appeared to bend backwards, leaving him in visible pain as he was stretchered off the pitch. Speaking after the match, Van Persie admitted he was deeply affected by the incident, revealing that in that moment he stood on the touchline more as a father than as a coach. “It’s not lookin...

AFCON-winning coach, Pape Thiaw, has politely rejected a crowdfunding campaign launched by Senegalese fans to help pay a fine imposed on him following the Africa Cup of Nations final. Pape was banned for five Confederation of African Football (CAF) matches after a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco this month. He was also handed a $100,000 fine. Supporters had earlier mobilised online, raising funds in solidarity for the coach after reports emerged that he was fined over comments and actions linked to the tense aftermath of the AFCON final. However, in a statement attributed to the coach, Thiaw expressed deep gratitude to the fans but made it clear that he would not accept the donations. He thanked supporters for their love and concern, stressing...

Nigeria international, Joe Aribo is expected to leave Championship side Southampton ahead of the January transfer deadline.  Southampton remain active in the transfer market, particularly in attack, as they approach the 7pm deadline on Monday, February 2. Head coach Tonda Eckert is also looking to trim his squad, with several players struggling for regular playing time this season.  Aribo is among the players made available for transfer, alongside Sam Edozie. The Saints had attempted to offload both players during the summer window but were unable to finalize moves at the time. Speaking on the situation, Eckert confirmed that discussions are ongoing. He explained that any potential move must suit both the player and the club, noting that modern transfers often involve mu...

Spain have officially selected Tennessee as their base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the city of Chattanooga named as the team’s headquarters for the tournament. The Spanish Football Federation announced that the European champions will be based in Chattanooga, a city located about two hours from Atlanta, where Spain are scheduled to play two of their three group-stage matches. Chattanooga, which has a population of approximately 190,000, lies along the Tennessee River in the southern United States. According to the federation, head coach Luis de la Fuente and his squad will stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chattanooga Downtown, while training sessions will be held at the facilities of Baylor School. Spain, who lifted the World Cup in 2010, will face Cape Verde and Saudi A...

Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi has sealed a season-long loan move to Portuguese giants FC Porto, opening a new chapter in his European career. The agreement includes an option for Porto to make the transfer permanent for €8 million at the end of the season, subject to the player’s performance. The 26-year-old forward is already in Portugal and is expected to undergo a medical examination before the deal is officially completed. Moffi’s departure follows a difficult period at French club Nice, where he was reportedly attacked by supporters after a defeat to Lorient. The incident is said to have affected his involvement with the team, as he did not feature for the club again afterward. Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas had also been tracking the Nigerian striker’s situation but f...

Super Eagles and Fulham winger,  Samuel Chukwueze, has been thrown into deep mourning following the death of his mother, Mrs. Sarah Chukwueze, after a brief illness. The sad news was made public by his brother, Chukwueze David, who shared a series of heartbreaking posts on Instagram, announcing the painful loss and paying tribute to their late mother. Although full details surrounding her illness were not disclosed. The news comes two days after Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, lost his father in a road accident in Delta state.