Sports

Former Liverpool forward Rinsola Babajide has explained her decision to change her international allegiance from England to Nigeria, revealing that her ambition to feature at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and reconnect with her heritage played a key role. Born in London, Babajide previously represented England at several youth levels before FIFA approved her switch of nationality. She was part of the Young Lionesses squad that secured bronze at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and also featured for England’s U-18, U-19 and U-23 teams. In addition, she received invitations to two senior Lionesses training camps. Despite her progress with England’s youth sides, her senior breakthrough came with Nigeria when she debuted for the Super Falcons in an Olympic qualifier against Ethiopia i...

Iran has reportedly threatened to pull out of this summer's World Cup after US and Israeli airstrikes killed the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.   This comes after a joint military operation on Saturday targeted major Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran, following weeks of growing tension. In the wake of the conflict, Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, cast massive doubt over their participation in the upcoming summer tournament. Speaking on Iranian TV network 'Tehran', according to Marca, he said: 'With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the cup.' He added: 'But the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that.' Should they choose to partici...

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have received a timely boost ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash with Chelsea FC after being granted a postponement of a domestic league fixture. The French champions were originally scheduled to play FC Nantes in Ligue 1 between March 13 and 15, a date that fell between their Champions League round-of-16 matches against Chelsea on March 11 and March 17. However, the league encounter has now been rescheduled to the week commencing April 20. The adjustment gives PSG a five-day recovery period between the two European legs. Meanwhile, Chelsea are still set to face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday, March 14, at 17:30 GMT — just three days before PSG travel to Stamford Bridge for the decisive second leg. Confirming the development,...

Large crowds gathered in Dakar on Saturday to demand the release of 18 Senegalese football supporters imprisoned in Rabat following disturbances at January’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. Protesters marched through the Senegalese capital waving national flags and holding placards with messages such as “Free the hostages,” according to AFP correspondents. The demonstration was organised in response to sentences handed down earlier this month by a Moroccan court. On February 19, the 18 fans were convicted of hooliganism and received prison terms ranging from three months to one year. The unrest occurred late in the final when Morocco were awarded a penalty. Some Senegal supporters reportedly clashed with security officials while attempting to access the pitch. Nine of thos...

The draw also featured several intriguing matchups for English sides: Aston Villa will meet Lille, a familiar French opponent while Nottingham Forest take on Danish outfit Midtjylland. The draw for the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League Round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals was completed on Friday, 27 February 2026 in Nyon, Switzerland, setting up the knockout roadmap for Europe’s secondary club competition Sixteen clubs remain in the hunt for continental glory after the draw revealed the following ties: Ferencváros vs Braga Panathinaikos vs Real Betis Genk vs Freiburg Celta Vigo vs Lyon Stuttgart vs Porto Nottingham Forest vs Midtjylland Bologna vs Roma Lille vs Aston Villa This stage will be played over two legs, with first legs schedule...

Super Eagles coach,  Eric Chelle, has defended his demand for an increase in salary, saying it's aimed at improving his working conditions, while dismissing claims that he is threatening to resign from his position. In a recently leaked document, Chelle presented his terms before the NFF, including an increase in his monthly salary from $50,000 to $130,000, which would also cover his assistants. It was also gathered that the Malian manager had been linked with French club Olympique Marseille following Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. However, he did not get the Marseille job, while the NFF has stated that his 19 demands are subject to review and approval by its board. Speaking on the Histoires de Foot Podcast, Chelle maintained tha...

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Amas Obasogie has been handed a three-month suspension by Tanzanian side Singida Black Stars SC as the club investigates alleged match-fixing. The decision was announced on Friday in a statement from the club’s Disciplinary Committee, shared via its official X account. The suspension, according to the club, is intended to allow time for a thorough probe into the allegations.The statement also confirmed that midfielder Khalid Aucho received a three-month suspension for indiscipline and absenteeism. “The leadership of Singida Black Stars SC, through the Disciplinary Committee, has taken action against players Khalid Aucho and Amas Obasogie,” the statement read. “Amas Obasogie: Suspended for three months to allow investigation into match-fixing allegations. “Khalid...

The draw for this season’s Champions League Round of 16 has been completed on Friday. The standout tie will see Chelsea play Paris Saint-Germain in a repeat of last year’s Club World Cup final. Arsenal have been drawn against Bayer Leverkusen while Real Madrid take on Manchester City. All the fixtures will be played March 10-11 and March 17-18. FULL FIXTURES Sporting vs Bodo/Glimt Bayern Leverkusen vs Arsenal Real Madrid vs Manchester City Atalanta vs Bayern Munich PSG vs Chelsea Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham Newcastle vs Barcelona Galatasaray vs Liverpool

Manchester United F.C. are expected to pay up to £15.9 million in compensation to former manager Ruben Amorim and his coaching staff after his dismissal earlier this year, according to financial filings released in the United States. Amorim, 41, was sacked on January 5 after just 14 months in charge at Old Trafford. The Portuguese tactician left alongside five members of his backroom team, cutting short a tenure that initially showed promise but ultimately lacked consistency in the Premier League. Following his departure, Amorim reportedly held discussions with the club’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, and chief executive, Omar Berrada, which led to an initial settlement of £10 million. However, documents submitted to the New York Stock Exchange have now disclosed the broader...

Victor Osimhen has spoken candidly about Galatasaray’s possible opponents in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, revealing that a potential showdown with Liverpool F.C. would come with added intensity. Following Galatasaray’s dramatic play-off victory over Juventus F.C. to secure a place in the knockout stage, focus has now turned to Friday’s draw and the high-profile teams awaiting the Turkish champions. Among the potential opponents are Premier League sides Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur F.C., both regarded as formidable contenders. While Osimhen affirmed that Galatasaray are prepared to face any opponent, he admitted there are certain matchups he would prefer to avoid. “Honestly, meeting Liverpool now would feel like some sort of revenge,” the Nigerian forward said during a...