Sports

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed confidence in securing a favourable verdict from FIFA in its ongoing dispute with the Democratic Republic of Congo over the alleged fielding of ineligible players during the November 2026 World Cup play-off final. Nigeria’s qualification hopes suffered a serious blow after the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo on penalties at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, a result that appeared to seal a second straight absence from the World Cup. However, weeks after the defeat, the NFF formally submitted a petition to FIFA, alleging that the Congolese team breached player eligibility rules. Speaking on Brila FM, NFF General Secretary, Dr Sanusi Mohammed, stated that the federation would not have pursued the case without being confident in the strength...

Chinese FA has banned 73 people from soccer for life and deducted points from nine top-tier clubs in its latest anti-corruption campaign over alleged match-fixing. Former national team coach and Everton player Li Tie and Chen Xuyuan, former president of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), were among those banned. At a press conference in Beijing, the CFA, the Ministry of Public Security and the General Administration of Sport outlined the campaign against match‑fixing, betting and corrupt refereeing in football. “The Ministry of Public Security will continue to work with sports administrative departments to maintain a high‑pressure stance of strict law enforcement and severe punishment, effectively support and advance these efforts thoroughly and concretely,” a senior official...

Fulham have officially announced the signing of Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb from Manchester City, securing his services until the summer of 2031. The 22-year-old has joined the West London side on a five-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Bobb, who has already enjoyed Premier League and Club World Cup success with City, will wear the number 14 shirt at Craven Cottage. Speaking after completing the move, Bobb shared his excitement about starting a new chapter with Fulham. “It feels amazing to be here. I had a great first day meeting everyone and I’m really excited,” he said. “I’ve always seen Fulham as a strong club with quality players and a fantastic stadium. I spoke with my good friend Sander and also had discussions with the manager, who explained the system, t...

Portugal has proposed a 2026 FIFA World Cup friendly against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, acccording to new reports. The match is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, with Lisbon expected to host the game. Both the Portuguese and Nigerian football federations have agreed to the friendly in principle, with final details to be confirmed soon. Although the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, their impressive showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has made them an attractive opponent for World Cup-bound teams. The friendly will serve as part of Portugal’s preparation for the tournament, while Nigeria will use it to prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The last time the two sides met in a friendly, in November 2022, Portugal defeated Nigeria ...

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...