Sports

There is growing optimism that something special is taking shape, with Cristiano Ronaldo spearheading Al-Nassr’s push toward a historic turnaround. After a period marked by missed opportunities and frustration, the club now finds itself within touching distance of a remarkable treble. What once seemed like a transitional campaign has evolved into a serious title charge. Al-Nassr has hit top form at the right moment, turning earlier inconsistencies into a surge that has placed multiple trophies firmly within reach. AFC Champions League path In continental competition, the numbers tell a clear story. Al-Nassr is just one victory away from clinching the West region title in the AFC Champions League Two. A semifinal clash against Al-Ahli (Qatar) stands as the immediate hurdle. Prog...

An envoy for US President Donald Trump has reportedly asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the 2026 World Cup this summer. The Financial Times reported that the plan is an effort to repair the relationship between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which soured after the former’s comments against Pope Leo XIV regarding the war with Iran. United States special envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested the idea to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. "I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I’m an Italian native, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U.S.-hosted tournament," Zampolli told the outlet. "With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion." Italy had a chance to be in the World Cup already, b...

AS Monaco midfielder Paul Pogba has suggested that Bruno Fernandes would be a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or if he played for a dominant team like Manchester City. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the former Manchester United star praised Fernandes’ abilities but noted that greater team success could elevate his global recognition. “Bruno Fernandes, in other top clubs, would be in the top three for the Ballon d’Or,” Pogba said. He added that placing Fernandes in a more dominant system like Manchester City would significantly boost his chances of winning the prestigious individual award. Fernandes has been one of Manchester United’s key performers this season, recording 18 Premier League assists and nearing the single-season assist record jointly held by Thi...

Manchester City climbed back to the summit of the Premier League standings after securing a hard-fought 1-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor. Despite the narrow scoreline, the encounter reflected the intensity of a tight title race, with City dominating play but facing strong resistance from Burnley’s goalkeeper, Martin Dubravka. The decisive moment came early, as Erling Haaland found the back of the net just five minutes into the match. A well-delivered pass from Jeremy Doku split Burnley’s defence, allowing Haaland to calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner and silence the home crowd. City continued to press forward, having already threatened through Rayan Cherki, whose earlier effort struck the woodwork and tested Dubravka. Under manager Pep Guardiola, City maintained contr...

Nigeria’s D’Tigress have been drawn into Group B for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, where they will face France, Hungary, and South Korea.   The draw, held in Berlin, places the reigning African champions against some of the globe's most formidable teams. France, currently ranked second in the world, enter the tournament as favorites to lead the group. Nigeria, holding steady at eighth in the global rankings, will look to capitalize on their recent continental dominance to secure a spot in the knockout stages.   Rounding out Group B are South Korea, ranked 15th, and Hungary, ranked 19th. Both teams are known for tactical discipline, making the group one of the most competitive in the opening round.   Rena Wakama’s side secured their world cup ticket by winning ...

Real Madrid and Barcelona are preparing for a major transfer battle over Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer 2026 window. Both La Liga giants have intensified their interest in the Nigerian forward, who has maintained exceptional form at Galatasaray since making his move to Turkey permanent. Osimhen has been a force this season, contributing significantly to Galatasaray’s domestic and European campaigns. His physical presence and clinical finishing have reaffirmed his status as one of the most elite strikers in world football. According to reports from Fotomaç, Real Madrid views Osimhen as the ideal traditional number nine to lead their attack. The strategic goal is to utilize the Nigerian international as a central focal point, which would allow Kylian Mbappé ...

Chelsea have sacked head coach Liam Rosenior with immediate effect after four months at the club . Rosenior signed a five-and-a-half-year deal after arriving from French club Strasbourg, also owned by Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. He managed just 11 wins in 23 matches across all competitions, and Tuesday's 3-0 defeat at Brighton was Chelsea's fifth consecutive league defeat without scoring, the club's worst scoreless run since 1912. Rosenior described the performance as "indefensible" and "unacceptable" after facing angry chants from Chelsea's travelling supporters on the south coast. The defeat led to the Blues slipping to seventh in the Premier League, seven points behind Liverpool, who occupy the fifth and final Champions League spot. Calum McFarlan...

The Football Association (FA) has introduced fresh measures to reduce heading in football, amid growing concerns about its possible long-term effects on players’ brain health. The decision follows emerging scientific evidence linking repeated heading of the ball to neurological risks. Experts explain that each header sends a small pulse of force to the brain, which, while minor on its own, may lead to cumulative damage over time. A major research project, the FIELD study, revealed that former professional footballers are about 3.5 times more likely to develop neurodegenerative diseases compared to the general population. In response, the FA has implemented a gradual ban on heading for children under 11 and issued new guidelines to limit high-impact headers during training, especia...

Nigerian-born British boxer Lawrence Okolie has returned an adverse doping result just days before his scheduled heavyweight fight against Tony Yoka in Paris, casting serious doubt over the bout. The 33-year-old was due to face the 2016 Olympic gold medallist at the Adidas Arena this weekend, but the contest is now uncertain following the test result reported by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA). In a statement, his promoters at Queensberry Promotions confirmed the development, saying they were notified of the failed test ahead of the event. They added that further updates regarding the fight would be communicated in due course, leaving the entire fight card in limbo as several bouts are now at risk. Okolie, a former WBO cruiserweight world champion, recently stepped...

Wolverhampton Wanderers, popularly known as Wolves, have been officially relegated from the Premier League following a goalless draw between West Ham United F.C. and Crystal Palace F.C. on Monday night. The match at Selhurst Park ended 0–0, with West Ham earning a vital point in their fight to avoid relegation. The result leaves Wolves stuck on 17 points after 33 matches, making it mathematically impossible for them to catch West Ham, who sit just above the drop zone with 33 points. Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur F.C., on 31 points, and Burnley F.C., on 20 points, currently occupy the other relegation spots. Burnley could also have their relegation confirmed if they lose their upcoming midweek clash against Manchester City F.C.. Following confirmation of the drop, Wolves’ inte...