Sports

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, has dismissed reports suggesting that the country has been confirmed as the new host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). In a statement issued on February 2, McKenzie clarified that no official decision has been made to relocate the tournament from Morocco, which remains the designated host nation. He emphasized that the competition is still scheduled to kick off on March 17, with no changes to the existing arrangements. McKenzie’s clarification followed remarks credited to Deputy Minister of Sport, Peace Mabel, who had implied that South Africa was set to host the tournament after Morocco allegedly withdrew just weeks before the opening match. According to those claims, Morocco had stepped down from hosting dut...

Atletico Madrid are closing in on the signing of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, with the Spanish giants poised to complete their first major addition of the winter transfer window by landing the Atalanta star. The move follows Giacomo Raspadori’s departure earlier in the window, which pushed Los Colchoneros to accelerate their search for a replacement in attack. Lookman has been on Atletico’s radar for some time, but negotiations have intensified in recent days as the club moved decisively to secure his signature. Turkish side Fenerbahce were initially leading the race after holding talks with Atalanta over a €40 million transfer. However, Atletico Madrid have now overtaken them and are on the brink of finalising the deal. Reports indicate that Atletico are ready to pay €35 ...

By Tosin Oyediran Arsenal reaffirmed their Premier League dominance with a commanding 4-0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road, restoring a seven-point cushion at the top of the table. The Gunners overcame an early setback when Bukayo Saka pulled up in the warm-up, with Noni Madueke stepping in to make an instant impact. The winger set up Martin Zubimendi’s opener before delivering a corner that led to an own goal by Leeds’ Karl Darlow, putting Arsenal 2-0 up by halftime. “It was disappointing to lose Saka before kick-off, but Noni showed great composure and creativity,” manager Mikel Arteta said. After the break, Viktor Gyokeres added Arsenal’s third on 69 minutes, outmuscling the Leeds defense to continue a remarkable run of form with his fourth goal in si...

Elena Rybakina delivered a commanding display to overcome world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping three-set final, securing the women’s singles title at the 2026 Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena. The fifth-seeded Kazakh edged past the Belarusian powerhouse 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to lift her second Grand Slam trophy and her maiden Australian Open title, adding to her Wimbledon triumph in 2022. Rybakina set the tone early, breaking serve in the opening game and wrapping up the first set in just 37 minutes. Her powerful serving proved decisive, particularly at 4-3 when she saved two break points—one with an ace and another with a blistering 182km/h serve out wide. After quietly celebrating the opening set, Rybakina was pushed hard as Sabalenka raised her intensity in the second, clai...

History is on the line in the Australian Open men’s final on Sunday with tennis gladiators Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz each vowing no surrender. Separated by 16 years, the pair stand at opposite ends of their careers and are pursuing significant but different milestones. The 38-year-old Djokovic is striving to win a record-extending 11th Melbourne crown and with it a 25th major title to finally surpass Margaret Court’s long-standing landmark. Should he do so, he will also become the oldest man to lift the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup at the Australian Open. The 22-year-old Alcaraz has already won six Grand Slams and is bidding to become the youngest man to complete a career sweep of all four majors. Fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal did it at 24. “For me, I thi...

Michael Carrick has declined to rule out further signings for Manchester United ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, suggesting late moves could still materialise. Former United head coach Ruben Amorim had earlier hinted that the club would add reinforcements before the window closed, but frustration followed United’s decision not to reallocate the £65 million earmarked for long-term target Antoine Semenyo, who eventually joined Manchester City from Bournemouth. United have continued to be linked with several midfielders, including former Wolves captain Ruben Neves, now plying his trade with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The need for additions has intensified after confirmation that versatile left-sided player Patrick Dorgu will be sidelined for several weeks through injury, fue...

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 ...