Author: Nurudeen Obalola
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that his side might struggle without their influential striker Erling Haaland. The Norway international limped off on Sunday after scoring in the 2-1 FA Cup victory at Bournemouth, and he has been ruled out for weeks. “We don’t have another player with his [Erling Haaland’s] skills or specific qualities, we know that but we have to adapt,” Guardiola said on Tuesday during his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s home English Premier League clash against Leicester City. “For many years, we’ve played with different ways up front and it depends on the qualities…
By Korede James English Championship club Leeds United have made contact with Portuguese giants FC Porto over a move for Super Eagles left-back Zaidu Sanusi, according to reports. The 27-year-old Sanusi, whose contract with Porto will expire in 2027, is reportedly looking to leave the 30-time Primeira Liga champions in search of more playing time. Leeds, who are currently second in the Championship table and gunning for promotion to the English Premier League, are looking to strengthen their squad for next season and are keen to sign the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations runner-up. Africafoot reported, citing Gestifute, Sanusi’s agency,…
The Jamaican government has expressed sadness at the passing of Wellesley Bolt, the father of sprint icon Usain Bolt, who has been described as a man who deeply loved his family. Wellesley Bolt passed away on Monday at the age of 68. In a tribute, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness stated that his presence, support, and guidance helped shape a legacy that continues to inspire the world. “Mr Bolt was the father of a global icon and a strong, quiet force behind one of Jamaica’s greatest sons,” Holness said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “Usain, we have all…
It was once customary for English Premier League players to be gifted a bottle of champagne as reward for winning man of the match. Times have moved on since then, with players now receiving a small trophy in recognition of their display. But Norwegian club Bryne FK – where Manchester City forward Erling Haaland started his career – have come up with a novel approach by awarding eggs to their player of the match. The club, based in the south-west of Norway close to the city of Stavanger, were promoted back to the top-flight last season for the first time…
By Korede James Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is available for Arsenal’s English Premier League clash with Fulham following a hamstring injury. Saka has been out of action for the past three months but could make his return against Marco Silva’s side on Tuesday night. The England winger with Nigerian heritage was impressive in thecearly parts of the 2024-2025 campaign, scoring five goals and providing 10 assists. However, the 23-year-old was sidelined after sustaining a hamstring injury during the Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace on December 21. “All the careful things are already done. Now it’s about…
By Korede James French Ligue 1 club Toulouse FC have been linked with a summer move for Super Eagles forward Henry Onyekuru. The Nigeria international will be a free agent this summer as his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al Fayha expires. According to Africafoot, Toulouse have inquired with the 27-year-old’s representatives at Foot&Ball about his situation and are ready to negotiate a deal in the coming weeks. Africafoot reported that the club plan to offer him a three-year contract with an option for an additional season. Onyekuru joined Al Fayha from Turkish club Adana Demirspor in 2023 and…
Nineteen-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik beat his childhood idol Novak Djokovic 7-6(4) 7-6(4) in an upset for the ages in the early hours of Monday, claiming his first ATP title at the Miami Open as he denied the former number one his bid for a milestone 100th. The 54th-ranked Mensik faced tough odds in only his second ATP final but harnessed his best weapon to subdue the 24-time major winner with 14 aces and collapsed onto the court, overcome with emotion, after sealing it with an unreturnable serve. The oldest ever to reach a Masters 1000 final, 37-year-old Djokovic had…
Arsenal and Tottenham will contest the first north London derby to be held outside the United Kingdom when the two teams face each other in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong this summer. The London rivals will play in the newly-opened Kai Tak Stadium on July 31 as part of their preparations for the 2025-2026 season. The match, scheduled for 7:30pm local time (11:30am BST), will be the first time that the two teams have met outside the UK. The fixture is part of the Hong Kong Football Festival, which will see Premier League rivals Liverpool take on AC Milan…
By Korede James Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare was on target as Genk thrashed Gent 4-0 in their first game of the Belgian Pro League Championship round on Sunday. The 24-year-old Nigeria international has now scored 18 goals with five assists in 31 appearances for Genk this season. Arokodare scored in the 50th minute to put Genk 2-0 ahead and was replaced with 20 minutes left on the clock. His Nigerian teammate at Genk, Yira Sor, was also in action as he came on with one minute left in the game for his 15th league match (he has one goal).…
Marcus Rashford scored twice as Aston Villa defeated Championship side Preston North End 3-0 in their FA Cup quarter-final at Deepdale on Sunday. The victory kept Villa on course to win the world’s oldest national competition for the first time in 68 years. Rashford netted his first goal for Villa since a February loan move from Manchester United when he side-footed a low cross from Lucas Digne into the net 13 minutes after half-time. Shortly afterwards the England forward converted a penalty when Morgan Rogers was fouled. Jacob Ramsey scored an excellent third for Villa to settle the contest…