Author: Nurudeen Obalola
By Nurudeen Obalola The Nigeria Football Federation has overturned the decisions of the Nigeria Premier Football League to deduct three points from Bendel Insurance and Nasarawa United. The NPFL had fined Insurance and removed three points and three goals from their haul after violence marred the league clash against visiting Kano Pillars at the Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on November 11. However, the NFF announced on Thursday that its disciplinary committee ruled that the fines were enough punishment for the assault on match officials. “The Committee affirmed paragraphs a, b, c, d, and f of the decisions (fines) of the…
By Korede James Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi has returned to first-team training with OGC Nice after a lengthy layoff due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Moffi had been out of action since pre-season, missing the 2024/2025 campaign for Nice so far. However, on Wednesday, the 25-year-old returned to Nice’s training ground, taking part in a session. Moffi last made an appearance for Nice on May 19, 2024 in a 2-2 draw against Lille. His last outing for Nigeria was in a World Cup qualifier on June 10, in the 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic. Also, he was…
By Korede James Samuel Chukwueze was in action for AC Milan who lost 1-0 at Feyenoord in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-offs tie on Wednesday night. The Super Eagles winger came on in the 60th minute but could not affect the outcome of the match. It was Chukwueze’s sixth appearance in the Champions League this season, the fifth as a substitute, with one assist. Igor Paixao scored the only goal of the game just three minutes into the encounter. Seven-time Champions League winners Milan would hope to turn things around when they host Feyenoord in the…
By Korede James Liverpool missed the chance to go nine points clear of Arsenal in the English Premier League title race on Wednesday night after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Everton in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before the Toffees move to their new stadium. The fixture, originally billed for December 7, was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. After a strong start from both teams, it was Everton who took the lead on 11 minutes as a quick free-kick sent Beto through who then slotted past Alisson. Liverpool were back on level terms in the 16th minute…
Grammy-winning Nigerian artiste Tems, real names Temilade Openiyi, has been unveiled as a part-owner of American Major League Soccer (MLS) club San Diego FC. The club announced the development on Wednesday, naming Tems as one of several investors. “San Diego FC (SDFC) today announced 2x GRAMMY Award-winning, Oscar nominated, Lagos, Nigeria-based singer, songwriter, and producer Tems, through her company The Leading Vibe, as the latest addition to the Club’s ownership group,” the club said in a statement. “Known for her effortless, one-of-a-kind, warm, vibrational sound, Tems brings her creative spirit and passion for community to the world of soccer as SDFC’s…
By Korede James Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) lost 2-0 to Kwara United in a rescheduled week 20 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Wednesday in Ilorin. The defeat ended 3SC’s eight-match unbeaten run and leaves them eight points behind leaders Remo Stars in the league table. Going into Wednesday’s encounter, the Oluyole Warriors were unbeaten in their last five league meetings with Kwara United. Kwara United took the lead through Kabiru Muhammed in the 22nd minute off an assist by Ojifinni Abdullahi. Abdullahi then doubled Kwara United’s lead 12 minites into the second half as the Afonja Warriors returned…
Kai Havertz is reportedly set to miss the rest of the season after the forward sustained an injury during Arsenal’s mid-season trip to Dubai. The Athletic broke the story on Wednesday, with other outlets later reporting the same. Germany international Havertz has led the Arsenal attack this season, scoring 15 goals across all competitions. Arsenal are battling with Liverpool for the English Premier League title and have already qualified for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 after finishing third in the 36-team league phase. But their trophy chances have been handed a hefty blow after it was reported Havertz…
By Nurudeen Obalola The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will find out their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage opponents on Thursday, when the tournament’s draw will be held. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed on Wednesday that the draw ceremony will be held in Cairo on Thursday afternoon, with the tournament itself scheduled for Cote d’Ivoire from April 26 to May 18. According to the continental governing body, the draw will be broadcast live on CAF TV, with former Mali international Adama Coulibaly and ex-Senegal star Souleymane Camara acting as draw assistants. The Flying Eagles, who have been…
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has said the display of a banner highlighting Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win before kick-off at Manchester City motivated him even more to win the UEFA Champions League play-off first leg on Tuesday night. Vinicius was named man of the match after providing the assist for Jude Bellingham’s stoppage time winner and Brahim Diaz’s late equaliser in Real Madrid’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Spain midfielder Rodri claimed the prestigious Ballon d’Or prize ahead of the Brazil winger last October, with Real Madrid boycotting the ceremony in Paris because they felt their player…
Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi was on the score sheet but had to be taken off on a stretcher with a head injury as Nottingham Forest saw off third-tier Exeter in their English FA Cup fourth round clash on Tuesday night. Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo revealed after the match that Awoniyi sustained a broken nose after an aerial collision with Exeter goalkeeper Joe Whitworth. The Nigeria international was given a rare start in a much-changed Nottingham Forest as 10-man Exeter City took them to extra-time and a penalty shootout. The two sides finished deadlocked at 2-2 after extra-time,…