Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Rwanda Awaits FIFA Clearance on Ex-Lobi Stars Striker Elijah Ani. Rwanda’s head coach, Thorsten Frank Spittler, has revealed that the national team is awaiting FIFA’s approval to allow former Lobi Stars and current Bugesera FC striker Elijah Ani to play for the Amavubi in the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho. This development was reported by BSNSports. Spittler praised Ani as an exceptional player and a commendable individual who could significantly boost the team’s performance. He mentioned that the Rwanda Football Association is in communication with FIFA, hoping that recent amendments to the laws governing players’…

 European Super League may yet arise from the ashes of condemnation, following a positive ruling in its favour by a commercial court in Spain. In a significant ruling, a Spanish court has declared that UEFA and FIFA acted improperly in banning clubs from joining the breakaway European Super League (ESL). Madrid’s commercial court determined that the European and world football governing bodies were engaging in anti-competitive behavior and abusing their dominant position in the sport. This decision aligns with a similar ruling made by the European Court of Justice in December. The case was initiated by A22 Sports Management,…

Unai Emery and Aston Villa Bromance Set To Continue For Five More Years At Least Following New Contract  Aston Villa has announced that head coach Unai Emery has signed a new five-year contract, extending his tenure with the club until June 2029. This new agreement, which includes a salary increase, was formalized following an extension signed last month. Emery, who has been pivotal in driving Aston Villa’s recent successes, expressed his enthusiasm for the future. “I am very happy to be leading this club. There’s a great chemistry in Aston Villa,” he stated. The extended contract reflects Aston…

Henry Nwosu Endorses Elegbeleye for Pitch Awards Sportsmanship Category Former Super Eagles star Henry Nwosu has thrown his support behind the nomination of Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), for the prestigious Pitch Awards Sportsmanship category for 2023. In a heartfelt endorsement, Nwosu, who has coached several professional league teams including Union Bank of Lagos and Gateway of Abeokuta, praised Elegbeleye as a selfless leader and technocrat. Reflecting on their past interaction, Nwosu recounted a memorable encounter from 2008 when he was the coach of the U-17 team. “Elegbeleye saw me in Abuja…

Chelsea Set to Appoint Enzo Maresca as New Head Coach Chelsea are on the verge of finalizing a contract with Enzo Maresca as their new head coach. The Italian has expressed his enthusiasm for the Chelsea project, and the agreement is now focused on the final details of his contract, which could be either a two-year deal with an option for a further season or a straight three-year deal. Maresca, currently with Leicester City, having led them back to the premier weeks ago is eager to take on the role, and Chelsea are equally keen to bring him on…

Tanzania and South Africa Triumph in CAF African Schools Football Championship Finals The CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals concluded with a spectacular celebration of African youth football on Friday, 24 May, in Zanzibar. The four-day competition ended on a high note as Tanzania and South Africa emerged as champions in their respective divisions. In a thrilling final at Amaan Stadium, the Tanzanian boys’ team clinched the title with a victory over Guinea, much to the delight of the home supporters. The girls’ final saw South Africa ascend to the summit of African youth football, securing a dramatic…

Finidi George Names Squad for World Cup Qualifiers Nigeria’s Head Coach, Finidi George, has announced a formidable squad of 23 players for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic. The squad features a mix of experienced internationals and exciting new talents, including rave-of-the-moment Ademola Lookman and African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen. Among the selected players are goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who has been in stellar form, and other prominent names such as Maduka Okoye, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface,…

NPFL Matchday 33: Enyimba and Akwa United Secure Away Wins Matchday 33 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) saw thrilling action across various venues, with Enyimba and Akwa United achieving the only away victories on Sunday. At the Umuahia Township Stadium, Enyimba emerged victorious in a closely contested oriental derby, defeating Abia Warriors FC 1-0. Bernard Ovoke scored the decisive goal, giving the People’s Elephant a hard-fought win. In Owerri, Heartland dominated their match against Gombe United FC, securing a convincing 3-0 victory. The hosts showcased their superiority, leaving Gombe United unable to find the back of…

Edo Queens New Champions of Nigeria Women Football League Edo Queens have been confirmed as the champions of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), marking a historic achievement for the team. The decisive moment came during the NWFL Super Six final showdown in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where they drew 1-1 with Bayelsa Queens, securing their maiden title with a total of 10 points. The final day of the Super Six was filled with intense competition and high stakes. Edo Queens, managed by Moses Aduku, displayed resilience and skill throughout the tournament. Their draw against Bayelsa Queens was enough…

Southampton Triumphs Over Leeds United to Secure Premier League Return Southampton has secured an immediate return to the Premier League by defeating Leeds United 1-0 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley. The victory marks a significant milestone for the Saints, while Leeds suffered a heartbreaking fourth consecutive play-off final defeat. Russell Martin’s Southampton entered the clash with confidence, having been the only team to achieve a double over Leeds during the regular Championship season, including a 2-1 win at Elland Road on the final day. With the stakes high in the so-called ‘richest game in football,’ both teams…

Barcelona Feminine defeated Lyon Ladies 2:0 in Uefa Champions League final, as they successfully defended their title yet again. Barcelona cemented their place in football history by defending their Women’s Champions League title with a 2-0 victory over Lyon in the final, completing an unprecedented quadruple of trophies this season. Barcelona’s dominance was evident as they added the Champions League to their trophy cabinet, alongside their domestic league and cup victories. The final, held in Bilbao, saw England international Lucy Bronze praise her team’s achievement, declaring, “We go down in history as one of the best teams in Europe.” The…

US Golfer Grayson Murray Dies at 30 The PGA Tour has announced the tragic death of American golfer Grayson Murray at the age of 30. The two-time tour winner had recently withdrawn from the Charles Schwab Challenge due to illness, having played 16 holes of his second round. “We were devastated to learn – and are heartbroken to share – that Grayson Murray passed away this morning,” said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan. “I am at a loss for words. The PGA Tour is a family, and when you lose a member of your family, you are never the…