Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

The USWNT have slipped out of the top two in the FIFA world rankings for the first time, with their six-year reign in the No.1 spot coming to an end. The United States have dominated the women’s game in recent times, with back-to-back global crowns secured in 2015 and 2019. They were, however, to endure a disastrous defence of that prize at the 2023 World Cup – as they suffered a shock defeat to Sweden in the round of 16. That setback has seen them tumble from the summit of the world rankings and into third place – with this the first time since records…

Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales is set to step down on Friday after heavy criticism of his behaviour at the World Cup final in Sydney on Sunday, according to reports in Spain. Rubiales’ expected resignation will come one day after FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the 46-year-old, who grabbed his crotch in celebration of Spain’s victory over England, then kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy celebration. FIFA said in a statement issued on Thursday afternoon: “The FIFA disciplinary committee informed Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Association, today that it is opening disciplinary proceedings…

Odion Ighalo scored on his maiden appearance as Al Wehda defeated Al Taee 3-0 in their Saudi Pro League encounter. Ighalo started the game from the bench and replaced Hussein Al Eisa in the 86th minute. The former Super Eagles forward netted five minutes after his introduction. Al Wehda had already established a 2-0 lead before his introduction. Faycal Fajr and Saeed Al Muwallad scored the first and second goals for the home team. Ighalo recently linked up with Al Wehda on a free transfer, penning a two-year deal. The 34-year-old is expected to make his full debut against Al…

World Champion Tobi Amusan has failed to defend her World title after finishing 6th in the final at the ongoing World Athletics Championship in Budapest on Thursday. Jamaica’s Danielle Williams won the title in a season-best of 12.43s while Olympic champion, Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn came second in 12.44s and USA Kendra Harrison came third in 12.46s while World champion, Amusan came 6th in 12.62s in her third consecutive final. At the 2022 World Championship in Eugene, USA, Amusan came first with a 12.40 (African record) before setting a new world record of 12.12 to smash the 12.20 world record…

Manchester City have completed the signing of Jeremy Doku from Rennes on a five-year deal. City had agreed a fee of €65million (£55.5m) with Rennes for Doku. City winger Riyad Mahrez left earlier this summer before Kevin De Bruyne suffered a hamstring injury that could see him ruled out until next year. Following Mahrez’s exit, Bernardo Silva and Cole Palmer have stepped in so far this season, while Phil Foden put in a man-of-the-match performance from a similar position in Saturday’s Premier League victory over Newcastle United. Doku said: “This is a great day for me, both personally and professionally.…

Manchester City are not backing out of the race for Nunes’ signature just yet. As the sky blues seem prepared to submit yet another bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Matheus Nunes on the condition that the club would be ready to beat down on their valuation of the Portuguese. City saw a staggering £47 million ($59m) offer turned down on Wednesday on the claim that Wolves demanded more for their star midfielder. Wolves are not pleased to release the player but money knocks down all barriers and that could prove to be just the push needed seeing that the 24-year-old…

Gabriel Jesus is back in Arsenal training as he steps up his recovery from a knee injury. The Brazil international featured in four pre-season games before being forced to undergo surgery on a knee issue which manager Mikel Arteta confirmed was related to the injury he suffered during the World Cup. Jesus, who has 11 goals and eight assists in 33 games for Arsenal, missed 12 Premier League games last season as a result of his injury and has not featured yet this year. However, he is now back in training as he inches closer to another comeback. Arsenal will host Fulham…

Al-Ittihad reach personal agreement with Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah. Al-Ittihad have been in constant talks with the Egyptian over the past couple of hours and have reportedly reach an agreement for his transfer over to the Middle East. Salah, 31, has two years left on his Liverpool deal and is open to a move to the Saudi Pro League. Which might see him reunite with former teammate Fabinho. Reports however suggest the the player is not looking to force the deal through and would remain at the cub IF Liverpool are refusing to sell. The deal to the Saudi side could…

Football’s governing body, FIFA has begun disciplinary measures against Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales over conduct at Women’s World Cup medal ceremony. Rubiales was seen kissing forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips after La Roja triumphed against England. FIFA will look at whether those actions constitute violations of article 13 in its disciplinary code, concerning offensive behaviour and fair play. According to the disciplinary code, officials are among those that must “comply with the principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity”. It says disciplinary measures can be brought against anyone “violating the basic rules of decent conduct”, “insulting a natural…

Manchester United fell 3-0 to Burnley in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Carrington on Wednesday. United boss Erik ten Hag was keen to hold the game to work on the fitness levels of his fringe players, while Burnley happily agreed after their Premier League clash with Luton Town was postponed, with Clarets manager Vincent Kompany keen to avoid losing any match fitness. While most of United’s senior stars were kept out of the friendly in favour of an extra training session, there were a number of familiar faces in the United lineup that fell to defeat. Jonny Evans, Scott McTominay, Donny van…

Crystal Palace set to begin talks with Leicester City for Super Eagles Star Kelechi Iheanacho. The Eagles are looking to bid around £12m for the former Manchester City striker. Leicester are seriously considering cashing on the forward whose contract would expire in the summer of 2024. Iheanacho wants a move away from the King Sower Stadium as he does not want to play in the Sky Bet Championship. Crystal Palace consider him as a replacement for Jean-Philipe Mateta who is most likely to leave the club this summer. Iheanacho joined Leicester City from Manchester City in 2018, and has scored…

Inter Miami came back from 2-0 down to reach their second final since Lionel Messi joined the MLS side last month. The Argentina forward, 36, had two assists in a thrilling US Open Cup semi-final at FC Cincinnati, which ended 3-3 after extra time. It was the first time Messi failed to score for Miami, in his eighth game for the club, but he converted his penalty as they won the shootout 5-4 in Ohio. Miami also beat Nashville on penalties to win the Leagues Cup on Saturday. That was the club’s first major honour since being formed as an expansion team…