Santos forward Neymar has issued a statement after leaving the Brazilian national team due to injury. In an Instagram story on Friday, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona star expressed his gratitude to those who sent messages of support. Neymar wrote: “The return felt so close, but unfortunately, I won’t be able to wear the heaviest shirt in the world at this moment!” “We had extensive discussions, and everyone knows how much I want to return, but we reached a consensus and decided it’s best not to take any risks. I need to fully recover and prepare myself to be…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka will return to training next week as he nears full recovery from a hamstring injury. Saka has been sidelined since before Christmas after suffering a serious hamstring tear in a match against Crystal Palace. The England international underwent surgery and has been forced to watch from the sidelines as Arsenal’s title challenge faced setbacks. His absence has been further compounded by Gabriel Jesus’ long-term injury, leaving Arteta with limited attacking options. However, with the 2024-25 season heading into its critical stages, Arteta provided an optimistic update on Saka’s progress. “He’s getting…
Former Nigeria international Celestine Babayaro believes that Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman would be ideal signings for Chelsea. Both players are expected to move clubs at the end of the current season. Osimhen, 26, is in the final months of his loan deal with Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray. The forward has a €75m release clause in his contract, and his parent club, Napoli, is open to letting him leave this summer. Lookman, 27, has impressed with another outstanding season at Serie A club Atalanta and is reportedly available for around €60m. “Lookman and Osimhen would fit in perfectly at…
Nigeria National League (NNL) side Adamawa United has been granted approval to use the newly rehabilitated Makwada Stadium in Numan for their home matches. George Kushi, Special Assistant to the Adamawa State Government, made the announcement via a statement on social media. The government expressed that the stadium’s approval would help boost the players’ morale for the upcoming season. Both Adamawa United and Nigeria Women’s Football League team Adamawa Queens will now play their home games on the new turf, after previously hosting their matches at Pantami Stadium in Gombe State. Adamawa United’s first game at Makwada Stadium will be…
Victor Osimhen delivered a clinical performance, scoring a hat-trick for Galatasaray in their dominant 4-0 victory over Antalyaspor at Rams Park on Friday evening. The Nigerian striker opened the scoring on the half-hour mark, before allowing Alvaro Morata to convert a penalty to double the lead. Just before halftime, Osimhen found the back of the net again, putting Galatasaray firmly in control. He completed his hat-trick seven minutes into the second half, bringing his season tally to an impressive 31 goal contributions—26 goals and five assists in 30 appearances across all competitions. Osimhen’s scintillating form has attracted attention from top…
Eric Chelle has unveiled his first provisional squad as head coach of the Super Eagles ahead of the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The 47-year-old has been closely monitoring players from both domestic and international leagues since taking over from Augustine Eguavoen. The 23-man squad he released reflects his approach and thinking for the upcoming fixtures. Notably, two experienced players, Ahmed Musa and Maduka Okoye, were dropped from the squad. Chelle included two home-based players: goalkeeper Kayode Bankole and midfielder Papa Daniel. There was also a maiden call-up for KRC Genk forward Tolu Arokodare, while Joe…
Chelsea have reportedly completed a deal to sign Sporting CP’s Dario Essugo, following the acquisition of his fellow Portuguese player, Geovany Quenda, on the same day. While Quenda had barely been linked with Chelsea and was largely seen as a prime target for Manchester United, Essugo has been on Chelsea’s radar for some time. A transfer nearly went through in the January window, but it now seems the 20-year-old midfielder will make the move to Stamford Bridge in the summer. According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Essugo’s transfer to Chelsea is a “done deal.” The Premier League club will reportedly…
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has reaffirmed his admiration for Mason Mount, stressing that the midfielder will not be rushed as he nears a return after a three-month injury layoff. The 26-year-old was forced off early in December’s Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium, having impressed Amorim during the early weeks of his tenure. It marked another setback in a frustrating 19 months for Mount, who has made just 22 Premier League appearances for United due to various injuries—a significant blow considering the £55m investment United made in him. Amorim, who has previously spoken about his “love” for Mount, confirmed…
The Premier League could have as many as seven teams in next season’s Champions League. This would include the top five teams in the league, along with the Champions League and Europa League winners—provided they finish outside the top five. UEFA is set to grant an additional Champions League spot to two European leagues based on their teams’ performances in all UEFA competitions this season. For the Premier League, the top four teams, as well as the fifth-placed club, could earn direct entry into the Champions League. Additionally, if the Champions League or Europa League winners are not already qualified…
A high-profile transfer battle is set to unfold this summer, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich—two of Europe’s biggest footballing giants—competing for Diogo Dalot’s signature. The Portuguese full-back has become a highly sought-after target for both clubs, each looking to strengthen their defensive options with a player of his quality. Real Madrid’s interest in Dalot reflects their ongoing pursuit of top-tier talent, aiming to add a versatile and dynamic option to their squad. Bayern Munich, on the other hand, is equally eager to secure his services, recognizing his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively in the modern game. This…