The 2024-25 Premier League season has seen Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology continue to play a pivotal role in match officiating, eliciting a spectrum of reactions from managers, players, and fans. While VAR aims to enhance decision-making accuracy, its implementation has sparked debates regarding its efficiency, consistency, and impact on the game's fluidity. Managerial Critiques and Controversial Decisions Tottenham Hotspur's manager, Ange Postecoglou, voiced his frustration following a 3-1 victory over Southampton, where a nearly five-minute VAR review led to the disallowance of a goal due to a marginal offside. Postecoglou remarked, "Offside calls were never meant to be examined with such microscopic precision," highlighting concerns that prolonged reviews disrupt the game's rhythm and may deviate from the spirit of the sport. Similarly, the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton brought VAR under scrutiny when Diogo Jota's decisive goal was allowed despite debates over an offside position. Critics argued that the current offside interpretations under VAR are overly complex, leading to contentious outcomes that may not align with the game's intended fairness. Statistical Overview and Club Impacts Efforts to quantify VAR's influence reveal a nuanced picture. According to ESPN's tracking, as of April 4, 2025, there have been 13 acknowledged VAR errors this season, a decrease from 20 errors at the same point in the previous season. This reduction suggests an improvement in VAR's accuracy. Notably, no single club has borne the brunt of these errors disproportionately, indicating a more balanced impact across teams. Technological Advancements and Future Directions In response to ongoing debates and the pursuit of enhanced accuracy, the Premier League has been testing Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT). This system aims to expedite offside decisions by reducing the average review time by approximately 31 seconds. The league plans to implement SAOT later this season, reflecting a commitment to leveraging technology for more efficient officiating VAR's integration into the Premier League continues to be a double-edged sword. While it has contributed to more accurate decision-making in certain instances, challenges related to its application, particularly concerning review durations and the interpretation of offside laws, persist. The introduction of technologies like SAOT represents a proactive step towards addressing these issues. However, achieving a balance that upholds the integrity of the game while maintaining its dynamic nature remains an ongoing endeavor for football's governing bodies.

As the Premier League season nears its dramatic conclusion, Arsenal’s dreams of lifting the trophy are fading fast. With Liverpool holding a commanding 12-point lead at the top of the table, the Gunners find themselves facing an uphill battle to keep their title ambitions alive. Both clubs have eight fixtures left to play, but the gap leaves Arsenal with little margin for error. Mikel Arteta’s side would need to win all of their remaining matches — a feat that would push their points tally to a maximum of 85. Meanwhile, Liverpool must drop significant ground, earning no more than 15 points from their final stretch to give Arsenal any hope of overtaking them. Adding to the challenge are fresh concerns over squad fitness, particularly in the back line. Centre-back Gabriel Magalhães suffered a suspected hamstring injury in the recent 2-1 victory over Fulham — a result streamed live on Showmax Premier League mobile — and could be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign. Fellow defender Jurriën Timber is also undergoing assessment after picking up a knock, further weakening Arsenal’s already fragile defensive setup. These injury woes are a major setback for a team needing near-perfection to stay in the race. Gabriel’s absence, in particular, may prove costly given his role as a defensive mainstay throughout the season. Without him, Arsenal's ability to stay compact and organized under pressure could be severely compromised in the high-stakes matches to come. There’s a bitter sense of déjà vu for Arsenal fans. Last season, the club topped the league for the majority of the campaign, only to falter in the final stretch and finish behind Manchester City. The year before, they came agonizingly close to securing a Champions League berth, only to stumble in the final weeks and finish fifth. A repeat of such late-season disappointment would mark a third successive year where Arsenal failed to cross the finish line despite being firmly in the hunt. While mathematically still alive in the title race, the likelihood of a miraculous comeback is slim. Liverpool’s form has been consistent, their squad deep and experienced, and their ability to grind out results unmatched this season. For Arsenal to capitalize on any potential slip-up, they must be flawless — a tough ask considering their injury issues and the pressure that comes with chasing from behind. Still, football is unpredictable. A surprise loss for Liverpool, a draw in a tricky away fixture, and a fired-up Arsenal on a winning streak could yet shake up the title picture. But make no mistake — the odds are firmly against the North London side. In the end, if Arsenal are to defy expectations and write a stunning comeback story, it will require more than just grit and talent. It will take resilience, luck, and a slip in form from a Liverpool side that shows no signs of slowing down.

Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League was all but confirmed with their 3-1 loss to Tottenham, marking the end of a long-anticipated drop to the Championship. The defeat mathematically sealed their fate, ensuring that they will play in the second tier of English football next season. While the club’s relegation has been a grim certainty for some time, the official confirmation has now come with seven games still remaining in the current Premier League campaign. This makes Southampton the first Premier League team in history to be relegated with so many matches left to play, a disheartening record that further highlights the scale of their struggles this season. To make matters worse, Southampton now face the added pressure of needing just two more points to avoid surpassing the infamous Derby County side of the 2007-08 season, who still hold the record for the lowest points tally in Premier League history. Currently, the Saints have just 24 points, leaving them perilously close to breaking this unwanted record. With Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are in 17th place, 12 points clear of them, Southampton’s relegation is almost guaranteed. The club will likely be joined in the Championship by Leicester City and Ipswich Town, two other teams struggling at the wrong end of the table. For Southampton, there is a possibility that they, along with Leicester and Ipswich, could collectively end up as the worst bottom three ever in Premier League history if they do not find a dramatic turn of form in the final stretch. Amidst the growing uncertainty, the future of Southampton manager Ivan Juric is under review. Juric, who took over as manager midway through the season, has not yet been given assurances about his role moving forward. The Croatian coach’s 18-month contract includes a break clause, which could potentially come into play given the team’s disastrous form. When asked about his future, Juric, though clearly devastated by the club’s downfall, remained focused on the present. He said, "No, now we will see everything. We are focusing only on the remaining games. We’ll see what everyone thinks, and what I think. The fans deserve much more, and we have to understand the mistakes we’ve made and build something stronger moving forward." Juric acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, calling it a "difficult day" for the club, but also expressed deep admiration for the Southampton supporters. “I see the fans, how they love their players and their team - it's something incredible,” he said. “This experience has to serve to create something stronger than this.” His words hinted at a desire to rebuild the club, but the question remains whether he will be the man to oversee that process. For Southampton, the next few weeks will be crucial, not just for finishing the season but for planning ahead. The club will need to conduct a thorough review of their season, address the many mistakes that have led to this relegation, and work out how they can emerge from this painful chapter with a renewed sense of direction. However, with so much uncertainty surrounding the manager’s future and the overall stability of the club, the road ahead looks long and challenging. What is clear is that the fans’ unwavering support throughout this crisis will remain an invaluable asset as Southampton looks to rebuild for the future.

Michelle Agyemang has been handed her first senior England call-up, replacing Alessia Russo for the upcoming Women’s Nations League match against Belgium on Tuesday. Agyemang, a 19-year-old forward for Brighton, has previously represented England at both the under-19 and under-23 levels. Russo, who had been part of the squad for the first leg of the Nations League tie against Belgium, has returned to Arsenal for further examination of an undisclosed injury. She played a solid 73 minutes in England's dominant 5-0 victory over Belgium at Ashton Gate on April 4. In addition to Russo's absence, England will also be without Chelsea forward Lauren James, who has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. James’ spot in the squad has been filled by Tottenham's Jess Naz, who now has the opportunity to make an impact in the crucial fixture. England currently sit at the top of Group A3 in the Nations League, with two victories and one loss from their three matches so far. The upcoming match in Leuven is crucial for their continued push for qualification in the competition, and with Agyemang's inclusion, there is added excitement about the potential for fresh talent to contribute to the team’s success.

Kevin De Bruyne has announced that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season when his contract comes to a close, marking the end of an illustrious ten-year spell at the club. Since joining City from Wolfsburg in 2015, the Belgium international has been an instrumental figure in their success, helping to establish the club as one of the most dominant forces in European football. During his time at the Etihad, De Bruyne has won an impressive 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a historic Champions League victory in 2023. De Bruyne’s creativity, vision, and technical ability have made him one of the best midfielders of his generation, with manager Pep Guardiola describing him as “one of the greatest midfielders to ever play in this country.” His departure will leave a significant void in Manchester City’s midfield, but his legacy at the club will undoubtedly live on. Whose Decision Was It? The decision for Kevin De Bruyne to leave Manchester City was made by Pep Guardiola, in collaboration with the club’s technical director, Txiki Begiristain. Guardiola, typically known for distancing himself from contract discussions, chose to take responsibility for this particular decision. In his pre-match press conference before the Manchester derby, Guardiola shared that it was a difficult choice to inform De Bruyne that his time at the club would be coming to an end. His statement mirrored De Bruyne’s own words in a social media post, where the Belgian midfielder acknowledged that, whether he liked it or not, it was time to part ways. While the decision itself has been made, the exact reasons behind it remain somewhat unclear. De Bruyne, who is one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League, has been on a substantial £400,000-per-week salary. Given City’s reputation for shrewd negotiations, it’s unlikely they would offer an extension at the same financial terms. The club’s tough stance on player contracts was evident when they refused to meet former captain Ilkay Gundogan’s demands for a two-year deal last year. De Bruyne’s performances this season have been less than his usual best. Since a standout cameo against Newcastle in January 2024, where he scored and assisted to turn a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 win, he has not had the same impact. With only four goals and seven assists across all competitions, his contributions have significantly dipped compared to previous seasons. His last Premier League assist came in a 6-0 victory against Ipswich in January, and he hasn't scored since netting against Plymouth in the FA Cup. These underwhelming stats could have played a role in the decision to part ways. Guardiola himself has admitted that he may have been wrong in sticking with his core squad over the summer, and this decision could have been influenced by the drop in De Bruyne’s form, as well as the perceived difficulty of offering him a new contract with drastically reduced terms. Where Could De Bruyne Go Next? De Bruyne’s representatives have already had discussions with clubs in the Saudi Pro League, indicating that a move to the Middle East is a realistic possibility. Additionally, there was interest from Major League Soccer, particularly from the new 2025 expansion club, San Diego FC, before the start of the new season. However, it seems that San Diego has since dropped their pursuit of the Belgian, and no negotiations are currently in progress with them. While a move to Saudi Arabia is still an option, it’s not entirely certain, especially given De Bruyne’s family situation. With three young children, and his oldest son, Mason, showing promise as a player, relocating to Saudi Arabia may not align with his family's needs at this point in their lives. There is also the possibility that De Bruyne could move to a European league that is less demanding, which could offer him an opportunity to continue playing at a high level without the same physical strain as the Premier League. In a recent interview in November, De Bruyne expressed his belief that he could still make a difference for City as long as he felt he could contribute at the top level. Despite his struggles this season, he remains confident in his abilities and could potentially continue his career at another club where he can still be impactful. Is This the First of Many Departures This Summer? De Bruyne’s exit is part of a broader restructuring at Manchester City. Guardiola has admitted that this has been a "poor" season for the team, and changes are already underway. In January, the club invested nearly £180 million in new signings, and with no restrictions due to Financial Fair Play, they are expected to make more moves in the summer. Players like Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz are reportedly on City’s radar. There will likely be other departures, too. Kyle Walker’s future is uncertain after his loan spell at AC Milan, while Ilkay Gundogan’s contract also expires in June. Although City have the option to extend his contract, it's unclear whether they will activate that clause. Jack Grealish’s future is also under question, especially after his recent frustrations over limited playing time and his omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad. With his focus on securing a place in the 2026 World Cup squad, Grealish may seek a move elsewhere. The futures of several other key players, including John Stones, Nathan Aké, Bernardo Silva, Ederson, and Matheus Nunes, also remain in doubt. Manchester City are entering a crucial summer transfer window, which could be their most active since Guardiola took charge in 2016. With a number of first-team players having uncertain futures, City’s squad could look significantly different next season. Will De Bruyne Play in the Club World Cup? As De Bruyne’s contract expires on June 30, he is still eligible to play in the group phase of the Club World Cup, which will take place in the United States. If Manchester City advance from their group, De Bruyne could participate in the knockout rounds as well. However, if he were to continue playing in the tournament, it would require him to sign a short-term contract extension, something FIFA has allowed under special registration rules for the competition. However, given the risk of injury and the fact that Guardiola has indicated he plans to use the tournament to prepare for the 2025-26 season, it seems unlikely that De Bruyne would play in the knockout stages. His future plans suggest he is more likely to take part in Belgium’s World Cup qualifiers in early June before taking a break and beginning his next chapter elsewhere. Should De Bruyne depart, he could bid farewell to Manchester City in their final home match against Bournemouth, scheduled for May 18. If City reach the FA Cup final, this date may be moved, but it would still offer a fitting send-off for a player who has been integral to the club’s success. As much as the FIFA Club World Cup is a prestigious tournament, De Bruyne’s final appearance at the Etihad would likely be a more fitting conclusion to his Manchester City career — at least until he returns for the unveiling of the statue Guardiola believes will undoubtedly be erected in his honor.

Barcelona have extended their lead at the top of La Liga to four points, despite being held to a frustrating home draw by a resilient Real Betis side. Under Hansi Flick, the Catalan giants were looking to make it eight straight wins across all competitions, and while they dominated large stretches of the game, they couldn’t find a breakthrough after the early exchanges. Midfielder Gavi gave Barça the perfect start in the 7th minute, latching onto a slick sequence of one-touch passes before slotting in a clever finish from a tight angle. However, Betis hit back just ten minutes later. Defender Natan rose highest to nod in Giovani Lo Celso’s corner, punishing the hosts for a rare lapse in concentration. Barcelona continued to press, and full-back Jules Kounde came close to restoring the lead, but his effort on his weaker foot was denied by a solid stop from Betis keeper Adrian in the second half. The result ended Barça’s impressive seven-game winning streak, while Betis also saw their own run of four victories come to a halt. Forwards Cucho Hernandez and Manchester United loanee Antony couldn’t find the spark that has defined their recent form. Earlier in the day, Real Madrid suffered a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Valencia, with the winning goal coming deep into stoppage time — their first loss to Los Ches at the Mestalla since 2008. Barcelona now turn their attention to the Champions League, where they’ll welcome Borussia Dortmund for the first leg of their quarter-final clash on Wednesday.

Liverpool's long unbeaten streak has finally ended, but unless something extraordinary happens, they're still on course to be crowned Premier League champions. The 3-1 loss to Fulham marked their first league defeat in 26 matches and only their second all season. However, with seven games left, Arne Slot’s men need just 11 more points to mathematically seal the title. Slot expressed frustration with the goals conceded, telling BBC’s Match of the Day: "All three goals were preventable. That’s not typical of us, and it’s why we’ve been so strong this season — those kinds of errors haven’t been common." He added, "The second half reflected who we are as a team, but the defensive lapses were well below Liverpool’s usual standards." Despite the stumble at Craven Cottage, Liverpool are still firmly in control, and a 20th league title — tying the record — looks inevitable. If other results go their way, they could even clinch the trophy as early as April 20. With an 11-point cushion over second-place Arsenal, their grip on the top is tight. Slot remains confident his side will respond strongly. “We put in a great display against Everton midweek, and I’m confident we’ll turn up against West Ham on Sunday,” he told Sky Sports. So, Just How Good Are Liverpool Right Now? Let’s be honest — there’s been plenty of chatter from rival fans this season. You've probably heard the dismissive remarks: “This Liverpool side isn’t that impressive.” “The league’s not as strong this year.” Or even *“They wouldn’t be champions in a tougher season.” Following their recent loss to Fulham, those opinions have only grown louder. But how much truth is there in these claims? First, it’s fair to acknowledge that some of Liverpool’s traditional competitors have underperformed this season. Manchester City, usually the gold standard under Pep Guardiola, are on course for what could be their least successful Premier League campaign during his reign. Manchester United are facing one of their worst-ever seasons in the competition. Arsenal, while solid, are nine points behind where they stood at this point last year. Meanwhile, Tottenham and Chelsea have both struggled with inconsistency. As former Manchester United captain Gary Neville put it on Sky Sports before the Fulham defeat: "The other teams just haven’t stepped up this season, and Liverpool have remained consistent. Arsenal, City, United, Tottenham — they've all fallen below their usual standards." In short, this has been a season where Liverpool have capitalized on the missteps of their rivals — but they've done so with sharp focus and resilience. Arne Slot’s side may not have dazzled in every game, but their efficiency and discipline have stood out. Micah Richards, a former Manchester City defender, also offered a fair assessment: "Liverpool haven’t been spectacular, but they’ve been clinical. They’ve slowed down the pace at times, but they’ve become more decisive in the final third." That efficiency is paying off. Even if Arsenal had matched their 71-point tally from this stage last season — a year in which they topped the table — Liverpool would still be leading the pack. Now, let’s talk numbers. To surpass Arsenal’s famed “Invincibles” points total of 90 from the 2003-04 season, Liverpool need just 18 points from their remaining seven matches. Reaching that mark would put them among an elite group — only 14 teams have crossed the 90-point threshold in the Premier League’s 32-season history. One of those, Manchester United in 1993-94, did so in a longer 42-game campaign. Interestingly, Liverpool are the only club to have earned 90 or more points and *not* won the title — and they’ve done it twice under Jürgen Klopp. So if Slot’s squad can get over that line, it will be a deserved triumph. Historically, the average second-place team after 31 games has around 65.4 points. Arsenal currently sit just below that with 62, and there have been seasons where second-place teams had even fewer — including Arsenal themselves with 57 in 2000-01. Former Manchester City and England midfielder Izzy Christiansen summed it up well: "Liverpool have carried an aura of strength all season. The way they finish will be down to them — they’ve already shown just how good they can be."* At the end of the day, teams can only beat what’s in front of them — and Liverpool have done exactly that, consistently and confidently. Sunday’s slip-up may have stirred some debate, but it doesn’t erase the dominance they’ve shown all season.

Muted Manchester Derby Sparks Debate Over Declining Standards A comment on the BBC Sport site may have summed it up best: "Not red or blue – grey fits better." The 196th meeting between Manchester United and Manchester City lacked the intensity and flair expected from one of football’s most storied rivalries. While calling it "the worst derby match in the world" might be excessive, the sentiment wasn’t far off the mark. Sky Sports pundit and former United captain Gary Neville didn’t hold back following the goalless draw at Old Trafford. "This is a derby," he fumed. "Where’s the passion, the grit, the boldness? Both sides looked content with a stalemate. They might as well be heading to Sunday lunch together." Newly appointed United boss Ruben Amorim, still adapting to the English game, took Neville’s remarks in stride. "I get it—Gary criticizes everything," he said with a shrug. His explanation was simple: fans shouldn’t expect fireworks when both sides are in transitional phases. City, sitting outside the Champions League qualification zone, are hanging onto fifth place—likely enough for European football—but risk slipping further if Newcastle win their games in hand. "We’re having one of our worst seasons ever," Amorim admitted. "City have dominated before, but even they’re struggling this year. When you're not chasing major trophies, the energy and spectacle just aren’t the same." Not everyone was so understanding. Roy Keane, another former United skipper, was scathing. "A draw isn’t progress," he snapped. "Forget about matching the top clubs. Right now, United are being outdone by mid-table sides like Wolves, Brentford, and Palace. That’s unacceptable—even with this squad." For context, United, enduring what could be their poorest Premier League campaign, are narrowly ahead of Wolves and trailing Brentford. Supporters made their frustrations known, chanting against the Glazers after full-time, blaming the ownership for United’s decline. City manager Pep Guardiola echoed some of Amorim’s thoughts, citing player fatigue and a collective drop in form after years at the summit. "Our key players have been playing at a high level for years," he said. "This season, everyone’s dropped a bit—and it shows." Bruno Fernandes offered a more modern explanation. "Football has changed. With VAR, you can’t be as physical anymore. The game isn’t what it was," he said. Former striker Chris Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, didn’t mince words. "That was one of the flattest Manchester derbies I’ve witnessed," he said. "It reflects how far both clubs have fallen. There's serious work ahead this summer." Manchester in Meltdown: One City, Two Clubs, No Direction By the final whistle at Old Trafford, you could almost hear the sigh echo across Manchester. This wasn't a derby—it was a distress signal. From both sides. For United, the crisis is no longer creeping—it's roaring through the halls of a broken club. Manager Ruben Amorim faces a wreck of a squad, and even he seems stunned by the scale of the mess. "Everyone is suffering," he admitted. Suffering? Try drowning. Eleven scoreless league matches. Strikers who can’t find the net if you handed them a map. A midfield that vanishes under pressure. And a defense that looks one bad pass away from collapse. Amorim may have walked into the job with big ideas, but what he’s inherited is a crumbling shell held together by nostalgia and frustration. Summer can't come soon enough—but unless United's recruitment takes a complete U-turn, next season could be even darker. Hojlund and Zirkzee have a combined four goals in four months. Read that again. Four. In *forty-eight* appearances. It's a stat that borders on the absurd. Amorim insists he's “in a rush” to fix things. He’ll need to be. Fans have already seen enough false dawns to last a decade. The Glazer era continues to cast a long, poisonous shadow—and patience is running on fumes. But don’t be fooled—across the city, all is not well either. Pep Guardiola may look calm, but his City empire is showing cracks. The Premier League charges hanging over them are a ticking time bomb. Kevin De Bruyne is out the door. And now even core players—Grealish, Bernardo Silva, Ederson—are glancing toward the exit. Guardiola himself admits he held on to the old guard too long. That won’t happen again. A summer of upheaval looms, but how much rebuilding can you do when you're not even sure if you're allowed to stay at the top table of European football? City will always attract talent—Guardiola guarantees that. But miss out on the Champions League, and suddenly those conversations with top-tier players become more complicated. The illusion of control starts to slip. The derby should have been a clash of titans. Instead, it was a mirror held up to two giants in retreat. One mired in chaos, the other quietly slipping into uncertainty. The red half is broken. The blue half is bracing. And Manchester? Manchester is waiting for someone—anyone—to remind it what glory used to look like.

Paris Saint-Germain secured the Ligue 1 title on Saturday with a 1-0 home victory over Angers, ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash with Aston Villa. Needing only a draw to clinch the championship, PSG entered the match 21 points ahead of second-placed Monaco with seven games remaining. Desire Doue netted the decisive goal early in the second half, sealing the win and the title for Luis Enrique’s side with six fixtures still to play. This marks PSG’s fourth consecutive Ligue 1 triumph and their 11th in 13 seasons, underlining their domestic dominance since the 2011 takeover by Qatar Sports Investments. “Our ambition is to win everything,” said captain Marquinhos, who has now won 10 titles since joining the club in 2013, to broadcaster beIN Sports. “It is a nice feeling. It is the reward for the work we have put in throughout the season, for our consistency, and the team deserves it,” added the Brazilian centre-back, who will be suspended for the first leg against Villa. PSG's total of 13 French league titles places them three clear of Saint-Etienne, who have 10 but haven’t lifted the trophy since 1981. Marseille follow with nine championships, while both Nantes and Monaco boast eight each. Paris’ consistent league dominance has made title celebrations almost routine, which explains the subdued atmosphere on a sunny spring afternoon in the capital. Still, manager Luis Enrique was lifted into the air by his staff, and players completed a lap of honour around the Parc des Princes. The official trophy presentation will happen later, as PSG stay focused on their upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Aston Villa. The English side visits Paris on Wednesday, with the return leg set for April 15 in England. **Aiming for an Unbeaten Season?** PSG have another ambitious goal in sight — finishing the Ligue 1 campaign unbeaten. With 23 wins and five draws in 28 games, they’re on track to make history as the first club to complete a Ligue 1 season without a single loss. The closest any team has come was Nantes in 1994/95, who stayed unbeaten through 32 games before suffering their only defeat en route to the title. That season had 38 games, while the current format includes just 34 due to the league’s recent reduction to 18 teams. PSG won't play another league match until April 19 against Le Havre. Their trip to Nantes has been pushed to April 22, giving them recovery time between Champions League legs. Star striker Ousmane Dembele, who leads the team with 32 goals in all competitions, was rested for the Angers match after his brace in a midweek 4-2 French Cup semi-final win over Dunkerque. Second-leading scorer Bradley Barcola, with 18 goals, was also left out of the starting lineup, and the team’s performance, while effective, was far from their best.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle remains optimistic about the team's chances of securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite the setback of a draw against Zimbabwe, the Malian tactician appears to have moved past the disappointment and is now focused on upcoming fixtures. Chelle believes Nigeria, three-time African champions, can still influence their qualification hopes for the tournament set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. At 47, Chelle has outlined a path to qualification despite Nigeria’s sluggish start. Before his appointment, the team had failed to win any of their first four qualifiers. However, he revived belief with a 2-0 victory over Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali. Still, the draw with Zimbabwe’s Brave Warriors has complicated matters. Nigeria now trails group leaders South Africa by six points, with Bafana Bafana in prime position to qualify for their first World Cup since 2010. With four games remaining, the Super Eagles must win all and hope other contenders slip up. Chelle has marked the crucial clash with South Africa as a turning point in Nigeria’s qualifying journey. “It’s an obligation to win in South Africa, but the most important match for us right now is Rwanda in Uyo,” Chelle said “South Africa are a good side, but for that game, we cannot afford to let them play. First, we have to beat Rwanda at home, then we will focus on South Africa.” Nigeria is set to host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on September 3rd, before traveling to face South Africa on September 7th. The Super Eagles must deliver top performances to keep their World Cup hopes on track. In preparation, the Nigeria Football Federation has lined up several warm-up matches ahead of September, including a proposed friendly against FIFA-suspended Russia, expected to take place in June.