WAFFI TV | Sports

EPL: We’ll Be Ready For You~ Amorim Warns Arsenal

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has issued a warning to Arsenal, declaring that his side will be fully prepared when the two teams meet in the Premier League opener next weekend. Amorim noted that United have bolstered their squad with the signing of Benjamin Sesko, unveiled on Saturday ahead of their 1-1 pre-season friendly draw with Fiorentina. The Red Devils will host Arsenal at Old Trafford in their first league fixture of the new season. “We will be ready for Arsenal. Now it’s going to be tough because we are trying to arrange a full week of training,” Amorim told MUTV after Man United’s drew with Fiorentina. “We will have two really strong sessions with time to work and then we are going to break a little bit, then two days to really think about the strategy for the game. “We will be ready. We have a new player [Sesko], so we will see.”

8/10/2025, 8:02:37 AM

Man Utd Agree 85m Euro Deal To Sign Sesko

Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in a deal worth up to €85 million (\$99 million, £74 million), according to multiple English outlets including the BBC, Sky Sports, and The Athletic. The 22-year-old Slovenian will cost the Red Devils an initial €76.5 million, with an additional €8.5 million in performance-based add-ons. Newcastle United were also said to be pursuing Sesko, possibly as a replacement for Alexander Isak, who has been linked with Liverpool. However, Sesko was ultimately swayed by the prestige of the 20-time English champions—despite their absence from European competition this season. His signing completes a major revamp of United’s underperforming attack, which managed just 44 goals in 38 Premier League games last season—ranking among the bottom five in the league and culminating in a disastrous 15th-place finish, their worst in 51 years. Earlier in the transfer window, United also brought in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, bringing their total spending on forwards in recent months to over £200 million. Sesko, who previously drew interest from Arsenal, enjoyed a prolific spell in Germany, scoring 39 goals in 87 appearances for Leipzig, including 21 last season alone. Standing at 1.95 metres (6ft 4ins), he has been compared to Erling Haaland for his blend of size, speed, and finishing prowess. Like Haaland, he also rose to prominence at RB Salzburg before switching to the Bundesliga in 2023. United are now banking on Sesko’s potential to spearhead a return to the Premier League’s elite. Between them, Sesko, Cunha, and Mbeumo netted a combined 58 goals last season. With the club facing pressure to comply with financial sustainability regulations—especially in the absence of European revenue—United need their heavy investment in attack to pay off swiftly.

8/7/2025, 4:48:42 PM

Super Falcons’ Nnadozie Nominated For Ballon d’Or Best Goalkeeper Award

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been shortlisted for the 2025 Women’s Yachine Trophy — the prestigious Ballon d’Or award recognising the best female goalkeeper in the world. The 24-year-old recently completed a move to Brighton Women FC from Paris FC, where she played a key role in the club’s historic 2025 Coupe de France Féminine triumph — their first major title in nearly 20 years. Nnadozie was the standout performer in the final, helping Paris FC defeat Paris Saint-Germain 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw at Stade de l’Épopée in Calais. She also played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s victorious campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as the Super Falcons clinched a record 10th continental title by defeating hosts Morocco. Her performances earned her the Best Goalkeeper award and a spot in the Team of the Tournament. Other nominees for the Yachine Trophy include Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Cata Coll (Barcelona Femeni), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea Women), and Daphne van Domselaar (Arsenal Women).

8/7/2025, 1:19:48 PM

Son Heung min Joins LAFC From Tottenham

Los Angeles FC (LAFC) officially confirmed the blockbuster signing of South Korean football star Son Heung-min from Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, hailing him as a “global icon.” The 33-year-old forward is joining Major League Soccer (MLS) in a deal reportedly worth a record-breaking \$26 million transfer fee, according to ESPN and The Athletic. Son’s move comes after a decade-long stint in the English Premier League, where he cemented his status as one of the game's elite. In an emotional farewell in South Korea on Saturday, Son revealed his departure from Spurs, just months after leading the club to its first trophy in 17 years by captaining them to a Europa League title. He exits Tottenham as the club’s fifth all-time top scorer, with 173 goals in 454 appearances. “Sonny is a global icon and one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in world football,” said LAFC co-president & general manager John Thorrington. “We are proud that he has chosen Los Angeles for the next chapter of his extraordinary career. “Sonny is a proven winner and a world-class individual, and we are confident he will elevate our club and inspire our community – both on and off the pitch.” Son is scheduled to be unveiled at a press conference in Los Angeles at 2 pm local time (2100 GMT). His anticipated arrival sparked excitement among fans, with large crowds gathering at Los Angeles International Airport on Tuesday, waving South Korean flags and displaying messages of support. He is expected to replace French striker Olivier Giroud, who departed for Lille in July, and will reunite with former Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris, now LAFC’s goalkeeper.

8/7/2025, 7:36:49 AM

Man United Make €85m Bid For Leipzig Striker Sesko

Premier League rivals Manchester United and Newcastle United have both submitted bids for highly sought-after RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, according to German outlet *Bild* on Tuesday. The report states that United tabled an opening offer of €85 million (£73.9 million) for the 22-year-old centre-forward on Tuesday. Newcastle had earlier made a bid of €80 million on Saturday and reportedly increased their offer to €85 million including bonuses by Monday. Sesko netted 13 goals and provided five assists during a lacklustre Bundesliga campaign for Leipzig last season. On the international stage, the Slovenian forward has scored 16 goals in 41 appearances. He was left out of Leipzig’s 2-1 home defeat to Atalanta in a pre-season friendly on Saturday due to ongoing transfer negotiations. Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schaefer confirmed Sesko’s absence, citing “very concrete interest from several clubs.” Manchester United are in the midst of a squad overhaul following their worst top-flight finish in over five decades and a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham. Struggling in attack last season, the Red Devils have already added Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to bolster their frontline. Sesko’s potential arrival could spell the end for under-fire striker Rasmus Hojlund, with reports suggesting United are open to selling the Danish forward for €35 million—less than half of the fee paid to Atalanta in 2023. Meanwhile, Newcastle—who secured a fifth-place finish last season and qualified for the Champions League—may be bracing for the departure of star striker Alexander Isak, who is reportedly a top target for Premier League champions Liverpool.

8/5/2025, 4:14:16 PM

Ex~Arsenal Midfielder Thomas Partey Granted Bail Over Rape, Assault Charges

Former Arsenal and Ghana international footballer Thomas Partey was granted conditional bail on Tuesday after appearing in a London court on charges of rape and sexual assault. The 32-year-old faces five counts of rape involving two women, along with one count of sexual assault involving a third woman. The alleged incidents reportedly occurred between 2021 and 2022, during his time as an Arsenal player. The charges came just four days after Partey left Arsenal following the expiration of his contract at the end of June. During his appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Partey stood in the dock with his arms behind his back, dressed in a black zip-up jumper. British authorities revealed that they first received a rape allegation against Partey in February 2022. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, has stated that Partey “denies all the charges” and is eager “to finally clear his name.” Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 in a £45 million ($60 million) deal. He played 52 matches for the club last season, scoring four goals, and made a total of 167 appearances, netting nine times overall. He has also earned 51 caps for the Ghana national team.

8/5/2025, 11:58:26 AM

Just In: Tinubu Rewards D’Tigress $100,000, Apartments, National Honours

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with generous rewards following their victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship. Each team member is set to receive \$100,000 in cash, a new apartment, and the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). The announcement was made during a special reception held on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. D’Tigress claimed their fifth consecutive AfroBasket crown on Sunday after defeating Mali 78–64 in the final played in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The victory marked their seventh overall title in the tournament and extended their unbeaten streak to 29 matches since 2015. The gesture mirrors similar recognitions recently bestowed on the Super Falcons, who were celebrated last week after clinching their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.

8/4/2025, 6:47:08 PM

Basketball: D’Tigress Edge Senegal 75 68 To Reach Afrobasket Final

Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, secured a spot in the Afrobasket 2025 final on Saturday after a hard-fought 75–68 victory over Senegal in a thrilling semi-final clash in Côte d’Ivoire. The game was a fierce battle between two continental powerhouses, with 11-time champions Senegal pushing for a record 12th title, while Nigeria aimed to extend their four-title winning streak and maintain their dominance. D’Tigress edged the first quarter 22–17 in a high-intensity start, and held off Senegal’s aggressive play to narrowly take the second quarter 21–20. Senegal stormed back in the third quarter, outscoring Nigeria 21–9 to seize the momentum and take a 68–62 lead with just seven minutes remaining. But Nigeria responded with remarkable grit, mounting a late comeback and outscoring Senegal 23–10 in the final quarter to seal the victory. D’Tigress will now face the winner of the second semi-final between debutants South Sudan and former champions Mali in the final.

8/3/2025, 7:12:14 AM

Prosecutors Call For PSG’s Achraf Hakimi To Face Rape Trial

French prosecutors have called for Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi to stand trial over an alleged rape in 2023—a charge the Moroccan international strongly denies. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed to AFP on Friday that it had asked the investigating judge to refer the case to a criminal court. “It is now up to the investigating magistrate to decide within the scope of his authority,” the office stated. Hakimi, 26, played a key role in PSG’s historic Champions League triumph, scoring the opening goal in their 5-0 final victory over Inter Milan in May. He also helped Morocco reach the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup. He was charged in March 2023 with raping a 24-year-old woman. The woman claimed Hakimi arranged and paid for her to come to his home in Boulogne-Billancourt on February 25, 2023, while his wife and children were away. Although she initially refused to file a formal complaint, she later reported the incident to police, who questioned her and subsequently charged Hakimi. According to a police source, the woman told officers that she met Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023 and that during the visit, he made non-consensual advances and raped her. She said she eventually escaped and texted a friend who came to get her. Following the prosecutors' request for a trial, Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, called the move “incomprehensible and senseless in light of the evidence in the case.” “We, along with Achraf Hakimi, remain as calm as we were at the start of the proceedings. “If these requisitions were to be followed, we would obviously pursue all avenues of appeal,” she added. “My client welcomes this news with immense relief,” Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the woman, told AFP. Hakimi, born in Madrid, came through the youth system at Real Madrid before joining Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in 2018. He went on to make 73 appearances for the German club. He moved to Inter Milan in 2020 and then on to PSG in 2021 where he has established himself as an integral part of the team. In Qatar, Hakimi was a cornerstone of the Morocco team that became the first African or Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup.

8/2/2025, 7:06:46 AM

Son Heung min To Leave Tottenham This Summer After Decade

Tottenham captain Son Heung-min announced on Saturday that he will depart the club this summer, ending his 10-year stint in north London. The 33-year-old forward joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and has made over 450 appearances for the Premier League side. Although he lifted the Europa League trophy in May, Son endured a disappointing season by his usual standards, hampered by recurring leg injuries. “Before we start the press conference I wanted to say I have decided to leave the club this summer,” the South Korean told reporters in Seoul, where Tottenham are on a pre-season tour. “Respectfully the club is helping me with this decision.” Son, who has scored 173 goals for Spurs, did not say where he intends to go next and cut an emotional figure. He has been linked with a move to the MLS in the United States. “It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. Such amazing memories. It was so hard to make the decision,” Son said, flanked by new Tottenham boss Thomas Frank. “I need a new environment to push myself. I need a little bit of change — 10 years is a long time. I came to north London as a kid, 23 years old, such a young age. “I leave this club as a grown man, a very proud man.” Speaking in Korean, Son said that winning a European trophy — Tottenham’s first European crown in 41 years — played “a big part” in his thinking. “Winning a title in Europe felt like I had achieved everything I possibly could,” he said. “I spent a lot of time reflecting on whether I wanted to experience football in a different environment, and I had those conversations with myself over and over again.” Frank, who joined Spurs from Brentford in June, paid tribute to the South Korean skipper. “For me, personally, I would have loved to have worked with this fantastic person and player,” said the Dane, who took over from the sacked Ange Postecoglou. “He is a true Spurs legend in every aspect, one of the greatest players to play in the Premier League.”

8/2/2025, 6:50:27 AM

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