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Nigeria's U 17 girls, the Flamingos, took a huge step towards qualifying for the 2025 U 17 Women's World Cup with an impressive 3 1 away win against South Africa's Bantwana in Pretoria.

Nigeria's U-17 girls, the Flamingos, took a significant step towards qualifying for the 2025 U-17 Women's World Cup with a convincing 3-1 win over South Africa's Bantwana in Pretoria. Shakirat Moshood, who impressed with four goals in the 2024 U-17 Women's World Cup, scored the opener with a clinical finish in the 20th minute. Harmony Chidi, who boasted an impressive 13 goals in the qualifying series for the previous year's finals, doubled Nigeria's lead from the penalty spot in the 40th minute, showcasing her composure under pressure. Although South Africa's Malebana converted a penalty in the 47th minute to narrow the deficit, the Flamingos' momentum was not to be denied. Harmony Chidi sealed the win with her second goal in the 68th minute, securing a crucial advantage for Nigeria ahead of the return leg. Harmony Chidi crushed South Africa's comeback hopes with her second goal of the match in the 68th minute, reinstating Nigeria's two-goal cushion and firmly positioning the Flamingos in the driver's seat ahead of their second meeting.

10/03/2025, 14:59:56

Coco Gauff Gets Back on Track with Gritty Win Over Moyuka Uchijima

World No. 3 Coco Gauff halted a slump that dated back to the Australian Open, battling to a 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(7) win over Japan's Moyuka Uchijima at Indian Wells. Despite a erratic performance, marred by 21 double faults and numerous unforced errors, the 2023 US Open champion showed resilience to secure her first match win in months. After a string of disappointing losses, Coco Gauff was thrilled to finally secure a win, despite not being at her best. "It's been a tough few weeks, but I'm just relieved to get a win under my belt," Gauff admitted. "I didn't play my best tennis, but I'm not complaining – a win is a win, and it's a huge confidence boost." After a first-round bye, Coco Gauff faced a stiff challenge from Japan's Moyuka Uchijima, ultimately prevailing 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(7) to reach the third round. Uchijima, who had defeated Emma Raducanu in the first round, showed remarkable resilience despite requiring medical treatment before the third set. Gauff appeared to be cruising with a 4-0 lead in the third set but struggled to close out the match, finally securing victory in the tiebreaker on her fifth match point. Next, Gauff will face Maria Sakkari, who ended her own three-match losing streak with a 6-0, 6-3 win over Viktoriya Tomova. Sakkari has a history of success in Indian Wells, having beaten Gauff in the semi-finals last year to reach her second final in three years.

10/03/2025, 08:40:56

Arsenal's Title Hopes Dented After 1 1 Draw with Manchester United

Arsenal's quest for the Premier League title suffered a setback today as they dropped crucial points in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United. The result leaves Arsenal's title aspirations hanging in the balance, as their rivals Liverpool gain more momentum. Manchester United drew first blood in their highly anticipated match against Arsenal, with Bruno Fernandes scoring a stunning free kick just before halftime. The goal gave United a shocking 1-0 lead, catching Arsenal off guard despite their dominance in possession. However, Arsenal refused to back down and pushed hard for an equalizer in the second half. Their persistence paid off when Declan Rice curled a brilliant shot into the far corner, leveling the score at 1-1 . The match saw both teams create scoring opportunities, but neither could find the winning goal. Arsenal's inability to kill off the game has left them vulnerable in the title race, with Nottingham forest breathing down their necks. With this draw, Arsenal's grip on the top spot begins to slip, and they'll need to regroup quickly to get their title campaign back on track. The question on every Arsenal fan's mind is: Can they bounce back from this setback and make a strong push for the title? Only time will tell. Would the gunners have to wait till next season to try again?

09/03/2025, 20:06:23

Late Hudson Odoi Strike Stuns Manchester City as Nottingham Forest Claim Victory

Callum Hudson-Odoi's Late Strike Secures Crucial 1-0 Victory for Nottingham Forest Over Manchester City With precision and pace, Callum Hudson-Odoi collected a beautifully weighted diagonal pass from Morgan Gibbs-White, burst into the box, and then skillfully slotted the ball past Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson at his near post from a seemingly impossible tight angle, securing the winning goal in the 83rd minute. In a tightly contested match marked by limited scoring opportunities, Manchester City's best chance came when Nico Gonzalez unleashed a powerful long-range shot that narrowly missed the target by scraping the outside of the post, while Nottingham Forest's Callum Hudson-Odoi also went close with a curled effort that was expertly pushed onto the post by City goalkeeper Ederson, ultimately setting the stage for Hudson-Odoi's late winner, which preserved Forest's third-place standing on 51 points, four points clear of fourth-placed City, who remain on 47 points.

08/03/2025, 15:56:18

Alisson hails 'career defining' display as Liverpool stun PSG in Champions League

Harvey Elliott calls Alisson 'the best in the world' after Liverpool's Champions League triumph; but does the Brazilian goalkeeper's stunning performance justify such high praise? Arne Slot's side breathed a sigh of relief after edging past Liverpool in the Champions League, thanks in large part to the heroic efforts of Alisson, who earned a perfect 10/10 rating. Liverpool's Brazilian star stole the show, keeping his team's Champions League hopes alive long enough for Harvey Elliott to strike the decisive blow, despite PSG's dominance reflected in a 1.82 to 0.27 x G advantage. Under siege from a dominant PSG attack, Alisson stood tall, making 9 crucial saves from 27 shots to prevent a potentially disastrous defeat. Alisson modestly described his display as 'probably the best of my life', when asked if it was his top performance of the season. We knew it wouldn't be easy, but our manager prepared us for the battle. PSG's quality is undeniable, and we had to ride our luck at times, but Harvey's late goal made it a magical night to remember. We have tremendous respect for PSG's quality and ability to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities. It was a difficult match, but we're thrilled with the outcome and eager to improve our game for the second leg. Arne Slot hailed Alisson as the best goalkeeper in the world, saying, 'I've never worked with anyone like him.' Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott echoed the sentiment, praising Alisson's consistent brilliance and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to repay him with a crucial goal.

06/03/2025, 13:19:09

Newcastle, Aston Villa Eye Lookman Summer Move

Newcastle United and Aston Villa are preparing summer bids for Ademola Lookman, with the Nigerian international reportedly considering a return to the Premier League. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider that Newcastle have already sent scouts to Italy to monitor Lookman, signaling strong interest in the 27-year-old forward. The Magpies are particularly drawn to Lookman’s versatility, as he can operate across multiple attacking positions. Transfer speculation has intensified following Lookman’s public fallout with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini after the club’s Champions League exit. Lookman labeled his manager’s post-match comments on a missed penalty as “deeply disrespectful,” fueling doubts about his future in Italy. Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are also reportedly monitoring the situation. Sources indicate that Atalanta could demand up to €65m (£53.8m) for Lookman, who rose to prominence after netting a hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe views Lookman as a key solution to the club’s attacking depth, while Aston Villa have been offered the chance to sign him, potentially using funds from Jhon Duran’s recent sale. The Villans see Lookman as an upgrade on their current wide attacking options. Lookman’s camp has emphasized his strong desire to return to the Premier League. His impressive tally of 17 goals and seven assists this season has only heightened interest from top English clubs. With just 12 months left on his current deal, Atalanta hold an option to extend his contract by another year. However, Lookman appears keen on a move back to England, keeping the transfer saga alive.

3/6/2025, 10:22:29 AM

FIFA To Pay $1bn Prize Money For Club World Cup

FIFA will distribute a total of $1 billion in prize money to participants in this year’s Club World Cup in the United States, a source close to the negotiations told AFP on Wednesday. This amount surpasses the prize money awarded in the most recent men’s and women’s World Cups. While FIFA has revealed limited details about the financial backing for the inaugural 32-team tournament, which will be held every four years, it has recently secured a broadcaster and major sponsors. British streaming platform DAZN acquired exclusive global rights to the June 14–July 13 competition in a deal valued at approximately €1 billion ($1.05 billion), according to a source. FIFA has also signed sponsorship agreements with Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Chinese electronics giant Hisense, and Belgian brewer AB InBev. For comparison, the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar had a total prize pool of $440 million, while the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand offered $110 million. The newly expanded UEFA Champions League, featuring 36 teams this season, will distribute €2.47 billion ($2.66 billion) among participating clubs. FIFA’s decision to expand the Club World Cup has sparked widespread criticism, particularly in Europe, where concerns over player welfare have been raised. The global footballers’ union FIFPro and the European Leagues association lodged a complaint with the European Commission in October, accusing FIFA of exploiting its dominance by congesting the football calendar. UEFA has also expanded the Champions League this season, and some players, including Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, have hinted at the possibility of a strike. The new Club World Cup format includes 12 teams from Europe, six from South America, and four each from Asia, Africa, and North and Central America. Auckland City and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami round out the list of participants. Despite the backlash, not all responses have been negative. Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique expressed enthusiasm, stating that “everyone” would want to take part. The tournament will be staged across 12 venues in 11 U.S. cities, with the final set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the venue for the 2026 World Cup final.

3/6/2025, 8:14:25 AM

FIFA confirms 2026 World Cup Final Will Feature First Ever Half Time Show

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup final will include a Super Bowl-style half-time show. The expanded 48-team tournament will conclude at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on July 19. Infantino, writing on Instagram, promised “a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world” after the first half. British band Coldplay will collaborate with FIFA to select performers, though it’s unclear if the half-time break will be extended. Additionally, Infantino announced that FIFA will take over Times Square for the final weekend, celebrating both the bronze final and the championship match. “These will be two incredible matches… what better way to celebrate them than in historic Times Square,” he said. He expressed gratitude to Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans for assisting in organizing the shows and commended Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey for their role in finalizing the artist lineup. The Super Bowl's half-time show, which now draws more viewers than the game itself, has previously showcased stars such as Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and Rihanna.

3/5/2025, 3:39:13 PM

2026 WCQ: Chelle Releases Super Eagles Squad For Rwanda, Zimbabwe (Full list)

Eric Chelle, the newly appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, has announced his maiden provisional squad. The 35-man list is for this month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Captain Ahmed Musa makes his return, alongside vice-captain William Troost-Ekong and midfielder Joe Aribo. Chelle has also introduced six fresh faces, balancing experience with new talent. Home-based players Papa Mustapha, Kayode Bankole, and Ifeanyi Emmanuel Onyebuchi have earned call-ups. The Eagles will face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe on March 25. Full Super Eagles Squad: GOALKEEPERS Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy), Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania), Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Neon Paralimni, Cyprus), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria). DEFENDERS William Troost-Ekong (Al Khalood, Saudi Arabia), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece), Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Jordan Torunarigha (Gent, Belgium), Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria). MIDFIELDERS Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England, USA), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy), Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany), Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton, England), Anthony Dennis (Goztepe, Turkey), Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain). FORWARDS Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough, England), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Moses Simon (Nantes, France), Sadiq Umar (Valencia, Spain), Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain), Paul Onuachu (Southampton, England), Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars, Nigeria), Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain).

3/4/2025, 3:53:09 PM

Arsenal Ready To Trigger Osimhen’s €75m Release Clause

Arsenal are reportedly planning to sign on-loan Napoli forward Victor Osimhen in the summer transfer window, with an offer of around £65m being prepared, according to Italian outlet Tuttojuve. The North London club is also said to be ready to trigger his release clause with a €75m (£61m) bid. Osimhen has been in sensational form this season, contributing 27 goals (22 goals and five assists) across all competitions. He added a brace on Sunday, scoring both a penalty and a goal in Galatasaray's 3-3 draw against Kasimpasa. The Nigerian international attracted significant interest last summer, with Chelsea close to completing a deal before it fell through. Now, Arsenal, amid competition from Manchester United and Juventus, are looking to fast-track the transfer. Italian sources claim the Gunners are set to submit a bid to outpace their rivals, including Manchester United, in securing the star. Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu has also reported that Arsenal are overtaking Manchester United’s move for Osimhen. Currently on loan at Galatasaray, Osimhen is not expected to return to Napoli this summer, as he has just one year remaining on his contract. Arsenal’s interest in a prolific striker has been evident in previous transfer windows, but it intensified only when injuries hit Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. With Mikel Arteta seeking a more reliable goal-scorer, the Gunners are determined to strengthen their attack this summer.

3/4/2025, 7:55:47 AM

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