Real Madrid Appoints Álvaro Arbeloa As First-Team Manager After Success With Youth Teams

Real Madrid has named former defender and Castilla coach Álvaro Arbeloa as the club’s new first-team manager, the club confirmed in an official statement. The 43-year-old, a lifelong Madridista, moves up after six years of coaching within Real Madrid’s youth academy and reserve setup, making his appointment a major internal promotion. According to the club, “Álvaro Arbeloa will be the new first-team coach. He has been in charge of Castilla since June 2025 and has spent his entire coaching career in our youth academy since 2020. He led the Under-14s A to a league title in 2020–2021, coached the Under-16s in 2021–2022, and the Under-19s from 2022 to 2025. With the Under-19s, he won a treble in 2022–2023 (League, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Youth League) and another league title in 2024–2025.” Arbeloa enjoyed a distinguished playing career at Real Madrid from 2009 to 2016, making 238 appearances and winning eight major trophies, including two Champions League titles, one La Liga crown, two Copa del Rey trophies, one Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, and one Spanish Super Cup. He was also part of Spain’s golden generation, lifting the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships. The appointment follows the mutual departure of Xabi Alonso as first-team coach earlier this month. Sources say Arbeloa’s promotion is aimed at maintaining continuity, prioritizing youth development, and leveraging his deep knowledge of the club during this transitional period. During his playing days, Arbeloa was known for his versatility, tactical intelligence, and reliability as a full-back. He played a key role during the shift from the Galácticos era to the Cristiano Ronaldo-led dominance, contributing to multiple domestic and European titles. Arbeloa began his coaching career immediately after retiring in 2017, joining Real Madrid’s academy in 2020. He quickly gained a reputation for nurturing talent and implementing possession-based, structured football. His greatest success came with the Juvenil A (Under-19) team, securing a historic treble in 2022–2023 and a league title in 2024–2025. After stepping up to Castilla in June 2025, he guided the reserve team to a mid-table finish in the Primera Federación while integrating several academy graduates into the first-team squad. Club president Florentino Pérez is said to have personally backed Arbeloa’s promotion, seeing him as the ideal link between Real Madrid’s youth system and the senior team.

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Arsenal To Host Wigan As Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City Draw Revealed In FA Cup Fourth Round

Arsenal, who currently top the Premier League, will take on League One side and former FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic in the fourth round of the competition. The Gunners booked their spot after a 4-1 comeback victory over Portsmouth on Sunday, with Gabriel Martinelli netting a hat-trick. Chelsea will face Hull City on the road following their win against Charlton Athletic in Liam Rosenior’s first game as the Blues’ manager. Liverpool, if they get past League One side Barnsley, will host Brighton at Anfield. Brighton famously knocked out Manchester United in the third round. Aston Villa and Newcastle are set for a Premier League showdown at Villa Park, promising a thrilling clash in the fourth round. Manchester City will enjoy another home tie, facing either League Two’s Salford City or Swindon Town after their dominant 10-1 victory over League One Exeter City. Other notable ties include Stoke City vs Fulham, Southampton vs Leicester, and Birmingham City vs Leeds United. Full FA Cup fourth-round draw: Liverpool or Barnsley vs Brighton Stoke City vs Fulham Oxford United vs Sunderland Southampton vs Leicester Wrexham vs Ipswich Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic Hull City vs Chelsea Burton Albion vs West Ham Burnley vs Mansfield Town Norwich City vs West Brom Port Vale vs Bristol City Grimsby Town vs Wolves Aston Villa vs Newcastle Manchester City vs Salford or Swindon Macclesfield vs Brentford Birmingham City vs Leeds United

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BREAKING: Real Madrid Sack Xabi Alonso After Super Cup Loss To Barcelona

Real Madrid have officially ended their association with head coach Xabi Alonso, just hours after the club’s dramatic three–two defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The club confirmed that the decision was reached by mutual agreement, bringing an abrupt end to the forty-four-year-old’s short spell in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu. The timing of the exit, coming less than a day after the painful loss to their fiercest rivals, has fueled speculation about mounting internal pressure within the club. Alonso, who returned to Madrid last summer from Bayer Leverkusen, endured a difficult and turbulent tenure. Reports of dressing-room unrest had followed him in recent weeks, with claims that he was struggling to retain the full support of the squad. The Super Cup defeat, which saw Madrid surrender late against Barcelona, appeared to be the final straw. In an official statement, the club said, “Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first team coach.” Despite the sudden nature of the decision, Real Madrid paid glowing tribute to the former midfielder, adding, “Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.” The statement also acknowledged the efforts of Alonso’s backroom staff, saying, “Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication during this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.” While the club maintained a cordial tone, the swift move has left supporters stunned. With crucial fixtures ahead in both La Liga and the Champions League, attention now turns to how Real Madrid will steady the ship following Alonso’s sudden departure.

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CAF Investigates Player, Official, And Media Misconduct During AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched an investigation into alleged misconduct by players, officials, and media personnel during the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarter-final matches between Cameroon and Morocco, and Algeria and Nigeria. The probe follows reports of post-match confrontations with referees and concerns over inappropriate behaviour on the pitch. In a statement on Monday, CAF said it has collected match reports and video evidence suggesting possible violations, which have now been referred to the Disciplinary Board for review. “CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons are found guilty of any wrongdoing. CAF is also reviewing footage of an incident involving members of the media who allegedly misbehaved in the mixed zone area,” the statement said. In the quarter-finals, Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 in Marrakech, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams securing the Super Eagles’ place in the semifinals. Post-match footage showed Algerian players confronting referees, resulting in minor scuffles and an attempted pitch invasion by fans, which was halted by stadium security. The Algerian team cited controversial refereeing decisions by Senegalese official Issa Sy, including a denied penalty for an alleged handball in the Nigerian box. Morocco also advanced with a 2-0 win over Cameroon, although the match was marked by refereeing disputes. Cameroon argued that two potential penalties involving Moroccan defender Adam Masina were wrongly denied. Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, dismissed allegations of home-team bias in his post-match press briefing. CAF reiterated its commitment to maintaining professional conduct at all events, stating: “CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour during matches, particularly actions targeting referees or match organisers. Appropriate measures will be taken against anyone whose conduct falls short of professional standards at CAF events.”

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Egypt Reach AFCON Semi-Final With 3-2 Victory Over Ivory Coast

Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush were key as Egypt defeated defending champions Ivory Coast 3-2 to advance to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, setting up a blockbuster clash with Senegal. The Pharaohs struck early when Marmoush capitalised on a midfield error to fire Egypt ahead inside four minutes. The early goal set the tone, with Ivory Coast struggling to respond despite Amad Diallo having a close-range effort blocked. Egypt extended their lead on 32 minutes as Salah’s corner found Ramy Rabia, who rose highest to head home from close range. Seven minutes later, the Elephants pulled one back when Ahmed Abou El Fotouh inadvertently diverted Diomande’s delivery into his own net. After the break, Egypt regained a two-goal cushion when Rabia’s sweeping pass set up Emam Ashour, whose low cross was finished confidently by Salah. Ivory Coast responded again, with Guela Doue scoring from a scramble following a corner to make it 3-2. Despite late pressure from the holders, Egypt held on to secure their place in the semi-finals and move a step closer to claiming a record eighth AFCON title.

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AFCON 2025: Osimhen Named Man of the Match

By Bunmi Ogunyale   Former African Footballer of the Year and Super Eagles’ Vice Captain, Victor Osimhen, has been adjudged as the Man of the Match in the quarterfinal tie against Algeria. Osimhen scored the opener for Nigeria after both teams ended the first half of the encounter barren. The Galatasaray of Turkey striker rose splendidly, suspending himself in the air, to nod into the net from a perfect pull-out by defender Bruno Onyemaechi. The lanky forward now joined Ademola Lookman and Raphael Onyedika who have won the gong so far in the tournament. With doubt over the availabilty of Skipper Wilfred Ndidi due to injury, Osimhen may step in to the senior national team against hosts, Morocco on Wednesday.  

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Dollar Rain For Super Eagles As BUA Group Boss Pledges $1Million

By Bunmi Ogunyale   Chairman and Founder, BUA Group and ASR Africa Initiative, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu has pledged a whopping sum of $1,000,000.00 to members of the Super Eagles should they lift the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Business mogul, in a post on his official Twitter handle now X shortly after the Super Eagles handed the Algeria a two nil defeat on Saturday, gave the pledge in phases. “Congratulations to our Super Eagles players on a brilliant victory against Algeria! “You have lifted the spirit of the nation, and we proudly cheer you on as you prepare for the semi-finals. “To encourage you, I pledge USD $500,000 to the players upon winning the semi-final, with an additional USD $50,000 for every goal scored. “Should you go on to win the final, I further pledge USD $1,000,000, plus USD $100,000 for each goal scored in the final. “Wishing you continued success as you carry Nigeria forward. “Keep making Nigeria proud. “Proudly Nigerian,” he tweeted. The three-time African Champions will match uo against the hosts, Morocco in the semifinals of the comepetition on Wednesday.  

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Poland 2026: Falconets Begin Preparations for Clash with Senegal

Nigeria’s U20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets, have resumed camping in Abuja ahead of their forthcoming FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against their Senegalese counterparts. The team opened camp on Saturday, January 4, 2026, at the Westpoint Hotel, marking the start of an intensive preparation programme.   A total of 17 players are currently in camp, with additional invited players expected to arrive in the coming days to complete the roster. Training activities have commenced in earnest, focusing on team cohesion, tactical organization, and physical conditioning, as the technical crew works to ensure optimal readiness.   Head Coach, Mr. Moses Aduku, confirmed that the team’s preparations are on course, with ongoing assessments of players and structured training sessions aimed at ensuring tactical readiness and optimal performance levels. The technical crew continues to fine-tune training programmes with emphasis on tactical discipline, game intelligence, and overall team organization, as preparations progress toward the qualifier.   Nigeria will host the first leg of the third-round qualifying fixture, which is scheduled for the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan on Saturday, 7th February, with the return leg already determined for Saturday, 14th February in Dakar, Senegal.   This year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals will be hosted by Poland.  

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