Sports Archives | Page 7 of 110

World Cup Qualifier: Eagles’ Camp Comes Alive, as Training Begins in Uyo

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago03 mins

Nigeria’s camp has come truly alive ahead of Saturday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying showdown with Rwanda, with team captain William Troost-Ekong leading by example. The Saudi Arabia-based defender arrived camp on Monday, alongside goalkeeper Amas Obasogie and defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Felix Agu. Agu, who plays his club football with Werder Bremen in Germany, impressed at left back at the Unity Cup Tournament in London in the summer. Dependable forward Simon Moses, who scored a goal and made an assist in his new club, Paris FC’s league win at the weekend, is also in camp, as Greece-based goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo, defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Benjamin Fredericks, and midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Wing-back Olaoluwa Aina, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, and midfielder Alex Iwobi have also arrived. First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, back in training after an injury scare last week, was being expected on Tuesday evening, while midfielder Christantus Uche, who moved to English side Crystal Palace from Getafe of Spain on transfer deadline-day, is being expected alongside forwards Samuel Chukwueze (now in English Premiership side, Fulham FC from AC Milan of Italy), Tolu Arokodare (now in Wolverhampton Wanderers from KRC Genk in Belgium) and Cyriel Dessers (now in Panathinaikos in Greece from Glasgow Rangers of Scotland). African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, Galatasaray of Turkey’s Victor Osimhen and midfielder Raphael Onyedika are also being expected. The squad of 23 will also execute Tuesday’s Matchday 8 encounter against South Africa in Bloemfontein, which will be played at the Toyota Stadium (also known as Free State Stadium) on Tuesday evening.

Fulham Seals Deal for Samuel Chukwueze

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago01 mins

Fulham have confirmed the signing of winger Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan. The Nigeria international, 26, has joined on a season-long loan with the option of a permanent move. He was on Fulham’s radar during the January transfer window and the club maintained their interest in him. Chukwueze moved to Milan from Villarreal in 2023. “I feel at home already and I can’t wait to get started,” he told Fulham’s website.

Szoboszlai’s Stunner Sinks Arsenal as Liverpool March On; Man City Stumble Again

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago04 mins

Liverpool, England – Dominik Szoboszlai fired Liverpool to a 1-0 victory over Arsenal with a spectacular late free kick, while Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes took another hit following a surprise 2-1 defeat at Brighton. Szoboszlai broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute at Anfield, curling a powerful free kick into the top corner from nearly 30 yards out — a moment of individual brilliance in an otherwise tightly contested affair between two early title contenders. “I thought I would take a risk,” the Hungarian international told Sky Sports post-match. “Trent [Alexander-Arnold] usually takes them, but I was confident. I had to try.” Typically deployed as a midfielder, Szoboszlai was filling in at full back due to injuries, but delivered a finish worthy of the league’s best set-piece takers. The win marks Liverpool’s third consecutive victory to open the season, reinforcing their status as defending champions and current title favorites. Arsenal, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of the season — and their first goal conceded — extending their winless run at Anfield since 2012. Despite the loss, Szoboszlai offered praise for Mikel Arteta’s side: “Arsenal had an unbelievable season last year. They’ve come second three times in a row. It’s never easy competing with clubs like City, Chelsea, and us.” City’s Woes Deepen with Brighton Defeat At the Amex Stadium, Manchester City’s troubles continued as they fell 2-1 to Brighton, following last week’s 2-0 home loss to Tottenham. The result marks back-to-back defeats for Pep Guardiola’s side, raising questions over the squad’s form and depth early in the campaign. Brighton’s win was capped by a landmark goal from former Liverpool midfielder James Milner, who scored to set a new Premier League appearance record. City, who relinquished their four-year title reign to Liverpool last season, now face mounting pressure amid a shaky start that has exposed some of the same vulnerabilities seen in their 2024 campaign. The latest round of results sees Liverpool top the early standings, while Arsenal and City face early-season soul-searching in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive title race.

2026 W’Cup Qualifier: Rwanda’s Amavubi to Storm Nigeria on Tuesday

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago02 mins

Rwanda’s delegation to Saturday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Nigeria will arrive in Lagos on Tuesday afternoon. A one-man advance party will be in Lagos on Monday, but the full delegation will make landfall in Lagos on Tuesday aboard a Rwandair Airline flight at 1.15pm, and will proceed to Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State by 4pm of the same day. The Matchday 7 encounter has become very crucial to both teams as they are both wide away from group leaders South Africa, who have 13 points (prior to FIFA’s decision on their use of an ineligible player in the win over Lesotho in March this year). Rwanda are second in the pool with eight points, same as Benin Republic, with Nigeria in fourth on seven points. Lesotho have 6 points, with Zimbabwe propping up the table on four points. While the world still awaits FIFA’s decision, Nigeria and Rwanda will go for each other’s jugular in order to be appropriately-placed to benefit from Bafana Bafana’s error. The Crocodiles will leap to 9 points if South Africa are penalized for their infraction.

WAFU-B U17 Boys Tourney: Golden Eaglets Defeat Darazo, Draw with Gombe U17 Boys

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago01 mins

Five-time world champions, Golden Eaglets have continued their preparations ahead of the forthcoming WAFU-B U17 Boys Tournament. The team played two friendly games on Friday and Saturday respectively, winning one and drawing the other. After a tough contest in the first half with Darazo Football Academy of Bauchi, Golden Eaglets showed their superiority in the second half with sublime goals to end the game 2-0 in their favour. It was a different atmosphere against the Gombe U17 team, as the game played under raining conditions ended in a stalemate. So far, the Golden Eaglets have played 11 friendly games. The team were victorious on nine occasions, drew one and lost one.

Liverpool vs Arsenal: Premier League Clash Set for Early-Season Title Implications

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago05 mins

Anfield is set to host one of the Premier League’s marquee fixtures on Sunday, as defending champions Liverpool face perennial challengers Arsenal in a match that could shape the early title race. Both sides come into the clash with perfect records from their opening fixtures, but arrive via contrasting paths. While Liverpool have battled through dramatic late winners, Arsenal have remained defensively solid, yet are now dealing with a mounting injury list. Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool have shown early signs of grit and attacking versatility. The Reds opened the season with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth and followed it up with a last-gasp 3-2 victory at Newcastle, where 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha netted the winner from a Mohamed Salah assist in stoppage time. New signing Hugo Ekitike has impressed with two goals and an assist in as many matches, helping reduce the team’s reliance on Salah. Slot praised Ekitike’s impact both in scoring and build-up play:“He’s been a big influence already — not just finishing, but starting and linking attacks.” The club’s pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak continues, with a second bid reportedly being prepared. Arsenal began the season with a narrow 1-0 win at Old Trafford and followed that with a dominant 5-0 home victory over Leeds United. However, Mikel Arteta’s squad now faces a major test of depth after injuries to key players. Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Kai Havertz (knee surgery), and Martin Odegaard (shoulder) are all doubts or confirmed absentees for Sunday.“It’s the start of the season and we’ve lost three of our main players,” said Arteta. “That’s why you need a big squad to cope and sustain the level.” Summer signings Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke are expected to step up, while Eberechi Eze could make his Arsenal debut following his high-profile transfer from Crystal Palace. This will be the 245th meeting between the two clubs. Liverpool lead the all-time series with 94 wins, compared to 81 for Arsenal. Arsenal are winless at Anfield in the Premier League since 2012, though their last three visits ended in draws. Arteta acknowledged the challenge of ending that drought:“The favourite is always the reigning champion. Someone has to take the crown from them — that’s what we’re trying to do.” Team NewsLiverpool have no new injury concerns. Conor Bradley returned from injury as a substitute last match. Alexis Mac Allister is available after missing the Newcastle game. Virgil van Dijk is fit despite a heavy tackle last week. For Arsenal, Saka is out for several weeks with a hamstring issue. Havertz is sidelined after undergoing minor knee surgery. Odegaard is a doubt and will undergo a late fitness test. Christian Norgaard and Ben White are also being assessed.

Chelsea Signs Garnacho From Man U

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago04 mins

Chelsea have officially signed Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United for £40million. The fee makes Garnacho the most expensive academy graduate sale in United’s history, eclipsing the £24.5m received for David Beckham in 2003. The 21-year-old winger has agreed a seven-year contract with the Blues after passing a medical on Friday. United have inserted a 10 per cent sell-on clause in the sale agreement. Garnacho was in attendance at Stamford Bridge as Enzo Maresca’s side eased past Fulham to win 2-0 on Saturday afternoon. Now, the Argentina international will join his new team-mates as the international break falls upon us. His first opportunity to suit up in his new colours will come on September 13 when Chelsea travel to west London rivals Brentford. Upon signing, Garnacho said: ‘It’s an incredible moment for my family and I to join this great club. I can’t wait to get started. ‘I watched the Club World Cup and to join the world champions is special – we’re the best team in the world! ‘It’s amazing to be here and I’m very happy.’ Garnacho joined United’s youth set-up from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 and went on to make 144 senior appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 22 assists. He lifted the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024, but fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim towards the end of last season. Amorim told Garnacho at the end of the campaign that he was free to find a new club. The winger did not feature in pre-season and trained separately as part of the so-called ‘bomb squad’. Garnacho also publicly expressed his frustration after being introduced only late in United’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham in May, a moment which appeared to accelerate his exit. Chelsea beat off competition to secure his signature after weeks of haggling over the fee. The Blues initially offered £25m, but talks eventually settled at £40m plus the sell-on percentage. Garnacho is expected to compete with fellow summer signing Jamie Gittens for a place on the left wing in Enzo Maresca’s squad. He joins a raft of new arrivals at Stamford Bridge, including Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jorrel Hato and Brazilian teenager Estevao. Garnacho is Chelsea’s 51st signing since the Todd Boehly era began in 2022.

Chelsea 2-0 Fulham: Controversial VAR Decision Disallows Josh King’s Goal as Hosts Win at Stamford Bridge

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

Stamford Bridge, London – Chelsea triumphed 2-0 over Fulham in a Premier League clash marred by a controversial VAR decision that saw Josh King’s first-half goal ruled out, sparking outrage from the Fulham camp. VAR Controversy Strikes Early The drama unfolded in the 21st minute when Josh King thought he had given Fulham the lead, curling a shot into the bottom corner after a skilful run into the box. However, referee Rob Jones was instructed by VAR official Michael Salisbury to review the goal due to an alleged foul by Rodrigo Muniz on Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah in the build-up. The incident in question occurred just moments before King’s strike, when Muniz appeared to step on Chalobah’s foot while shielding the ball. After reviewing the footage at the pitchside monitor, Jones disallowed the goal, citing Muniz’s “careless challenge” on Chalobah. Fulham manager Marco Silva was incensed by the decision, calling it “unbelievable” and claiming it was a harsh call. “I don’t know where else the attacker can put his foot. It should stand,” Silva said post-match. Despite the controversy, Chelsea responded well. Just before halftime, João Pedro headed in a brilliant cross to put the Blues ahead. Enzo Fernandez then sealed the victory in the second half, scoring from the penalty spot after Ryan Sessegnon was penalized for handling the ball in the area. Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, labeled the VAR decision “shocking,” criticizing the intervention as “neither clear nor obvious” and suggesting that referee Jones should have trusted his initial call.