By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo FIFA will announce its decision on Monday, February 16, on Nigeria’s formal complaint against DR Congo for allegedly fielding six ineligible players during the African playoff final last November, a ruling that could reinstate the Super Eagles into the 2026 World Cup intercontinental play-offs. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged the
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Former AFCON winner Hervé Renard has defended the controversial towel incident in the AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco, describing it as a culturally significant object aimed at disrupting the Teranga Lions, with Europeans unable to comprehend African beliefs. “The towel is something too long to explain, but it’s an
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo RS Berkane demolished Rivers United 3-0 in their CAF Champions League Group A Matchday 6 clash at Stade Municipal de Berkane, securing top spot and a quarterfinal berth. Youssef Mehri struck first in the 38th minute with a close-range finish from Abdelhak Assal’s assist, followed by Paul Bassene’s brace—first turning in
Super Eagles forward Salim Fago Lawal marked his maiden goal for Viktoria Plzeň with a stylish volley, securing a vital 2-1 away win against SK Sigma Olomouc. The opener in the 17th minute set the tone for Plzeň’s comeback in the Czech First League clash. All goals came in the first half: Lawal opened the
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu scored a powerful header for his 16th Süper Lig goal of the season, but Trabzonspor lost 3-2 to rivals Fenerbahçe in a thrilling clash at Papara Park on February 14, 2026. Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu saw action and provided the assist for Trabzonspor’s opener. Trabzonspor struck
CAF referees’ committee president Olivier Safari has acknowledged serious officiating concerns from the AFCON 2025final, admitting Senegal’s entire team could have faced disciplinary sanctions. Safari told members of the Confederation of African Football Executive Committee that Senegal players should have been punished after returning to the pitch during the troubled final. “If it had been
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Hansi Flick launched a furious half-time dressing-room rant at his FC Barcelona players, telling them they “deserved to be losing by more”, reportedly even 7–0 down, after their disastrous first-half collapse against Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final. Barcelona were already trailing 4–0 at the break at the
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Ousmane Dembélé has publicly questioned his teammates’ commitment following Paris Saint‑Germain’s 3-1 defeat to Stade Rennais, prompting a swift and firm response from manager Luis Enrique. Speaking after the Ligue 1 loss, Dembélé said PSG must show “more desire” and prioritise the club over individual interests if they are to
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Pep Guardiola has urged empathy and respect in public discourse after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial comments on immigration sparked widespread backlash across English football and beyond. Speaking ahead of **FA Cup** action, the **Manchester City** manager addressed the issue directly, emphasising that immigrants should not be treated as a societal problem
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Nottingham Forest have agreed to appoint Vitor Pereira as their new head coach until the end of the current season, as the Premier League strugglers attempt to stabilise their campaign. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager will return to the English top flight after reaching an agreement with Forest’s hierarchy. The club