Sports

José Mourinho is one round away from taking Fenerbahce back into the Champions League for the first time in 17 years. The storied head coach’s team surged into the Champions League qualifying playoffs by overturning a two-goal deficit in a 5-2 qualifying round win against Robin van Persie’s Feyenoord, yesterday, August 12. Fenerbahce went through 6-4 on aggregate and will face Benfica, where Mourinho got his first head coach job 25 years ago, with a place in the 36-team league phase at stake. The first leg is in Istanbul next Wednesday with the return on 27 August at the Stadium…

Eddie Howe’s side hope the Champions League and smart additions can banish memories of a challenging summer. Prospects A Champions League campaign beckons and there is the Carabao Cup to defend but the removal of Alexander Isak’s image from the windows of Newcastle’s club store at St James’ Park is emblematic of a troubled Tyneside summer. As if the Sweden striker’s decision to skip the club’s tour of Singapore and South Korea while trying to force a move to Liverpool was not bad enough, a succession of transfer targets have turned Newcastle down. Hugo Ekitiké, Bryan Mbeumo, João Pedro, James…

Ruben Amorim has to turn the ailing club around this season, after £200m on a new forward line, or he could be the next to pay the price. By Will Unwin Prospects The big hope is that Manchester United hit rock bottom last season and things cannot get any worse. They are in effect starting again because ending up 15th in the Premier League resulted in many executives, fans and players waking up in a cold sweat. Expectations within the fanbase are impressively low, not knowing what to expect from a team that stumbled through an entire campaign. There is…

By Sam Tyav, Makurdi Permanent Secretary/Chairman of Lobi Stars football club, Makurdi, Benue State, Dr. Philip Nongo has unveiled the club's new Technical Adviser (TA). He is Coach Bala Abubakar. Unveiling the TA Monday, August 11, during a press briefing, the Chairman described him as competent, expressing optimism in his capacity to move the the club away from relegation. The Permanent Secretary, who is also the state's Acting Commissioner for Sports and Creativity, told Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), that government was doing everything possible to address the challenges responsible for the club's relegation, expressing confidence that as the…

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez shocked fans when she announced their plans to marry, marking a new chapter after nearly a decade together and five children. The Spanish model and influencer shared the news with her 60 million-plus followers on social media, posting a striking photo that captured the couple’s hands intertwined. On her finger, a dazzling, oversized diamond engagement ring took center stage — a symbol of their commitment. “Yes I do. In this and in all my lives,” she wrote in the caption. The post, which has already surpassed a million likes, was quickly flooded with congratulatory messages,…

By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan Main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has described the passing on of Assistant Coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Mr. Akin Olowookere, as most shocking and devastating. It stated that he died at a time when his services were most needed in the quest to return the team to the path of glory. The newly-appointed coach was reported to have slumped and died immediately on the pitch in the early hour of today, August 11, during a training session with the rest of the soccer team at Remo Stars stadium in Ikenne-Remo,…

Prospects Champions for a record-equalling 20th time, and by a comfortable margin, first-choice transfer targets secured in an ambitious recruitment drive and the possibility of Alexander Isak arriving too: Liverpool look in outstanding shape to celebrate their 21st title this season. A seventh Champions League triumph will also be considered a realistic target by Arne Slot. Expectations are high at Anfield but any analysis of the club must consider the immeasurable impact of Diogo Jota’s tragic death on teammates and colleagues. It is the unknown factor in their title defence. On paper Liverpool have upgraded the squad that won the…

Some believed it would be a stroll in the park for Liverpool, the reigning English Premier League (EPL) champions But in a case of the first man to get to the police station not necessarily being the person who wins the case, underdogs Crystal Palace came from behind twice to beat Liverpool to the Community Shield, at Wembley today, August 10. And at a stroke, the trophy cabinet has to find space for a second cup. I's the London bus syndrome just as the Eagles of Crystal Palace would have dreamt it. A first Community Shield to follow up on…

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna Kaduna State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with organizations that use sports as a tool to promote peace, unity, and socio-economic development across the state and the nation. State Commissioner for Sports Development, Professor Benjamin Kumai Gugong, disclosed this during a peace-building event held to mark this year’s International Youth Week, organized by the German Cooperation agency, GIZ, themed 'Sport for Development', in Kaduna. Professor Gugong commended the initiative, describing it as a practical step toward fostering peaceful coexistence -a value the state has consistently advocated. “What GIZ is doing is helping us to…

Mohamed Salah has criticised UEFA for failing to state how a footballer known as the 'Palestinian Pelé' died in a tribute it posted. Suleiman al-Obeid, 41, was killed on Wednesday in southern Gaza when Israeli forces attacked civilians waiting for humanitarian aid, the Palestine Football Association (PFA) said. ‘‘Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pelé’, UEFA posted on X on Friday, August 8. ‘‘A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.’’ Salah replied to UEFA’s post today, August 9, saying: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” The Liverpool player and…