Sports

Victor Osimhen has been crowned the 2023 African Footballer of the Year in a momentous event that solidified his status as one of the best players in the world. Monday’s award capped off a sterling year for the Super Eagles forward whose historic feat in the imperial Moroccan city of Marakesh ended Nigeria’s 24-year-old wait for Africa’s top individual prize. Legendary Kanu Nwankwo was the last Nigerian to win the award and that was in 1999. The prize is a recognition of Osimhen’s exploits for his Napoli club side and the national team where he is a key member. He…

Cole Palmer has earned his first call-up to the England senior squad ahead of their European Championship qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia. The 21-year-old has been in impressive form for Chelsea in recent weeks. He has struck four goals in his last six matches, the latest of which was a nerveless penalty in our 4-4 draw against Manchester City. Palmer has also registered four assists for the Blues this term and earned praise from Mauricio Pochettino. 'He's still a young kid but it's amazing what he is giving to the team,' the Chelsea head coach explained. 'I am so…

Luis Rubiales has resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation following criticism for kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso at the Women's World Cup final presentation ceremony. Hermoso, 33, said the kiss after Spain beat England was not consensual and she filed a legal complaint last Tuesday. He released a statement saying he had submitted his resignation to federation acting president Pedro Rocha. "I cannot continue my work," Rubiales said on 'Piers Morgan Uncensored'. The 46-year-old has also resigned from his position as vice-president of Uefa's executive committee. Rubiales claimed the kiss was "mutual and "consensual" but had been provisionally…

Chiamaka Nnadozie, Super Falcons goalkeeper, saved two penalties to lead Paris FC to a shock 4-2 shootout victory over Arsenal in their UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) second qualifying round match on Saturday in London. Paris took a two-goal lead early in the second half but Arsenal equalised with two late strikes as the encounter ended 2-2 at regulation time. Both sides scored one apiece in extra time to end the tie 3-3, requiring a penalty lottery to decide the winner — which Nnandozie came out as the hero for Paris FC. Both kicks went to the right side as…

English Premier League side Chelsea has confirmed the squad numbers assigned to their new summer signings for the 2023/24 campaign – and several existing players have taken new shirt numbers ahead of the season. Christopher Nkunku was the first new arrival at Stamford Bridge this summer and the France international has taken the number 18 shirt. Fellow forward Nicolas Jackson, who joined from Villarreal, will wear the number 15. Defender Axel Disasi completed a switch from Monaco last week and has taken the number 2 shirt. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, signed from Brighton, will be number 31. Malo Gusto, who joined…

Zambia coach Bruce Mwape is under investigation by FIFA after he was accused of rubbing a player's chest at the Women's World Cup. A complaint was made to the governing body of world football about the 63-year-old after the African nation claimed their first-ever World Cup victory win a 3-1 win over Costa Rica on Monday (July 31). According to The Guardian, the alleged incident took place following a training session last Friday (July 28). A source close to the squad said several players saw Mwape rubbing his hands over the chest of one of their team-mates. Those who witnessed…

Taraba State is set to host European Football Scouts during the maden edition of Dr Kefas Agbu Peace and Unity Cup 2023 Ambassador Joseph Joshua, Taraba State Commissioner of Youth & Sports has disclosed to newsmen on Monday in Abuja Joshua revealed that 15 teams from each Geo-political zone of the state will be participating in the tournament, he further stated that talents abound in Taraba and needs to be nurtured, adding that with programme like this, players with innate ability will have the opportunity to flourish The Agbu Peace and Unity cup is expected to attract top European football…

Benjamin Mendy signed for French club Lorient on Wednesday after the former Manchester City and France defender was acquitted in a sex offences trial in England last week. “Lorient are happy to announce today the signing on a two-year deal of the French international left-back Benjamin Mendy,” the Ligue 1 club said in a statement. Mendy, 29, was cleared of sex offences last week, ending a three-year court process. The player, who would have faced a lengthy jail term if convicted, had previously being cleared in January of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault following a six-month…