IN NIGERIA

Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi has reiterated his commitment to playing for the team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in December rather than playing in the Premier League for Fulham

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Morocco, will take place from 21st December, 2025, to 18th January, 2026.

The former Arsenal star also disclosed that Gunners legend, Ian Wright remains one of his role models.

====================================================

The duo of Super Eagles players, Ani Ozoemena, and Abdularafiu Taiwo are doubtful for the team’s next game against Sudan at the 2024 African Nations Championship.

Ozoemena, a goalkeeper missed the Super Eagles one-nil defeat to Senegal due to a knee problem.

Left-back Taiwo, who started the Group D encounter picked up a knock in the second half.

The team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, said the duo missed the team’s recovery session on Wednesday.

The encounter with the Sudanese will hold next week Tuesday at the Amman Stadium, Zanzibar.

====================================================

Senegal head coach, Souleymane Diallo has hailed his team’s solidarity in the one-nil victory over the home-based Super Eagles.

Diallo credited his players for putting up a good fight in the keenly contested encounter.

He explained that they had rehearsed various tactical variants in the build-up to the tournament, allowing them flexibility against different opponents.

====================================================

Sudan head coach, Kwesi Appiah says his team will be ready for their next Group D encounter against the home-based Super Eagles.

Appiah declared that his team will prepare hard for the clash with Eric Chelle’s side.

====================================================

Super Eagles star Wilfred Ndidi has arrived in Turkey to undergo a routine medical ahead of his permanent transfer to Besiktas.

The Nigeria international has agreed a permanent transfer to the Turkish Super Lig giants.

Besiktas reached agreement with Leicester City to sign him the player this week, after expressing their desire to trigger the release in his contract.

Ndidi will put pen to paper on a three-year contract with the option of another year.

A number of Nigerian football stars recently moved to Turkey including Paul Onuachu for Trabzonspor, Henry Onyekuru for Genclerbirligi, and Victor Osimhen for Galatasaray.

Nasarawa United has unveiled their new technical adviser Mbwas Mangut.

The 47-year-old replaces Salisu Yusuf, who left the role at the end of last season.

Yusuf, a former Super Eagles assistant coach has joined Beninoise club Coton FC.

Mangut brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in football management.

====================================================

Former Super Falcons captain, Kikelomo Ajayi, has commended the Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his vision and his leadership particularly his unwavering commitment to Sports and Youth Development in the state.

Ajayi stated this in a commendation letter to the governor who honoured Super Falcons star defender Tosin Demehin who helped the team win their 10th WAFCON title.

She called on Governor Aiyedatiwa, to also extend his rewards to past sport icons who has brought honour to the sunshine state.

====================================================

Former Napoli sports chief Pierpaolo Marino has accused Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman of being ungrateful to Atalanta.

Marino stated that Lookman should show some respect to Atalanta even if he wants to leave the club.

The reigning African Player of the Year has grown increasingly frustrated with the Serie A club after they rejected Inter Milan’s latest forty-five million euros bid for him.

The Nigerian international has made it clear that he wants to leave Atalanta for the Nerazzurri this summer.

====================================================

Major League Soccer, club Real Salt Lake has announced the signing of Nigerian forward Victor Olatunji.

Olatunji linked up with Real Salt Lake from Czech First Division club Sparta Prague.

The 25-year-old penned a three-year contract with the option of another year.

He will jersey number seventeen at his new club.

The 2025 NPFL Youth League has become a two-horse race between Remo Stars and Ikorodu City, however, coach Ajobolade Olumide insists that his Remo Stars squad are not playing for points.

After the round two games, Remo Stars and Ikorodu City are tied on points, but the Ikenne side enjoys superior goals advantage following a 4-1 demolition of Shooting Stars in the first game of Matchday 2.

Ikorodu City followed on their heels by defeating Sunshine Stars 2-0. Bendel Insurance are now third with three points after their 2-1 defeat of Kwara United.

Olumide told NPFL Media over the phone that his side is simply excited to participate in the competition and not focusing on a position on the log.

After lifting the FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea, Nigeria-born defender Tosin Adarabioyo is not just basking in silverware glory but also embracing his roots after returning to Lagos for a triumphant homecoming.

From launching the inaugural Tosin Adarabioyo Youth Cup to championing Nigerian talent on the global stage, the 26-year-old is on a mission far beyond football.

In an exclusive interview, Adarabioyo opened up about his personal journey, winning mentality and the love he’s received from fans back home.

Nigeria has been officially selected to host the 2nd African Schools Games in 2027, following a successful bid that outshone strong contenders including South Africa and Kenya.

The announcement was made in Algiers, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria in continental sports development and reaffirming its growing stature as a premier destination for major sporting events in Africa.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, described the victory as a landmark achievement that aligns with Nigeria’s strategic ambitions in sports.

IN ENGLAND

Manchester United legend, Paul Scholes says Arsenal’s new signing Viktor Gyokeres will find it difficult to fit into manager Mikel Arteta’s tactics.

Scholes questioned if he fits into Arteta’s tactics which will require him to maintain possession whereas at Sporting he was used to counter attacking football.

====================================================

Everton has completed the signing of midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea for a fee of about twenty-eight million pounds.

The fee for the 26-year-old is an initial twenty-four million pounds, with a further three to four million pounds due in add-ons.

Dewsbury-Hall has signed a five-year contract with the Toffees until the end of June 2030.

The Leicester City academy graduate is Everton’s fifth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Charly Alcaraz, Thierno Barry, Mark Travers and Adam Aznou.

====================================================

Southampton has withdrawn midfielder Tyler Dibling from full contact training amid talks over a potential move to Premier League side Everton.

The 19-year-old England Under-21 international has been the subject of three offers from the Toffees this summer, including a recent bid of forty million pounds plus five million pounds in add-ons.

They have all been rejected by Saints, who are preparing for their Championship opener at home to Wrexham on Saturday after their relegation from the top flight last season.

Everton has struggled to strengthen their squad this summer, with manager David Moyes saying the club are running out of time to sign players despite having money to spend.

=====================================================

Tottenham Hotspur has confirmed that Son Heung-min has joined Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC on a permanent transfer.

The 33-year-old was present at LAFC’s two-one Leagues Cup win over Mexican side Tigres UANL.

The paperwork and medical were completed this week, allowing Son to complete the transfer.

Son joins an LAFC side currently sixth in the Western Conference and reunites with former Tottenham team-mate Hugo Lloris.

=====================================================

Nottingham Forest has signed Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn on a one-year deal.

Gunn made thirty-five Championship appearances for Norwich City last season but left the Canaries when his contract expired in May.

The 29-year-old began his career at Norwich, before moving to Manchester City where he signed his first professional contract in 2013.

He will provide competition for Matz Sels who was ever present for Forest in the league last season, keeping thirteen clean sheets to share the Golden Glove with Arsenal’s David Raya

======================================================

Brentford forward, Yoane Wissa has returned to first-team training following constructive talks with head coach Keith Andrews but is still seeking a move away from the club.

Wissa and Andrews spoke at the team’s training ground on Wednesday following a fortnight of strained relations between player and club.

The talks have resulted in Wissa resuming senior training for the first time since he decided to leave Brentford’s pre-season base in Portugal on 21st July.

The 28-year-old still wants to secure a transfer to Newcastle during the current transfer window, a move that would provide him with an opportunity to play Champions League football.

==========================================================

Former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher has warned the Reds not to spend above one hundred and fifty million pounds to sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.

Liverpool has been linked with several centre-backs and wingers, though their priority appears to be to sign Isak from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

The Reds have already had a bid worth around one hundred and twenty million pounds rejected by Newcastle, who appear to be looking to land a replacement before sanctioning his exit.

========================================================

Sunderland has signed teenage Chelsea forward Marc Guiu on a season-long loan.

The Spaniard, now 19, moved to Stamford Bridge for five million pounds from Barcelona in July 2024 and scored six goals in sixteen matches for the Blues last season.

Sunderland earned promotion to the Premier League by beating Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final in May.

Guiu becomes the Black Cats’ ninth signing of the summer.

Burnley has completed the signing of French midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from Chelsea for a fee of more than twenty million pounds.

The 21-year-old has signed a five-year deal at Turf Moor.

Ugochukwu was considered surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea look to sell multiple players in their so-called ‘bomb squad’ – a group of players including England internationals Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell – training separately from Enzo Maresca’s first team.

The EFL says there are no restrictions stopping Sheffield Wednesday starting the Championship season on Sunday but called on the troubled club’s owner to end the current uncertainty and impasse.

In a statement, the EFL said it has extended the fee restriction on the club, meaning they are unable to complete any transfers or loans which involve a fee until after the January 2027 winter transfer window.

The Hillsborough side, who travel to Leicester City for their season opener on Sunday, have lost one hundred and seventy-eight million pounds between 2015, when Thai businessman Chansiri bought the club, and 2024.

The EFL met on Wednesday to get a comprehensive update on the situation at the Hillsborough club and, as a result said there are no restrictions on the club starting the season on Sunday as planned.

=========================================================

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy says football clubs in crisis like Sheffield Wednesday and Morecambe can absolutely be saved from the brink of collapse.

Nandy said owners need to recognise that they have a responsibility to be the custodians of a club and hand it on in good shape to the next generation.

The future of both clubs remains uncertain after a torrid summer of issues including delayed wage payments for players and staff, registration embargoes and in the case of Morecambe, suspension from the National League.

=====================================================

OTHER LEAGUES

Former Bayern Munich forward, Thomas Muller has joined Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps for the rest of the 2025 season.

The 35-year-old left the German side at the end of last season when his contract expired, bringing an end to his 25-year association with the Bundesliga champions.

Vancouver’s deal includes the option to sign Muller as a designated player for the 2026 MLS season, each club is allowed three DPs whose wages are not counted against their salary cap.

He will officially join the club upon receipt of his international transfer certificate, visa and work permit.

OTHER SPORTS

In Boxing, British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has disclosed that the potential fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul may happen in 2026.

Joshua is coming off a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, which took place last September, and is looking for a fight to bounce back amid links with Tony Yoka.

Hearn said the fight could happen after talks with MVP co-founder Nakisa Badarian but also issued a warning to Jake.

=====================================================

In Cricket, England seamer Lauren Bell took 3-28 as Southern Brave cruised to a six-wicket win in their opening fixture against Manchester Originals in The Hundred.

Mady Villiers chipped with in with figures of 2-19, while 17-year-old Tilly Corteen-Coleman claimed 1-12 in a dismal Originals batting performance.

Only Seren Smale emerged with any credit from the home side’s innings, finishing with an undefeated 40 to take her team to 95-8 from their hundred balls.

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt top-scored in Brave’s chase, striking 42 not out against her former team.

===========================================================

Rugby’s authorities have no immediate plans to follow American football’s NFL in banning ‘smelling salts’ over concerns they may mask concussion symptoms.

Smelling salts, a pungent mix of ammonia, water and ethanol are marketed as improving mental alertness or boosting energy.

In a memo to their teams, obtained by the Associated Press, external the NFL warned smelling salts also have the potential to mask certain neurological signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life…words from Muhammad Ali