EPL: ‘Big factor’ – Wayne Rooney names signing of the season

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has leapt to the defence of out-of-sorts Bukayo Saka.

Saka was singled out by fans and pundits for criticism, following the Gunners’ 2-2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The England winger was taken off by Arteta in the 60th minute and replaced by Noni Madueke.

Madueke eventually won the penalty that Kai Havertz converted to help Arsenal avoid defeat.

But speaking to the media on Friday, Arteta insisted that he fully trusts Saka.

He said: “We fully trust him and love him. What he’s doing for us, for this club, is just incredible at his age and he’s continued to have that massive impact for us.

“He can have an individual performance that is not probably a reflection of his level, like every human, every player in the world.

“But overall when you look at his strength and the impulse he has in the team, it’s just incredible.”

EPL: It’s just incredible – Arteta speaks on Saka’s poor form

Fulham head coach Marco Silva has allayed fears Alex Iwobi sustained a serious injury in the team’s 0-0 draw with Brentford, DAILY POST reports.

Iwobi picked up a hamstring injury in the 43rd minute encounter.

The 29-year-old was replaced by his compatriot Samuel Chukwueze.

There were fears the versatile could miss the rest of the campaign.

Silva however said the injury is not so bad.

“First reaction I got from Alex – it’s not so bad, but in the next 24-48 hours, we will be more clear about it. A big impact when we lost him”, Silva said after the game.

EPL: Silva provides injury update on Iwobi

Chiamaka Nnadozie says the Super Falcons are not under pressure to defend their title at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, DAILY POST reports.

Justine Madugu’s side will be aiming to win a record-extending 11th title when hostilities starts in Morocco next month.

The Super Falcons are drawn in Group C with debutants Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt.

The West Africans will begin their campaign against Malawi on March 18 in Casablanca.

Nnadozie recognised the challenge of winning a major tournament like the WAFCON, but insisted that they are ready for the task ahead.

“We are not under any pressure at all. We’ve worked so hard over the years to be where we are today. There are so many teams working hard to be in this position, and respect to all of them. But there’s no pressure,” the Brighton goalkeeper told the Super Falcons media.

The WAFCON 2026 finals will run from 17 March to 3 April.

The four semi-finalists will qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons ready to defend title – Nnadozie