Archives

UEFA on Friday, handed Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni a six-match ban following alleged racist insults directed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior during both sides’ UEFA Champions League play-off match in Lisbon some weeks ago.

Benfica announced the news in an official statement, saying the Portuguese club received a notification from UEFA.

According to the statement, Prestianni was suspended for “six matches” for the use of homophobic language during Benfica’s Champions League tie with Real Madrid in March.

Recall that the Champions League playoff was overshadowed by several troubling incidents, most notably when Vinicius accused Prestianni of using racist slurs against him.

The Champions League playoff first leg encounter was played in Lisbon, and UEFA later banned Prestianni for the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Vinicius: UEFA finally bans Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni

Nigeria Premier Football League, side Abia Warriors have crashed out from the 2026 President Federation Cup.

Abia Warriors were bundled out of the tournament following a 4-3 penalty loss to Nationwide League One side Ahudianynem FC.

The fiercely contested encounter game ended goalless in regulation time.

DAILY POST recalls that Abia Warriors were runners-up in the 2024 President Federation Cup.

They lost 2-0 to El-Kanemi Warriors in the final in Lagos.

The Umuahia-based club will shift focus to their chase for a continental ticket in the NPFL.

Abia Warriors currently sit in fourth position on the NPFL table with 55 points.

Imama Amapakabo’s side will take on Rivers United, Kun Khalifat FC and Warri Wolves in their last three games of the campaign.

Abia Federation Cup: Abia Warriors crash out after defeat to Ahudianynem FC

Victor Osimhen has rallied his Galatasaray teammates ahead of the Intercontinental Derby with Fenerbahçe.

Okan Buruk’s side will entertain their title rivals at the RAMS Park on Sunday.

Galatasaray will be looking to bounce back from Wednesday night’s Turkish Cup quarter-final 2-0 defeat to Gençlerbirliği.

The Yellow and Reds are four points ahead of second-placed Fenerbahçe on the table, with four rounds of matches left in the season.

A win will put Galatasaray in pole to successfully defend their title.

“A very important match awaits us. Like everyone else, I’m eagerly anticipating it. Now is not the time to be upset,” Osimhen was quoted by Fanatik.

Turkey: Osimhen rallies Galatasaray teammates ahead Fenerbahçe showdown

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has warned his players that there has to be “a balance” as they chase Manchester City in the Premier League.

The Gunners were top of the table for 200 days, until back-to-back defeats against Bournemouth and City.

They were now in second place, level with Pep Guardiola’s men on points and goals difference.

However, City remain top, as they have scored more goals than Arsenal.

Arteta, speaking to the media on Friday, said: “The goals for, goals against, it’s going to be a balance like it has all season.

“That’s why the goal difference between the two teams [in the title race] is so small.

“First of all, it’s very clear what we have to do to win the game, to earn the right and compete and the rest will come.”

EPL: Arteta speaks on Arsenal losing title to Man City on goals difference

Fulham head coach, Marco Silva is hopeful Alex Iwobi will feature for the club before the end of the season.

Iwobi sustained a hamstring injury in the Cottagers 0-0 draw at Brentford last weekend.

The versatile midfielder was replaced by his international teammate Samuel Chukwueze towards the end of the first half.

There were fears the 29-year-old would miss the remainder of the season as a result of the injury.

Silva, who expressed disappointment with the player’s injury, is, however, expecting him to make an appearance for the Whites before the season runs out.

“Really bad news to lose a player like Alex Iwobi. It’s difficult to say a timescale, but back before the end of the season,” Silva told a press conference on Friday.

Fulham will welcome Aston Villa to the Craven Cottage on Saturday.

EPL:Silva delivers update on Iwobi’s injury status

Nigeria National League, NNL, side, Ranchers Bees have described their return to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, as a rebirth of a legacy.

Ranchers Bees finished top of the NNL Conference D table with 20 points to make a return to the NPFL after 18-years.

The Kaduna-based club said the achievement was made through passion, vision and commitment.

“After 18 long years we are proud to announce our return to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL,” Ranchers Bees wrote in a statement on Thursday.

“This achievement is more than a promotion, it is a rebirth of a legacy, the reward for belief and the beginning of a new chapter.

“Since the revival of this great club on August 16, 2025, this journey has been driven by passion, vision and commitment.”

Ranchers Bees will slug it out with Sporting Lagos, Doma United and Inter Lagos in the NNL Super Four tournament to determine the overall champion of the 2025-26 NNL season.

The tournament which start in Ikenne next weekend.

NNL: Ranchers Bees celebrate NPFL promotion