Category: Sports

Leaders and members of Arsenal Football Club supporters in Aba on Monday took over major streets of the city to celebrate the team’s victory in the 2025/2026 Premiership season.

The Arsenal fans, who were dressed in red and white full club attire, waved flags and loudly sang Arsenal songs in jubilation.

The city-wide march, which commenced from Osisioma Flyover on the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Highway, moved to other parts of Aba, with other enthusiastic fans joining the celebration.

The supporters, who were led by Chukwujama Obinna Obi Daddy and Okechukwu Michael George, said the breaking of the 22-year Premiership jinx was a milestone.

“This is a moment for every Gooner in Abia to show pride and unity. Arsenal’s victory belongs to the fans, and we want Aba to feel the red and white spirit,” they said.

Speaking about his club’s victory, Elijah Udenwa, Chairman of the Radio Fans Association, Abia State chapter, said, “The wait is over for Arsenal.”

Another leader of Arsenal fans in Umuahia, Chukwuemeka Igu, said the mocking of Arsenal by Chelsea and other rival football fans is over, noting that “we shall never be mocked again.”

EPL: We will no longer be mocked – Arsenal fans  parade in Abia

Zimbabwe head coach Kaitano Tembo says his team is battle ready for their Unity Cup semi-final encounter against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The Warriors, who are making their maiden appearance in the invitational tournament will battle the Super Eagles for a place in the final at the Valley on Tuesday.

Tembo’s side have met the Super Eagles twice in the last two years.

Both matches in Rubavu and Uyo ended in stalemates.

The gaffer said that they will do everything to win the game.

“I think this is a different game, a different scenario, different situation as well. We need to try, and prepare well, and forget about the previous results,” Tembo said ahead of the game.

“We have to go out there and make sure that we give our all to win, and not dwell on the previous results.”

Unity Cup: Tembo declares Zimbabwe ready for Super Eagles showdown 

Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise has named the best players from England, Germany Argentina and others ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

He, however, declined to name Cristiano Ronaldo as the top player from Portugal at this moment, instead selecting Lionel Messi as the best for Argentina.

Messi and Ronaldo are gearing up for what may be their final FIFA World Cup. Argentina holds the title of reigning champions after their victory in the last tournament in Qatar, while Portugal is among the teams vying to take that title from La Albiceleste.

Olise, who has been included in France’s 26-man squad for the World Cup, harbors his own aspirations following an outstanding season with Bayern Munich. The 24-year-old scored 22 goals and provided an impressive 31 assists across all competitions this season, securing three trophies.

As the World Cup approaches, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Olise was asked by FC Bayern Esports on Instagram to identify the best players from four different countries.

He selected teammates Harry Kane and Joshua Kimmich from England and Germany, respectively. When it came to Brazil, Olise remarked:

“I don’t know.”

Nevertheless, he confidently chose Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi for Spain and Argentina. However, when it was time to select the best player from the Portugal squad, Olise opted for Bruno Fernandes over Cristiano Ronaldo.

World Cup 2026: Olise lists best players in this year’s tournament

Galatasaray insider Haluk Yürekli has asserted that Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, will only depart from Galatasaray this summer under a specific condition.

He told the 343 Digital YouTube channel that the Nigeria international will leave solely if he expresses a desire to the club, emphasizing that the former Napoli player is regarded as untouchable by the Turkish Super Lig champions.

Following another impressive season in which he netted 22 goals and provided eight assists in 33 matches across all competitions, the former African Footballer of the Year has been rumored to be considering a summer move away from the Lions.

Among the clubs reported to be interested are Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Osimhen concluded his association with Napoli last summer after Galatasaray activated his release clause of 75 million euros.

In light of interest from prominent European clubs, Yürekli indicated that Galatasaray is willing to demand a minimum of €150 million (approximately N239 billion in Nigerian currency) before engaging in any discussions with potential suitors.

In statements shared by habersarikirmizi, he remarked: “Galatasaray has no plans to sell Victor Osimhen under any circumstances, irrespective of the amounts involved.

“There exists only one scenario in which a departure could take place: if Osimhen directly informs Galatasaray of his wish to leave.

“Only then could this issue be addressed. In such an event, negotiations would commence at 150 million Euros.”

Osimhen’s contract with Galatasaray extends until the conclusion of the 2028-2029 season.

Turkey: Insider, Haluk Yürekli reveals only condition for Osimhen to leave Galatasaray

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Rangers International FC on winning the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, title for a record ninth time. 

This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President in Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga.

The President congratulates the managers, players, and fans of the Enugu-based football club for finishing the last campaign at the top of the table with 68 points in 38 matches, ahead of their closest rival, Rivers United.

President Tinubu recalls the incredible run of Rangers in the 1970s and 1980s, when the club won multiple league and FA Cup titles, especially in 1975, when they reached the finals of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, and in 1977, when they won the African Cup Winners’ Cup.

“I must also congratulate Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on the victory of Rangers International FC. This victory is an obvious fruit of his administration’s investments in youth and sports in the state. I commend him. 

“As one of the oldest clubs in Nigeria, Rangers have produced some of the nation’s finest football players who went on to make the country proud on the global stage. I am proud of their achievement,” the President says.

President Tinubu also commends Rivers United for an excellent performance throughout the tournament and for demonstrating good sportsmanship.

He wishes both Rangers International FC and Rivers United the very best as they represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League. 

NPFL: I am proud — Tinubu reacts to Rangers FC’s major victory

Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has named Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres as the Premier League signing of the season.

Rooney believes the Sweden international was a ‘big factor’ in Arsenal winning the Premier League.

When asked to name his ‘Premier League signing of the season’ after the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign, Rooney said on his BBC podcast: “I think Viktor Gyokeres.

“Granit Xhaka has been brilliant for Sunderland, but look at what Gyokeres has brought to Arsenal; it’s exactly what they have needed.

“Finishing second over the last three years, I think he’s given Arsenal something a bit different, and that’s been a big factor in them winning the Premier League.”

Arsenal signed Gyokeres from Portuguese club Sporting CP last summer.

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

Sunderland are the latest Premier League club to be linked with Millwall winger Femi Azeez, DAILY POST reports.

Azeez enjoyed an impressive campaign with Millwall, netting 11 goals, and providing eight assists in 37 Sky Bet Championship appearances.

The 24-year-old was also named in the Championship Team of the Season.
Everton, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Fulham have all been earlier linked with the talented winger.

Sunderland have now joined the list of his admirers, according to reports.
Millwall will only reportedly consider a substantial offer for the former Reading player.
The Lions are expected to demand a fee in the region of €20m from interested clubs.

Transfer: More Premier League clubs join Azeez chase 

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has failed to provide clarity on Kelechi Iheanacho’s future at the club, DAILY POST reports.

Iheanacho joined the Hoops on a one-year contract last summer after leaving Spanish club, Sevilla.

The striker endured a difficult start before finally winning over the club’s supporters.

The 29-year-old scored a superb goal in the final of the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park last weekend, which Celtic won 3-0.

Iheanacho managed nine goals in 24 appearances across all competitions for the Bhoys.

His future, however, remains up in the air despite his positive contributions towards the end of the campaign.

“Iheanacho keeps asking me, What do you think, are they going to keep me on? “I have no idea, mate. Don’t ask me, I am not the manager anymore,” O Neill was quoted by the Scotsman.Transfer: Celtic boss O’Neill coy on Iheanacho’s future 

Transfer: Celtic boss O’Neill coy on Iheanacho’s future 

Bayern Munich striker, Harry Kane has won the European Golden Boot award for the second time in his career.

This follows his outstanding performance for the Bundesliga champions this term.

The England captain scored 36 goals in 31 Bundesliga games for Vincent Kompany’s side during the 2025/26 season, collecting 72 points to finish as Europe’s top scorer across all domestic leagues.

He is ahead of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who finished second with 27 goals and 54 points.

The 32-year-old is also ahead of Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, who is placed third with 25 goals and 50 points.

Kane had previously claimed the Golden Boot in his debut season at Bayern in 2023/2024, when he also scored 36 Bundesliga goals.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star, however, netted a remarkable 61 goals and provided seven assists in 51 appearances across all competitions for Bayern this season.

Harry Kane wins European Golden Boot ahead of Haaland, Mbappe

Spain manager, Luis de la Fuente, has named his squad for this year’s World Cup.

He included eight Barcelona players, including the likes of Lamine Yamal, Gavi, and Pedri, in the list.

Here are the 26 players selected by De la Fuente:

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia

Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Pubill, Eric Garcia, Marcos Llorente, Pedro Porro

Midfielders: Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Martin Zubimendi, Gavi, Rodri, Alex Baena, Mike Merino.

Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Ferran Torres, Borja Iglesias, Victor Munoz and Lamine Yamal

Spain is due to play two friendlies against Iraq and Peru before the World Cup starts.

They are in Group H of the World Cup, alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

World Cup 2026: Spain coach De la Fuente names squad, includes eight Barcelona players [Full list]