Category: Sports

Former Chelsea youth player and Charlton Athletic star, Miles Leaburn has claimed that Rayan Cherki, who joined Manchester City this summer, previously declined a transfer to Chelsea.

Cherki, 22, had garnered admiration from both fans and analysts since leaving his childhood club, Olympique Lyonnais in a potential £34 million transfer last summer.

He scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in 49 matches across all competitions for his team, securing the EFL Cup this season.

However, Cherki reportedly turned down an opportunity to join Chelsea’s youth academy at the age of 12 in 2015.

The 22-year-old EFL Championship striker also mentioned that training alongside the France international was one of the highlights of his early career at Cobham.

The Charlton Athletic player recently shared with The Sun, “He came over from France and was rainbow-flicking guys in training. I was thinking, ‘Oh my God, this is incredible’.

“He genuinely rejected the chance to play for Chelsea because he likely found it too easy. He was far superior to everyone else… absolute quality. That was one of the standout moments of the eight years or so I spent at Chelsea.”

Cherki, who made his senior debut for Lyon at the age of 16 in October 2019, was also pursued by Manchester United, according to talkSPORT.

However, the player declined the Red Devils’ offer in early 2019, as he was eager to commence his senior career at Lyon.

The two-footed play-maker is expected to next feature for Manchester City in their FA Cup semi-final against Southampton this Saturday (April 25).

EPL: ‘Far superior to everyone else’ – Leaburn reveals why Rayan Cherki rejected Chelsea

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has addressed his contract situation with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

Chelle is under contract with the NFF until January 2027.

The 48-year-old was linked with a number of top clubs and countries after guiding the Super Eagles to third position at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Malian told Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana that his agent is currently discussing details of a new contract with the NFF.

“Yes, there are financial issues to be discussed and resolved. But I leave them to my agent to handle with the Federation. I want to concentrate on the job and the task at hand,” Chelle said.

Chelle will lead the Super Eagles to the 2026 Unity Cup next month.

The former Mali international is expected to scout for players in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, that will make his squad in the coming weeks.

The Super Eagles will face the Warriors of Zimbabwe in the semi-final of the Unity Cup at the Valley on Tuesday, 26 May.

Nigeria won the 2025 edition of the friendly invitational tournament last year.

The Super Eagles will also come up against Poland and Portugal in international friendlies in June.

Super Eagles: Chelle opens up on NFF contract talks, focuses on Unity Cup

Former Chelsea star, Chris Sutton, has offered his prediction for the FA Cup semi-final matches.

Manchester City will face Southampton on Saturday evening, and Chelsea are set to battle Leeds United on Sunday at Wembley Stadium for a spot in the final.

According to Sutton, City will beat Southampton, provided they are more clinical in front of goal.

He also expects a “3-0” victory for Pep Guardiola’s side, saying he doesn’t anticipate a “shock result” in that tie.

As for Chelsea, Sutton is backing Leeds to come out on top.

He predicted a 2-1 win for Daniel Farke’s side, explaining via BBC Sport, “I’m going for Leeds United to beat Chelsea at Wembley too. Chelsea 1-2 Leeds United.”

FA Cup: Sutton predicts Chelsea vs Leeds, Man City vs Southampton

The stage is set for the Premier League match of the weekend when Arsenal will host Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

Both teams head to the game after losing their last Premier League matches.

Arsenal lost 2-1 against Manchester City, while Newcastle also lost 2-1 against Bournemouth.

The last time both teams met in the reverse fixture last September, the Gunners won 2-1 against the Magpies at St. James’ Park.

Arsenal currently sit in the second position on the Premier League table and will go top ahead of Man City if they beat Newcastle, who sit in 14th position, today.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has already said in his pre-match press conference that Bukayo Saka will be in the squad for the game after recovering from an Achilles injury that has kept him out of our last five games, while Riccardo Calafiori could also be back in contention.

However, Arteta will be without Jurrien Timber, who is still recovering from a groin problem he sustained against Everton last month, while Mikel Merino is out with the foot injury he sustained back in January.

For Newcastle manager, Eddie Howe, he will be without his star player, Anthony Gordon, who has been ruled out with a hip injury, while Tino Livramento’s season could be over after damaging a hamstring against Bournemouth last weekend.

Joelinton is suspended after picking up his 10th yellow card of the season against Bournemouth, while Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth remain out long-term with knee injuries.

Captain Bruno Guimaraes trained all week and could be in action for How’s side against the hosts.

EPL: Arsenal eye top spot as Newcastle seek to avoid back-to-back defeats

Victor Osimhen has been cleared for Sunday’s intercontinental derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe.

Osimhen played with a protective arm brace in Galatasaray’s Turkish Cup defeat to Gençlerbirliği on Wednesday.

Fenerbahçe however filed a formal complaint to the Turkish FA, protesting that the protective gear could be dangerous to opponents.

Their request was however turned down as the brace was medically acquired, and approved after consultations with football authorities.

Galatasaray, and Fenerbahçe battled to a 1-1 draw in their first meeting this season.

Sunday’s clash could decide the Turkish Lig title.

Leaders Galatasaray hold a four-point advantage over nearest rivals Fenerbahçe.

Turkey: Osimhen cleared to face Fenerbahçe in Istanbul derby

Lobi Stars Chairman Terver Ikya has outlined plans to rebuild their squad for the 2026/27 Nigeria National League, NNL, season.

The Pride of Makurdi failed to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, in the recently concluded NNL season.

Ikya said that they will promote five players from the youth team of the club.

“Will not recruit more than thirty players and then five from the youth team of Lobi Stars (U-19), totaling thirty-five players.” Ikya told Voicesports.

Ikya added that contracts of players signed before the current board took over will be terminated.

“And again, the contract of players signed in the team before we came on board ranging from 1-2 years will be terminated and we will start on a new slate.

“We will not attend to players sent by anybody. I want to take my fate in my hands so that whatever the outcome, I would take the responsibility.”

NNL: Lobi Stars chief plans squad overhaul after failed promotion bid

Turkish clubs Beşiktaş and Sivasspor, along with Tunisian giant Esperance Sportive de Tunis, have shared emotional messages mourning the loss of former Nigerian striker Michael Eneramo, who has died at age 40.

Eneramo passed away on Friday morning while training in Kaduna.

Reacting to the sad news, Beşiktaş wrote on X: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Michael Eneramo’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Michael.”

Sivasspor also paid tribute: “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of our former player, Michael Eneramo. May God have mercy on him, and we offer our condolences to his family and those close to him.”

Esperance Sportive de Tunis added: “With heavy hearts, Esperance bids farewell to one of its most loyal sons, Michael Eneramo.”

During his career, Eneramo featured for Beşiktaş, Sivasspor, and Esperance.

He made his Super Eagles debut in 2009, scoring his first Nigeria goal against the Republic of Ireland.

Michael Eneramo: Turkish clubs, others react to death of ex-Nigerian striker

Como manager, Cesc Fabregas, has distanced himself from the vacant Chelsea job, insisting he is focusing on his future with the Italian side.

Chelsea is searching for the next permanent manager to succeed Liam Rosenior after sacking the Englishman.

The Blues had already appointed Calum McFarlane to temporarily take charge of the team until the end of the season.

However, Fabregas, a former Chelsea midfielder, has been linked with the managerial job at the Premier League west London club.

Como’s president, Mirwan Suwarso, had earlier on Friday told City AM that he would not stand in Fabregas’ way if he wants to take the reins at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking on the development ahead of Como’s Serie A clash with Genoa this weekend, Fabregas said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano regarding the Chelsea job: “Nothing to say about that, it’d be stupid to think about that now — my focus is on the next game against Genoa. I didn’t even saw any quote from our president.

“I believe I will continue my chapter as Como head coach. Focus on the next games.”

EPL: Fabregas breaks silence on Chelsea job after Como gives green light

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