Category: Sports

Barcelona winger, Lamine Yamal, on Saturday evening set two records after scoring a hat-trick in his side’s LaLiga 4-1 win against Villarreal.

According to OptaJose, Yamal is now among the youngest players to score their first hat-trick in the LaLiga in the 21st century.

He achieved the feat at the age of 18 years and 230 days today.

Other players are Gio dos Santos (19 years and 6 days) against Murcia in May 2008, and Santi Mina (19 years and 125 days) against Rayo Vallecano in April 2015.

Also, his hat-trick against Villarreal means the Spain international has scored 26 goals in 95 matches in the LaLiga, becoming the first player to reach 25 goals before turning 19 in Europe’s top five leagues in the 21st century.

Yamal will now hope to lead Barcelona to victory when they face Atletico Madrid in the return leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie on Tuesday.

LaLiga: Yamal sets two records after Barcelona’s 4-1 win against Villarreal

Enyimba have announced that their oriental derby clash with Kun Khalifat FC will be played without fans.

The People’s Elephant said the directive comes from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), and marks the final of three home matches it must host without spectators.

Enyimba acknowledged the disappointment and inconvenience for their supporters, whose presence has long been a source of strength for the team.

“We understand the pain this causes our loyal fans and appeal for their patience and understanding,” Part of the statement reads.

Enyimba emphasized that the order is beyond its control and pledged to work with authorities to meet compliance requirements and restore normal matchday experiences as quickly as possible.

The nine-time NPFL champions sit in 14th position with 32 points from 27 matches.

NPFL: Enyimba vs Kun Khalifat FC to be played behind closed doors

Manchester City have closed the gap between themselves and Arsenal to two points, following a narrow 1-0 win at Leeds United.

The Gunners had re-established a five-point gap after they thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 last Sunday.

And although City were completely dominated in the first half at Elland Road, they were the ones who took the lead.

Rayan Ait-Nouri escaped down the left to lay on a cross for Antoine Semenyo to score what proved the winner.

The result takes City up to 59 points, having now played the same number of fixtures with Arsenal.

But Mikel Arteta’s men will host Chelsea on Sunday evening.

EPL table: Man City close gap to two points with 1-0 win over Leeds United

The Nationwide League One, NLO, has resolved to return to a stadium-based league format for the 2026 season, citing security concerns and the financial strain of a traditional home-and-away schedule.

The decision was reached at the league’s Annual General Meeting, held virtually on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Delegates at the meeting also appealed for an extension on registration fees to ease the burden on clubs.

The NLO said the venue for the league fixtures will be announced at a later date.

The stadium-based model is expected to reduce travel costs and improve match security, while also making games more TV-friendly.

DAILY POST recalls that the NLO has faced challenges in recent years with club funding and match security, prompting calls for structural reforms.

Officials said the new format is part of broader efforts to stabilize the league and create a more sustainable structure for clubs.

NLO adopts stadium-based league format for 2026 season

The Nigeria National League, NNL, has announced a three-point and three-goal forfeiture for Kebbi United following a breach of league rules.

Kebbi United was accused of fielding an ineligible player, David Ibrahim, in the clash against Yobe Desert Stars.

They also received a fine of N1 million as further punishment.

The NNL’s disciplinary committee said the match commissioner, Buhari Yahaya, acted unprofessionally by failing to report the incident.

“We frown at situations where a match official fails to report incidents involving an unlicensed player, which violates the eligibility clause,” Chief Operating Officer, Danlami Alanana, said after the verdict.

Kebbi United have the right to accept the sanctions or appeal to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

NNL: Kebbi United hit with three points deduction

Newcastle United legend, Alan Shearer has predicted Sunday’s Premier League clash between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

Shearer also predicted Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening.

The Englishman backed both Arsenal and Man United to win their matches against the Blues and Palace, respectively.

“The run that United are on, finding ways to win games, I think they will do the same again. Manchester United win,” Shearer told Metro.

“I think Arsenal are just going to do the same to Chelsea and overpower them. Arsenal win.”

A win for Arsenal against Chelsea will see them extend their lead in the Premier League table, while Man United will maintain their position in the top four.

EPL: Alan Shearer predicts Arsenal vs Chelsea, Man Utd against Crystal Palace

Chelsea legend, John Terry, has said that former Manchester United player, Rio Ferdinand, is the best centre-back ever in the Premier League.

He gave credit to his long career and the successes he had while playing for one of the best clubs in the world.

Many people think John Terry is the best centre-back who has ever played in the Premier League.

However, the discussion usually involves people like Terry, Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, and Virgil van Dijk.

The Chelsea legend said that even though Van Dijk is the best in this generation, the Manchester United legend is the greatest of all time.

In an episode of the Double Tops podcast, Terry said, “It’s not for me to say, I know this clip has become really popular lately, right?”
Because Jermaine Pennant came out and kind of wrote to me, and then the debate started about me, Rio, and Vidic, and then all of a sudden, it just got kind of focused on me.

“I believe that myself, Rio, Vidic, were from different generations than Virgil. I believe Virgil van Dijk is the best player of this era, from this generation. He has been the best by a million miles in the Premier League for the last four or five years? If it’s me to say, I would say Rio for me.”

The Chelsea legend compared himself to the former Manchester United and England defender.

He added, “I don’t think it’s for me to sit here and say I’m the best. What I will do is, it will come out when someone says the high-scoring defender and clean sheet.

“No, no, that’s me. So I can defend myself in that regard. If I had to choose someone, Rio is the one. Over time, his longevity and what he achieved stand out. Playing for one of the top clubs in the world, like Manchester United, is the best part for me.”

Ferdinand played for Manchester United for 12 years, from 2002 to 2014, and made 455 appearances.
He earned six Premier League championships and one UEFA Champions League title, along with other awards.

EPL: ‘He’s the one’ – John Terry names best defender in history

Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, has revealed his mission ahead of his side’s double-header friendlies against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, DAILY POST reports.

The African champions were previously expected to participate in the WAFU B invitational tournament alongside Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal.

The tournament was however cancelled following Ghana’s withdrawal.

Nigeria now have to test their readiness for 2026 Women’s Africa Cup with the games against eternal rivals Cameroon.

Madugu has handed invitations to few new players, and recalled tested, and experienced stars like Ngozi Okobi- Okeoghene, and Chidinma Okeke.

The gaffer said the friendlies will give him the opportunity to watch the new players closely, and work on the team’s cohesion.

“The key objective is to try and ensure that we improve on the team cohesion, and try as much as possible to look at new players that can possibly give us new options before the WAFCON,” Madugu told the Super Falcons media.

The first friendly with Cameroon will hold at the Military Stadium, Yaoundé on Saturday (today).

The two teams will clash again at the same venue next week Tuesday.

Cameroon friendlies to shape Super Falcons for WAFCON 2026 – Madugu

The English Premier League match-day 28 commenced on Friday night, with Wolves beating Aston Villa 2-0 at home.

The Premier League match of this weekend is the clash between leaders Arsenal and fifth-placed Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

However, which Premier League matches are fans likely to see shock results this weekend?

1. Liverpool vs West Ham

This match will take place on Saturday evening. The Reds are in 6th position, while West Ham is in 18th position. Arne Slot’s side won their last match 1-0 against Nottingham Forest, while West Ham United played a 0-0 draw with Bournemouth. However, the Hammers will hope to avenge against Liverpool after they lost the reverse fixture at home last November.

2. Leeds United vs Man City
This fixture will take place at Elland Road on Saturday evening. Leeds played a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in their last game, while Man City won 2-1 against Newcastle United. Pep Guardiola’s side is in second position on the Premier League table, while the hosts are in 15th position. However, Leeds will hope to count on their home advantage and get a good result against the Cityzens.

3. Man United vs Crystal Palace
This encounter will take place on Sunday at Old Trafford. Man United are in 4th position on the Premier League table, while Crystal Palace are in 13th place. Both teams won their last match 1-0 against Wolves and Everton, respectively. The Red Devils defeated Crystal Palace in the reverse fixture last November. However, the visitors will hope to avenge against Michael Carrick’s side this weekend.

EPL: 3 fixtures we could see shock results this weekend

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