NPFL: Ogenyi appeals for fair officiating as season winds down

Members of Iran’s women’s national football team have expressed concern for their families back home as they compete in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.

Forward Sara Didar said the team was deeply worried about developments in Iran following recent U.S. and Israeli air strikes.

“Obviously, we are all concerned, and we’re sad at what has happened to Iran and our families in Iran,” Didar told reporters in Gold Coast ahead of Thursday’s group-stage match against Australia.

“I really hope for our country to have good news ahead.”

Iran lost its opening match 3-0 to South Korea on Monday.

Players remained silent during the national anthem before the game.

The team had arrived in Australia before the latest escalation began.

Although reporters were asked to focus on football-related questions, Didar and head coach Marziyeh Jafari addressed the situation at home.

“We have so much concern regarding the health of our families and our loved ones and all other Iranian people inside our country, with whom we are fully disconnected.

“But here, we are coming to play football professionally, and we will do our best to concentrate on our football and the match ahead,” Jafari said.

Australia coach Joe Montemurro said his team and supporters hoped to provide a compassionate environment for the Iranian players.

“For us, it’s about just showing our human compassion and our respect,” he said.

US-Israeli strikes: Iran women’s football team voices concerns over families

Former Nigerian international, Tijani Babangida has revealed that Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle gave Ademola Lookman a free hand in his squad during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, tournament in Morocco.

Speaking on Sunday Oliseh’s Global Football Insights, Babangida said Chelle removed the number 11 position and gave Lookman a free hand to walk around on the pitch of play against the opponent.

According to him, the Italian has brought a system into the Super Eagles that is similar to Nigeria’s traditional setup.

“You can only put the number 7, but number 11 is free. Lookman can run there, a striker can run there, and you have more chances for good attacks, with more midfielders involved as well,” the former Ajax player said.

“That was a very good system, the system we used to play. You could see Nigerians were very surprised and wondered why the Super Eagles were playing so well.

“It’s because of that system, and it worked well with the boys. I hope we can keep that atmosphere.”

Super Eagles: Chelle gave Lookman free hand – Babangida

Manchester United is planning to sign two players to replace outgoing midfielder Casemiro at Old Trafford.

Recall that Man United recently announced that Casemiro will leave the Red Devils at the end of the season.

The Brazilian had joined the Premier League club from Real Madrid in 2022.

However, Man United is already planning to sign two midfielders in the summer transfer window to compensate for Casemiro’s departure

The likes of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have been heavily linked with United.

But, according to talkSPORT, United are now planning to sign two of the three transfer targets to bolster the midfield options for their next permanent manager, as Michael Carrick was only appointed on an interim basis following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.

EPL: Man Utd to sign two midfield players to replace Casemiro