Nigeria’s Super Eagles opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday. The hosts were forced to come from behind after Madagascar took a surprise lead in the 16th minute. Ehsan Kari rose highest to head the ball past Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, putting the visitors 1-0 ahead. Nigeria struggled to find their rhythm in the opening stages, with Madagascar doing a good job of limiting the Super Eagles’ attacking threat. The hosts finally tested goalkeeper Geordan Dupire in the 28th minute when Nigeria…
Author: Precious Ebi
Italy’s difficult period shows no sign of ending. Just six months after failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, the four-time world champions were beaten 2-0 at home by Belgium in their Nations League opener on Friday. The defeat was Italy’s first match since their painful playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March, and the Azzurri once again looked short of confidence and consistency. Roberto Mancini was back on the Italy bench, three years after leaving the national team to take charge of Saudi Arabia. The 61-year-old, who guided Italy to European Championship glory in 2021, cut…
A new chapter begins for France on Friday as Zinedine Zidane takes charge of Les Bleus for the first time, with his reign starting with a challenging trip to Türkiye in the opening game of the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League. Zidane’s appointment brings an end to Didier Deschamps’ remarkable 14-year spell in the France dugout. Now, the former Real Madrid boss faces the immediate task of getting his international career off to a winning start. The 54-year-old has included several new faces in his squad during this international break, but when France take the field in Türkiye, the team is…
It was supposed to be a night for Brazil’s superstars. Bruno Guimarães, Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior were all on the pitch. Teenage sensation Estêvão was given a chance to shine, Endrick led the attack, and Carlo Ancelotti stood on the touchline. But by the end of the night in Townsville, it was Australia’s young star Nestory Irankunda who had stolen the show. Irankunda produced a stunning 68th-minute free kick to put Australia ahead against Brazil, and although Rayan rescued a 1-1 draw with virtually the final kick of the match, the performance was another reminder of the enormous potential surrounding…
Real Madrid survived a huge scare at Elche on Tuesday night, throwing away a two-goal advantage before Carlos Espi came off the bench to score a dramatic stoppage-time winner in a thrilling 3-2 LaLiga victory. Madrid looked firmly in control after racing into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 33 minutes. An own goal from Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro put the visitors ahead before Kylian Mbappe doubled their advantage with a composed finish. But what appeared to be a comfortable night for Jose Mourinho’s side quickly turned into a tense battle after the break. Real had created several chances early…
Real Madrid have confirmed their squad for Tuesday night’s LaLiga meeting with Elche at the Martínez Valero Stadium. The match, which is part of the sixth round of the LaLiga season, is scheduled to kick off at 9:30 p.m. local time, with coverage available on Orange and Movistar LaLiga. The squad features a strong mix of experienced players and emerging talents. Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin are among the goalkeeping options, while Real Madrid have plenty of defensive depth with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão and other options included. In midfield, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde,…
Max Dowman gave Arsenal supporters another glimpse of his extraordinary potential, scoring twice in a 4-2 Carabao Cup victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road. The 16-year-old had been waiting patiently for his opportunity this season after spending most of Arsenal’s opening matches on the bench. When his chance finally arrived, Dowman made sure it was impossible to ignore. His two goals were both impressive in different ways. The first showcased his confidence and ability to carry the ball, as he drove forward, left defenders struggling to keep up and calmly finished the move. His second was all about composure,…
Lionel Messi produced another moment of brilliance for Inter Miami, but his spectacular second-half goal was not enough to secure all three points against Nashville SC. The Herons looked destined for a crucial victory in Saturday night’s Eastern Conference showdown at Nu Stadium after Messi put them ahead. However, Nashville refused to give up and snatched a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time, forcing a 2-2 draw. The result will feel like a missed opportunity for Inter Miami, particularly after they appeared to have done enough to claim victory. Nashville strike early before Messi responds Nashville wasted little time making…
Two Premier League matches at Anfield. Two draws. It is hardly the start Andoni Iraola would have imagined after taking charge of Liverpool. For only the third time in 63 years, Liverpool have failed to win either of their opening two home league matches of a season. After the excitement surrounding the new era at Anfield, the early signs are beginning to raise a few questions. The contrast between Liverpool’s midweek Champions League performance against Atletico Madrid and Saturday’s goalless draw with Fulham could hardly have been greater. Against Atletico, the Reds played with intensity, urgency and purpose. They looked…
Joao Pedro believes Chelsea made a positive start against Hull City but admits the Blues must improve quickly after being held to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea started brightly and looked in control during the opening stages. Their pressure paid off in the seventh minute when Morgan Rogers opened the scoring, finishing from the edge of the box after being set up by Joao Pedro. However, the game quickly turned on its head. Hull struck twice in quick succession to take the lead, leaving Chelsea facing the prospect of another frustrating result. Joao Pedro eventually restored parity in…