Author: Tunde Bayewu

Paris Saint-Germain attacker, Ousmane Dembele, has delivered a caution to Chelsea before both teams’ UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg clash. Chelsea will welcome PSG at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening, following their defeat in the first leg 5-2 last week in Paris. Addressing the match beforehand, Dembele cautioned the Blues that the Parisians would be aggressive against the hosts. “Our mindset is evident. We aim to win every game,” Dembele stated as cited by Fabrizio Romano. “We are not going to remain in our own half to defend. We will launch an offensive to pursue the triumph.” Dembele, who received the Ballon d’Or last year, is anticipated to play for the French Ligue 1 titleholders against Chelsea.

Past African and Nigerian champions, Enyimba Football Club of Aba, on Sunday overcame Plateau United FC of Jos with a score of 2-0 in Match 30 of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL). Two goals in the second half, netted by Paul Odey and Ufere Chinedu in the 55th and 63rd minutes, earned Enyimba the full three points. The encounter took place in an electrifying setting at the Aba Stadium, as a substantial gathering of supporters turned out following an open gate policy announced by the Enyimba management for the event. The initial 45 minutes of the NPFL clash concluded 0-0, as both teams were unable to convert their chances into goals. Even with the red card issued to the Plateau United goalkeeper in the 21st minute for handling the ball outside his penalty area, the match remaine...

The Premier League has issued a statement clarifying why Arsenal was not granted a penalty during the first half of their 2-0 victory over Everton on Saturday. Kai Havertz seemed to be struck by Michael Keane after receiving a pass from Eberechi Eze. However, referee Andy Madley allowed the game to continue, and VAR upheld the referee's ruling. In a statement elucidating the decision, the Premier League Match Centre remarked: “The referee's decision of no penalty for Arsenal was reviewed and validated by VAR – with the contact from Keane on Havertz considered to be minimal.” The Gunners ultimately secured late goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Max Dowman to secure a narrow win. This triumph positioned them 10 points ahead of Manchester City, who are set to face West Ham.

FIFA has sanctioned at least four modifications within football matches in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The 2026 competition will take place in the US, Canada, and Mexico, and will feature 48 teams instead of the traditional 32. These adjustments are anticipated to accelerate matches and assist referees in making improved decisions. Here are the four new regulations: 1. Substitutions: When a player is substituted off, they must exit the field within 10 seconds. If they do not comply, their incoming team-mate will be required to wait one minute before entering the game. 2. Throw-ins: A player is obligated to throw the ball back into play within five seconds. If they exceed this time limit, the opposing team will be awarded possession. 3. Medical treatment: If a player receives tre...

We are poised for a pivotal weekend in the Premier League, with several crucial matches that could significantly impact both ends of the standings. The marquee matchup will feature Manchester United welcoming Aston Villa as the contest for Champions League positions intensifies. However, prior to that contest on Sunday, there are a few significant matchups to anticipate on Saturday. So, which clashes could potentially lead to surprises? 1. Arsenal vs Everton: Should Mikel Arteta’s squad secure three points in this clash, they would establish a 10-point lead over Manchester City. Yet, it may not be a straightforward undertaking at the Emirates. Arsenal has struggled recently, while Everton has been one of the league's strongest teams in away matches. David Moyes’ side also has a solid rec...

The Manchester United management is prepared to offload at least five of their athletes in the forthcoming summer transfer window. As stated by The Sun, these five individuals are all legacy acquisitions of previous Man United coach Erik ten Hag. The athletes include Rasmus Højlund (acquired for £64m), Joshua Zirkzee (£36.5m), Manuel Ugarte (£50.5m), André Onana (£43.8m) and Mason Mount (£55m). The article further noted that players like Casemiro and Harry Maguire are anticipated to depart once their contracts conclude in the summer, along with the expected departures of loaned players Rashford and Sancho. The Red Devils are eager to enhance their roster at the close of the season, and they are actively seeking to appoint a new permanent manager after parting ways with Ruben Amorim in Ja...

UEFA has initiated disciplinary actions against Chelsea’s Pedro Neto following an occurrence during the Champions League Round of 16 first leg between Paris Saint-Germain and the Blues earlier this week. With PSG ahead 4-2, Neto attempted to resume play swiftly with a throw-in and shoved a ball boy who, in his opinion, was not returning the ball promptly enough. The Portuguese winger promptly expressed regret for the action, and the referee refrained from issuing a card during the encounter. Although no on-field penalty was administered, UEFA has now opted to investigate the incident subsequently. In an official announcement, the European football governing authority confirmed: “Disciplinary actions have been initiated against Chelsea player Pedro Lomba Neto for unsportsmanlike behavior....

Football analyst and Turkish reporter, Haluk Yürekli, has proposed a Galatasaray athlete who holds equivalent worth to Victor Osimhen after the Turkish Super Lig powerhouses recently triumphed over Liverpool in the Champions League. Yürekli stated that Çakır exhibited a performance that was as significant as the Nigerian international for Galatasaray against Arne Slot’s squad, urging the Turkish Super Lig champions not to transfer the 29-year-old goalkeeper to any English Premier League team. He conveyed his thoughts while discussing on the 343 Digital YouTube channel. “Uğurcan Çakır is showcasing a contribution as noteworthy as Osimhen’s. “If I were the one making decisions at Galatasaray, I would not part ways with Çakır for €50 million, even for an English club.” Çakır will aim to ma...

Former Chelsea skipper, John Terry, has dismissed the speculation regarding Arsenal having a footnote on their season if they become Premier League champions due to set pieces. Terry, in a TikTok video, labeled it absurd and stated that the Gunners have been the superior team in the league by a significant margin. His remarks come in the same week when ex-Chelsea colleague, John Mikel Obi, asserted that Mikel Arteta’s squad was “manipulating” their path to the title. https://NAIJATAB.ng/2026/03/11/epl-arsenal-cheating-their-way-to-league-title-mikel-obi/ Terry was quick to remind him that the Blues’ inaugural Champions League trophy was won after Didier Drogba netted from a corner in the final. He remarked: “It’s absurd to suggest an asterisk should accompany Arsenal if they secure the P...

Arsenal head coach, Mikel Arteta, has jumped to the defense of out-of-form Bukayo Saka. Saka was pointed out by supporters and analysts for reproach, following the Gunners’ 2-2 stalemate with Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday evening. The England winger was substituted by Arteta in the 60th minute and replaced by Noni Madueke. Madueke ultimately earned the penalty that Kai Havertz converted to aid Arsenal in evading defeat. However, speaking to the press on Friday, Arteta emphasized that he completely believes in Saka. He remarked: “We absolutely trust him and cherish him. What he’s accomplishing for us, for this club, is simply remarkable at his age and he continues to make that significant impact for us.” “He can have a solitary performance that might not accuratel...