Author: Tunde Bayewu

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...

Former England representative, Gary Lineker, has expressed his strong dissatisfaction with the disallowed goal by Victor Osimhen during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg encounter between Galatasaray and Liverpool earlier this week. Remember that the Turkish Super Lig heavyweights triumphed over the Reds 1-0, courtesy of Mario Lemina’s strike in Istanbul. However, there was a controversial VAR decision concerning Osimhen’s goal during the match. Osimhen believed he had increased Galatasaray’s advantage, seizing on a blunder from Liverpool defender, Ibrahima Konaté. The Nigerian reacted swiftly to a deflected cross, guiding the ball past the goalkeeper. The stadium erupted in celebration, convinced that the tie was slipping further from Liverpool’s control. Nevertheless, th...

Galatasaray midfielder, Mario Lemina has described Victor Osimhen as the finest striker he has ever partnered with throughout his career, NAIJATAB reports. Lemina and Osimhen have positioned themselves as pivotal players for the Turkish Super Lig champions over the years. The pair collaborated to assist Okan Buruk’s team in defeating Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash at the RAMS Park on Tuesday. Osimhen delivered the assist for the midfielder’s decisive goal in the seventh minute. Although Lemina has played alongside several renowned strikers throughout his career, he considers Osimhen superior to all of them. The 32-year-old declared the Nigerian international is “truly unique”. “I’ve played with forwards such as Aubameyang, Higuain, Gign...

Ex-Manchester United player, Paul Parker, has encouraged his former club to part ways with Harry Maguire and Mason Mount in the upcoming summer transfer window. Parker asserted that Maguire’s tenure at Old Trafford has come to an end, advising that the Red Devils focus on selling Mount as well. “I believe Maguire has had his spell, and he has experienced numerous managers,” Parker remarked in a conversation with Metro. “You have emerging talents like Yoro and Heaven, along with de Ligt and Martinez; retaining Maguire could impede the growth of these young players.” Concerning Mount, Parker mentioned, “If a significant bid arrives for Mount, you must accept it. He has not featured much for United, and he is absent again in matches.” Maguire transferred to Manchester United from Leicester...

Werder Bremen defender, Felix Agu has returned to practice after spending approximately one month on the sidelines due to an adductor injury, NAIJATAB reports. The Nigerian international has faced challenges with injuries this season. Agu missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following surgery around October of the previous year. As per the German news source, Deichstube, the full-back participated in Bremen’s training session on Thursday. Agu is anticipated to be included in the Greens roster for this weekend’s encounter with Mainz. The 26-year-old has made nine league appearances for Daniel Thioune’s team this season.

Former Chelsea forward, Chris Sutton, has shared his Premier League matchday 30 forecast, occurring this weekend. This Saturday, Arsenal will confront Everton at the Emirates Stadium, whereas Chelsea will meet Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge. West Ham United will challenge Manchester City on Saturday evening, while Sunderland will face Brighton at their home ground. Liverpool will go up against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday, and Manchester United will entertain Aston Villa at Old Trafford. Revealing his prediction, Sutton informed BBC Sport that Bournemouth will triumph over Burnley 2-0. Additional forecasts include: Sunderland 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle United Arsenal 2-0 Everton West Ham United 1-2 Manchester City Crystal Palace 2-2 Leeds Unite...

Shooting Stars forward Qamar Adegoke has praised the squad's performance in the 2-1 victory against Rivers United. Adegoke secured the decisive goal for Shooting Stars in the match. Sodiq Ibrahim initiated the scoring for the Oluyole Warriors, while Wasiu Falolu scored for Rivers United in the match. Adegoke conveyed his contentment with his goal contribution for the team. The 21-year-old forward has tallied seven goals for the Ibadan-based side in this season. “I’m simply relishing the experience with Shooting Stars this season,” Adegoke stated to 3SCfanstv. “My teammates motivated me to take the shot that resulted in the winning goal against Rivers United. “I feel extremely positive playing here in Ibadan, but I aspire to achieve more in away fixtures.”

Former England forward, Michael Owen, has asserted that Liverpool is the top squad in the Premier League. Liverpool are facing a challenging season this year, having secured the championship in Arne Slot’s inaugural year. Currently, the Reds occupy sixth position, 19 points adrift of the league frontrunners Arsenal. Arsenal hold a seven-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City, although they have already contested one more match than them. “In my opinion, I believe Liverpool are the finest team in the Premier League,” Owen remarked. “Some individuals may find it unexpected, but they exhibited remarkable strength last season. “They aren’t performing at their best at the moment. However, if you envision the optimal form of every team in the Premier League and make a comparison, ...

Rivers United's tactical mentor, Finidi George, remains optimistic despite his squad's loss to Shooting Stars. The Pride of Rivers faced a 2-1 defeat against Shooting Stars in Ibadan on Thursday. Sodiq Ibrahim and Qamar Adegoke found the net for the Oluyole Warriors, while Wasiu Falolu netted the sole goal for Rivers United. Finidi assured that his squad will recover from this setback. “We suffered a loss, but we will return to make some adjustments; we simply need to continue motivating the players to showcase their skills adequately before the next match,” Finidi stated to Rivers United’s media. “We are quite hopeful as the season advances.” Rivers United still holds the top position in the league standings with 52 points despite the defeat.