Category: Sports

  • UCL: Bodo/Glimt stun Man City to claim first win over English side

    UCL: Bodo/Glimt stun Man City to claim first win over English side

    Norwegian debutants Bodo/Glimt claimed one of the biggest upsets in Champions League history by stunning Premier League Manchester City 3-1 in the cold of the Arctic Circle.

    Played on an artificial surface, Pep Guardiola’s youngsters froze in the -9C temperatures as City suffered another embarrassing loss following Saturday’s derby defeat by Manchester United.

    Glimt thoroughly deserved their victory, having taken a shock lead in the 22nd minute as Ole Didrik Blomberg’s looping cross to the back post was headed in by Kasper Hogh.

    City were all over the place defensively and young defender Max Alleyne, who was culpable for the first goal by running to the halfway line but failing to intercept a pass, then miscontrolled the ball in his own half just two minutes later.

    It proved costly, allowing the hosts to double their lead as Blomberg again cut the ball across the box for Hogh to convert a fine first-time finish.

    Hogh could have had a third for the rampant Glimt before the half-hour mark when he slid in at the far post but his effort on the stretch was smothered on the line by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

    The usually prolific Erling Haaland has hit a sticky patch of form and his recent performances were summed up shortly before half-time when a chance fell to him eight yards out but he could not find the target with his strike.

    In the second half, Jens Petter Hauge’s sensational solo effort, curling brilliantly into the top corner, put Kjetil Knutsen’s side in dreamland and while Rayan Cherki pulled a goal back, City were then reduced to 10 men as Rodri was sent off for two bookable offences.

    There was no way back for City thereafter and they will require a victory against Galatasaray in the final group phase game to secure a top-eight place, while Glimt kept alive their hopes of reaching the play-off round.

    BBC SPORTS

  • Bournemouth sign midfielder Toth for £10.4m

    Bournemouth sign midfielder Toth for £10.4m

    Bournemouth have signed Hungary midfielder Alex Toth for £10.4m from Ferencvaros.

    The deal for the 20-year-old, who has joined the Cherries on a five-and-a-half year contract, includes a possible £2.6m in add-ons for the Hungarian club and 10% of any future sale.

    Benfica, Galatasaray and Lazio are also understood to have been keen on Toth, who has nine caps for his country.

    “When I knew AFC Bournemouth were first interested in me, I was excited and happy because this is a good club in the Premier League, the best league in the world and the strongest league,” said Toth.

    “The whole club, the whole structure is great.”

    The defensive midfielder has played all his club football in Hungary and spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Soroksar.

    Read Also: EPL: Bournemouth beat Tottenham 3-2 with Semenyo’s last-minute strike

    He made his debut for Ferencvaros in December 2024 and has featured 52 times for the league champions, scoring four goals.

    “He has come from a club that is used to competing at the highest level in Hungary, while also featuring in Europe, so we’re excited about what he can bring to us in Bournemouth as he continues to develop further under the coaching of Andoni [Iraola],” said Bournemouth‘s head of football operations Tiago Pinto.

    Toth is Bournemouth‘s third signing of the January window following the arrivals of goalkeeper Fraser Forster and defender Ade Solanke.

  • FULL LIST: 10 footballers who missed crucial penalties in major tournaments

    FULL LIST: 10 footballers who missed crucial penalties in major tournaments

    Penalty shootouts often creates football’s most unforgiving moments. Reputations have been made or destroyed in these shootouts. History shows that it can also be the cruellest moment of all, one kick capable of haunting careers, defining legacies, and rewriting football folklore.

    Here are 10 of the most painful penalty misses in football history, ordered by historical consequence and personal cost.

    1. Roberto Baggio – 1994 World Cup Final

    In the 1994 FIFA World Cup final between Italy and Brazil at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, USA the match ended 0–0 after extra time. During the penalty shootout, Roberto Baggio missed Italy’s fifth penalty by shooting over the crossbar, allowing Brazil to win the shootout 3–2 and secure the World Cup.

    2. Gareth Southgate – Euro 1996 Semi-Final

    England faced Germany in the semi-final of UEFA Euro 1996 at Wembley Stadium. After a 1–1 draw, the match went to penalties. Gareth Southgate had his penalty saved, resulting in Germany winning the shootout and advancing to the final. Germany went on to win the tournament.

    3. David Trezeguet – 2006 World Cup Final

    The 2006 World Cup final between France and Italy finished 1–1 after extra time. In the shootout, David Trezeguet struck the crossbar with France’s second penalty. Italy went on to win the shootout 5–3.

    4. John Terry – 2008 UEFA Champions League Final

    The Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester United ended 1–1 after extra time in Moscow. During the shootout, Chelsea captain John Terry missed a decisive penalty after slipping during his run-up. Manchester United won the shootout 6–5.

    5. Stuart Pearce – 1990 World Cup Semi-Final

    England played West Germany in the semi-final of the 1990 World Cup in Italy. After a 1–1 draw, the match was decided by penalties. Stuart Pearce missed his penalty, and England were eliminated after losing the shootout 4–3.

    6. Kingsley Coman – 2022 World Cup Final

    France and Argentina drew 3–3 after extra time in the 2022 World Cup final in Lusail. In the penalty shootout, Kingsley Coman had his penalty saved. Argentina won the shootout 4–2.

    7. Aurélien Tchouaméni – 2022 World Cup Final

    In the same shootout, Aurélien Tchouaméni missed France’s second penalty, shooting wide. His miss increased Argentina’s advantage in the shootout.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 10 most valuable footballers in the world

    8. Mohamed Salah – 2022 World Cup Qualifying Play-Off

    Egypt faced Senegal in a two-legged CAF World Cup qualifying play-off. After a draw on aggregate, the second leg in Dakar went to penalties. Mohamed Salah missed Egypt’s opening penalty, and Senegal qualified for the 2022 World Cup.

    9. Jadon Sancho – Euro 2020 Final

    The Euro 2020 final between England and Italy ended 1–1 after extra time at Wembley. In the penalty shootout, Jadon Sancho had his penalty saved. Italy won the shootout 3–2.

    10. Brahim Díaz – 2025 AFCON Final

    Most recently, In the Africa Cup of Nations final hosted in Morocco, the match went into extra time after a draw in normal time. Brahim Díaz missed a penalty during regulation time. Senegal later scored in extra time to win the tournament.

  • AFCON 2025: NOC President hails Super Eagles’ bronze victory

    AFCON 2025: NOC President hails Super Eagles’ bronze victory

    President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, has commended the Super Eagles for their display of character and resilience in securing the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Gumel gave the commendation on Tuesday, in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NOC, Tony Nezianya.

    He praised the national team for their victory over the Pharaohs of Egypt, in the third-place match, describing the result as a reflection of the team’s mental strength and growing maturity.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Super Eagles bounced back from a gruelling semi-final setback to dominate the playoff encounter, demonstrating renewed confidence and determination.

    “The Super Eagles have once again become a source of national pride, displaying the famous ‘never-say-die’ Nigerian spirit against top African opposition,” he said.

    Gumel said that the win underscored the remarkable transformation of the team under the leadership of Coach Eric Chelle.

    Read Also: AFCON Bronze:  Super Eagles jump to 26th  in  latest FIFA Rankings

    According to him, the Super Eagles have undergone significant development within a year, evolving from a goal-shy side into a more clinical and effective attacking unit.

    He noted that Chelle’s influence has helped rebuild the team into a disciplined and respectable squad that commands authority and respect on the pitch.

    He added that the team’s performance reaffirmed Nigeria’s status as a powerhouse in African football.

    Gumel expressed optimism about the future of the team, adding that he looked forward to the continued evolution of an exciting new era for Nigerian football. (NAN)

  • AFCON Final: Legends hail ‘Incredible’ Mane for saving African football

    AFCON Final: Legends hail ‘Incredible’ Mane for saving African football

    • Oliseh, Ighalo, Amokachi speak

    Notable former Nigerian international players, including former Super Eagles captain and coach Sunday Oliseh, as well as Daniel Amokachi and Odion Ighalo, have hailed the extraordinary role Sadio Mane played in ‘saving the face of African football’ during Sunday’s ill-tempered 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Final between Senegal and hosts Morocco.

    The match nearly reached a breaking point after Senegalese players, with encouragement from coach Pape Thiaw, stormed off in protest following a VAR decision to award Morocco a penalty for a tug on striker Brahim Diaz’s shoulder. The match was delayed around 15 minutes before the Teranga Lions returned, courtesy of Mane’s spirited intervention.

    Though Diaz later squandered the resultant penalty kick and Pape Gueye struck the solitary winner in extra time to secure a second-ever AFCON crown for Senegal after a hugely controversial end to regular time, the majority agreed that the hero of the night was none other than the former Liverpool and Bayern star who pulled his teammates back onto the pitch.

    “Sadio Mane saved the face of African football, and he’s a man who stood out. He took all his teammates back onto the field to continue the game,” Ighalo said on SuperSport after Mane was deservedly named Player of the Tournament. “He deserves to win that trophy, and he deserves the captain’s armband.”

    But Oliseh, a member of the influential International Football Association Board (IFAB) who was doing colour commentary for the highly disputed match, was more forthcoming. Apart from heaping praise on Mane, Oliseh condemned the show of shame by the Teranga Lions towards the end of the match.

    Read Also: Chelle targets AFCON 2027 glory after Super Eagles’ Bronze finish

    “This is why Sadio Mané is loved worldwide, because of his intelligence and the ability to stay calm,” Oliseh said. “This is a man who has been through a lot of challenges in his playing career. I think Sadio Mané is a hero; he’s an example that people should imitate. His teammates are coming back onto the pitch.

    “But if the referee blows for a penalty, the rule states you have to respect the decision. Furthermore, the penalty has not been scored yet.”

    Speaking in the same vein, Amokachi and former Morocco international Hassan Kachloul, in separate interviews, spoke glowingly about Mane yet again.

    “Mane went the extra mile to get his team back and it has paid off,” Amokachi told BBC World Service. “What an ambassador for football he is. We know the kind of person he is off the pitch and he knows what football is all about.”

    Kachloul, who played for Morocco at the USA 1994 World Cup, quipped: “African football and world football were losing” until Mane intervened.

    “What I like more than anything, the only player from the Senegalese team was Sadio Mane.

    “That shows the great man he is. He went back to the dressing room and brought those players back. Mane was the man to bring them back on,” he told E4.

    Yet the ‘Big Man’ Mane has equally shed light on his decision on the night when his teammates were losing their heads.

    “Football is something special, the world was watching, the world loves football and I think football is a pleasure so we have to give a good image for football,” Mane told the BBC. “I think it would be crazy to not play this game because what, the referee gave a penalty and we go out of the game?

    “I think that would be the worst thing especially in African football. I’d rather lose than this kind of thing happen to our football.

    “I think it’s really bad. Football should not stop for even ten minutes but what can we do? We have to accept that we did but the good thing is that we came back and we played the game and what happened, happened.”

  • AFCON Bronze:  Super Eagles jump to 26th  in  latest FIFA Rankings

    AFCON Bronze:  Super Eagles jump to 26th  in  latest FIFA Rankings

    The Super Eagles have enjoyed a major rise in the latest FIFA World Rankings, climbing to 26th  in the world after their  third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

    The rankings, released yesterday, reflect a sharp jump from Nigeria’s previous position of 38th , underlining the impact of their strong showing at the continental tournament.

    On the African ladder, Nigeria also moved up significantly, rising from sixth to third, trailing only Senegal and Morocco.

    Nigeria’s ranking surge came despite an uninspiring pre-AFCON friendly loss to Egypt. Once the tournament began, however, the Super Eagles quickly found their rhythm, recording a perfect group-stage campaign. Victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda saw Nigeria finish top of their group with a maximum nine points.

    Read Also: Super Eagles rank among Africa’s top three after AFCON exploits

    Their momentum carried into the knockout rounds as they delivered a commanding performance against Mozambique in the round of 16 before overcoming Algeria in the quarterfinals to book a semifinal place. Nigeria’s title push was halted by host nation Morocco, who edged the Super Eagles on penalties after a tense semifinal encounter.

    The team responded strongly to that setback, regrouping to defeat Egypt on penalties in the third-place playoff to secure the bronze medal. Nigeria finished the tournament unbeaten in regulation time, further enhancing their reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent sides.

    As a result, the Super Eagles recorded the highest points gain worldwide in the latest rankings, adding 79.09 points to their total. Senegal, the AFCON champions, climbed to 12th  globally, while Morocco rose to eighth, their highest-ever FIFA ranking.

    At the top of the global standings, Spain remain number one, followed by Argentina and France, while England and Brazil complete the top five. The next FIFA World Rankings will be released on April 1, 2026, when Nigeria will aim to continue their upward climb.

  • AFCON Final: Infantino condemns Senegal players, staff’s behaviour

    AFCON Final: Infantino condemns Senegal players, staff’s behaviour

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the behaviour of Senegal players and members of the coaching staff after a chaotic end to the Africa Cup of Nations final, saying violence and walk-offs had no place in football.

    After congratulating Senegal on their title, which they clinched with a 1-0 victory against hosts Morocco thanks to a Pape Gueye strike in extra time, Infantino said: “We also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands – we strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members.

     “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.

    Read Also: Chelle targets AFCON 2027 glory after Super Eagles’ Bronze finish

    “We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

    The final was marred by controversy after a disputed late penalty decision, which prompted Senegal players to leave the field in protest as tensions escalated around the officials. The match was temporarily halted amid angry scenes.

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it was reviewing footage and that disciplinary proceedings will follow, adding that it “condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials”.

    “CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty,” CAF said in a statement.

  • Ekong set to complete move to  Saudi’s Al Ahli

    Ekong set to complete move to  Saudi’s Al Ahli

    Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong is set to begin a new chapter in his club career after agreeing to join Al Ahli SC of Qatar from Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood.

    The move, confirmed by multiple reliable sources including transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, will see the experienced centre-back commit his future to the Qatari outfit until June 2028, underlining the club’s long-term plans with the Super Eagles star.

    Troost-Ekong’s impending switch comes after a productive spell in Saudi Arabia, where he joined Al Kholood in August 2024. Despite his relatively short stay, the 32-year-old quickly established himself as a key figure at the club, earning the captain’s armband and becoming a leader both on and off the pitch.

    His consistency and composure at the heart of defence made him one of Al Kholood’s standout performers.

    Read Also: Super Eagles rank among Africa’s top three after AFCON exploits

    During his time with the Saudi side, Troost-Ekong featured in 49 competitive matches, bringing stability and experience to the back line.

    His leadership qualities and tactical awareness were instrumental in helping the team navigate the challenges of top-flight football, attributes that have now attracted interest from the Qatari league.

    The move to Al Ahli SC represents another significant step in a well-travelled career for the Netherlands-born Nigerian international. Troost-Ekong has previously played club football across several European leagues, including spells in the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, England and Greece, before making the transition to the Middle East. His adaptability and experience across different football cultures have remained defining traits of his career.

    On the international stage, Ekong is one of Nigeria’s most accomplished defenders of the modern era. He captained the Super Eagles and earned over 80 international caps, playing a central role in Nigeria’s recent Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.

    He later announced his retirement from international football in late 2025, opting to focus fully on his club career.

    For Al Ahli SC, the acquisition of Ekong is seen as a major boost as the club looks to strengthen its squad with proven, high-level experience. His arrival is expected to add leadership, defensive solidity and professionalism to the team as they pursue their domestic and continental ambitions.

    As Troost-Ekong prepares to settle in Qatar, the move offers him stability and a fresh challenge at this stage of his career. With a contract running until 2028, both player and club will be hoping the partnership delivers success, as the Nigerian defender looks to leave another strong imprint in the Middle Eastern football scene.

  • Data-driven football firm bags SISA Sports Impact Award

    Data-driven football firm bags SISA Sports Impact Award

    A Lagos-based sports analytics firm, City Rebels Predictions, has won the 2025 Corporate Impact Through Sports Award at the Social Impact and Sustainability Awards (SISA), recognised for transforming how fans engage with football through data literacy and ethical analysis.

    The award, presented at the sixth edition of SISA held under the theme “People, Planet, Purpose: The New CSR Imperative,” honours the platform’s work in repositioning sports engagement from speculation-driven betting to knowledge-based understanding.

    The platform which tracks performance trends and market movements across global football, organisers noted, has built its model on the philosophy “Prediction Through Logic, Not Luck”, using mathematics, storytelling and technology to foster critical thinking among sports fans.

    Read Also: Chelle targets AFCON 2027 glory after Super Eagles’ Bronze finish

    Reacting to the award, the platform’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Olamiji Osifeso, said the recognition reflects the platform’s long-term focus on learning through sport.

     “From inception, our objective was to move sports prediction away from chance and towards learning, logic and informed reasoning. By using data to explain football outcomes, we are encouraging fans to think critically about the game, not just react emotionally to results,” he said.

    Osifeso added that the company’s approach blends mathematics, storytelling and technology to help fans understand performance patterns, team dynamics and tactical decisions, rather than relying on guesswork.

    Also speaking, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CSR REPORTERS, Eche Munonye, said the award underscores the wider social role sport can play beyond entertainment.

    “Sport remains one of the most effective tools for social transformation,” Munonye said. “What stands out here is the use of sport to shape mind-sets, promote responsibility and support youth development through knowledge.”

    Now in its sixth year, the Social Impact and Sustainability Awards recognise organisations and individuals advancing responsible practices across sectors, including sports, media, education and development.

    This year’s ceremony also coincided with CSR REPORTERS’ expansion into the United Kingdom, a move organisers said is aimed at amplifying African-led sustainability and impact models on a global stage.

  • Lagos partners Dolphin Swimming League  for Long Course Events

    Lagos partners Dolphin Swimming League  for Long Course Events

    Impressed by the quality of organisation and the impact of Nigeria’s foremost private inter-school swimming competition, the Dolphin Swimming League, the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has agreed to partner with the organisers to stage its first long course events on February 21 at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Lagos.

    It will be recalled that Lagos dominated the 2025 National Youth Games, with swimming contributing the majority of the state’s gold medals. Most of the medallists were products of the Dolphin Swimming League—a fact acknowledged by the Director General of LSSC, Lekan Fatodu, who pledged continued support for the initiative.

    Speaking at the weekend during the third leg of Season 7 of the Dolphin Swimming League, Fatodu commended the organisers: “I want to say a big thank you to the organisers of the Dolphin Swimming League for this remarkable initiative and for their consistency in ensuring the event runs smoothly. The kind of improvement we see here is absolutely remarkable. There’s no doubt that many talents are constantly discovered through this event. The Lagos State Government is committed to providing the necessary support to ensure young people have the opportunity to showcase their talents and launch into greatness.”

    Read Also: Super Eagles rank among Africa’s top three after AFCON exploits

    He further noted: “When you talk about swimming, the best place to see Nigeria’s finest swimmers is the Dolphin Swimming League, and we are proud of our partnership with them. This aligns with the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to empower young people and provide opportunities for talents to be identified in schools and nurtured to international glory. As government, we are looking into areas where there are gaps and collaborating with the organisers to scale up training opportunities and facilities. This initiative has already contributed to Lagos’ success at the National Youth Games, and it is one of the results of the partnership we are building.”

    Meanwhile, plans have been concluded for the league’s first long course events, scheduled for next month. The coordinator Oluseyi Oyebode confirmed that the competition will take place at the newly built Olympic-size swimming pool at Rowe Park, Yaba.

    “The event has been awesome, and this is the first time we are receiving the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission. Discussions about partnership have been ongoing, and now LSSC will be hosting the long course on February 21. For me, that’s a wonderful achievement. We will also have three of our children returning from the African Youth Games in Angola. Clearly, the Dolphin Swimming League is growing beyond our expectations,” Oyebode said.