Author: Olukayode Oke

England will wear a unique pre-match shirt ahead of their heritage match against Scotland at Hampden tomorrow night. The Scottish FA are celebrating their 150th anniversary by replaying international football’s oldest fixture, which will be held for the 116th time. And the Three Lions will nod to their own history by donning a jersey featuring the original crest worn in the two nations’ first meeting in 1872. Captain Harry Kane modelled the replica shirt for the first time during a visit to Hamilton Crescent — the scene of that clash — alongside Tartan Army skipper Andy Robertson. The hosts will…

The transfer window is closed across Europe – with the exception of the Turkish window which closes on Friday- but clubs are still eyeing and weighing up moves for players in the upcoming winter window in January. Here are some transfer gossip and confirmed interest for your pleasure: Arsenal are prepared to reignite their interest in Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic once the January transfer window opens. Also on the radar at Arsenal is Atletico Madrid defender Nahuel Molina, who is a target for both Aston Villa and Manchester City as well. Chelsea want a new striker of their own in January and have set their sights on Ivan Toney, but Brentford are prepared to demand in…

Novak Djokovic won a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title by outlasting Daniil Medvedev in a punishing US Open final in New York. The 36-year-old Serb won 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 but the straight-set scoreline does not tell how deep he had to dig. A comfortable opening set was followed by a brutal second which lasted one hour and 44 minutes. After the pair exchanged breaks early in the third, Djokovic took control to level Margaret Court’s 50-year record. “It obviously means the world to me,” said Djokovic on winning his 24th major. “I’m really living my childhood dream to…

England boss Gareth Southgate says he twice talked defender Kyle Walker out of international retirement. The Manchester City defender, 33, considered ending his England career after Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup but was persuaded to carry on. Walker scored his first England goal on his 77th appearance in Saturday’s European qualifying draw with Ukraine. “I’ve talked him out of [international] retirement twice, after the Euros and after the World Cup” said Southgate. “I think he loves being here and he’s wanted to keep going and now he’s thinking about how many caps can he get. “He’s critical to us. If…

Luis Rubiales has announced he has resigned as Spanish football federation president following the controversy over him kissing Jenni Hermoso. Rubiales kissed the player on the lips during the trophy presentation after Spain’s victory over England in last month’s World Cup final, but Hermoso said the kiss was not consensual. FIFA suspended Rubiales pending an investigation into his behaviour, and Hermoso submitted a complaint to the national prosecutor’s office earlier this week which is now with Spain’s high court. In a statement on his unverified X account on Sunday evening, Rubiales said he had informed Pedro Rocha, who has been…

The Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2024 qualification hopes are all but over after the Netherlands came from a goal down to edge an entertaining qualifier in Dublin. Adam Idah gave the Republic a dream start with a fourth-minute penalty after Virgil van Dijk’s handball. But the Dutch hit back with a spot-kick of their own through Cody Gakpo. Substitute Wout Weghorst’s winner then condemned the Republic to a fourth defeat in five qualifiers. It leaves manager Stephen Kenny’s side six points adrift of the second-placed Dutch having played a game more, with a home match against Greece and a trip…

Nigeria thumped Sao Tome and Principe 6-0 on Sunday evening to further stamp authority as giants of Africa. Despite the rain at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, Napoli star Victor Osimhen began the party in the 14th minute when he scored from an Ademola Lookman assist. Lookman then went on to get on to the score sheet himself some 14 minutes later as Wilfred Ndidi came through with the assist. Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, made sure that the Super Eagles continued where they left off in the second half as he found the back of the net…

Hansi Flick has been sacked as Germany manager following Saturday’s 4-1 friendly defeat by Japan in Wolfsburg. He becomes the first Germany boss to be sacked since the role was created in 1926. Germany have lost four of their past five games, with Flick overseeing just 12 wins in his 25 matches since replacing Joachim Low in August 2021. Rudi Voller, who managed the team from 2000 to 2004, takes temporary charge for Tuesday’s friendly with France. Germany host the men’s European Championship next year but have been in disarray. Flick, 58, had been Low’s assistant manager with Germany from…

Manchester United winger Antony has agreed to delay his return to the club “to address allegations” of assault made against him. The 23-year-old was due back to training on Monday after being dropped from Brazil’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru. But United say it has been agreed with the player that he will delay his return until further notice in order to address the matter. Antony denies all the allegations. A police investigation has been opened following allegations of domestic abuse against his former girlfriend. He is also facing further allegations of assault made by…

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Pestana CR7 in Marrakech, Morocco has become a refuge site for victims of Friday’s earthquake, reports Spanish newspaper, Marca. The 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the mountainous High Atlas region of the North African nation leaving at least 1,305 people dead and several wounded according to multiple reports. Amidst the tragedy, a number of Marrakech-based organisations and businesses have offered assistance to those affected by the quake. One of them is, a hotel owned by Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo. Reports suggest that the luxury hotel is providing shelter to those who have lost their homes. Graded at four stars, just below…

Italy were held to a 1-1 draw with North Macedonia in Luciano Spelletti’s first match in charge, with Enis Bardhi’s late free kick cancelling out a Ciro Immobile goal. Sandro Tonali came the closest of anyone to scoring in a goalless first half, but struck the near post after going through on-on-one with the goalkeeper. Bojan Miovski had North Macedonia’s best chance of the that period, but headed wide after brilliant work from Ezgjan Alioski to win the ball, drive forward and then cross for the Aberdeen striker. Just two minutes after the break Italy got their breakthrough, with Immobile…

England’s winning run in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign came to a halt as they were held to a draw by Ukraine in Wroclaw. Ukraine were backed by 40,000 fans in the Tarczynski Arena, giving the game the fervent feel of a home fixture despite the hosts being unable to play in their own country because of the war with Russia. The magnificently noisy backing in Poland turned to a deafening roar when Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko put Ukraine ahead after 26 minutes, turning in a cross from Yukhym Konoplya. England had plenty of possession but lacked creativity and it needed…