Author: Olukayode Oke

Spain beat Sweden in a thrilling finish to reach their first Women’s World Cup final. Captain Olga Carmona scored an 89th-minute winner to spark wild scenes of jubilation among their supporters at Eden Park, Auckland. Sweden – who have now lost back-to-back World Cup semi-finals – had equalised through Rebecka Blomqvist just 93 seconds earlier and it looked like the match would be going to extra time. A game of few chances had sparked into life when substitute Salma Paralluelo, 19, gave Spain the lead with just 10 minutes remaining. They will face England or co-hosts Australia in the final…

Atletico Madrid wrapped up the opening round of the Spanish Liga season by jumping to the top of the table with a 3-1 home victory over promoted Granada. Alvaro Morata gave the hosts the lead seven minutes into first-half injury time. Cesar Azpilicueta, on his Atletico debut, crossed and Granada centre-back Jesus Vallejo mis-timed his clearing header nodding the ball straight to the unmarked Morata, who fired home. Granada levelled on 63 minutes after Yannick Carrasco lost the ball trying to dribble out of defence. Gonzalo Villar drilled a cross into the goalmouth where Samu Omorodion lifted a first-time shot…

England have finally arrived in Australia and New Zealand. Their 6-1 mauling of China in their final group game was arguably the best performance of the competition to date by any team. It sealed top spot in Group D for Sarina Weigman’s side who now take on Nigeria – runners-up in Group B – in the last 16 on Monday. Alessia Russo’s early strike seemed to settle any England agitation and they were able to cut loose, now unburdened after toiling for back-to-back 1-0 victories in their first two games. The six goals England eventually plundered was just the second…

Arsenal gave their hopes of beating Manchester City to the Premier League title a psychological boost as they defeated Pep Guardiola’s side on penalties to win the Community Shield. After a largely forgettable 70 minutes in the season curtain-raiser, Cole Palmer looked to have won it for City when the substitute curled home a stunning strike. But Leandro Trossard equalised in the 101st minute when his shot deflected into the back of the net. That took the game to spot-kicks, where substitute Kevin de Bruyne struck the crossbar before Rodri saw his effort saved and then Fabio Vieira converted to…

Jill Roord scored her fourth goal of the tournament as the Netherlands marched into the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa at Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday. Roord’s header gave her side an early lead and Lineth Beerensteyn added the second goal courtesy of a goalkeeper error in the second half to secure the Dutch a date with Spain in Wellington on Friday. The 54th-ranked African champions never gave up the fight in their first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage and were always a threat on the break through their lone striker Thembi Kgatlana. Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar was equal to everything Banyana…

Reigning champions the USA are out of the Women’s World Cup after being stunned by Sweden on penalties on a night of incredible drama in Melbourne. USA dominated the 120 minutes but were denied by an inspired goalkeeping performance from Zecira Musovic as the match finished goalless. The drama only ratcheted up further in the shootout. Three USA players missed, including their footballing icon Megan Rapinoe on her last appearance on the world stage, before Sweden won in remarkable circumstances. USA keeper Alyssa Naeher appeared to have saved Lina Hurtig’s effort at the second attempt, having pushed the initial effort…

Nigeria’s D’Tigress claimed a fourth consecutive Afro Women’s Basketball crown after defeating Senegal 84-74 in a pulsating final on Saturday. The D’Tigress made a good start in the keenly contested encounter and won the first quarter 19-10. Rena Wakama’s side led 12 points (43-31) going into the half time break. The Senegalese fought back in the third quarter out-shooting Nigeria 26-19. They cut down the lead to five points (62-57). The D’Tigress prevailed 84-74 at the end of a thrilling fourth quarter.

The Nigeria Super Eagles duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi are set to stay at Leicester City as the team begins their Championship campaign on Sunday. Leicester’s 2-1 win over West Ham in their final game of the 2022–23 EPL season could not save the Foxes from relegation. The new English Championship season kicked off on Friday after Southampton’s 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday. A check on the club’s website showed that both players are listed as part of the men’s team for the 23–24 season. Some Nigerian players have been on the move in the summer, with Samuel…

Super Eagles defender, Calvin Bassey, scored the winning goal as Fulham defeated German club, TSG Hoffenheim 2-1 in their last pre-season friendly at the Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon. Bassey was handed his first start since making the switch from Eredivisie outfit, Ajax last month and he delivered a Man of the Match performance. Another new recruit, Raul Jimenez, fired Fulham in front six minutes in the second half. The lead lasted five minutes before Grisha Promel equalised for Hoffenheim from a powerful header. Bassey then scored the winning goal 17 minutes from time. The powerful centre-back, who enjoyed an…

West Ham were thrashed 4-0 by Bayer Leverkusen in their final pre-season friendly, while new Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana was lobbed from the centre circle against RC Lens. Growing unease among fans about West Ham’s lack of signings will only have been heightened by their side’s defeat. There is understood to be a difference of opinion between manager David Moyes and technical director Tim Steidten. A total of 13 Premier League teams were in pre-season action on Saturday. The thrashing by German side Leverkusen – who were 3-0 up at half-time – will increase the scrutiny on Moyes’ side…

Chelsea have completed the £25m signing of Spanish goalkeeper Robert Sanchez from Brighton & Hove Albion. The 25-year-old moves to Stamford Bridge on a seven-year deal. Sanchez made 23 league appearances for Brighton last season before losing his starting place to Jason Steele. “Robert is a good guy and a really good player, but being a coach sometimes means making difficult and painful decisions for the team,” Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi said. “I wish him good luck for the future.” Sanchez joined Brighton as a 15-year-old in 2013 from La Liga side Levante and signed his first professional contract…

Nigeria forward, Gift Orban is a target for Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur. According to transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, the Liilywhites have lined up Orban as replacement for Harry Kane who is keen to join Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich this summer. Kane has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Bavarians. Bayern Munich are however still locked in discussion with Tottenham over the transfer fee. The Germans tabled an €100m bid on Friday night but are yet to get a response for Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy. “Keep an eye on Gift Orban – the striker from Gent – because he’s really…