Sport Archives - Page 6 of 15

Barcelona Need Real Leaders to Make Flick’s UCL Dream Happen

April 21, 2026 by admin

FC Barcelona will need strong leadership on the pitch to stand any real chance of achieving coach Hansi Flick’s ambition of winning the UEFA Champions League, the German said on Tuesday. The 61-year-old was speaking a week after his Champions League dream was dashed for a second successive season — this time ousted in the quarter-finals by La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid. Flick — whose side went out in the semi-finals last season to Inter Milan — guided Barcelona to the domestic double last term and his charges are on course for retaining their league title, they are nine points clear of Real Madrid with seven games to play. “It is not an excuse but in the business end of the campaign in March and April, it is very important to have all the players available,” he said at his press conference on the eve of their league match with Celta Vigo. “Against Atletico, we were missing Frenkie (de Jong) and Raphinha. “Last year, we had Inigo (Martinez), who was a great leader. “We need these types of players, capable of providing leadership on the pitch, to speak up during matches, in the quarter-finals or semi-finals of the Champions League, and to show the way.” Flick added that the team, largely made up of players who came through the club’s youth system, were “young” and must “learn” from each defeat in order to progress. “I believe we can do it, we have a fantastic team for the years ahead, and one must make the right decisions, notably in the transfer market,” he said. Flick would not go into any further detail on the type of forward Barcelona will be looking to recruit, nor on his future, even if he hopes his “contract is extended” in what he repeated would be his “last job”. AFP

Ghana Appoints Former Real Madrid Coach Carlos Queiroz as Head Coach

April 13, 2026 by admin

The Ghana Football Association has named Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026. This was announced in a statement by the Ghana Football Association on Monday. The Portuguese tactician, who previously handled Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal and Iran, will lead Ghana at the tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. “The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association, working with all key stakeholders, has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars,” the statement read. Queiroz brings considerable World Cup pedigree to the role. He guided South Africa to qualification for the 2002 tournament, led Portugal to the knockout rounds in 2010, and was in charge of Iran at the 2014 and 2018 editions. He has also held coaching posts in Egypt, Oman, Japan and Qatar. “Coach Queiroz begins work immediately to prepare the Black Stars for the tournament, which kicks off on June 11, 2026,” the statement added. Ghana are drawn in a group with England, Panama and Croatia. The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, Canada.

UCL: Atletico Beat 10-man Barcelona 2-0 in Quarter-Final First Leg

April 8, 2026 by admin

Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth’s goals earned Atletico Madrid a commanding 2-0 lead over 10-man Barcelona in a tense Champions League quarter-final first leg clash on Wednesday. The La Liga leaders were on top in the all-Spanish tie at Camp Nou before Pau Cubarsi was sent off for bringing down Atletico’s Giuliano Simeone, who was through on goal. Alvarez whipped home the free-kick and Sorloth doubled their advantage with 20 minutes remaining to give Atletico a strong chance of reaching the semi-finals. Diego Simeone’s side, who have never won the competition, reached the 2014 and 2016 finals but were beaten by rivals Real Madrid on both occasions. “We have things to improve and learn from… we’re happy for the win but there’s a long way to go,” Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann told Movistar. “We’re very far from the semis, we’re 90 or more minutes away… we’re confident but keeping our feet on the ground.” Barca, semi-finalists last season, need to make a huge comeback next Tuesday in Madrid if they are to stand a chance of lifting the trophy they last won in 2015. “It will be tough there but if anyone can do it, it’s us,” Barca defender Ronald Araujo told Movistar. “We’ve got great players, quality, personality — we will look for the comeback.” Atletico knocked Barca out of the Copa del Rey in the semi-finals in March and this was the second of three meetings between the sides in a space of a fortnight. Barcelona started well with Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, their main threat down the left. On the right flank Atletico tried to suffocate teenage star Lamine Yamal with defensive numbers, allowing Rashford more room. The first chances fell to the England international, who scored against Atletico in La Liga on Saturday, but Musso denied him. At the other end Alvarez, who has been linked with a switch to Barcelona in recent months, tested Joan Garcia. The busy Rashford, constantly escaping beyond Nahuel Molina, volleyed narrowly wide and then rolled a shot into the bottom corner but it was disallowed for offside against Yamal in the build-up. Even though the 18-year-old was up against three Atletico defenders he produced some superb skill to break free of their shackles, but Robin Le Normand blocked his shot. Veteran Atletico midfielder Koke was fortunate to stay on the pitch after fouls on Dani Olmo, Pedri and Yamal were only punished with a yellow card, to Barca supporters’ fury. Hansi Flick’s side were controlling the game with Atletico talisman Griezmann quiet against his former team, but a moment of clumsiness from Cubarsi dramatically gave the visitors the upper hand before half-time. The 19-year-old centre-back, chasing Giuliano Simeone as he ran through on goal to reach a ball in behind Barca’s defence from Alvarez, clattered the Atletico coach’s son from behind. Although referee Istvan Kovacs only produced a yellow card for Cubarsi, he upgraded it to a red after a VAR review. Worse was to come for Barca, with former Manchester City striker Alvarez whipping the free-kick into the top corner. Sorloth doubles down Barca coach Flick took action at half-time, withdrawing the quiet Robert Lewandowski and the booked Pedri for energetic midfield tandem Gavi and Fermin Lopez. It helped the hosts continue to battle well with 10 men, as Barca kept generating chances for Rashford. Yamal sent the forward through on goal but after rounding Musso could only hit the side netting. Le Normand brought down Yamal on the edge of the box and Rashford’s free-kick was tipped over by Musso. It was against the run of play again that Atletico snatched their second. Griezmann and Matteo Ruggieri combined and the latter crossed for target man Sorloth, who outmuscled Gerard Martin and fired past the helpless Garcia. Barca tasted defeat at home for the first time since Camp Nou reopened in November 2025 — and Atletico coach Simeone won at the stadium for the first time in his 14-year career at the helm of the Rojiblancos. Musso later saved from Joao Cancelo and Yamal, but Barca could not pull a goal back, leaving the five-time winners in a tough spot ahead of the second leg next Tuesday.

PSG Beat Liverpool 2-0 in Champions League Quarter-Final First Leg

April 8, 2026 by admin

Holders Paris Saint-Germain took a 2-0 lead over Liverpool in their Champions League quarter-final tie as Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored in Wednesday’s first leg in the French capital. Doue’s deflected strike looped over Giorgi Mamardashvili to give PSG the lead before Kvaratskhelia’s cool finish put Luis Enrique’s team in a strong position ahead of next week’s return leg at Anfield. Details later…

FIFA Approves Okonkwo’s International Switch from England to Nigeria

April 7, 2026 by admin

The International Federation of Association Football has officially confirmed goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo’s change of international allegiance from England to Nigeria, making the 24-year-old Wrexham shot-stopper eligible to represent the Super Eagles. The approval was documented on FIFA’s Change of Association platform on April 6, 2026. Checks by PUNCH Online on Tuesday show Okonkwo’s new national association listed as the Nigeria Football Federation on the FIFA website, replacing his former allegiance, The Football Association Ltd of England. Born on September 9, 2001, in Camden, London, to Nigerian (Igbo) parents, Okonkwo stands at 1.98–1.99m tall and began his career in Arsenal’s academy at age eight. He represented England at youth level between 2015 and 2019, featuring for the U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-18 teams. But he has never featured for the senior Three Lions team, clearing the path for the switch under FIFA eligibility rules. Okonkwo is currently the first-choice goalkeeper for Wrexham in the EFL Championship following a permanent move from Arsenal. He has impressed this season with consistent performances and key saves, helping the club compete in the second tier of English football. His form has drawn attention as a potential high-quality addition to Nigeria’s goalkeeping options. The switch followed discussions with Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle during the Unity Cup in London last year. However, administrative procedures ruled him out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Okonkwo’s move adds depth to the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping options, which currently include Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye.

Seven Eritrean Players Abscond in South Africa after AFCON Qualifier

April 6, 2026 by admin

Seven players from the Eritrea national football team have failed to return home after their side secured a historic victory over Eswatini national football team. A source close to the squad told the BCC on Monday that while part of the team travelled back via South Africa after the match, the seven players are believed to have absconded. The development comes shortly after Eritrea’s 2–1 win in Eswatini, which secured a 4–1 aggregate victory and a return to the qualifying group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 19 years. Sources said only 10 members of the 24-man squad were based in Eritrea, and just three of those players—including team captain Ablelom Teklezghi—have returned to the country. Although the whereabouts of the missing players remain unclear, reports indicate that some may have been seen in South Africa. Among those who failed to return are goalkeeper Kubrom Solomon and veteran winger Medhanie Redie. The incident has cast a shadow over what had been a celebrated achievement for the team, with Eritrea’s state-owned media remaining largely silent on their return. Sources said plans for a reception to welcome the victorious squad were cancelled following news of the players’ disappearance. Images shared by officials showed some players and staff being received by embassy representatives and members of the Eritrean community in Cairo, Egypt, during a stopover. However, only those who later travelled on to Asmara were present. The situation reflects a broader pattern involving Eritrean athletes, with several previous cases of players failing to return home after international competitions. In 2019, seven players from the Eritrean under-20 team went missing after a regional tournament in Uganda. In 2015, 10 senior players refused to return following a World Cup qualifier in Botswana. Earlier incidents include 15 players and a team doctor granted asylum in Uganda in 2013, and in 2009, nearly the entire senior team failed to return from a trip to Kenya.

UCL: Arsenal’s Rice, Gabriel Return to Training, Saka Absent

April 6, 2026 by admin

Arsenal FC have received a timely boost ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash, with Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhães both returning to training, although Bukayo Saka remains absent. As reported by BBC sport on Monday, Rice was back with the squad after withdrawing from international duty with England during the March break following a medical assessment. His return will come as a major relief to manager Mikel Arteta, especially with the team looking to steady themselves after consecutive cup defeats. Defender Gabriel also took part in the session at Arsenal’s London Colney training base, having been forced off with a knee issue during the FA Cup quarter-final loss to Southampton. His involvement suggests the injury may not be as serious as initially feared. There was further positive news as Leandro Trossard rejoined full training, giving Arteta additional options in attack ahead of the trip to face Sporting CP in Lisbon. However, Saka was not involved in Monday’s session after also leaving the England camp early, casting doubt over his availability for the first leg. Arsenal head into the European tie aiming to avoid a third straight defeat, following their FA Cup exit and Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City. Despite those setbacks, the Gunners remain in a strong position domestically, sitting top of the Premier League table as they chase a first league title since the 2003–04 season. They will return to league action against AFC Bournemouth after their Champions League encounter. Arteta, along with goalkeeper David Raya, is expected to address the media in Portugal ahead of the crucial fixture.

EPL: Chelsea Lead Premier League Agent Spending at £65.1m

April 1, 2026 by admin

Chelsea FC have once again topped the Premier League’s agent spending table, paying out £65.1m over the past year as overall fees across the division climbed to £460m. The figures, covering the period between February 2025 and February 2026, represent a 13% increase on the previous year and include payments made to agents for transfers, contracts and other football-related deals involving players, coaches and clubs. As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, Chelsea’s latest outlay marks the third consecutive year they have led the league in agent fees, bringing their total spending over the last three reporting periods to around £200m. The high expenditure comes during a period of significant financial movement at Stamford Bridge, with the club recently announcing a record pre-tax loss of £262m, the largest in Premier League history. The club has partly attributed those losses to an aggressive transfer strategy, which included offloading close to £300m worth of players in an effort to comply with UEFA financial regulations, while continuing to invest heavily in squad restructuring. Aston Villa FC ranked second, spending £38.4m on agents, an increase of £13.4m, the biggest rise among all top-flight clubs. Despite relatively modest transfer spending, Villa’s higher costs were driven by contract renegotiations and new player registrations under manager Unai Emery. In third place, Manchester City FC paid £37.4m, although their spending dropped significantly from £52.1m the previous year. Elsewhere, several clubs recorded notable increases. Arsenal FC saw their payments rise to £32.1m, while Liverpool FC spent £33.9m after a £13m increase. Wolverhampton Wanderers FC also posted a sharp rise, reaching £26m. Newly promoted Sunderland AFC experienced one of the biggest jumps, with agent fees increasing from £2.2m to £10.6m as they strengthened their squad following promotion via the play-offs. However, not all clubs increased their spending. Newcastle United FC reduced their payments by £4.1m to £20.3m, while Leeds United FC cut theirs by £4.9m to £14m despite returning to the top flight. Smaller decreases were also recorded by Manchester United FC, West Ham United FC, Brentford FC, Fulham FC and Nottingham Forest FC. Beyond the Premier League, agent spending also rose across the English football pyramid. In the Women’s Super League, fees increased by 75% to £3.8m, with Chelsea FC Women accounting for more than a quarter of the total at £1.1m.

Arsenal Deserve EPL Title if they Win it – Brighton Manager

March 13, 2026 by admin

Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler has expressed admiration for Arsenal, stressing that if the Gunners win the Premier League this season, they will fully deserve it. According to a post by Fabrizio Romano on X on Friday, the Brighton manager said, “I will be the first one to congratulate Arsenal when they win the Premier League, because if they win it, they will definitely deserve it.” The comments come after a period of intense debate surrounding his previous remarks, which he says were taken out of context. “There were things that made me emotional, I am a person that sticks to my principles… and it created a lot of noise,” he explained. He confirmed that he had reached out personally to Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta. “I’ve texted Arteta. I have huge respect for him, one of the top managers in the Premier League. I love to see them play, and I admire a lot of elements of what they are doing. My comments were nothing personal.” The statement underscores his respect for Arsenal’s style of play and the achievements of Arteta’s team, emphasising that past remarks should not be interpreted as criticism of the club or its manager.

Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Dies At 88

March 10, 2026 by admin

ABUJA — FORMER Super Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, has died at the age of 88, bringing to an end the life of one of Nigeria’s most respected football tacticians and administrators. His passing, which occurred three days after his 88th birthday, was confirmed by his daughter, Mrs. Bolade Adesuyi, on Monday, March 9, 2026. Onigbinde, a High Chief of Modakeke in Osun State, was widely respected in Nigerian football circles for his tactical depth and long-standing contributions to the development of the game both on and off the pitch. He had two separate spells in charge of the Nigeria national football team. During his first tenure between 1981 and 1984, he led Nigeria to a runners-up finish at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations. Nearly two decades later, he returned to the national team to guide Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, marking his second stint as head coach of the Super Eagles. Throughout his decades-long involvement in football, Onigbinde earned widespread respect for his tactical insight, discipline, and commitment to nurturing talent, leaving a lasting imprint on the development of the game in Nigeria. His death marks the passing of one of the country’s most influential football figures, and tributes are expected from across the Nigerian football community. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days. Independent NG