Author: Galaxy Sports Media

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has shed more light on the decision to allow Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice to withdraw from the national team camp ahead of their international friendly against Japan, describing the move as a necessary precaution. The Arsenal duo were both initially part of the squad but were later released to return to their club side for further medical evaluation after concerns over their fitness levels surfaced during training. Addressing the situation for the first time, Tuchel stated that although both players were eager and willing to feature for England, keeping them in camp did not…

Victor Osimhen has reportedly delayed his discharge from hospital following surgery, choosing instead to remain under medical supervision in a bid to speed up his recovery. The Galatasaray forward underwent an operation on his arm last Monday after sustaining an injury earlier in the month. Initial reports had indicated that he would be discharged the following day, but that plan was later changed at the player’s request. According to Turkish journalist Haluk Yürekli, Osimhen personally asked club officials to allow him stay longer in the hospital so he could receive continued care and return to action as quickly as possible.…

At least two national teams have secured their places in the group stage qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 after the completion of Sunday’s second-leg matches in the preliminary round, setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive qualification series across the continent. Lesotho confirmed their progression with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Seychelles, overturning an early setback to advance on aggregate. After both sides had settled for a goalless draw in the first leg, Seychelles made a bright start in the return fixture, taking the lead through Brandon Labrosse. However, Lesotho responded with renewed urgency,…

Nigerian defender, Chibuike Nwaiwu, has described his Super Eagles debut as a dream come true after featuring in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Iran in an international friendly in Antalya, Turkey. Nwaiwu, who was called up by head coach Éric Chelle as a late replacement for the injured Calvin Bassey, was introduced during the game at the Corendon Airlines Park, marking his first appearance for the senior national team. Speaking after the match, the defender expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity, noting that representing Nigeria had been a long standing ambition dating back to his early days in the Nigeria Premier…

Abia Warriors head coach, Imama Amapakabo, has brushed aside the significance surrounding his team’s upcoming Abia Derby clash against Enyimba, insisting his attention is on the bigger picture. The Umuahia-based side will take on their local rivals at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba on Sunday in a Matchday 31 fixture. Despite the excitement and anticipation typically associated with the derby, Amapakabo remains calm and unfazed. Speaking to the club’s media team, the former Nigeria international described the buildup as nothing more than external expectations from fans and observers. Abia Warriors currently occupy fourth place on the NPFL standings and…

FC Barcelona have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, with Brazilian winger Raphinha sidelined due to injury. The 29-year-old attacker picked up a hamstring problem while representing Brazil national football team in their 2-1 international friendly loss to France national football team in the United States on Thursday. According to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), both Raphinha and Wesley França experienced discomfort in their right hamstrings during the encounter. Subsequent medical examinations carried out on Friday confirmed muscle injuries for both players. Barcelona later issued an update, revealing that Raphinha will return to Spain…

Former Rio Ferdinand has made a passionate appeal to Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, to reconsider his decision to leave out Neymar ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The call comes after Ancelotti named his squad for the March international fixtures without including Neymar. The Brazilian boss explained that the Santos forward was not fully fit, stressing that his current physical condition made it difficult to involve him at this time. Despite that reasoning, Ferdinand has openly questioned the decision, expressing shock that a player of Neymar’s stature would miss out. “Neymar has not made the recent squad, man,…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria began their campaign at the four-nation invitational tournament in Antalya, Turkey, on a winning note, edging Iran 2-1 in a competitive opening fixture. Nigeria showed early intent and control in the game, with Moses Simon breaking the deadlock after a lively start. The winger’s goal set the tone for the Super Eagles, who combined attacking purpose with defensive discipline throughout the encounter. The advantage was later extended by Akor Adams, whose composed finish put Nigeria firmly in command. His goal highlighted the team’s growing attacking cohesion as they continue to adapt under the guidance of…

Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has faulted the Confederation of African Football’s decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, describing the move as a setback for the growth and reputation of African football. CAF recently upheld a petition filed by the Moroccan Football Federation, resulting in the annulment of Senegal’s victory in the AFCON final played in January. The continental body based its ruling on a breach of regulations after Senegal’s players briefly walked off the pitch during the closing stages of the match in protest against a penalty awarded to the host nation.…

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has provided a detailed explanation for his decision to opt out of representing Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The 26-year-old’s absence from the national team squad came as a surprise to many observers, particularly as the tournament, hosted in Morocco, was seen as an opportunity for him to reassert himself on the international stage. Okoye, however, revealed that his decision was influenced by circumstances surrounding his career at the time. The goalkeeper had missed a significant portion of the early stages of the 2025/26 season due to a suspension tied to an…