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    Newcastle United will be without midfielder Joelinton for Wednesday's crunch clash at Paris St Germain in the Champions League but captain Bruno Guimaraes could still make it, manager Eddie Howe said on Tuesday.   Brazilian Joelinton went off in the second half of Newcastle's 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa on Sunday with a groin injury and has not travelled to the French capital.   "Joe won't make the game. He has had a scan. We don't think it's a bad injury," Howe told reporters at the Parc des Princes. "But we think he will be out for a few weeks. He will miss a few games.   "Our other Brazilian, Bruno, is with us, and we will know more in the next few hours." Guimaraes missed the Villa game with an ankle injury but was expected to train with the squad later on Tuesday.   "We'll know more in the next few hours," Howe said.   Reigning champions PSG and Newcastle are sixth and seventh in the table with victory for ei...

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, on Tuesday, told his players to forget about the top-eight permutations ahead of their final Champions League group match and concentrate on what matters most, beating Turkish side Galatasaray.   After their shock 3-1 defeat at Norway's Bodo/Glimt last week, City are in 11th place in the Champions League standings and sit outside the top eight on goal difference.   The leading eight teams in the table automatically advance to the last 16, while the sides positioned ninth to 24th enter a playoff round to determine the other qualifiers.   City, the 2023 Champions League winners, are one of eight teams on 13 points after seven matches, with three points separating third place from 15th in the table.   They need to beat Galatasaray at home and have other fixtures go their way in order to avoid the playoffs, with goal difference likely to play a big role.   "I prefer to have more (points) but it is what...

...Bookings rise despite ICE-related violence in US ...European travel to US dipped post-2024 election ...Hotel occupancy in Mexico City rises ahead of matches     Flight bookings to North America have spiked since the World Cup match schedule was announced in December, data from travel technology firm Amadeus showed on Tuesday, with 18% of those reservations made by British travellers.   European travel to the United States has dipped since President Donald Trump's election in November 2024, with many tourists deterred by greater scrutiny at border crossings.   Although a recent rise in violence tied to ICE detentions in the city of Minneapolis has amplified fears among some, data from World Cup watchers and Amadeus show that bookings are up, particularly among England and Scotland fans.   Of the bookings made for the time frame of the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 37% were in the mon...

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot said his team's five-match winless run in the Premier League had dampened spirits ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Qarabag, despite their strong performances in Europe.   A victory over the Azeri side at Anfield would secure Liverpool a top-eight finish and a direct spot in the round of 16, avoiding the knockout playoffs.   Yet Saturday's 3-2 loss at Bournemouth saw the English champions drop to sixth in the Premier League, 14 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.   "It is going to be really difficult to quiet outside noise with the position we are in the league," Slot told reporters on Tuesday.   "It's impossible to shut down the noise at a club like this if you are not competing for the league."   LIVERPOOL SHORT OF CENTRE BACKS   A growing list of injuries has become a major concern for Slot, with centre back Joe Gomez sidelined after Saturday's loss, and Ibrahima Konate also unavailab...

     Tottenham Hotspur forwards Randal Kolo Muani and Wilson Odobert were involved in a minor car accident, manager Thomas Frank said on Tuesday, but he expects both to be available for their Champions League game at Eintracht Frankfurt.   Spurs will, however, be without defenders Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven, as they seek to secure a last-16 place in the competition by finishing in the top eight in the league-phase standings. Frank did not have all the details about the car accident which happened while the players were heading to the airport to travel with the squad to Frankfurt for Wednesday's match.   "Unfortunately, both were involved in a minor accident, everyone else involved in that accident is fine," Frank told reporters.   "It was a tyre blowing up, so the two of them are a little bit delayed, but they will land later tonight. I'm actually in doubt if they were both in the same car, but they were together.   "I haven't spoken ...

      For cross-country skiers at the Milano Cortina Olympics winning a medal does not just depend on having great skis, it is also about how those skis are treated and the team of people who know exactly what to do to create the optimal glide. Fast skiing depends on a range of external factors: varying snow conditions, fickle temperatures and variable terrain. That means each athlete on the World Cup tour must travel across multiple countries with a truckload of Nordic ski equipment.   "A full-time World Cup skier usually has somewhere between 50 and 70 pairs of skis. Some athletes even break the 100-pair mark, which can work but it definitely adds a whole new layer of chaos," said Chris Hecker, one of the U.S. ski team's wax techs.   They are essentially a group of amateur physicists, meteorologists and craftspeople all bundled into one.   For U.S. athletes, the massive ski fleet is stored in Yolanda, a semi-truck that doubles as a waxing work...

...Italian politicians critical, some demand ICE be barred ...Italian government says ICE won't be on the streets ...Italian interior minister to address parliament         U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel will help protect U.S. delegations at next month's Winter Olympics in Italy, causing a political uproar in the country.   ICE and Border Patrol agents have come under heavy criticism over their enforcement of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown after they shot and killed two U.S. citizens in separate incidents this month in Minnesota.   ICE's Homeland Security Investigations division will back up the U.S. State Department's Diplomatic Security Service at the February 6-22 Milano Cortina Olympics, the Department of Homeland Security said in a post on X.   The ICE agents' role will be "to vet and mitigate risks from transnational criminal organisations," the post added, noting "all security operations remai...

...Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt and Tunsia in the semi final  By Mishael Emmanuel and Trust Ittai    Nigeria’s hopes of securing a podium finish at the Handball African Nations Cup in Kigali, Rwanda, were shattered at the quarter-final stage after two heavy defeats. The Golden Arrows, as the Nigerian team is affectionately known, faced Egypt in their second quarter-final matchup after a narrow loss to Angola earlier in the competition. Unfortunately, the Nigerian team’s struggle continued, with Egypt cruising to a dominant 48-22 victory. This result sealed Nigeria’s fate, extinguishing any remaining hope of reaching the semi-finals. Earlier in the tournament, the Golden Arrows had lost a tight contest to Angola, 27-24, in their first quarter-final match.  Despite a spirited performance, they were unable to break Angola’s defense and failed to capitalize on key moments.  That defeat already put Nigeria on the back foot, but their performance against Egy...

    Trials allowing supporters to drink alcohol in the stands at Women’s Super League matches have received overwhelmingly positive feedback, prompting renewed debate over why such policies remain controversial in English football when they are routine across much of British sport. The sight of a beer snake at cricket matches being one of the traditions of the summer. This weekend marks 100 fixtures since WSL Football expanded its latest scheme, with 15 of the 26 clubs across the top two tiers taking part. Tottenham, Leicester City and Nottingham Forest will join the trial for the remainder of the season. A survey of 4,270 fans rated their experiences on a scale of one to ten, with fan safety scoring an average of 9.4. Seventy per cent of respondents supported alcohol consumption in the stands, up from 58% during last summer’s smaller pilot. Family-friendliness was also rated highly at 9.1, while atmosphere scored 8.6. Rugby union, cricket, golf and horse racing ha...

      The inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup is potentially reshaping the financial landscape of women’s club football, with FIFA is throwing down the gauntlet to UEFA and the other confederations with ambitions to develop their club games by offering the biggest prize money in the women’s international club game to date.  The club that lifts the first-ever FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Trophy in 2026 will earn $2.3 million. In comparison Arsenal Women earned about $1.8 million in prize money for winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League last season. The Champions Cup runners-up will receive $1 million, the two semi-finalists will each collect $200,000, while teams eliminated in Round 1 and Round 2 – OFC representatives Auckland United FC of New Zealand and AFC representatives Wuhan Chegu Jiangda WFC of China PR – will receive $100,000 apiece. “A total payout of close to $4 million distributed among the six participants based on their performance is a clea...

    Chelsea have been fined £150,000 following an incident at the end of their Premier League match against Aston Villa in December, raising questions about behaviour and accountability inside the club during what has been, by the Blues’ standard, a turbulent period on and off the pitch. The fine relates to a plastic water bottle thrown towards Villa’s technical area after the final whistle of the Villains’ 2-1 comeback victory at Stamford Bridge. Two late goals from Ollie Watkins triggered wild celebrations from the away bench, after which an unidentified member of Chelsea’s staff hurled the bottle in their direction. Chelsea accepted a Football Association misconduct charge for breaching FA Rule E20.1, after the club “failed to ensure its players and/or other relevant personnel around the technical area did not behave in an improper and/or provocative and/or abusive way after the final whistle”. An independent FA regulatory commission imposed the sanction followi...

      Jay Vine overcame a crash with a kangaroo to clinch the Tour Down Under title on Sunday, the opening event of the 2026 World Tour, Australian media reported.   Australian Vine was among the cyclists who tumbled down when a kangaroo leapt into the peloton, during the final stage of the race.   The 30-year-old quickly remounted, however, switched bikes and went on to secure victory for the UAE Team Emirates. “Everyone asks me what the most dangerous thing in Australia is, and I always tell them it’s kangaroos,” Vine told reporters. “They wait in the bushes until you can’t stop and then jump out in front of you. Point proven today. “Two of them blasted through the peloton when we were doing about 50 kph. One stopped and went left, right, left, right, and I ended up hitting its backside.”

By Martyn Herman          Manchester United's stand-in manager Michael Carrick could not have wished for a better start to his second stint in the position as he led an inspiring United outfit to a first Premier League win at Arsenal since 2017, bringing them ever closer to a top four finish. Sunday's win followed last weekend's 2-0  hammering of heavy-spenders Manchester City and was the Gunners first home defeat of the season in all competitions.   Former midfielder Carrick answered United's call in the wake of Ruben Amorim's sacking this month and his time in charge has seen a change in the fortune and mentality of the Red Devils and he says his team must ride the wave of confidence that has swept away the Old Trafford gloom. "We've got to ride it and use the emotion, you have got to use the energy and use the confidence," Carrick, whose team moved up to fourth in the table, said. "You've got to be humble enough to understand ho...

By Mishael Emmanuel       Spanish La Liga side Rayo Vallecano has defended its decision not to immediately honor Senegalese midfielder Pathé Ciss following Senegal’s historic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, citing respect for victims of a national tragedy. Ciss was part of the Senegal squad that lifted the AFCON trophy last Sunday after defeating Morocco in the final. However, Rayo fans noticed the club did not pay tribute to the midfielder before their 3-1 home defeat to Osasuna, sparking criticism on social media. Spanish media reports revealed that Ciss himself retweeted a post from a fan questioning the club’s silence. In a statement released on Sunday, Rayo Vallecano explained that the decision was taken out of respect for victims of two deadly train crashes that occurred in Spain last week. “It was deemed inappropriate to hold any kind of celebration on a day of mourning,” the club said. “The team wore black armbands and observed a minute’s sil...

By Maxwell Kumoye       Olumide Oyedeji, the man widely tipped to lead the next board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), has shown leadership beyond the court, extending a powerful hand of compassion to Mozambique in its moment of grief. Deeply moved by the devastating floods that struck the southern African nation a few days ago, the NBA alumnus and ambassador sent heartfelt condolences and sympathetic message to the government and people of Mozambique, mourning those who lost their lives and standing with families displaced by the disaster. Over 700,000 people were affected by the severe flooding in the Southern African nation. Mozambique occupies a place of pride in Oyedeji's heart. He notes with nostalgia that he captained the D'Tigers to win the Gold Medal at the All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique, in 2011.  Mozambique still remains one of the top countries in African Basketball. Its National Teams remain in the top echelon of b...

...Celebrates Nigeria's AFCON campaign, hail Adams, Iwobi, Lookman and Nwabali  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           From the entertainment scene to the business sector, Nigeria to South Africa, Africa to Australia, sports administrators and sports loving Nigerians, the impressive outing of the Super Eagles is receiving commendation and some pleasant words. The latest public figure to join the long list of individuals and corporate bodies who are celebrating the Super Eagles, is a highly distinguished and noteworthy record producer, PuffyTee. The entertainment mogul described the Super Eagles' impressive CAF Africa Cup of Nations, (AFCON), campaign as the result of collective brilliance and technicality. He made this known on Tuesday in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, adding that Nigeria's performance is a solid 8 out of 10. “Under the leadership of Coach Eric Chelle,...

...Hails heroic shot stopper and MOTM, Stanley Nwabali  ...Urges NSC, NFF to begin preparations for 2027 AFCON now  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           Seasoned sports administrator, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, has described the Super Eagles' Golden Bronze, as a validation of Nigeria's football dominance on the continent and on the globe. Dr. Olusola Osetoba, who also serves as the Technical Advisor on Sports Development to Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, made this known in an interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye. Dr. Osetoba expressed her joy and happiness in the Super Eagles' exhilarating Africa Cup of Nations run, adding that they deserve the respect and gratitude of all Nigerians. She stated that the Super Eagles' performance was not just a display of resilience but an affirmation and testament of the Nigeria spirit in action. The Super Eagles soar to AFCON 2025 bronze after penalty shooto...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye     Former NBA star and President of the Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA), Olumide Oyedeji, has lavished praise on the Super Eagles after their rousing finish to the AFCON campaign, declaring them “champions in the eyes of every Nigerian.” Nigeria signed off in style, outmuscling continental giants Egypt, led by Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah to clinch the 'Golden Bronze' in a tense third-place playoff decided by penalties. Speaking exclusively to FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG, Oyedeji described the Eagles’ display as fearless, focused and worthy of celebration. “You stood tall against one of Africa’s best. This team showed character, belief and heart,” Oyedeji said. The former NBA big man reserved special praise for goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, whose heroics between the sticks proved decisive. Nwabali saved two penalties, silencing Egypt’s stars and swinging momentum firmly in Nigeria’s way. “Nwabali is a true champion,” Oyedeji...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye      As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare to round off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Morocco with a third-place playoff against Egypt, a rallying call has gone out for the team to put their semi-final heartbreak behind them and finish on a high. The Technical Advisor on Sports Development to the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Abiodun Oyebanji, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, has saluted the Super Eagles for their fighting spirit despite their painful semi-final exit. Dr. Osetoba described Nigeria’s loss to hosts Morocco as a “heartbreaking but proud moment,” insisting that the performance of the Super Eagles earned the respect and admiration of Nigerians and Africans alike. Speaking in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, Dr. Osetoba commended the players for their resilience, discipline and unwavering Nigerian spirit throughout the tournament. “The...

By Maxwell Kumoye      The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has taken a giant leap forward by partnering with Roster Athletics, the world-class cloud-based competition management platform trusted by top federations from England to Australia, Denmark to New Zealand. This collaboration is more than technology, it’s a game-changer. For the first time, Nigerian athletes, coaches, and officials have access to seamless online registration, automated seeding, live results, and integration with elite timing systems used in international championships. The partnership ensures every competition, from grassroots meets to the U-18/U-20 African Athletics Championships, meets world-class standards, giving athletes a fair and professional stage to shine. By bringing global best practices to local competitions, the AFN-Roster Athletics alliance signals Nigeria’s commitment to excellence and its ambition to nurture the next generation of champions. With Roster Athletics, ...

...You have made us proud, it's time to get the job done — Oyedeji  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           NBA and FIBA Ambassador, Olumide Oyedeji, who is also the President of Hoops N' Read basketball club, on Thursday called for resilience and the die-hard Nigerian spirit following the Super Eagles' AFCON semifinal heartbreak. He urged the Super Eagles' to put their loss behind them and focus on their third place match against Egypt on Saturday.  The CEO of Olumide Oyedeji Youth Foundation, gave this passionate appeal in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye. “If you want to be a champion, you have to be ready to do what a champion does in being the best,” he said, emphasizing that this is not the time to cry or to be sad, but to turn their pain into their power. Hosts, Morocco edged Nigeria 4-2 on penalties in Rabat to book a long-awaited place in the final of the 2025...

...Urges the Team to put behind their semifinal heartbreak  By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           A famous name in the Edo State sporting firmament and beyond, Mrs. Sabina Ekhaisomi Chikere, on Thursday showered praises on the Super Eagles' of Nigeria despite their AFCON semifinal loss. Mrs. Chikere, the Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission, (ESSC), expressed her admiration about the team's performance stating that they made the nation proud. She gave this submission in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, adding that they deserve praise from Nigerians. Hosts, Morocco edged Nigeria 4-2 on penalties in Rabat to book a long-awaited place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. After a tense, semi-final ended goalless, Yassine Bounou was the difference, diving to deny Samuel Chukwueze before stretching again to keep out Br...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye       The Super Eagles have spread their wings again and Africa is watching. Technical Adviser to Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency Abiodun Oyebanji, on Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, has showered praise on Nigeria’s senior men’s team after their commanding march into the semifinals of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Speaking on Sunday in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, Dr. Osetoba saluted the Eagles for not just qualifying for the last four, but for doing it with authority, swagger and a reminder to the continent that the Giants of Africa still stand tall. “They didn’t just win,” she said. “They sent a message to Africa and to the world.” Nigeria’s statement victory came under the scorching Marrakech sun, where the Super Eagles overpowered Algeria 2–0, draining the Desert Foxes of belief and booking a mouth-watering semifinal clash with tournam...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye      “This Is Only the Beginning” The gates of the retirement home opened slowly, but what walked in that morning was anything but quiet. Led by their president, Mrs. Damilola Igbasan, members of the Muslim Teachers College Old Students Association, Class of ’83 (MUTECO ’83) arrived not with fanfare, but with purpose. Thirteen men and women, bound by history, strengthened by compassion, came bearing gifts, smiles, and something far rarer, remembrance. For the elderly residents, many of whom have learned to measure time in long, quiet hours, the visit felt like a sudden rush of light. Food supplies worth millions of naira were presented with bags carried with care, boxes unpacked with reverence.  But beyond the rice, provisions, and essentials was a deeper offering: dignity.  The unmistakable message that they were not forgotten. The visit, confirmed by the Technical Director of the Lagos State Sports Commission, (...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye      When the story of Edo State’s modern sports revival is told, one name will stand tall and that is Mrs. Sabina Ekhaisomi Chikere. A former Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Sports Commission and now a key member of the Local Organising Committee for the African School Games 2027, Chikere continues to shape the future of sports with quiet authority and relentless drive. That impact has now earned her national recognition. Chikere, the current Executive Director of the Edo State Sports Commission was recently honoured with the prestigious Wakawaka Sports Award, a powerful statement that the work being done behind the scenes in Edo is being seen, felt, and celebrated.  It is a fitting way to open the year with flowers for a woman who has consistently delivered results. Under her watch, Edo sports has grown in structure, visibility, and ambition. From grassroots development to elite performance, Chikere’s leadership...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           The Technical Advisor on sports development to the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Abiodun Oyebanji, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, has described Nigeria's outstanding performance against the tenacious Mozambique as an undeniable evidence of the countries football excellence. Dr. Olusola Osetoba gave this verdict on Tuesday during an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, calling on other team in Morocco to brace for a storm — one of football masterclass from the Giants of Africa. Dr. Osetoba an experienced sports administrator, was thrilled by the performance of Man of The Match, Lookman Ademola, alongside his team, describing it as an A+ outing. Ademola Lookman turned in a virtuoso performance as Victor Osimhen struck twice to lead Nigeria to an emphatic 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 on Monday. Nigeria’s dominanc...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           The Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission, (ESSC), Mrs. Sabina Chikere, has described the Super Eagles' decisive win over the Black Mambas of Mozambique as a glowing testament of the nation's supremacy and dominance in football on the continent. She made this submission during an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, emphasizing that Nigeria's performance is a statement laced with class, character, and confidence. Nigeria turned on the style in Fes, brushing aside Mozambique 4-0 to storm into the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles needed no warm-up. Victor Osimhen had the ball in the net inside two minutes, only for the flag to deny him, but it was an early warning Mozambique failed to heed. Nigeria’s dominance paid off in the 20th minute. Ademola Lookman, electric all...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           World famous, singer-songwriter, producer and hit maker, PuffyTee has tagged this year as the year of unprecedented greatness for Afrobeats on the globe. He gave his verdict in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye as he paused to measure the distance afrobeats has travelled in 2025. One of the initiatives that tickled his fancy is the Next Afrobeats Stars program that took the continent by a storm. He lauded and celebrated the Next Afrobeats Stars initiative, describing it as the platform for innovation in the music industry. In his words, the Next Afrobeats Stars initiative was the icing on the cake of the year that transformed raw talent into visible, market-ready stars. PuffyTee added that the event transformed, schoolyard songwriters into industry pipelines.  “We started with a belief, that the next voice of Afrobeats is not hiding, i...