Author: Gabby

In a recent development that could shake up the summer transfer window, Atletico Madrid’s Marc Pubill has publicly encouraged his Spain teammate Marc Cucurella to leave Chelsea and join him at the Wanda Metropolitano. The 22-year-old defender, currently at Spain’s World Cup training camp, was questioned by journalists about whether he had already spoken to Cucurella about a potential move. Pubill’s response was candid: “Yes, of course, I have already told him!” When pressed for the Chelsea left-back’s reaction, Pubill smiled and simply said, “Nothing.” Cucurella, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2022, has spent four seasons with the Blues. The bond between Pubill and Cucurella, forged as international teammates, could prove pivotal in any transfer negotiations. This revelation adds intrigue to the upcoming transfer window, with Atletico Madrid seemingly keen on strengthening their squad with the Spanish full-back.

The Nigerian national team has officially set up camp in Warsaw, Poland, as preparations intensify for their upcoming international friendly against the Polish national side. A total of 18 players have reported for duty, marking the beginning of a crucial phase for the team under the guidance of head coach Éric Chelle.

Training sessions commenced on Monday morning at the team’s base, with key figures such as captain Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Paul Onuachu, and Frank Onyeka actively participating in the drills. The atmosphere is said to be focused and determined as the squad gears up for the fixture scheduled at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on Wednesday.

However, the Super Eagles will be without some of their biggest stars for this encounter. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have both withdrawn from the friendly, leaving a gap in the attacking lineup that other players will look to fill. Despite these absences, the team remains confident in the depth of talent available.

Looking beyond the Poland clash, Nigeria is also set to face Portugal in another friendly on June 10 at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria. This double-header provides an opportunity for Chelle to assess his squad against strong European opposition.

Here is the full list of players who have arrived in Warsaw: Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo, Moses Simon, Wilfred Ndidi, Akor Adams, Terem Moffi, Tochukwu Nnadi, Emmanuel Fernandez, Semi Ajayi, Rafiu Durosinmi, Paul Onuachu, Zaidu Sanusi, Igho Ogbu, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Abdullahi Ibrahim.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has granted additional time off to four Arsenal players included in his World Cup roster. According to reports from Sky Sports, the majority of the 26-man squad will assemble in Florida on Monday evening to kick off their pre-tournament preparations. However, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze will report later than their teammates.

The decision stems from their participation in the recent Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. Tuchel believes the extra rest will help them recover fully before joining the camp. Alongside these four, Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who clinched the UEFA Europa Conference League title, will also enjoy a delayed arrival.

As a result, this group is expected to sit out the warm-up fixture against New Zealand later this week. Nonetheless, they are anticipated to be match-ready for the following friendly against Costa Rica. The move underscores Tuchel’s focus on player welfare as England aims to mount a strong World Cup challenge.

Chelsea Football Club has officially confirmed that young defender Justin Osagie has committed his future to the club by signing a new contract. The announcement came on Monday, solidifying the player’s stay at Stamford Bridge for the foreseeable future.

The fresh terms will keep Osagie at the Premier League outfit until 2029, marking a significant vote of confidence in the teenager’s potential. The 20-year-old centre-back originally arrived at the club early in the 2025/26 season and has since become a key figure in the Under-21 setup.

During his debut campaign, Osagie made 11 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, quickly establishing himself as a reliable presence in the academy backline. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and the club has moved swiftly to secure his services on a long-term basis.

Born to Irish and Nigerian parents, Osagie holds dual eligibility for the senior national teams of both Ireland and Nigeria. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to his development, as both football associations may soon vie for his international allegiance.

Godwin Okpara, a former defender for Paris Saint-Germain, has publicly encouraged Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen to make a summer switch to Manchester United. The Nigerian international, who has previously plied his trade in Belgium, France, and Italy, is now being tipped for a new challenge in the Premier League.

In an interview with Soccernet, Okpara expressed his belief that Old Trafford represents the ideal destination for Osimhen. He stated that the Super Eagles forward would thrive in Manchester United’s environment and enjoy his football there. “For me, I would prefer him to go to Manchester United,” Okpara said. “He has already played in Belgium, France and Italy. Now, what comes next? If he can’t go to Spain, why not England? Manchester United is the best place for him because he will enjoy his football there.”

It is worth noting that the last Nigerian player to feature for Manchester United was Odion Ighalo, who had a stint at the club during the 2019-2020 season.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has assured fans that the team is completely ready for the upcoming international friendly against Poland, as reported by DAILY POST.

Despite the absence of key stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, who withdrew from the squad, the Nigerian camp currently hosts 18 players. Chelle emphasized that the team is focused on securing a victory.

“We have 18 players in camp now and we will work with that. Everybody must work hard and we will go into the match with the determination to win,” the 48-year-old told thenff.com.

The match is scheduled for Wednesday at the Stadion Miejski Wroclawiu in Wroclaw, Poland. Following this, Nigeria will face Portugal in another friendly next week Wednesday.

Paris Saint-Germain is poised to bid farewell to two forwards this summer as they seek increased playing opportunities. According to renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, South Korean international Kang-in Lee and Portuguese striker Goncalo Ramos are planning their departures from the French capital.

Romano disclosed via his X account on Monday that Atletico Madrid has already expressed interest in both players, having made inquiries several months ago. The transfer expert also hinted that other clubs are likely to join the race for the duo.

Following PSG’s triumphant Champions League final victory over Arsenal last Saturday, only Ramos featured, coming off the bench in the decisive match. The lack of regular game time is believed to be the primary motivation behind their desire to move on.

In addition to Lee and Ramos, Romano noted that the situation regarding goalkeeper Chevalier is also one to monitor in the upcoming transfer window.

Arsenal are closing in on a lucrative new contract for Mikel Arteta, poised to make him the Premier League’s highest-earning manager after Pep Guardiola’s exit from Manchester City. The Gunners are optimistic about finalizing terms that will see the 44-year-old’s salary significantly increase from his current package.

Arteta’s present agreement runs until the end of the next season, and while no official announcement is expected until after his holiday, initial negotiations have been encouraging. Sources indicate that the extension is a matter of timing rather than uncertainty, with the club eager to secure his future.

The proposed deal is a three-year extension, according to BBC Sport, and will include a substantial raise on his existing wages. Arteta currently earns £10 million annually, plus an additional £5 million tied to Champions League qualification. The new terms will place him above all other managers in England following Guardiola’s departure, whose contract was worth over £20 million per season. Arteta’s new earnings will approach that benchmark, reflecting his success at the Emirates.

Following the abduction of dozens of students and teachers in Oyo State, prominent Nigerian musicians are calling on the government to take immediate action. The artists—Davido, Victony, and Timaya—have each voiced their anguish and demanded that President Bola Tinubu prioritize the safety of the nation’s children.

The kidnapping occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen raided Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), Community Grammar School, and L.A Primary School (Esiele) in Oriire Local Government Area. According to reports, 39 students and seven teachers were taken, and two teachers lost their lives during the attack. This incident has sparked widespread outrage across the country.

Victony took to social media to express his frustration. On his X handle (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Save our children & Put an end to this mess @officialABAT.” The singer’s message directly challenges the president to address the escalating insecurity.

Davido also shared his sorrow. Using his Snapchat platform, the ‘Fem’ crooner wrote, “I’m weak. God pls take control. We can’t continue like this… my heart goes out to the victims and family .. this is messed up.” His emotional plea highlights the deep pain felt by many Nigerians.

In a more formal statement, Timaya called for an urgent response from the presidency. “We appeal to the Government for even greater urgency, collaboration, and action in addressing the growing security challenges facing many parts of our country,” the statement read in part. Timaya’s words underscore the need for a multifaceted approach to combat the crisis.

The abduction has drawn condemnation from many quarters, with critics arguing that the government has failed to protect its citizens. This latest incident adds to a series of security failures that have plagued the nation. The musicians’ united front amplifies the public’s desperation for decisive leadership.