Author: Gabby

Meremu Okara, the technical adviser of Bayelsa United, has voiced his deep dissatisfaction following the club’s relegation from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). The experienced tactician expressed his sadness over the team’s failure to maintain their top-flight status, acknowledging that the outcome was disheartening for everyone associated with the club.

The Prosperity Boys have already been confirmed as one of the two teams to drop to the second division, alongside Wikki Tourists. With the season drawing to a close, two additional sides will eventually join them after this weekend’s final round of matches, making the relegation battle intensely competitive.

Okara pointed to a variety of factors that led to the team’s poor finish to the season, though he declined to single out specific issues. In a candid interview with Frontpage Sport, he stated, “Honestly, we are not happy. It’s a sad experience to be relegated, and no one enjoys it.” He further noted that the management, players, and coaching staff are all united in their disappointment over the outcome.

Despite their imminent drop, Bayelsa United still have one more fixture to play, facing Kwara United at home in their final NPFL match this weekend. Okara hopes the team can at least end the campaign on a positive note, even though they have already been consigned to the lower division.

Ranchers Bees have solidified their defense by securing the services of Sulaiman Umar Gamagira with a fresh two-year contract extension. The new deal will keep the defender at the Kaduna-based club through the 2028 season, as confirmed by the team on Wednesday.

Gamagira emerged as a standout performer for Ranchers Bees during the previous campaign, playing a pivotal role in the squad’s promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). His consistent displays were instrumental in the club’s successful push for top-flight status.

The club finished as second runners-up in the 2025-26 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super Four playoff tournament, with Gamagira’s contributions proving vital throughout the competition. His impressive form did not go unnoticed, earning him a call-up to the Flying Eagles for the WAFU B championship.

This contract extension underscores Ranchers Bees’ commitment to retaining key talent as they prepare for life in the NPFL. Gamagira’s continued presence is expected to bolster the team’s defensive capabilities in the upcoming season.

Gary Lineker, the former England international, has delivered his forecast for the upcoming Champions League final, suggesting that Arsenal will be considered the underdogs despite their recent Premier League success.

During his appearance on the Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker expressed that the Gunners will enter the match as “second favourites” when they face PSG in Budapest on May 30.

“I still believe they are second favourites, because Paris Saint-Germain are an exceptionally strong team,” Lineker stated.

“But if any side can defeat them, it’s probably Arsenal. And what an incredible double that would be for them.”

Lineker’s view aligns with that of Jamie Carragher, who also sees PSG as the stronger team. Nevertheless, Carragher has acknowledged that Arsenal possess the best chance among contenders to upset the reigning champions.

Mikel Arteta has finally delivered the Premier League crown to Arsenal after more than two decades of waiting. The Gunners boss addressed his squad at a title celebration, calling them the true champions of England.

Arteta’s side secured the league title this week after Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. The Spanish coach was not present at the training ground for the match; instead, he watched the decisive result at home with his family.

Later that evening, Arteta joined the festivities at the Tape nightclub in Soho, where the party stretched into the early morning hours. Two 16-year-old talents, Marli Salmon and Max Dowman, were also part of the celebration.

Taking the microphone, Arteta delivered a characteristically passionate speech, praising his players for their hard work and dedication throughout the season. The triumph marks the club’s first league title in 22 years and cements Arteta’s legacy as the manager who ended the drought.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided the latest on his squad’s fitness as the Gunners approach their season-ending fixtures. The North London side, who recently secured their first Premier League title in over two decades, will travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday to face Crystal Palace. Following that, they have a Champions League final showdown against Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon.

During a press conference, Arteta revealed that midfielder Mikel Merino has returned to full training and is set to rejoin group sessions imminently. However, defender Jurrien Timber remains on a slower recovery path. “Mikel will begin training with the team tomorrow. Today was just a light session,” Arteta explained. “As for Jurrien, we hope he can follow suit in the coming days, but he is slightly behind Mikel in his recovery.”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has finally opened up about his absence during the squad’s viewing of Manchester City’s draw with Bournemouth, a result that crowned the Gunners Premier League champions. Instead of celebrating with his players, Arteta chose a quiet evening at home, away from the cameras.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Arteta described the moment as one of the best feelings he has ever experienced. He explained that he had initially planned to watch the match alongside his players and staff, but a sudden change of heart made him leave just twenty minutes before kickoff. ‘I couldn’t bring the energy I wanted,’ Arteta admitted. ‘It was their moment to be together, watch it themselves, and just see what the outcome would be.’

Rather than joining the team at the Sobha Realty training center, Arteta went home, stepped into his garden, built a fire, and started barbecuing. He didn’t watch a single minute of the game. ‘I was just hearing noises in the background and the living room, then the magic happened,’ he recalled.

The emotional climax came when his eldest son burst through the garden door, crying, and hugged him, shouting, ‘We’re champions, Daddy.’ His wife and two other sons soon joined, creating a beautiful family moment. ‘It was magical,’ Arteta said. Shortly after, captain Martin Odegaard called him via video, asking where he was. ‘I said, ‘Enjoy it. See you in a few hours, somewhere in London.”

After clinching the Premier League trophy for the first time in more than two decades, Arsenal’s players are poised to receive substantial financial rewards. According to a report from The Times, each first-team player will earn approximately £6,000 per match appearance in the league, supplemented by additional funds from a season-long bonus pool accumulated through successes in domestic and European competitions.

Depending on their number of appearances, some squad members could collect total bonuses nearing £250,000. Naturally, regular starters are expected to top the bonus charts. Goalkeeper David Raya and midfielder Martin Zubimendi are projected to be among the highest earners, while key figures such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhães, and William Saliba could each take home around £192,000 based on their consistent presence in the lineup.

The financial incentives extend beyond the league. If Arsenal triumph in the Champions League final scheduled in Budapest, reports indicate that each player might receive an extra £125,000. The club’s historic title win has not only ended a long drought but also unlocked significant paydays for the squad, reflecting the immense value placed on ending Arsenal’s 20-year wait for English football’s top prize.

With the Premier League season reaching its climax, former Arsenal star Paul Merson has shared his forecasts for the final round of matches on Sunday. Arsenal secured the title earlier this week after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth, setting the stage for a celebratory finale at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace.

In his Sportskeeda column, Merson tipped the Gunners to claim a 2-1 victory over Palace. He also offered predictions for other key fixtures, including a 3-0 win for Manchester City over Aston Villa and a 2-1 defeat for Manchester United at Brighton.

Here is a full rundown of Merson’s scoreline forecasts for the final day:

Manchester City 3-0 Aston Villa, Brighton 2-1 Manchester United, Fulham 2-2 Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Everton, Liverpool 3-1 Brentford, Burnley 2-2 Wolves, Nottingham Forest 1-1 Bournemouth, West Ham United 2-1 Leeds United, Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal, Sunderland 2-2 Chelsea.

Swedish side AIK has prevented rising star Zadok Yohanna from joining the Super Eagles for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament in London, sources confirm.

The 18-year-old winger was among the fresh faces called up by head coach Eric Chelle for the international friendly competition. However, a hamstring injury sustained during a match for AIK two weeks ago has complicated his availability.

Still in recovery, Yohanna is expected to resume full training before the month ends. AIK officials stated that the decision to withdraw him from the Unity Cup is based on both sporting considerations and the player’s health.

Despite the setback, the youngster has impressed this season, scoring twice and providing three assists in seven league appearances for the Gnaget.