Category: Entertainment

Former Chelsea right-back Glen Johnson has advised the Blues to make a bold move for Julian Alvarez, the Atletico Madrid striker who is also on Arsenal’s radar.

Johnson believes that adding a prolific goal-scorer should be Chelsea’s top priority this summer, and Alvarez fits the bill perfectly for Xabi Alonso’s squad at Stamford Bridge.

The Argentine forward has attracted interest from Arsenal and Barcelona, but Atletico is reluctant to sell him to the Catalan club. However, they might allow him to join another Premier League side.

Speaking to Football London, Johnson emphasized: “Securing a striker is Chelsea’s most urgent need. Without a consistent 20-goal-per-season forward, you cannot challenge at the highest level in the Premier League, and Chelsea currently lack such a player.”

He added: “Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid would be an ideal fit. There are strong indications he will move this summer, and Chelsea must act quickly to bring him in.”

With Arsenal also in the hunt, Chelsea could face stiff competition, but Johnson’s endorsement might sway the club’s transfer strategy.

Nigerian talent Christantus Uche has been officially recognized with the UEFA Europa Conference League Fans’ Goal of the Season award for the 2025/26 campaign. His extraordinary strike during a 2-2 draw between Crystal Palace and Finnish club KuPS Kuopio in December 2025 garnered the most fan votes, outperforming four other contenders.

Playing at Selhurst Park, Uche unleashed a magnificent curling effort from long range in the fifth minute, leaving spectators and opponents in awe. The 23-year-old midfielder found the net twice across four appearances in the competition while on loan at Palace from Spanish side Getafe. He also made 14 league appearances for the London outfit during the season, contributing to their campaign.

This accolade highlights Uche’s growing reputation, with his stunning goal standing out as a fan favorite throughout the tournament.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has provided insights into his decision to make seven substitutions during the halftime break of Wednesday’s international friendly against Poland. The match, held at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, ended in a 2-2 stalemate.

Addressing the media after the game, Chelle explained that the mass changes were necessitated by the players’ physical condition. He pointed out that several members of the squad had already entered their post-season holiday period, which left them struggling to maintain their usual intensity on the pitch.

“They were already on vacation. That is why I made seven changes at halftime,” Chelle stated, as reported by SportoweFakty. He further elaborated that even the captain, who usually exerts significant influence on the game, was visibly fatigued after 60 minutes of play.

The halftime substitutions saw Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Paul Onuachu, Calvin Bassey, Raphael Onyedika, Rafiu Durosinmi, and Philip Otele come onto the field. They replaced Emmanuel Fernandez, Bruno Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi, Igoh Ogbu, Frank Onyeka, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Akor Adams.

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has expressed his belief that Nigeria should have emerged victorious in their international friendly against Poland, which ended in a 2-2 stalemate on Wednesday. Reflecting on the match, Bassey pointed to two late goals conceded in each half as the primary factors that prevented the team from securing a win in Warsaw.

Terem Moffi put Nigeria ahead early, but Kacper Potulski equalized just before halftime. Paul Onuachu restored the lead for Eric Chelle’s squad in the second half, only for Przemysław Wiśniewski to level the score with a stunning stoppage-time strike. Bassey noted, “We should have got the win. Two late goals in both halves. It shows there was something we could adjust.”

The defender also highlighted the challenge of having players arrive at different times, which affected team cohesion. “A lot of us had different arrival times. A few of us joined camp yesterday, so it is good to get some minutes in the legs,” Bassey added, emphasizing the need for better preparation in future matches.

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) officially announced the contenders for its top individual honors on Friday, presenting six-player shortlists for both the Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year awards. The selection highlights standout performers from the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

Among the men’s nominees, three Arsenal stars—Gabriel Magalhaes, David Raya, and Declan Rice—earned their spots after helping the Gunners secure the league title. Manchester City is represented by Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland, while Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes rounds out the list.

In the women’s category, last season’s winner Bunny Shaw (Manchester City) is nominated again, alongside Chelsea’s Lauren James and Arsenal’s Alessia Russo. Other nominees include Shaw’s teammate Yui Hasegawa, Aston Villa’s Kirsty Hanson, and Manchester United’s Jess Park.

The PFA also released the Young Player of the Year shortlist for men, featuring Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Max Dowman (Arsenal), Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), and Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City).

Several Premier League clubs have set their sights on Tochukwu Nnadi, the Olympique Marseille defender, as per reports. The 22-year-old Nigerian international, who joined Marseille from Belgian side Zulte Waregem in January, had a challenging start at the Stade Vélodrome, featuring sparingly. However, he ended the season strongly by starting Marseille’s final four Ligue 1 matches. According to La Provence, English clubs have been making inquiries about the defensive midfielder, whose future at Marseille hinges on the appointment of a new head coach. Nnadi is under contract with the French club until 2030.

Ruben Dias and Jose Sá, two key figures in Portugal’s squad, have highlighted the critical role that their upcoming exhibition match against Nigeria plays in the team’s World Cup preparation. With Portugal gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the friendly against the Super Eagles is a vital part of their final preparations.

The match, scheduled to take place at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, marks the second meeting between the two sides in four years. Portugal previously defeated Nigeria 4-0 in November 2002, a game in which Dias played the first half while Sá remained on the bench.

This friendly is a key component of Portugal’s strategy to refine their tactics ahead of their World Cup opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Congolese team secured their spot in the tournament by narrowly beating Nigeria in the African playoffs final.

Goalkeeper Jose Sá emphasized that both the Chile and Nigeria friendlies are essential for honing the team’s performance. Speaking to A Bola, Sá said, “These will be two very important games against Chile and Nigeria to prepare for the World Cup. We are focused on giving our best and preparing well for the first game in the competition.”

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias, who is set to compete in his third World Cup, echoed these sentiments. He noted the unpredictable nature of the tournament and stressed the value of the exhibition matches. “Yes, they will be extremely important. This is my third World Cup and I have already experienced firsthand, in various and different circumstances, the difficulty of playing against anyone in the World Cup,” Dias remarked to A Bola.

In the World Cup, Portugal will face Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K, adding to the importance of these warm-up fixtures.

Angel Di Maria, a seasoned winger who has shared the pitch with both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, has finally ended the debate by naming the superior footballer. Di Maria, who played alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid and helped Messi clinch the 2022 World Cup, gave his verdict on the eternal rivalry.

In a candid interview posted on the Ballon d’Or website, Di Maria described Ronaldo as the embodiment of hard work and determination. ‘Cristiano was relentless in his pursuit of greatness,’ Di Maria said. ‘He pushed himself every day to reach Messi’s level, driven by an unmatched work ethic.’

On the other hand, Messi was praised for his divine talent. ‘Leo is a gift from above,’ Di Maria explained. ‘He didn’t need to try as hard because his ability is innate. There were moments when they seemed equal, but that was only because of Ronaldo’s extraordinary efforts.’

Despite acknowledging Ronaldo’s dedication, Di Maria ultimately chose Messi as the greatest. ‘Messi’s natural genius sets him apart. He doesn’t have to struggle to compete; he simply is the best,’ he stated.

Di Maria, who has retired from international duty and won’t participate in the 2026 World Cup, expressed gratitude for having played with both legends. ‘It’s a privilege to have been part of their journey. They’ve dominated the Ballon d’Or for decades, and I’m lucky to have seen both sides up close.’

The interview has reignited discussions among fans, but for Di Maria, the answer is clear: Messi’s effortless brilliance edges out Ronaldo’s tireless ambition. As the football world prepares for the 2026 World Cup, Di Maria’s perspective offers a fresh angle on an age-old question.

Brazilian football icon Kaka has revealed his predictions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The 2002 World Cup winner shared his insights in a recent interview with The Athletic, covering the tournament’s best player, best coach, and eventual champion.

According to the former AC Milan and Real Madrid star, Lamine Yamal of Barcelona will shine as the best player in the competition. Despite being a first-time participant, the young Spanish talent has already made a significant impact globally, and Kaka believes he will maintain his exceptional form.

For the best coach, Kaka endorsed Carlo Ancelotti, who took charge of the Brazil national team ahead of the tournament. Although this marks Ancelotti’s first international assignment, his extensive experience in cup competitions makes him a strong contender for the honor.

Kaka also predicted that Brazil will lift the trophy, securing their sixth World Cup title. He added a bold prediction for the co-hosts, stating that the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) will advance to the semifinals.

Reflecting on his career, Kaka identified the 2006 France national team as the most formidable opponent he ever faced on the world stage. Brazil’s Group C campaign includes matches against Morocco on June 13, Haiti on June 20, and Scotland on June 24.

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has shed light on his rationale for integrating multiple fresh talents into the squad during the Unity Cup and the friendly match against Poland, according to DAILY POST. The coach included eight locally-based players in his lineup for the Unity Cup invitational. Among those earning their first caps were Femi Azeez, Owen Oseni, Arthur Okonkwo, and Rafiu Durosinmi.

In the encounter with Poland, Banik Ostrava’s Abdullahi Bewene debuted for Nigeria, while Genk defender Christian Akpan received a late call-up for the upcoming friendly against Portugal. Chelle emphasized his commitment to elevating the team’s performance. “We have reviewed our performances over the past year and sought to bring in individuals capable of fostering progress,” Chelle told Super Eagles media. “Enhancement is necessary because, to my mind and everyone else’s, it’s often the smallest margins that separate a good side from a championship-winning one.”